bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbē-(ˌ)strō  ˈbi- 

plural bistros

1

: a small or unpretentious restaurant

2

a

: a small bar or tavern

b

: nightclub

Synonyms

• nightclub
• cafe
• cabaret
• club
• café

Examples of bistro in a Sentence

a bistro in Paris that serves veal chops and hearty stews

a section of the city populated with casual bistros offering entertainment to suit nearly every taste

Recent Examples on the Web

Savor modern French bistro fare at Blue Terrace. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Opened in 2011, the bistro was the home base for founder Jean-Francois Flechet's popular chain, which grew to 10 bistros including locations in Dayton and Columbus. —Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2025

Then linger on the touristy yet captivating Place du Tertre, a blur of bistros, buskers, and open-air artists vying for the business of getting your kids to sit for a caricature or portrait. —Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

Some highlights include the crepes at farm-to-table café Commune, craft beers at cool bistro Esoteric, and infused spirits at Chesapeake Bay Distillery. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bistro

noun

bis·​tro ˈbēs-(ˌ)trō  ˈbis- 

: a small or modest restaurant