What is the Difference Between Lounge and Bar

The main difference between lounge and bar is that a lounge is a place where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages while listening to soothing music or watching TV, while a bar is simply an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, cocktails, mocktails and even soft drinks.

A bar is a licensed establishment that most often only serves alcohol and sometimes a limited variety of finger food. Compared to lounges, bars are smaller in size. A bar is basically a small space where the customer sits at a counter, and a bartender offers him/her drinks. A lounge, on the other hand, is an establishment quite similar to a pub. However, lounges frequently come with lounge chairs and couches for the customers to sit back and relax, tasting alcohol while listening to some live music.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Lounge 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Bar
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Lounge and Bar
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lounge and Bar
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bar, Lounge, Drinking

Difference Between Lounge and Bar - Comparison Summary

What is a Lounge

A lounge is an establishment where you can go and relax. A lounge may serve customers drinks or food. Similar to a bar, a lounge also serves customers beer and a variety of alcoholic beverages. However, lounges usually tend to be less crowded, and the atmosphere of a lounge is comparatively more peaceful and soothing compared to the noisy atmosphere of a bar.

Compare Lounge and Bar - What's the difference?

We can describe a lounge as a comfortable waiting area. Lounges are most commonly found in the places like hotels and airports. The most significant quality of any lounge is that it provides the guests with a soothing and comfortable environment appropriate essentially for relaxation. It is also possible to find different entertainment options like televisions inside a lounge. The common belief is that the term “lounge” has been derived from the French term “s’allonger” which means “to stretch out.”

What is a Bar

A bar is a place where people gather to enjoy and have drinks. Therefore, the main purpose of a bar is to provide customers with every variety of alcoholic beverages of their desire. Although bars are all about alcohol, sometimes they offer snacks or appetizers, which essentially aim to trigger the taste of alcohol and make it taste better.

Lounge vs Bar

As mentioned above, a bar is basically about the service of alcohol. Therefore, it is essential that a client is able to taste a diverse range of alcohol like beer, rum, brandy, whiskey, or cocktails inside a bar. However, in many countries,  there are age restrictions regarding the serving of alcohol. Therefore,  if you are a minor below 21 years, you won’t be allowed inside bars in most countries.

Similarities Between Lounge and Bar

  • Lounge and bar are two establishments that serve alcohol.
  • Most often, it is possible to find snacks and appetizers in both bars and lounges.

Difference Between Lounge and Bar

Definition

A lounge is a place where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages while listening to soothing music or watching TV. A bar, on the other hand, is simply an establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, cocktails, mocktails, and even soft drinks.

Age Restrictions

In most countries, minors below 21 are not allowed in bars, whereas there are usually no age restrictions to enter lounges.

Atmosphere

A bar is usually crowded and noisy, unlike a lounge which has a calm and quiet atmosphere

Size

Lounges tend to be larger than bars.

Conclusion

The main difference between lounge and bar is that the main purpose of a bar is to serve customers a wide range of alcoholic beverages while a lounge provides the guests with relaxation. However, both these establishments help people to get together and socialize, giving them an escape from their busy and monotonous daily routines.

Reference:

1. “What Is a Lounge?” Catalonia Hotels & Resorts Blog.
2. “Bar or Pub: Why Do Drinking Establishments Have Different Names?” Restaurant Retail POS Software Restaurant Management Software Blog.

Image Courtesy:

1. “SM Prestige Lounge” By The SM Store Media Services Group – The SM Store (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Bar-drink-fun-bottle-pine-glass” (CC0) via Pixabay

About the Author: Anuradha

Anuradha has a BA degree in English, French, and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Master's degree in Teaching English Literature in a Second Language Context. Her areas of interests include Arts and Literature, Language and Education, Nature and Animals, Cultures and Civilizations, Food, and Fashion.

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