What is the Difference Between Pub and Bar

The main difference between pub and bar is that pubs often serve more filling meals than a bar.

There is considerable overlap between pubs and bars; both are places where you can enjoy alcoholic drinks, and both usually offer food. However, bars usually offer minimal menus, containing only appetizers and snacks, while pubs offer more filling and hearty meals. This puts pubs somewhere between bars and restaurants.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Pub 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Bar
     – Definition, Location, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Pub and Bar
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bar, Pub, Alcohol

What is a Pub

A pub is an establishment where you can buy and consume alcoholic drinks. Most pubs generally offer a range of alcoholic drinks like wine, beer, spirits, as well as soft drinks. However, they do not typically serve cocktails. Pubs also offer various food items, including appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts. Food served at a pub is sometimes called pub grub. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Sunday roast are some examples of typical pub grub.

The name “pub” comes from the name Public House, a house which is licensed to sell alcohol to the public. Pubs are usually seen in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In many of these places, pubs also serve as the meeting place of the community. Moreover, there are different types of pubs such as country pubs, theme pubs (sports bars, biker pubs, rock pubs, Irish pubs, Goth pubs, etc.), roadhouses, and micropubs. Although pubs have an age limit for serving alcohol, minors can enter if an adult accompanies them.

What is a Bar

A bar is a business establishment that sells alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, liquor, cocktails, and other beverages like mineral water and soft drinks. They often also sell snacks like chips and peanuts, to be consumed on the premises. In general, bars only offer a minimal menu – simple snacks and appetizers. The word ‘bar’ originates from the counter at which the bartender serves the drinks.

Generally, bars are a part of larger establishments. For example, places like hotels, casinos, airports and nightclubs usually have one or more drinks. Moreover, there are different types of bars. A full bar is a bar that serves cocktails, liquor, wine, and beer. A cocktail lounge is a somewhat upscale bar usually located in a hotel or airport. A wine bar, on the other hand, serves wine, but not other alcoholic beverages.

Difference Between Pub and Bar

Definition

A pub is an establishment where you can buy and consume alcoholic drinks and food while a bar is an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages and snacks to be consumed on the premises.

Food

Bars usually offer minimal menus, containing only appetizers and snacks, while pubs offer more filling and hearty meals, including stews, pies, soups, roasts, etc.

Cocktails

Pubs usually don’t serve cocktails while bars serve cocktails.

Location

Pubs are often individual establishments, i.e., they are not part of another place. However, bars are often a part of larger establishments like hotels, casinos, and airports.

Conclusion

Although there are many similarities between pubs and bars, there are also some differences. Bars usually offer minimal menus, containing only appetizers and snacks, while pubs offer more filling and hearty meals. Moreover, bars are often a part of larger establishments like hotels, casinos, and airports, whereas pubs are individual establishments.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pub bar counter, Ireland, pub, Dublin, Irish, Irish pub, bar – drink establishment, illuminated, food and drink, lighting equipment” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “705958” (CC0) via Pxhere