Brasserie

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A casual restaurant or bar, typically French in style, that serves food and drinks in a relaxed and informal atmosphere
2. A relaxed dining establishment that features a blend of casual seating and menu items, often showcasing French cuisine alongside a variety of drinks
3. A casual eatery often associated with French culture that serves various meals and beverages in an inviting and comfortable setting

Etymology: The surprising thing about "brasserie" is that it began as a word for a brewery. French "brasser" means "to brew," and a brasserie was simply the place where beer was made. The name carried that meaning across the Channel, so the English word still points back to the brewing vat rather than the dining room. Over time the sense shifted from the production site to the place where the beer was drunk. Brewery-linked establishments grew into cafés and eating houses serving beer alongside simple meals, and the term came to describe a relaxed, informal restaurant. In English the word was borrowed directly from French, so it kept its French pronunciation and its association with an easygoing style of dining.

Synonyms: bistro, restaurant, pub, tavern, eatery