What is the origin of the word "bar"?

There are terms and words that are so much a part of our daily lives that we do not question what their etymological origin is. Accustomed to taking it for granted that "bar," for example, is called "bar," we don't even notice its distinctiveness. But what if we told you that the way we call the main place to enjoy a great coffee is not a word of Italian origin, but English? And that, as if that were not enough, it originated to refer to a corner of establishments in the New Continent where drinks were served that were anything but similar to coffee?

Let's find out, then, what is the origin of the word bar and how come, in Italy, it is used in the way we all know.

Origin of the word bar

If by bar, precisely, we mean an establishment intended for the sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the term is derived from a contraction of the English " barrier," which means, as we can imagine, "bar."

This word has its roots in the era of the early colonization of the Americas when it was used to refer to the corner reserved for the sale of alcoholic beverages in taverns and dive bars. The "bar" served, in particular, to divide this area of perdition from the rest of the establishment. Over the years thereafter, the word ceased to denote only one area of the tavern to identify the entire establishment.

A different etymological interpretation holds, however, that the word "bar" originates from the term, also English, "barred," meaning more precisely "barred." The reference, in this case, could be to the British Prohibition period of the 19th century when the doors of outlets were literally nailed shut to prevent patrons from frequenting them.

The Italian version

A third hypothesis, however, brings the origin of the word bar back to the Belpaese. In fact, on the one hand there is the possibility that the word bar, whether an abbreviation of barrier or barred, comes from the Latin word "barra." On the other, there are those who argue that the word bar was literally invented in Italy and, in particular, in 1898 by Alessandro Manaresi, a Tuscan entrepreneur who opened the first bar of its kind in Italy. He chose to call it that as an acronym for Banco A Ristoro.

Finally, others argue that the Italian use of the term is related to the fact that, at the bar counter, there are usually two brass bars, one for the feet and the other for resting the arm, which are essential to make the time spent enjoying one's espresso more comfortable.

The "bar" outside Italy

Whatever the exact origin of the word bar, what is certain today is that it is used differently whether we are in Italy or abroad.

In Great Britain, for example, "bar" is more precisely understood to mean "wine bar," basically our wine bars, where one can taste mainly wine of various kinds. Alcoholic drinks in general are served in "pubs," while to drink espresso we have to choose a "café."

In the United States, however, the term "bar" is used for all establishments that sell and offer alcoholic beverages: the main difference is between beer bars where beers and wines are served, and liquor bars, which also specialize in spirits. Rather, the counter with the two bars from which, as we have seen, the word "bar" might originate is the typical saloon in Western films that survives only in some states and, probably, more as a legacy of folk tradition.

Even different is the use of the word "bar" in France. While it means "bass" so we find it more often at the fishmonger's than on the boulevards, it is also used as a synonym for pub. To have a coffee or cappuccino, on the other hand, we have to go to a café, which can be a café tabac if it also sells typical snuff products, or a café brasserie where you can also order something to eat, from croissants to quiches.

Coffee and more: the bar in Italy

In Italy, we can order coffee at the bar, but not only. In fact, we essentially mean an establishment where both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served and consumed. It is, in fact, the home of coffee, cappuccino and hot chocolate, as well as snacks such as pizzas, sandwiches or toast.

5 historic bars to try once in a lifetime

The café tradition is, therefore, nothing new. Even before they were called that, cafes already existed, often a destination for intellectuals and artists who spent a lot of time there discussing and imagining the future of their country. It seems confirmed, by the way, that the first café in Italy was opened in Venice, right in St. Mark's Square, in 1683. And it is from that very same beautiful square that we set off on a brief journey among five historic Italian cafes that keep the spirit of tradition intact.

We are talking about the Caffè Florian in Venice, surely one of the most famous in the world also because, among its rooms, Casanova, Lord Byron, Ugo Foscolo, Silvio Pellico and many other historical figures of European and other caliber have passed through.

Founded in 1858 by Ferdinando Baratti and Edoardo Milano, the Baratti & Milano is still a landmark for all coffee aficionados, as well as a must on a gastronomic tour of Turin. The Art Nouveau jewel of Piazza Castello, moreover, also confirms itself as a champion of quality: in fact, it firmly maintains a place among the best coffee bars in Italy, according to the Gambero Rosso guide, which awarded it, also for 2018, Tre Chicchi and Tre tazzine.

It cannot miss, then, a Roman address among the most famous historical bars in Italy. And the choice falls onAntico Caffè Greco in Via Condotti. It is a true cultural monument: it was here that paintings, novels and political alliances that changed Italian history between the 19th and 20th centuries were born.

In Florence, however, a must stop is at Gilli's. Born as Bottega dei pani dolci, today we can find there an excellent coffee to go with the small patisserie of the adjoining artisan workshop.

Finally, we land in the city of coffee: Naples. Here we head to Piazza del Plebiscito to enjoy an espresso and, perhaps, some Neapolitan pastry goodies at Gran Caffé Gambrinus. This historic café was in danger of being lost because, during Fascism, it was redeveloped and used as a bank: only after a long legal battle was it possible to restore the premises to its original function and give us back a coffee not to be missed.