Bar (establishment)

The watering hole for the social animal

Bars are establishments where humans gather to socialize over beverages, laugh, and sometimes even forget their worries (and their dignity). Popularized in the prohibition era when people would gather in secret to drink and avoid the authorities, bars have since become a staple of modern society.

History

The bar has a rich history, with evidence of drinking establishments dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. These establishments, often called “tabernae,” would serve wine and sometimes even food, making them the original “wine and dine” establishments (sorry Olive Garden).

In medieval times, the bar became known as the “tavern,” where people would gather to drink beer and ale, and sometimes even engage in brawls (not much has changed, really). As society evolved, so did the bar. During the prohibition era in the United States, bars went underground, and speakeasies became popular, leading to a culture of secrecy and rebellion that is still reflected in modern bar culture today.

Culture

Bars are not just places where people drink; they are where people socialize and make connections. For example, a person may enter a bar alone but leave with new friends or perhaps even a date for the night. In fact, one of the most common pickup lines in a bar is, “What’s your sign?”. It’s an age-old tactic that rarely works, but who are we to judge?

The bar is also a place for group celebrations, such as bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and even after-work happy hours. Many people even have “regular” bars that they frequent, where everyone knows their name (cue the Cheers theme song).

Types of Bars

There are many types of bars catering to all sorts of audiences. Here are just a few:

• Sports Bars - These bars are where fans gather to watch their favorite sports teams compete while enjoying a cold beer and some nachos.
• Dive Bars - These bars are characterized by their rundown appearance, sticky floors, and cheap drinks. They’re where you’ll find the true regulars, who have been coming for years and don’t care about the state of the place.
• Nightclubs - These bars turn into dance clubs at night, where people can drink, dance, and get weird.
• Breweries - These bars specialize in craft beers, often brewing their own on the premises. They’re a great place to try unique drinks and support local businesses at the same time.
• Theme Bars - These bars adopt a specific theme, such as pirate, tiki, or cowboy, and often include elaborate decorations and costumes for the bartenders.

Closing Time

As anyone who has ever been to a bar knows, closing time is a bittersweet moment. It’s the signal that the magical evening has come to an end, and it’s time to go home (hopefully not alone). But just as one bar closes, another opens, ready to welcome another group of social animals.

So next time you find yourself at a bar, remember the history, culture, and the unforgettable experiences that are sure to come. And remember to drink responsibly, unless you want to end up one of those stories that someone else recalls with glee at the very same bar. Cheers!