“Bar,” perhaps the most basic term for such places, dates to the late 16th century and comes from the barrier or counter over which drinks are served. This is the same “bar” as in common use meaning “long rod or barrier” and comes from the Latin “barra,” meaning “barrier.”

The origin of the word “bar” is quite uncertain, as there are many theories on its origin. One popular theory holds that it likely derives from the Latin word “barra”, which means “barrier, or obstruction”. This could be because the object itself was used as a physical obstruction or barrier, particularly in the form of a gate or fence.