Top 20 Slang For Pub – Meaning & Usage

Stepping into a pub can sometimes feel like entering a whole new world, complete with its own language and culture. Curious about the slang terms commonly used in pubs? Look no further! Our team has put together a list of the most popular and quirky phrases you might encounter during your next night out. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge and dive into the world of pub slang!

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1. Saloon

A saloon is a type of establishment that was popular in the Old West. It refers to a bar or tavern where people gather to drink, socialize, and sometimes engage in gambling or other activities.

For example, in a Western movie, you might hear a character say, “Let’s head over to the saloon and have a drink.”
In a conversation about historical drinking establishments, someone might mention, “Saloons were an important part of the frontier lifestyle.”
A person reminiscing about a fun night out might say, “We had a great time at the local saloon, dancing and playing pool.”

2. Gin joint

This term was popularized during the Jazz Age and refers to a bar or nightclub where people drink gin, socialize, and enjoy live music. It often conveys a sense of sophistication and a vibrant atmosphere.

For instance, in a conversation about 1920s culture, someone might mention, “Gin joints were the place to be during the Roaring Twenties.”
In a discussion about classic cocktails, a person might say, “A gin joint is the perfect setting for sipping a classic martini.”
A fan of jazz music might exclaim, “I love going to a good gin joint to listen to live performances!”

3. Alehouse

An alehouse is a type of establishment that specializes in serving ales and other types of beer. It is often associated with a cozy and traditional atmosphere, where people gather to enjoy a pint and engage in conversation.

For example, in a discussion about craft beer, someone might say, “I love visiting alehouses to try different types of ales.”
In a conversation about British pub culture, a person might mention, “Alehouses have been a gathering place for centuries.”
A beer enthusiast might recommend, “If you’re looking for a great pint, check out the local alehouse!”

4. Taproom

A taproom is a bar or tasting room located within a craft brewery. It is a place where visitors can sample a variety of beers directly from the source and often learn about the brewing process.

For instance, in a conversation about the craft beer industry, someone might say, “Taprooms are becoming increasingly popular as more breweries open.”
A beer lover might recommend, “If you’re a fan of craft beer, you have to visit the taproom at XYZ Brewery.”
In a discussion about beer tourism, a person might mention, “Exploring different taprooms is a great way to experience the local beer scene.”

5. Public house

A public house, often shortened to “pub,” is an establishment where people gather to drink, socialize, and sometimes have a meal. It is a central part of British and Irish culture, serving as a community gathering place.

For example, in a conversation about traditional British pubs, someone might say, “The local public house is the heart of the neighborhood.”
A person reminiscing about a night out might say, “We had a great time at the pub, playing darts and chatting with friends.”
In a discussion about pub culture, someone might mention, “Pubs often have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection.”

6. Beer garden

A beer garden is an outdoor area, usually attached to a pub or restaurant, where people can sit and enjoy drinks, particularly beer. It often features picnic tables, umbrellas, and sometimes live music or entertainment.

For instance, “Let’s grab a few pints and enjoy the sunshine in the beer garden.”
A group of friends might say, “We’re meeting at the beer garden after work for happy hour.”
Someone might suggest, “The beer garden at this pub has a great selection of craft beers.”

7. Dive bar

A dive bar is a casual, unpretentious establishment that often has a relaxed atmosphere and inexpensive drinks. It’s a place where people can gather for a casual night out without any frills or fancy decor.

For example, “Let’s go to that dive bar down the street and shoot some pool.”
A person might say, “I prefer dive bars over fancy cocktail lounges.”
Someone might describe a dive bar as “a no-nonsense,“a no-nonsense, laid-back spot where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.”

8. Speakeasy

A speakeasy is a hidden or secret bar that operates discreetly, often during the time of Prohibition in the United States. These bars were known for serving alcoholic beverages illegally and required a password or secret entrance to gain access.

For instance, “There’s a speakeasy in the basement of that restaurant. You need to know the secret password to get in.”
A person might say, “Let’s go to a speakeasy tonight and experience the nostalgia of the Prohibition era.”
Someone might describe a speakeasy as “a hidden gem with a vintage,“a hidden gem with a vintage, clandestine vibe.”

9. Brewpub

A brewpub is a type of pub or restaurant that brews its own beer on-site. It combines the elements of a brewery and a pub, allowing customers to enjoy freshly brewed beer while also offering a menu of food.

For example, “Let’s check out that new brewpub that just opened. They have a great selection of craft beers.”
A beer enthusiast might say, “I love visiting brewpubs because you get to taste unique, small-batch beers.”
Someone might suggest, “Instead of going to a regular pub, let’s go to a brewpub where we can try different styles of beer.”

10. Watering trough

Watering trough is an informal term used to refer to a pub. It is often used humorously or colloquially to describe a place where people gather to drink and socialize.

For instance, “Let’s meet at the local watering trough for a few pints.”
A person might say, “I had a great time at the watering trough last night. The atmosphere was lively.”
Someone might describe a watering trough as “a cozy,“a cozy, neighborhood pub where everyone knows your name.”

11. Local haunt

This term refers to a bar or pub that someone frequents regularly or considers their go-to spot for a drink. It implies a sense of familiarity and comfort with the establishment.

For example, “I’ll meet you at our local haunt after work.”
A group of friends might say, “Let’s grab a drink at our favorite local haunt.”
Someone might recommend a local haunt to a visitor, saying, “You have to check out this pub, it’s the best in town.”

This term can refer to a pub or bar where people gather to socialize and spend time with friends. It emphasizes the communal aspect of going to a pub and the opportunity to meet and interact with others.

For instance, “Let’s head to the social club for a few drinks and catch up.”
A person might say, “I love going to our local social club, there’s always a friendly atmosphere.”
Someone might invite their friends, saying, “Join me at the social club tonight, it’s going to be a great time.”

13. The local

This term is used to refer to a pub that is located in a specific neighborhood and is often frequented by locals. It implies a sense of community and familiarity with the pub and its regular patrons.

For example, “I’m heading to the local for a pint, want to join?”
A person might say, “I love the atmosphere at our neighborhood local, it feels like a second home.”
Someone might recommend the local to a newcomer, saying, “You should check out the pub down the street, it’s a great local spot.”

14. Tap house

This term refers to a pub or bar that specializes in serving a variety of beers on tap. It emphasizes the availability of different beer options and the focus on draft beer rather than bottled or canned options.

For instance, “Let’s go to the tap house, they have over 50 beers on tap.”
A beer enthusiast might say, “I love trying new brews at the local tap house.”
Someone might recommend a tap house to a friend, saying, “You have to check out this pub, they have an amazing selection of beers on tap.”

15. Beer hall

This term refers to a pub or bar that has a large open space with long communal tables for seating. It is often associated with a lively and social atmosphere, where people come together to enjoy drinks and socialize.

For example, “Let’s meet at the beer hall, it’s always a fun time.”
A group of friends might say, “We’re planning a night out at the beer hall, want to join?”
Someone might describe their experience at a beer hall, saying, “I love the energy and camaraderie at the local beer hall.”

16. The malt mansion

This slang term refers to a pub that has a sophisticated or upscale atmosphere. It implies that the pub is known for serving high-quality malt beverages and is often frequented by a more discerning clientele.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s skip the dive bars tonight and head to the malt mansion for some craft beers.”
In a conversation about local pubs, one might ask, “Have you been to the new malt mansion downtown? It’s really classy.”
A beer enthusiast might recommend, “If you’re looking for a place with an extensive selection of malt beverages, the malt mansion is the place to go.”

17. Beer joint

This slang term refers to a pub that has a laid-back and informal atmosphere. It implies that the pub is a relaxed and comfortable place to enjoy a beer with friends or unwind after a long day.

For instance, someone might say, “Let’s grab a drink at the beer joint down the street, it’s a chill spot.”
In a conversation about favorite pubs, one might mention, “I love the beer joint near my apartment. It’s always a good time.”
A pub regular might say, “I’ve been going to the beer joint for years. It’s like my second home.”

18. Barroom

This slang term refers to a pub that has a classic and traditional atmosphere. It implies that the pub has been around for a long time and has a sense of history and authenticity.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s meet at the barroom for a pint. It’s a great place with lots of character.”
In a conversation about pubs, one might mention, “I prefer the cozy atmosphere of a barroom over the modern bars.”
A pub enthusiast might recommend, “If you’re looking for a true pub experience, you have to visit the barroom. It’s like stepping back in time.”

19. Cheers

This slang term refers to the act of raising a glass and saying “Cheers” as a gesture of goodwill and celebration. It is often used when people gather at a pub to toast to a special occasion or simply to enjoy each other’s company.

For instance, someone might say, “Let’s all raise our glasses and say cheers to a great night.”
In a conversation about pub etiquette, one might mention, “It’s common courtesy to say cheers before taking the first sip of your drink.”
A pub-goer might exclaim, “Cheers to good friends and good times!”

20. The pub

This slang term refers to a public house, which is a traditional establishment where people gather to drink, socialize, and relax. It is a common term used to refer to any type of pub or bar.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s go to the pub after work for a few drinks.”
In a conversation about favorite hangout spots, one might mention, “I love spending my evenings at the local pub.”
A pub enthusiast might say, “There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned pub.”