The term "bar" is derived from the specialized counter on which drinks are served and is a synecdoche applied to the whole of the drinking establishment. The "back bar" or "gantry" is a set of shelves of glasses and bottles behind that counter. In some bars, the gantry is elaborately decorated with woodwork, etched glass, mirrors, and lights. When food is served elsewhere in the establishment, it may also be ordered and eaten at the bar.

- There are many types of bars, which can be categorized according to the types of entertainment provided at the bar and by their clientèle.

- Bars categorized by the type of entertainment or activities offered at the bar include: Topless bars , where topless female employees serve drinks or dance; sports bars , where sports fans watch games on large-screen televisions; salsa bars , where patrons dance to Latin salsa music; and dance bar s, which have a modest-sized dance floor where patrons dance to recorded music. However, if a dance bar has a large dance floor and hires well-known professional DJs , it is usually considered to be nightclub or discothèque .