Saloon (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: BISTRO (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Saloon" with 6 letters is "BISTRO".Bistro is a small, casual restaurant or café, often serving simple, hearty meals. It typically has a relaxed atmosphere, offering a range of dishes and drinks, and is a popular spot for socializing or dining in a more informal setting compared to fine dining establishments.
Why “Bistro” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “saloon.” The answer, BISTRO, fits perfectly:
- Saloon: Bistro refers to a small restaurant or café, often serving drinks and light meals — a place comparable in function and atmosphere to a saloon or pub.
- Direct match: With six letters, bistro fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The term conveys an informal setting where food, wine, and friendly conversation are enjoyed — aligning with the clue’s idea of a communal drinking or dining place.
Bistro is a French term that has travelled globally, becoming synonymous with casual dining and social drinking:
Origin and usage:
- The word bistro (sometimes bistrot) is French, dating back to the early 19th century.
- Its origin is popularly (though not definitively) linked to Russian soldiers shouting bystro meaning “quick!” during the occupation of Paris in 1814, urging fast service.
- Whether myth or truth, the word became deeply associated with small, quick-service eating establishments in France.
Meaning evolution:
- Initially referred to modest Parisian taverns serving wine and simple meals.
- In modern use, bistro denotes informal restaurants anywhere in the world offering hearty, affordable dishes and often alcoholic drinks.
Examples:
- “They dined at a cosy French bistro.”
- “The new bistro on the corner serves both wine and live jazz.”
- “He owns a small bistro known for its rustic charm.”
In quick crosswords like “Saloon (6),” clues referring to eating or drinking establishments usually have direct, familiar answers:
Definition: The word “saloon” here hints at a social establishment where food and drink are served, pointing directly to bistro.
Clue type: Straightforward dictionary-style definition — no wordplay or hidden meanings.
Solving approach:
- When clues mention “saloon,” “bar,” “tavern,” or “café,” think of venues associated with dining and sociability.
- The 6-letter enumeration narrows options to bistro, a common and slightly continental term equivalent to “saloon” in this sense.
Crossword pattern: Places of leisure or dining—like bistro, tavern, lounge, or inn—are frequent in quick crosswords due to their familiarity and cultural recognition.
