What is a Pub?

Pub restaurants are a subtype of one of the oldest types of buildings in human history — the bar. For many, they’re a gathering place and community center that’s far more than a simple drinking establishment; it’s where they gather to watch sports, celebrate major accomplishments, and relax after a long day. 

What is a Pub?

A pub, not unlike a bar, is a drinking establishment at the end of the day. The primary difference here, though, is that a pub tends to be more focused on community and food than it is on drinking, dancing, or other similar bar-type activities. 

As such, it’s not uncommon to see families at pubs during daytime hours, as they provide a cozy space to gather and eat. This is especially common during sporting seasons, as pubs provide an excellent venue to sit and watch sports, drink, and cheer with friends and family.

In other words, a pub is a gathering space for communities that’s built around food, alcohol, and comfort. Many times, especially in the UK, pubs will double as inns, allowing guests to sleep off the night’s drinks in comfort.

Examples of Pubs

While there are countless notable pubs around the world, there are a few that truly exemplify what it means to be a pub:

• Sean’s Pub - Athlone, Ireland: Sean’s Pub is the oldest known pub in Ireland, dating as far back as 900 A.D. Founded by Luain Mac Luighdeach, this pub acted as a stopping point for travellers and, eventually, a gathering place for the bustling community that would eventually grow around it.
• The Porch House - Stow on the Wold, England: The Porch House is the oldest known pub in England, dating back to 947 AD. Its downstairs functions as a pub, while the upstairs acts as an inn. While still technically a pub, this combination of pub-meets-inn was popularized by the Romans and, eventually, the English.
• Brittingham’s Pub - Philadelphia, PA: Established in 1743, this pub was known to be frequented by several revolutionary generals, including (according to rumor, at least) George Washington himself. Despite a major overhaul, the pub still feels as cozy as one might imagine it was nearly 300 years ago.

Characteristics of Pubs

Pub restaurants can come in all shapes and sizes, but no matter what, they share a few key characteristics:

• Drinks: While beer is the most common beverage for pubs to serve, they also tend to offer liquor and cocktails, alongside the usual offerings of tea, soda, or juice. Most pubs will offer a large selection of domestic and craft beers, oftentimes emphasizing specific imports that fit their theme.
• Warm, comforting food: Pubs don’t focus on speed, plating, or presentation; instead, their only focus should be on providing the most hearty, delicious food that they can. It won’t be healthy, and it might not be innovative, but it will warm your belly and soak up those drinks.
• Cozy digs: A pub isn’t quite right if it isn’t comfortable. As such, it’s entirely in the realm of possibility to see stuffed chairs, sofas, and other comfy bits of furniture, as compared to standard booths or tables. Fireplaces, flowers, gardens, and seasonal decorations are also par for the course in pubs — after all, they’re supposed to feel like home.
• Quiet(ish): While this isn’t to say that pubs can’t get rowdy, they’re not bars. As such, it’s common to be able to carry a conversation without shouting or struggling to hear over music; instead, pubs tend to encourage quiet conversations. With that said, live music isn’t out of the question.

What’s On a Pub’s Menu?

Okay, we’ve mentioned food a few times, so let’s get into it. What can you expect on a standard pub menu?

• Regional favorites: Pubs are meant to be comforting and like a second home. Because of this, it’s quite common for pubs to offer local favorites as a means to entice hungry guests. In English and Irish pubs, this will often come in the form of handpies, shepherd’s pie, or a roast dinner — and you’ll also find these in pubs throughout the world that want to emulate English and Irish pubs.
• Comfort food: From mashed potatoes and gravy to mac and cheese, pubs specialize in comfort food. The more filling the food, the better — after all, it needs to make up for a day of drinking!
• Large portions: Pubs tend to lean more heavily on large portions than most bar-type establishments. Whereas bars want to sell multiple appetizers quickly, most pubs would prefer to serve each guest once — so big servings are the name of the game.
• Beer (and lots of it): While you can certainly still order cocktails at most pubs, beer is generally the draw for most pub-goers. As such, you should expect to see multiple tap handles on display. If it’s a themed pub (say, Irish or English, for example), you should expect to see Guiness, Smithwick’s, and other standard Irish and English beers alongside a selection of local and import options.

The Benefits of Opening a Pub

Pubs are an important space for most communities. While they’re sometimes little more than a cozy bar that closes early, they can oftentimes provide a great space for your local community to come together. 

Broad Appeal

Whereas bars are generally reserved for the 21+ crowd, pubs don’t have to be. In fact, that’s a major part of their draw! By offering delicious food and cozy digs, they appeal to a wider selection of potential guests, allowing you a bit of leeway on who you can market toward. Beer snobs can be enticed with special beer selections, sports fans can be brought in with a TV and the game, and families can join the fun with some tasty food by the fire. 

Make Simple Food Well

If you’re tired of the incessant drive in the modern culinary world to always elevate food, pubs may be for you. While you can still cook delicious food in a pub, the pressure to present something new and unique goes out the window. Cooking family recipes, local favorites, and tasty pub classics can be freeing, and your guests will notice that freedom in their food.

Build a Community

Pubs, like many drinking establishments, tend to create something of their own ecosystem. The regulars are loyal to a fault, the staff sticks around, and you’re eventually left with a community that supports itself — and that’s a beautiful thing. There are few things that can recreate the feeling of entering your favorite pub than a proper pub restaurant, and owning one makes that your daily reality.

Pub FAQs

What do Pubs Serve?

Pubs serve a varied selection of food and drinks. While almost every pub will still offer cocktails, they’ll generally be more focused on food and beer. As for food, pub food varies by where the pub is and any themes that it may have. While a classic American pub would offer burgers, fries, and beer, an Irish-themed American pub would be more likely to offer coddle, shepherd’s pie, or a full English breakfast.

What is the Difference Between a Bar and a Pub?

Whereas bars are generally focused more on alcohol and short-order food, pubs are more centered around hearty food and community. Both bars and pubs serve alcohol, but the difference essentially boils down to the vibe. If you’re going to drink, dance, and sing, go to a bar. If you’re going to chat with your friends over a pint, head to the pub.

What Drinks are Served at a Pub?

All of the drinks that you’d get at a bar can be bought at a pub, though that isn’t to say that they’re common at both. Where a pub would be more likely to specialize in imported beers and flights from local breweries, bars are more commonly known for their cocktails. Similarly, you’re less likely to see people ordering kamikaze shots or Jaeger bombs at a pub as you are to see them at a bar.