Discover a fun and informative list of slang words commonly used in restaurants. From “eatery” to “izakaya,” learn their meanings and how to use them in a sentence. Enhance your restaurant lingo with this guide!
1. Joint
Meaning – a casual term for a restaurant or bar.
Example sentences:
- Let’s hit up that new burger joint for lunch.
- This joint has the best tacos in town.
- After work, we like to stop by our favorite joint for a beer.
- The pizza joint down the street is always packed on weekends.
- She’s a regular at the joint and knows all the staff by name.
2. Eatery
Meaning – a slightly more formal term for a restaurant or place to eat.
Example sentences:
- We tried that new Italian eatery last night and it was amazing.
- Let’s go to that fancy eatery downtown for our anniversary.
- He’s a foodie and loves trying out different eateries in the city.
- The neighborhood eatery is a great spot for brunch on weekends.
- The eatery specializes in farm-to-table cuisine and local ingredients.
3. Diner
Meaning – a casual restaurant that often serves classic American comfort food.
Example sentences:
- I’m craving some pancakes, let’s go to the diner for breakfast.
- The diner has a great burger and milkshake combo.
- She loves the retro feel of the diner and often goes there to write.
- The diner is open 24/7, perfect for a late-night snack.
- He always orders the meatloaf at the diner, it’s his favorite.
4. Cafe
Meaning – a casual restaurant that often serves light meals, coffee, and baked goods.
Example sentences:
- Let’s meet at the cafe for lunch and catch up.
- The cafe has the best croissants in town.
- She likes to work at the cafe because of the relaxed atmosphere.
- The cafe is a popular spot for students to study and hang out.
- He loves the chai latte at the cafe and often stops by on his way to work.
5. Greasy spoon
Meaning – a term used to describe a small, casual restaurant that serves inexpensive, greasy food.
Example sentences:
- I’m in the mood for some greasy spoon breakfast, let’s find a diner.
- The greasy spoon has the best onion rings and fries.
- She likes the old-school charm of the greasy spoon and often takes her kids there for a treat.
- The greasy spoon is a popular spot for truckers to stop and refuel.
- He knows all the best greasy spoons on the road and has tried them all.
6. Bistro
Meaning – a casual, small restaurant that often serves French cuisine.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the bistro for some escargot and wine.
- The bistro has a cozy atmosphere and is perfect for a date night.
- She studied abroad in France and the bistro reminds her of her time there.
- The bistro has a prix fixe menu that changes every day.
- He loves the mussels at the bistro and always orders them.
7. Chow hall
Meaning – a slang term used to describe a military dining facility.
Example sentences:
- After basic training, he got used to the food at the chow hall.
- The chow hall serves a lot of mashed potatoes and gravy.
- She met her best friend at the chow hall and they still keep in touch.
- The chow hall is a hub of activity during meal times.
- He learned to appreciate the chow hall food after being deployed overseas.
8. Hole-in-the-wall
Meaning – a term used to describe a small, often hidden restaurant that serves delicious, authentic food.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go on a food adventure and find a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant.
- The hole-in-the-wall sushi place has the best fish.
- She discovered the hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant while exploring the city and has been a regular ever since.
9. The hole-in-the
Meaning -wall BBQ joint has been around for decades and is a local favorite.
He loves exploring different neighborhoods and finding hidden gem hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Eats – a casual term for food, often used in reference to fast food or takeout.
Example sentences:
- Let’s grab some eats on the way to the movie theater.
- He’s always down for some greasy eats at the fast food joint.
- She’s in the mood for some Chinese eats and plans to order takeout.
- The food truck serves some of the best street eats in the city.
- He’s on a budget and often opts for cheap eats at the diner.
10. Grill
Meaning – a term used to describe a restaurant that specializes in grilled or barbecued food.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the grill for some burgers and hot dogs.
- The grill has a great selection of grilled meats and veggies.
- She loves the smoky flavor of the ribs at the grill and always orders them.
- The grill is a popular spot for outdoor dining in the summer.
- He’s been perfecting his grilling skills at home and wants to try the grill’s famous steak.
11. Joint with a view
Meaning – a restaurant with a scenic view or location.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the joint with a view for a romantic dinner.
- The joint with a view has stunning views of the city skyline.
- She loves the seafood at the joint with a view and the ocean view is an added bonus.
- The joint with a view is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
- He’s been meaning to try the joint with a view, but the reservations always book up fast.
12. Watering hole
Meaning – a slang term for a bar or pub that serves drinks and often has a casual atmosphere.
Example sentences:
- Let’s stop by the watering hole for a drink before dinner.
- The watering hole has a great selection of craft beers.
- She likes the laid-back vibe of the watering hole and often goes there with friends.
- The watering hole is a popular spot for locals to watch sports games.
- He prefers the watering hole over fancy bars, it feels more authentic to him.
13. Cafeteria
Meaning – a term used to describe a dining facility, often in schools or hospitals, that serves food in a self-service style.
Example sentences:
- The cafeteria serves a variety of options, from salads to pizza.
- Let’s meet in the cafeteria for lunch and discuss the project.
- She’s a nurse and often eats in the hospital cafeteria between shifts.
- The school cafeteria has come a long way since she was a student.
- He loves the mashed potatoes and gravy at the cafeteria, it’s comfort food to him.
14. Roadhouse
Meaning – a term used to describe a casual restaurant or bar along a road or highway.
Example sentences:
- Let’s stop by the roadhouse for some BBQ on our way to the beach.
- The roadhouse has a jukebox and pool tables, perfect for a night out with friends.
- She likes the rustic decor of the roadhouse and often takes road trips to explore new ones.
- The roadhouse is a popular spot for bikers to stop and grab a bite.
- He always stops at the roadhouse for a burger and fries on his way home from work.
15. Cafe de wheels
Meaning – a term used to describe a food truck or mobile food vendor.
Example sentences:
- Let’s grab some tacos from the cafe de wheels for lunch today.
- The cafe de wheels has a cult following for their gourmet hot dogs.
- She loves trying different types of cuisine from the cafe de wheels around town.
- The cafe de wheels is a popular spot for lunch in the business district.
- He loves the convenience of the cafe de wheels, he can grab food on the go.
16. Steakhouse
Meaning – a restaurant that specializes in serving steak and other grilled meats.
Example sentences:
- Let’s celebrate your promotion at the steakhouse tonight.
- The steakhouse has the best porterhouse steak in town.
- She loves the sides at the steakhouse, especially the creamed spinach.
- The steakhouse is a popular spot for business dinners and special occasions.
- He’s been craving a juicy steak and plans to visit the steakhouse this weekend.
17. Boulangerie
Meaning – a French term used to describe a bakery that specializes in bread and pastry.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the boulangerie for some fresh croissants and baguettes.
- The boulangerie has a wide selection of pastries and tarts.
- She loves the smell of fresh bread at the boulangerie and often stops by on her way to work.
- The boulangerie is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch on weekends.
- He’s been learning to make sourdough bread at home and wants to try the boulangerie’s version.
18. Cantina
Meaning – a Spanish term used to describe a bar or restaurant that serves Mexican cuisine.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the cantina for some tacos and margaritas.
- The cantina has a great selection of tequilas and mezcal.
- She loves the atmosphere of the cantina and the mariachi band that plays on weekends.
- The cantina is a popular spot for happy hour and after-work drinks.
- He’s been practicing his Spanish and wants to try ordering in the language at the cantina.
19. Brasserie
Meaning – a French term used to describe a restaurant that serves simple, hearty meals and beer.
Example sentences:
- Let’s go to the brasserie for some steak frites and beer.
- The brasserie has a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- She loves the onion soup at the brasserie, it’s the best she’s had outside of France.
- The brasserie is a popular spot for lunch and dinner in the city center.
- He’s been wanting to try the brasserie’s mussels, he’s heard they’re a specialty.
20. Izakaya
Meaning – a Japanese term used to describe a casual bar that serves drinks and small plates of food.
Example sentences:
- Let’s try that new izakaya for some sake and grilled skewers.
- The izakaya has a great selection of Japanese beers and sake.
- She loves the relaxed atmosphere of the izakaya and the small plates that encourage sharing.
- The izakaya is a popular spot for after-work drinks and dinner.
- He’s been learning about Japanese cuisine and wants to try the izakaya’s traditional dishes.
Wrap Up
I hope you find the article “20 Slang Words for Restaurant” helpful.
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