The Dictionnaire de l'Académie française dates the word from the 19th century term, bistro, "innkeeper", and suggests that it may be linked to the Poitevin word bistraud ("little servant"), or to bistrouille ("cheap liquor"). It recommends the spelling "bistrot" in preference to "bistro".

Essentially, not very much. A bistro is a type of restaurant and is just further defined as smaller and more casual than a fine dining establishment. Often, a bistro is described as more of a neighborhood restaurant with community ties, and a warm, cozy, inviting atmosphere.

The Origin Of The Word Bistro Etymologists identify the first uses of the term bistro in France in the early 19th Century. Bistro was originally conceived as French slang that referred to a little cafe or wine shop. This slang term was co-opted by the French from Russian invaders during the 1814 occupation of Paris.

Bistros are restaurants, but they are smaller and more casual than fine dining establishments. They are known for their warm atmospheres, close connections to their communities, and classic, usually French-influenced food.