Cafe: meaning, definitions and examples

A cafe is a small and casual restaurant that typically serves light meals and drinks. It is a common place for socializing, casual meetings, and enjoying a quick bite. It often has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

• Let's meet at the cafe near the park for lunch.
• She loves to read books at her favorite cafe downtown.

A coffeehouse is an establishment primarily focused on serving various types of coffee and tea, along with light refreshments like pastries and sandwiches. It is a popular place for socializing, working, and relaxing with a cup of coffee. It often has a quiet and comfortable ambiance.

• He spends his mornings working on his laptop at the local coffeehouse.
• The new coffeehouse in town has a great selection of teas and delicious scones.

A bistro is a small, modest European-style restaurant that offers simple, yet hearty meals, often including both lunch and dinner. It usually has a cozy and intimate setting, making it ideal for a casual but slightly more upscale dining experience compared to a cafe.

• We had dinner at a charming bistro that served excellent French cuisine.
• The bistro around the corner is known for its delicious steak and frites.

A small, casual establishment to grab a cup of coffee, a snack, or a light meal. Often has a relaxed atmosphere and can offer seating both inside and outside.

• Let's meet at the cafe down the street for lunch
• The cafe has great sandwiches and an outdoor patio

Used when referring specifically to the drink made from roasted coffee beans. Suitable when talking about the beverage itself, its preparation, or variations like espresso, cappuccino, etc.

• I need a strong coffee to start my day
• Do you prefer black coffee or with milk?

A slang term for coffee. It is often used in a casual or informal setting. It can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or humorous connotation.

• I'm just going to grab a cup of java before the meeting
• Want some java? It's freshly brewed!