This slang term was co-opted by the French from Russian invaders during the 1814 occupation of Paris. The term bistro was a mispronunciation of a similar Russian word that meant “hurry” something that Russian soldiers would often shout at cafe and restaurant owners during this occupation.

The etymology is unclear. 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".

What they're saying: "We came here because Chicago invented the steakhouse," owner Emil Stefkov tells Axios.

Definitions of bistro. a small informal restaurant; serves wine. type of: eatery, eating house, eating place, restaurant.