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".

A modern bistro may serve any type of food, but they most commonly offer either locally inspired dishes or traditional French cuisine.