Is "Tavern" a New England thing? (Boston, Watertown: movies, school)

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by massnative71

The word is used in Canada as well.

Depends where.

In Vancouver it is very rare, I could find only 3 places that use the term. People do not use the term here in everyday language, as in "I'm going to the tavern ". We say "pub".

I first encountered the word when I was young and fairly untravelled, in Seattle. A quick Google shows than in Seattle proper, there are 20 places that use the word Tavern. So to me, it was an American thing, until I learned the actual history of the term.

As for the rest of Canada, Tavern, quick Googles do show that it is fairly common in parts of the country, just not really popular here on the west coast of Canada.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

Depends where.

In Vancouver it is very rare, I could find only 3 places that use the term. People do not use the term here in everyday language, as in "I'm going to the tavern ". We say "pub".

I first encountered the word when I was young and fairly untravelled, in Seattle. A quick Google shows than in Seattle proper, there are 20 places that use the word Tavern. So to me, it was an American thing, until I learned the actual history of the term.

As for the rest of Canada, Tavern, quick Googles do show that it is fairly common in parts of the country, just not really popular here on the west coast of Canada.

Yeah, for the record, no natives here would say "I'm going to the tavern", either. Except, perhaps, for descendants of Sam Adams. LOL

[masssachoicetts]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Yeah, for the record, no natives here would say "I'm going to the tavern", either. Except, perhaps, for descendants of Sam Adams. LOL

ye olde tavern*

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Yeah, for the record, no natives here would say "I'm going to the tavern", either. Except, perhaps, for descendants of Sam Adams. LOL

Do you say pub then?

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

Do you say pub then?

Someone may if it's a regular spot they all frequent and it's an actual pub. Like a pub that is right down the street or something. For example, there's a bar called Beantown Pub downtown and if you live nearby you may say you're going to the pub, but not likely. Otherwise, the standard term for the common classes would be bar. Most people in more urban areas would say they are going to a particular place by name. "I'm going to the Black Rose" or whatever. In the sticks it could be different, if there's only one bar around. Haha

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

ye olde tavern*

Ye have a pint.

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Someone may if it's a regular spot they all frequent and it's an actual pub. Like a pub that is right down the street or something. For example, there's a bar called Beantown Pub downtown and if you live nearby you may say you're going to the pub, but not likely. Otherwise, the standard term for the common classes would be bar. Most people in more urban areas would say they are going to a particular place by name. "I'm going to the Black Rose" or whatever. In the sticks it could be different, if there's only one bar around. Haha

It's a bit different here in Vancouver. Not sure of all the different licensing.

Pub is the term where the establishment's focus is beer, but they serve all other types of alcoholic beverages as well. They will also serve food. Under 19's are not allowed in.

We also do use the name of the pub to avoid confusion as to which one we are headed to.

There are Brewpubs as well, which are pubs that brew their own beer onsite, but don't usually serve other alcohol, except perhaps cider. However there are exceptions, where larger brewpubs have full food menu's and tend to be more restaurant orientated and allow children. Confusing?

Bar tends to mean an establishment that's focus is on all alcoholic beverages. They tend to be in hotels in Vancouver, or open only in the evening. Although bar is loosely used to cover nightclubs as well.

In the old days....dark ages...in BC when liquor was tightly controlled, they were called Beer Parlours and located in smaller hotels.

There are some places who use terms like Tap House etc, to give the impression of being some sort of pub, but these tend to be fairly large restaurant chains, with seating capacity way above what anyone would consider to be a pub. Plus, children are allowed, and people just drink and eat, then leave. Unlike in a real pub, where you may sit for a few hours, and may or may not have a bite.

[bostongymjunkie]

Originally Posted by Natnasci

It's a bit different here in Vancouver. Not sure of all the different licensing.

Pub is the term where the establishment's focus is beer, but they serve all other types of alcoholic beverages as well. They will also serve food. Under 19's are not allowed in.

We also do use the name of the pub to avoid confusion as to which one we are headed to.

There are Brewpubs as well, which are pubs that brew their own beer onsite, but don't usually serve other alcohol, except perhaps cider. However there are exceptions, where larger brewpubs have full food menu's and tend to be more restaurant orientated and allow children. Confusing?

Bar tends to mean an establishment that's focus is on all alcoholic beverages. They tend to be in hotels in Vancouver, or open only in the evening. Although bar is loosely used to cover nightclubs as well.

In the old days....dark ages...in BC when liquor was tightly controlled, they were called Beer Parlours and located in smaller hotels.

There are some places who use terms like Tap House etc, to give the impression of being some sort of pub, but these tend to be fairly large restaurant chains, with seating capacity way above what anyone would consider to be a pub. Plus, children are allowed, and people just drink and eat, then leave. Unlike in a real pub, where you may sit for a few hours, and may or may not have a bite.

Yes, just slightly confusing. Haha

I haven't noticed those nuances in Quebec when I've been, but I don't spend a lot of time in places that just serve beer or wine without food, dancing or entertainment. We also have bars that call themselves tap houses or simply tap. As I think about it, the phrase "I'm going down the tap" may have been something my father's (or grandfather's) generation might have said, but definitely not popular today.

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by bostongymjunkie

Yes, just slightly confusing. Haha

I haven't noticed those nuances in Quebec when I've been, but I don't spend a lot of time in places that just serve beer or wine without food, dancing or entertainment. We also have bars that call themselves tap houses or simply tap. As I think about it, the phrase "I'm going down the tap" may have been something my father's (or grandfather's) generation might have said, but definitely not popular today.

Quebec would be quite different than the rest of Canada.

[johngolf]

I believe in olden days it meant food and drink. In some parts of the country (Pittsburgh) it meant drink but probably no food. In MA years back if drink was served, you had to serve food. I know for a fact, some places kept some cans of soup and a hot plate (hidden away) to "skirt" the law. The old "Stewart Infra Red Sandwich Machines" served as food in many places. I remember years back in Canada. they had/would serve you a plate of French Fries as "the food". One plate of fries, drink as much as you wanted.