The shelves and counter area behind the bar in a restaurant or pub where bottles of alcohol and glasses are kept and drinks are prepared.
From 'back' + 'bar', combining the location (behind the main bar counter) with the word for the serving counter itself. This term became standard in American English during the 20th century as bars became more sophisticated establishments.
The backbar is like the bartender's theater—it's where the real chemistry and artistry happen, with hundreds of bottles organized by the mixologist's knowledge and creativity. The term shows how spaces in restaurants have developed specialized vocabulary.
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