Is it just me, or should a “Pub” have food? If you don’t have food you’re a bar. I’ll give you ale house or tavern, but Pubs should have food.
I’m on the road for work and entered Pub into Google Maps. Found a place about 5 minutes down the road. No food. Settled on some killer tacos a few doors down, but I wanted a burger and beers.
Agreed.
Well, there’s no food here…
Good point. No beer either
In Ireland many of the pubs did not have food. Since they probably came closer to coining the phrase I am going to vote no, a pub does not need to serve food. Now OTOH they should let you know if they do or do not serve food and if they have a sign which says they do, they should be serving. We found many there only serve food on weekends or during the high tourist seasons. My only gripe about Ireland was at times finding food was somewhat difficult outside of a major city.
Most often I see “Pub & Grill” or something like that. Sucks they didn’t have food as you’d expect most places to have these days. I guess Pub just makes me think of place to drink, like tavern or something like that. Killer tacos sounds ominous but better!
When I talk to folks that have or are planning to open some form of brewery and we come to business models considered, they tend to break down more or less like this; Tasting room (beer production, small room, maybe snacks or food trucks), Pub (beer production & SIMPLE food service), Restaurant (beer production with full service restaurant). To me Pub implies that there is something more than a bowl of peanuts or pretzels yet I don’t expect a full menu and exceptional service. My $.02
When I was in the Uk, all pubs had food. Maybe not late at night after they became “clubs” so they could serve after 11.
That’s the same way I see it.
I agree a pub should have food.
Public houses in the day had food, drink, lodging, stables…
I had to tie my horse up to a parking meter.
As an American and defining “Pub”… this means the establishment is beer oriented; will often have a UK theme or influence and serves pub food.
A Tavern serves liquor and most likely will have a full menu.
For me, a pub is a location where I want to go hang out for an extended time with friends. Ideally, it should be local and neighborhood oriented, but my favorite is not strictly local to me. Primary beverage should be beer, but cider and whisk(e)y are also cool. There should be a simple food menu (as in relatively few items compared to a restaurant).
There used to be a great Irish Pub called O’Flaherty’s in the French Quarter in New Orleans, but it’s been closed for years. Pretty stereotypical example with beer, darts, and billiards with a lot of dark wood and leather couches.
My favorite Pub currently is the Avenue Pub in New Orleans. It’s always on my list of first recommendations for beer tourists. Great beer selection along with whisk(e)y and a knowledgeable staff. Food is a contrast of simple and high-end (burgers and dump truck fries are the standard items, but done with a local farm-to-table ethic).
A pub has darts. Real darts. Not the plastic crap that you find in bars.
Excellent point(s)! 
This makes a lot of sense. I’m sure some of it is the American influence, but “Pub” to me is a place that will have a small kitchen, perhaps only a deep fryer. Fish and chips, chicken strips, fries/tots etc. Snack type food to munch on while you drink.
Of course, to parse it even further you have “brewpub” which to me, signifies a restaurant that brews it’s own beer on site. Usually will have a bigger menu including sandwiches and burgers, but usually not full on service like steaks/pasta etc.
Brewpub has its own legal definition in some states. Has to do with licensing.
Yep Beer and darts. If I wanted food I would call ahead and see, expecting a 75% chance of getting a meal.
Pub → short for Public House.
public house
n. Chiefly British
A place, such as a tavern or bar, that is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Can you lookup ‘connotation’ and ‘denotation’ while you’re there. ;p~~