Summarize:

Restaurant bars are bars that are attached to or inside a restaurant. These bars are usually small, consisting of a bar counter and a few tables. The bartenders make drinks for the restaurant as well as for the bar patrons. If you'd like, you can order drinks that follow the theme of the restaurant. For example:  Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants usually specialize in margaritas. Seafood restaurants that call the bar area the “Tiki Bar” usually serve tropical cocktails.  Upscale restaurant bars usually serve wine and expensive cocktails. Beer bars specialize in beer and often don’t carry nicer liquors or wine. A beer bar usually has at least 12 beer taps along the wall. Beer bars can also be called taverns, breweries, and craft beer bars. If you’re not sure what kind of beer you like, talk to the bartender for a recommendation or ask for a beer sample.  Lagers are the most common beers. They are generally a golden color. Wheat beers are lighter colored beers with a crisp yeast flavor. Ales range in color from light brown to black. These beers have a deep, mellow flavor. IPAs (India Pale Ales) are golden beers with a hoppy, floral flavor. Porters are dark, foamy beers with a roasted malty flavor. Wine bars usually have an extensive wine list and may not carry beer or liquor. These bars often serve small appetizers to enjoy with your wine. If you’re not familiar with wine, ask your bartender for recommendations.  Riesling is a light, often slightly sweet, white wine with floral and crisp apple or pear notes. Sauvignon Blanc is a mid-bodied white wine, often with tart citrus notes. Chardonnay is a somewhat denser white wine with apple, light citrus, often creamy/buttery notes. Pinot Noir is a red wine with complex red fruit flavors and often an earthy undertone. Merlot is a red wine with jammy fruit and baking spice notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is a denser, often tannic, red wine with dark fruit notes. Cocktail bars, also called Mixology bars, pride themselves on quality craft cocktails. These bars often have a trendy atmosphere and an extensive cocktail menu. Order something from the menu, as cocktail bars usually create unique drinks that are exclusive to their establishment. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask the bartender for recommendations.   Martinis are a classic choice. These strongly flavored drinks can be ordered with or without olives, shaken over ice, or stirred. A Jack Rose is a mellow, pink drink made with sweet apple brandy. Order a Bourbon Sweet Tea for a refreshing, boozy drink. If you want a sweet drink, order a velvety Chocolate Martini.
Know when you’re in a restaurant bar. Recognize a beer bar. Identify a wine bar. Learn to recognize cocktail bars.