Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ratskeller

noun
/ˈrɑːtsˌkɛl.ər/
Definition
A restaurant or tavern located in the cellar of a town hall, often serving traditional food and beverages.
Examples
  • After the meeting, we celebrated at the local ratskeller with some traditional dishes.
  • The ratskeller was bustling with locals enjoying bratwurst and beer.
  • Visiting the ratskeller gave us a taste of the city’s history and cuisine.
Meaning
Originating from the German language, a ratskeller is literally a ‘council cellar’, typically associated with the lower levels of municipal buildings where local magistrates would gather. Today, it serves as a social dining venue that preserves its cultural heritage.
Synonyms
  • tavern
  • brewpub
  • cellar bar