Italian Bars - What to Expect at a bar in Italy"

"Bar - What to Expect at a bar in Italy" Definition: A bar in Italy is a business establishment in which patrons can purchase coffee drinks, wine and liquor, and often morning pastries and/or sandwiches called painini (un panino is one sandwich, two sandwiches are due panini). In larger bars, many flavors of Italy's famous gelato, or ice cream (really more ice milk) may be served. In Italy, the bar is the center of social life, not a place to consume large amounts of alcohol. Italians may visit their local bar several times in the morning for coffee, and again in the early evening for an aperitivo or cocktail before dinner. In bars in larger cities, and especially ones near tourist centers, it will cost more to sit at a table (sometimes even more if the table is outside) than it will to stand at the bar. Prices are posted--al banco meaning the price for consuming a beverage at the bar, or al tavolo, meaning the price at the table. Smaller town bars may not levy table charges. Need help with ordering coffee at a bar in Italy? See Italian Coffee Drinks - How to Order Coffee in an Italian Bar. Also Known As: caffé Source: Basic Italian Words Travelers Should Know - Italy Travel Glossary