<P> A bistro or bistrot / ˈbiːstroʊ /, is, in its original Parisian incarnation, a small restaurant, serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting . Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve . French home - style cooking, and slow - cooked foods like cassoulet, a bean stew, are typical . </P> <P> Bistros likely developed out of the basement kitchens of Parisian apartments where tenants paid for both room and board . Landlords could supplement their income by opening their kitchen to the paying public . Menus were built around foods that were simple, could be prepared in quantity and would keep over time . Wine and coffee were also served . </P>

What kind of food does a bistro serve