In this aspect, we can say the difference is clear because a bar is a licensed establishment where only alcoholic beverages are sold while a restaurant is a place with wide space and a cool ambiance where you can sit, order a full course meal and eat it there on the premises. Why people call it a “bar” is because the drinks you order will be served on a counter or a bar. Of course, restaurants do serve alcoholic beverages but it’s not the only thing they serve. They only offer it because some customers might request it and it wouldn’t sound good when they don’t have everything their customer wants to make the most of their time in the restaurant.