open bar
noun
: a bar (as at a wedding reception) at which drinks are served free compare cash bar
Example Sentences
They had a buffet and an open bar at the reception.
Recent Examples on the Web Norwegian Cruise Line’s current sale demonstrates multitiered incentives with 35 percent off its cruises plus complimentary open bar, discounted shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, free airfare for a second guest and more until June 30. 
New York Times, 17 June 2022 Each ticket includes an open bar, live music, hors d’oeuvres, taco and dessert stations, one raffle entry for a door prize and a wine pull, organizers said. Beacon-news Staff, chicagotribune.com, 8 Apr. 2022 As part of the sale, travelers can choose up to five of Norwegian's free offers, including free open bar, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, and free airfare for a second guest. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2022 Greeted by live jazz tunes from Jill Lamoureux and her trio, attendees were scattered throughout the indoor-outdoor setup, cozy on outdoor sofas, perched at the open bar, deep in conversation at intimate tables for two. Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 5 June 2022 The Summer Safari features food from local restaurants and an open bar, along with up-close animal encounters, a raffle, a silent auction and entertainment, such as glass blowing demonstrations. Megan Becka, cleveland, 27 July 2022 Afternoon and evening open bar hours are also included. James Tate, Car and Driver, 9 July 2022 From Hinterland’s big open bar window, Gehrts and his team pour a dozen taps including a Bohemian pilsner from Chuckanut, a hazy IPA from Ruse and other smart selections from some of the Northwest’s top breweries. oregonlive, 4 June 2022 General admission tickets cost $20; open bar tickets are $65 each. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 29 Dec. 2021 See More
New York Times, 17 June 2022 Each ticket includes an open bar, live music, hors d’oeuvres, taco and dessert stations, one raffle entry for a door prize and a wine pull, organizers said. Beacon-news Staff, chicagotribune.com, 8 Apr. 2022 As part of the sale, travelers can choose up to five of Norwegian's free offers, including free open bar, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, and free airfare for a second guest. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2022 Greeted by live jazz tunes from Jill Lamoureux and her trio, attendees were scattered throughout the indoor-outdoor setup, cozy on outdoor sofas, perched at the open bar, deep in conversation at intimate tables for two. Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 5 June 2022 The Summer Safari features food from local restaurants and an open bar, along with up-close animal encounters, a raffle, a silent auction and entertainment, such as glass blowing demonstrations. Megan Becka, cleveland, 27 July 2022 Afternoon and evening open bar hours are also included. James Tate, Car and Driver, 9 July 2022 From Hinterland’s big open bar window, Gehrts and his team pour a dozen taps including a Bohemian pilsner from Chuckanut, a hazy IPA from Ruse and other smart selections from some of the Northwest’s top breweries. oregonlive, 4 June 2022 General admission tickets cost $20; open bar tickets are $65 each. Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 29 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1947, in the meaning defined above