counter-style

adjective

coun·​ter-style ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈstī(-ə)l 

1

: having, relating to, or being a system of restaurant service in which customers order food at a counter or register

… has counter-style ordering, so patrons order at the register and are given a number to display at their seats before the food arrives.

—Alisa Hauser

2

: having, relating to, or being a style of restaurant seating in which customers sit at a counter rather than at tables

casual counter-style seating

Examples of counter-style in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Worth ordering something to eat, too? Slightly hidden inside the bar is Pizza Tropical, a counter-style service window that serves up Brooklyn-style pies (whole or by the slice), plus wings, garlic knots, and hot Cuban coffee. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Ren, the counter-style fine-dining restaurant, presents a monthly rotating menu that reimagines local ingredients through a French lens. —Leandra Beabout, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026

For counter-style service, there’s an impressive number of options on Triveni’s menu. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025

Today, counter-style kappo has grown in popularity, fostering direct interaction between chefs and guests, and continues to evolve as a uniquely Japanese expression of seasonality, artistry, and connection. —Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Sit at a table or get a front row seat to the kitchen from the counter-style bar. —Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for counter-style

• campanile
• chrysotile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• nonpareil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle