1. cheap saloons or taverns, especially those that served beer directly from barrels
Usage: historical; informal
2. establishments featuring early jazz or blues music, typically with a rough, energetic style
Usage: music history; informal

Examples

• The old barrelhouses along the waterfront were popular with sailors and dock workers.
• Many famous blues musicians got their start playing in barrelhouses throughout the South.
• The barrelhouses of New Orleans were known for their lively piano music.
• These rough barrelhouses served cheap whiskey and beer to working-class patrons.
• The barrelhouse style of piano playing was energetic and rhythmic.
• Historic barrelhouses were often located in the seedier parts of town.