The term "barrel house" refers to a place where people gather to enjoy live music, dance, and drink. There are several synonyms for this term, including honky-tonk, juke joint, roadhouse, and speakeasy. A honky-tonk is a lively place that features country music and serves alcoholic beverages. Juke joints were popular in the southern United States and offered access to music, dancing, and drinking for African American patrons during the Jim Crow era. Roadhouses are typically situated on highways and offer food, lodging, and entertainment. Speakeasies were secret, underground establishments where patrons could consume alcohol illegally during Prohibition. Regardless of the term used, the essence of a barrel house remains the same - it's a place to let loose and enjoy great music and good company.