Lhermitte was inspired by the work of Jean François Millet and devoted his career to genre scenes in the realist and naturalist mode. Humble subjects, modest interiors, and quotidian activities formed the subjects of his chalk drawings, several of which depict couples and men drinking. This scene of men seated in a tavern smoking and drinking is typical of the artist's drawings from the 1870s. It is an example of the kinds of figures and interest in lighting that elicited Van Gogh's admiration.
In the 1879 Salon, Lhermitte showed one painting and two drawings, one of the latter was titled “Le Cabaret,” although it cannot be confirmed if the reference is to the present sheet.