Ronnie’s Local 069

They hired a new waiter who is quite the sticker. When he isn’t there, my previous review stands. Otherwise, this guy totally kills the great vibe this place had. Too obsessed with rules, even when they really don’t matter.
Awesome owners, just wish the staff shared their outlook.

Just like Evelyn A., I don: t really like Ronnies but somehow I keep coming back. Some of my friends, old Toronto hands all, keep coming back. Who knows what drives them. The nostalgia for a time when Kensington Hipsterdom wasn’t played out and having Delirium Tremens was a big selling point. Who knows?
In any case I’ve logged my fair share of hours here. My favourite night was when the bartender decided to play Norwegian Black Metal and my friend accused someone of stealing her purse. The music is always loud, the service spotty and the locals unfriendly. But if that’s your scene just embrace it!

Was here with a friend one fine February afternoon when the weather was exceptionally warm and all the bars and cafes in Kensington Market laid out their patios to welcome guests. My friend recommended the drink Dark & Stormy which was apparently a trademark Kensington drink. I loved it, it had rum and something Citrus-​y and herbal in it and tastes great. We sat in the patio, squeezed in between two groups and ended up making conversation with them. Everyone seemed super nice and albeit there being regulars, people were welcoming to new visitors. It’s a very chill place, not fancy at all, super casual. The drink prices are fair. I had a Great experience there, the drink was refreshing and the people friendly and lovely. If I were living in Toronto, this would probably be one of my regular places.

Was visiting TO from out of town — told this was a good spot. Was fun enough but the uhh. «owner» seems to be either slightly insane, off her meds, or both.
Fun spot — but if you happen to see a semi crazy woman yelling at someone else for no apparent reason, feel free to assume that is the «owner» in question ha.
Other than that, a good dive with good vibes. Bikes and beards basically.

I love a good dive bar that’s for sure. The only problem with this one is that no one tells you it’s bar service only so you could sit and rot at your table until you figure that out. It didn’t take me to long since I was thirsty but a little heads up wouldn’t be a bad move!

The perfect dive bar. Excellent patio, no frills drinks, service depends on mood, and no one wears suits.
Music ranges from Black Metal to the Divinyls.

:(…

Nice spot with very loud but enjoyable music inside. Bartenders were also nice. Nothing fancy here, but perfect place for a beer between friends in a chill atmosphere.

Went here on a Wednesday night. The place was alive and happening. Delirium all the way into the night.

If you plan on sitting on the patio, don’t bother showing up. It’s always full and these squatters never leave.
Bar staff hate their jobs. Beers are decent but don’t bother walking inside because you’ll only breathe in that musty carpet odour.
There’s never any live music or food served. Oh, and the music is sh! t.
Forget about Ronnies. There are tons of better bars in Kensington. A dump of a bar complete with crappy seating.
Head to the hidden Cold Tea instead.

Very low douche ratio here.
Punk, brews, patio… What else do you want?
This joint delivers… and in the summer the patio is the go to theatre spectacle of life in Kensington.
Beer selection is solid and prices are civilized.
Bathrooms could use some TLC.

This is our go to local bar, love the place. Really great vibe and the décor is unique and fascinating. One of the best bars in Kensington!

Small, intimate and punk as heck. Make sure you leave any pretension at the door.
Ronnie’s is one of my favourite bars in Toronto. They always have good beer, the staff is real chill and everyone is welcome here. Perfect for an afternoon beer with good friends and they have tones of other liquor selections too if the yeast isn’t your thing.
Cheers to the dude who decided to show me a video of some UFC chick getting her arm broken (this is not a regular thing I imagine so don’t expect it if you’re into that.)

Arrived here good and drunk in the early morning hours.
Inside was dark, I know that much and the music was harsh and loud. +1.
We managed to get a much coveted table on the patio were I continued my journey to awfulhangoverland.
All I know is it was dark inside, they serve beer and they have a patio.
The end.

Every one is a critic, including me. We stumbled upon this place and popped in for a drink. It’s a tiny dive with a good selection of beer and decent prices. I wanted to take a few pictures of all of the stuff hanging behind the bar but I didn’t want to get pegged as a tourist.
I love Kensington Market and this place is as snug as a bug in a rug. I didn’t stay long enough to really get a feel for the place.

I went here with a bunch of friends hoping to enjoy the last warm days of the season. Well little did I know that this was an S&M place. One of the servers (that was off-​duty) was basically being assaulted by the ‘owner” (so I was told). When I questioned the abusive behaviour, I was shown the door. I was there with five other people (my closest friends) and we were all shown the door. The so called «owner» took my beer from my hand and asked my group to leave. When I asked her why she was doing that the said «you’ve had too much to drink!». I guess that line is generic and is used in all occasions when the «bar» is challenged.
Bottom line is… DON’T GO THERE. Unless you are into S&M and like being abused by the «owner» when you are paying cash (oh and they don’t take debit or credit card btw. I am writing to CRA about that”)
There are so many friendly & hospitable places in Kensington… please do yourself a favour and DON’T GO HERE!
Also, what a dungeon inside! SAD! But I guess if you’re into bondage… you’ll be right at home! Yikes!

If you’re looking for a cool and unique place to grab a drink, go to Ronnie’s. The rustic look and rock music that plays may turn you off at first, but it’s a real experience. The patio is intimate and cozy, with great sun exposure. The inside at night is actually rather nice, candles are lit and it transforms into a completely different place.
I love beer, all beer, and Ronnie’s has a wonderful selection of beers that I had never tried before. The staff isn’t overly friendly, but it goes well with the atmosphere of the place. I would recommend Ronnie’s for anyone looking for something new and interesting. Definitely not a first date kind of place, but the perfect spot to go with your buddies for a good time.

Here in San Francisco… there’s a known quantity in the bar & restaurant industry known as «oh, that’s a Bourdain spot.» Meaning: watch the shit out for the hoards of people — and when we mean people we mean the opposite of the regular clientele. Meaning: the original, authentic experience is slightly askew. It might not necessarily take away from a given spot, but things have changed.
Example: Toronado in SF. Mainly surly old bastards that love their beer amongst a chill neighborhood crowd who enjoys drinking the best beer at 1230pm. Now, those wonderful mixed nuts with guys with parts and sweaters around their neck. Or people that take photos of the beer board before they order their beer or realize it’s cash only.
Having said all of that rant… I was really worried my Ronnie’s experience would not be what it was pre-​Bourdain, as it was featured on his Layover: Tarana episode. However… I think I hit the right timing as I was there just about six weeks after airtime so the travel plans haven’t been arranged yet… also maybe Bourdain’s Layover isn’t as big as his original series. At any rate, this was a real cracker of a time. It’s what I wanted, and there were plenty of seats — especially in that back room of hodgepodge chairs with that crazy mural of a beast staring at me.
Plus, a lovely surprise of ample outlets back there for phone life saving.
«What’s your cheapest beer, Ronnie?»
«Well, six bucks. They’re all six bucks.»
Delerium Tremens it is, young man.
This is one charming place if you’re into dimly lit, mildly dive-​y, leave you be bars that might be playing incredibly loud TV on the Radio. I’d imagine that even without Bourdain the patio out front in the warmer months is packed. I’ll take the back room then. Give me a round, a four top with three others, and we’ll come to new conclusions about ourselves, like… we fucking adore coat racks at bars.
POST HOLY FELICIA HUXTIBLE SCRIPTUS: I just read in a three year old review from Kat F that you, Ronnie, held a Cosby night?! Where sweaters adorned earned treats or you had them at the ready for people?! With Jell-​O Shots. WHAT! Ronnie, I’m returning in exactly a month from today, and I’ll be returning in Cosby garb.

Man. Nothing good ever happens at Ronnie’s, and I continue to go back. Furthermore, I suggest it as a meeting spot for drinks often. I inflict Ronnie’s on myself.
Le why? Well the staff is quick and surly. The beer list is boss and and the patio is perfect for people creeping in the summer. I don’t think they serve food? And even if they did I probably wouldn’t order it.
Recently I’ve come to terms with my dirty hipster ways, so I’m going to go ahead and say this place is for me. A coworker once said that they pictured me in dive bars in Kensington and I scoffed. They were right. I’m often here. It was a lie scoff.
PEPPER POINTS: For their cozy back room. Makes me want to sit on the same side of the booth with someone and slug beer.
PEPPER PISSED: Gross public bathrooms… super gross. But! I do appreciate that the toilets are on the main floor. I hate rape dungeons… I digress.

A great patio, you can bring your own food (namely, your order from The Grilled Cheese delivered to your table), cool vibe and respectable variety of beers on tap. Interesting people all over the place. Awesome bar for people watching.
Here’s a tip: patio spots are hard to get, but sit inside and keep an eye out. Once a table vacates, you have to pounce on it.
It’s a hipster bar that doesn’t make you feel self conscious if you aren’t a hipster. But don’t wear a suit. C’mon, you got to meet these people half way.