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Rontoms
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4:30 pm - 2:30 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
171 reviews for Rontoms
Review Highlights
"The grilled cheese and tomato soup is also really good."
(in 7 reviews)
"can't wait to be back when the ping pong table is up."
(in 14 reviews)
"definitely recommend the brie fondue."
(in 18 reviews)
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171 reviews in English
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Review from Joe A.
Portland, OR
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The quintessential hipster bar on the east side. The atmosphere is usually pretty cool, with a smattering of the typical bar-hopping douchebaggery (Fridays and Saturdays to be sure).
Otherwise, the food is good and priced pretty decent for what you get. The tomato soup and grilled cheese is great, as is the fondue. All-in-all, a nice place to go whether you want to be seen or just watch the "we want to be seen" crowd. -
Review from Adrien W.
Portland, OR
2/4/2012
This place is special. Let me step back for a moment and say that this is not my favorite bar; it is not a quiet dive that you will return to on a quiet wednesday night to get a few stiff drinks to get you through the week (their drinks aren't terribly stiff anyways). But it is a PLACE, and a place where the more is merrier.
Let's start out with their interior. It's ridiculously spacious, with an amazing dark wood panel interior and wall art that meticulously fits both the open room and the intrinsic curiosity to explore every inch when you go in there. How much did they pay for their decorating? Who cares? There's a beautifully stocked bar in front of you.
Go to the bar. You are amongst a hopping crowd, and pretty much everyone is taller (and perhaps more beautiful) than you. It would normally take an hour just for one drink order in a place like this, but pop yourself up to the front (no one will glare at you sideways) and the bartender is on it. Only 4 bucks for a well drink? Don't mind if I do.
Go outside - you can't find a seat indoors anyways - and the patio puts shame to the already decadent interior. Fireplaces, ping pong, a giant projector, bamboo, and enough seating for an entire castle from the middle ages are now available. It's still loud, and everyone around you is eating fondue (which I need to try - all of their food looks exceptional). Once I was there and they were viewing the Princess Bride.
But here is the part that separates Rontoms from all the other hipster places in Portland - waiters will come out, clear your table, bring you more drinks, and check on how you are doing without dropping a beat. I've never seen better customer service in such a huge bar.
So if you want a place that is quiet and reserved, go somewhere else. But when it's your birthday, go to Rontoms. -
Review from Abbie H.
1/31/2012
I liked this place! I think if I had gone here when I was about 6-7 years younger I would have LOVED it. 80's and 90's music, a big open area to mingle, as well as some nice seats, and surprising ease at getting to the bartender quickly were all perks.
Definitely a hipster vibe, but saw all types there so it's not like you'll feel out of place either way.
A little pricey for a place that felt like one of my college hangouts, but overall a cool place. Good location too right on E Burnside. Solid. -
Review from A. F.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2012
Rontoms offers ample seating, an expansive patio, fine bartenders, booze and a pretty good mix of patrons all set against a modern, deliberate color scheme.
I hear this spot described as "pretty hipster" from time to time, however, I wouldn't consider that a pejorative in this situation. It draws a pretty cool younger crowd, it's not douchey and the music is usually pretty good. -
Review from Ally G.
Portland, OR
1/28/2012
Here's what happens when I go to Rontoms.
I lounge like a motha on the patio, listening to free music if it's a Sunday night. I drink a couple Caipirinhas, which range from delicious to "damn it I said caipirinha, not mojito" in quality, while ungracefully scarfing an entire loaf of bread with the melty brie fondue. Usually by the second Caipirinha I've forgotten about the fondue fork. MELTY BRIE. It's basically one step away from just dipping bread into a vat of butter.
Yeah. This place is what Portlandia was talking about when they said "where young people go to retire" what with the ping pong, fire pit, full bar, and rec room decor. They used to have an amazing chicken sandwich, and Fifty Licks ice cream so I didn't feel the need to swagger (okay, stagger) over to Voodoo after. Those were the good ol' days. -
Review from Eve N.
Portland, OR
1/26/2012
Rontoms is the place I bring all out-of-town guests, and everyone I've taken there has loved it as much as I do.
The space is huge and open with mid-century furnishings. There are several seating areas througout the the space. In the colder months prime seating is next to the fireplace in the sunken seating area. I have a favorite seat right next to the fireplace that actually gets too hot after a while, but in a lovely way. In the summer they roll up the huge windows facing burnside and let in all the lovely fresh air.
The patio is probably the biggest and best in all of Portland. The covered section is an architectural masterpiece. Underneath this amazing structure are picnic tables, a bar, and a ping-pong table. Sometimes there is a fire pit going as well. There are some heat lamps out here but I find that they are a little too high and the heat doesn't quite reach me. The other half of the patio is open with a screen of bamboo dividing the space. The patio is packed in summer months.
I have grown to love the staff here. The yelpers that have complained about them probably have not given them a fair chance. The bartenders and wait staff are the beautiful people of Portland. They may not be all warm and fuzzy with customers but they are certainly friendly, quick, and pour really strong drinks. I've found that they are all great at recommendations when I am not sure what I want. I've gotten to know several of the bartenders here and they always remember my drink of choice.
The food is excellent! The "Fall Burger" is by far my favorite burger in all of Portland. It is a burger topped with watercress, bleu cheese and house-made bacon jam and it is amazing!!! It is seasonal however so eat as many of these as you can during the fall and winter months. The grilled cheese and tomato soup is always a yummy choice on a cold evening. The menu changes frequently and I've been missing two of my favorite dishes: the manchego stuffed mushrooms, and the creamy mushroom dip. Ron, if you read this, PLEASE BRING THEM BACK!
There is free live music on Sunday nights and some big names have actually turned out for this.
This place has everything! -
Review from Juju M.
Portland, OR
12/21/2011 1 photo
Let me begin with the fact that this review is of the tomato soup only!
I'm what you might call a connoisseur of tomato soup. Or, if you find that language to be a little pretentious... I'm "well acquainted" with tomato soup.
In any case, I do enjoy the tomato soup here. It is served with a greasy side of grilled cheese (ah, just like mom used to make).
And although this is not my fav spot for the red/orange liquid goodness, it certainly would fall on my top 10! Solid good comfort food! Enjoy!Listed in: Tomato soup. The good, the…
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Review from Austin M.
Portland, OR
1/29/2012
Very cool atmosphere, if not a little pretentious. Lots of large group seating which is cool but the staff is awful. They were rude and inexperienced and with a very small drink selection. I was there on a Saturday night and they couldn't even make me a whiskey old fashioned. The place has some potential but get some real bartenders in there and not just a bunch of rude hipsters who you think go with the atmosphere.
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Review from Rosy D.
Portland, OR
1/28/2012
A little pricier, and not a whole lot of beers on tap, but best outdoor patio size wise that I've seen in Portland. If you have no problem sharing a table with strangers its your kinda place
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Review from steve h.
Portland, OR
2/2/2012
this place is good.
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Review from Michael V.
Portland, OR
Went here on New Year's Eve with a few friends, and the place was pretty decent. I had never heard of this place before (I guess I'm not hipster enough) and there was no sign indicating what the establishment was. Perhaps it was too dark? Anyways, my friends and I shared a large fondue with champagne brie which was pretty tasty and I had a hard cider which was refreshing. We had good service so it was a pleasurable experience. We didn't get to spend much time out on the patio, but it looked nice. Would have to return and check it out another time. Perhaps more stars next time if something stands out. All in all a pretty okay place to hang out!
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Review from Mark S.
Portland, OR
1/2/2012
Seriously? No. Service sucks. Food.....if it ever gets to you(this has happened on multiple occasions) is bland. People are so cool there. No thanks. There are many other places in Portland to go. This won't be one of mine.
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Review from Keith O.
San Diego, CA
12/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Ping pong table out back, enough said!
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Review from Apolinaras S.
Somerville, MA
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good luck finding the place. Unless you know the logo, you will be searching for the damn place.
Selection of beer is decent, but service is very unremarkable as in most place in Portland (sorry folks, but whole city could do better).
Drinks are cheap, but it might be that I am just used to Boston prices that are almost double. -
Review from Jen C.
10/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Rontoms is a great place to hang out. They have a lovely bar inside and two large areas outside, one covered with a pool table and fireplace, the other open to the sky with nice picnic tables. There is a ping pong table outside as well.
The food is really good and the drinks are cheap. Everything we've ordered has been well prepared and tasty. My favorite is the chicken skewers with the salad. It's a small amount, but it's just right. Three skewers of chicken and salad greens with a peanutty dressing. The grilled cheese and tomato soup is also really good.
We've come here on Tuesday nights for the past 5 weeks and have really enjoyed it. The wait staff gets busy, but they do their best and always find us, even if we wander off to another section.
Love Rontoms!! -
Review from Thomas C.
Portland, OR
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
First of all, I can not give a business without any sign or any other indication that they exist anything higher than 3 stars. I know it is all cool and above it all to be incognito, but I just find it pompous and annoying, a lot like the people I found when I entered.... hey wait a minute. It's all falling into place.
Decor is blah, space is odd, and drinks are very hard to get, even from an apparently unburdened bartender. Food is great though! Some of the best bar eats around. How's that for ending on a high note. -
Review from Tabitha D.
Milwaukee, WI
9/6/2011
Service was eh--we kept feeling like we were putting the bartender out for ordering drinks.
The patio is fantastic, though! Highly recommend sitting on the patio if there's room.
All the small plates have a couple bites on them--great flavor but leaves a midwesterner like myself wanting more. They kind of overcharge for what you get. We had the grilled cheese with tomato soup, the korean short ribs (about three bites of grizzly meat) and the hummus. All good, but again, not worth the price tag. -
Review from Jeff M.
Portland, OR
Updated - 6/7/2011
An (updated) Haiku Review of Rontoms:
Came back on Monday.
Far more chill - Far less douchey.
Patio heaven.1 Previous Review:
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3/26/2010
A Haiku Review of Rontoms:
Modern Eastside bar.
The place is a concrete slab.
Too noisy for me.
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Review from Megan W.
Portland, OR
8/12/2011
It's really quite sad, I hate this place now. The first few times I went it was fun, and you have to love that patio.
The patio alone is not worth:
Not having any IPA on tap
Bitchy bitchy BITCHY staff
Having to ask every single time for a glass to pour my canned IPA into
Getting fondue that is coagulated, you should probably eat it with a fucking fork
Attempting to send back fondue and BITCHY server says "No I'll just heat it up for you"
Um. No.
Never ever will I return, there are WAY too many cooler places to spend my money.
Fon'don't -
Review from oola s.
Portland, OR
Updated - 8/5/2011
Man this place sucks.
The service is exceptionally shitty here lately and some rude a** b****** keep a very sticky, gross bar and in no way care to make eye contact even though they are just milling around looking busy doing nothing but being irritated. Really? Is it that hard to do your job? I don't feel sorry for you, people. In no way was the service good and the food and music even went downhill.
The only remotely nice human was the guy who warned us that the patio would be closing and had a professional demeanor.
Otherwise, I want my money back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/24/2009
I really dig this space aesthetically and there is a wistfulness about the patio as well. Usually… Read more »
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Review from Adrienne I.
Portland, OR
8/3/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Ok, alright, I get it. Your pretty cool Rontoms.
The thing I loved most about my first visit to Rontoms was how it seemed like there was so much drama happening under the cool calm exterior of all the cool beautiful people lounging so casually on the AMAZING patio. The air was pretty thick with people sizing each-other up and checking each other out. Which MUST help booze sales.
Im pretty excited to come back in the winter. It seems like an internal space that will transition well into a cozy space. I look forward to a more thorough assessment after I have visited Rontoms a few more times. -
Review from Raman S.
Playa Del Rey, CA
5/16/2011
Visiting Portland for one night only last week, was recommended the Pulled Pork Sandwich, AMAZING.
The fact that I was playing ping pong by the fire on a rainy Oregon spring night MIGHT have influenced the taste, but I doubt it. Great sandwich, great patio. -
Review from stella b.
Portland, OR
7/13/2011
Rontoms is fine.
The friend I was with asked the bartender what they had on tap, and after listing two items she requested the IPA, he didn't hear her and kept listing so she said it again, (not quietly at that,) finally he looked up at her and stated, "if you don't know what you want you need to read the fucking menu first." Seriously?
I'll admit the patio is nice but that seems to be about all they have going for them.
I'd probably go back, but I wouldn't be excited about it. -
Review from Brad C.
7/25/2011
--Out Of Town Visitors Burnside Pubcrawl stop #2--
With out of town folks wanting a cocktail and a few slices of Sizzle under our belt I mention the bar next door has a ping pong table and one of the best covered patio and deck scenes in Portland.
Had to do it.
Sat at the bar inside for the first round and was rewarded with a tall sharp redheaded bartender who knew her way around a cocktail shaker. On her recommendation we tried a summertime concoction she tentatively named 'dem apples. It was a combination of Clear Creek Apple Brandy, Aviator Gin and something else that sat well on ice and sipped even more smoothly. Nice.
Had a second round on the deck and was not disappointed, didn't get in any ping pong but the sun was shining and the conversation was lively.
Kitchen crew cranked out some good eats while we lounged.
I don't think I would enjoy this place as much on a hustling whoreing Saturday night but early on a Monday evening with an Oregon summer breeze and a knowledgeable bartender it's tuff to beat. -
Review from cassandra c.
Portland, OR
5/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best patio in town, in my book. Awesome fire pit. Nice atmosphere.
Mediocre drinks and service.
But really, it's the patio. -
Review from Katya J.
Portland, OR
2/27/2011
The back patio of this place is awesome. Like, so alluring that when the little string lights catch your eye between the fence slats as you walk down the sidewalk, you might just think about scaling the fence right then and there to get to your personal playground a little faster. The ping pong tables are definitely a cool touch.
But then you get around to the front and notice the tragically hip logo and lack of signage, coupled with the giant picture windows designed to make sure that everyone inside has maximum potential to be seen. And you're like, seriously? Why the fuck is anyone I know hanging out in here and trying to get me to meet them here?
I like the aesthetic but not the clientele or the bartenders, all of whom seem to be caricatures of real people. The only really cool thing that happened while I was here was that my friends decided to head out before I could waste my time and money ordering another drink.
We also saw Sam Adams, which was mostly funny because we then had to explain to one of my friends who he was. No, Beth, not the beer guy. -
Review from Patioh P.
Portland, OR
10/27/2011
Great Happy Hour spot. The patio is fantastic, and the servers are super nice. For our whole review and dating horror stories listen here: http://patiohpatino.wo...
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Review from Sherry S.
2/9/2011
We were early for the yelp event and so we innocently walked in to this place. Bear in mind it's barely not even 6 yet. No one there to speak of. Had the place to ourselves.
I did not expect a lot. Got more.
They even had aviation for my martini that I asked for. I like it super cold I told the waitress - so could they shake the crap out of it when they make it? She said -well do you just want it on the rocks? I said no, just make it cold. So far so good. And it was like 2 martinis in one.. big glass - whoa!
Hubby sat down in one of their chairs.. which happened to be one of these fancy-schmancy spendy chairs from a long time ago.. he noticed it because he was looking at them just earlier as a curiosity.. and there he got to try it out all broken in in this divey bar.. I mentioned to her that this chair was quite an expensive chair and she,without missing a beat, told me that's funny because she's always having to clean up the vomit after the wildness of the night before. Not sure if she said that for effect, or because it probably was true, or both.. but I just laughed out loud. She did add to the place seriously.
Before it gets crazy in there it has this nice dark noir ness lighting to the place too. -
Review from marissa w.
Portland, OR
10/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
They carry a wide variety of local spirits and always have good beer on draft.....AND a giant patio with a ping pong table!!! Top that all off with a grilled cheese and tomato soup on happy hour for $4=Heaven.
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Review from Joey Y.
5/6/2011
I usually don't go to bars or lounges but you will find me back here drinking an Amstel Light in the back patio.
It can be intimidating when you walk in through the doors because there is such a wide open space between you and everything else. (Good thing most of the lights are emitting from candles.) And on a Thursday night, it's pretty easy to find a seat for your group. Overall, I would give the inside appearance a 2.5 out of 5. There was nothing unique or special about it; it just was simply a lounge.
BUT.
The back patio.
Now we're talking.
Cool. Cool. Cool. Very Cool. The aesthetics of the patio create an atmosphere where you can play table tennis (seriously, you can), talk with friends, drink, yell, curse, tell jokes, get phone numbers, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out in the patio.
The service was under par but since the waitress refilled my water without being asked to, I couldn't bring myself to give 3 stars. But I have to ask: Why did we wait more than 10 minutes to get our wine and beer?
Anyways, good night. -
Review from Toni M.
Portland, OR
10/6/2011
The patio is beautiful! They have a great happy menu and cheap drinks. Too bad they don't like it when you make a fire for them.
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Review from christopher s.
Portland, OR
5/2/2011
I know where I'm going next time I need a place for a big group, and that's Rontoms. I havn't been to a southeast bar that beats them in the outdoor seating.
perfect for groups.
pretty average drink prices.
It seems to be the kind of place that can have both a party atomosphere and an intimate one at the same time. -
Review from r k.
Portland, OR
3/27/2011
Mmm....grilled cheese and soup!
This place is pretty awesome, save for the douche weekend crowd.
Good music, service, patio, live music. They need more bathrooms!
I hosted my birthday party there without a reservation and they were totally accommodating to 30 people with separate tabs. Our server came over often and even provided us plates for the cheesecake my sister brought. I love any bar with a fireplace. Table service!!! HOT STAFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Mark B.
8/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The burger is very impressive. Surprisingly so. LOVE the patio atmosphere, during the day. Love the transition to night time atmosphere, even more. The fireplace is a perfect touch. Service is VERY slow. Do not come here expecting to even be greeted within the first 15 minutes of seating yourself. Also, ORDER at LEAST 2 drinks at a time, because they only have like 2 servers, waiting hoards of guests. Poor planning on the manager's part, I'm sure, since this aspect does not seem to change, no matter how many times I visit. Fix this, guys, and you might gain another star from me.
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Review from Traci R.
Portland, OR
1/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm in love with the cheeseburger on the menu at Rontoms. Like been there 5 times in 3 months in love.
I think the ambiance and decor is amazingly soothing. Like if a day spa and a lounge got married, Rontoms would be on the cover of Brides magazine.
I think the service leaves much to be desired. Like next time I'll remember not to close out my tab too soon because as soon as you got your tip you straight ignored me for the next hour and a half even though every time you walked by I looked your way and gave you explicit non-verbal cues that I wanted you to come wait on me. Sigh.
Whatevs. Fall cheeseburger how I love thee, let me count the ways... -
Review from lucia j.
Portland, OR
8/30/2010
This is what rontoms has to say about their own establishment, based on the meta tags of their website:
bar, portland oregon, hana, lounge, rontoms, cum couch, dildo, liquor, events, music, venues, free porn, stool auger, fireplace, patio, deck, outside, 97214, food, cheap, fun, hot, bartenders, retardtenders, rectumheads
This is pretty damn accurate. Except for "cheap," "hot," and especially "fun." How can you be cool enough for rontoms? The real answer is to be too cool for rontoms and not waste your time on this prime example of cultural collapse. The patio is really nice and I can't wait to go back once rontoms eventually burns out and the next business moves in. -
Review from Sarah L.
Portland, OR
Updated - 2/18/2011
The last three times I have since been to Rontoms it has been chalk full of bros. Feels more like an LA scene than a Portland one. Dislike.
The new outdoor area is architecturally beautiful but the heating lamps are too high up on the ceiling to do anything.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2010
Pretty good atmosphere, despite the place being packed. Drinks were somewhat hard to get considering… Read more »
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Review from PDXgirl C.
Portland, OR
4/6/2011
I visited this place last summer a couple of times and was reasonably impressed.
While there was a smidge of hipsterness and a lack of bathrooms (coupled with no out of the way place to wait) there was killer outdoor seating (with a bar!!) and great lounge places inside. Plenty of options for your desired atmosphere for sure.
The staff was busy, but not unkind. Drinks were as to be expected.
Once the sun went down the live music moved inside and the fire place went on....lovely! -
Review from A Q.
New Orleans, LA
8/2/2011
One of the cooler bars I've been to. Back porch feels like a Frank Gehry space, inside is also soaring and full of atomic retro lighting and Dutch or Danish furniture. Wish they put more emphasis on putting beers on tap, but I still luh dis place.
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Review from Matt M.
6/5/2010
I was in here around this time last year the day the fucking hurricane threw Burnside and Ankeny into my beer.
I guess it's fitting that I forgot to review this place until now considering that I've never been back.
Say what you want about the patrons and employees because I'll probably agree with you.
The patio still rules because of its size.
The happy hour food is actually pretty damn good. I might just sneak in here again some time and not tell my friends about it so they can't make fun of me.Listed in: Some of My Happiest Hours
