University Tavern

It was absolutely freezing, weird AI music videos playing, uncomfortable cold metal chairs. The menu is limited fried food, we had the deep fried pickles and spring rolls and they were ok. The venue is not accessible, the entrance is down stairs and to use the bathroom you have to go upstairs. The server was very friendly and made a great drink suggestion when I asked for a mocktail. We stayed until the DJ started, but the space was relatively empty for the time we were there. Much could be done to improve the atmosphere.

The other reviews are for the space upstairs, not the Bottoms Up (LGBTQ+)

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 3

Although glad a gay bar is finally in Kingston, this is not the appropriate ownership and the place is not being run correctly and quite frankly never will….
Every local knows the owner has had years of issues behind closed doors ranging from racism & white supremacy and clearly only caring about Kingstons LGBTQ+ community when it directly profits him…. He’s turned down and discouraged multitudes of gay NFP event organizers trying to throw queer events here and grow the scene for YEARS…. and has prioritized straight white frat boy organizers who made him the most queens money (rather then actually take the time to invest into the queer scene and give it time to flourish) and of course…. once the frat money dried up and more queer events were popping up at other venues in Kingston he conveniently turned it into a gay bar… 🙄
Research the previous issues with Kingston Pride party’s under this owner and you’ll quickly realize why this venue is destined to fail…. which should not be a reflection upon the actual demand for a gay bar in the Kingston area….
A vast majority of Kingston based queers refuse to support this owner or establishment and will never support this venue.
As a gay man born and raised in Kingston, I refuse to ever step foot or support this venue with the current ownership and encourage others to do the same.

New ownership ASAP!

(Update, again…. response shows zero response to any allegations… just victimization about “how hard it is to run a business” LOL. No “hate” is being sowed here, just facts and very serious allegations surrounding the ownership that have been floating around for years.

I don’t correlate how refusing to work with queer organizers for the last 5 years (in order to maximize profit from queens students through university tavern) + racist allegations from an official Kingston Pride event being held here relates to “running a business”….
These are personal issues the owner fails to address or face, the owner has continually proven how little he supports the queer scene unless it’s directly benefiting him.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Bottoms up, I'll definitely be coming back. The cocktails were delicious 😙👌 and the music was great. Staff were very friendly too.

Definitely in my top 3 restaurants in town. Really great atmosphere, and the food is delicious. Prices are more than correct for what you get. We took a bottle of wine and it was really good. I recommend the French red wine with the Table d'hôte menu. The service is incredible, and the waiter is really sweet. I've been there a couple of times, and I'll definitely come back. The inside is gorgeous, definitely a great place for your dates !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice, original restaurant, in an old church. Too bad we couldn't eat upstairs (photo). Good welcome. But average food, although plentiful (huge slice of roast pork with mashed potato and carrots that day). Excellent buns!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Former church, transformed into a restaurant. The interior is atypical, but neat.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

(Translated by Google) Little food and the owner did not want to put more bread, and being in a hurry we did not want to argue. The service is run by young guys who do it really well and are surprised by the owner's bitter treatment.(Original)Comida escasa y el dueño no quiso poner más pan, y al tener prisa no quisimos discutir. El servicio lo llevan chic@s jovenes que lo hacen realmente bien y se sorprenden del trato amargo del dueño.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Went for Dinner Club and was NOT disappointed. Paul has always done a wonderful job building amazing venues. This is just one more that tantalized the tastebuds in an eloquent atmosphere.Dinner was the Surf n Turf Special. Bacon wrapped filet mignon cooked to perfection, shrimp also done perfectly all served over a bed of pasta in a rich mushroom sauce.Couldn't ask for better and if you're looking for a beautiful place to eat an amazing dinner, then the Renaissance will not disappoint you either.

Outstanding meal and fantastic services. Highly recommend

(Translated by Google) Lunch in an old church, atypical setting(Original)Déjeuner dans une ancienne église, cadre atypique

I have been to the University Tavern 3 times and had 3 different meals and every one was absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend this patio, it is such a great place to sit and hang out with friends or family or your children. The waiters are extremely friendly and provide great service. Prices for the meals and appetizers are great. I will definitely frequent this place a lot and introduce many people to this great establishment.

Lovely tavern with a great atmosphere. Staff were incredibly friendly and the food/beverages were fantastic. Highly recommended!

Excellent food, drinks, atmosphere and hospitality!

Awesome Sunday brunch, Tuesday 1/2 price wings. Service and atmosphere is great.