BAR RŌNIN
A modern Japanese izakaya offering inventive fusion dishes, craft cocktails, and a cool, stylish vibe with graffiti art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
BAR RŌNIN
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Japanese izakaya offering inventive fusion dishes, craft cocktails, and a cool, stylish vibe with graffiti art.
"Outstanding place to eat, definitely gives you big city vibes with awesome atmosphere."
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is popular and can get busy.
Try Popular Menu Items
Don't miss the spicy tuna, wild salmon, or the recommended sticky rice to complement dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Fusion
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imperial Shortribs & Wagyu Steak
Fork-tender Imperial Shortribs and melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu steak served on a hot stone.
Craft Cocktails & Cool Vibe
Enjoy inventive craft cocktails in a sleek, Japanese-inspired setting with graffiti art.
Creative Japanese Fusion
Unique dishes that satisfy even without traditional sushi, showcasing creative flavors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is popular and can get busy.
Try Popular Menu Items
Don't miss the spicy tuna, wild salmon, or the recommended sticky rice to complement dishes.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekdays offer a more relaxed dining atmosphere compared to the weekend rush.
Ask About Sides
A server might suggest adding sticky rice to dishes like the imperial beef short rib for a complete meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is popular and can get busy.
Try Popular Menu Items
Don't miss the spicy tuna, wild salmon, or the recommended sticky rice to complement dishes.
Consider Weekday Visits
Weekdays offer a more relaxed dining atmosphere compared to the weekend rush.
Ask About Sides
A server might suggest adding sticky rice to dishes like the imperial beef short rib for a complete meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
BAR RÔNIN is celebrated for its inventive Japanese fusion cuisine, particularly the succulent Imperial Shortribs and exquisite Wagyu steak. Diners also rave about the cool vibe, stylish decor, and expertly crafted cocktails. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some reviews mention confusion regarding vegan options or occasional service inconsistencies, though management often addresses these issues.
"Went to Bar Rōnin for a delicious birthday dinner after hearing my nieces rave about it.
My friend had mentioned the purpose of our dinner when she made the reservations. Every employee I had contact with wished me a happy birthday, including our server, Nate, who was a superlative and knowledgeable host.
We started with the beautiful and lightly charred Shishito peppers. Yum! My Imperial Shortribs were fork tender and simply delicious, as were the accompanying blistered peppers and sweet potatoes. My friend thoroughly enjoyed her Cold-water Salmon. We topped the evening off with the to-die-for Yuzo Panacotta."
Michele Rundquist-Franz
"We wanted to experience something different and new during our first trip to Erie, and bar Rōnin delivered! It was a magical dinner that we will remember always. The food and the service were 10/10. We will definitely make more trips to return! Thank you for the birthday wishes and to our server who was on top of everything with a smile on his face! The cocktails looked so fun, I look forward to trying one when I’m no longer pregnant. My husband and I shared fried chicken karaage, imperial beef short rib w/japanese sticky rice, the AMAZING wagyu steak on a plate, the Lucy burger, chicken salt pomme frites, and cherry blossom panna cotta. Truly mind blowing, great flavors, great texture and execution. I can’t praise this place enough. :)"
Courtney Frase
"The food here was really fresh with a nice profile of flavors per dish! My husband and I sat at the bar area in front of the kitchen where the chefs were cooking. We thought the atmosphere was really nice and it was cool to see a bit of the behind the scenes action as they cooked!
Can get real pricey if you want to splurge and enjoy yourself, but the menu itself has a lot of affordable options."
Courtney Dukhovenko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Imperial Shortribs and Wagyu steak are highly recommended. Diners also love the Karaage and creative noodle dishes.
Yes, the stylish atmosphere, craft cocktails, and shareable plates make it an excellent choice for a date night.
It's recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends.
The menu has some options, but there have been instances where vegan diners experienced confusion. It's best to clarify with your server.
While there are affordable options, dining here can become pricey if you choose to splurge on items like Wagyu steak.
Specific gluten-free information is not widely available, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about accommodations.
The restaurant offers a cool vibe with a sleek, Japanese-inspired interior, often described as having 'big city vibes'.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Erie Visitors Guide
Bar Ronin: With influences from Japan, the inviting kitchens of Australia, and the casual elegance of Southern California, Bar Ronin offers a melting pot of flavors in one unforgettable dining experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant scene that merges the best of world hospitality, where each dish and drink tells a story of cultural fusion and flavorful innovation. Discover the eclectic charm and approachable elegance of this dining destination, where every visit provides a journey of delicious surprises!
Indian-Nepali, Mexican, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern
On top of that, we've recently welcomed a new Vietnamese restaurant (Saigon Nights, 2430 W. Eighth St.) and the 2021-born Japanese Bar Ronin in West Erie Plaza. Kirin Court, 5624 Peach St., opened in December. And we have at least two locations to find Shawarma, a Middle Eastern street food made with roasted, shaved and seasoned meat, serving from inside the Flagship City Food Hall as well as from a restaurant in the former Lucchetti's at 1042 W.
Guide to the Best Wineries to Visit in Lake Erie in 2025
Bar Ronin is a contemporary Japanese Izakaya or informal Japanese bar that serves shareable plates and craft cocktails. Its sleek, Japanese-inspired interior is visually pleasing and adds to the restaurant’s cool vibe. It is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
36 Fun Things to Do Around Erie, PA Without Screens – Grace Blog
Bar Ronin – This intimate Japanese-style izakaya serves incredible ramen, small plates, and craft cocktails. It is perfect for a night of conversation and culinary adventure.
Gannon University | Feel-good food: 5 places you don't want to miss
Bar Ronin: This Japanese-fusion restaurant has tons of options and includes desserts fresh from Icing on the Lake next door (Try the Matcha Cream Puffs!)
Reddit - Dive into anything
For this year, Lucero and Bar Ronin are thoughts, how are they?. But I'm also wondering if I'm missing some solid gems close by outside the city?
Highest-rated Restaurants in Erie by Diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (57 reviews)- Address: 948 West Erie Plaza Drive Erie, Pennsylvania - Categories: Japanese- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit