s in most neighbourhoods on the cusp, original residents and scenesters rarely meet. You won't find an old-timer inside a shiny new bar and you won't find a hipster in a neighbourhood joint. At first glance, Supermarket looks like yet another Kensington Market spot aimed at the effortlessly entertained crowd. It could easily be lumped in among the Embassy, The Last Temptation, La Palette and other character bars inhabited by rancorous art-student types and sedate locals out to off those who done 'em wrong.

Once known for its broken furniture, sticky floor, and pool tables, 268 Augusta is now home to one of the best bar relocations in recent history. Supermarket came to this address when the owners of the much-loved Lava lost that location to unstoppable condo development. Now that the bar has moved three blocks up the street, it seems to have a new lease on life. Same staff, same regulars, only now there's more room and, thank god, food. There are also three diversely appealing areas: a glassed-in front lounge area, a main drinking and dining area (with the familiar banquettes from Lava); and, as the final crowning touch, out front a patio awaits that - when that time rolls around - holds the promise of sidewalk parties galore.

Supermarket boasts a solid menu. Thai basil chicken ($8.50) with chillies & julienned vegetables tossed with a sweet soy sauce; Crispy fillet of sole pieces ($10.95) wok-fried with a sweet & sour jalepino sauce; The Grilled steak satay ($9.95) arrives wrapped in rice paper with green papaya, Thai basil, peanuts and pickled lotus served with a sweet jalapeño lemongrass dip; The Panko encrusted salmon cakes ($11.95) are served with a roasted chipolte bell pepper sauce served with Asian coleslaw with a ginger sesame dressing; and the Braised oxtail & veal shank ($9.95) comes with lemongrass topped with Thai basil.

Supermarket is something fun for the locals, the Lava regulars and, hopefully, a fresh new crowd. When viewed through that lens, Supermarket plays like a fine Kensington shed of dipsomania, or a variation on a theme worked over in Embassy: a sweet cafe-bar that has been instantly adopted by the ‘hood. Supermarket, may not have groceries, but it does have dance-crash, grab, bash, and sweat. Expect left-of-centre DJs and a scarves and t-shirt crowd. -D.E.