new ownership, new menu, same atmosphere. i was looking for a place to eat with my mom on a weekday afternoon. i wasn't really feeling breakfast at robert's roost that day, so we left to find a place with more lunch-type food.
we decided to go back to try circa celeste since it was nearby, but it wasn't open. shillings is next door, but this time it said "toad hall", and it was open this early? we had to check it out.
apparently shillings was bought out by new owners and now it's called "toad hall". monday-friday they offer brunch (breakfast type food), but you can also order from their regular menu. the menu is different - no irish food - but a variety of comfort/pub food instead. their prices seem to have gone down a little, as well. right away we knew what we wanted: tater-tot pie. i had some coffee and my mom ordered the bruschetta appetizer. the coffee was surprisingly good considering the venue, but the bruschetta was a little too strong for us (very thick vinegar base). soon after came our tater-tot pies which were sooo so good. crispy tater-tots, plenty of cheese, sitting on top of some exceptional chili, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream. it warms you to the core. i loved it!
the service was friendly, the food was good, and i can't wait to come back and try some of the great and unusual beers they have on tap. they have way more variety than anywhere else i've seen downtown.
-----29 jul, 2010-----
yum!. my mom and i were desperately looking for a place that was open to eat on a sunday afternoon (around 3pm) on the day of the world cup, and we were finding nothing. i found this place online somewhere and called to make sure they were open - yep! the kitchen is open until 9pm.
the bar is tiny, has long been non-smoking, dimly lit, save the front window, low-lit lamps over the few booths, and a few tvs. i had the pub burger, mashed potatoes, and a hoppsy beer the bartender picked out for me. my mom had a cider and the 1/2 irish breakfast. very good! our server was an adorable and enthusiastic girl. we decided to indulge and got dessert as well - a slice of berry cheesecake and a slice of banana/chocolate cheesecake - the owner's wife makes them herself. they were absolutely delicious!
it came to ~$42 with tip. pricey, but we had a great time :)