I was asking around the other day, "Where's the place to be?" --- thinking the answer would be something located in the ever-changing East End. Instead, the 20something crowd said, "You gotta go to the Toad." The Old Toad, that is.

The very cozy pub, located at 277 Alexander Street, is one of the only fixtures of the Alexander strip --- and for good reason. The slogan, "a pub from over there, over here," describes what you'll find at the Toad, a British-styled bar with all the trimmings. Englishman David Wickett and his American partner, John Roman, founded The Old Toad in 1990. They've sought out British university students to work at the pub, to gain not only industry experience, but also a taste of living in Rochester and the United States.

Your beer will be served with an accent, an accent so adorable that you'll melt on your stool. Is that fair --- why do we have the inferior accents and expanding waistlines? My server, Matt, said the beer I selected was "absolutely gorgeous, mate." And I nodded my head in agreement before I even tasted the deliciously cold apple-infused Éphémère that I washed down with some fish and chips. The menu is pretty expansive, ranging from traditional British pub fare to chicken tenders and onion rings.

Be adventurous and try one of the many beers -- ask the very knowledgeable staff for a good choice. Some of the brews on tap include English Pale Ale, The Old Toad Nut Brown Ale, Strongbow Cider, Double Chocolate Stout, Old Speckled Hen, Green King IPA, Belhaven, Guinness, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Heineken.

The best part about the Toad is the atmosphere. There are so many lounge areas and nooks to hideaway in with friends, you'll truly feel like you're across the pond. And on the weekends, the place gets packed to the brim with the young and hip and old alike. The bar also hosts events during the week. Monday is trivia night (starts at 9:30 p.m.), Sunday is Toad Jeopardy night (starts at 9 p.m.). The Toad is a must on St. Patrick's Day; be sure to make an appearance.

And last but not least, you should definitely reserve your spot now for the New York State beer and cheese pairing Tuesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. Try seven high-end cheeses from around the state, paired with seven fantastic New York beers. Tickets are $17.50 and reservations are required. Friends, beer, cheese and a quaint pub. What could be better than that, mate?

 For photos from The Old Toad, check out our Nightlife Photo Album.