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.
Comments for "The Old Toad: Olde England on Alexander" (4)
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Stefano said on Mar. 31, 2007 at 10:08pm
What a beautiful writing. She got the point, the essence and the integrity of the place. I lived in England for a few years and I really enjoyed to see that the writer got the essence of a good pub atmosphire. Good food and drinks with great integrity, friendship and social interaction and the shelter of a cozy and homey place. What could be better than that, mate?
Sure.
I just read this:
"There are two major groups of human needs: basic needs and meta needs.
Basic needs are physiological, such as food, water, and sleep; and psychological, such as affection, security, and self-esteem. These basic needs are also called deficiency needs because if they are not met by an individual, then that person will strive to make up the deficiency".
It makes sense with what she wrote. Anyway, I would like also to say that the beer is great by any standard. I loved several of them, but for some reasons I really enjoyed Leffe the most. I think it remimded me of a nice place in Quebec City and one in France, even though I think that the beer is from Belgium.
Ciao
Jason Olshefsky said on Apr. 04, 2007 at 8:31pm
It's nice that you wrote about the Toad, and I agree with the opinions you've expressed, but I'm struck by the nuances of fact. First, isn't Alexander part of the East End? Or are you referring to East and Alexander -- much of which changes pretty frequently (i.e. former Tonic and Lawrence St., The Chocolate Bar, and 289 Alexander). I thought the East End was pretty well established with The Little, 2 Vine, Matthews, Spot Coffee, Stromboli Express, Salingers, etc. Second, I wouldn't say the Old Toad is "one of the only fixtures of the Alexander strip" -- I mean, of the 6 bars, Monty's Korner ("the" stalwart of the block), Mex, and The Blue Room have been there for years alongside the Old Toad. The Alexander Street Pub just recently moved/renamed to East Avenue, and the "former Lloyds" may never find a reliable occupant. Finally, what's up with "why do we have the inferior accents and expanding waistlines?" The Rochester accent notwithstanding, everyone I've asked has referred to the upstate New York/Middle-Atlantic accent as "neutral" or "no accent at all." And apparently you've failed to notice the pudgy Brits slinging drinks -- not obese (kinda cute,
Jack said on Apr. 05, 2007 at 4:05pm
Jason --- Blue Room is closed. ;)
Jason Olshefsky said on Apr. 22, 2007 at 7:54am
Jack: I didn't have a chance to check until last night, but the Blue Room is open. (And -- for completeness sake -- the old Alexander Street Pub is called Vinyl.)
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