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Tobys Pub
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am - 12 am
Thu-Sat 11 am - 1 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
31 reviews for Tobys Pub
Review Highlights
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"...there is a great pool table upstairs, and tons of seating." In 3 reviews -
"The ambiance is great, though, for a sports bar." In 7 reviews -
"...weekly events such as karaoke, margarita nights and live..." In 3 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Mandy N.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2012
Been here for my birthday and my bf's birthday. I have to say it's a great place to hang out and grab some drinks.
But I have to say this place is pretty sketchy. You meet a lot of very interesting people there. The servers there are pretty friendly. But I assume they recently hired a few new people. They aren't as quick.
They have a pool table upstairs for a bit of entertainment. On certain days of the week there's like bands that play there. On wed I believe it's karaoke night. -
Review from Kevin G.
Vancouver, BC
5/5/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Because around our neighborhood this is one of our favorite pubs.
Typical Sports bar in an Irish Pub flair.
Every day a special, Sport events on the screens, especially UFC and Ice Hockey.
The food is good and not too expensive. My favorite is the pulled pork sandwich. Yummy.
The 2 Levels are very comfy and we really love to hang around here.
Thursdays to Saturdays you have live music from 9:30pm. Than it could be louder in here but often the Bands are very good. -
Review from Talia V.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012
So finally reviewing Toby's, it seems like a waste of brainpower and typing but regardless I'll do it, perhaps so you don't have to. :)
We went for a friend's birthday party on Saturday night and despite the lackluster food and uninspired surroundings we had a great time. We started with Caesars ordered directly from the bar and let me tell you that was our high point. Luckily for us we know regardless of where Axle M. is dolling out Caesars they're going to be good. Ours came out with just enough spice, a proper garnish, I mean these Caesars were great, so good they fooled us into thinking we would want to eat there too... it was all downhill from there.
We shared a Spinach Salad and the Tropical Chicken Wrap. You know when you're really hungry and pound half of your plate before your taste buds can react? Well that's exactly what happened here, we dived right in and once we surfaced we realized that nothing tasted like anything. The food was just blehhhh.... what a disappointment after such solid Caesars.
Honestly we both left that place wondering how it survives on the Drive. It's got little personality and even less flavor in the food.
Won't be back unless another friend drags me, I mean invites me their for their bday. :P -
Review from Polly C.
Vancouver, BC
4/4/2012
Came here with a friend on a Wednesday night because it had karaoke night. But karaoke begins at 8pm, not right away...wasn't able to stay til 8pm. Anyway, we sat upstairs in the comfy booths.
My friend ordered a steak while I ordered an ahi tuna burger with fries. We both order hot buffalo chicken wings which were really good. The fries were good. My friend said that the steak was alright and I thought the ahi tuna wasn't bad for a pub style (although I still prefer the ahi tuna from Joey's and Sidecut from Whistler).
I'd definitely come again to see what karaoke night is and wanna bring the bf here for him to try out the wings. -
Review from Stu C.
3/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
For me, Tobys pub is a refreshing find in a sea of overpriced, trying-to-be-more-than-they-really-are pubs in the Commercial Drive area. Tobys is welcoming and clean, making this a pub that should be visited if you're looking to wet your whistle in the Commercial Drive area.
I've gone to Tobys many times in the last 5 years for birthdays, weekend or weekday socializing with friends, and holiday parties. At both lunch and dinner, the quality has been the same and almost always doesn't disappoint. Tobys takes itself and presents itself as it is, a neighbourhood pub. There's no gimmicks or over-the-top ploys to get patrons to come in. It's a pub, simple and true.
When you go to Tobys, you shouldn't expect a five star gourmet meal, but you can expect above average pub fair. The menu consists of everything from standard pub fair such as beef burgers and fries, all the way to lamb burgers and Thai chicken salads. Most entrees will run about from about $10-15. However, keep in mind if you want to add meat to a salad or pasta that doesn't normally have any, it will cost you about $5 more to add it.
From everything I've tasted over the years (which is almost everything) I can say that everything tastes pretty good. There are definitely some things that stand out more than others (i.e. the Tropical Chicken Wrap and Beef Dip), but it's almost certain you won't have something that you hate. One thing I particularly enjoy is their seasoned fries which are crisp and not overly salty.
Every time I've gone to Tobys, the atmosphere has been busy, but not over-crowed. It may be a Saturday at noon, Wednesday's night during a Canucks game or Friday at dinner time and Tobys always has several tables filled (if not all of them), but isn't over the top noisy or uncomfortable.
Tobys has a full bar and decent selection of beers for a small-moderate sized pub (about 10 beers on tap). The cheapest beer Tobys offer is the house signature lager for $5.25 a sleeve. This is my biggest sticking point with Tobys. $5.25 for a sleeve, not pint, of their house beer is simply ok, not great. Meanwhile, Tobys highballs are about $5, with doubles being $7.50. Compared to the cost of drinks at other places in the area, this is a pretty good deal.
The staff have always been nice at Tobys; however, they can be a little less attentive when the place becomes busy during events such as hockey games. I wouldn't call this a deal-breaker, preventing me from going to Tobys if I am in the neighbourhood. On the note of sports events, there are plenty of tvs all over Tobys, so no matter where you sit, you'll be able to get a good view of the game or event if you go.
Overall, Tobys is a great little neighborhood pub that has above average pub food with ok drink prices in an area that is typically overburdened with overpriced watering holes trying to prove something to someone. Take the time and check Tobys out if you're in the area, I know I'll be going back again. Cheers! -
Review from Gina I.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ya know, I like this pub.
I came here for a friends birthday and it was pretty damn okay. I didn't eat, but I had a few drinks and they were good. The whisky sour was a little too sweet, but otherwise the drinks were done right.
The service was really good. And we had about 20 people in our party. All in all, a pub I would return to. No pretentiousness here. -
Review from geoff a.
2/13/2012 19 Check-ins Here
*My rating goes to the beer store*
- I'd actually give 4 stars, but the pub leaves a lot to be desired
I love my neighbourhood cold beer and wine.
I'm mostly a beer fan, and really appreciate their effort to stock the fridges with a decent revolving selection of local craft beer. They always have a favourite on hand, and I can always look forward to trying something new.
The staff is super friendly and spins great records.
I guess just to include my critique of the pub...
It's really not my crowd, too many TVs, not a sports fan, and I've never been drawn in by the live music.
But on a positive note, the chicken wings are decent, and have satiated my friends' and mine craving on the odd desperate night. -
Review from Jhuri L.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2012 6 Check-ins Here
This has been one of my regular hangouts in the last few years and this place has never disappointed me.
I've gone during their lunch hour and they have a good lunch selection. They are always changing things up. I have yet to have had something that isn't good. Their fries are seasoned and it's SO YUMMY!
I've also gone during their evenings and the atmosphere is just as nice. The drinks are really good and they have a good selection of drinks - from beer to fruity fun to hard alcohol.
The staff is always nice and always there when you need them without being pushy. Having gone a while now, they know me by name and they also remember how I like things, which is very nice!
The prices for both food and drinks is a steal!
They have TVs and always have the games on. Hockey is my thing and they have TVs everywhere for everyone to enjoy without having to strain your neck.
The food is good, the atmosphere is casual and friendly and the drinks are good - what more can you ask for?
It's worth a try if you haven't been!! -
Review from Johnson C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 11/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Bumping this place to 5-stars due to my recent visit for a celebration. As mentioned before, it's probably the closest thing to a neighbourhood bar for me.
We grabbed a table upstairs by the bar as it was a 'shots-are-mandatory'/'drinks-on-the-house' type of night. Unfortunately, the upstairs bar isn't completely stocked and lacks 151 and Guiness (I have yet to convince my friends that this is not a fine stout). However, the bartender was cool enough to run downstairs to grab whatever we needed for the next round.
Barkeep had the presence of mind to come find me mid-pool game when last call was coming up. I was told the time for last call... and then was told when *I* could stop buying. In my stupor, I forgot anyways and stumbled to the bar for the last one before I closed the tab and hit the dusty trail.
Without hesitation, I was served and it was on the house. I'm a borderline alcoholic and I frequent a lot of bars. I'm a generous tipper and I'm a friendly drunk that doesn't cause trouble. But this was the *first* time in Vancouver that a bartender has given me any type of a buy-back. I thought this only happened on the east coast.
Oh Toby - I glad we're finally taking the next big step in our relationship.Listed in: A Compendium of Fine…, "You're the best! Around!", East Van Life
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2009
A good neighbourhood pub on Commercial strip - the closest thing I have to a neighbourhood bar. No… Read more »
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Review from Bev H.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2011
Sad that I have lived in this neighbourhood for over 2 years, and only very recently ventured in Toby's! Good place, quickly became one of my fav commercial drive pubs.
The food is alright , your standard pub fare~decently priced but fairly ordinary. But there is a great pool table upstairs, and tons of seating. Downstairs there is a patio, good drink specials, and one saturday night there was a band cranking out great music.
Three visits now, and enjoying this place alot. -
Review from Amanda L.
After me and my friend both had a very stressful day we decided some 151 was in order. Knowing not all places sell 151 the hunt was on.
We found ourselves at Toby's...being at a bar in the middle of a hockey game did nothing to improve my mood but I soon forgot ALL about my day of drama and the hockey game taking place on the televisions all around the bar.
We found a table upstairs and wasted no time ordering our first glass of ridiculously alcoholic-y goodness, and then another, by then we were both feeling pretty good about ourselves and decided to move on to cocktails. I don't remember what was in the black cat but it was fruity and fizzy and it really hit the spot. The waitress was always there right when we needed it ready to refill our glasses but didn't give us a pushy vibe at all!
Then in true "drunk bitches" fashion we decided we NEEDED nachos but Toby's just wasn't the place for it, so we asked for out bill and were both shocked when the waitress set our receipts down in front of us. SO CHEAP, after checking our bills 3 or 4 times in total disbelief that our bill was not even $20 each we happily paid and were on our way!
I will be back for sure and am so thankful to have found a bar on my way home from work that serves up alcohol the I love it...hard and cheap!
As a bonus, Toby's has some pretty amazing murals painted on the walls upstairs.Listed in: All Stars!
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/21/2011
Well THAT was a disappointment. Am I getting fussier with age? I seem to be let down a lot more than I used to, but really, I'm not asking for much. I just wanted to watch hockey last night with the wife. Our tv crapped out on us so we headed down the street to Toby's for some dinner and the game... They really haven't done anything to better that place since they reno'd and revamped it a few years back. You can't honestly put a butt load of money into a place and then stop the up-keep for good. I think they need to pep up their staff and maybe add a few more tvs. The seating plan could also be rearranged... Do I sound like a crotchety old pain-in-butt here? Maybe, but the wife agrees...
Food: My ahi tuna burger (an old favorite) was extremely over-cooked and dry. Not tasty. I wanted salad on the side but I got fries. A lot of fries... The squeeze ketchup bottle was almost empty and spattered the plate and table. I stole bites from wife's salad and that was at least delicious. Her sheppards pie looked like slop but she proclaimed it was very good.
I'm going to stick with St. Augustine's next time.Listed in: The LOST list
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/27/2010
If I hadn't moved downtown a year ago, this would still be the closest pub to my house. It worked… Read more »
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Review from Ted R.
Vancouver, BC
3/23/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I just stopped in briefly for a quick drink and found the bartender/server that I knew from ages ago when it was the Silvertone. I had a good conversation with her about the old Silvertone and who she knew and so on and so forth.
I'll go back for a drink or three! -
Review from Joshua N.
5/29/2011
The food is not fantastic, but it is ok. The ambiance is great, though, for a sports bar. There's a good mix of booths, tables, and high tables with stools, and if there's a band playing, you can stand by the railing on the upper level. There is also a pool table upstairs.
I like how everything is made of wood. It makes for a nice comfortable atmosphere. There is also an incredibly bizarre mural on one wall that is sure to provoke conversation if you're sitting on the upstairs level. There's a small patio, but I hope you don't mind smoke, because there will be people smoking right beside the patio on the sidewalk. -
Review from Mike M.
Edmonton, AB
7/11/2011
This place is a pretty straightforward sports bar. I can't see it being anyone's favourite place for a beer but that said, I can't see it being anyone's least favourite place for a beer. It is what it is. And what it is is a place to grab a beer on the drive when you don't have that much else to do.
The service is alright, the beer is fine and the prices are what you'd expect. I've been here a handful of times and gotten exactly what I anticipated.
That said, I'll probably be back here at some point but I'll never plan to be back here. This is one of those places you end up and it's a pretty good time but never something that really blows you away. I never plan to be here but when I do I am mostly content. -
Review from Tabatha Anne Y.
Richmond, BC
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think I've been here 3 times now, and each time has been good and on different days of the week, each time giving it a totally different vibe. I can safely say I like this place.
Last time I was here was for some after work drinks with Amanda L. and we had a lovely waitress and scored a great table on the top floor that overlooked the whole bar.
There was a game on, so it was pretty loud at times and hard to chat, but the atmosphere was good anyway.
Drink prices are a-ok. I got a decent drunk on for $20 before we decided their food menu was inadequate and headed out on a quest for nachos. Yeah, that's the only reason I wouldn't give 5 stars, their menu just didn't thrill me. Other than that, I really like Toby's. -
Review from Mike G.
Vancouver, BC
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wings are quite satisfactory on Wing Wednesday. Best Part: Rolling Rock on Tap. Worst Part: Karaoke!
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Review from Shawna S.
Vancouver, BC
12/3/2011
This place is just awesome, the service wonderful, and the food great. My partner and I went to try this place out and found it warm and welcoming the minute we walked in the door. I was lucky in that a couple were just leaving when I arrived so I ended up with a booth. We each ordered a beer and Blueberry Tea...cold outside so wanted something warm before we ordered food. The menu is extensive...sure it has the pub grub you can get anywhere however the food here is a cut above. Some interesting menu items are fried chicken and a steak dinner for cheap! After pouring over the menu for 15 minutes, I couldn't decide what to have, I wanted to try it all. We ended up sharing potato skins, honey garlic chicken wings, and the crab cakes. All the food was a top notch above what you would get elsewhere. The crab cakes were delish, chicken wings crunchy yet the sauce was ooey gooey good, and the potato skins were not your typical but a bit smaller and tastier! We were actually still hungry so we ordered another round of drinks then decided to try the ribs - yummy...I was partial on the fries, could take them or leave them...I am not a fry person.
Service was great...I didn't get our server's name but she was attentive and deserved the huge tip I gave her. This is my newest, favourite pub. WE will be back! -
Review from M C.
North Vancouver, BC
10/20/2011
I went out to this place for the last UFC - it was great. The crowd was totally into the fights and the energy was fantastic but not overwhelming or threatenting like some other places.
My friends and I got there a bit late and therefore had to stand at the back of the downstairs area. However, once we were noticed by the bartender the service was super and the basic nachoes, wings and yam fries were perfect to fit the event.
Even though there were no seats to be had the we had a great view of a few different TVs and had a blast. We will definitely head back there for UFC, hockey and other events in the future or just to hang. The band after also rocked - glad we stuck around!! -
Review from Emily C.
9/27/2009
This place gets 5 stars from me simply because of the wraps. I'm a HUGE wraps fan, and their shrimp wrap and chicken wraps are probably the best I've ever had.
Again, this is another place where it gets packed during hockey games but luckily it's pretty humongous in size. Especially the upstairs. It's shaped alot like Bimini's, with lots of tv screens to boot. The salads are awesome, burgers, basically everything on the menu. Can't go wrong! -
Review from Tim L.
Vancouver, BC
3/26/2009
Toby's is one of those places that I feel comfortable bringing just about anyone to. It has a pleasant, inviting atmosphere, ample seating, lots of TVs, pool, is easily accessible by transit and has oodles of eye candy.
As for the food, it's well-done pub-fare and would say their fries are probably top three in the entire city. Obviously home-made, just the right amount of spices, crunchy outside and soft inside. Brilliant with a beer of which there is a decent selection on tap.
Probably Toby's biggest asset is its waitresses. They are all, to a woman, beautiful ladies all in their own special way. Some are more talkative and others are less-so but it's all good. The cute little red-head is my personal fave, she always has something clever or genuinely funny to say. Her boyfriend is probably quite large. There is one exception though: the East Indian waitress with (usually) dyed blonde hair. I don't think I've ever seen her smile and, if you can get her attention, seems annoyed that you bothered her to order a drink. If I were you, I would do as I do and avoid her section at all costs.
All in all, it's probably the best sports bar on The Drive. Well, for those of us who aren't Italian or Portugese and/or love soccer. Thumbs up! -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
7/1/2009
I have to admit I am a fan of this place. I can't say I knew what this place looked like before it had renovations but it is a very modern pub especially for the commercial drive area. It certainly needed it!!!
Now back to the food. It's a pub. I don't expect the world. I don't expect a place that runs sports on the tv as a pub too concerned about things like plating. With that in mind, this place puts on a fantastic effort . I generally try to avoid eating in these establishments but sometimes a casual, fun pub-like atmosphere is called for.
I've had their burgers, fries, salads and lately their chicken quesdilla. All well seasoned and satisfying for a relatively inexpensive price.
The only downside to this place is their brunch. It's still listed on their website as an option on weekends but it really doesn't exist anymore. (That's why I ordered the quesdilla.) They do offer a choice of two omelettes if you are so inclined but that's not really much of a menu now is it?
If you are wanting a place to chill, play pool and hang out with friends over a pint or two. I highly recommend this place. Now if you prefer saving a little money and just buying some alcohol and heading to a house party they offer a convenient liquor store, too. -
Review from Roanna Z.
10/6/2009 3 photos
Wow.
I could just leave it at wow, but then you wouldn't hear about how amazingly large and surprising this place is, or how I was served by someone who actually understood so completely about my dietary limitations, and how patient she was about helping me pick out the right menu item. I picked a steak, and salad. I ordered Medium but sadly it arrived well cooked, which was not great but I ate it.
She offered to get them to do another, but it would have taken a while.
Unfortunately, I did learn somethings that were not great, like they use frozen french fries (like from McCain.) So, not gluten free, or that the hamburgers are also from frozen, (hence, many fillers, yuck.) There are very few choices for Celiac's on the menu.
BUT if you can eat everything -- you have GOT to come in here. There's a pool table upstairs, and so much seating, indoor and outdoors, and even a fireplace out front. I wonder really what this building use to be home to. It's historic. -
Review from Louise G.
4/7/2010
Very nicely done since the renos. We just stopped in here recently for coffee/drinks with friends as it was central to all of us and easy to find and I'm glad we did. I was very comfortable here. Like the fact that there is a full bar, with service, on both floors.
Will have to sample from the menu the next time we visit.Listed in: There and Back Again
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Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
10/26/2010
Toby's is a great neighborhood pub that outclasses the neighborhood (my hood, baby!) in a refreshing way. The pub has a classy British pub look that is warm inviting. I love that. The upstairs area I like best... it just seems brighter up there and is an interesting place for people watching (it overlooks the first floor). It's such a cool space and I'd like to be bringing my peeps there more. They have weekly events such as karaoke, margarita nights and live bands that I'm kicking myself for having missed. I can only report of the food (decent pub food) and atmosphere.
Summary: Mikey likes it! -
Review from Amanda W.
Vancouver, BC
8/5/2009
This pub is so much more than just a joint that's stumbling distance from my apartment (although that is the reason why I first stepped in!)
Toby's does not look like it belongs on the south side of commercial drive....the north maybe...but definitely not the south. It is a full-service two-story bar that attracts a good range of people all nights of the week.
Head there on the weekend for wicked cover bands or Thursday night for cheap rib night (the only night of the week you can actually order ribs). Oh...I forgot the most important part...the quesidila's and yam fries are AMAZING and that is saying a lot considering I eat them everywhere!
Service is good to top it all off....I have even managed to get a free drink or two off the bartender...and I wasn't even trying!
Last but not least....there are drink specials every night of the week :)
Rock on Toby's! -
Review from Megan S.
11/30/2008 1 photo
When I ride the skytrain to Commercial, 100% of the time I turn north and head up the Drive. Until one day I went south, and headed to Toby's Pub. I had never heard of the place, but I was meeting a friend.
Now, I'm wondering what else I'm missing by not exploring these blocks... Toby's is a very clean and spacious with 2 floors. It's your typical sports bars- lots of groups seem to gather here, and a few couples. I imagine that on a big game night, it might get loud in here. However, when I was there it was just on Sports Center, so the volume of the patrons was not overbearing. Upstairs you'll find lots of booths and a pool table. This is a really chill place to go, and I will definitely be there again. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
12/1/2008 1 photo
If nothing else, Toby's wins the award for best renovations. The addition of a second floor (and a second bar upstairs) combined with the elegant décor and plush seating make this sports bar the most comfortable and clean venue on Commercial Drive south of Broadway.
The food is typical finger food and burgers, and can sometimes take awhile if you're sitting upstairs and they forget about you, but the drinks prices are good and it's a nice place to relax. Good for private conversations with dates or for making tasteless jokes with your friends.
There's usually no live entertainment, but there is a cold beer and wine store located next door, in case you want to pre-drink before going to the bar by shot-gunning in the alley. -
Review from Shannon B.
Coquitlam, BC
2/21/2011
I've only ever been to Toby's Liquor Store to buy a six pack of PBR once the BC Liquor Store on Commercial has already closed, but I like it :)
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Review from John L.
Vancouver, BC
5/8/2011
Great service. Great atmosphere. The food was typical pub fare. I would come here again!
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Review from Chelsea R.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011
Went here for a birthday party on a Wednesday night (if you hate Karaoke, avoid this place on Wednesdays). The space itself is pretty cool, it has a covered balcony and an upstairs area with pool tables etc. The first thing I noticed was the service or should I say lack thereof. Call me crazy but when a server first approaches a table shouldn't they offer to take a drink order from EVERYONE at the table? In this case, our server only asked 2 of the 6 people at the table if they wanted a drink. The server came back to the table, dropped the 2 drinks off and left again without asking the rest of us. From this moment on, the service just got worse and worse, I literally felt like I had to beg for drinks, beg to have my food order taken, beg to have my finished plate cleared...well, you get the picture. I don't expect 5* service at a pub but I do expect some of basic fundamentals.
I ordered the Spinach and Cheese Tortellini with Pesto Sauce. The pasta was overcooked, it was drowning in sauce so it was way oily and they sprinkled parmesan cheese over the top, which I don't mind cuz I like parmesan cheese, but this stuff was the bulk shredded kind you buy at the grocery store that comes in the plastic tubs...do you know the kind I mean? Yeah, well, no amount of cheese on the top helped this dish.
I won't be back, there are too many other sports pubs in the city to choose from and unfortunately, Tobys Pub left a bad taste in my mouth and it wasn't just the food.
