Dear Toast on Market

Now I'm just reminded of my favorite Yogi Berra quote, "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."

[Robin Garr]

Now I'm just reminded of my favorite Yogi Berra quote, "Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."

Just chiming in for the record, I've enjoyed Toast on Market - both of them, really - since the beginning. I would probably pick it slightly ahead of Wild Eggs and a little farther ahead of Lynn's, in terms of my own personal enjoyment.

Their seating policy, I think, is based on a couple of years of experience at being slammed. I can see how it could feel frustrating when you're caught by it, although as someone said above, it's a nice neighborhood to stroll and gallery hop while you wait for your friends.

But writing off a good place because their seating policy offended you? You do what you've got to do, but for me, I'd hope to be a little more forgiving.

Nobody has mentioned North End Cafe. They take reservations on opentable and can handle a large group ON TIME. I 've never been anything but 100% satisfied with the food and service.

I have never eaten at Toast, but seems to me like the thing to do to get a table is request one for however many have showed up and then say "Oh! some friends would like to join us, can we pull these tables together?" LOL Just joking!

[Robin Garr]

Nobody has mentioned North End Cafe. They take reservations on opentable and can handle a large group ON TIME. I 've never been anything but 100% satisfied with the food and service.

I'm a big fan of North End, and yes, it's a great breakfast spot. I guess I don't always mention it in these conversations because I think of it as being much more than just breakfast. I know Lynn's, Wild Eggs and Toast all do lunch, but I tend to categorize them mainly for breakfast/brunchy stuff.

Good point, though. Now you've got me thinking about North End's migas ...

North End is awesome. Just had some killer pancakes with peach compote and almond crumble and their unique and awesome biscuits and gravy on Sat.

My only problem with a thread like this is people complaining about a place being busy. You cant expect an establishment to apologize for being popular! Of course one would hope that the place would learn to handle said crowds.... But, if the worst thing about your experience is that you had to wait for a table, I'd say you came out okay.
Not directed at anyone, just sayin.
It always hurts me when someone walks into our restaurant without reservations, and then gets mad and leaves because there is a wait. I'm sorry. We would love to serve you. You'll just have to wait your turn.

My only problem with a thread like this is people complaining about a place being busy. You cant expect an establishment to apologize for being popular! Of course one would hope that the place would learn to handle said crowds.... But, if the worst thing about your experience is that you had to wait for a table, I'd say you came out okay.
Not directed at anyone, just sayin.
It always hurts me when someone walks into our restaurant without reservations, and then gets mad and leaves because there is a wait. I'm sorry. We would love to serve you. You'll just have to wait your turn.

Could not of said it better, right on the money..

Also mentioned on this thread is not being able to seat unless your party or at least half your party is present.
Please understand a lot of restaurants will have guests come in at say 5:00 p.m. to want to hold a table for a large group for sometimes a couple of hours just to get the perfect table or make sure they are in a certain location.
While we understand their desires, patrons need to understand that revenue will be lost, wait times will be increased and server gratuity will be affected by "holding" tables.
This is common on the river, and yes we do have a policy also.

With all due respect, it was not a wait until half my party had arrived, it was no seating until ALL my party arrived. Two tables had to be pushed together to create a 5 top or a 6 top, so it would not have made any difference. The place was not busy this morning (I arrived at 7:45 a.m.) and tables were still vacant when we left. I did not mention the host's attitude or flippant remarks when I objected to this policy which I had never encountered before in many times I'd eaten there.

This was not a casual breakfast, it was a Board Mtg of business owners. We get in, eat and go thru our agenda, tip well and get out. We do this monthly. We normally meet at Wild Eggs and we're there so often they recognize us when we come in for a breakfast meeting. With as slammed as W.E. always is, there has never been an objection to one of the officers arriving early to snag a table until the other officers get there.

It was just a striking difference in host attitude and customer service between two establishments with a primary focus on breakfast and what I would assume to be a similar target demographic.

And I'm done now. This thread can just go wherever threads go to fade out.

We've also noticed a difference in attitude between the 2 establishments. As you mention NE is always very accommodating and willing to work with the customers to make them happy. Toast on the other hand seems a lot more regimented in its attitudes and less willing to be flexible to accommodate the customers. I've seen this not only apply to seating but also to to changing menu items to meet customers'dietary restrictions or preferences.

Save all of yourselves a headache and head to Meridian for Breakfast!
It is probably not as decorative, and novel as TonM and Wild eggs, but the food is delish!

You can get a group in without a hassle, and the staff is refreshed and eager to serve!

www.themeridiancafe.com

Enjoy!

[Robin Garr]

Save all of yourselves a headache and head to Meridian for Breakfast!
It is probably not as decorative, and novel as TonM and Wild eggs, but the food is delish!

You can get a group in without a hassle, and the staff is refreshed and eager to serve!

http://www.themeridiancafe.com

Enjoy!

I can testify! The pastrami hash! The breakfast wrap! Madi's Bagel Sandwich! And oooo! Oooo! Lior's Lox Plate! When's breakfast?

http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/lets- ... idian-cafe

Heather, I thought you did a post that Meridian was not longer doing breakfast for walk-ins except on Saturdays.

Beginning Monday, March 30, Meridian Café will be reserved for private groups for breakfast from 8-10 a.m. ...
by Robin Garr
Fri Mar 27, 2009 10:11 am

Forum: Louisville Restaurants Forum
Topic: Meridian to serve breakfast groups before 10 a.m.
Replies: 3
Views: 294

Heather, I thought you did a post that Meridian was not longer doing breakfast for walk-ins except on Saturdays. When was this policy changed?

Gayle,
That was posted last year, and it was for large private groups from 8-10 am, we are open from 10-3pm mon- fri
8am-3pm on Sat. for everyone!

Sorry about the confusion.

H

Okay Heather, let me get this straight, you don't open to the public until 10 o'clock, Monday through Friday, right?