Toad's
Categories: Pubs, Burgers, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Mission1499 Valencia St
(between 25th St & 26th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 648-8623
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Fri 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sat 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Wed, Thu, Fri
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
72 reviews
Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
"On the menu it reads: "Good Drinks, Good Food, Good Sports, Good Times." And that's what you'll get. Excellent (and clean, and well-lighted)…" read more »
43 Reviews for Toad's
I wish this place were good... I live so frickin close! They try... but that only gets you points in grade school.
just received a flyer from toad's...and now they're serving brunch on saturdays and sundays! holla!
loving you, toad's.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
06/11/2008
this toad is the prince you've been yearning for...
too many trendy restaurants and bars and lounges… Read more »
Do not go to Toad's for fancy food, a "scene," or an awe-inspiring beer and wine list.
DO go to Toad's for friendly service, a family-friendly atmosphere, art as decor, veggie food options, a great happy hour, and good prices.
If you live in the Mission, you owe this place a visit, it has a nice neighborhood vibe. Check out Happy Hour specials from, I think, 4-7 (call to check). They show sports on a couple of TVs and there's a small bar as well as the dining seating. Local artists hang on the walls.
Families: There is room for strollers, highchairs are available as well as a few books for kids. No changing table in the family-size one-person restroom (i.e. if your kid is potty trained there's plenty of room for both of you in there if needed). I think they have crayons, too.
Veggies: I believe they offer both a vegan and a vegetarian burger (definitely at least one) plus the chili is veg. The nachos are great, especially half off during happy hour! I've never had bad food here and they're veg friendly with explanations, requests, etc.
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"Hi Toad's!" ::wave out my window::
So on my first night back in the Mission, I went to Toad's because I smelled bad from moving many boxes.
On my second night back in the Mission, I went to Toad's because it was so perfect the first night.
I have eaten three times at Toad's, and all three times my expectations have been exceeded. This is simple, fresh, tasty food, with plenty of options for vegetarians and wanna-bes alike.
My partner in crime the first night asked for a half-pint, and it was provided. My partner in crime the second night wanted a baseball game, and it was provided.
I want Toad's to stay open so please go there. I know, it's the /wrong/ direction in the Mission and it's next to a funeral home, but you won't have to wait in line! And it will hit the spot.
Nice spot down Valencia off the main section. I went here primarily to get a burger and b/c I actually had the Element and got rock star parking.
Well the place kinda felt sports bar since people were watching the NBA playoffs but I didn't let that turn me off. The server was a bit overwhelmed since I guess all four groups must have all sat down at the same time.
Anyhow, I'm more about the food so I got my burger and onion rings.
The burgers here are pretty good as are the rings. Cooked pretty well and everything tasted pretty fresh - definitely a good solid burger option!
i saw this little place recently and last night decided to check it out. it was pretty empty, and our server was very attentive. it's nothing fancy, just a cute little food and beer place, but i love those types of places. i had the grilled cheese and curly fries and also got to try the nachos. all were good, except the grilled cheese was a bit dry, but still on sourdough, which was good. the prices were pretty reasonable and it was a relaxing place to eat. next time i want to try the gardenburger.
I really love Jay's cheesesteaks for the veggie burgers, but Toad's does the veggie boca burgers soooo much better then Jay's! It is cheaper then Jay's too. They have happy hour deals like $3 buffalo chicken wings, onion rings, fried mushrooms or nachos. The beers are good too. This is the SF grand-dame pub of greasy, yummy veggie food and beer! Try the curly fries and the onion rings w/ buttermilk ranch dipping sauce! My dining partner said the cob style beef burger with avocado, blue cheese and bacon might be the best burger he has ever tried.
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One shiny start for this joint. A true low point of San Francisco dining. The highlights:
- one server assigned to the entire restaurant resulting in epic gaps of basic service
- nachos that appear they were created by someone who has never had Mexican food
- three words: luke warm burgers
- an orange placed creatively in my hefeweizen because, well, they were out of lemons
- waiting 15 minutes for a check with a price tag not commensurate with the quality of the food or the level of service
Any one of these things would have just been a bad night. All of them together spell trouble for Toad's. There are many other good burger places in the City for a better price.
Toads has good burgers and happy hour deals, fresh salads and friendly attentive service. The atmosphere is pretty basic, but the windows and light are a plus.
I definitely like the Toads burgers better than Big Mouth. Next time i'm craving meaty goodness I will go here first.
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Me and a co-worker wanted burgers and beer after work one day, and we wanted OUT of the Financial District to take part. I logged onto Yelp and read some reviews for places near my house and found Toad's.
As a vegetarian, I wanted a veggie burger of sorts. We both wanted beers. We both wanted it to be cheap. We wanted a dive bar that served greasy awesome bar food.
We got MOST of that. Toad's had AWESOME food. It was great! The curly fries were addicting. The Toad's Ale was great (BETTER than Sierra). The staff was curteous; food quick (although we were the ONLY people there....); beer cheap.
The downside? It wasn't a dive AT ALL. It was more like a friendly neighborhood grill that served beer. We were there on a Wednesday night and saw a sign outside mentioning Accoustic Swing, and we were there when it started....and there was all of 4 people in attendance.
I don't know if it's their location or the fact that I've never seen them advertised anywhere, but it was DEAD. DEAD. DEAD.
It's a shame as it has potential.
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Dropping a fiver on Toads not just because I know the owners, but the burgers are solid and the community vibe is present. Sounds like things are on the move there and good changes are a coming to make this even more of a community place.
A bit Woohoo for Independent SF establishments!
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Aww, this place is like a block away from me, but I always figured it would be pub-foody and that animals in the name don't often indicate veggie-friendliness. (I suppose Little Piglet Cafe proved me wrong there, though.)
Anyway, they do offer 2 veggie burger options. I was disappointed because they no longer offer portabella burgers. But my Boca was pretty darn good.
I've read that they're often uncrowded, and they were nearly empty when I went on a Saturday night. We're guessing they're not doing too well because the waitress - who was great - kept asking us things like how we heard about it, etc. And then she asked us what kinds of things they could add to the menu to keep us coming back! How's that for customer service?
I told her bring back the 'bella and we offered some other vegetarian suggestions. It was really nice. I will definitely be going back, because I hope this little, local place stays around.
She said they might be converting the menu to have more asian-inspired food. I'm not sure how that will pan out with the burgers they offer now, but we'll see.
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They get 5 stars for being a great neighbor trying to make a go at business in a space that I swear is haunted. Aside from that...
They have great curly fries. I have been known to make them my main course. Decent burgers. Great service. A space for kids to play - complete with cool toys and everything.
I was there the other night and they actually gave the remote control to my buddy so he could watch the sporting event of his choice. He was in heaven.
This is a great comfort food spot to go to with friends.
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I don't think the new changes should scare anybody away. The owner informed us that they were re-vamping the menu. We had the Toad's Pale Ale and some delicious burgers. The burgers were awesome and fresh! The server/owner was really sweet and was very attentive. We'll be back and it's nice to know this place is around the corner from us.
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In the land of taquerias, it's nice to have a burger spot so close to home.
We walked over to Toad's last night and the place was packed, but we were seated in 5 minutes.
Everyone was pleased with their beer orders and me, with my 7up order:)
They have a good bar menu, the perfect place to go after a couple of drinks, so I started out with chicken wings for the table. Nice and spicy little wings and drumettes, perfectly cooked and not breaded.
I split a burger with my gf and it was the special for the night- western burger- onion rings, bacon, cheese and meat- bbq sauce on the side. It was the perfect burger! Not too overcooked and not too loaded down with all the extras. An extra plus is the fries! They are crinkle cut old school style and crispy!
Toad's is a perfect new edition to Valencia corridor.
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One thing that befuddles me about San Francisco is the lack of bars that serve food, and therefore, the lack of bar food. Back in Pittsburgh, every bar (even divey ones) also had a menu of burgers, fries, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and so on. Toad's is the only place like this I've found in SF. . .well, except for that Primanti's-style place in North Beach, but that doesn't count cause it's trying to imitate a Pittsburgh bar/restaurant.
Anyway, the burgers here were fine (nice choices of standard, Boca, garden, and so on), the atmosphere was nice, and the curly fries were out of this world.
A good burger joint with beer in the Mission, which is especially important in the wake of the passing of Kelly's. Plus, it's closer to my apartment than Kelly's was, so that makes it even better!!
Another bonus -- great bike accessibility via the newly paved Valencia Street bike lane!!
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Toad's is a good place to grab a good burger and a cold beer for a reasonable price and in a comfortable atmosphere. The art on the walls add Mission personality. Great local spot.
UPDATE (downgraded from 4 stars to 3):
This place has really gone downhill. Once a month, we rack our brains for where to eat/drink - these days, we use this moment to mourn Toad's and then we think of another place to go. Believe me, I'm not happy to report this, but it is what it is. If someone sees a reversal of the downturn, please let me know!
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I keep worrying that this place is going to go out of business bc it never seems crowded! I really hope that doesn't happen.
The waitress is SO nice. She started recognizing us pretty quickly, even though we don't go there that often. She reads/studies when she's not busy and I think that's cool. One day I'm gonna ask what's in them there books.
The happy hour is the best. I love the appetizer size specials bc then you eat some crap and not feel as bad about it bc it came on a small plate. The nachos with chili are fantastic! The chili is veggie by default, which is awesome. They also have great curly fries! And the potato skins... Yum. The only thing I wouldn't get again was the grilled cheese.
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I only wish they had a wider selection of beer.
For being within rolling distance of my house, for having the darlingest server I know (Shawna with the tattooed skin) and for putting gorgonzola on my burger I rate them high. They're usually quiet and they have the game on with the sound off (that spells classy to me.) Haven't gone wrong with the menu yet.
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It's what it is. Local, family run, fun, clean, down to earth alternative to the usual pretentious, dirty, smelly, typical Mission restaurant and/or bar. We've been going since they first opened and have had several parties here. They are always completely accommodating to our group's needs. Inked wait-person, Shawna is sweet, sassy and toad-ally awesome. The burgers can be sublime and a Big Daddy IPA only makes it taste all the better. So when you're tired of burritos and expensive beer elsewhere, head over to Toad's for a nice change of pace.
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I was hungry for tacos when my friend noticed this cute little place. After checking out the menu I realized that potato skins and curly fries had just won my stomach. The waitress was really nice; she let us stay after hours and hang out with her and her friends while finished our beers; they were even kind enough to buy us a round. We almost made it to Knockout afterwards but the beer and potatoes had gotten the best of us. This is a great place to grab a bit to eat and relax. They also have a good beer that really does taste like Sierra Nevada, I forgot the name.
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Good, not great burgers. Buffalo strips were good. Flat-screen TVs with sports on them doesn't hurt.
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My friend and I just happened by this place on our way to Knockout last night. We were sort of hungry and were thinking about getting a taco somewhere, but as we were walking by, I said, "I've gotta like a place called Toad's." We looked at the menu in the window and decided that it would be burgers and fries instead of tacos.
There was us and a few other people at tables and a group of regulars at the bar. I had the Cobb Burger and would highly recommend it. Service was good. The server was super friendly and attentive (I didn't get her name, but I'm gathering from another review that it's Shawna.) She let us stay after closing time to finish our beer because she and the regulars were still hanging out. One of the guys then bought my friend and me another beer (I think he liked my friend.) Another one of the guys invited us to join his "friends" list on MySpace, but being one of the 2 or 3 people left in the world not on MySpace, I wasn't able to do so. Anyway, I love when I just pop into a place on a whim and have such a great time!
My only complaint, I guess, would be that it's really bright inside, which gives kind of a strange ambiance. It's almost a diner feel rather than a bar and grill, but that won't keep me from going back.
By the way, we didn't make it to Knockout. We were full and tired and a little drunk, and headed home after Toad's.
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Toad's is a solid family oriented pub/burger joint. I think it's a good place for families as the couple of groups with kids will attest to when I was there.
Burgers are pretty standard, good burger. They have a nice beer selection and flat screen in the corner if you want to check out the game.
The service was great and I'd give it four and a half stars. The girl woking there was very sweet and attentive despite serving everyone there and training someone new.
I only give it three stars because it's not MY kind of place per se. I prefer a more sports bar feel but then again I don't have kids.
Toad's has filled a void - in the neighborhood and in my life. It's a family burger place with good beers and the burgers, they sure are tasty. I'd say they are way better than Burger Meister or Burger Joint (and those are passable burgers). Toad's has found just the right balance and it comes with fries. Get a bacon-swiss maybe and pair it with the Speakeasy on tap ($3 pints happy hour) and mmm mmm good; then, if you can handle it, wash it down with Mitchell's ice cream, and you're happy 'cause it's so darn pleasant to be sitting in a nice airy, friendly room.
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I would have given Toad's a 4 a year ago, but this place has taken a serious dive in the past few months. It all started when they started to try to make the place "kid friendly." I used to come here to drink beer and watch sports, now I have to deal with at least one kid running around screaming at everyone while the parents chat away with their friends ignoring the scene. It's gone from a chill place to hang out and have a beer to a Mission version of Chuck E. Cheeses.
On top of the "kid friendly" (read: "adult unfriendly") atmosphere now, the food is constantly poorly prepared. Seriously, who forgets to put bacon on a BLT? At this point, it's better to just grab food at Bigmouth Burger or Cafe La Boheme and eat it at the Dovre Club. If you enjoy dealing with a preschool playground atmosphere while trying to watch sports, Toad's might be a better choice.
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Updizate: Happy's back now with extended hours, cooooo.
Down to earth folks, fun art , and no non-sense grub. No disappointment here. I enjoy the warm soft ambient light and soft telly volume. Its too bad they close a bit early, 9p i think? Anyway last time I've went they had that cutie Shawna rushin' everywhere because they were short on servers that night. But she handled it quite well, impressed I was, when mama is survivin from the struggle this city commonly brings many. Unfortunate they no longer have happy hour. But a definite spot to check out!
Props for the vegetarian-friendly menu selection - not one, not two, but THREE veggie burger options (Boca, Gardenburger and a Portabello, if memory serves me right). My partner had a tasty boca cheeseburger, I had some mediocre vegetarian chili (on the watery side) but the thought was there. I love their curly fries with buttermilk ranch dressing. Yummy!
Nice addition to the neighborhood, there weren't any good burger joints south of 24th st. Pretty quiet while we were there, although a fun ragtime band started up while we were finishing our meal.
Wish they didn't have only light (color) beers (at least that's all there was the time we went). A porter on tap would be great with a veggie burger.
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This place presents itself as a basic non-dive bar and grill, with very clean decor and a straightforward bar food menu.
My updated review:
This place seems to be hitting its stride a little more--the "cook wanted" sign is gone from the window and we had some tasty burgers when we went there on Tuesday. I definitely recommend the curly fries over the regular--it's worth the extra dollar.
Original review:
Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that these guys have opened recently--they brighten up a mostly-barren stretch of Valencia. However, they still have some kinks to work out in kitchen, as the "Short Order Cook Wanted" sign in the window will attest. The night that we ate there, their cook hadn't shown up, so the owner's husband was pinch-hitting in the kitchen. After some confusion with our orders, the owner apologized several times and comped us a couple drinks, so I'm inclined to go back there and give it another chance. I'll report back after my next visit. I'm rooting for these guys, because it's nice to have another low-key dining option in the area. In the meantime, its bright, clean interior provides an alternative to the dives nearby.
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Pros: price, food,atmosphere, service
Cons: closes too early
Its only a block away from me, so that helps.
So I heard it's open mic night on Tuesdays.
Solid local burger and beers, best regular-Joe burgers in the Mission. A nice, small selection of draft beers and charming folks running the joint make it a mellow but merry after-work spot. Bonus points for supporting local artist by showing their work on the walls and for having a range of veggie options like being able to swap grilled portabello mushroom instead of any burger patty.
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Toads is just ... well ... refreshing. It is like an oasis in the sea of Mission eateries. It is the coolest combo of bar/cafe/restaurant/grill. Its atmosphere is clean, unpretentious, and diverse. It's the kind of place where you'll see a family with little kids having dinner, a couple on a date, some people knocking a few back after work, and everyone feels at home. The food is great and prices so reasonable. You just cannot beat their happy hour specials. Granted, Toads has ruined my resolve to have "just one beer" but I would call that my problem, not theirs. Basically just a really mellow, straight-forward, and comfortable spot. I will definitely be back time and time again.
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It's so new it still smells like paint, but this new mission restaurant is a great find. I had a great burger with avocado and brie, really delicious. A little skimpy on the onion rings which were $1.00 extra, but my friend's burger came with plenty of regular fries.
Service was great, food came out quickly, good selection of beer. I'll definitely make this a regular stop on my mission dining rotation.
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Toad's got a great vibe, folks are friendly (diners, open mikers, waitress, bartender, and everyone else).
Food is honestly fuss free, and tasty no bullshiet, I just had grilled cheese with bacon in it.. way better than any other place in last year and a half. And juicy burger with slice of brie! damn.
I would also like to mention that they actually keep delicious but reasonably priced wines. And they hook you up. ;) every glass mmm.
I really needed a easy going space like it in my neighborhood. it just works!
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We went with 5 people on a weeknight and the place was completely empty when we came in. I consider that a plus -- I was hoping for a casual place where we could have some burgers and beers and be able to hear each other talk. As we ate, a few more guests arrived, but it was still quiet. So I like the atmosphere.
Fries were good, but in general, the food was pretty unremarkable. I might go back since it's a pretty good local hangout place, but it seems kind of pricey for run of the mill burgers and beer.
My review is mostly about the latest addition of music on Thursday nights. I live around the corner and when I need a burger this is where I go...it's a burger you can hardly go wrong. Steve and Ria the owners are really doing a good job of creating a good neighborhood hang out...they've got art too. So, let me tell you about the latest happening: Meridith and Dennis the guitar and mandolin playing duo, I would have used the word dynamo but they are very mellow. Perhaps you've heard them play at the 24th Street BART station...though most people just walk by and pay them no mind...they are awesome. I found out about this simply because I had a hankerin' for a burger and there they were. They're playing at Toad's every Thursday...so if you like good ole basic Blue Grass show up order yerself a nice cold Hef order yer burger and e n j o y! And if inclined you'd do your heart good to get up and jig too. It is a totally unpretentious scene. Maybe I'll see you there!
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My former review of this place just makes me feel bad. It isn't that I haven't had more than my share of bad experiences here. But a decent burger joint where I can shoot the shit with my neighbors just doesn't deserve a public autopsy while it is still alive.
I just went and had another acceptable meal. I won't even complain about the price, because it really is the only game of its kind around here, and demand is clearly outstripping supply.
The place is clean (no small accomplishment for a restaurant in this area), comfortable, the staff friendly and helpful most of the time.
I recommend happy hour highly, and the balsamic salad dressing, which rules. Its two blocks from the horrendous Burger King, so do yourself and the neighborhood a favor and go. This neighborhood is about to be overrun by the recent crime wave, so let's stake out our territory, peeps!
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Popped into Toad's last night after dinner down the street. I was roped into attending 'open mike night' which always instills a bit of fear in my heart, but it wasn't bad. They have a great menu of good old pub fare. I will go back to try the buffalo wings and maybe the club that my friend enjoyed, it was ginormous! They have some decent beer and wine to offer, I had a refreshing glass or two of Sauvingnon Blanc and chatted with the owner and our friend who waits tables there. Good times in a neighborhoody type spot.
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Good happy hour that runs until 7 pm, including pretty decent appetizers. I will return for sure.
I recently found this place. I liked it a lot. The boneless buffalo strips are where it's at. Good beers on tap. TV's to watch games on while you eat. And the Dover Club across the street to for a quick shot between beers.
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