Thursday, January 21, 2010
Toyland Soft Opening
Friday and Saturday 5pm-1am. 421 H Street. Go check it out. I was able to make it down last weekend. They had a good crowd, and the space seems much larger than it did when home to Pap & Petey's. When I went last week they were still putting on the finishing touches. The rocket sign people keep mentioning is going to light up, but I don't know if that's quite ready yet. They have well a stocked bar, and a bottled beer selection. They also plan to have drafts (they have the set up), but I don't know if the taps will be flowing this weekend. Ditto with the menu, which will be diner food. I've got high hopes for the place.
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6 comments:
I was there last night, first the negatives: decor is sparse (the rocket is the only thing on the walls and the tables are unfinished), nothing on tap yet, and drinks aren't cheap- prices are about the same as Pap & Petey's ($8 for a Tanqueray & tonic). On the plus side it seemed a heck of a lot livelier than P&P was and felt much more comfortable to hang out there.
Just got back and would have to say MJ's comments are close with the exception of the prices. $7-8 a drink is reasonable in DC. Having spent a lot of time in NW bars and lounges, I'd says their prices are more than reasonable. Decor is sparse, but it does feel comfortable. The owners have TONS of experience with bars and said they have know about the lack of consistency with P & P. It was an enjoyable experience overall.
I think I'm really going to like this place when they're fully up and running. I was there tonight for a few drinks and thought the owners were really friendly, had lots of bar / restaurant management experience and a good vision for what they want to do with the place. They should start a limited menu with their hard opening on February 9th. I would love for them to do well, we need this type of place on the west side of H street.
$7-8 a drink is reasonable in DC.
I agree that it isn't outrageous, but it isn't "cheap" either. I'll definitely be back but they're priced slightly outside my "neighborhood watering hole" range.
*this post may say more about me than Toyland
We were a bit disappointed with the soft opening. Sparse decor is putting it lightly. I would've done it up putting toys EVERYWHERE and handing out small, inexpensive giftbags (w/dollar store toys) to those who made the trek there (w/coupon for next visit). Nonetheless, I also have high hopes and plan on going back. The vibe was good and the free bar snacks were much appreciated.
I went to the Soft Opening this past Saturday and thought the staff was very warm and lively. The drinks were good and for DC affordable. The bartender recreated something I had tried on vacation. I think they will be doing some type of specials in the future. They are still working on some decorating. I also liked that they tied the history of H Street with the name. Apparently that spot was affectionately known as Toyland by the neighborhood folks and it was once an Hobby store. I think it will be a great spot once all is in place. They had some snacks, cheese platters, etc for free. I think drinks were about $8 and if you can get a good drink with premium stuff for $8 in this town your doing good. DC is not NYC, but they want to charge NYC prices at some establishments.
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