The Hungry Toad — Restaurant in Boulder

Our waitress (or server) was friendly and efficient, very important qualities since she seemed to be working by herself. My hamburger - the Parliament with brie, bacon, and mushrooms - was excellent. My brother and sister-in-law both ordered the fish 'n' chops, which they likewise pronounced excellent. Or maybe the word was delicious? Anyway, you get it. My sister-in-law also said the batter was light and tasty, not too light but not too heavy either, and that the fish inside was perfect. We all agreed the fries were nicely done, and quite plentiful.

My only complaints? The lunch menu was just as American as it was British. It would have been nice to have more choices form the U.K. Also, the music on the loudspeakers was decidedly American. How about some Fairport Convention, Pentangle, or even Donovan instead?

Ah, those are minor issues. Here's interesting background information from the menu...

"The Hungry Toad Pub was originally located in County Surrey, just southwest of London. When the pub's founder. Terry Morton moved stateside, he brought this bit of Britain with him, opening on this location in July of 1991.

"The building which houses The Hungry Toad was built in 1904, and was originally a grocer and general store-the arched wagon- delivery dock is still visible near the beer garden! Over the years, the building has been home to a Chinese restaurant, a BBQ joint, and, if the stories are to be believed, at least one resident ghost.

"When Terry Morton was ready to retire after more than 30 years as proprietor, two long-time patrons stepped in to prevent their beloved neighborhood pub from disappearing. Armed with the motto "God Save The Toad a fierce commitment to community and quality, and a lot of elbow grease, the new owners reopened the pub's doors on November 9th, 2022.

"The Hungry Toad is proud to honor the tradition of the British pub here in our hometown of Boulder Colorado, bringing friends and neighbors together as a community over cold beer, good food, and lively conversation."

It was a very good meal. I will - I mean, WE will - definitely...

I'm really disappointed in the service tonight. We've been a few times and have become regular customers. We showed up needing a patio spot as we had our puppy. We were told the patio was full and that there was a reservation for the patio so we'd get the second available table. We waited about 30 minutes and saw a table open up. Nobody else was waiting. We gave it about 10 and then I went in to ask about the table. We were told the group with the reservation was "running late" but they still would get it. I asked if there was not a rule about parties needing to show up within 10 minutes of reservation and was told the group called to inform of their late arrival. We continued waiting and finally when the party was 30 minutes late I went in to check. The hostess said she would try to call the group. She never came back and we noticed a woman go inside. She was instantly seated and brought waters by the hostess outside and we were just ignored. I went in to check and was told "the group showed up but you'll be next." We left as we were so shocked that a table would sit empty for 30 minutes, and that we would just be completely ignored by the hostess. Very saddened as we enjoyed this place but probably won't return after not being respected as paying customers. Just know if you make a reservation they SHOULD honor it for an indefinite amount of time as they did that for this group.

Most restaurants only give 10-15 minutes of wiggle room, and then the red is forfeited if others are waiting. Hungry Toad please instruct your inexperienced hostess on this proper...

We used to love the food, atmosphere, and service at the Hungry Toad and were faithful regulars before it changed ownership, so we were hopeful that it would be a good place to take out of town guests.

The menu has changed and none of our favorite items are on the new menu. The new menu is quite pricey, and the quality is not nearly as good.

Several of us ordered burgers and reported that the fries were ok but the meat so overcooked and dry that even the person who likes her burger well done found it nearly inedible. We had to ask for ketchup.

The duck breast was cooked medium rare and the chard and potatoes were delicious but the sauce had no herbal flavor.. it was just sweet. The house red wine was also quite sweet and had little other flavor.

We sat outdoors, hoping for a nice atmosphere because the weather was delightful but the new outdoor seating area has all the charm of a dog park. There must have been a dozen dogs among the cluster of tables, and it smelled like it. Also an employee smoked a cigarette right next to our table.

If the prices were fast food prices, the atmosphere would fit, but our meal of mostly burgers for 5 people came to $120 before the tip.

The server was inattentive, and charged the credit card before presenting an itemized bill, which is not the way service is done. She claimed that was the policy at this restaurant, which was alarming, although she brought a correct bill afterwards.

Overall, I’m disappointed to report that the Hungry Toad is more expensive and much lower quality under the...