Toast Cranford — Restaurant in Cranford

So I’ve been here at least four times since they opened this location. The first time I came, the latte was delicious, and the food was ok but not amazing. We went back about a month later and the latte tasted like watery milk, with a hint of coffee and the food was so bad I didn’t even eat it. The third time, the coffee was still bad and the food was just not it at all and again I didn’t eat. It always looks pretty, but it’s never worth the money.

So, having given it a chance multiple times, it’s been about a year since I even thought about this place. This time was pleasant, although I will say I didn’t even bother to get a coffee because I knew I was most likely not going to like it. The food this time was really good! I got the southwest breakfast bowl with chorizo. I was disappointed that it only came with one egg on top, considering the bowl cost almost $20 after adding chorizo. So when I finished the egg, it was just a bowl of potatoes and chorizo. I decided to take the rest home and put eggs on it. Then after finishing, I waited for the waitress so I could get the bill and a box, and I waited about 15min before going inside myself and asking for a box and the bill. Eventually someone came out to bring it. I had then sat there and waited over 10 minutes before going inside and letting them know that I was waiting for my change. They had to go looking for the waitress and they came back saying she was going to go get it.

I worked for years in the service industry, so I know what it’s like to depend on tips. But I also know that tips are earned from service. I have never been put in a position where I didn’t want to leave someone a tip because the waitress was that bad. I still left full 20% because she was a nice girl and I always want to give benefit of the doubt. But honestly, I wish I gave the tip to the person at the counter who helped me twice, because they deserved it more.

I’ve held out on giving a review on this place because I thought maybe I just happened to go there when the barista wasn’t good that day, or that I was just ordering the wrong food. But no, I’ve been to many brunch places and this is the only one I have consistently been...

My wife and I have been wanting to try Toast since it opened. Literally we had plans to go opening day, but life got in the way. In the meantime I’ve seen plenty of reviews, and heard plenty of opinions, both great and not so good. It was past time we went and found out for ourselves. I’m happy to say our experience was resoundingly positive from start to finish. We went during a particularly busy time: Friday afternoon, three days before Christmas, so I was not surprised by the short wait. The hostess said 15-20 minutes, and the wait was exactly 14 minutes, so no qualms there. My wife and I brought our 18 month old son, and the hostess graciously helped me find a spot where we could store his stroller during our meal. I like the interior space, lots of windows and natural light, and I love that they have true counter seating. Despite the restaurant being completely full, our waitress was prompt, accommodating, and very friendly. She even had the wherewithal to rush my son’s pancakes out so he had food to occupy his attention. I ordered the crab hash eggs Benedict, and it exceeded expectations. It honestly knocked my socks off. The entire dish was a hit; the hollandaise and expertly poached eggs paired splendidly, there was crabmeat throughout, and the potatoes were cooked perfectly. There are other things on the menu that I also want to try, but it’ll be hard to not order the crab hash again. Unfortunately, the chicken on my wife’s fried chicken sandwich was overcooked - the batter was too dark and the chicken itself dried out and was even tough to eat in some spots. Technical flaw there. But I was legitimately impressed by all other aspects of our visit. I will absolutely be back to Toast.

Revision after 2nd visit: it’s extremely convenient that the staff offer you a to-go cup if you’re ready to leave but haven’t finished your coffee. A- it’s a small but thoughtful touch, and B- nice to see a restaurant that isn’t afraid to give you a...

BEWARE IF YOU’RE A PERSON OF COLOR!

We waited over 45 minutes for our table (party of 3), but white families of 2-4 were seated before us with no reservation. I went inside twice to ask about our table and was told to wait an extra 25 minutes the first time, and then an extra 10 minutes the second time. One family walked in and got seated right away outside while I had just asked about our table 2 minutes prior.

Terrible experience, honestly.

Update: The owner is dismissive!

Adam, apologies for the confusion regarding the reservation and waitlist. While acknowledging your restaurant's policy on reservations, it's imperative to address the experience and feelings of discrimination and being disregarded. Despite waiting for over 45 minutes, we observed two white families seated promptly within 10 minutes. This inconsistency, coupled with the dismissive attitude from your staff, was disheartening. Even upon leaving, we noticed ample available tables both inside and out, yet weren't given the option to be seated. While we appreciate the clarification on the waitlist process, dismissing our valid complaint is disappointing. We hope you and your staff learn from this.

Take care and best wishes with...