Toby's Public House Celebrates Six Years In South Slope

Six years ago this week, Christine Iu, who also owned the restaurant KitchenBar

, introduced the neighborhood to

(named after her Rottweiler, Toby).“The original idea was to create a local,” explained Michael Mendoza, General Manager at Toby’s, “a corner spot that would teem with regulars and have a ‘Cheers’ like feel with great food.”

Unfortunately, the country’s economic problems resulted in a shaky start for the new restaurant.

“The major issue we didn’t count on was the recession and unemployment hitting the ‘hood so hard,” said Michael. “It hindered our growth at first, so management came up with the recession special.”

Customers who brought in proof of unemployment received 50% off their bill until they were back on their feet, a move that Michael says helped secure Toby’s place in the hearts of South Slope neighbors.

“Soon the hard times began to pass,” he said, “and customers understood that we intended to stay and we gave a damn about the people that gave us their business, our regulars.

Shown above, left to right, are Chris “Kentucky” Gragg, Crys Duncan, Mara Kaye, aka Miss Ida Blue, Phil Ames, Valerie Kelleher, and Michael Mendoza. Photo by Kristina Hill.

“To this day,” Michael added, “the same people come in multiple times a week, greet us with smiles and hugs, and watch a game on the TV.”

Michael may be the general manager, but he credits everyone on the Toby’s team with the restaurant’s success.

“I am a part of a whole, a collective, that is the success of this little bar/restaurant,” said Michael. “We have an amazing staff that breeds familiarity and holds their relationships with our clientele dear.”

After six years in business, does the restaurant look and feel the way they envisioned it would?

Shown above are Michael Mendoza and the restaurant’s littlest fan, Olive Hill. Photo by Kristina Hill.

“No,” said Michael, “we are better. A little rounder around the middle, with a bit of grey hair around the ears, but we have gone beyond what we expected, and continue to do so.”

The big question, though, is what does the future have in store for Toby’s?

“Hell. The spring menu isn’t written yet,” laughed Michael, “but we’ll come up with something.”

Toby’s is celebrating their anniversary with food and drink specials all week long. For updated information, visit the Toby’s Facebook page.

Toby’s Public House is located at 686 6th Avenue at 21st Street. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 4pm to 1am, Thursday, 4pm to 2am, Friday through Saturday, 4pm to 4am, and Sunday, 4pm to 2am.