Bar Toti is battling it out as a top Happy Hour contender! Despite not hearing much about this spot amongst all the other ATX restaurant openings this past year, I saw it recommended on Eater, and in Eater we trust. Let's talk about it!
The size of the space is similar to that of a smaller in-law suite you'd expect in the Tarrytown neighborhood, boasting thoughtful and stunning color contrast found in the beautiful starburst tile flooring and the giant tassel lampshades overhead. Plenty of large windows allow plenty of natural light in. Each window ledge was adorned with a dried flower arrangement - details were clearly considered and stunningly executed in this intimate lime washed interior space! I'm a sucker for a thoughtful interior.
Food wise, we came for the $8 HH burger and indulged ourselves in the "beautiful" (the waitstaff called everything beautiful, which was very true) caesar and beet plate. Here's the breakdown:
Beet plate: Possibly THE best combination of flavors with beets that I've ever experienced. The creamy buffalo cheese w/ the pickled peppers and crunchy bits (not sure what they were) paired so lovingly with the beets. I'd come back just to eat this. 555555/5, no joke.
Caesar salad: I was definitely baited - I saw a waitstaff walk past with an order, and thought it was a heavy helping, but it was actually visual sorcery. Was definitely slightly saltier than I like, but overall great flavors. Note that the crouton element of the dish are crumbled, which kind of had me missing the large crunchy crispy bits. Not bad, not great, not just right. 3.5/5
Burger: LAWDDDD - DELICIOUS. Juicy, succulent, mouthwatering, cheesy, textural - everything I could ask for in a burger. At $8, I was in heaven. Didn't get the fries to pair this time around, but you appear to receive a healthy helping...(unless it's more visual wizardry at work.) 5/5
Cocktails were deeelish, with complex flavors and bitters coming through on the rum based drink which also came with a GOOD maraschino cherry. IYKYK. The espresso cocktail gave "Christmas" vibes and we were for it, but it didn't pair as well with the flavors of the meal.
Overall, definitely down to come back again to try more sides and their olive oil cake! read more