Toast in Birmingham, MI, is a retro-chic brunch spot that perfectly blends an old-school diner feel with sleek, upscale decor. The simple black and red exterior, complete with a small patio, leads into a vibrant, colorful interior, where the space features a mahogany-black and granite bar, bright-red furniture, and whimsical patterned wallpapers.
My party of four walked in on a Saturday around noon. While the restaurant was bustling both inside and outside, the hostess assured us that the wait would be under 20 minutes if we put our names down on the waitlist and were okay with sitting outside. True to her word, we received a text about 20 minutes later. The short wait wasn't too bad, since Birmingham is a charming area to explore.
The outside patio was a bit tight, with tables close together. It was a chillier Michigan summer morning, and there was no heater, but it began to warm up quickly. Our server was lovely, guiding us through some of her favorite items on the extensive menu, which features everything from traditional breakfast and brunch fare to salads, sandwiches, and more unique dishes. The drink menu also offers some fun options.
One member of our party ordered the Curious George ($10), described as their house-made banana cold brew with vanilla, whipped cream, and candied pecans. The drink was visually stunning, served in a large glass with a generous amount of whipped cream and candied pecans. However, we found the drink lacking in banana flavor, tasting mostly like a vanilla latte. For $10, it was a bit disappointing and seemed more like an Instagram-worthy drink than one focused on taste.
Another member of our party ordered the Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo ($17, $2 extra for chorizo). The dish, described as "crispy corn tortillas, black beans, over-easy eggs, cotija, mexi slaw, guacamole, chipotle sauce, and lime crema," was a good portion with a nice mix of flavors and textures, though they were a bit skimpy with the chorizo. The eggs were perfectly runny, and the corn tortillas stayed crispy despite being soaked in multiple sauces.
Another party member ordered the Biscuit + Gravy ($8), labeled as a starter but quite a substantial deal. It came with two sizable rosemary parmesan biscuits drenched in rich turkey sausage gravy, topped with herbs. While biscuits and gravy are not the most visually appealing dish, the herbs added a nice pop of color and flavor contrast to the rich dish. Adding an egg for $1.50 would still make it a filling meal for under $10.
Another member of our party, not too hungry, ordered two sides: Ham ($5) and Parmesan Grits ($5). The ham was unremarkable but nicely seasoned. The Parmesan Grits, however, were delicious, with a rich, cheesy flavor and a pleasant grainy texture that allowed the corn to shine through. A crispy cheese cracker on top added a nice touch.
I ordered the Pound Cake French Toast ($16), which came with three thick slabs of lemon-vanilla pound cake topped with strawberries, strawberry-mint sauce, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and lemon zest. The cake wasn't too sweet and had a lovely lemon flavor. It was rich and moist inside, though it didn't quite have the "French toast" texture I expected, possibly due to not being soaked in custard long enough. The toppings were delicious, with fresh strawberries, a zesty strawberry mint sauce, rich house-made whipped cream, and lemon zest adding a pop of acidity and texture.
Overall, Toast is a fun spot with unique takes on breakfast classics. It's not the cheapest place, but the service is fast and friendly, the ambiance is fun and retro, and the food is tasty. I would definitely return to try some of their other dishes! read more