Toast Bar

Pretty OK service, AMAZING TOAST!!! Toast flight 4eva.

A very quiet, pleasant and overall refreshing place to eat. I recommend the iced chai and ham and cheese croissant. The almond butter spread and plain toast are perfect. Definitely recommended for a quick light breakfast or brunch.

It’s a tight squeeze, but very cute and bright!
You can literally order a flight of bread & spreads! I went with a friend and we got two orders so that we could get one of everything and try different combinations.
Such a neat concept. It was in an unexpected location, so pay attention to where you are going! It’s the back side of an office complex in Grandview.
I’d say this is best for breakfast or a snack. I’ll definitely be returning to investigate further and perhaps bring some bread home!

Has anyone else noticed that Columbus is quietly becoming a foodie capital? Perhaps the title «Indie Foodie Capital of the World» fits, especially considering the there seems to be real money being made this arena, as opposed to the local indie art scene. At least while Columbus promises to continue being credited as one of the fattest metro areas in the country, we can proudly say it’s because we are stuffing ourselves with flights of artisanal toast and pumpkin pie croissants, thanks to Dan the Baker!
Enter The Toast Bar:
Charlie and I decided to try this new breakfast party at Dan the Baker in Grandview and it was a real treat! It is a little off the beaten path, on a totally weird street that is neither charming, cool, or sensible. But weird is ok with me, and besides, the building is really beautiful despite its location.
Inside is a smallish yet warm hybrid retail/​sit down space. It feels similar to Tasi, but much smaller. The décor is beautiful, and gave me the feeling that I was on a photo set of some hipster folksy Portland insert of an Anthropologie catalogue. Everything Mise En Place. We sat at a table and ordered 2 flights of toast (wasn’t kidding) with the trimmings, an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (Briosso) + Mexico (One Line), and a Pumpkin Pie Croissant.
Everything was amazing! My favorite bread was the Dutch (Spelted) Rye, but even the milk bread was delicious. And there was a crazy delicious Mushroom Duxelle. A few jams, fresh made, a nice chocolate hazelnut spread. It was a perfect breakfast treat in a delightful setting.
The people who took care of us were very knowledgable and sweet, and I felt like I was a guest in someone’s house. Dan spent time talking to us and we were really inspired by his passion! We were also shocked at how thin and young he was, and I personally marveled at that feat. Dan should consider coming out of the back room wearing a fat suit, because it kind of pisses you off when, after stuffing your face with toast, the chef emerges looking like a Hot Topic model.
As Charlie and I drove home, we began adding up in our heads how much everything was. We somehow spent $ 24. My only criticism of this experience was that it was either a tad too expensive, or for that price we would have liked more food. A $ 5.50 flight of bread gets you 3 modest pieces of toast and 3 ramekins of toppings, but they are not filled to the top but half way at best. This is a complicated discussion because one has to consider the true value of high quality ingredients. We are moving into an era where we want good quality ingredients, and it comes at a price. That being the case, we still felt like it was a little uneven, and couldn’t figure out what came to $ 24. We concluded that we must have been charged for 2 croissants?
When we got home, we saw an email of the receipt… a SEVEN DOLLAR CROISSANT! Jesus fucking Christ, you can’t find a $ 7 croissant in New York City, because, just like its friends cyclops, Sasquatch, Yetti, and Santa Claus… It DOESNT EXIST! There is no such thing as a $ 7 croissant.
If that croissant lowers to $ 5, or grows 16oz, I will give 5 stars. Other than this, we had a terrific time and will definitely go back. This is some of the best bread in town, and Dan is the real article. If you haven’t tried his bread, you are not exercising your civic responsibilities. With exception to Amy at Omega bakery, you would have to travel a long distance to get bread this good!
~ Keida Mascaro