The Old Toad, Still Bringing The Authentic English Pub Experience to the East End

The Old Toad’s small Fish Fry with a side of Tartar sauce, chips and mushy peas

In 2023, a British-style pub in the East End, the Old Toad, was featured in the Democrat & Chronicle in a segment on the best “Fish Frys” in the City of Rochester. “The Toad”, as some call it, has stood the sands of time and has been operating on Alexander Street just a block from East Avenue since 1990.

If you love a good English-style pub that features a bold Scotch and Bourbon list, Sticky Toffee Pudding, an occasionally stickier floor, lights that flicker at the sound of flushing in the washroom, dilapidated barstools, and iconic memorabilia that pays homage to British history then the Old Toad is the perfect space to throw back a few pints of a delicious slow poured Guinness, better yet, an “Old Speckled Hen”, both of which are kept flowing on draft.

A pint of “Old Speckled Hen” at the Old Toad

The Old Toad features a robust menu, the fish and chips with a side of mushy peas are a must-try, but so is the creamy, savory, and perfectly tender Chicken Korma, which also comes in a vegan option. The Toad is the gold standard of a relaxed, older traditional-style British pub and has maintained this status for quite some time at their location in the East End of Downtown Rochester, New York. What this pub and eatery thrives on is good service, a friendly attitude, and good food. It is a place for good conversations, a warm environment, delicious pints, and some of the friendliest staff you can meet who know their regulars on a first-name basis. The restaurant is currently for sale, and it has many wondering what the future holds for this local Rochester staple.

You can visit the Old Toad on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4-10 pm, with Kitchen hours open until 9 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Old Toad is calling.