Seek Comfort at O'Toole's

We attempted to enjoy the 43rd St. Festival of the Arts. Unfortunately, the heat seared our flesh and our brains. And while we wanted to try some of the food vendors, the humidity blurred the menu offerings. We gave up and headed for O'Toole's Restaurant and Pub. I'm embarrassed to say we had never been here, even when they announced a no smoking policy. What can I say? Too many restaurants, so little time.

We began with two glasses of water (yes, it was that hot!), and followed it up with a draft Harp and a margarita on the rocks. Menu choices abounded. We were tempted by the onion rings. Plates of HUGE batter fried rounds wafted by us. Our eyes and heads followed. Our necks whipped us back to our booth. No rings for us this time. Instead we ordered a crab cake sandwich with steak fries and grilled corned beef and swiss on rye with mashed potatoes. (Most menu options came with a choice of a side - lots of potato varieties as well as mac and cheese and veggies.) The sandwiches and fries were decent pub fare. Nothing earth shattering, but good comfort food. The wow factor was the mashed potatoes. The real deal here with lots of tender chunks and swimming in a salted butter-like substance. I know, I know, not healthy but oh-my-god-good.

We will be back to try a number of things: onion rings, fish and chips, chopped sirloin, open-faced turkey sandwiches...

O'Toole's Restaurant & Pub

4800 Forest Hill Ave.

Richmond, VA 23225

804-233-1781