I never thought I’d ever say this about Toto’s, "Hell, I’m not going there again". For the past decade or so, Toto’s Garage has been a favourite haunt for me and my friends. Weekends, Independence Rock, Open Mic Nights, any international gig, a rocker friend’s birthday... no matter what the occasion, we found ourselves at Toto’s more often than not... except for when they played music really low because of license problems. Well, the repetitive music there makes one wonder if they have a DJ sitting up in that car-like console or if they get one of the waiters to double up as the DJ, because it seems like the CD plays on loop. If you go there often, you can even tell what song’s going to play at what time... one of my friends could predict and she was ALWAYS spot on.
I have quit drinking and haven’t been going to Toto’s too much lately. So, last week I went after months and found out that for a Saturday evening, it wasn’t very crowded, surprisingly. We had to stand for a while before getting a table. As soon as I perched myself on the chair, I realized the roof atop our table was dripping in two places. Not only did that mean diluted alcohol but also a wet sleeve. So, we complained, and to our shock the owner just said, "It’s a garage, what do you expect?" We complained to someone else and he got the same reply. Ok, I didn’t know people rehearsed their repartees.
So, I had to sit wearing a jacket and look like such a fool!
Then, my gang ordered seekh kababs. They took 30 mins to get it... and it was COLD! We called the guy again and told him that the kebabs were cold and he rejoined, "But, I just got it from the kitchen..." Yes? And maybe it was ready for the last 15 mins and he forgot to serve it? We asked him if they could heat it a bit and he just said a rude, "No, " and walked away.
They have shot up their prices big time. I remember we used to go here because it was easier on the pocket but now a pitcher costs Rs 500 and the pitcher beer isn’t even that great. One of my friends went there a couple of weeks ago and he came back calling them racists. Apparently, my friend and his group had been standing there for a while and a bunch of firangs walked in much later but were given a table first.
Anyway, looks like they take their image of being a garage too seriously and charge according to car servicing rates. I have sworn the pub off! Anyway, I’m wayyyy beyond the same ol’ shyte music they play there.
P.S - I have said yes for recommending it to someone because it’s one of its kind in spite of bad services lately. If you want a nice rugged place reeking of rock and not a la di dah club, go here.