Profile

In the tradition of its fictional namesake English manor, Toad Hall manages to be capacious but cozy all at once. Exposed brick walls and dark-wood fixtures help, as do the mismatched mirrors strategically hung above eye level, which make the space seem bigger without forcing you to confront your drunken reflection at every turn. Or perhaps it's just the motto posted on the register: Be nice or leave. Patrons seem to take it to heart, and a mixture of youthful pub-crawlers and older stool-warmers can be seen enjoying themselves very nicely indeed, any night of the week. Add a well-kept pool table (every other Monday is league night), a pleasantly varied wine list and a range of good beers (at low prices for the neighborhood), and you've got a charming bar that beckons on a chilly winter evening—anytime you want to step off the Soho street and into a warm, well-lighted place. — Jessica Stockton

Toad Hall may be one of the few bars left in Soho without a restaurant attached, but if you get the munchies, they'll happily loan you their great selection of take-out menus and point the delivery guy in your direction.