Toby's Tavern - United States

Absolutely yes, the place to go in Coupeville for good vibes and good food. A few tables have views over Penn Cove. I enjoyed succulent mussels one night and then tasty fish and chips the following evening. Nice beer and wine selection, and no hard liquor which keeps the place mellow and pub-like.

Toby’s is clearly a victim of it’s own success. It’s a small town funky bar stuck in a tourist location. There is no way the kitchen or the limited wait staff can keep up with the constant flow of foot traffic eager to kick back with the locals and eat authentic waterfront food. As a result, I waited over half an hour for a take out order of one item, fish tacos, which was advertised on the chalkboard out front. When it was finally ready, the waitperson put 3 boxes on the counter. I asked for a bag. No we don’t have bags. No utensils, napkins, just food in styrofoam boxes. Note that I don’t blame the staff for this situation (unless they are also the owners. It’s just poor management. I’ll be back next winter if they are still open.

I went due to the raving reviews of the mussels but was very disappointed. My mussels came steamed in white wine, which isn’t out of the norm for mussels. The top third was okay but lacked flavor, until we got lower into the bowl. The bottom half of my mussel order was completely submerged and swimming in hot white wine that wasn’t boiled off properly or completely so the rest of the mussels tasted like pure alcohol and was inedible. It’s unfortunate as there was a large majority of the mussels left that we couldn’t really eat due to the very strong alcohol flavor.

Eaten here a few times, the burgers are usually pretty good. The cookies in their jar on the counter are SO good. And the garlic bread! Yum!

The BEST fresh Penn Cove steamed mussels in a delicious white wine sauce. The Ling cod fish and chips is a huge winner showing up with no signs of oil. The chowder gets high marks as well. Gorgeous views of Penn Cove. Full of charm , great service, during high season Toby's is so popular, long lines form outside to get a table. Love, love, love Toby's. You will not be disappointed.