Townhouse Bar & Grill
Write a Review 510-652-6151
CLOSED NOW - Opens atTomorrow 11:30am

5862 Doyle St, Emeryville, CA 94608

From the Emeryville fireman's dream of a Speakeasy that he built in 1926, to Steve Vernetti, the original Townhouse Speakeasy bartender who along with his family ran it for 35 plus years after Prohibition ended, the TH has been and remains an East Bay institution. Next came the 70's and 80's when country and western bars, music and dancing were at their peak and the theme at the TH. This period is fondly remembered by Cal graduates who continue to visit the Townhouse and reminisce about their dancing days but do not miss the peanut shells and sawdust on the floor. 1990 was the year that Ellen Hope Rosenberg, the current executive chef and owner, took over an ailing TH and resurrected it from top to bottom. From her inspired American-California style menu to the maintenance of the original construction both in and out. This is a restaurant that has a unique story whose food and ambiance is as authentic as the staff are courteous and genuine.From the Emeryville fireman's dream of a Speakeasy that he built in 1926, to Steve Vernetti, the original Townhouse Speakeasy bartender who along with his family ran it for 35 plus years after Prohibition ended, the TH has been and remains an East Bay institution. Next came the 70's and 80's when country and western bars, music and dancing were at their peak and the theme at the TH. This period is fondly remembered by Cal graduates who continue to visit the Townhouse and reminisce about their dancing days but do not miss the peanut shells and sawdust on the floor. 1990 was the year that Ellen Hope Rosenberg, the current executive chef and owner, took over an ailing TH and resurrected it from top to bottom. From her inspired American-California style menu to the maintenance of the original construction both in and out. This is a restaurant that has a unique story whose food and ambiance is as authentic as the staff are courteous and genuine.

Reviews

cohiba

01/18/2012

Provided by YP.com

I was looking forward to my fi...

I was looking forward to my first dining experience at Townhouse Bar & Grill as I had heard from numerous sources that it was absolutely wonderful. The experience unfortunately was truly disappointing. It was a weeknight and the restaurant was busy but not exceptionally so however service was spotty and distracted with our server disappearing for long periods. 75% of the entrees arrived lukewarm and half of the beef dish ordered was inedible fat. When we were finally able to snag the attention of our server to let her know that the dishes had arrived cold she did not offer any solution to the situation. When asked how the restaurant might handle our complaint, we were told that if we had found her earlier to share our dissatisfaction they might have been able to do something about it - basically saying that this was our fault. We explained that we did try to catch her attention but that she was clearly busy with other tables and never came back to check on our table. Too bad, this restaurant is now scratched from my list.

foodyfrank1

12/29/2008

Provided by YP.com

Emeryville's Best?

The rustic exterior is very misleading and what's inside will surprise you. This 100 year old ex-roadhouse serves a great meal, although it's far from inexpensive. Great staff, well made cocktails and a good wine list all complement an excellent menu. Apps range from sweet potato fries to chicken pot stickers or calamari in a crunchy corn meal crust. Main courses feature fish, beef, pork and a vegetarian dish with grilled veggies and couscous all delivered by a knowledgeable, attractive, and friendly wait staff. If I have a complaint, it's that the specials are limited and only change every 2 weeks or so. The prime rib is excellent, however; if it's on the specials menu 11 months of the year, it should be on the main menu.

The crowd is always varied and eclectic and based on the prices are either well-healed or there for a special occasion. Good bar crowd and lots of folks opt to eat at the bar. Not a meat market and many more single men 35+ than women.

I have never had a bad meal in this place and usually eat there 4-6 times a month.