I'm a breakfast guy... and after my favorite breakfast place in town took a big hit on Dirty Dining and got a "C" rating, I was looking for an alternative. When my wife read an article on this place she said I should check it out. I'm glad she did.
My first issue was trying to find parking that was free. It was early on a Sunday morning but the only free spots on the street (still a block from the restaurant) were all taken. MTO is conveniently situated in the bottom floor of a park garage, but inconveniently it cost $3.00.
I got there right at 8:00am and it was pretty much just me and the staff. I was greeted very nicely and my server was very attentive.
I wanted the Poppy Seed pancakes but also wanted some eggs, sausage and potatoes, Everything is a bit pricey, My bill with coffee (good coffee) for just me was $29 and change! Add in the tip and parking and it was almost $40 for just me! I think it is the most I have ever paid for a breakfast, and I have had breakfasts is some great places.
I did get the MTO breakfast that came with assorted meats... (more than I expected or wanted) and the pancakes(3) were big and pretty good. I am a big guy with a hearty morning appetite but I took half the meat and half the pancakes home and had them the next morning.
It was a very good breakfast, but I don't know I will be back. The parking cost was a surprise. (The waitress said they are working with the city to be able to validate).The coffee machine (I think it was) made a terrible shrieking noise every five minutes or so (like crying cats standing off against one another) that went on much longer than my early morning brain was ready for.
I like good heavy, hearty, crusty European style breads (La Brea Bakery style) and they offered only light weight fluffy types (Wonder bread was actually a menu option!). I ordered whole wheat, (which was thick sliced but also light and fluffy) which I barely touched (I had the pancakes).
I think there are better breakfast placed for much less... and they have free parking.