Ceili’s Cottage (1301 Queen Street East) is a newbie in the Leslieville block, an attractive East-End cottage — yes, really! — with a bit of growing up to do.

It’s a cute place, and definitely shows signs of bustle and community. The bar area is quite active, and is a great gathering spot for an after-work crowd.

Unfortunately, if you’re there for food, I’ll have you know that only two in our group of 10 actually enjoyed their meal. That doesn’t make for very decent odds.

(Note: the macaroni and cheese ain’t all as exciting as its description, but the oysters are.)

It also didn’t help that, despite there being vacant chairs close to the patio, our group was not able to sit together, due to liquor licences and “maximum patio seating”. A bit unfortunate, which left two of us seated at the bar for 45 minutes waiting to join the rest of the crew.

Of course, this all happened in Ceili’s first couple of weeks, so there’s room to iron the kinks out and improve for the future. And considering the owners of the successful Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill are behind this venture, I have faith that things will improve down the line.

Leslievillers are a community-driven bunch, after all, and after a few more weeks and experience serving the patio culture, I’m certain the staff will find its groove.

I just hope in that time, the food will improve, too.