Toasted Bistro in Manitou Springs has a full bar, but this isn’t only a place to raise a glass in someone’s honor — although it’s an option. Nor should the name necessarily be associated with being high. Rather, much of the menu focuses on items between or on slices of crispy bread.

Toast is usually thought of at breakfast. It’s available here, too, but lunch and other entrees expand the concept and the menu.

Our dining experience got off to a rocky start due to a late lunch crowd that seemed to baffle the staff. Even with a few empty tables in view, we were told there’d be a 45- minute wait. When we returned, a different person told us there was a wait and we’d need to get on the list. Ours was the only name there, which we pointed out, so he said we were welcome to sit wherever we wanted.

Our order was taken at our table and others were told to order at the register. We were hungry but able to laugh this off. It helped, too, that food arrived in a timely manner.

The “changing seasonal soup” ($6) was an interesting description and I was surprised to learn that in late February it was curry pumpkin. Our server, or at the least the first person to serve us, said he’d heard that it was a bit spicy, but people seemed to like it. I didn’t. A few pepitas (pumpkin seeds) floated in orange-colored soup, which had several oily spots dotting most of the surface. There was a slight element of piquancy, but overall it was bland.

My suggestion is to go straight for the sandwiches. These were worth the wait and, thankfully, overshadowed the disappointing soup.

From the 11 choices, which include a smash burger ($16) and Impossible smash burger ($15), we chose the Philly ($16) and prosciutto, brie and apple ($14). A variety of breads are used, including brioche, hoagie, sourdough, rye and gluten-free options.

The Philly included thin slices of roast beef, sautéed onions and red peppers with a lot of melted provolone. The bun was slathered with mayo. While this was far from an authentic Philly cheese steak, it was a creative and successful rendition. Sandwiches come with a choice of fruit, potato salad, slaw or chips. For an upcharge there are fries ($2) and sweet potato fries ($3).

Our other sandwich featured thick pieces of grilled sourdough stuffed with melted brie, red apple slices and almost-paper-thin slivers of Italian dry-cured ham. The saltiness of the prosciutto was an issue because it competed with, rather than complemented, the creamy, buttery cheese. The apples added a nice crunch.

I was surprised to find a deviled egg sandwich ($11) on the menu. It’s the kind of food I think of having at home or an old-school diner. I admit I was tempted. Maybe next time.

Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m.; soup, salad, sandwiches (including burgers), pizza and shareables are available after 11 a.m.; and entrees, except for fish and chips (available earlier starting at 11 a.m.), are offered after 5 p.m.

Toasted Bistro

Creative comfort foods

Location: 718 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs

Contact: 1-719-820-0021; toastedinmanitou.com

Prices: $6 to $38

Hours: Closed Wednesday; open 8 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. all other days.

Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi. Outdoor seating.

Favorite dishes: Philly sandwich.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.