One of the advantages of living in a place as flat as central Ohio is that it takes relatively little elevation to see for miles. Columbus, luckily, has many offerings for those who want to have a cocktail and a bite between utterances of “I can see my house from here.”
Brass Eye Rooftop Bar
Columbus’ latest (and only) independent lifestyle hotel, The Junto, is looking to grab attention from more than just its hotel guests. This Benjamin Franklin-themed campus was designed with the intention of becoming a hotspot for nearby residents, businesspeople and those looking for a place to sit and enjoy a few drinks or a snack with plenty of options to choose from.
With a coffee shop, a restaurant with Western/Americana fare and even a walk-up poutine window, The Junto has a different eatery open for whatever hour of the day you plan to arrive. The concept for the space comes from Franklinton’s namesake Founding Father, who named a community club “The Junto.”
Among The Junto’s offerings is an elevated cocktail-centric rooftop that bears the name Brass Eye, which was inspired by a slang term in Franklin’s writing that essentially meant one could hold their liquor.
You may find the name appropriate when you try one of Brass Eye’s cocktails. Jason Delcamp, managing director of The Junto, says that the Not Yo Pina Colada is the cocktail to try if you are looking for the rooftop’s signature flavor.
This drink is anything but watered down, as it takes on a fulfilling flavor that showcases tropical sweetness without being syrupy or heavy. The titular pineapple taste is present, but the creaminess of the drink masks the acidic bite that normally comes along with the spiky fruit’s juices.
The rum provides a boozy twist to the tropical treat in a way that is not so subtle, but far from overpowering. You are more likely to feel the rum hit you unexpectedly than you are to shudder as the liquor hits the back of your throat.
Situated directly across from COSI, Brass Eye overlooks the Scioto Mile, which gives it a prime location for an unmatched view of the city from the eighth floor of the hotel. The rooftop is accessible through the hotel or through its own separate door and public elevator, which Delcamp says is due to the hope of making the property inclusive and accessible to all, not just those staying onsite.
Brass Eye’s view is complemented by a relaxed aura created by deep greens, natural woodgrain tones and a hint of brass to boot. Almost the entire outdoor space is covered, and the retractable garage-style doors make the indoor to outdoor transition quick and easy. Delcamp says that it may get a little chilly in the winter, but the space is temperature controlled to avoid discomfort and offer as much fresh air as possible.
RH Rooftop
The theme at Easton’s rooftop dining space is perfection to the last detail. Of the hundreds of fake candles illuminating RH Rooftop’s chandelier-lined ceilings, only a single bulb was unlit.
The space is geometric and elegant, with circular tables, boxy chairs and meticulously trimmed fake trees and hedges in its rectangular maze of flower boxes. A fountain in the center of the space creates visual and auditory ambiance, with its relaxing streams creating white noise to complement the unobtrusive electronic music that sets the scene.
RH Rooftop is not cocktail-focused like Brass Eye, offering no more than a bellini and a mimosa. Rather, the star of its beverage menu is wine. Roughly 80% of the single-page drink menu is taken up by the 50-plus glass and bottle offerings.
The food on the flip side of the menu upholds the theme. Offerings range from artisanal prosciutto and gem lettuce salads to a roasted half chicken.
The lobster roll is a good example of the attention to detail that RH Rooftop appears to hold dear. A tiny drop of oil with a single chive within highlights the chef’s conscientiousness.
The roll itself backed up the presentation. The bread was slightly warm and the lobster had become almost room temperature once served. A shmear of mayonnaise lined the toasted bread, which was buttered and grilled to remain soft with a tasteful crunch.
The lobster was very light and easy to eat, with no chewy or gummy bites to be had. The meat was flavorful and fresh, not to be masked by the mayonnaise or mix of chives and seasoning tossed on the crustacean chunks.
Another of RH Rooftop’s key offerings is its various coffee and teas. The cortado is a great way to finish a meal, as its temperate degree makes it easy to put down regardless of what you’ve had to eat or drink.
The drink comes beautifully dressed and fragrant, with simple milk art adorning the layer of froth. The drink is perky and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. It may renew the vigor of wary shoppers who have made their way to the third floor of Restoration Hardware.
Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.
