The Rossi Bar + Kitchen | Facebook | IG: @therossibarandkitchen
895 N. High St. (map it!)
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 299-2810
Open Mon-Wed, 4-11p; Thurs-Fri, 4p-1a; Sat, 10a-3p, 5p-1a; Sun, 10a-3p, 5-11p (brunch served Sat & Sun, 10a-3p)
We’ve long been fans of The Rossi and Chef Matt Heaggans, so when I was assigned to write about their brunch for the Dispatch, we were eager for the chance.
If you’ve never been to The Rossi, you need to rectify that soon. They’ve long been known for upscale pub classics like the Rossi burger, their pizzas, their fries, good drinks, but since Matt’s arrival they’ve added more creative touches like a rotating chef’s charcuterie plate, burrata, duck potstickers, an excellent fried chicken sandwich, and the bo ssam.
Okay, I’m just going to pause right here. Even though I’m writing about brunch, I have to mention the bo ssam. I can’t not talk about it. We first tried it when Matt was still testing it out, and we’ve ordered it again since it became a regular menu item. The dish features a slow-braised pork shank, a set of steam buns, little gem lettuce, a rotating selection of pickled vegetables, and accompanying sauces. The meat is wonderfully seasoned and tender, and you pull it off the bone and make little sandwiches with the other items. It’s up there with one of our most memorable tastes in Columbus.
Okay, back to brunch… The Rossi’s little corner Short North space makes for a quiet setting for brunch. You can order coffee, cocktails, beer, and settle in to a healthy selection of dishes.
Like French toast. It comes out as three thick slices of brioche bread, a tad dry on the outside but custardy inside, plus rich red wine compote, maple syrup, and strips of bacon.
The Rossi adapts their New York style pizzas to brunch, too, with a thin-crust pie topped with shaved Brussels sprouts, ham, and a nice runny fried egg in the middle.
The sprouts were a little salty, but everything played together so nicely. And you can dip your pizza in the egg, the way God intended it.
If you’re a fan of the Rossi burger and Yukon fries (as you should be), you’re in luck. They serve it at brunch!
It really is a terrific burger.
They also serve a pretty hearty breakfast sandwich, with a big sausage patty, a dense layer of souffled eggs, cheddar, pickled chilies, and a lemon basil aioli.
And there’s plenty more, like a baked eggs dish, omelets, and other items. Even simple a la carte dishes like bacon, potatoes, and toast are well executed. If you’ve never visited The Rossi, go for dinner AND brunch soon.
Disclaimer: this meal was paid for as part of a Columbus Dispatch review. Photos and opinions here are my own.
