Fun, historic location with good service and mediocre food
Entrance to The Rookwood Bar & Restaurant |
Bar Area and Kiln |
After a charming event at the Cincinnati Art Museum, we decided to eat at The Rookwood Bar & Restaurant partly because it was close by on Mount Adams and because we haven’t eaten at the various restaurants that have occupied the space. As Katherine said, it’s a place that she’s dropped by for drinks and appetizers. It’s a historic interior because it surrounds the giant kilns
where Rookwood pottery created some of the most remarkable art ceramics of the early 20th century.
Dining Room in the Kiln |
We looked around the adjacent kiln at the various chalk drawings and paintings of rooks while examining the menu. Our server was friendly and willing to describe dishes more thoroughly as well as making recommendations. Everything was going smoothly.
Dexter Checks Out the Carved Rook on the Chairs |
And then came the food . . .
Housemade Pastrami Sandwich |
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Agrodolce |
Neil shared the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Agrodolce (sour/sweet), Spanish chorizo (the pieces weren’t large enough to really notice), and roasted date vinegar. It was pretty good, but it wasn’t in the same league as similar sprouts dishes at Enoteca Emilia and Moerlein Lager House.
Dressed Hanky Pankys |
So, it’s an enviable location, coolly decorated, with good service, and a nice beverage list. However, the food needs to be re-thought and better prepared. Right now, Incline House, Moerlein Lager House, Wurst Bar in the Square, and Senate are presenting upscale and dynamic versions of bar food. Rookwood Commons isn’t in their league.
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