Dempsey’s (November 9, 2012)

Dempsey’s

346 S. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614/586-0511

http://dempseysdowntown.com/  

Full disclosure – I have known Mark Dempsey, the proprietor of Dempsey’s, for many years since we were both involved in Franklin County politics in the mid- to late 1980’s.  This review, however, is based on the quality of the food, service, and ambiance, not any association I may have with Mark.

Fortunately, my experience at Dempsey’s makes it easy to share that disclosure because my first visit to Dempsey’s was a very enjoyable one.  I had wanted to stop in the restaurant since it opened in March of this year, but it was a Living Social voucher ($20 coupon for $10) that finally got me and Lori in the door. 

The restaurant is located on the corner of High and Mound Streets in downtown Columbus, across the street from the new county courthouse and within walking distance of many government and other offices.  There is definitely a political vibe to the restaurant.  Photographs of local, state, and national political figures adorn the walls, but the highlight is the political button collection that is displayed on the walls of the back room.  The collection, on loan from a friend of both Mark’s and mine, contains memorabilia from the 19^th century to the present!

But this is a food blog, isn’t it…

My meal started with the Cream of Mushroom soup ($4.75) that contained button, crimini, and portabella mushrooms.  The mushrooms were flavorful and provided a nice texture to the creamy soup.

 

 

Lori selected the Maryland Crab Cake ($8.75).  Unfortunately, my photo doesn’t do the dish justice, but I was assured that it was very delicious.  Actually, I was permitted to have a bite, so I, too, can attest to the tastiness of the crab cake!

For my entrée, I selected two small plate offerings, the Seared Jumbo Scallops ($8.25) and the Lamb Lollypops ($10.95).  I generally don’t order scallops because, more often than not, I receive a plate of bland and rubbery sea denizens that are overpriced and leave me disappointed and unsatisfied.  This was certainly not the case with Dempsey’s scallops!  Without a doubt, these were the most delicious scallops I have ever had!  Served with a black bean and corn salsa, the scallops were seasoned so well that, even after eating my other small plate as well as a dessert, I still had the taste of the scallops on my lips on my drive home!  Scrumptious!

Not to be outdone, the Lamb Lollypops were very tender and very good.  The three small chops were served atop a nice portion of mashed redskin potatoes.  They were so good that, after using my knife and fork to separate the meat from the bones, I had to pick them up and, not so decorously, make sure I nibbled all of the tender meat that I could reach!

Lori once again declared her entrée, the Dempsey Steak Salad ($12.95), to be very good.

Lori and I will often share a dessert and this evening was no different.  We decided to sample the Jameson Bread Pudding ($4.95).  It proved to be a nice ending to a delicious dinner.  The Jameson Irish Whiskey was distinctive, but not at all overpowering. 

Our server, Nick, was very attentive, visiting our table often to ensure our satisfaction.

I highly recommend Dempsey’s and will definitely be back!