There’s probably only one place in Columbus where you can enjoy live music, admire alt rock memorabilia, down a mimosas and nom on some bacon all at the same time, and that’s CD102.5’s Big Room Bar, “a bar with a radio problem.”
Big Room Bar opened in August, housed on the second story of the CD102.5 radio station and offices. The spacious bar is outfitted with guitars, albums and other band memorabilia sure to make music lovers swoon. I spent most of brunch amusing myself trying to read artist autographs on the ceiling, on which the wall from the station’s previous Big Room location (where a certain booze blogger once interned) is mounted.
Big Room Bar has Bloody Marys, mimosas and a dozen Ohio drafts, currently including, appropriately, Andyman Ale from Columbus Brewing, plus offerings from Actual, Barley’s, Fat Head’s (Cleveland), Four String, Hudepohl (Cincinnati), Jackie O’s (Athens), Lineage, North High, Seventh Son, Rhinegeist (Cincinnati) and Zauber.
Their brunch dishes boast names appropriately themed to an alt rock radio station bar, like the Tegan & Sara (hash browns toppd with Gouda, bacon and egg), Green Day (omelet with avocado basil spread, red onion, roma tomato and mozzarella) and Hash Pipe (braised beef, caramelized onions and roasted potatoes topped with eggs). The Fleetwood Mac — Mac & Cheese with roasted potatoes, sausage, smoked gouda sauce and a made-to-order egg — was basically everything I’ve ever craved when I was sad, or cold, or hungover, or happy… or awake. I also enjoyed the Californication sandwich, topped with with bacon, egg, tomato, mozzarella and avocado basil spread.
Big Room Bar features live music during their Sunday brunch, so my mac and cheese also came with a savory side of Topher James.
Big Room Bar is located at 1036 S Front Street. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 11am–4pm, with live music on Sunday from 12-2pm.
