Dempsey's Restaurant

Dempsey's Restaurant opened more than a week ago on South High Street near the Courthouse. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Dempsey's should fit in well amongst its legal environs considering owner Mark Dempsey previously worked as Director of the Franklin County Clerk of Courts office in one of his many government jobs. The decor is classic, and service was capable and brisk for the working crowd.

The menus were developed by Chef Noah Yates. Yates is a graduate of the Hocking Culinary Institute and previously worked at the Refectory. While the menu isn't heavy on vegetarian fare, the staff addressed all vegetarian concerns and did an excellent job communicating with the kitchen. Vegans are mostly out of luck.

The breakfast menu has a variety of French toasts and pancakes as well as omelets and home fries. Coffee is roasted at Impero.

Lunch and dinner feature sandwiches, salads and various comfort food classics.

The grilled portabella sandwich comes on a brioche bun with roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, a basil balsamic dressing, romaine lettuce, tomato and onion. All of the ingredients were excellent, although the sandwich might have benefited from additional seasoning.

The veggie melt is prepared on Texas toast and stuffed with spinach, red peppers, portabella mushrooms, onions, mozzarella, provolone and pesto sauce. This was by far the better of the two vegetarian sandwiches.

There is a full bar at Dempsey's. While they are still ironing out some of the kinks after opening, it should still provide a decent, inexpensive breakfast and lunch option.