First Look: Rooftop Bar Brass Eye Opens at The Junto

Mar 12, 2024

Columbus’ latest rooftop bar has arrived. Brass Eye is now open at 77 Belle St., perched eight stories up on the top floor of The Junto hotel.

Cocktails and skyline views are the main attractions at Brass Eye.

Imbibers will find a drink menu that features playful twists on well-known and classic cocktails. Local spirits are featured in some of the sippers, like the Happy Camper with Watershed Four Peel Gin, citrus, vanilla bean and a farm egg for frothiness. There are also a number of draft cocktails, including Franklinton Punch with Plantation 5 Year + Apricot Brandy, Batavia Arrack and black tea. Wines, including a frozen wine slushie, beers, from mostly local brewers, and a non-alcoholic menu round things out.

In the eats department, Brass Eye’s menu will be focused on lighter, shareable bites. The menu will continue to evolve for the next few weeks, with plans to also add a Sunday brunch later this summer.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and retractable garage doors bring the outside in at Brass Eye. The patio runs the length of the bar, with additional space on the east and west ends of the building. Look east for a close up of COSI and sweeping skyline views, west for a bird’s-eye view of Franklinton and the area’s surrounding development. The patio area overlooking Franklinton includes an oversized fireplace, with additional heaters running the length of the covered area on the north side of the building, making Brass Eye a 365-day-a-year experience.

An eclectic mix of soft seating areas indoors provides ample space for groups to gather. Part of the indoor area can also be reserved for semi-private events. Overall capacity is 280.

For Brass Eye guests not staying at the hotel, the bar has an independent entrance off Rush Alley.

Brass Eye is one of five food and beverage options at the 198-room Junto. Lobby bar and restaurant The Trade Room made its debut with the hotel in early June. Coffee shop Maudine’s is slated to open early next week, with wood-fired eatery Little West opening on the ground floor in the coming weeks. And the fifth will be a walk-up window dedicated solely to one dish: poutine.

Brass Eye is open from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and 2 p.m. – 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. With what are sure to be some of the best views of the fireworks, the bar is also hosting a special ticketed event for Red, White & Boom.

For more information, visit thejuntohotel.com/restaurants-bars/brass-eye.

All photos by Susan Post