I’m sure you’ve passed it a million times walking down Fore Street in search of some grub after endless hours of shopping. But just because Rosie’s Restaurant and Pub doesn’t look like much more than any old bar you may come across on the streets of the Old Port, don’t let the green awning and beer lights in the window fool you: Rosie’s cooks up some darn good food.
Now don’t get me wrong, Rosie’s interior does resemble a typical pub, with a full bar and many beer options – many of which are displayed on mirrored advertisements hung throughout the restaurant and even in the bathroom. There is a dart area where the trophies on the wall tell you that some serious dart playing goes down there. But it’s the food at Rosie’s that will surprise you.
For starters, Rosies serves all the rings, skins, sticks and fingers you can imagine, most of which are deep fried in beer batter ($4.50-$5.50). They are also famous for their homemade nachos in varieties such as chicken, turkey and veggie, just to name a few ($4.75-$6.50).
Rosie’s is also known around town for their chili, which I ordered right away. There’s nothing like a homemade cup of chili, and this one was served with three of their homemade nachos.
The chili lived up to its standards. It was thick and meaty with enough spice to leave your tongue tingling and your nose running. The only downside was that it was plenty hot with spice, but not so much in temperature.
Deciding what to eat at Rosie’s is a little tough considering all their options. They offer a dozen or more sandwich selections such as the Fore Street, which is rib-eye steak with onions, peppers and mushrooms topped with mozzarella cheese, or the Mariner melt, which is open face tuna with tomatoes and Swiss cheese ($2.95-$7.95). You can even build your own pizza or burger ($4.25-$4.95). But what Rosie’s claims to be “the biggest and best in town” are their calzones. Fillings include meat, cheese, broccoli and cheese, spinach and cheese or veggie – olives, broccoli, onion, peppers and tomatoes ($5.95-$7.95). I decided to try a famous veggie calzone so I could be my own judge. And they are right. When my calzone came out I was in awe. The big pillow of dough topped with marinara was oozing with cheese. I couldn’t wait to dig in. Thick dough that was crisp on the outside and moist on the inside encased mozzarella and ricotta cheese as well as diced vegetables. Although the vegetables were scarce, I have to say the calzone was definitely the best I have tasted and the portion was more than just big – the thing was huge. I ended up doggie bagging a large portion for the next day’s lunch.
Service at Rosie’s fits the atmosphere, laid back with a little attitude. I always had everything I needed and the staff was all business, sharp and to the point, but more than willing to help with any questions I had.
I will certainly return to Rosie’s for a bite with friends. It’s a great place to stop whether you’re starving or just in the mood for a great appetizer and a cold beer. But whatever you do, don’t just pass by because you’re not in the mood for rough, drunken guys playing darts. You’ll be missing out on a great social atmosphere and food that, according to their menu has, “won more awards than Steven Spielberg.”
Stars: ****
Food: sensational
Atmosphere: social
Service: salty