Brunch is universally accepted as the best meal of the day right? Breakfast combined with lunch and guaranteed dessert? Yes, please! Cincinnati is a total foodie city so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of amazing brunch spots throughout the Queen City. Let’s break down the best places for brunch in Cincinnati!
Sleepy Bee Oakley, Downtown, Blue Ash \\ A brunch staple in Cincinnati! Sleepy Bee is causal, cozy, vibrant, fresh, and serves all the classic brunch favorites like omelettes, pancakes, and eggs. Try the Queen City Bee sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. Sleepy Bee is always my go-to when family and friends come to visit.
Maplewood Kitchen + Bar Downtown, Deerfield \\ I am 10000% serious when I say I dream about Maplewood. The inspiration I get here is next level, the interiors are a dream and the food is so good that I often find myself ordering a second plate. Maplewood is elevated, fresh west-coast inspired cuisine. Try the Blueberry Granola Pancakes #lifechanging. Do not be surprised if the line is out the door! I promise it is worth the wait and it really does go by fast.
Cheapside Cafe Downtown \\ I love everything about Cheapside! I always leave Cheapside feeling so refreshed and inspired. The atmosphere is casual, effortless, cool, and 100% Instagramable. People Magazine claims Cheapside offers the best sandwiches in Ohio, I don’t disagree.
Sacred Beast Diner OTR \\ The motto here is “simple food, taken seriously,” you’ll definitely get some serious cool-kid brunch vibes. Serving traditional brunch foods with a creative twist, you’ll fill all your cravings. Try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (oh my!!!)
Taste of Belgium OTR, Clifton, Rookwood, The Banks, Findley Market \\ A Cincinnati staple and the best Belgian waffles + fried chicken you’ll find outside of Belgium. If you ask a Cincinnati native for a restaurant recommendation I guarantee Taste of Belgium will always be in their top 3. It goes without saying, ordering the waffles + chicken is a must.
French Crust Cafe Downtown \\ Transport yourself to Paris for a European brunch. The cafe itself is lovely! I try something new every time I visit and I’m always satisfied. Try a quiche and make sure to order a macaron.
Pleasantry OTR \\ The best things are found off the beaten path, right? Pleasantry is just that – a lovely restaurant and cafe off the beaten path in OTR. The brunch here is easy-going and quite pleasant. This is a wonderful place to head for a quiet and relaxed brunch. I highly recommend the breakfast potatoes. This is also a great place to bring your laptop and get some work done.
Nada Downtown \\ Tacos + Guac + Margaritas? Yes, please! Nada is a regular brunch, lunch, and dinner spot of mine, my review here. It’s a go-to spot in downtown Cincinnati for delicious food, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
The Echo Hyde Park \\ Wander over to Hyde Park for a modern, historic, and more affluent vibe without sacrificing the casualness of brunch. You’ll find a bit of everything here from families to young professionals. The Echo is a great option if you’re in search of a traditional brunch.
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey Pendleton\\ What is brunch without biscuits? If you’re craving a hardy southern brunch filled with fluffy biscuits and fried chicken, Boomtown is your place. After brunch, enjoy a coffee across the street at Urbana.
Salazar OTR \\ Definitely a more modern and sophisticated brunch than the others on the list. The greek yogurt and granola are delicious and so is the falafel. I also have to note, that every single time I’ve been to Salazar’s the service has been exceptional!
Hang Over Easy Clifton \\ If you’re looking a hangover cure this is a great place. It’s definitely a college diner-type vibe, but we all need that cure every so often right? The atmosphere here is very lively and fun. Did I mention they have Fruity Pebble Pancakes?