Cincinnati is a busy city you’d find along the Ohio River with its unique culture. The people there are very proud of their home and you can see this pride clearly in their rich cultural heritage and fantastic food.
From the burgers to the cocktails and homemade dishes, Cincinnati is a culinary destination that’ll give you a memorable experience.
Having an appetite is inevitable. However, you can’t walk into any restaurant just because you crave food especially if you want value for your money.
This piece will unveil the 20 best brunch spots in Cincinnati to you.
20 Best Brunch Spots in Cincinnati 2024
Any food enthusiast knows that there’s good food and then there’s just ‘food’. Whether you reside in Cincy or you’re on a visit, you deserve some good food in a warm, cozy restaurant with a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
So here’s our list of the twenty best brunch destinations you should check out in Cincinnati.
1. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Location: Race St, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Maplewood Omelet
- Maplewood Hash
- Chilaquiles
- Shakshuka
- Avocado Toast
If you’re a health-conscious individual looking for a restaurant that suits you, Maplewood Kitchen will cater to you.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or prefer gluten-free stuff, you’re covered. Customers love this spot because they use local ingredients to make delicious meals.
The most sought-after meals here include the Maplewood hash, lemon ricotta pancakes and avocado toast.
The natural lights and comfortable seats in this spot are two things that complement its modern interior.
2. Otto’s
location: Main St, Covington, KY
Brunch Menu:
- Shrimp and Grits
- Eggs Benedict
- French Toast
- Avocado Toast
- Fried Chicken Biscuit
This spot is situated near Cincinnati and was founded in 2003. It’s a famous spot for both visitors and the locals.
Trust me, you’ll not miss when you make a move for their breakfast casserole and pancakes.
They offer amazing Southern cuisine and you’d find dishes like pistachio-crusted halibut, fried green tomatoes, and more.
At Otto’s, brunch is on weekends while they serve lunch from Tuesday to Friday. The atmosphere is soothing and the interior decoration blends with the surroundings nicely.
3. Blinkers Tavern
location: Greenup St, Covington, KY
Brunch Menu:
- Chicken and Waffles
- Shrimp and Grits
- Eggs Benedict
- Pancakes
- Breakfast Burrito
A restaurant with a reputation of winning an award for its tasty steaks should certainly make it to this list.
On the menu, you’d find dishes ranging from bread pudding to seafood pastas and burgers. There are two patios in this spot and the atmosphere is perfect for dining.
Blinkers Tavern is located just across the Cincinnati River and has been recognized several times by NKY magazine as the spot with the best steaks in that location.
4. Taste of Belgium – OTR
location: Vine St, Cincinnati, OH
Brunch Menu:
- Waffle and Chicken
- Croque Madame
- Belgian Waffle
- Brunch Burger
- Goetta Hash
In Cincinnati’s over-the-Rhine neighborhood, this restaurant is a go-to place for many customers.
Just as its name implies, this is where to be, should you wish to have a taste of Belgium because they make delicious Belgian cuisine.
Also, you’d find Belgian beers on the menu and you can pair with waffles, sandwiches, and crepes.
The atmosphere at Taste of Belgium is lovely and the service is friendly.
5. Incline Public House
location: 8th St #101, Cincinnati, OH
Brunch Menu:
- Biscuits and Gravy
- French Toast
- Breakfast Pizza
- Eggs Benedict
- Steak and Eggs
This famous Cincinnati restaurant sits on a hill, giving visitors a view of the city’s beautiful skyline.
The nice atmosphere at Incline Public House with its amazing view of the surrounding landscape makes it an ideal spot for romantic dinners or even a place to host special events.
The craft beers feature both local and international brews. So if you love beers, check out this spot.
On the menu, you’ll find some modernized American comfort food as well as gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas.
6. National Exemplar Restaurant
location: Wooster Pike, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Eggs Benedict
- Belgian Waffles with Fresh Berries
- Smoked Salmon Bagel
- Classic French Toast
- Breakfast Burrito
At this spot, both the cuisine and the hospitality you get from the staff here are exceptional. On the menu, you’d find seasonal ingredients and local flavors which means there are varieties of dishes on offer.
In the dining area is the fireplace, should you need some warmth.
The award-winning brunch menu at National Exemplar Restaurant is what makes it one of the best brunch spots in Cincinnati.
Some of the tasty brunches they serve include fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, and omelets.
7. Seasons 52
location: Walnut St, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Avocado Toast
- Smoked Salmon Flatbread
- Belgian Waffle
- Spinach & Caramelized Bosc Pear Salad
- Grilled Shrimp & Grits
At Seasons 52, the menu changes along with the season to give you a constantly evolving dining experience.
The restaurant is famous for its fresh seasonal cuisine and soothing atmosphere. And as for health-conscious individuals, they can order dishes below 595 calories.
Also, wine lovers aren’t left out; there’s an extensive wine collection. Check out their smoked salmon flatbread and some Belgian waffles while treating yourself to their live piano music.
8. Sleepy Bee Cafe – Oakley
location: Madison Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Bee Cakes (pancakes)
- Breakfast Tacos
- Bee’s Knees Omelette
- Nutty Bee Granola
- Breakfast Bowl
This spot offers a range of dishes flavored with honey that makes breakfast, brunch, and lunch sweet.
The cafe focuses on using fresh, locally grown ingredients, emphasizing healthy choices like organic veggies and sustainable meats.
With its comfortable interior and friendly atmosphere, Sleepy Bee Cafe is an ideal chilling spot for people who want to dine with their friends or family.
The breakfast bowls are filling and the pancakes are tasty. They also have healthy salads and delicious sandwiches on the menu.
9. Cracker Barrel
location: Sharon Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- Homestyle Breakfast
- Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy
- Sunrise Sampler
The service from the staff at Cracker Barrel is attentive and friendly. They use traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients to prepare their meals.
Cracker Barrel is well-known for serving breakfast all day long.
You can get yummy stuff like pancakes, waffles, and big breakfast plates with eggs, bacon, and sausage whenever you want, even if it’s not morning.
Cracker Barrel is famous for its tasty Southern-style food.
They make old-time favorites like fried chicken, country ham, and biscuits with gravy, giving you a real taste of Southern comfort food.
10. Metropole Restaurant at 21c Museum Hotel
location: Walnut St, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Shrimp & Grits
- Eggs Benedict
- Belgian Waffles
- Avocado Toast
- French Toast with Berry Compote
When you walk into the famous 21c Museum Hotel, you’d find this spot with its stimulating atmosphere.
Metropole takes pride in its consistent use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
There’s also a bar that serves handcrafted cocktails.
Their roasted meats, seasonal vegetables, and more get their smokey flavor from their wood-fired oven.
11. Trio
location: Kenwood Road, Cincinnati
- French Toast Stuffed with Mascarpone
- Trio Benedict
- Belgian Waffle
- Smoked Salmon Omelette
- Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Here’s another award-winning
restaurant in our list of the best brunch spots in Cincinnati. Trio is famous for its tasty cuisine, which is just regular American dishes with a bit of creativity.
If you’re watching what you eat, Trio has some lighter brunch options like avocado toast, yogurt with granola and fruit, and smoothie bowls.
You can pair either the mimosas or bloody Marys with some pancakes and eggs benedicts. Wine is also available.
12. Sugar n’ Spice Dine
location: Reading Road, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Fluffy Pancakes
- Cinnamon French Toast
- Country Benedict
- Veggie Omelette
- Breakfast Burrito
This restaurant’s old-school vibe and friendly staff will make you feel like you’re back in the good old days at a diner.
Sugar n’ Spice Dine is known for its yummy and fluffy omelettes served with homemade potatoes. They fill Pancake balls with yummy chocolate chips, fruit, or bacon.
On weekends, you can try some fancy brunch dishes like French toast, eggs Benedict, and breakfast burritos at Sugar n’ Spice Dine.
12. Press On Monmouth
location: Springdale Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Avocado Toast
- Press Breakfast Sandwich
- French Toast with Berries
- Eggs Benedict
- Greek Yogurt Parfait
This restaurant gives the vibe you’d get from a coffeehouse.
However, the cuisine is out of this world. In periods when the months are warm, visitors can use the patio outside this restaurant.
Aside from their expertly crafted coffee and espresso drinks, they also sell tasty pastries, sandwiches, and salads. All these are made with local ingredients.
The soothing atmosphere at Press On Monmouth provides the ideal environment to meet up with friends or even study.
Also, The restaurant supports the community by hosting events that give visibility to its local artists.
14. Red Feather Chicken
location: Madison Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Chicken and Waffles
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Smoked Salmon Benedict
- Shrimp and Grits
- Quiche of the Day
At this spot, ingredients are sourced from the farm and are used to make delicious irresistible homemade award-winning dishes.
Some of the items on the menu include Parmesan truffle fries, pork chop, hot honey and ranch, crispy chicken skins, and more.
15. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
location: Monmouth St, Newport, KY
Brunch Menu:
- Pancake Platter,
- Biscuits & Gravy with Eggs,
- Country Omelette,
- French Toast Breakfast,
- Homemade Chicken and Waffles
At Cheddar’s Kitchen, the chefs take pride in making dishes from scratch to give the visitors a memorable dining experience.
The portions here aren’t just affordable, but are generous and you’ll eat to your fill.
The menu is diverse and you’d find American cuisine in it.
The friendly service of the staff is what pulls in the crowd.
Make sure to sample their homemade chicken hot pie and chicken tenders.
16. Moerlein Lager House
location: Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati
- Breakfast Burger
- Chorizo & Potato Hash
- Lager House Omelette
- Biscuits & Gravy
- Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
The ‘Lager’ in the name of this spot would have you think it’s just a brewery but it’s also a restaurant that promotes the City’s beer heritage.
At this spot, they blend both traditional brewing the modern methods.
There’s a garden where you can go chill with your beer and a menu that features both local and seasonal ingredients.
You can enjoy live music while socializing under the vibrant atmosphere at The Moerlein Lager House.
It caters to both beer lovers and foodies who want to have a good time.
17. The Gruff
location: 2nd St, Covington, KY
Brunch Menu:
- Eggs in a Nest
- Chorizo Hash
- Avocado Toast
- Pancake Stack
- Brunch Burger
This spot is known for its culinary excellence and you can listen to live music while chilling in its unique and inviting atmosphere.
They’re experts at making cocktails as well as using top-quality spirits and unique flavors to make crafted drinks.
At The Gruff, you’d find their menu which features modernized traditional American food
18. Taste of Belgium – Rookwood
location: Edwards Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- Liege Waffle
- Brussels Waffle
- Belgian Benedict
- Chicken and Waffle
- Croque Madame
If you want a taste of Belgium while in America, You’ve found the right spot that uniquely blends Belgian flavors with American comfort food to give its guests a nice dining experience by using local ingredients.
19. Mt Adams Bar & Grill
location: Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH
Brunch Menu:
- Eggs Benedict
- Monte Cristo
- Belgian Waffle
- Hangover Breakfast Burrito
- Breakfast Pizza
From this vibrant spot with its inviting atmosphere, you can see the beautiful skyline of the city.
Both the locals and visitors love to have a good time at Mt. Adams Bar & Grill.
There’s live music on play and a patio.
The juicy burgers and fresh seafood are a delight and you should have some.
20. The Echo
location: Edwards Rd, Cincinnati
Brunch Menu:
- French Toast
- Breakfast Burrito
- Corned Beef Hash
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Eggs Florentine
Think about the echo and think about a restaurant with history.
This spot known for its classic American cuisine came on the scene in 1945 and since then locals and guests haven’t been able to resist its soothing and relaxing ambiance.
You get the feel of an olden-day restaurant the moment you step into The Echo. You can order some steaks, burgers, and seafood meals and eat till you’re fill.
I bet you that this historic spot is not leaving the scene anytime soon.
Final Words
As you can see, some of the restaurants in our list are well recognized and that’s surely why they’re deserving of the award.
Also, some of the restaurants feature European-inspired menus which points to the City’s deep Germanic roots.
Depending on what suits you and your family & friends, you can walk into any of these restaurants and enjoy your brunch.
It’s always better to patronize a tested and trusted establishment That’ll be worth your dime and time.
