The Best Brunch Spots In Cincy
Cincinnati has become one of the fastest-growing cities, and a top travel destination for tourists. From the arts to the foods and the bad sports teams, Cincinnati is really up and coming and it’s got some of the best places to eat. Most importantly though, they have some amazing places for brunch. If you’re going to get a good idea of a city, it starts with their brunch.
1. Sleepy Bee Cafe
Anyone from the Cincinnati area knows, loves and has dined at a Sleepy Bee. Sleepy Bee has three different locations in Cincinnati, all focusing in locally derived food that is good for you and the environment. They have a huge selection of foods to choose from, savory, sweet and anything in between Sleepy Bee does it and does it best. They are best known for their BeeCakes, which is their version of a pancake, but these are gluten-free made with almond milk, quinoa, and buckwheat flour. I’ve had both and honestly the BeeCakes are just as fluffy and light as their normal pancakes. You’ll also feel a little better about eating them too, knowing they’re packed with more nutrients than typical pancakes.
The staff at Sleepy Bee is also the next level, they are almost always busy bees (pun intended) but you will never see them sweat. They always have a smile on their faces and are genuinely kind. Stop in at any location and you won’t be disappointed.
2. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
Maplewood is styled after California’s fast-casual dining. When entering Maplewood you will almost always see a line outside of the door, but you may see several seats open. I was thrown off by this, I didn’t understand why there was a line of people out the door but so many open seats. I didn’t realize that the line was similar to that of Chipotle or Panera, where you get in line to order your food and then it’s brought to your table. This part takes the longest, after that everything is a breeze. While you’re waiting they have a station with their fresh-pressed juices as well as brunch cocktails. You can buy those while you look at the menu in line.
They have great options for organic, vegan, gluten-free; anything food restrictions you may have, Maplewood has endless options for you. After you order your food, your drinks are mostly self serve, coffee, both iced and hot, several juices, water, and tea are all at varying stations for you to get for yourself. Then you are met by a host who will bring you to your seat. Any specialty cocktails, alcohol or barista beverages are made then brought to you. Their food is delicious and very well made, I’ve never had anything from here I didn’t like but their greek yogurt bowl is fantastic and you won’t even care how basic you look taking a picture of it, because its just that pretty.
3. The Baker’s Table
Right across the river in Newport, KY is The Baker’s Table a quaint restaurant with a more upscale feel to it but still very homely. This brunch spot serves a smaller menu, but when your food is as good as theirs is, you don’t need options. Their atmosphere is both upscale yet rustic, but the waiters and waitresses are personable and kind. Their ricotta donuts are an absolute must to start your brunch, snack on these while you decide if you want their decadent blueberry pancakes or their savory biscuits and gravy. Or better yet, have your brunch buddy order one and you the other because you’ll want to try everything at this place. Their style is more relaxed so it’s a great place to catch up with a friend, not ideal to bring your girlfriends after a night out.
The best part of this small restaurant is the atmosphere. Flowers on every wooden table, friendly staff, and impeccable food. Once when I was there one of the workers was working with their child strapped to them. When this employee had to do something for their table the other workers looked after their child. It was heartwarming to see a place of employment care so much about their workers that they allow their children to come to work with them. The child was very well cared for and it didn’t distract from the customers at all. It had a family atmosphere to it and it was very nice to see everyone looking out for one another.
4. Wild Eggs
Wilds Eggs isn’t exclusive to Cincinnati but with three locations and an impressive menu, they deserve a visit when you’re in the area. This place has a huge menu and has a tex mex spin on a lot of its brunch offerings. Their downtown Cincy location is probably the best one to really experience the city of Cincinnati. They offer loads of brunch cocktails so it’s the perfect place to go after a night out with your girlfriends or to simply catch up with them. They’re known for their eggs, it’s in their name, so order an omelet from their tex mex options or create your own. With so many things to choose from, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back to try more.
5. Taste Of Belgium
Taste Of Belgium offers food options at all times of the day but their breakfast and brunch have stolen the show. They are best known for their Belgian Waffles but order one of those to start because you’ll want to taste their other brunch options. Their goetta hash is the perfect way to experience Cincinnati goetta the right way. Their chicken and waffles are a classic and probably the best in the city.
Pair your meal with a cocktail or with a signature espresso. Their coffee puts Starbucks to shame, and their signature latte, the TOB latte is an orange mocha latte, sounds odd at first but is now my go-to anytime I’m there. They also serve delicious pastries so pick some up to take home with you to tie you over until your next visit.
Which brunch spots are your favorite in Cincinnati? Comment below which one you’re going to try out next time you’re in Cincy!
