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36 Staff-Selected Cincinnati Brunch Destinations to Try This Weekend

By on Thu, Apr 25, 2019 at 6:45 pm

These days, the phrase “Let’s get brunch” is basically a euphemism for “Let’s get drunk before noon.” It’s a Bacchanalian breakfast celebration that doubles as an excuse to mainline mimosas and stuff bacon into foods where it does not belong. Why do Americans love a meal that doubles as breakfast and lunch and basically turns into an ongoing commitment to day drinking? Is it part of the self-care movement? A genius marketing campaign by egg companies or the avocado illuminati? A ploy to get people to repeatedly use the word “benedict?” Whatever the reason, our country is literally obsessed with brunch (CityBeat even has an entire event devoted to it: Brunched, June 22 at The Phoenix). And in this issue CityBeatdining writers have made a list of their favorite places to drink and dine on the weekends for all types of moods. Whether you want to get cocktails in your fashion sweatpants, have a cozy family outing or dip into some dim sum, we’ve got you covered. *Common sense note: Please check brunch times with the restaurant before you go; menu items are subject to change

Plus the Best of Cincinnati Top 10 (as selected by CityBeat Readers)

Best Brunch 1. Taste of Belgium 2. First Watch 3. Sleepy Bee Café 4. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 5. Orchids at Palm Court 6. Grand Finale 7. The Greyhound Tavern 8. Hang Over Easy 9. Cozy’s Café & Pub 10. Nation Kitchen and Bar Best Breakfast 1. Sleepy Bee Café 2. First Watch 3. Taste of Belgium 4. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 5. Sugar n’ Spice Restaurant 6. Hang Over Easy 7. The Echo Restaurant 8. The Main Cup 9. The Original Pancake House 10. Wild Eggs
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Sugar n' Spice 4381 Reading Road, Paddock Hills Breakfast/Brunch: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily As the name implies, this restaurant has everything nice. The campy, colorful decor is a good indicator that Sugar n’ Spice likes to turn on its nostalgic charm both in and out of the kitchen. While it’s likely you can find about anything you like to typically order at American diners, you should give their Wispy Thin pancakes a try, bonus points if you go for blueberry. Pair that with a ham steak, two eggs over easy and a big glass of chocolate milk and you’re sure to feel like a kid again, so go ahead and blow some bubbles in your milk. Must Try: One of their jumbo-sized fluffy omelets. Not sure how many eggs they use to make these monstrous breakfast creations, but they’re big enough to share — if you’re feeling generous. The Mexican omelet comes stuffed with chorizo, cheddar cheese, sour cream and homemade sauce and takes up almost the entire plate, with just enough space left over for a toasted English muffin. — SMP Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Sugar n' Spice

4381 Reading Road, Paddock Hills
Breakfast/Brunch: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
As the name implies, this restaurant has everything nice. The campy, colorful decor is a good indicator that Sugar n’ Spice likes to turn on its nostalgic charm both in and out of the kitchen. While it’s likely you can find about anything you like to typically order at American diners, you should give their Wispy Thin pancakes a try, bonus points if you go for blueberry. Pair that with a ham steak, two eggs over easy and a big glass of chocolate milk and you’re sure to feel like a kid again, so go ahead and blow some bubbles in your milk. Must Try: One of their jumbo-sized fluffy omelets. Not sure how many eggs they use to make these monstrous breakfast creations, but they’re big enough to share — if you’re feeling generous. The Mexican omelet comes stuffed with chorizo, cheddar cheese, sour cream and homemade sauce and takes up almost the entire plate, with just enough space left over for a toasted English muffin. — SMP
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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The Arepa Place 131 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine Breakfast/Brunch: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; 10 a.m.-noon Sunday Never had an arepa? This is the place to learn why the rest of the world is catching on to these Latin American delights in a hurry. Originally launched as a Findlay Market pop-up tent by native Colombian Isis Arrieta-Dennis, The Arepa Place now has a brick-and-mortar market spot from which to serve its traditional corn flour street food specialty. Each arepa is grilled then sliced and stuffed with fillings ranging from mozzarella cheese and chorizo to fried plantains and black beans. The space might prove unassuming for a brunch spot due to its relatively small dining area, but the eatery offers top-notch breakfast food, with alcohol, which makes this a quirky off-the-radar (until now) brunch destination. Must Try: The arepa de huevo — a deep-fried cornmeal sandwich stuffed with egg and ground beef — along with a beer; Presidente, a Dominican pilsner, is worth a try. They also serve aguapanela, which is sugarcane water with lemon. Each dish comes with one salsa, but extra sides of the condiment are only $1 if you want to try a variety. — SMP Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Arepa Place

131 W. Elder St., Over-the-Rhine
Breakfast/Brunch: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; 10 a.m.-noon Sunday
Never had an arepa? This is the place to learn why the rest of the world is catching on to these Latin American delights in a hurry. Originally launched as a Findlay Market pop-up tent by native Colombian Isis Arrieta-Dennis, The Arepa Place now has a brick-and-mortar market spot from which to serve its traditional corn flour street food specialty. Each arepa is grilled then sliced and stuffed with fillings ranging from mozzarella cheese and chorizo to fried plantains and black beans. The space might prove unassuming for a brunch spot due to its relatively small dining area, but the eatery offers top-notch breakfast food, with alcohol, which makes this a quirky off-the-radar (until now) brunch destination. Must Try: The arepa de huevo — a deep-fried cornmeal sandwich stuffed with egg and ground beef — along with a beer; Presidente, a Dominican pilsner, is worth a try. They also serve aguapanela, which is sugarcane water with lemon. Each dish comes with one salsa, but extra sides of the condiment are only $1 if you want to try a variety. — SMP
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Wunderbar! 1132 Lee St., Covington Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Serving up “Wunderful Food & Beer,” Covington’s Wunderbar is a quaint, simple and usually-packed corner spot with a great beer selection, frequent free performances by many of our region’s best Folk outfits and a menu of handcrafted German staples which attracts a following of its own. Afternoon and evening patrons endlessly debate which selections go best with a cold beer — you’ve got to try their pretzels as big as your head, served with beer cheese. A number of housemade sausages (flavors include garlic pepper and curry) and sandwiches (including doner kabob and pork schnitzel) listed on a chalkboard behind the bar can accompany sides like braised cabbage, sauerkraut, bacon slaw and beet salad. Most swear by the Brussels sprouts. Must Try: Landjunge Fruhstuck is Wunderbar’s signature brunch dish of bacon, sausage, goetta, two eggs, biscuit with gravy and home fries. Other breakfast favorites include the goetta feta and French toast. A classic bloody mary is recommended for the brunch cocktail crowd. — BF Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Wunderbar!

1132 Lee St., Covington
Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Serving up “Wunderful Food & Beer,” Covington’s Wunderbar is a quaint, simple and usually-packed corner spot with a great beer selection, frequent free performances by many of our region’s best Folk outfits and a menu of handcrafted German staples which attracts a following of its own. Afternoon and evening patrons endlessly debate which selections go best with a cold beer — you’ve got to try their pretzels as big as your head, served with beer cheese. A number of housemade sausages (flavors include garlic pepper and curry) and sandwiches (including doner kabob and pork schnitzel) listed on a chalkboard behind the bar can accompany sides like braised cabbage, sauerkraut, bacon slaw and beet salad. Most swear by the Brussels sprouts. Must Try: Landjunge Fruhstuck is Wunderbar’s signature brunch dish of bacon, sausage, goetta, two eggs, biscuit with gravy and home fries. Other breakfast favorites include the goetta feta and French toast. A classic bloody mary is recommended for the brunch cocktail crowd. — BF
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Coppin’s at Hotel Covington 638 Madison Ave., Covington Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday A Tri-State native, chef Mitch Arens worked at New Orleans’ Cochon Butcher before returning home last year to take the helm of Northern Kentucky eatery Coppin’s and brought with him that former restaurant’s focus on local and low-impact food — along with some Cajun and Creole flair, which is readily available on the hotel’s brunch menu. Find breakfast basics like buttermilk pancakes and avocado toast or kick things up a notch with NOLA-styled bites like Oreilles De Cochon fritters with goetta, pie dough and powdered sugar or shrimp and grits done right, with Midway, Kentucky’s Weisenberger Mill grits, Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, tasso Louisiana-style pork and Cajun gravy. Must Try: People love the very photogenic Roebling Benedict, a rich and hearty serving of Glier’s goetta on a housemade English muffin, topped with wilted spinach and hollandaise with Crystal hot sauce. — MZ Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Coppin’s at Hotel Covington

638 Madison Ave., Covington
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
A Tri-State native, chef Mitch Arens worked at New Orleans’ Cochon Butcher before returning home last year to take the helm of Northern Kentucky eatery Coppin’s and brought with him that former restaurant’s focus on local and low-impact food — along with some Cajun and Creole flair, which is readily available on the hotel’s brunch menu. Find breakfast basics like buttermilk pancakes and avocado toast or kick things up a notch with NOLA-styled bites like Oreilles De Cochon fritters with goetta, pie dough and powdered sugar or shrimp and grits done right, with Midway, Kentucky’s Weisenberger Mill grits, Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, tasso Louisiana-style pork and Cajun gravy. Must Try: People love the very photogenic Roebling Benedict, a rich and hearty serving of Glier’s goetta on a housemade English muffin, topped with wilted spinach and hollandaise with Crystal hot sauce. — MZ
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Commonwealth Bistro 621 Main St., Covington Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday This Southern-inspired MainStrasse bistro generally offers a taste of familiar and farmy homestyle cooking at dinner with a touch of culinary flair — think Kentucky fried rabbit with a Somali-inspired biz baz sauce, roasted heirloom carrots with blue rice grits and a Commonwealth Highball cocktail with bourbon, Ale-8-One and housemade bitters. But things go much more eclectic on the brunch menu, with a global grab bag of flavors ranging from German schnecken to shakshuka naan and chilaquiles verde. It’s a fun and odd mix that makes brunch a bit of an adventure if you’re willing to push your taste buds beyond biscuits and gravy — although they have that, too. Must Try: Breakfast ramen upends the morning eggs-and-bacon combo and tosses it in a bowl of broth; it sounds weird, but honestly all ramen is breakfast ramen if you eat it before noon. A poached egg is nestled atop a bed of noodles, bacon-brined pork cheek, kimchi carrots, mushrooms and the menu-described “fermented brassicas” for a satisfying and attractive bowl of brunch soup. — MZ Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Commonwealth Bistro

621 Main St., Covington
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
This Southern-inspired MainStrasse bistro generally offers a taste of familiar and farmy homestyle cooking at dinner with a touch of culinary flair — think Kentucky fried rabbit with a Somali-inspired biz baz sauce, roasted heirloom carrots with blue rice grits and a Commonwealth Highball cocktail with bourbon, Ale-8-One and housemade bitters. But things go much more eclectic on the brunch menu, with a global grab bag of flavors ranging from German schnecken to shakshuka naan and chilaquiles verde. It’s a fun and odd mix that makes brunch a bit of an adventure if you’re willing to push your taste buds beyond biscuits and gravy — although they have that, too. Must Try: Breakfast ramen upends the morning eggs-and-bacon combo and tosses it in a bowl of broth; it sounds weird, but honestly all ramen is breakfast ramen if you eat it before noon. A poached egg is nestled atop a bed of noodles, bacon-brined pork cheek, kimchi carrots, mushrooms and the menu-described “fermented brassicas” for a satisfying and attractive bowl of brunch soup. — MZ
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Branch 1535 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday This new restaurant at DeSales Corner has a beautiful interior and the brunch plates are just as pleasing to the eye. Located in a former Art Deco-style bank, the Littlefield Restaurant Group rehabbed this historic building over a two-year period and opened the restaurant, Branch, and adjacent downstairs bar called Night Drop in December. Helmed by chef Shoshannah Anderson, brunch portions are more than generous; I went with seven friends to celebrate birthdays and nobody sent back an empty dish. Eye-opener cocktails go beyond — but include — the basics. There’s the standard bloody mary for $8 or a Bloody Sunday for $10, with vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, lemon, Dr. Pepper syrup and housemade bloody mary mix. Must Try: The whole-milk yogurt on housemade granola with fresh berries sounds too simple but sometimes simple can be magnificent. If you’re looking for a lighter option, I say order this. I loved the bits of candied ginger in the mix. Heartier appetites should consider the shrimp and grits, a classic preparation featuring Weisenberger Mill grits, Gulf shrimp and mushrooms spiced up with smoked green tomato marmalade. — PM Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Branch

1535 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
This new restaurant at DeSales Corner has a beautiful interior and the brunch plates are just as pleasing to the eye. Located in a former Art Deco-style bank, the Littlefield Restaurant Group rehabbed this historic building over a two-year period and opened the restaurant, Branch, and adjacent downstairs bar called Night Drop in December. Helmed by chef Shoshannah Anderson, brunch portions are more than generous; I went with seven friends to celebrate birthdays and nobody sent back an empty dish. Eye-opener cocktails go beyond — but include — the basics. There’s the standard bloody mary for $8 or a Bloody Sunday for $10, with vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, lemon, Dr. Pepper syrup and housemade bloody mary mix. Must Try: The whole-milk yogurt on housemade granola with fresh berries sounds too simple but sometimes simple can be magnificent. If you’re looking for a lighter option, I say order this. I loved the bits of candied ginger in the mix. Heartier appetites should consider the shrimp and grits, a classic preparation featuring Weisenberger Mill grits, Gulf shrimp and mushrooms spiced up with smoked green tomato marmalade. — PM
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Sleepy Bee 3098 Madison Road, Oakley; 8 E. Fourth St., Downtown; 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash Brunch: 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday At Sleepy Bee, everything from their sammies to their scrambles are top-notch and delightfully tasty even when you yourself are a bit of a sleepy weekend bruncher. The options for vegan and vegetarian breakfast are delicious, from veggie sausages to the best brunch potatoes and sweet potatoes, and I always feel confident that they are getting as much local food as they can, prioritizing pesticide-free and non-GMO options. Much of the menu has substitutions available so you can compile all your favorites without frustration at limited options. Standouts include the specialty pancakes, like the blue cakes full of blueberries with a maple-blueberry sauce, as well as the light and lovely Bumblebee’s breakfast, a yogurt granola bowl with tasty apricot coulis and tahini. Must Try: Bee Cakes. These gluten-free beauties marry almond milk, buckwheat and quinoa to make a tasty and healthy pancake on which to layer your favorite toppings. They’re packed with protein, so you won’t immediately be hungry again. Feeling good about pancakes is always a feeling I can get behind. — LL Photo: Khoi Nguyen

Sleepy Bee

3098 Madison Road, Oakley; 8 E. Fourth St., Downtown; 9514 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash
Brunch: 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
At Sleepy Bee, everything from their sammies to their scrambles are top-notch and delightfully tasty even when you yourself are a bit of a sleepy weekend bruncher. The options for vegan and vegetarian breakfast are delicious, from veggie sausages to the best brunch potatoes and sweet potatoes, and I always feel confident that they are getting as much local food as they can, prioritizing pesticide-free and non-GMO options. Much of the menu has substitutions available so you can compile all your favorites without frustration at limited options. Standouts include the specialty pancakes, like the blue cakes full of blueberries with a maple-blueberry sauce, as well as the light and lovely Bumblebee’s breakfast, a yogurt granola bowl with tasty apricot coulis and tahini. Must Try: Bee Cakes. These gluten-free beauties marry almond milk, buckwheat and quinoa to make a tasty and healthy pancake on which to layer your favorite toppings. They’re packed with protein, so you won’t immediately be hungry again. Feeling good about pancakes is always a feeling I can get behind. — LL
Photo: Khoi Nguyen
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The Baker's Table 1004 Monmouth St., Newport Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Walking into the living-room-like waiting area of The Baker’s Table feels like visiting your friend who has an impeccable design sense but who is also constantly trying to get you to eat another homemade orange-glazed cinnamon roll. Even during a bustling brunch, the well-designed space feels calm and relaxed. The dishes are rustic, homey and made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, from the cheddar scallion biscuit breakfast sandwich to the cornmeal pancakes with Chantilly cream. The staff sticks with the mantra “Serve People With Love” and given that every piece of sourdough, brioche and biscuit is made in-house, you can always order some to go. Must Try: The lemon ricotta donuts are little balls of fluffy, creamy joy with a thinly fried exterior and a generous sugar dusting. They come with a seasonal fruit butter — mine was pear ginger — and are a perfect appetizer before your eggs or pancakes arrive. The last time I was there, I also heard multiple people comment that the single-origin coffee they served was “the best cup they’d ever had.” — LL Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Baker's Table

1004 Monmouth St., Newport
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Walking into the living-room-like waiting area of The Baker’s Table feels like visiting your friend who has an impeccable design sense but who is also constantly trying to get you to eat another homemade orange-glazed cinnamon roll. Even during a bustling brunch, the well-designed space feels calm and relaxed. The dishes are rustic, homey and made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, from the cheddar scallion biscuit breakfast sandwich to the cornmeal pancakes with Chantilly cream. The staff sticks with the mantra “Serve People With Love” and given that every piece of sourdough, brioche and biscuit is made in-house, you can always order some to go. Must Try: The lemon ricotta donuts are little balls of fluffy, creamy joy with a thinly fried exterior and a generous sugar dusting. They come with a seasonal fruit butter — mine was pear ginger — and are a perfect appetizer before your eggs or pancakes arrive. The last time I was there, I also heard multiple people comment that the single-origin coffee they served was “the best cup they’d ever had.” — LL
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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The Birch 702 Indian Hill Road, Terrace Park Brunch: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday Located in Terrace Park and owned and operated by a Terrace Park family, The Birch is smartly charming and sweetly nice in its style and menu. But to assume that the restaurant is just for those in the surrounding ’burbs would be selling both it and yourself short. Their newly introduced Sunday brunch is a prime (and tasty) example of what they set out to do — serve quality dishes in a sharp yet inviting environment, one that is fit for both young and old alike. Brunch offerings include steel-cut oats with apples, cinnamon and brown sugar; baked French toast with orange butter; and even steak and eggs with grilled ciabatta and mixed greens or roasted breakfast potatoes. Everything about the menu is inviting and familiar, indulgent and worthwhile, making the visit feel as fresh and fun as The Birch’s bright green front door. Must Try: The crab cake benedict. This dish comes with two pan-seared crab cakes topped with avocado relish, poached egg and chipotle hollandaise. There is an option to just order half, but don’t. — KH Photo: Clarity with Grace Photography

The Birch

702 Indian Hill Road, Terrace Park
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday
Located in Terrace Park and owned and operated by a Terrace Park family, The Birch is smartly charming and sweetly nice in its style and menu. But to assume that the restaurant is just for those in the surrounding ’burbs would be selling both it and yourself short. Their newly introduced Sunday brunch is a prime (and tasty) example of what they set out to do — serve quality dishes in a sharp yet inviting environment, one that is fit for both young and old alike. Brunch offerings include steel-cut oats with apples, cinnamon and brown sugar; baked French toast with orange butter; and even steak and eggs with grilled ciabatta and mixed greens or roasted breakfast potatoes. Everything about the menu is inviting and familiar, indulgent and worthwhile, making the visit feel as fresh and fun as The Birch’s bright green front door. Must Try: The crab cake benedict. This dish comes with two pan-seared crab cakes topped with avocado relish, poached egg and chipotle hollandaise. There is an option to just order half, but don’t. — KH
Photo: Clarity with Grace Photography
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The Gruff 129 E. Second St., Covington Brunch: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday Nestled almost under the Roebling Bridge, The Gruff specializes in pizza (plus deli sandwiches and salads). But on Sundays they’re dedicated to a boozy brunch by offering $20 mimosa pitchers. If a pitcher seems like too much — it’s like four to five drinks — then get a mimosa or bloody mary by the glass ($5). And while you could just sit on their dog-friendly patio and sip mimosas, you could also try one of their Southern-inspired brunch dishes, like the burger topped with pickled green tomatoes, a sunny side up egg and bacon; chicken sausage gumbo with jalape?o rice; or banana bread French toast. Must Try: Something open-faced like the fried chicken sandwich on a biscuit with white gravy, bacon and egg or the housemade sausage with two eggs and cilantro-lime sauce on Sixteen Bricks sourdough bread smeared with cream cheese. After brunch, purchase a bottle of wine or six-pack from their market and take a stroll to the riverfront a block away. — GP Photo: Jesse Fox

The Gruff

129 E. Second St., Covington
Brunch: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday
Nestled almost under the Roebling Bridge, The Gruff specializes in pizza (plus deli sandwiches and salads). But on Sundays they’re dedicated to a boozy brunch by offering $20 mimosa pitchers. If a pitcher seems like too much — it’s like four to five drinks — then get a mimosa or bloody mary by the glass ($5). And while you could just sit on their dog-friendly patio and sip mimosas, you could also try one of their Southern-inspired brunch dishes, like the burger topped with pickled green tomatoes, a sunny side up egg and bacon; chicken sausage gumbo with jalape?o rice; or banana bread French toast. Must Try: Something open-faced like the fried chicken sandwich on a biscuit with white gravy, bacon and egg or the housemade sausage with two eggs and cilantro-lime sauce on Sixteen Bricks sourdough bread smeared with cream cheese. After brunch, purchase a bottle of wine or six-pack from their market and take a stroll to the riverfront a block away. — GP
Photo: Jesse Fox
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The Grille at Palm Court 35 W. Fifth St., Downtown Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday For sheer elegance, this is the place to spend a few wonderful hours on Sunday morning. The surroundings — in the classic Art Deco Hilton Netherland Plaza — dazzle the eye and soothe the soul, and the array of food stations cater to any whim you might have. The eats are buffet-style but you’ll still get the full Orchids/Palm Court service experience for your bloody mary or mimosa, not to mention should you order a glass of exceptional champagne or a signature old fashioned from the beautiful bar. Must Try: Food items vary from week to week, but you can count on carved prime rib, eggs benedict and a savory stuffed pasta of some sort. On my last visit, the desserts didn’t wow me, but that might have been because I stuffed myself before ever getting to the sweets. — PM Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Grille at Palm Court

35 W. Fifth St., Downtown
Brunch: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday
For sheer elegance, this is the place to spend a few wonderful hours on Sunday morning. The surroundings — in the classic Art Deco Hilton Netherland Plaza — dazzle the eye and soothe the soul, and the array of food stations cater to any whim you might have. The eats are buffet-style but you’ll still get the full Orchids/Palm Court service experience for your bloody mary or mimosa, not to mention should you order a glass of exceptional champagne or a signature old fashioned from the beautiful bar. Must Try: Food items vary from week to week, but you can count on carved prime rib, eggs benedict and a savory stuffed pasta of some sort. On my last visit, the desserts didn’t wow me, but that might have been because I stuffed myself before ever getting to the sweets. — PM
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Sitwell’s Act II 324 Ludlow Ave., Clifton Brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Next door to the Esquire Theatre, Clifton’s longtime BoHo caf? got a welcome reboot this past year when a young couple freshened up both the menu and the ambiance. The pair — Florencia Garayoa and Alex Barden — hung works by local artists, placed Rock & Roll memorabilia on shelves and walls and worked with a former Hyde Park chef to create a simple but delicious vegetarian and vegan menu. Garayoa’s Argentinian birthplace influences the cooking, and the mismatched furniture and atmospheric lighting add a decidedly Clifton feel to the room. Must Try: If your early-day cravings tend toward sweet tastes, go for the bananas foster French toast: brioche toast layered with hazelnut fudge and topped with banana rum caramel and whipped cream. But the dish that I can’t get past is called Tuscan eggs — poached eggs on creamy polenta with eggplant and squash ratatouille and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese. — PM Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Sitwell’s Act II

324 Ludlow Ave., Clifton
Brunch: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Next door to the Esquire Theatre, Clifton’s longtime BoHo caf? got a welcome reboot this past year when a young couple freshened up both the menu and the ambiance. The pair — Florencia Garayoa and Alex Barden — hung works by local artists, placed Rock & Roll memorabilia on shelves and walls and worked with a former Hyde Park chef to create a simple but delicious vegetarian and vegan menu. Garayoa’s Argentinian birthplace influences the cooking, and the mismatched furniture and atmospheric lighting add a decidedly Clifton feel to the room. Must Try: If your early-day cravings tend toward sweet tastes, go for the bananas foster French toast: brioche toast layered with hazelnut fudge and topped with banana rum caramel and whipped cream. But the dish that I can’t get past is called Tuscan eggs — poached eggs on creamy polenta with eggplant and squash ratatouille and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese. — PM
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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The Echo 3510 Edwards Road, Hyde Park Breakfast/Brunch: 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday The Echo has been serving the hungover, the sleepy and the hungry since 1945 when founder Louise Schwartz opened up shop in Hyde Park. Now owned by Stephanie Surgeon, the laid-back diner is still a neighborhood fixture. For brunch, anything is fair game. Too tired to branch out? Their menu is loaded with classics — eggs the way you like ’em, toast, a side of home fries and meat; omelets; hotcakes, waffles or French toast; oatmeal or grits; and combos of everything above. Hungover? They’ve squared off a whole section of their menu to sop up last night’s alcohol. They’ve even got rise-and-shine cocktails, including mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers and Irish coffee. Want lunch? They’re known for the sandwiches, soups and salads, too. Feeling adventurous? The Echo also has a rotating seasonal menu that usually features more trendy brunch takes. Must Try: You can add goetta to almost anything here, be it on the side or nestled inside an egg sammie. Personally, I’m a fan of their Florentine eggs benedict — two poached eggs atop a crisped English muffin and spinach, all covered in creamy hollandaise sauce with a side of your choice (I go for their grits or home fries). Wash it down with a mimosa or sea breeze (a cranberry and orange juice concoction spiked with vodka). — MM Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Echo

3510 Edwards Road, Hyde Park
Breakfast/Brunch: 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
The Echo has been serving the hungover, the sleepy and the hungry since 1945 when founder Louise Schwartz opened up shop in Hyde Park. Now owned by Stephanie Surgeon, the laid-back diner is still a neighborhood fixture. For brunch, anything is fair game. Too tired to branch out? Their menu is loaded with classics — eggs the way you like ’em, toast, a side of home fries and meat; omelets; hotcakes, waffles or French toast; oatmeal or grits; and combos of everything above. Hungover? They’ve squared off a whole section of their menu to sop up last night’s alcohol. They’ve even got rise-and-shine cocktails, including mimosas, bloody marys, screwdrivers and Irish coffee. Want lunch? They’re known for the sandwiches, soups and salads, too. Feeling adventurous? The Echo also has a rotating seasonal menu that usually features more trendy brunch takes. Must Try: You can add goetta to almost anything here, be it on the side or nestled inside an egg sammie. Personally, I’m a fan of their Florentine eggs benedict — two poached eggs atop a crisped English muffin and spinach, all covered in creamy hollandaise sauce with a side of your choice (I go for their grits or home fries). Wash it down with a mimosa or sea breeze (a cranberry and orange juice concoction spiked with vodka). — MM
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Otto’s 521 Main St., Covington Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday I love sitting in the window of this MainStrasse gem, looking out on the ever-changing street and digging into my favorite Southern-tinged brunch. The service is heartfelt and sweet even during the busiest of brunch rushes, and the tasty custom cocktail menu always eases you into a comfortable place at the table. Otto’s offers carefully crafted sandwiches, like their chicken salad and club, alongside a more unusual turkey sandwich with cranberry and smoked gouda on top — Thanksgiving in a mouthful. These are perfect when you are past pancakes-o’-clock. There are eggs benedicts with a tasty cake of bacon and grits instead of the customary English muffin, as well as casseroles and quiches to suit the season. If you have a sweet tooth, they’ll abundantly satisfy it with lemon-blueberry pancakes and a classic brioche French toast. The patio seating makes for a particularly beautiful day out in the front. Must Try: B.L.F.G.T. may be a mouthful when ordering, but it is a tasty mouthful when it arrives: crisp bacon, egg and cheese on a toasted croissant with the most delectable fried green tomato you’ll find in the Tri-State. — LL Photo: Otto's Facebook

Otto’s

521 Main St., Covington
Brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
I love sitting in the window of this MainStrasse gem, looking out on the ever-changing street and digging into my favorite Southern-tinged brunch. The service is heartfelt and sweet even during the busiest of brunch rushes, and the tasty custom cocktail menu always eases you into a comfortable place at the table. Otto’s offers carefully crafted sandwiches, like their chicken salad and club, alongside a more unusual turkey sandwich with cranberry and smoked gouda on top — Thanksgiving in a mouthful. These are perfect when you are past pancakes-o’-clock. There are eggs benedicts with a tasty cake of bacon and grits instead of the customary English muffin, as well as casseroles and quiches to suit the season. If you have a sweet tooth, they’ll abundantly satisfy it with lemon-blueberry pancakes and a classic brioche French toast. The patio seating makes for a particularly beautiful day out in the front. Must Try: B.L.F.G.T. may be a mouthful when ordering, but it is a tasty mouthful when it arrives: crisp bacon, egg and cheese on a toasted croissant with the most delectable fried green tomato you’ll find in the Tri-State. — LL
Photo: Otto's Facebook
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Wild Eggs Multiple locations including 301 E. Fourth St., Downtown; 3240 Vandercar Way, Oakley; 7677 Montgomery Road, Kenwood Breakfast/Brunch: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday From the outside, the downtown location of the Wild Eggs breakfast and brunch chain doesn’t seem like anything special (aside from a Plexiglas wall stuffed with colorful eggs by the hostess station, it gives off sort of an uninspired IHOP vibe). But this unassuming restaurant is home to satisfying eats — standard fare like biscuits and gravy and Tex-Mex creations like breakfast nachos are crafted from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Even better, they have a gluten-free menu. Wash it all down with a glass of their fresh-squeezed orange juice or a cup of house-blend coffee. Must Try: Breakfast burrito. The carbs are plentiful in this generously portioned meal: black beans and skillet potatoes on the side, and a flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheddar cheese, poblano peppers and onion. Pico de gallo, avocado and onion add much needed freshness as toppings. Prepare to bring home leftovers or leave with your pants unbuttoned. — LM Photo: Wild Eggs

Wild Eggs

Multiple locations including 301 E. Fourth St., Downtown; 3240 Vandercar Way, Oakley; 7677 Montgomery Road, Kenwood
Breakfast/Brunch: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
From the outside, the downtown location of the Wild Eggs breakfast and brunch chain doesn’t seem like anything special (aside from a Plexiglas wall stuffed with colorful eggs by the hostess station, it gives off sort of an uninspired IHOP vibe). But this unassuming restaurant is home to satisfying eats — standard fare like biscuits and gravy and Tex-Mex creations like breakfast nachos are crafted from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Even better, they have a gluten-free menu. Wash it all down with a glass of their fresh-squeezed orange juice or a cup of house-blend coffee. Must Try: Breakfast burrito. The carbs are plentiful in this generously portioned meal: black beans and skillet potatoes on the side, and a flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheddar cheese, poblano peppers and onion. Pico de gallo, avocado and onion add much needed freshness as toppings. Prepare to bring home leftovers or leave with your pants unbuttoned. — LM
Photo: Wild Eggs
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Salazar 1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine Brunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday One of the city’s hippest fine dining spots, chef Jose Salazar’s eponymous eatery’s brunch reinforces its popularity. Try the Little Fried Oyster Sandwich, a cute amuse bouche slider containing a crispy breaded oyster slathered with garlic mayo and garnished with kimchi and radish sprouts. You’ll want to inhale a few of these flavorful bite-size appetizers. Must Try: Once your appetite is whetted, hit it home with a grilled sirloin steak and two fried eggs, topped with their incredibly satisfying chimichurri sauce. Wash it down with a tequila-based bloody maria. — SMP Photo: Salazar

Salazar

1401 Republic St., Over-the-Rhine
Brunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
One of the city’s hippest fine dining spots, chef Jose Salazar’s eponymous eatery’s brunch reinforces its popularity. Try the Little Fried Oyster Sandwich, a cute amuse bouche slider containing a crispy breaded oyster slathered with garlic mayo and garnished with kimchi and radish sprouts. You’ll want to inhale a few of these flavorful bite-size appetizers. Must Try: Once your appetite is whetted, hit it home with a grilled sirloin steak and two fried eggs, topped with their incredibly satisfying chimichurri sauce. Wash it down with a tequila-based bloody maria. — SMP
Photo: Salazar
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Crown Republic Gastropub 720 Sycamore St., Downtown Brunch: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday The bottomless mimosas deal ($15) at Crown Republic Gastropub is pretty much like bottle service accompanied by eggs and pancakes. They give you two glasses, a jug of orange juice and an entire bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. Diners can concoct their own drink, whether that means a few healthy glugs of OJ on top of their bubbly, or just a splash. The waitstaff won’t rush you out the door either, so you can get through a few bottles while enjoying the industrial-meets-farmhouse decor. Their menu features classics like omelets and breakfast sandwiches, but with distinguished, well-thought-out ingredients (their French toast comes with vanilla gelato). And with most dishes in the $9-$12 range, you’ll feel less guilty about abandoning your goal of dining out less. Must Try: The beet toast. For those of you who don’t grimace at the thought of beets, this dish is delicious. Two hefty slices of ciabatta bread are topped with roasted beets, a walnut tapenade, arugula and honey goat cheese. While messy to eat, the combination of carbs and fresh veggies will leave you feeling energized. — LM Photo: Hailey Bollinger

Crown Republic Gastropub

720 Sycamore St., Downtown
Brunch: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
The bottomless mimosas deal ($15) at Crown Republic Gastropub is pretty much like bottle service accompanied by eggs and pancakes. They give you two glasses, a jug of orange juice and an entire bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. Diners can concoct their own drink, whether that means a few healthy glugs of OJ on top of their bubbly, or just a splash. The waitstaff won’t rush you out the door either, so you can get through a few bottles while enjoying the industrial-meets-farmhouse decor. Their menu features classics like omelets and breakfast sandwiches, but with distinguished, well-thought-out ingredients (their French toast comes with vanilla gelato). And with most dishes in the $9-$12 range, you’ll feel less guilty about abandoning your goal of dining out less. Must Try: The beet toast. For those of you who don’t grimace at the thought of beets, this dish is delicious. Two hefty slices of ciabatta bread are topped with roasted beets, a walnut tapenade, arugula and honey goat cheese. While messy to eat, the combination of carbs and fresh veggies will leave you feeling energized. — LM
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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Cozy’s Cafe & Pub 6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township Brunch: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Anyone who has wandered up to Liberty Township to this adorable little house of a bistro knows that the decor alone is worth it, but the food is also magical. You’d be set with just the bacon-filled apple cinnamon roll, but why stop there? Chow down on a short rib skillet full of crispy potatoes, onions and peppers, or munch on the aca? Nutella bowl, a celebration of fruit, granola and chocolate-hazelnut spread. Even the accompaniments are served with care: the option of tasty Cozy Tots (loaded with chives and bacon) and a tall glass of nitro cold brew coffee will have your mouth watering. Settle in and stay a while — their back patio has lawn games and occasionally hosts live music, so there’s no need to leave. Must Try: Go big with the crab cake benedict, with hollandaise sauce, poached eggs and Canadian bacon layered on tasty housemade crab cakes. No matter how stuffed you feel, a side of buttermilk biscuits with whipped butter and jelly are worth it. — LL Photo: CityBeat Archive

Cozy’s Cafe & Pub

6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township
Brunch: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Anyone who has wandered up to Liberty Township to this adorable little house of a bistro knows that the decor alone is worth it, but the food is also magical. You’d be set with just the bacon-filled apple cinnamon roll, but why stop there? Chow down on a short rib skillet full of crispy potatoes, onions and peppers, or munch on the aca? Nutella bowl, a celebration of fruit, granola and chocolate-hazelnut spread. Even the accompaniments are served with care: the option of tasty Cozy Tots (loaded with chives and bacon) and a tall glass of nitro cold brew coffee will have your mouth watering. Settle in and stay a while — their back patio has lawn games and occasionally hosts live music, so there’s no need to leave. Must Try: Go big with the crab cake benedict, with hollandaise sauce, poached eggs and Canadian bacon layered on tasty housemade crab cakes. No matter how stuffed you feel, a side of buttermilk biscuits with whipped butter and jelly are worth it. — LL
Photo: CityBeat Archive
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Blue Jay Restaurant 4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-0847 and searchable on Facebook Breakfast/Brunch: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday Since the Blue Jay first opened in Northside in 1967 not much has changed. And that’s a good thing. The nostalgic diner is known for their soups; Cincinnati-style chili in bowls and atop coneys and 3-ways; all-day breakfast; double-decker sandwiches; and homemade pie. They’re closed on Sunday, but walk in on any given Saturday morning (or weekday!) and there’s hardly a seat to spare. From old folks to college kids to punks to business professionals and families — anyone and everyone seemingly flocks to this homey hot spot. Must Try: I always opt for their classic breakfast: two eggs, buttered toast and your choice of meat (or, if you’re a vegetarian, no meat). The grub is very well-priced, so go ahead and add a side of home fries. They never disappoint. Also, their coffee may be no-frills but it is fresh and hot. What more do you need? — MM Photo: Paige Deglow

Blue Jay Restaurant

4154 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-0847 and searchable on Facebook
Breakfast/Brunch: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Since the Blue Jay first opened in Northside in 1967 not much has changed. And that’s a good thing. The nostalgic diner is known for their soups; Cincinnati-style chili in bowls and atop coneys and 3-ways; all-day breakfast; double-decker sandwiches; and homemade pie. They’re closed on Sunday, but walk in on any given Saturday morning (or weekday!) and there’s hardly a seat to spare. From old folks to college kids to punks to business professionals and families — anyone and everyone seemingly flocks to this homey hot spot. Must Try: I always opt for their classic breakfast: two eggs, buttered toast and your choice of meat (or, if you’re a vegetarian, no meat). The grub is very well-priced, so go ahead and add a side of home fries. They never disappoint. Also, their coffee may be no-frills but it is fresh and hot. What more do you need? — MM
Photo: Paige Deglow
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The Littlefield 3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside Brunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays When considering brunch spots in Northside, Littlefield is an obvious choice for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are that the kitchen puts out incredibly creative and delicious plates of food and the bar concocts mature, balanced cocktails named after different streets in the neighborhood (Mad Anthony and The Chase are especially tasty bourbon-based recipes, the bar’s specialty spirit). Must Try: Their VGLT, the vegan goetta, lettuce and tomato sandwich. While they do offer a meaty option, the vegan goetta achieves an even crispier texture and the spice profile is more alluring. To drink, try their Fleur de Bee, made with prosecco, creme de violette and elderflower liqueur and garnished with a beautiful, edible hibiscus flower. The whole menu is worth a try, so bring a few hungry friends who like to share. — SMP Photo: Hailey Bollinger

The Littlefield

3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside
Brunch: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays
When considering brunch spots in Northside, Littlefield is an obvious choice for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are that the kitchen puts out incredibly creative and delicious plates of food and the bar concocts mature, balanced cocktails named after different streets in the neighborhood (Mad Anthony and The Chase are especially tasty bourbon-based recipes, the bar’s specialty spirit). Must Try: Their VGLT, the vegan goetta, lettuce and tomato sandwich. While they do offer a meaty option, the vegan goetta achieves an even crispier texture and the spice profile is more alluring. To drink, try their Fleur de Bee, made with prosecco, creme de violette and elderflower liqueur and garnished with a beautiful, edible hibiscus flower. The whole menu is worth a try, so bring a few hungry friends who like to share. — SMP
Photo: Hailey Bollinger
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