5 Must-Try Brunch Spots in Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s brunch scene offers a wide range of delicious experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for comfort food, innovative dishes, or something fresh and healthy, these five brunch spots are top-rated favorites that promise to deliver.
1. Taste of Belgium
Taste of Belgium is a beloved Cincinnati institution, known for its iconic Belgian waffles and inventive brunch dishes. With multiple locations, including in Over-the-Rhine (OTR), The Banks, and Rookwood, Taste of Belgium offers brunch all day, every day. The cozy, casual atmosphere and creative menu make it a perfect spot for a laid-back meal.
Why You Should Eat Here
Their signature Chicken & Waffle combines crispy fried chicken with a perfectly cooked Belgian waffle, drizzled with a combination of maple syrup and hot sauce. For those craving something more savory, the Goetta Hash is a local favorite, packed with Cincinnati’s iconic goetta, eggs, potatoes, and vegetables. Pair your meal with a refreshing mimosa, Bloody Mary, or a local craft beer.
Locations
Over-the-Rhine: 1135 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH
The Banks: 16 West Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH
Rookwood: 3825 Edwards Road, Cincinnati, OH
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8 AM to 9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 8 AM to 8 PM
2. Maplewood Kitchen & Bar
Located in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati, Maplewood Kitchen & Bar brings a fresh, California-inspired approach to brunch. The light, airy interior, and a focus on health-conscious dishes make it a standout among brunch-goers.
Why You Should Eat Here
The menu offers everything from indulgent items like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to nutritious dishes such as the Maplewood Açaí Bowl, which is packed with superfoods like quinoa, açaí, and fresh fruits. The Smoked Salmon Toast, topped with avocado and poached eggs, is another crowd favorite. Maplewood’s specialty cocktails, like their mimosas and Bloody Marys, round out the experience.
Location
Downtown Cincinnati: 525 Race St, Cincinnati, OH
Hours
Monday–Friday: 7 AM to 3 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM
Sunday: 8 AM to 3 PM
3. Sleepy Bee Café
For those who prioritize local, organic ingredients, Sleepy Bee Café is a must-visit. With locations in Downtown Cincinnati, Oakley, and Blue Ash, this charming café focuses on fresh, wholesome dishes that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Why You Should Eat Here
From their signature Bee Cakes—pancakes made with whole grains—to the nutrient-packed Beehive Bowl, Sleepy Bee offers a wide range of healthy yet satisfying brunch options. They also serve some of the best cold-pressed juices and smoothies in the city. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, the Queen City Bee dish, featuring goetta, sweet potato hash, and eggs, won’t disappoint.
Locations
Downtown Cincinnati: 8 East 4th St, Cincinnati, OH
Oakley: 3098 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Blue Ash: 9514 Kenwood Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Hours
Monday–Friday: 7 AM to 2 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM to 3 PM
4. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey
For a hearty, indulgent brunch, head to Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey in the Pendleton neighborhood. With a rustic, gold-rush theme, Boomtown offers scratch-made comfort food with a Southern flair, making it a favorite for those seeking a filling, flavorful meal.
Why You Should Eat Here
Known for their delicious biscuits, Boomtown serves up dishes like The Yukon, which features fried chicken, bacon, and eggs on a buttermilk biscuit smothered in sausage gravy. Another standout is the Motherlode, with fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and whiskey peach jam. Pair these hearty dishes with one of their craft whiskey cocktails or classic mimosas for a perfect brunch experience.
Location
Pendleton: 1201 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH
Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8 AM to 2 PM
Friday–Saturday: 8 AM to 3 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 3 PM
5. Red Feather Kitchen
For a refined yet cozy brunch experience, Red Feather Kitchen in Oakley offers a farm-to-table approach, using locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made dishes. The stylish yet comfortable atmosphere makes it perfect for a weekend brunch.
Why You Should Eat Here
Red Feather’s menu includes classics like Biscuits & Gravy and Fried Chicken & Waffles, along with more elevated options such as Shrimp & Grits. Their rotating selection of omelets and scrambles uses seasonal ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful meal every time. Red Feather also offers a variety of craft cocktails, including Bloody Marys and mimosas, to complement their delicious dishes.
Location
Oakley: 3200 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Hours
Saturday–Sunday: 10 AM to 2 PM
Each of these Cincinnati brunch spots offers a unique atmosphere and menu, making them ideal destinations for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal. Whether you’re seeking indulgent comfort food, healthy options, or something in between, these top-rated restaurants have something for everyone.