Cincinnati is a city that loves food. From chili to pizza to wings to BBQ and everything in between, there are an impressive variety of restaurants in the area that serve up delicious dishes.
And breakfast is no exception. There are tons of amazing restaurants around the Queen City that serve up mouth-watering breakfast options.
In this post we share the 10 best breakfast spots in Cincinnati.
Map of Breakfast Spots
The map below shows the location of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Sleepy Bee Cafe
With locations in Oakley, Blue Ash, and Downtown, Sleepy Bee Cafe is one of the most popular breakfast spots in the city. Known for classic breakfast options like pancakes, bacon, and eggs along with their quick service, Sleepy Bee Cafe offers the perfect place to enjoy breakfast with friends and family at any of their three locations.
Location: Locations in Oakley, Blue Ash, and Downtown
Website: Sleepy Bee Cafe
First Watch
With several locations throughout the city, First Watch is another great place to grab breakfast. Their menu includes an impressive selection of bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, bagels, avocado toast, and much more.
Location: Several locations throughout the city
Website: First Watch
Maplewood Kitchen & Bar
With a location in Downtown and another in Mason, Maplewood Kitchen & Bar is a must-stop spot for breakfast if you happen to be in the area. Known for their incredible food, excellent service, and all-around enjoyable experience, Maplewood can compete with any breakfast spot in the city.
Location: Locations in Downtown and Mason
Website: Maplewood Kitchen & Bar
Hang Over Easy
Located next to the University of Cincinnati campus, Hang Over Easy is a favorite breakfast spot among college students and locals alike. Their menu is packed with favorites like french toast, eggs & bacon, breakfast sandwiches, and more. They also serve some incredible chicken and waffles for those who are a bit more adventurous with their breakfast.
Location:13 W Charlton St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Website: Hang Over Easy
The Echo
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Echo, a restaurant located in the heart of the upscale Hyde Park neighborhood. Their breafkast menu includes a variety of bacon & egg style entrees along with muffins and french toast. They also offer an extensive variety of cocktails including screwdrivers, bloody mary’s, and salty mary’s for those who are interested in turning breakfast into brunch.
Location: 3510 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Website: The Echo
Branch
Located in the heart of East Walnut Hills, Branch is one of the more upscale places to enjoy some brunch in the Queen City. They offer all of the usual breakfast options along with some quirky ones like shrimp and grits. Known for their excellent service and delicious dishes, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Branch.
Location: 1535 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Update: Sadly, Branch has closed their doors permanently.
Santorini
Located on the west side of the city in Cheviot, Santorini is a favorite spot among locals for breakfast. The restaurant itself gives off a friendly diner-vibe and the service is always top-notch. Known for their goetta and breakfast sandwiches, along with their generous portions, it’s easy to see why Santorini is such a popular breakfast spot.
Location: 3414 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211
Website: Santorini
Blue Jay
Located in Northside, Blue Jay is an old-school diner that serves up some of the best breakfast dishes in the city. The staff is friendly, the food is great, and the prices are unbeatable.
Location: 4154 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Website: Blue Jay
Sugar n’ Spice
Another one of the most popular breakfast spots in all of Cincinnati is Sugar n’ Spice. Known for their huge portions, huge menu, and huge flavor, Sugar n’ Spice offers all of the usual breakfast favorites that you can enjoy in a setting that feels like an old-school diner.
Location: 4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229
Website: Sugar n’ Spice
Bridge House Restaurant
Last but not least, Bridge House Restaurant in Reading is another excellent spot to enjoy some breakfast in the Queen City. Known as a family-diner, their service is impeccable, the food is delicious, and the prices are affordable. Many locals describe Bridge House as a more affordable version of Bob Evans if that tells you anything.
Location: 509 W Benson St, Cincinnati, OH 45215
Website: Bridge House
I went to Half Day Cafe because I heard like most every small dining establishment they need support but their covid hours are quite limited. I’m glad I always have the Bridge House. Lots of fond memories of eating the with my folks. I still try to go there with my mother from time to time.