Breakfast Spots in Cincinnati

Sabah Drabu

4 mins read

Apr 10, 2024

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Top 5 Breakfast Spots in Cincinnati to Start Your Day Right

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sizzle of crispy bacon, and the sweet allure of maple syrup drizzled over fluffy pancakes. In Cincinnati, this isn’t just a dream; it’s the start of every morning!  

As the city awakens, its vibrant breakfast scene comes to life, offering an array of culinary delights that promise to satisfy every palate. Cincinnati’s breakfast landscape is as diverse as its flavors, from the cozy corners of historic diners to the modern buzz of trendy eateries 

Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler seeking to experience the best morning treats, this city is perfect to kickstart your every morning. Join us as we explore the top 5 breakfast spots in Cincinnati to start your day off right!  

  1. Wild Eggs

Wild Eggs stands out in Cincinnati with its chef-driven menu that takes a creative spin on breakfast classics. Enjoy a range of selections from avocado toast and oatmeal to buttermilk or gluten-free pancakes. The restaurant elevates traditional breakfast in Cincinnati with unique dishes like wild mushroom and garlic scrambled eggs with goat cheese and truffle oil, Mexican-style chilaquiles, and a Tex-Mex-inspired egg Benedict. The diverse offerings extend to omelets, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for a satisfying brunch. 

Details: 

  • Address: 301 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 
  • Specialties: Farm-fresh breakfast dishes, omelets, pancakes, waffles, salads, and sandwiches 
  • Ambiance: Warm, contemporary setting with a full bar 
  • Opening Time: 6:30 AM 
  • Closing Time: 2:30 PM 
  • Type of Cuisine Offered: American 
  • Types of Meals Offered: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch 
  • Special Diet: Vegetarian-friendly and vegan options 
  1. First Watch

First Watch specializes in health-conscious breakfast menus and is one of the best places for brunch in Cincinnati, where you can enjoy flavorful and nutritious dishes made from scratch. This cafe chain is renowned for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, such as omelets and pancakes, and signature items like the Chickichanga and classic BLTE sandwich. For the health-minded, their menu offers lighter options like egg white omelets and fresh fruit crepes. You can enjoy a bright, welcoming atmosphere at any of their convenient Cincinnati locations. 

Details: 

  • Address: 104 E 7th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 
  • Specialties: Enjoy breakfast with a modern twist. Choose from omelets, pancakes, waffles, salads, and sandwiches. 
  • Ambiance: Bright, airy atmosphere with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients 
  • Opening Time: 7:00 AM 
  • Closing Time: 2:30 PM 
  • Type of Cuisine Offered: American 
  • Types of Meals Offered: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch 
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options 
  1. The Echo

The Echo, a Cincinnati original near Hyde Park Square, combines the charm of an old-school diner with modern culinary delights. Celebrating over 80 years of service, it’s a local favorite, especially for weekend breakfasts. The star of the menu is the ‘Hot Mess,’ a lavish layered dish featuring home fries, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sausage gravy, and cheddar, all paired with toast. The Victory Garden omelet with fresh vegetables and cheese is a delightful choice for those seeking lighter fare. The Echo also excels in traditional breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, corned beef hash, and their famously crispy Belgian waffles. Don’t miss their special toasts like cinnamon raisin and rosemary multi-grain bread, which perfectly complement any dish. 

Details: 

  • Address: 3510 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA 
  • Specialties: American breakfast classics, Belgian waffles, salads, and sandwiches 
  • Ambiance: Casual, modern with a focus on fresh, local ingredients 
  • Opening Time: 6:00 AM 
  • Closing Time: 3:00 PM 
  • Type of Cuisine Offered: American and Belgian 
  • Types of Meals Offered: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch 
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options
  1. Taste of Belgium

Taste of Belgium is a testament to culinary innovation, blending Belgian traditions with American classics. From its origins as a Findlay Market stall, it has blossomed into a beloved breakfast destination spread across eight locations in Cincinnati. Famous for its thick, caramelized Belgian Liège waffles that need no syrup, the restaurant also offers a unique twist with chicken and hot sauce pairings. Beyond waffles, their menu includes savory crêpes and omelets, offering something for every palate. Embracing a philosophy of serving elegant cuisine with a down-to-earth attitude, Taste of Belgium invites you to “Eat Like a Belgian, Drink Like a Belgian, Live Like a Belgian” in a casual, European-style setting. 

Details: 

  • Address: 1135 Vine St Cincinnati, OH 45202 
  • Specialties: Liege waffles, breakfast poutine, Liege waffle sandwiches 
  • Ambiance: Casual, European-style setting with a focus on Belgian waffles 
  • Opening Time: 7:00 AM 
  • Closing Time: 3:00 PM 
  • Type of Cuisine Offered: American, Belgian, European 
  • Types of Meals Offered: Breakfast, brunch 
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options
  1. The Sleepy Bee Cafe

Nestled in downtown Cincinnati, The Sleepy Bee Cafe is a sanctuary for breakfast lovers who appreciate local art as much as locally sourced cuisine. The cafe boasts a menu rich with gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free options, ensuring every guest finds a dish to delight in. Their breakfast sandwich, featuring city-special sausage goetta and the inventive avocado toast with pickled golden raisins on multi-grain bread, reflects the phenomenal taste of their innovative offerings. Complement your meal with specialty coffees, teas, and refreshing kombucha for an exceptional start to your day. 

Details: 

  • Address: 8 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 
  • Specialties: Locally sourced dishes for breakfast and lunch, coffee varieties, and vegan and gluten-free options 
  • Ambiance: Warm and welcoming with local art and seasonal ingredients 
  • Opening Time: 7:30 AM 
  • Closing Time: 3:00 PM 
  • Type of Cuisine Offered: American 
  • Types of Meals Offered: Breakfast, brunch, and lunch 
  • Special Diets: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

Conclusion   

In Cincinnati, every morning offers a new opportunity to savor authentic flavors and cultural experiences. You get a variety of breakfast spots in Cincinnati, including cozy cafes and lively diners, suitable for every palate. Yet, we acknowledge that sometimes the most delightful mornings are spent in the comfort and quiet of your home.  

At CookinGenie, we offer a unique solution for those who crave the exquisite tastes of Cincinnati but prefer the calmness of their own home. Our service brings culinary expertise from the city right to your doorstep. You can hire personal chefs in Cincinnati online from CookinGenie and enjoy tailor-made breakfasts crafted by the best in the industry. It’s about capturing the essence of the local, vibrant breakfast scene, infused with a personal touch that only a home-cooked meal can provide.  

Sabah Drabu

Co-Founder & CEO

Sabah Drabu is a foodie, engineer, and the Co-founder & CEO of CookinGenie. She created the platform in 2019 to connect local chefs with at-home diners, making hiring personal chefs more accessible. Sabah's idea has evolved into a service people use for parties, vacation rentals, and family gatherings.

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