These days, the phrase “Let’s get brunch” is basically a euphemism for “Let’s get drunk before noon.” People be lovin’ brunch, amiright? It’s a Bacchanalian breakfast celebration that doubles as an excuse to mainline mimosas and stuff bacon into foods where it does not belong.

The brunch zeitgeist of the new millennium is real. There are mood boards dedicated to what to wear to brunch, restaurants with strictly brunch menus, brunch-only Instagram feeds (@bitcheswhobrunch, @brunchboys) and we have an entire event devoted to it (Brunched: June 22 @ The Phoenix).

Why do Americans love a meal that doubles as breakfast and lunch and oftentimes basically turns into an ongoing commitment to day drinking? Is it part of the self-care indulgence movement? A genius marketing campaign by egg companies or the avocado illuminati? Whatever the reason, our country is literally obsessed with brunch, so we present you with this list of brunchin’ options from across the Queen City. Whether you want to get sloppy drunk in your atheleisurewear, have a fancy family outing, or you’re a foodie just looking for something new, we’ve got you covered.

Nada 600 Walnut St., Downtown While a taco joint might appear to be a wild-card option for traditional brunchgoers, it is definitely a perfect pre-siesta pit stop. While all the Nada classics are on the menu — the chips and salsa trio, the O.G. guacamole — there are also Mexican brunch offerings: poutine with barbacoa, fried egg and charred tomato salsa, and huevos rancheros with frijoles charros, ancho salsa and diablo sauce. Or, if you head in thinking when in Nada, get a taco, but try one like the fried avocado with chipotle bean purée, or the always-tasty al pastor with pickled pineapple. And then, because everyone loves a boozy brunch, there are sparkling blood orange mimosas, made with rosé cava, and drunken coffees with both Kahlua and tequila. Ay dios mio! Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Branch 1535 Madison Road, East Walnut Hills The team behind The Littlefield has opened a new concept in East Walnut Hills in the former Art Deco Central Trust Bank Building at the corner of Woodburn and Madison avenues. The menu at Branch is overseen by executive chef Shoshannah Anderson and offers a self-proclaimed mix of “classic and contemporary American with ethnic influences.” On the weekends, Branch serves up a variety of brunch dishes including their buttermilk brined fried chicken with quinoa waffle, apple slaw and sesame fennel as well as boozy brunch beverages. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Crown Republic Gastropub 720 Sycamore St., Downtown Brunch is served on Saturdays only but breakfast and lunch are served the remainder of the week (Monday-Friday). CRG leans into a Mediterranean/Italian style in some dishes but classic American dishes like Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes and a few exciting vegan options shows that this brunch spot has something for everyone. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Lucius Q 1131 Broadway St., Pendleton This Pendleton barbecue spot serves up brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Guests can choose from a handful of brunch options, including the BBQ Scotch egg breaded in Lucius Q’s ground smoked sausage, deep-fried and served on a bed of cheesy grits with BBQ sauce drizzle. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Taste of Belgium Multiple Locations Taste of Belgium has been expanding its operations since its first waffle was pulled from a cast iron waffle-press at Findlay Market in 2007, opening four brick-and-mortar bistros and an additional market location. Along with its locally famous sweet, sturdy and caramelized Belgian waffles, the brunch offerings have piloted the restaurant’s rapid ascent. Under the “Brunch Like a Belgian” menu category, there is a fresh berry parfait with chia seeds; a McWaffle with egg, bacon, gruyere and maple syrup; and a messy goetta hash, with Eckerlin Meats’ goetta and two eggs. This is in addition to staples like a strawberries-and-cream-topped waffle or a savory buckwheat galette. Try the crepe-like galette filled with turkey, bacon and housemade ranch dressing or Speculoos biscuits and cookie butter. Photo: Brittany Thornton
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey 1201 Broadway St., Pendleton It’s biscuit time any time at this frontier-themed eatery. The star of the show — and menu — are baked golden nuggets of goodness. These buttery, soft discs with a close crumb and a browned, lightly bubbled top are present in everything from sandwiches and bowls to sweets. The Yukon sandwich comes squished with fried chicken, sawmill gravy, smoked cheddar and bacon (add an egg for $2); the Gold Shoes has two biscuits with a flight of gravies; and the Fool’s Gold combines two biscuits, local ham, bacon and sawmill gravy with an up-charged egg. Basically, anything you can top with an egg for an additional $2, do it. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Colonel’s Kitchen 22 N. Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas Colonel’s Kitchen offers breakfast and lunch six days a week, with brunch specials on Sunday. While it’s not any kind of fancy, both the layout and décor make it feel homey and welcoming. Chalkboards tell you what’s to eat and the cooking is done behind a long counter, supplemented by ovens and prep space in a back room. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Anchor OTR 1401 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Saturday is the only day for brunch at The Anchor-OTR and that’s just fine with us, because after a Friday night of tying one on, the Anchor’s bloody mary is the “hair of the dog” we would welcome any day of the week. Yes, we here at CityBeat did name it 2015’s “Best Multi-Tasking Cocktail,” and with good reason. Where else will they stuff a glass full of vodka, bloody mix, housemade pickles, a giant lobster claw, an oyster and shrimp? It’s a meal and an adult beverage all in one drink. But the food at The Anchor is also perfect for that day-after kind of eating — with a bonus view of Washington Park. Tuck into creamy Weisenberger grits with shrimp and a sunny side egg or a smoked salmon omelet if you’re feeling breakfast-ey. Or go straight for the lunch with a cheeseburger and fries or a trout BLT. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Sleepy Bee Café Multiple locations including 3098 Madison Road, Oakley If you’re trying to schedule a group brunch with your vegan cousin, your neatnik aunt and your meat-and-potatoes husband, casually suggest Sleepy Bee in Oakley and become the family favorite overnight. With a focus on local non-GMO foods and bee-friendly practices, this bright, cozy space has all the classics, like omelets, pancakes and bacon (seriously, try their bacon), and it also has some dressed-up options if you want to step outside the box: a tofu scramble, vegan sausages and the most social-media-friendly ROYGBIV fruit plate in the city. Don’t forget that Sleepy Bee is on the Nowait app, so you can put your name in ahead of time, skip the wait list and get right to the coffee. With additional locations in Blue Ash and downtown, you’re bound to find seating at one of them. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Wunderbar 1132 Lee St., Covington This Bavarian bar provides a dimly lit haven for Sunday morning hangover-sufferers — and some live music. The small brunch menu, written on a chalkboard, changes often but offers options like corned beef hash and eggs, biscuits and gravy or hard-shell breakfast tacos. Order at the bar and tack on a $3 mimosa or $4 bloody mary. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Sugar n’ Spice 4381 Reading Road, Paddock Hills For over 75 years, this family-friendly Paddock Hills diner has been serving up “Wispy Thin” pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, steak and eggs, corned beef hash, breakfast quesadillas and much more to one of the most diverse clienteles in town. From the after-church crowds to college students to doctors heading off to work at nearby hospitals, folks from all over the economic spectrum continue to start their day at this cozy counter or crammed into the precious few booths. And little has changed since Mort Walker founded Sugar n’ Spice in 1941. Wait time is often long for the popular spot, but Steven Frankel, fifth owner of the landmark restaurant and self-proclaimed “caretaker of an historic icon,” soothes hangry patrons by passing out nuggets of fried macaroni and cheese as well as gooey chocolate brownies. When those coveted seats finally come available, Frankel rewards younger diners with rubber duckies in addition to their meals. Photo: Jesse Fox
Sacred Beast 1437 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine This breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner/late-night destination in OTR has a solid menu of both diner-inspired dishes and Francophile favorites, like matzah ball soup, a double-burger with American cheese and steak tartare and frites. Strong, classic cocktails — an Old Fashioned, Hemingway daiquiri and violet-hued Aviation are all $10 or less — round out the menu, but it ain’t all fancy. The late-night Happier Meal gets you a cheeseburger, shot of Evan Williams and a Hamms beer for $15. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar 525 Race St., Downtown Do not be dismayed if the line is out the door when you arrive at Maplewood. For one thing, it’s worth the wait, but just as importantly, they have a super-efficient operation that moves you along quickly. While you wait, you can ponder your many excellent choices, and even start with a brunch cocktail thanks to the drink stand they’ve set up just inside the front door. There are toasts — such as avocado with chopped pistachios and honey, or roasted mushrooms with caramelized onions and whipped goat cheese — and an egg dish or two. But how about something with a little kick, such as Chicken Tinga (chipotle chicken provides the spice)? Or you can go lunch-like with a salad or sandwich. The cocktails include good versions of a bloody mary, margarita and mimosa, but try the cucumber sangria, made with Sauvignon Blanc, dry vermouth, juices and prosecco. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Pleasantry 118 W. 15th St., Over-the-Rhine Pleasantry’s staff has perfected brunch with their hospitality, natural wine and locally sourced food that’s prepared and presented with next-level talent. The menu elevates a simple staple like breakfast potatoes with the addition of house fermented jalapeño and cured egg yolk, shaved over the top like blessings from brunch heaven. Pleasantry is an ideal location for classy day drinking accompanied by top-notch cuisine. Not into traditional brunch drinks? Pleasantry has the best curated wine menu in the city, offering an array of red, white, orange, sparkling and rosé, along with a formidable cocktail and beer selection. Also a fine spot to enjoy a well-made espresso, as the staff are trained by 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab’s head barista on all things coffee. Photo via Facebook.com/PleasantryOTR
Northside Yacht Club 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside It’s never too early for Punk Rock brunch at Northside Yacht Club — as long as it’s after 11 a.m. Known to many patrons as a spot to catch cool touring bands late at night, NSYC has continually proven itself to have a quality kitchen staff that provides excellent food no matter what time the clock says. It’s not unusual to hear The Buzzcocks on the speaker while you study the massive beer cooler for your order. If you decide on their bloody mary, know it contains enough food to count as an entrée to some appetites, including a pulled pork sandwich, bacon, a chicken wing and — oh, yeah — celery. Have you checked out their rad new patio tables? Good for groups. Photo: Sean Peters
Keystone Bar & Grill Multiple Locations At any given time on a weekend morning (or afternoon), Keystone is likely packed. Friends pile in as groups, some nursing headaches, some ready to start their day. Nonetheless, it’s a Covington staple. Aside from mac and cheese fame (yes, there’s a “morning mac” with goetta and an over-easy egg), their brunch is a hot commodity, too. The selection is wide: potato crisps, frittatas, “wake-up calls” and platters. Order a classic biscuits and gravy combo or opt for something a little funkier like Keystone’s huevos rancheros or their goetta skillet. Photo: Kellie Coleman
Coppin’s at Hotel Covington 638 Madison Ave., Covington With a new chef at the helm, Coppin’s and its associated eateries are getting a bit of an update. Chef Mitch Arens, most recently of New Orleans’ Cochon Butcher, is upping the already present Louisiana/Southern flair. Think ingredient additions like Gulf shrimp and andouille with grits, or pimentadew cheese with egg and chorizo. Photo via Facebook.com/CoppinsCovington
French Crust 1801 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Findlay Market is home to Jean-Robert de Cavel’s French Crust Café & Bistro, where chef de cuisine Carla Heiert delights diners with a touch of Paris in Over-the-Rhine. For classic French fare, try one of the traditional quiches — savory egg tarts filled with luxurious combinations such as the Duo of Salmon with asparagus and mushroom, or the traditional Loraine, with ham, gruyere and leeks. Heartier lunch-seekers will enjoy a choice from Les Casseroles “Le Creuset,” hot dishes like the incredibly rich Medley of Seafood Crepes with béchamel, or the totally-for-grown-ups mac-and-cheese medley with mushroom, leek and celery. Those in search of a more local breakfast will not be disappointed — the menu does include a few American favorites such as buttermilk pancakes and Cincinnati’s own meaty regional staple, goetta, served in a puff pastry with a poached egg, hollandaise and piperade. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Echo 3510 Edwards Road, Hyde Park The line leading out of The Echo on weekend mornings doesn’t discriminate. It’s a sampler platter of Cincinnati demographics: Hung-over college kids, grandparents with family members and business executives all congregate waiting to get into the longstanding diner. The Echo’s all-day offerings balance sweet and savory with unicorn-like skill. There are seasonal features, breakfast classics, healthy items (denoted by a leaf illustration), sandwiches, pan-friend chicken on the weekends and $6 brunch cocktails. Or just throw in for a mimosa pitcher. Plus, if the line seems too tedious for a lazy Sunday, you can always get take out. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Commonwealth Bistro 621 Main St., Covington Commonwealth Bistro brings the principled sensibilities of farm-to-table dining to the treat-yo-self spirit that so often accompanies brunch. This quaint spot on Main Street in Covington puts their own spin on each and every dish, whether it’s the Greenup Bowl with a poached egg and pimento buttermilk dressing, a Hangtown Burrito with crispy oysters and scrambled eggs or the breakfast ramen. They put a twist on their day drinks as well: the Pink Mimosa is made with orange-Campari sorbet and the bloody mary features “garden” vodka and pickled vegetables. Here, menu choices are indulgent yet approachable, much like the atmosphere itself. The main dining room is lined with windows, with a clear shot to the open kitchen, and when weather permits, the second story rooftop allows for brunching al fresco. Photo via Facebook.com/CommonwealthBistro
Incline Public House 2601 Eighth St. W, Price Hill In addition to their upscale twist on pub food, slew of craft cocktails/draft beers and a killer view of the City, Incline Public House also offers brunch on the weekends. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Basil’s on Market 5650 Tylersville Road, Mason Basil’s website describes the restaurant as “an upscale Bistro with affordable American fare.” Basil’s On Market opens their brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m every Sunday. They offer an extravagant Bloody Mary bar, omelet station, carving station, salad bar and more. Photo via Facebook.com/BasilsOnMarketMason
The Baker’s Table 1004 Monmouth St., Newport The Baker’s Table is a Newport bakery owned by married couple Dave Willocks and his wife Wendy. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. which currently includes appetizers like upscale salad, potato, and donut dishes, mains like sweet potato hash and different egg and chicken sandwich options. Sweets and sides are also offered. They recently began dinner service. Photo via Facebook.com/BakersTableNewport
Cozy’s Café & Pub 6440 Cincinnati Dayton Road, Liberty Township We’ve got three words for you: bloody mary bar. This locally focused café’s build-your-own bloody mary bar features two tomato bases — mild and spicy — to which you can add accoutrement such as olives, pickled red peppers, bacon, citrus and more than a dozen hot sauces. Complement your cocktail with Southern eggs benedict with grilled bologna and fried green tomato or an Allen Brothers beef burger topped with cheddar, bourbon-bacon jam and an egg. Photo via Facebook.com/CozysCafeandPub
Otto’s 521 Main St., Covington Serving American home cooking with a flair of haute couture, Otto’s is a strong brunch spot in Covington. The restaurant fills up quickly — even though the interior maximizes its seating capacity in such a way that Tetris gamers would approve of — so it would behoove you to make a reservation. Really, it’s worth the extra effort. The décor alludes to a passion for circus performers and includes a collection of antique seltzer bottles associated with clowns’ water shenanigans, but Otto’s isn’t kidding around in the kitchen. By taking a simple Southern treat like fried green tomatoes and introducing them to a BLT croissant sandwich, Otto’s made the B.L.F.G.T. — though an “E” should be added to the acronym because there’s also an egg in there. Photo via Facebook.com/Ottos
Station Family + BBQ 400 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., this neighborhood barbecue restaurant from the team behind CWC the Restaurant offers a Southern-insipred brunch. The special menu features original ideas like eggs and goetta on toast and their Cincinnati sausage hash. Also available are sides, coffee and classic morning cocktails. Photo via Facebook.com/CincyStation
Greyhound Tavern 2500 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell The Greyhound Tavern has offered down-home comfort food to Northern Kentuckians since the 1920s. The atmosphere is pleasantly country-fied, with wood paneling, vinyl tablecloths and multiple fireplaces, and so is the menu. The tavern is known for its herbed secret-recipe fried chicken, available daily with family-style specials on Mondays and Tuesdays and a starring role on the Sunday brunch buffet, which also features a carving station, casseroles, goetta, biscuits, mashed potatoes and other hearty fare. The Greyhound’s Saturday non-buffet brunch menu is more streamlined, with a focus on house favorites (chicken livers, fried green tomatoes), breakfast items, salads and sandwiches, plus a nice menu of cocktails: a Kentucky sunrise with Bulleit bourbon and orange juice, a pitcher of mimosas or bellinis, spiked coffee and a bloody mary with garnishes like pickled asparagus and bacon. Photo: Zachary Petit
The Littlefield 3934 Spring Grove Ave., Northside Northside is lucky to have The Littlefield. The restaurant has claimed its place in the neighborhood as a solid destination for both date night and brunch. One of the benefits to the restaurant’s location is its immediate proximity to Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition, which is the perfect holdover zone for diners waiting on available tables. The kitchen consistently delivers exemplary dishes, while the bar offers a very good variety of quality drinks to suit all palates. The most instagrammable drink is likely their Fleur de Bee, which contains a hibiscus flower everyone loves to photograph themselves munching. Photo via Facebook.com/TheLittlefieldNorthside
Main Street Tavern 701 Main St., Covington Flavors from the South come together for brunch on Main Street in Covington. Biscuits, sandwiches, waffles, French toast and specials are all available on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m. Photo via mainsttaverncov.com
Dunlap Cafe 1926 Dunlap St., Over-the-Rhine Dunlap Cafe, established in 1936 in the heart of Over-The-Rhine, features classic all-american breakfast meals. Diners can treat themselves to pancakes, breakfast samplers, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and traditional brunch cocktails. Breakfast is served all-day every day at the Dunlap Cafe. Photo: Paige Deglow
The Comet 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside Though its Sunday brunch menu changes weekly, it has some of the hippest dishes in the city — like shakshuka with poached eggs and feta in a Moroccan-style tomato and pepper stew; eggs Florentine; and a crepe cake with orange crepes, pastry cream, toffee sauce and berries. There’s even a ruby red grapefruit brûlée with toasted pistachio for dessert. A full bar and one of the city’s best beer selections are available to accompany anything you pick. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Lil’s Bagel Windough 308 Greenup St., Covington Lil’s Bagels opened a walk-up window this past winter cleverly called The Windough, located in the alleyway of the old Piccolo Casa/Greenup Café space. Co-founder Julia Keister makes some of the best bagels and spreads in the city from scratch. Order any combo of carbs and schmear — we like the za’atar and the cranberry cardamom bagels — or get the bagels in sandwich form (our recommendation). Favorites include the Gawd Father with pastrami bacon, pimento cheese, house-pickled green tomato and bibb lettuce, and the Notorious RBE, with super tasty egg salad, pickled beets, lettuce and wasabi roe cream cheese. Besides the Jewish/NYC-style bagels, the Windough also sells goods from local purveyors Teeny Pies (literally tiny pies) and Smooth Nitro Coffee. If you want hot coffee, go next door to Roebling Point Books & Coffee. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
B & A Street Kitchen 1500 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Breakfast is served all day (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday) at this Tex Mex-inspired comfort food diner. They don’t have a liquor license but they do serve an array of vegan and gluten-free sodas ($2.50-$3), Smooth Nitro Coffee products and even Mexican hot chocolate. The menu is long and the breakfast items run the gamut from a three cheese omelet (with cheddar, pepper jack and cotija) and huevos rancheros (you can sub chorizo tofu) to a Gottea Up and Go sandwich — with housemade goetta patties, egg, grilled tomato and pepper jack on a biscuit or tortilla — and curro style pancakces. Photo via Facebook.com/BAStreetKitchen
Cheapside Cafe 326 E. 8th St., Downtown With a menu featuring kale salads, breakfast sandwiches with pimento cheese and modern espresso drinks (like the bubbly chinotto, with housemade tonic, espresso and soda), along with an interior decked out with a white floor, rustic wood seating and live plants, the ambiance feels decidedly West Coast — especially when you glance at the patio. The focal point of Cheapside’s al fresco seating is a large wooden tepee, constructed out of slatted cedar, in which you can sit at a bright red table (when the weather is warm) while enjoying a cortado and challah French toast. Photo via Facebook.com/CheapsideCafe