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Every year, CityBeat publishes the Best Of Cincinnati®, wherein readers and staffers alike pick which bars are the booziest, which people are the coolest and which shops are your best bet for dropping a pretty penny. These rankings come in handy for things like deciding where you want to take the family for brunch. Places our readers love the most include spots where you can get chicken and waffles; brunch tots and burgers; classic plates filled with bacon, eggs and toast and even gluten-free pancakes.
No. 10 Best Brunch: Nation Kitchen & Bar
175 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks; 3435 Epworth Ave., Westwood & 203 Mill St., Milford Photo: Hailey BollingerNo. 9 Best Brunch: Greyhound Tavern
2500 Dixie Hwy., Fort Mitchell Photo: facebook.com/Greyhound TavernThe National Exemplar
6880 Wooster Pike, Mariemont
National Exemplar is good any time of year but may be at its best in either spring or fall. With wood paneling and old-world vibes, the inside is cozy, like a Harry Potter movie marathon, making weekend mornings in fall a great time to visit this Tudor-style Mariemont mainstay. However, if you draw the lucky card and pick the right morning to visit, you get the patio experience of the season, with overhead sun, pretty trees and just enough foot traffic from the quiet neighborhood for quality people watching. With lots of egg dishes, pancake variations, and a variety of hashes, this brunch spot covers all the bases.
Photo: Photo:Exterior of Cedar Photo: Hailey BollingerNo. 7 Best Brunch: Yuca
700 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue Photo: Francisco HuertaThe bar with wrap-around seating Photo: Hailey BollingerNo. 5 Best Brunch: Hang Over Easy
13 W. Charlton St., Corryville Photo: facebook.com/HangOverEasy16. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
525 Race St., Downtown; 5065 Deerfield Blvd., Mason
“Great downtown brunch place with plenty of lunch options too. The chicken tynga was awesome. Tried the Goetta also because i hadn’t ever had it and it was enjoyable and not very greasy. All the prices were very reasonable. If willing you can bypass the ordering line and sit at the bar instead for faster service!” — Chad W. Photo: facebook.com/Maplewood Kitchen and BarNo. 2 Best Brunch: Taste of Belgium
Multiple locations including 16 West Freedom Way, Downtown; 1135 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Brittany Thornton4. First Watch
Multiple locations including 104 E. 7th St., Downtown; 6292 Madison Road, Rookwood
This “daytime café” offers breakfast, brunch and lunch items that range from healthy to hearty. The national chain has a little something for everyone, ranging from traditional breakfast options to creative spins on classics. Plus a juice bar with daily fresh-pressed juices.
Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey BollingerBest Breakfast
Winner: Sleepy Bee Cafe
Runners-up: Sugar n’ Spice, First Watch Photo: facebook.com/sleepybeecafe