Best of Metromix Cincinnati 2012Brunch
Weekends can be for lounging, or gathering with friends.
And the winner is…
Taste of Belgium Bistro
1135 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine & Pendleton
Taste of Belgium, known for its waffles, has opened up a new Belgian bistro. The Vine Street cafe serves sweet and savory crepes, salads, baguette sandwiches, and Belgian-style entrees. And of course waffles, in the dessert and entree sections of the menu, as well as pastries and espresso drinks. The bistro now offers dinner as well, with moules-frites and carbonnade and other Belgian classics. You can also now grab a drink from the full bar, including a selection of Belgian beers on tap.
Nominees
Half Day Cafe
1 Wyoming Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45215Neighborhood: Wyoming
Last year, this long-time breakfast hotspot added Sunday brunch hours. Half Day Cafe is a classic neighborhood coffeeshop and restaurant blending the homeyness of stuffed French toast and the Cincy Stack – a biscuit with vegetarian goetta, eggs, cheese and more – and sleek modern appeal.
Melt
4165 Hamilton Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45223Neighborhood: Northside
Chances are if you're a socially-conscious eater, you've already been to this place. If you haven't, you've gotta check out Melt, which gets rave reviews from vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. This eclectic cafe in the middle of Northside serves antibiotic- and hormone food in a funky, cozy setting.
Mokka and the Sunset Bar and Grill
500 Monmouth St.
Newport, KY 41071Neighborhood: Riverfront
One building, two menus. Think of Mokka and the Sunset Bar and Grill in those terms. The former is a champion of brunch and breakfast, still served daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The latter caters to the crowd looking for more exquisite bar food from 3-10 p.m. except Sunday. Mokka's breakfast and brunch menu brings in the crowds with eggs and omlettes to sandwiches and frittatas.
For breakfast, try the Mokka toast. It's an unexpected compilation of Texas toast, creme brulee, and sweet corn flakes.
Looking for an unusual lunch sandwich? Mokka serves the Islander, sliced ham topped with Swiss cheese, grilled pineapples and Caribbean jerk mayonaise.
If you like seafood, try the blackened tilapia dinner entree. It nestles in a bed of Asian vegetables.
Craving sweets? Mokka serves Chocolate Lava and homemade bread pudding.
Nada
600 Walnut St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202Neighborhood: Downtown
Mexican food like you’ve never had it before, in the hippest spot downtown. If you can, be sure to sit on the patio for optimal people-watching. Later, the bar heats up, especially during Happy Hour with drink and appetizer specials (like the amazing Nada sliders paired with a house margarita)....
Poco a Poco
2724 Erie Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45208Neighborhood: Hyde Park
This Latin-American-spiced restaurant is breezy and fun. High-quality margaritas and a generous menu of items like coconut shrimp, Yucatan chicken skewers, pan seared scallops, prime sirloin steak frites and paella make for a nice change of tastes. Their tacos aren't your ordinary tacos, either: try the Chicken and Chorizo or the roasted pork tacos. This year, Poco a Poco is going "green" by using locally obtained produce, and growing the majority of their fruits, veggies and herbs in their own garden.
Take the Cake
4035 Hamilton Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45223Neighborhood: Northside
The bakery-caf, or maybe caf-bakery, that is Take the Cake may specialize in innovative cake and pastry creations, but they can also whip up some pretty amazing breakfast, lunch (and on Sundays) brunch options. Communal seating adds to the neighborhood feel of the place, and there isn’t a set menu. Depending on the season—and the staff’s mood—you might run into frittatas, French toast, eggplant parmesan or quiches. The options change frequently, and when they are out of something, they’re out. The place can get crowded, especially on a weekend. But it’s hard to complain too much, especially with so many delicious pastry options available to tide you over while you wait.
View Cucina
2200 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45206Neighborhood: Walnut Hills/E. Walnut Hills
This casual but elegant eatery overlooks the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky. The menu features what View calls "an inspired twist on American cuisine" - which means there is truffle oil in the mac and cheese, lamb in the meatloaf and bacon jam with the scallops. If you're eating on a budget, consider the prix fixe menu, where three courses are just $25. In September 2011, they updated the menu to combine the American dishes from the original View menu with some new Italian choices.
Last year's winner
Half Day Cafe
1 Wyoming Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45215Neighborhood: Wyoming
Last year, this long-time breakfast hotspot added Sunday brunch hours. Half Day Cafe is a classic neighborhood coffeeshop and restaurant blending the homeyness of stuffed French toast and the Cincy Stack – a biscuit with vegetarian goetta, eggs, cheese and more – and sleek modern appeal.
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What other people are saying...
LittleBittyNYC - January 18, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Um, somebody Pleez check out Otto's for this list!
Report This Commentsherylldean1693 - January 18, 2012 at 12:07 PM
How about Orchids?
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