25 Best Cafes in Cincinnati

“There is no better deli in the city of Cincinnati - the staff make you feel right at home, while their food (both the daily specials and the always delicious chicken salad) rivals any lunch spot in town. I'm so thankful I found this place & will continue to support them for years to come!“

“We hired them for our daughters wedding and they were a huge hit with all the guests. They set up quietly and fast and started serving at the cocktail hour. It was like having a little coffee shop in the corner of the reception. Highly recommend! So glad we did this!“

“Our community runs on Luckman! Starbucks is the devil.“

“100% satisfaction 100% of the time. I have eaten and drank here many times over many years and I have never had a bad experience with the food, the drink, or the customer service. This place is the epitome of a beloved local bar & grill.“

“The coffee is incredible, the service is even better! I go out of my way to get coffee from here, purely because of how friendly the owner is and how delicious the coffee always is! Always fresh, NEVER stale/old tasting. Overall, best coffee around!!“

“I really enjoy supporting small local businesses like this place. Great, friendly staff! Love this place!“

“Delicious food...great service and pleasant outside dining area.“

“We have been coming here every morning for years, now. I guess it is time to finally let my family's best kept restaurant secret out. This is hands down the best breakfast in Cincinnati. Also, best prices downtown. You really cant beat this place from biscuits and gravy to omelets to deli sandwiches to burgers to pizza. They do a little bit of everything, it is all made to order and fresh. And its impressive, they just ask what you want and do it all from memory! Get the bagel bacon breakfast sandwich with the hashbrown on it, it will change your life.“

“UPDATE: After several communications with the restaurant, I wish to update my review.

The kale salad is truly delightful. Although the salad is actually $13 and I wish it was bigger, I can't do without it. Sometimes the mango isn't ripe but the totality of the kale, mango, avocado, strawberries, and mint dressing are the taste buds delight.

After discussing the price with the restaurant representative and purchasing a $10 salad from the salad bar at IGA, I succumb that prices are just plain high on all foods.

I was disappointed the restaurant closed at 2 on Saturday because of the snow. We arrived at 2:20. Doors locked. Didn't get my fix of kale.

Previous review:
The salad is very good, the berry/lemon muffins have an odd taste, and the earl grey tea can't really be messed up.

My complaint is the prices are just too high. The tea alone is $7. The salad $12.

Having good good is the best thing a restaurant can have but if it is ridiculously unaffordable to the average customer, it is difficult to return for a second visit.“

“1215 is one of the best coffee shops I’ve had the pleasure of frequenting, and I make it a habit to go here at least once a week. It’s in the heart of OTR and is super convenient for anyone in that area. I’m on a first name basis with the baristas and ordering food/coffee from them feels less transactional and more human. They sell Deeper Roots coffee which is top notch, and I could drink their house blend for the rest of my life. They have a really solid selection of teas too. The place is not at all pretentious, and has a regular clientele that is relaxed and friendly - and the place is bustling but not too busy. The music they play is at the right volume and is well-curated - Americana, folk, 2000s indie, soft rock, blues. Around 5-6pm the coffee shop vibe slowly turns into a romantic and cozy wine bar with live music on some nights. The flowers on the tables are replaced by candles and the lights are dimmed. While I’m usually busier in the evenings, this tempts me to stay all day. Fantastic place that I cannot recommend enough!“

“Sue and Bullet are great, they are super friendly and if you stop in regularly will remember your name and even your order. The prices are relatively cheap and you get a solid amount of food. They make the best BLT around and I always make sure to check out the special on Tuesday/Thursday. If you're looking for a quick workday lunch you should definitely stop in!“

“My grandson wanted to meet hus friends after school for a beverage so we went on a Thursday afternoon. It was crowded from all the kids and parents but the staff was very well organized and the atmosphere was not chaotic from all the kids!😁 strawberry smoothie and flavored tea was delicious!“

“Hi, I'm not sure if you are the right person to ask, but have you purchased any art collections including canvas in the last 25 years? If so send a message.“

“What a CUTE coffee shop 😍😍 The inside is absolutely darling and has plenty of space to sit and enjoy your coffee and breakfast. We opted to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the beautiful weather. Super dog friendly which is always great to see. And lots of breakfast options. We got the quinoa bowl for a gluten free option and it was so good. The sausage in it was very light and everything else was very filling. They also had some fun gluten free muffins and a s'mores bar that was super tasty!! Definitely recommend if you live in the area or are just visiting 👌“

“First time getting an iced latte here and I loved it! I’m still fairly new to all these fancy coffee drinks. But I love it.“

“awesome atmosphere. alex and crew are fantastic with great food and coffee every weekend“

“Always great coffee, unique flavor combinations and adult beverages #reneerecomendsYES“

“Nice laidback spot in Westwood. Great selection of tea, coffee and wine . Pastries were great too.“

“Best coffee shop in the area. Beans are roasted in-house and lots of fresh baked goods, including gluten free and dairy free options. Cool staff and some local goods sold inside. Drive-thu is super convenient! Always get our beans from Mad Llama. Favorites outside of an americano for the sweeter side is the llama latte, coffee cake, pumpkin bread and banana bread. A friend always gets their chicken salad sandwich when visiting the area. Enjoy!“

“I love this place. Working in the mall can be quite stressful, so I love to get to Bistro for some amazing onion soup, yes soo cheesy. I can also tell you its low-key. So, a great place to catch up with school work, ole time friend, or if your anti social. Cafe Bistro is the place too be.“

“We stumbled upon this little French bistro following an afternoon at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and we were so delighted! The service was excellent and the food was inspired and delicious. Perfect comfort French food - with a really cool view overlooking the Ohio river. I cannot wait to return to try a number of the other dishes on the menu.“

“Pretty much the epitome of a hole in the wall bar. The staff or bartender aren't the most social creates but that's not why you go there. The beer and drinks a dirt cheap and good. I'm pretty sure that regulars there have been patronizing that bar for years. Great little bar if your into that style and atmosphere.“

“Amazing work and exhibitions organized and managed by gallery director Aaron Cowan!“

“Our rep, Amy Rapisarda, is simply the best!!!“

“I stopped by Allez Café and had the carrot soup — absolutely delicious! You can really taste the freshness and care that goes into their food. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and Candace was amazing — so friendly and attentive, she really made the visit special. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for good food and great vibes!“