Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.
Set in Cincinnati, OH, Coffee Emporium has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Coffee Emporium. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Cincinnati, Coffee Emporium is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Coffee Emporium open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 06:30-20:00; Sa-Su 07:00-20:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Coffee Emporium take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Cincinnati are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Coffee Emporium kid-friendly?
Yes — Coffee Emporium welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Coffee Emporium serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Cincinnati.
Is there outdoor seating at Coffee Emporium?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 110 East Central Parkway. Coordinates: 39.1077, -84.5125. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.