You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Cincinnati, OH, Red Roost Tavern 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.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Red Roost Tavern. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- 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
- Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Cincinnati, Red Roost Tavern 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's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Red Roost Tavern.
- 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.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 06:30-24:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Red Roost Tavern open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 06:30-24:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Red Roost Tavern 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 Red Roost Tavern kid-friendly?
Yes — Red Roost Tavern 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 Red Roost Tavern serve?
It's classified under organic, american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Cincinnati.
Is there outdoor seating at Red Roost Tavern?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 151 West 5th Street. Coordinates: 39.1006, -84.5156. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.