The Upside

Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.

Set in Cincinnati, OH, The Upside 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 The Upside. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
• Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
• House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
• Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
• Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde

The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.

Order coffee black and let the kitchen do the rest — French toast made with thick-cut brioche, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with seasonal berries.

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, The Upside 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. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.

Tips from the regulars

• 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.
• Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does The Upside open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 08:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-21:00; Su 09:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does The Upside 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 The Upside kid-friendly?

Yes — The Upside 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 The Upside 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 The Upside?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 329 Ludlow Avenue. Coordinates: 39.1436, -84.5206. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.