After reading reviews, I went in knowing about the slow service. But I didn't remember how small this place was. Having an infant in a carrier and stressed out people around me made this place feel pretty cramped. Our over easy Eggs came out in no time. But my dad's omelette took much longer and we never seemed to have the full attention of our waitress who didn't really care. Oh, well. So many reviews mentioned how amazing the biscuits were, that I asked if they are made there - they're not. This place is full of childhood memories for me, so maybe I'll go back infant-free when I'm really in the mood for diner food that was made somewhere else....lol read more

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Cool little cafe in the Hipster area of Northside. We had a group of 6 and needed a place that was good without a wait for a 10am brunch. We got seated immediately as they brought a chair out to put at the end of our booth (really if you have more than 4 this is probably not the best spot unless you want to split up. Majority is booth seating - 2 of our 6 were kids otherwise we would have had to split). Service was a little slow after the initial round of waters but the food was very tasty and unbelievably inexpensive. I got the green omelet (comes with choice of bread - I got the biscuit) for only $6 - say whaaaa? This omelet was excellent, the spinach, feta, and perfectly caramelized onions in a well prepared (2 or 3 egg?) omelet. My friend got it as well and we both raved about it. Not overly "fluffy" which is NOT how they are supposed to be made. Service was fine, maybe a little surly, and a little slow, hence the one star deduct. Food and pricing cant be beat. Pro Tip: if you park a little further up the side streets there is meterless street parking! read more

Blue Jay Restaurant - Green omelette - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Met two fellow Saturday morning breakfast lovers there to try out a recommended diner. Awesomeness. omelettes were wonderful and service was outstanding! (Dana was the best!) thanks! Ray read more

Jo is the best waitress in the city. I may be a little biased because she's about to put my sandwich on the menu, but she's literally just as nice to every person that walks in the door. The vibes are immaculate and the food is delicious every time. The only complaints I could have are that you aren't open 24 hours. My favorite place to get gyro meat and some really good soup. I love the little family diner energy and I'm so glad I get to come here all the time. I'll see you soon for another Sara Special! read more

This is a classic dinner, with classic diner fare. Breakfast food is my most favorite thing ever so when a meeting got postponed and I was already in Northside, a colleague and I decided to go for a business woman's special (shout out to Romy & Michelle) and have a working brunch. I had never been to the Blue Jay before but it looks and feels like an old school diner, minus a grouchy old waitress. Our waitress was young and lovely. The portions are huge and we made the mistake of ordering sides of French Toast and biscuits and gravy in addition to our breakfasts---we had WAY too much food. Like we could have split the breakfast between us. Everything was good, but not mind-blowing--like I said traditional diner. Personally the hashbrowns/breakfast potatoes weren't crispy/cooked enough but I would have eaten everything else again. Great value for money and it certainly wasn't busy on a weekday morning. read more

Blue Jay Restaurant - All the breakfast foods - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The Blue Jay is the DEFINITION of a wonderful, authentic American diner experience! Our burgers were mouth-watering, flavorful patties. The vegetarian in our group was delighted to see several options on the menu, and the Beyond burger was delicious, Of course, like any authentic diner, the crinkle fries were fantastic, fried crispy just like we requested. Lots of other delicious offerings on the menu that will bring us back again and we will bring friends. read more

Worst customer service ever. The employees were not welcoming and did not bother to greet/acknowledge me and my husband or say anything to us as we stood there waiting to be seated. We ended up leaving. read more

Love me some blue jay !! I absolutely love their staff and the food there is almost as good as walking into your gmas house. I always order the same thing and it's for sure a weekly visit. They are super kid friendly. The only bad thing is that they are closed on Sunday :( read more

If there was a half-star option on here I would choose 4.5 stars instead of 4. Five stars means you have utterly blown me away. Blue Jay did not do that. But it was terrific. Virtually everything an old, no-frills, non-hipster, Northside of Cincinnati diner should be. First, you find side-street parking on or around Hamilton Avenue (good luck with that during the day). You walk in and savor the 1970s feel of it all. You seat yourself. The booth may or may not be overly broken in by the fannies of the 90,000 people who have sat there before you. You may also choose a seat at the counter, which puts you right in front of the kitchen (and the delicious odors...). And then you open the menu (help yourself, it's on the table). They've got breakfast all day (it closes at 3:30, so that makes sense). It has burgers and sandwiches and chili and all the other kinds of deli madness you would expect. I had an unsweetened iced tea with lemon that tasted pretty darned good considering the heat outside. My server was friendly and polite. It was difficult to decide what I wanted, but in the end I chose the Northside Omelet, which is a regular omelet but with Cincinnati style (is there any other kind?) chili on it. I got a 5-way, with added onions and tomatoes. No thanks on the peppers and beans. I also ordered the home potatoes. I got them with cheese, which was applied in liberal amounts. They were very good and probably would have been good even without the cheese. Everything also came with a couple slices of toast. I was too full to ask what's for dessert. The check was under $14. The place had a decent mix of regular folks, and it was pretty quiet. I would imagine it's difficult to get into for brunch on a Sunday. It's a family owned and operated joint. So just say no to IHOP and Waffle House, come here instead, and tip heavy if you feel up to it. If I lived in Cincinnati I would probably eat here every couple weeks or so. read more

We ordered Takeout from Blue Jay for breakfast... ready on time and super well packed. Not to mention- pretty tasty food!! I liked my breakfast sandwich... The potatoes (supreme style with onion, cheese and tomato) were SO good!!! Will definitely be back. read more

This place is nothing legendary. It's a great breakfast spot where you can come, get a good meal, and all for a decent price. I always come here and sit at the bar, read, and feast. If you want some good breakfast you will find it here. read more

Blue Jay Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This spot is crazy good. As from being out of town the prices are hard to beat. The service is amazing and everyone is so sweet. The breakfast food is crazy good, I had the Anne Marie with a biscuit read more

Awesome service!! She was so sweet and funny and attentive! She was an all around people person. The cook came out from the back and was talking to another table and you could tell it was just a friendly place! The food was delicious also! I got a grilled cheese with bacon and it was grilled to perfection! read more

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When I say "diner," all of us get a picture in our head of a certain kind of eatery. It's an American institution, with lore that stretches back over generations. What exactly, though, makes some place a great, classic diner? Your list of criteria may vary, but I argue you need four things: 1. Decor from at least 30 years ago. 2. Breakfast just like Grandma used to make. 3. PIE. 4. At some point during your visit the waitress has to call you "Sweetie" ("Hon" or "Honey" are also acceptable). Enter Blue Jay Restaurant, and you can immediately check the first item off the list. There's 1970's wood paneling everywhere. Booths to sit in. Pictures of days gone by on the wall. All is exactly as it should be. I must confess that I made a slight faux pas in regards to the second item on my checklist. I ordered a turkey burger and fries, getting the latter well done. The burger was fine, but I still blame myself for this improper choice. The fries, however, were excellent. Golden crinkle style, they were perfectly crispy on the outside with fluffy interiors. A lunch companion made up for my error getting biscuits and gravy. While I'm not a biscuits and gravy man myself, he reported them excellent. I trust his judgement on this topic. I did redeem myself, however, by doing what is Good and Proper ordering pie. Of all the aspects of what makes a diner a true, great eating establishment, pie is the most sacrosanct. I can deal with remodeling, satisfy myself with a greasy burger and fries instead of bacon and eggs, and I can even come to terms with a surly waitstaff. However, I can not abide inferior pie from any place that lays claim to the mantle of "diner." My filled crust of choice this go around was key lime. It tasted exactly as I expected: A sublime green custard atop a moist graham cracker crust in the proper ratio, with just enough graham cracker crumbs clinging to the bottom and edge to cut the tang of the key lime. I wanted to order a second slice, but did not. We all have our regrets in life. This is one of mine. Blue Jay Restaurant is the quintessential American Diner. Call it a "greasy spoon" if you want to engage in slander, but this is a place that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. If you want fresh, organic, vegan cuisine that satisfies your inner flower child, try going up the street to Melt. You'll find none of that here. Nor should you. Instead, if you want a time warp, a place with food just like the country grandma you never had would make, and perfect pie, which reassures you the classic American diner isn't dead, you want Blue Jay. Or, as the waitress asked us, "You want some more coffee, Sweetie?" read more

The food is average. Prices way too high. Yes, inflation is a problem however a basic breakfast shouldn't cost over $8. Avoid this place unless only option for some reason. read more

This has been my go-to restaurant for any meal. Their breakfasts are spectacular and the special price (8a-11a weekdays, all day Saturday) is not to be beat. Try the home fties with onions, peppers and feta cheese!! Unbeatable. Their lunch speials are a full, delicious meal and I'll go to get one to go when I know I'm not going to cook! The staff is attentive, friendly and quick. All around a great deal!!! read more

Blue Jay Restaurant - The amazing Gyro omelet and Northside Chili 6 Way omelet at Blue Jay restaurant. None better anywhere and phenomenal prices! - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Love this place have been going to this restaurant over 40 years best food in Northside

Just awful... Service was terrible and slow...food was sub par at best. It seemed to me to be a lil racist which was a surprise because I had been coming here for at least 12 years. I have never waited so long for flavorless food. My server was nonchalant and carefree to our needs. Skip this slop. read more

Blue Jay is a restaurant that is full of personality, amazing waitstaff--happy and helpful, and a menu that is easy on the budget and doesn't disappoint. We love walking up to this restaurant and can't wait to go back! read more

So, to be perfectly honest up until a week or so ago I didn't think this place was still open. Their "lunch only" hours are slightly confusing to me...and they don't do Sunday brunch which is sort of blasphemous in Northside. I finally made it there when they were open though and it was a pleasant dining experience. Really any place that offers me a giant pancake as a complimentary side item is A-okay in my book. I had the Greek omelet and it was mighty tasty. Blue Jay actually had a large number of Greek items on their menu which was surprising for a place that feels like your typical greasy spoon diner. The wait staff are very friendly and the prices are about what you'd expect. If you have the fortune of passing by Blue Jay when they are actually open I do suggest stopping in. They have breakfast and lunch items as well as a revolving selection of desserts (they have baklava mmmm!) All and all a thoroughly enjoyable meal, service, ambiance combination. read more

This has to be on the all-star team of diners in the city. My first trip there, I kept it simple with 2 eggs, bacon, home fries and toast. I've the same thing at a number of breakfast spots across the city, but the Blue Jay tops them all. The presentation is simple, not fancy, but it doesn't have to be. The food actually looked like an appetizing picture on the plate. The eggs were done, just right, not over-done and dried out. The bacon was cooked to perfection. The home fries were not overly greasy as you find in a lot of diners. The coffee was not too strong or bitter, just enough to ease you into Saturday morning consciousness. The service was friendly and attentive. Even better than the food is the old school atmosphere at the Blue Jay, mixed with the character that makes Northside unique. I particularly enjoyed the parade of amazing and impressive beards of all shapes and sizes. I also spied an Etch 'n Sketch in the windowsill with all the puzzles and books to keep kids occupied, but much to my dismay, my reflexes failed me and a kid beat me to it....next time.... The menu at the Blue Jay is quite extensive. The list of double deckers, with all the combinations made me dizzy. From omelettes to gyros, there's a lot for me to try on my future trips to this awesome spot. read more

This is your quintessential old school greasy spoon. Typically the service is friendly and fast. The food usually comes out fresh and piping hot. However, the menu is limited to your typical diner fare. I suggest the Blue Jay for breakfast because I think this is their strongest option. The large omelettes are always a solid choice. Personally I am partial to their biscuits and gravy- which is made fresh every morning. Make sure you get there early because they usually run out of the sausage gravy by 10 or so! For lunch their double-deckers are hard to beat. Also, they serve all of your typical Cincinnati chli style plates and coneys but I will admit that I am not that fond of their chili. Overall, the Blue Jay is a solid Northside instituation that will definitely bring about a wonderful nostalgic feeling. It's certainly worth a try! read more

It's so nice to fine an old school diner with good food and great service. We all had breakfast, and it was excellent. Quotes from our 8 year old, "Your pancakes are better daddy" and "I just ate one hell of a breakfast! " Now in all fairness, I make some world class pancakes. The biscuits were scratch made along with the gravy. Both were reminders of a real country kitchen. We look forward to coming back and trying the lunch fare. Take a break from the cookie cutter chain restaurants and give the Blue Jay a try. read more

Have you ever searched and searched for that perfect greasy spoon diner? Well look no further, blue jay is the northside oasis. Not only do they have some great eggs, goetta, and hash browns, but their coffee is better than the average diner as well! This time it took a little longer than it probably should have, but the group we were with didn't mind, it was worth the wait. Very filling, not too greasy, good flavor all around! Definitely check this place out if you are near northside! read more

Yay! Blue Jay! How can you not get warm fuzzies when you walk in here? This place is an institution. When I knew we were coming here for breakfast club I told my stepdad and he said he remembers riding his bike all around Northside and then stopping for breakfast at The Blue Jay when he was little. Ahhh such good memories. The atmosphere is old school diner, except for the fact that this might be the cleanest diner I have ever seen. The walls are wood paneled and they have etched pictures of geese and homes on them. What a riot, this place hasn't changed a bit! The food is simple diner food. Most of us ordered the Breakfast Special. Two eggs, toast, hashbrowns your choice of meat for around five bucks. What a steal! My eggs were cooked perfectly, which they almost never are. My only complaints were that the sausage patty at least was totally fake meat, or microwaved until it's death. And my hashbrowns were cold, which sucks but at least they tasted good. The service was really slow, but it was a Saturday morning and they were slammed so it's to be expected. I will totally come back to the Blue Jay! Good food, great diner atmosphere perfect for a Sunday stroll in Northside. read more

Breakfast Club: I used to close bars...now I open diners. When I started the Breakfast Club I knew this is where I wanted to go first, mainly because ive been here, like, 10times and wanted it to go off on the right foot. They do breakfast right. End of story. The breakfast platter will possibly put you into a food coma (for under 6bucks you get the full deal... splurg for the pancake, its worth it), the servers dont badger you but are on top of it, the coffee could peel paint its so strong. Ahhhh sweet perfection. read more

The Blue Jay restaurant is your classic local diner. I've heard that they were owned by a Greek family at one point and may still be owned by Greeks, but the cuisine definitely does not reflect that heritage. I've never been to their breakfasts during breakfast hours, but instead went during lunch and ordered a plethora of items including some of their breakfast items. This is the only Greek restaurant that I've ever heard of that serves up Cincinnati classics such as chili, 3-ways, and goetta. When I had lunch here I ordered coneys, chili, goetta. It was a gluttonous yet delicious lunch. The chili and coneys aren't "Cincinnati style" per se, but come close. This place is such a neighborhood staple and great place to eat. If you want a heavy meal, this is the place to go! Things are really cheap too! read more

Blue Jay is a perfectly good diner with a fairly extensive menu. It's everything you've come to expect from a local diner: breakfast and lunch food, some parking outside, outdated interior, reasonable prices, and still not sure whether or not someone might be smoking or if they accept credit cards. (No one was and they do.) Service was mostly forgettable but the food was fine. I got two eggs over medium with goetta and homefries. No real complaints and I generally liked it. I'd go back. read more

Blue Jay Restaurant (I want to call it Blue Jay Cafe for some reason) in Northside is a very Cincinnati kind of place. I ate there at 11am on a Saturday and the place was hopping with regulars but the servers kept up nicely. I had a Beef and Bacon Double Decker, hold the lettuce and mayo, add swiss with fries and a Coke. My friend had a veggie omelette with a biscuit. We were both satisfied. The Double Decker is huge and tasty and the portion of fries is generous. Lots of value for your money. If you're looking for someplace homey, with good food at a good price where you can wear your pajama bottoms without judgment, then Blue Jay Restaurant is for you! read more

This place is a step back in time- in a good way. An old school diner that feels like a place I would have gone to with my parents as a kid. It was full of neighborhood regulars. We stopped in for a late breakfast and ordered some omelets. There are more than enough veggie options. I was pretty hungry but still was not about to finish my breakfast. It is a great deal for the amount of food you get. Everything was well prepared and delicious. The service was pretty good. My water and coffee cup remained full. The food took a while to get to the table but other than we both had a great meal. Well be back to the Blue Jay soon. read more

I've been a Saturday breakfast regular for years. Mixed crowd, from hipsters to bikers. So Northside! The servers are attentive, friendly, and fast. Portions are huge, and prices very reasonable. If I don't order the breakfast special, it's a great Greek omelette. This is not a greasy spoon. It's a hip neighborhood hangout where all are welcomed. read more

Burgers gyros chili and classic diner food breakfasts etc. Plenty of gyro meat burgers better than the big boys and friendly folks. When you need to hit a place that's super casual and relaxed this is a good spot. Take a client from downtown up here if the hamburger spot in Mt. Adams is too much. read more

Excellent breakfast diner. Great service & food and a friendly server. All that and great coffee adds up to an easy 5 stars. Would definitely return if in the area again. read more

Mmm, I do love Blue Jay. It may not be the most elegant or sophisticated restaurant around, but it has damn good diner food. I've never eaten any of their lunch food (although I'm sure it's good) because I love their breakfasts so much. Blue Jay is definitely my favorite Saturday hangover brunch cure. The prices are amazingly reasonable (less than $5 for the breakfast special), and their eggs, hashbrowns, and biscuits never disappoint. I've also heard their goetta is good. As for the reviewer that said parking is a pain, it's super easy if you turn into one of the side streets and park in the residential neighborhood. It's right down the street, it's free, and there's usually plenty of open spots. read more

If you're looking for a good, cheap diner that feeds you and gets you on your way, this is the place. Why hasn't someone taken me here before? I stopped by with oldest daughter and we each had a great burger called Tom's Burger for $3.50. It was a double decker with tartar sauce. Being a hot day we ate light and only had a bit to drink. Service was prompt and competent and happy. The burger was good. I paid less than $10. One patron got into a shouting match with a cop. That was cool. Oldest daughter now wants to go back for breakfasts. All that makes for a five star WooHoo! in my book. read more

Tried here because of high rating by Yelpers. Unfortunately, this restaurant did not satisfy us at all... It was packed, and very slow. We waited almost an hour at the time of order to see our food on the table. Coffee were too watered down, water was not filtered well. Rest room was unclean which is no-no for restaurant. It was not worth waiting. read more

Restaurant? NOT, everyone who's been here knows this is a cafe. It closes at 3pm! My guess is that when the drunk coming out of the KFC across the street crashed into the BJ storefront, the sign painter was just confused-- he thought it was another jack ruby or jean ro spot. It's not. Good cheap breakfasts, filling lunch. 1970s decor. More fashionable food is up the street on the left. But you want to come here once or twice. read more

#1 Greasy Spoon Breakfast Restaurant in Cincy (that's a compliment. We all need one of these restaurants) Must Try. You know those days you wake up on the weekend and you're craving something unhealthy and just want a lot of food, but don't feel like spending much. This is your place! I almost don't want to do a review because I don't want people coming here, so I can enjoy it for my self, but I love this place to much not to give them love. p.s. If you're wanting fancy then this is not the place. You'll just end up leaving up set and jumping on here and giving them a 2 to 3 star review because you don't appreciate this style of restaurant. (don't be that person) Atmosphere: I walk in and I feel as if Im in the 1950s and I LOVE IT! DONT CHANGE A THING! I got sad one day years ago when I walked in and noticed your up dated your lights from the old school yellow looking bulbs to the new led white light. Not only does it look like the 1950's, but the waitresses are super nice and the place is rather clean for looking the way it does. It just a comfortable atmosphere and makes me happy. Pros: Breakfast / Atmosphere / Waitresses / Prices (pretty much everything) Cons: I'm craving you guys on Sunday and I get sad when I go to throw my coat over my pajamas to come eat and remember its Sunday. : ( Must Try Items: The Special. It's like $5.75 (8/24/18 edit: $7.75) for a lot of eggs, hash browns, toast, and bacon and make sure to get some coffee. Yes, its Folgers, but with this food it goes perfect! Don't get me wrong I'm a coffee snob and won't drink anything but the best (check my other reviews on my favorite coffee places), but for some reason when I'm eating all of this food smothered in ketchup and butter, that Foldgers Coffee just goes so well and they keep it flowing! Cost: Affordable After you finish head next door to Shake it Records and look around and grab a fun record for home. Just Go. read more

Classic dive diner vibe, true community place, people of many ages and backgrounds come. We came for brunch and got the Blue Jay breakfast (with goetta and hotcake) and also a Gyro Omelette. Everything was good! The hotcakes aren't anything special, but not bad either. Definitely a good spot to add to your breakfast rotation. read more

Friendly, relaxed, inexpensive and delicious. Service is always great. Just the best spot in Northside.