As a lover of books and all things bookstore, I wanted so badly to love this bistro. Alas, the food is mediocre and overpriced. The service was decent, aside from the fact that our server was very stingy with the ketchup. My daughter and I both had fries with our meals, and the server brought four packets total for the two of us. I had to ask her to replenish it twice, which made me feel silly and like a nuisance. For my 11 year old daughter and me to eat lunch (burger and fries for her; cup of chili and sweet potato fries for me) and have dessert, I spent almost $40 not including the tip. Not worth it... read more

This is one of my absolute favorite "hidden gems" in the city - especially when you consider the reputation of the restaurants that surround it. Everyone knows about Seasons 52, there's the wonderful First Watch in the same strip, we have some great dining options right there in Rookwood, but NO ONE talks about this amazing bistro tucked away in our locally owned bookstore (which is also fantastic, by the way). Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, the food runs the gamut from healthy to indulgent (with various shades in between), presenting numerous delicious options no matter what time of day you visit. Their wait staff are courteous, attentive, professional, and knowledgable about the menu, and more than willing to ask questions or make special requests for you. Even better, they've frequently offered samples of dishes when I'm between two (with soups and the like, dishes that could be readily sampled), or at the very least the prevailing opinion of their customers. In addition to food they have an extensive wine list with really fair prices, across a great range. One of my favorite elements, even as someone that doesn't drink, is the "Author's Cocktails." Where the bar will mix up cocktails that match with some of our favorite author's favorite drinks! So, if you want to brunch like Hemingway, that's an option! Now about that food! I've eaten here a number of times with family and friends, and though I've never personally been dissatisfied with a meal, although a few times when I've visited someone in the group has been unhappy. In those instances, the Bistro has been even more impressive to me - they've offered replacements, comps, or even just a discount on the bill when it comes. I personally have eaten a number of their entrees - just about all of their burgers (in both beef or turkey form, which I appreciate having as an option), the meatloaf, a number of the salads and sandwiches, the ratatouille, savory quiche, and a few of the brunch selections. My most recent trip (the one where I realized I haven't written a review for Bronte yet!) I had the Bronte Burger just as is (which is LOADED with a lot of veggies that create a very well composed meal), except I subbed the side of sweet potato fries for the wax beans and carrots side. The burger, though ordered medium, was a little overcooked from what I like, but still had an amazing taste. As I said, the whole garden was in play and every element shone in the bite - the avocado and chipotle played great with the leaner burger mix to add the richness you want in a burger. Unfortunately, my dining partner didn't find her meal quite so engaging. She started with the vegetarian chili - a longstanding favorite that is served with sour cream, chives, and oyster crackers. No problem there! Great as always, warm and filling, without being heavy or overbearing. However, the moroccan chicken stew (A newer addition to the menu) was very heavy with olives (salt bombs ahoy!) and really one-note, which wasn't very well hit. It had a slightly lemony taste to the chicken broth, and the garbanzo beans were cooked perfectly, but there was a serious lack of spice or flavor (especially when compared to the real deal dish from a Moroccan restaurant [shout out Marrakech!]). Despite that, I can't rate this place less than 5 stars - why? Because this is one of very, very, few disappointing dishes I've ever experienced at Bronte, and the rest of the meal was wonderful. The next time you're looking for a place to eat in Rookwood, and maybe want to grab a great book after, you owe it to yourself to try Bronte - but don't do it too often, I like the fact I've never had to wait for a table, or service. read more

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Great for brunch/lunch. Waitress was great, she got all our orders perfect (I'm a difficult customer ;-) Loved the seasonal baked apples. I also highly recommend the granola pancakes!!! You wouldn't think they were healthy because they have so much flavor read more

I loved brunch here. Just as I remembered it. Delicious and pleasant and generous staff. I can't wait to go back. Call for a reservation if you have 5 or more. read more

This little cafe is nestled in the middle of JoBeth books. I met up with a friend for a late lunch and I had the spinach sauté with chicken - delicious fresh and healthy! She had the pear and cheese salad, which had a hefty portion. Overall a little bit pricey for some items but good healthy food! And you can check out books while you wait for a table, can't beat that. read more

Terrible service...just an early dinner with my kids, had already paid bill & I was finishing my (single) glass of wine when we told we must leave bc they had reserved the table for someone else. When I spoke to the manager, she told me we had sat at the table for 1:15 min & that was a reasonable amount of time to eat. The food was ok-nothing to wrote home about. The service prior to this was bad, but I would normally never leave a Yelp review about it-but it turned horribly rude & awkward Bc of a rude waiter & a bad manager who couldn't handle the situation. read more

I love coming to Bronte Bistro on my lunch breaks!! It's usually pretty crowded, even during the week, but I've never had to wait. The menu is full of options, but I usually just stick with a salad so I don't fall asleep upon to return to work. It's conveniently located right inside of Joseph Beth! So before or after you're done with your meal it's a good idea to grab a book! read more

My boyfriend and I Love this place. We love the relaxing atmosphere and the great classic menu items. We go often! I get the Turkey meatloaf often and he often gets the soup of the day. The coffee is delicious as well. Highly recommend! read more

It was my first time actually eating here yesterday and this was a delight. The menu was extensive and full of interesting takes on classics. There were cocktails that I wasn't judged for ordering (it wasn't that early in the day, Dad, don't start!) and the baked brie was the first thing I've eaten in months that I was actually excited about. The ingredients were fresh and the receipes were clearly chosen to showcase the variety of flavors. I had the pear and bleu cheese salad with the ham and brie sandwich and they were also delightful. The cocktails were surprisingly well priced all things considered, and I was able to go nuts eating and drinking whatever I wanted for under $50. I would happily be dragged out here again to keep a sad friend company. And then look at books. (Everything was also spaced out for safety, all the staff was wearing masks and I didn't notice anyone fighting the mandate either.) read more

What a disappointment. Pre-Covid Brontë had delicious food. It must be under new management. The incredible brûlée French toast has been replaced by the most generic and tasteless French toast one can imagine. In place of home fries they now serve potato things that must come frozen in a bag. The rest of the food was similarly "just okay," with everything served lukewarm. Save your money and eat elsewhere. read more

Absolutely a horrible breakfast! I had the Egg Benedict with spinach and tomatoes. The spinach comes out raw as if in a salad without being sautés. I have had this dish dozens of times so I know what to expect. The eggs were overdone. Yolks completely hard. The potatoes were recycled from the day before. My sons breakfast was fair at best and cold. If this was a $6.99 special I would not complain but this was $12. read more

excellent cheese sauce. im talking so good that i used a knife to eat the remnants of this cheese sauce. the rest of the food was excellent and we had great service from ravi!!! what a nice young man!! read more

Nice staff but there was lipstick on my coffee mug and the food was very bland :( I wanted to give this place a chance but it was very unclean and the food very underwhelming. I've also heard some horror stories about cleanliness from some former employees. read more

I ordered a chicken quesadilla and it tasted great. I do wish they had a few photos on their menu, especially with how beautiful their food looks when they bring it out. But that doesn't make me experience any less, my server was there any time I needed anything and answered any questions I had. I would definitely come back! read more

Bronte Bistro - Chicken Quesadilla - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Bronte Bistro is a great place to meet friends for a quick easy meal any day of the week. They do breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert! One day a week they have a 1/2 off a bottle of wine special that I have definitely taken advantage of! This past time we enjoyed their warm baked brie appetizer and ordered the salmon nicoise salad which are my favorite things on the entire menu! Most things are made to order and you can sub things out. For example instead of the bread that came with the baked brie, we swapped it for more fruit and nuts to make it slightly healthier! The only bad thing about this place is their parking lot. It gets VERY crazy and packed during peak times. read more

Bronte Bistro - Half salmon Niçoise salad - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

"Dare to have an entrance others shan't dare find an accord with, an accord for only the few, lest the forgotten or those that bid adieu." Okay... Bronte didn't write that, I did. But, immediately I want to start spouting long, eternal lines that are quotes, or just plain quotable new ones. Whoa Mimosa on the menu! Whoa Whiskey? There's Whiskey in this bookstore-sidling cafe. Yea. Really. For Irish Coffees, etc. A perfect idea for a book club. After a nearly all-night search for Saturday brunch... I found this place for the casual family gathering. (Yea... I passed on Tucker's & was wishing that place in Northside served brunch on Saturdays... alas...) This was a stellar alternative. I mean... it's in a bookstore! Sure... it's a "novel bistro," that cheese-filled tag line is punny wth full intentions, which is why it gets away with it. The wait was 15... fine... it was pretty much 15... just enough time to browse & spend! I wouldn't be shocked if there's always a 15 minute wait here by the way... for that very reason. Fine with me... I'm a reader. Once seated... the service was attentive and laid back -- all at once (like James Joyce maybe?). Slightly sterile environment (pastel booths and innocuous still-life decor). The food ain't still-life that's for sure. Daily different quiche -- hey-o! Homemade hash brown casserole. Quick draw on the coffee refills! About a $9 full breakfast. I'll take it. For a non-chain book store... I was impressed it had such an operation going. I mean... they've definitely one-two-three-upped their competitor(s) by having a bistro! Good form! And even better form for not rushing out of the place... they allowed us book clubbers at heart to linger and conversazione for a good 20-30 minutes post-meal! read more

Bronte Bistro - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Love, love, love! Favorite meals are the Spinach Sauté and the Pear Salad with Salmon. This is a great place to eat and meet, as the noise level is very low. read more

I really love going to Bronte. I'm there at least every other month. The service is always pretty good and I love the food. As a vegetarian, I love the options they provide. There are multiple options in every category (appetizers, salads, entrees, sandwiches), except for sandwiches, so it's nice to know I have options. My favorite appetizer is the warm brie with fruit, pita bread and walnuts. It's amazing and is good for 2-4 people. As far as entrees go, I'd recommend either the spinach saute or vegetarian chili. They also offer a veggie burger, which is very delicious. Every Thursday is half price bottle of wine night and I've been twice now. It's totally worth it and they've got a great selection. Of course, you also have the added benefit that Joseph Beth is right there, so we usually do a little perusing before or after we eat there. :) Particularly on wine night. I haven't yet made it there for brunch, but hope to soon! read more

Bronte Bistro - The Brie appetizer is to die for! Fresh fruit and walnuts and pita to go along with it. - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My husband and I came here to eat dinner (I got the Pear and Bleu Cheese Salad) one night and thought it was okay. We prefer to have breakfast. My favorite is the Traditional Egg Platter which come with Potato Casserole (which I REALLY love), fresh fruit, and your choice of bacon or sausage. I prefer to come here than First Watch (it is always packed and long waits). It is quiet and laid back, however I do not like the service, sometimes they are slow. Pricing is alittle high, but I love the quality and taste of the food. read more

One of my go-to's for business meals, AND for lazy weekend mornings spent drinking coffee and browsing travel books and cook books with my mom (or, you know, whatever you read). The fun of hanging out in a bookstore has not yet died out! This is a perfect place for those times when you want something less trendy (and hard to get into) than the new foodie places in town, but want something a little more unique than a chain restaurant. Very quiet atmosphere, and it's rare that you would need a reservation. Shoutouts go to their Salmon Nicoise Salad and their Baked Avocado Chicken Wrap. Just try not to eat too many after-dinner mints on your way out ;) read more

Bronte is an adorable bistro and wine bar located next door to Joseph Beth Booksellers. The entrance is through the bookstore next door that I think owns the bistro. I came here when my mother gave me her Joseph Beth rewards card and she also had an extra coupon for the Bistro. I dined on Michael Lamonoco's Alpine chicken pasta which was delicious. It was like a mix of mac n' cheese and alfredo with red peppers and chicken. Yum! This restaurant features many dishes tied to Food network stars and well known chef's. Each dish is very unique and very tasty! We had excellent service on our visit. There is a chance if you visit that it could be quite busy. We were lucky and arrived when a table was just available and no one else was waiting. If you come during the lunch or dinner hour you could be waiting! read more

Bronte Bistro - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My burger was ridiculously overcooked, dry as a hockey puck. No juices ran from it at all. Waitress never came to check on me even though I sent a busser to look for her. The manager agreed that my burger was a bust and deducted 50% of my bill. read more

Normally I love this place and the staff is friendly and the food is consistently good. However, this evening my friend and I had dinner here. We got to the restaurant around 7:40 (they close at 9). A waiter didn't even come by to take our order or get our drinks until at least 8. Service was slow the entire time we were there. Not to mention they were unable to make our order and didn't tell us until 10 minutes before they closed. Not a problem, we were calm and understanding and ordered something different. The workers proceeded to take another 20 minutes to make our new orders and didn't even let us stay to eat our food. We were rushed out and told to leave by the hostile staff while the other people dining around us were served and allowed to stay to finish their meals. When the check came, we noticed that we were significantly over charged. By this time we were so annoyed that we just paid and left. Will not be dining here again, terrible experience. Real shame too considering how good they've been to us in the past. Very disappointed. read more

I don't come here often, but if you sign up as a Joseph Beth Give Back Member, you get a gift card for Bronte Bistro- which is a pretty good deal! I went for breakfast and I wasn't super hungry so I ordered the oatmeal with toast and fruit. I absolutely hate when I get oatmeal somewhere and they've made it from a packet because I can do that at home! Luckily, it was obvious this was real oatmeal! I'm weird, I know. But it's important to me! :) My mom got their veggie omelette and loved it! She was a bit skeptical about cauliflower in an omelette, but it was great! I also got a chai latte and it was delicious! I always forget that this place is around, but I won't anymore. Simple, delicious food and good service. That's really all I need for Sunday breakfast/brunch! read more

Bronte Bistro - Oatmeal with fruit & toast and a chai latte - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We showed up for brunch on Sunday and we were given a pager and told it would be 40 minutes. After waiting an hour they shut down the kitchen because they were short staffed and told us we had to leave. They should not even given us a pager because they wasted precious Sunday time. They made us wait an hour for nothing. read more

This is my first review on Yelp. We decided to have lunch at Bistro Bronte because it had 4 stars review rating. After our lunch was served, I thought 4 stars is under rated. Food is excellent. I am not a blue cheese fan, but the pear salad with blue cheese, fresh cuts of pear, raisin and pair puppy dressing (home made) changed my mind. I will order the pear salad again for this unique experience. Other main dishes were delicious and prepared to our taste. The service was very good too. I like their unique and personal child menu. It is given with 4 coloring crayons for child entertainment. Isn't that cool? I recommend Bistro for family lunch anytime. read more

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I get the same thing every time, the Salmon Niçoise salad with Sherry Vinaigrette. This salad never disappoints. Things start on a bed of mixed greens that is always crisp and fresh. I have had this salad no less than 10 times and I have never seen so much as a brown spot. The generous cut of salmon is cooked to medium perfection with an attractively grilled exterior adding some bite to the tender juicy filet. The Niçoise olives are amazing, flavorful and briny, but not pointlessly salty. Grilled asparagus, broiled red potatoes, and diced potatoes add texture and heartiness to the meal. With a glass of sparkling water, you might think you are in Paris. The meal is a steal at $15 and worth every penny for its restorative and transcendent effects. read more

Bronte Bistro - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love Bronte! We tried their breakfast/brunch the other day. It was amazing! The restaurant was busy. The staff was amazing. The food was great. The prices were pretty good too. I enjoyed their quiche of the morning - a tomato, basil, & pepperoni quiche. It was so delicious! We look forward to our next outing to Bronte! read more

Everything other than my latte was fantastic! The latte was more of a cappiccino, but it did taste alright. I love that the restaurant is connected to a huge bookstore. It's great for a wait, which we were told would be 10 minutes but actually took 2. I greatly enjoyed this place and plan on going back regularly -especially when I have company in town. read more

Here's the reason why Bronte gets five stars in my book...I have never had a bad meal at Bronte. I've been here for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, just for coffee and every single time I've had consistently good food and a great experience. I've never had to wait to be seated and the presentation is always nice. Not to mention it's connected to a book store...uh, hello? Score! After your meal, stroll around Joseph Beth especially the Cincinnati area of the store. Like I said everything is good but I particularly love the pork chop dinner and their eggs Benedict. If you're looking for a sit-down experience with no wait, Bronte will become your favorite place. read more

Bronte Bistro - Mexican salad with a great panini. It had turkey and a flavorful basil aioli. - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This place will always have a special place in my heart as my wife and I went here a lot before we were married. It's a cafe in a bookstore- Two of my favorite things. The food is good and often pretty healthy. The vegetarian chili is delicious and they have a nice brunch. The coffee and deserts are always good if you just want to take a break from looking through the books. It does get pretty busy but the service is often very good and the place is comfortable. I do miss the outdoor seating but it's been at least ten years since they had any so maybe I should give it up. I don't want to suggest that Bronte is one of the reasons I am in a happy marriage 20 years later but I don't discount it either. read more

Bronte Bistro - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I do not think about Bronte enough when I'm wanting brunch, but it has recently made it's way toward the top of my list! I visited Bronte first a few years ago for lunch. We had good service and good food. For whatever reason that first visit didn't stand out in my mind for some time, and we didn't visit again until recently. We ended up here on back to back weekends for brunch with friends. On neither trip did we have to wait for a table (on a weekend... at brunch!) but got seated right away. We had mostly very attentive waiters both days (did have to wait a bit the second visit but there was some sort of change up with the staff due to an event in their private room... it wasn't too much trouble), and our food came out quickly. On the first visit I started with a chai latte, and got the pancakes with turkey sausage and a side of fruit (grapes, pineapple and strawberries). Next time I would pass on the turkey sausage, but I blame myself for not getting the real sausage when that's what I really wanted. Everything else was delicious! The chai was a special treat I wouldn't normally get but it was great. The pancakes were fluffy and had a great flavor. And I was so happy the fruit wasn't mostly melon like at a lot of places. Overall I was very satisfied with my meal and was happy to return when our other friends suggested it the following week. On the second visit I had the raspberry iced tea. I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't come out sweet! It was so good I had like four glasses. And for breakfast I got the quiche packed full of vegetables and ham. I knew there were mushrooms in the quiche when I ordered it and thought I could pick around them. FYI for any other mushroom haters out there, there are a lot of mushrooms in this baby and they're not easy to pick around. I had to put a little extra work into it, but still really enjoyed the quiche. Everyone I've been with when I've eaten here has enjoyed their meals as well. There are so many good brunch places near us, I really feel like Bronte has gotten lost in the crowd. I'd encourage anyone to give it a try! And who doesn't love walking around Joseph Beth after a good meal? This is a great spot! read more

First-timer! Super friendly staff and had a delicious caramel latte will absolutely be back!

Joseph Beth is a nice bookstore, and what better than an attached cafe? Pick up a book and enjoy a coffee or lunch while you dig in. Each time I end up here, there are at least 2-3 book clubs meeting to discuss over a meal. So, if you have a larger group, be sure to make a reservation. The service staff is reasonably attentive and the food selection is surprisingly good for vegetarians. I had the chili over green rice and enjoyed it very much. It is a bit on the expensive side for what you get imho. read more

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We were going to First Watch but it was closed so we thought we give Bronte a try since it is just next door. We are always on the look out for REAL food(unprocessed, fresh whole foods). The menu offered a little bit of everything. We had the Fish Tacos which, unfortunately, came with a heavy cream sauce. ( I personally preferred fresh pico de callo, with mango/pineapple chunks on my fish tacos) thus the tacos tasted heavy. I guess you can ask them to put that on the side. read more

Bronte Bistro - Tilapia fish taco Special Items - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have a serious condition and have to watch being around people to avoid Covid. Stopped here and made a reservation to sit outside. They were not busy, May be four tables had people. Was told no problem sitting outside. Waited 45 minutes for the beeper to go off. Walked up to the hostess table and was asked to wait. Was told the outdoor waitress and went home for the day. It wasn't even 1 o'clock. Wasted 45 minutes of my time when I could have went somewhere else. Thanks. Won't be back. read more

I am a frequent visitor of Joseph Beth as well as Bronte Bistro. It truly is my happy place. Food is always excellent and the service is great. I love meeting friends, co-workers, or even just enjoying a meal by myself with a great book. Definitely recommend a visit. read more

Ordered a piece of cake and gave up when it still hadn't arrived half an hour later. I want to like this place so much, but serving a piece of cake should be...well, a piece of cake. read more

Met my friend for br/lunch today and meals were delish! My friend had the Santa Fe Omelette and I had the Chicken Taco Salad. Both beautiful to look at and even better to eat! Our server, a very polite young man, was perfect on timing and professionalism. Highly recommend for food quality, wonderful service, and overall environment. read more

Bronte Bistro - Sante Fe Omelette. - New American Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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If you're in the Rookwood area and the typical brunch places are on crazy waits (looking at you First Watch and Sleepy Bee), you HAVE to check out Bronte Bistro! I'm starting to actually pick this over the usual destinations. They have something for everyone! Breakfast choices, sandwiches, fish, burgers, Mexican... the list goes on. Not to mention they have a full coffee bar! My mom and I often go together, and during our longest wait (15 minutes) we explored Joseph Beth. When we order we often try to order the exact opposite things and then split the dishes. Each sandwich or salad plate so far has been exceptional. We will need many more visits to get to everything! read more

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