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    Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown

    4.2 (750 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown Photos

    SLEEPY BEE CAFE - DOWNTOWN ATMOSPHERE

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    Chai Latte
    Ines D.

    Mehhhhh. I was expecting something a bit similar to first watch but instead the vibes was closer to a Waffle House. Don't get me wrong, i love Waffle House so no shade here butttttt sleepy bee did not meet my expectations in the slightest. Waffle House is actually better than sleepy bee. The place was not clean... and I can see past a little messiness during a rush but the cups were even dirty, menus were stained and messy as well, and then the restaurant itself didn't look well maintained. The food was below par. I ordered the worker bee which is a traditional breakfast but my sausages were hard as rock.... The eggs were def sitting for 15 minutes before they got to me. &The potato's were okay. I would pass on this restaurant.

    Inside
    Anthony C.

    Hands-down one of the best breakfast spots I've been to in Cincinnati. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere made the experience even better. I ordered the pancakes and the Worker Bee breakfast plate, with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted potatoes, and multigrain toast. The menu has a ton of creative options, and you can tell they care about sourcing local, high-quality ingredients. Whitney took care of us and she was excellent, attentive without overdoing it. Service like that makes all the difference. If you're looking for a spot with amazing food, great service, and a cool atmosphere, Sleepy Bee is a must-visit.

    Interior of Sleepy Bee
    Amy P.

    This place is so cute! We were here a few years ago and liked it so much we came back (we are not local to the area.) Love the cute decor and whimsical atmosphere. I wish they had more merch (t-shirts) for sale, I would buy one, but both times they only had 1 or 2, neither of which were my size. Staff was friendly both times we were here, and food was good. A bit of a wait (about 1/2 hour) on a Sunday about noon. The "waitlist" option on the website was not available. Not sure if that was due to the restaurant or due to the Toast app they use. Would definitely come back!

    Eggs, bacon, toast
    Alyssa H.

    The restaurant had a great vibe! It felt exactly like what "Sleepy Bee" in cafe font would be. :) The waiter was very attentive and friendly and the food was good- potatoes were the best.

    Coffee
    Steve S.

    Quaint little breakfast joint in Cincy. Nice atmosphere, staff was great (although they seated me all the way in the back, weird, plenty of opens spaces up front, looks?). Service was top notch as well. The food, definitely bland, I had to season it and add hot sauce to it as well to give it some flavor. The smashed potatoes were disappointing, since they give you two tiny little potatoes.

    Queen City Bee Sandwich
    Jeffrey G.

    Hey just back here to Sleepy Bee again! We had another wonderful experience for breakfast. Funny story...I wanted to order the Chorizo Scramble but instead, and without thinking I ordered the Forager Scramble. So I expected chorizo and red pepper but got asparagus and goat cheese. Now I'm not too picky, I enjoyed the Forager instead! :) Gives me another reason to come back when staying overnight in Cincy to try the chorizo scramble. My wife enjoyed her breakfast burrito. The Bee Cake was delicious. Made from almond and quinoa flour, I believe. Of course the place was hopping with a positive energy.

    Stacie M.

    This place is super cute. I was excited about their vegetarian meat options, but unfortunately they were all out when I was there, so when I ordered the salad without the chicken they did offer to make it with an egg, which was ok. The honey latte with oat milk was delicious. Service was friendly and efficient.

    Cortney B.

    Easily one of our favorite brunch locations in Cinci/NKY. The food and service are consistently good, and we love that they source ingredients locally. Their mocha latte is amazing and I'm a big fan of their apricot Greek yogurt. My husband swears by the Broakley sandwich. If you're planning to go during peak/weekend hours, I recommend using No Wait or arriving early as they are typically quite busy (and for good reason!)

    Cool backsplash
    Katie N.

    Cool ambiance, friendly service, and quality fresh ingredients to table food. Good selection of brunch dishes. Kids gets coloring menu page & 2- double side crayons ( super cute). Good price for high quality ingredients

    Gluten free pancakes
    Starr D.

    This restaurant deserves the title of "the BEST IN CINCINNATI". Chill and bright atmosphere. Always packed, very popular. Pancakes were huge and fluffy . Even the gluten-free pancakes came out fluffy and very tasty. don't forget the syrup and other sauce they added to the various pancakes. they were delicious to the core and ingredients are all sourced locally. Avo toast were unique, came with so much healthier ingredients. Sandwiches stacked high and yummy. I was full on half of it. Definitely can be shared. We also like the puréed seasonal soup and all the coffee drinks. Service was SUPER ... down to earth attitude, knowledgeable of the items on menu, friendly and efficient. Value: worth every penny. Reasonable for the quality of the ingredients you can get here.

    Avi Scramble
    Alexis M.

    I'm disappointment because this place has so many stars on Yelp and it mid to say the least. My food was served cold (potatoes and toast was toasted for like 60secs lol). My omelet was okay but they didn't even cook my spinach with the egg it was a topping.

    pancake Piggy Cakes

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    Page 1 of 19

    Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown

    Are reservations an option for large parties?

    Yes! I think you can call and make some reservations online

    What is parking like for your restaurant?

    There is metered parking along the street with a few parking garages (range from 10-20)

    What brand of oat milk?

    Califia Farms Barista Blends

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    Taste of Belgium - The Banks

    Taste of Belgium - The Banks

    4.1
    (496 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I attended the Belgian Communal Feast at Taste of Belgium, and it was probably one of the best…read moredinner experiences I have had (again). Even though this was delayed due to weather (the original date was earlier in February), the staff at ToB was super communicative and let me know that my reservation would carry over to the next date. The food was amazing - Belgian meatballs, mussels provencale and bolo - I mean....wow. I don't even like mussels and I couldn't get enough of these. Each of the foods were so perfectly crafted for the feast and had such an amazing story behind why it was a featured dish. Then came the chicken and waffles...flight. I mean - how much more perfect can you get? Iconic ToB waffles and chicken? Chef's kiss! To make the night even more incredible, we got to meet with Jean-François who told us stories and gave us pairing recommendations that were top notch. The communal feast was an amazing way to spend the evening at a restaurant that truly is one of the best places in Cincinnati.

    A Cincy classic so you know on my trip I had to stop by…read more... TOB is a delicious breakfast restaurant... but also somehow also has great dinner too! They do it all! For starters I ordered the waffle latte!!! Very maple tasting with a cute little Belgium waffle as garnish- so cute!! For breakfast/brunch I ordered (& shared) the Breakfast Plate- perfect for two if you aren't too hungry - eggs w/ cheese - sourdough toast - crispy potatoes - bacon - and of course a side of goetta (we are in Cincy after all) Everything was delicious and sometimes a classic breakfast is what you need!!!!!! My friends got the McWaffle & Southwest waffle - both had no complaints except a McWaffle might get ya a little dirty since the sandwich is so stuffed.... But no worries you do get a fork to eat up the fallen food I will always recommend this cincy favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!!!!!! Can't wait to be back!!!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Breakfast Plate
    Breakfast Plate
    Long Island Ice Tea

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    Long Island Ice Tea
    Sacred Beast

    Sacred Beast

    4.2
    (578 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Sacred Beast delivers an experience that feels both vibrant and thoughtfully composed. The ambiance…read morestrikes a beautiful balance between relaxed and energetic, with a music selection that creates an atmosphere you can settle into while still feeling inspired by the space around you. From the moment we arrived, the hostesses were warm and accommodating, and the service throughout the meal was attentive without ever feeling intrusive. As someone with gluten allergies, I felt genuinely cared for. The team listened closely and offered recommendations that never felt like a compromise on flavor or creativity. We began with a dirty chai latte, aromatic and comforting, though I personally would have enjoyed a touch more sweetness. The dirty French, customized gluten free, was rich, decadent and deeply satisfying. It felt indulgent in the best way and showcased the kitchen's ability to balance comfort with culinary intention. To go, we ordered the crunchy chicken nuggets, fries and lemon ricotta pancakes. The fries were outstanding, perfectly crisp and addictive. My husband loved the pancakes, light and flavorful with a bright citrus note. The gluten free nuggets were enjoyable, though they did not quite reach the level I expected compared to the rest of the menu. Overall, Sacred Beast offers a dining experience where hospitality and thoughtful cooking meet effortlessly. It is a place that respects dietary needs without sacrificing taste or creativity, and one I would gladly return to.

    Service was very good for out outside table. Quick drinks and when food was brought, it was hot and…read morecorrect as ordered. But unfortunately, my Lemon Ricotta pancakes - part of Diner Breakfast - were waaaaaay undercooked - totally gooey inside. I brought them home to cook them more in my toaster oven - but even after that they had a weird, gummy texture and were too sweet. Disappointing.

    Photos
    Their spicy bloody Mary is awesome! Love the reel to reel!
    Their spicy bloody Mary is awesome! Love the reel to reel!
    The Diner Breakfast
    The Diner Breakfast
    Sacred Beast

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    Metropole

    Metropole

    4.0
    (432 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    Metropole delivered a consistently refined experience during our stay at 21c Museum Hotel…read moreCincinnati, especially through their in-room dining. Ordering twice gave us the opportunity to explore several dishes, and the quality and presentation remained thoughtful each time. Service was prompt and seamless, allowing us to enjoy a restaurant-level meal in the comfort of our room without losing the sense of intention behind the food. We sampled the steak and eggs, omelette, pork hash, along with lattes and cappuccinos. The coffee program was excellent, balanced and well crafted, pairing beautifully with the savory dishes. The steak and eggs and omelette were satisfying and well executed, but the true standout was the pork hash. It was deeply flavorful, comforting yet elevated, with a richness that felt chef-driven rather than heavy. Every bite carried warmth and depth, making it the highlight of our stay. Metropole succeeds in creating a dining experience that feels both approachable and quietly sophisticated. Even through in-room dining, the kitchen's attention to detail shines through, making it a place we would gladly return to for another thoughtfully prepared meal.

    Stayed at the museum hotel and was fortunate to recieve room service from Metropole. Very upscaled…read morewith breakfast and dinner, fun takes in classics like French toast and hash while also offering rich and decadent dinner options. The most memorable was the French toast fully crusted in Cinnamon Toast Crunch delicious and fluffy! Definitely check them out if you are in the area.

    Photos
    Jackfruit bbq shrimp
    Jackfruit bbq shrimp
    Stairs to floor 1
    Stairs to floor 1
    Metropole

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    Salazar

    Salazar

    4.5
    (43 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Tonight we had the...best...meal...EVER! We sat at the bar and it was nice and quiet. The seats are…read morecomfortable and Greg took excellent care of us. If you prefer a quieter setting, then eating in the bar is your best bet because the dining rooms do get loud. We started with the east/west coast oysters and they were so fresh. The passion fruit mignonette was the perfect compliment. I kept scooping out tiny spoonfuls and drinking it after we finished the oysters. The Fluke Crudo was fantastic. The combo of flavors and textures was a delight for the palate. The scallops over the miso leek risotto was one of the best scallop dishes we have ever eaten. The scallops were huge and cooked perfectly and there were plenty of pieces of leek in a lovely, smooth risotto. We're not a fan of hijiki, so the chef prepared the risotto without it - Thanks Chef Jose! And you would think chicken schnitzel would be basic, but not this dish. The chicken was so moist, perfectly seasoned, and pan fried in butter. We asked for the sauce on the side because we knew we wouldn't finish the big piece and wanted to heat it up later and still be crispy (which we did). We were amazed that eating the chicken, almond, asparagus, and some sauce in one bite, was SO good. The best two meals we have had in Cincinnati so far in 2026 have been here, and Mita's. Chef Jose is a real talent.

    First time trying this spot after the old Salazar closed - used to be one of my favorite places…read more Overall had a great experience, most of the food was fantastic. Loved seeing some menu throwbacks to the previous restaurant. The rigatoni, beets, bread service, squash & fish were all delicious. We only had two sour notes all night - celebrating a birthday (directly told our server when she asked), and no birthday dessert was offered. Normally wouldn't expect that, but TWO tables next to us got a cake slice with a candle. It felt a bit rude to have our special night missed when others were acknowledged. Our table ended up ordering the chocolate cremeux which had the worst, over-smoked ice cream flavor any of us ever experienced -- mother of god. Not sure why that exists.

    Photos
    A look into the line
    A look into the line
    Snow crab salad and the world's best biscuits
    Snow crab salad and the world's best biscuits
    Ambiance

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    Ambiance
    Five Kitchen & Bar

    Five Kitchen & Bar

    4.6
    (139 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    Honestly, the best restaurant experience we've had in awhile! Jenna was our server and she was…read morewonderful! Four of us dined on Easter. What we drank/ate: -Bottle of red blend - Fine -Pineapple mocktail - Really good! -Garlic Bread - Delicious! -Fries with horseradish sauce - Loved the fries and sauce! Large portion. -Caesar salad - Fine, but not oustanding. -Vodka rigatoni x 2 - Delicious. Spicy. -Truffle fettuccine - Really good! -Medium rare steak frites - My son liked the sauce. I would pass on the sauce next time, because I thought it tasted like bacon. Upcharged $3 for truffle fries. Next time I would stick with plain. Son loved the garlic aioli (spicy). I preferred the horseradish sauce. -Hummingbird cake - Amazing!! Favorite dessert anywhere! -French press coffee - @ $5 this is a steal! Honestly, it was enough for our whole party and was really nice coffee! Everything was delicious and service was top notch! We love Sotto. We all agreed that Sotto's Caesar is better and the donuts are close, but Five wad better in every other way! We can't wait to return.

    It's a cute, small place with an engaged staff and great energy. When we arrived, there was an…read moreengagement party in the bar and they were LOUD. The rest of the restaurant was compensating to hear each other and my husband and I were considering texting across the table since there was no way we could hear each other. Fortunately, they left about 15 minutes later. Service was prompt and attentive. I ordered an old fashioned and got a cute glass with an ice cube the approximate size of a baseball (and the old fashioned was good). We had the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer and it was great - mix in your horseradish as desired (if you don't mix it in, the cocktail sauce is sweet, but with your desired level of horseradish, very good). My husband had the burger, and liked it a lot. I had the pork chop and a side of mashed potatoes, and I think this was the best pork chop I've had in my entire life. The apple finish and the carrots were divine (I didn't love the greens but they were okay) and the mashed potatoes were spectacular. We loved this romantic dinner experience and can't wait to come back. Hopefully without a loud party in the bar. (We were happy for them - they were just loud). Definitely recommend.

    Photos
    Five Kitchen & Bar
    Sat at the bar
    Sat at the bar
    Cornbread with honey butter! It was the perfect balance of sweet and butter. I even said we could have it for desert!

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    Cornbread with honey butter! It was the perfect balance of sweet and butter. I even said we could have it for desert!
    Emery

    Emery

    4.4
    (142 reviews)
    8.0 mi

    Oh. My. Gosh. SO so good…read more We started with the lavender lemonade mocktail -- which I absolutely added tequila to -- and it was smooth, refreshing, and dangerously delicious. 10/10 would order again exactly the same way. For appetizers, we got the whipped feta. Delicious, creamy, and perfect for sharing -- but fair warning: avoid the peppers if you're not into a little kick. They sneak up on you! My friend and I split the house salad and WOW. A complete showstopper. So fresh, the vinaigrette was bright and delightful, and those fresh bacon bits? Chef's kiss. It's rare that a house salad stands out like that, but this one absolutely did. Now let's talk about the prime rib. I typically do not like steak or prime rib... but our waitress recommended it as the best thing on the menu, and honestly the Yelp photos had already convinced me. When I tell you it was BOMB -- I mean it. So tender. So flavorful. Perfectly cooked. Paired with broccolini and mashed potatoes, it was a whole experience. To end the night, we shared the apple tart with cinnamon ice cream -- warm, sweet, comforting, and the perfect finish to an already amazing meal. Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Great service, incredible food, and such a vibe. I cannot wait to come back.

    My server Stevie was excellent - I ended up here after my reservation to Alara was cancelled - This…read morewas an okay substitute. I got the lavender lemonade mocktail which was delicious and refreshing without being too floral or soapy. For dinner I got the braised short rib which was so tender you could cut it with a fork. The bone marrow demi glaze I could have a bowl of that stuff is phenomenal. The broccolini was roasted perfectly but I felt the potatoes could've used more seasoning. My mother got the lemon chicken pasta, which was good at the time, but when she got home it did not sit well with her. All in all, I would come back for the short rib, and I hope Alara finds a new location soon. The inside is nice and romantic seating, but it is cold ... like bring a jacket and it seems it doesn't matter the season it is colder inside because I saw a google review that also mentioned the temperature of the dining room.

    Photos
    Another space upstairs
    Another space upstairs
    Pork Belly Bao Buns
    Pork Belly Bao Buns
    Main floor, by entrance and bar

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    Main floor, by entrance and bar

    Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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