Environment is as if you have stepped back in time--like a scene straight out of a movie. Think 70s diner tucked away in classic Hyde Park. A friend recommended I try the 'hot mess' the first time I've been there, and every time I return, it is hard not to gravitate towards the literal hot mess: hot fries, bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs smothered in country gravy. Yumm. It's a hot mess as ever if I've seen one, and I'd recommend it for anyone. $10, and I can never even finish it. If you're looking for a 'normal' lean/fit breakfast--they have that too. In fact, most meals run $10 or less, and it's enough food to leave you satisfied. They're hot chocolate is delicious...if you're looking for a not so heavy breakfast, I'd even recommend this restaurant to enjoy a hot drink and cinnamon bun. If you're looking for a place to watch people while soaking in the great environment, I'd say check out Echo! read more

See all

This has quickly become my favorite place for breakfast and brunch. It's a classic diner style place with the bar and little tables. The food is always on point. I have never tried anything that I haven't like. For some reason their hot chocolate is out of this world. There is a ton of options in the menu, from your regular omelettes, to the hot mess (you will definitely have to get one!). My favorite are the classic egg Benedict, their hollandaise sauce is amazing!! It's always super busy, but in my experience you never have to wait longer than 15 minutes in line. read more

The Echo - Sunrise sandwich. Winter special menu - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Very weak, ate there years ago and this current version is a shadow of its old self. They quit serving fried chicken on Saturday which was the best thing there in my opinion. Not going back. read more

I went here with a friend for breakfast on a Sunday morning. This is one of the best local breakfast places in town! We discovered if you arrive before 9 am you won't be left waiting. Plenty of tables and booths were open. However, another 30 minutes after that and there was a line out the door. So the earlier you come, the less crowded it will be. Even so, it's worth the wait...and most locals know that waiting is part of the experience. you pay a moderate amount of money for a ton of food! They also now have gluten free bread! read more

Excellent food, atmosphere, and service! Affordable prices for downtown! I can't wait to bring my family back! read more

The Echo - This is one of those "everything " dishes! It was so good and the rosemary multigrain was the perfect compliment! - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Looks are deceiving here. First off, they always have a line out the door and for good reason. However, it goes extremely quick. I've never waited more than 15 minutes. Their service is impeccable even though they are busy and constantly have waits going on. Their servers are knowledge and kind. Their food is absolutely to die for. It's the quintessential homey food. Get The Hot Mess. You can thank me later. As far as not rating it a 5, that is because it could use some renovations. It has a nice diner feel including a low bar area, which I love, but the structure & furniture is outdated and they could use a waiting area. Other than that: perfection. read more

Great for breakfast. Get the businessman eggs potatoes bacon and the buttered toast is fantastic read more

The Echo - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Delicious! Great service! Cinnamon cakes were yummy! My husband and I split them like a breakfast dessert . The hot mess did not disappoint.

A very cute and lovely breakfast spot right outside of Cincinnati. The diner is found on a relatively quiet small town street and the atmosphere is just what you would hope for. When you walk in you are greeted with a friendly face. I sat at the bar where I had quick attentive service. My coffee was constantly refilled but not in an annoying way. The food was good as well. It is hard to compare eggs, but their specialities such their pancake cakes (so so good) and their Gliers Goetta (super interesting if you have not tried) were good and filling. You can tell this establishment and the staff are much loved and I would recommend stopping in for a quick breakfast bite if you have the chance. read more

The Echo - Geislers German - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Perfect! Service is always amazing and the simple diner food is far above the standard! Echo Benedict is a stand out and each time it taste better than the last. On the weekends expect to wait, but it's worth it! read more

The Echo - Echo eggs Benedict - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

Went here for the first time last Sat. Very small with lots of people on a Sat morning - HOWEVER the food was excellent and worth the wait. Typical "NYC deli type" of place. But so good, can't wait to go back. Our whole family loved the food we got. Gravy was delicious and I loved the crushed ice. Highly recommend read more

Wow! this is an awesome brunch place and gives you lots of food. It was kind of crowded since of the Fly the pig race. I had the Steph's Sampler that includes 2 eggs, 2 hotcakes, bacon, sausage, and home style potatoes. Everything was excellent! The waitress was pretty fast in taking our order and bringing out our food. read more

The Echo has a ridiculously long wait on weekends, which is why it's taken me so many years to finally go there. I recently took off work a Friday when my sister came to visit, so we checked it out. Even on a Friday around 11am the place was quite busy, but we were able to get a seat right away. I don't get out much these days so I was pumped to see that they do serve mimosas here. The atmosphere is very diner-y, so I wasn't expecting to see alcohol on the brunch menu. I ordered the "Red White and Blueberries" from the summer seasonal menu. Two rather large wedges of french toast topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream. My sister and her husband each ordered the Businessman's Breakfast (2 eggs, bacon, home friends & toast), and my sister got a side of fresh fruit. Our food came out in a very reasonable amount of time, and our server was very attentive. I really enjoyed my indulgent breakfast and drink. The more savory meals, however, were just good. Nothing to write home about. The pineapple in the side of fruit was a little warm and squishy. As much as people talk about this restaurant and as long of a wait that it has on the weekends, I kind of expected more. We didn't dislike anything but all in all we weren't blown away either. I'd go back if the opportunity arose, but I'm also glad I've never decided to wait two hours for a table on a weekend. read more

Maybe my rating of The Echo isn't a fair one. If you're a fan of diner food, then you will be all about this place. I feel like there was so much hype surrounding this place, that maybe my expectations were set too high. The food, to me, was frankly just ok. I got the Bonnie's Bounty (eggs, bacon, sausages, potatoes and a biscuit and gravy) while everything was fine, and I enjoyed it enough to eat it all, it didn't wow me. I LOVE breakfast food, and I've definitely been places that have knocked my socks off, mouth watering, dreaming about the next time you can go back. The Echo doesn't do it for me. Service was fine, just like the decor, exactly what you would expect out of a diner. I will say though, you can't beat the price! Like I said maybe I had higher hopes, with the praises I've heard from others and the lines I've seen waiting (then again, that's typical most breakfast/brunch places on a busy day). For me they just didn't cut it. Maybe I'm so wrong and I got the wrong thing.. but I just wasn't wowed. read more

My wife and I recently had our first sit down breakfast since moving back to Cincinnati. We walked up to The Echo in Hyde Park Square with our seven month old around 10am on a Sunday. Even though it was before the big after church rush, we still found a line out the front door full of groups waiting for an open table in the smaller sized diner. We decided to wait it out and were surprised to find that the line actually moved very quickly. We were seated and had food in front of us by 11am. I ordered the Red, White, and Blueberries off of the summer seasonal menu. This was a croissant French toast bake, topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, with powdered sugar and syrup. As you can see in the photo above, the portion of French toast was pretty small. That was the only disappointing thing, as it tasted delicious. The thick cut croissant was perfectly crusted on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. The whipped cream was also excellent, and tasted like it was made from scratch in-house. Since my breakfast was a little light, my wife offered to share her potato cakes with me. These reminded me of some potato pancakes that I made last year for a Oktoberfest party, including the parsley in the mix. I would definitely recommend these as a side to any dish. My wife had them on the side of her omelet, which she seemed to enjoy as well. There are many other things on the menu that I want to try, so we will definitely be back. It is the only breakfast place in Hyde Park Square so thankfully it lived up to our expectations. read more

Greasy spoon diner with a few modern twists and also alcohol. Good food at generally reasonable prices. Awkward waiting line and process but quick table turnover. Long term servers who are very efficient and friendly. Lots of people working in the kitchen on Sundays which means fairly quick food. The benedicts are my favorite. The walls are beat up and the place needs a thorough cleaning. read more

This is what every old-fashioned diner in America should aspire to be. The menu is fairly simple, with a wide selection of American breakfast and lunch classics. Being in Hyde Park, they also have a few "healthy" options, mostly consisting of egg whites. Avoid those (we know egg yolks are good for us now anyway). Instead you should indulge in one of their absolutely fantastic omelettes. Each of them are bursting and overstuffed with ingredients. My wife has compared them to egg crepes, because the eggs are cooked thin and wrapped around such a healthy helping of filling. All of the griddle items (pancakes, waffles, french toast) are excellent too. I especially love the banana pancakes. The bananas cook into an almost bananas foster-like consistency and add a great flavor. If you're in the area, definitely make it a point to eat here at least once. This has ruined me for most other diners in the city, and hopefully it will for you too. read more

Bottom line: not gonna lie I expected more. What exactly I'm not sure. Eerything was fine.. it just lacked a uniquess that I look for in places. It's a super old school diner, and while the front is cramped there's a back room with more space. Food was also just ok. I got a loaded potato omlet which was dry and the potato pancakes reminded me of burger kings hash browns. read more

The best part of this place is the breakfast! Weekends are slammed packed! So come during the week if you don't want to wait. The service is not fast, but the servers are friendly. read more

I've been to The Echo a few times and I think I would have liked it more if people didn't hype it up so much. It's a typical diner with decent food. Diner food, nonetheless. It might be a cheaper option than the restaurants that surround it, but I eat at a lot of diners and I don't find this one to be that cheap. They do, however, have pitchers of mimosas, so that's a huge draw. And, don't get me wrong, the food and service are good. read more

This is one of the best value breakfast places I've been to in a while. The food was good, though I can't vouch for their lunch items. It wasn't the BEST breakfast I've had in CInci, but it also wasn't the worst. I loved the old school diner feel. The place was hoppin' for a Wednesday morning. The pancakes are the size of your face! I was not expecting them to be so huge. I will check this place out again, but I don't think it'd be worth waiting more than 10-15 minutes for. read more

Me and a coworker decided to try this place for the first time last week and it did not disappoint; aside from the line out the door waiting to be seated. Even though the line moved at a decent pace, there was no definitive way to check in; you kind of stood at the end and waited for someone to come take your name. A person ahead of us was seated without the entire party present. I like that you can exercise the option of sitting at the bar or at a table. We chose table so we could have more privacy but the tables were so close together that it was difficult to move through them. That and the line were the only things preventing Echo from receiving a five star review. I ordered the Spinach Florentine Eggs Benedict and my friend ordered French Toast and eggs. The food was delicious. I looked around at other orders and the plated dishes I saw all looked very appetizing. The amazing hot chocolate comes with home-made whipped cream! I would definitely return and sit at the bar, hoping it helps avoid the long wait. read more

The Echo - The Echo-Spinach Florentine eggs Benedict with home fries. - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The Echo is nestled in Hyde Park Square, went on a quiet Friday afternoon and there was no wait (which hasn't been the case the other times I've been-it's get very crowded for weekend brunch time). I am a fan of this place and am always drawn to diners! I haven't really ever ventured past the breakfast foods, but my friend got the burger and seemed to like it. I will saw each of the items I've had so far have been good! The service has always been punctual and friendly. I do recommend going here and I'm sure you will find something you like! read more

A Hyde Park staple. The echo is a great little diner to get yourself a decent breakfast or brunch. If you've over indulged the night before, the greasy spoon aspect is just the cure. If that alone doesn't do it, a little hair of the dog is available in the form of a mimosa or bloody mary is available. Lines can quite often be out the door, just queue up at the end, it moves quickly. No need to go inside to give your name or anything, just stand behind the last person. If you are just outside the door, it's probably about 15 minutes to get seated. Easy peasy. read more

Been here twice for lunch on a weekday and the place is always packed. It seems full of regulars as everyone the waitresses and manager. They serve breakfast all day and it seems their omelets are very popular, in addition to their hamburgers which get served with crinkle cut fries. Not the cheapest lunch option. Typically costs me $14 (including tax & tip) for my lunch item and a water. read more

I am pretty adamantly against greasy spoon - diner style but this place is the best compromise when I have a dining companion that needs a fix. Things are kept clean though a little dated. Food is good and fresh enough though not gourmet. Omelette served very well stuffed! Well there is always a big line the wait is never too bad. read more

This was an absolute dream! I rarely leave reviews but this NEEDED 5 stars!! Cozy diner feel with customer service to match. Everyone was so kind and we got our food so quickly! And the food....We got the hot mess and the Steph's sampler and they blew our expectations out of the water! The gravy on the potatoes, cinnamon toast (literally cinnamon sugar on this thick french toast type bread), the vanilla cake-like fluffy pancakes (by far the best pancakes I have ever had), the bacon, the crispy potato cakes... Seriously phenomenal! This will become a regular spot for me! Also they had great COVID-19 adjustments. I felt completely comfortable being there. read more

The Echo - Steph's sampler + hot mess w/ cinnamon toast - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Came here for breakfast, and it was pretty good! It's the most old school diner I've ever been to! I got one of the specials, an egg white scramble with avocado and salsa. Other things that we tried were an omelet and the Reuben sandwich. All of us were happy with our meals, and the price was very reasonable. Service was very quick as well! Overall, solid breakfast, and I'll probably be back! read more

See all

We love coming to The Echo. The food is always good, as is the service. They also have the best Belgian waffle in the city in my opinion! Fantastic menu, real down home kinda place. read more

The Echo - Belgian waffle with whole wheat toast - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Drove 30 minutes to try The Echo on a friend's reccomendation and I will never go back. We went for breakfast and got there about 8:30. There were 5 or 6 open tables and the sign said to seat yourself so, we did. 15 minutes went by without so much as an acknowledgment from a server or staff member. This is while other parties came in, sat, and were served. It was a waste of time and gas. 0 out of 10, would not reccomend. read more

This unassuming little dinner has a lot going for it. It's old school charm and atmosphere add to it's appeal. The food isn't trendy or gourmet. Just simple and perfect for a casual breakfast spot. The eggs are always done right, and I really like the home fries here too. Great service, good food. read more

Echo is in the heart of Hyde Park Square right next to Teller's. I'm a huge fan of breakfast food and have always wanted to try Echo, but the lines always seemed so long. However, the wait isn't too bad (we went on a Saturday morning too and needed a table for 5) and the turnaround for food is quick. We were in and out within an hour. The place is small so looks crowded but definitely look past that. This is now one of my favorite breakfast/brunch spots. I'm sad I didn't come sooner and it's so close! To start, our waitress was super friendly and sweet. You can tell she's got a ton of tables to wait on for a Saturday morning and yet she had a smile on her face the whole time and was always checking up to make sure everything was good. Since its summer they have a summer specials menu and I got the California Omelet with their potatoes cakes and Rosemary toast. I was not disappointed. The cream cheese + Avacado mix was tasty and the bacon helped add a crunch and more flavor. Their potato pancakes are crispy (and aren't drenched in grease!) and delicious. What surprised me the most was how tasty the toast was! I mean I usually am not overwhelmed by toast at a breakfast place because at usually white or brown toast it this Rosemary toast was amazing. So refreshing and unique. (The waitress said it was actually from the bakery next door so I definitely need to check that place out next). The proportions of food were well worth the money also. My friend got the Go Green mess which was also a delicious omelet. Their French toast also looked and smelled delicious. I definitely want to come back and try more items off their summer special menu. This place also serves lunch type entrees so I'll definitely be back to check out more food. Their marketing is about getting homemade food like your mom made and this place definitely delivers that with the breakfast. read more

Always a dope spot to grab brunch. Even if the line appears long, they flip tables pretty quick. Highly recommend the hot mess and a cinnamon roll as a toast option. read more

The Echo - The Hot Mess! - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Bang for your buck: 8/10 Quality: 9/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance/Location: 8/10 Overall: 9/10 We went to The Echo on a whim before touring Rhinegeist brewery, and we are so glad we did! It was a very busy Saturday morning, but we only waited about 15 minutes to get a table. The diner is adorable, but very tiny, so we were surprised to see the line move so quickly. The efficiency with which we were seated was matched by the efficiency of our waitress. She quickly and sweetly took our order and it just as quickly and kindly was delivered to our table by what appeared to be a supervisor. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Some of the best breakfast we've had in Cincinnati. We can't wait to go back!!! read more

Aside from being able to walk right in and be seated by a friendly hostess, the lunch counter/diner layout was just what I had hoped. Quick and friendly service, the perfect blend of sweet and savory breakfast treats and our server even offered us a coffee to go. Just steps put the door was the Hyde Park Farmer's market. What a perfect spot for Sunday breakfast! read more

The Echo - Belgian Bird: chicken tenders, egg and cheese sandwiched in a Belgian waffle - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

One of the best breakfast places in cincinnati. You can't wrong with whatever you order.

My bf and I love the Echo. The first time we went he was anxious about the line out the door but the line always moves pretty quickly and the food and wait staff make it worth it!! They also serve alcohol which is unusual for diners and a fun touch! read more

After a long absence from one of the best brunch joints in town, I was able to make a return visit to the Echo this past weekend. Per usual, there was absolutely no disappointment. The hustle and bustle of the wait staff, old-school diner style seating and the smell of fresh pancakes and bacon on the grill wafting thru the air was exactly what this girl needed at 9:30am. My friend and I grabbed a booth nearby and I proceeded to get my item of choice - Eggs Benedict, Echo Style with a side of home fries. Boy, oh boy, I had forgotten how absolutely delicious this was! The eggs were cooked just right. Once you cut through the egg, the runny yolk and hollandaise sauce mixes with that goetta underneath (anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE goetta)...it's just heaven on a plate. This dish will set you back $9 and it's totally worth it. Other there are great, as well. My friend got a sampler that had two giant (read: the size of my head) pancakes, bacon, sausage, two friend eggs AND grits.... for a only $9. If you're salivating after this review and still sitting on your butt, please...do your stomach a favor and get yourself to The Echo! read more

I moved to New York almost a year ago and I still think about this place. How I long for the days when I could get scrambled eggs and goetta on an English muffin. My favorite breakfast sandwich of all time. I'm getting misty over here. Bonus: adults can order from the kid's menu! Chicken fingers and mashed potatoes! Heck yes! Double bonus: really good honey mustard. read more

I met up with my sister and some of her friends at Echo for an early lunch/late breakfast the other day after they finished a nearby Pilate's class. Our group of six ordered a large cross-section of the menu, everything from French Toast to Strawberry Banana Pancakes to Omelette's, but we still all stuck to the breakfast portion of the menu (I was surprised to find a large large offering on the following pages, though). I ordered The Hyde Parker omelet with egg whites only. My omelet was stuffed with fresh mozzarella, spinach, and tomato. Yummy! I sadly wasn't feeling that great on the particular day so I didn't get to make quite the dent in it that I wanted to but what I did eat was superb. Everyone else in the group seemed to love their individual choices. My sister was pleased that she was given fresh strawberries for her pancakes instead of the syrupy kind but said she would have preferred the bananas be on top, instead of mixed in, to the pancakes themselves. Overall, cute place with an expansive menu. Incredibly cheap by Hyde Park standards, my breakfast, which was a huge omelet, fresh fruit, toast, and tea, was $11. I'll be back! read more

The Echo - Diners Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio