Sunday is usually the day for families to get together, enjoy a nice meal and spend the day resting and relaxing. What better excuse is there for a family in Cincinnati to go out and satisfy their hunger than with Eggs Benedict or a nice serving of bread pudding? Cincinnati and the surrounding areas have a great selection of brunch options, whether you’re looking for a vegetarian spin on brunch or a southern take on the breakfast and lunch combination. Here are a few of our picks.

Annabel’s
This cozy spot located in the Mt. Lookout neighborhood is a favorite with the locals.  It has your traditional brunch items but with a bit of a twist. For example, order a stack of the buttermilk corn cakes, served with honeycomb butter and brown sugar maple syrup. You can also order them with fresh fruit. Also try the carrot cake faux toast, which is French toast made without eggs, sprinkled with toasted pecans and served with brown sugar maple syrup, a dollop of cream cheese and fruit. If you need to eat some greens for the day, try the gorgonzola salad, which includes organic mixed greens served with creamy gorgonzola, red grapes, bacon, toasted walnuts and white balsamic vinaigrette. Be sure to save room for dessert that is made in house.
Address: 1004 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Take the Cake
Starting off as a bakery, Take the Cake moved into a newer, bigger space to offer lunch and Sunday brunch, and it’s a good thing they did. The experience you’ll get while dining at Take the Cake is unique, from where you choose to sit to the delicious menu offerings. You can sit and meet your neighbors at one of the two large communal tables, or you can enjoy a bite on the cozy couch. Sunday brunch is made fresh, and the menu changes week-to-week. If you’re feeling like Dr. Seuss, try the green eggs and ham biscuit. If you want a taste of the bayou, try the shrimp and grits done Creole-style. If you’re looking for something more traditional, try the deep dish quiche made with bacon and goat cheese or the bread pudding made from their peach cobbler French toast.
Address: 4035 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Melt
For more vegetarian and vegan brunch options, Melt is your Cincinnati brunch destination. Sunday brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Biscuits and gravy is a popular dish during brunch, and Melt does not disappoint with its vegan biscuits and gravy entrée – fluffy homemade vegan biscuits topped with vegan sausage “sawmill” style gravy and chives. Another option is the vegetarian huevos rancheros, an avocado tostada topped with your choice of tofu scramble or cage-free eggs, vegan chili, shredded white cheddar or vegan smoky cheese, fresh chopped tomato and chives.
Address: 4165 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223

Otto’s
Even if you’re a first-time visitor to Otto’s in Covington, you’ll feel like you’re visiting an old friend. The mismatched chairs, nostalgic touches via Coca-Cola salt & pepper shakers and vases of fresh flowers will make you feel right at home. And the delicious southern faire speaks for itself. One of the must-tries for Otto’s is the B.L.F.G.T., which is similar to a BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) but the tomato is a fried green one served on a toasted croissant with egg and cheese. The crab cake hash – lump crab and potato hash topped with a poached egg – is also a favorite. The Benedict Otto is also a good choice. It’s Otto’s take on the traditional Eggs Benedict. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a bloody mary or mimosa.
Address: 521 Main St., Covington, KY 41011