Brunch is Always a Good Idea!3 min read

I have so many new places to write about I had to just pick two out of a hat to narrow it down!

Both of these new spots are serving up everything from brunch to dinner. I have done the brunching part and can’t wait to hit up the dinner menu.

Crown Republic Gastropub– 720 Sycamore St.  Hours: 11am-10pm Monday-Friday and 10am-11pm Saturday. * Closed Sunday (read below for early risers hours) So this is your go to all week but Sunday

What do you get when you get three college friends together in a kitchen? Really good chefs! (probably not the punch line you thought:) ).  The team of Anthony Sitek, Mike Casari and Haley Nutter-Sitek are in Cincinnati after culinary school and cooking their way through some great restaurants. The team has come up with a fantastic menu and a fun place to eat. Haley, being a Cincy native, talked the guys (one being her husband) into coming to her hometown. Thanks Haley!

Both boys are full-blooded Italian’s, so the menu has a bit of a Mediterranean flair. But it’s not limited and there is something for everyone!

Another key player in this team (and I have been Instagram stalking him forever and so should you!) is Ben Arington who is another school bud of Haley’s better known as Fat Ben’s Bakery. He is the most amazing pastry chef! Not only does he make all the baked goods he has his own walk up window for the early birds. 7am-11am (or until he runs out). You can walk up and grab one of his homemade pastry pockets (pop tarts) or delish scone and a cup of coffee…$5 for coffee and a pastry! YUMMM  Check out his instagram HERE

Everything is made from scratch and they have great drink specials all day. The Business Man’s Special even includes an “adult soda” which is a Pony Boy (7oz. Highlife) that will help get you through that work day!

Things to know:

• What’s in the name? Crown because every Queen (as in Queen City) needs a crown!

•Try the Beet Toast and, well, everything else cuz it’s all good!

• Wash your hands in the cool light changing faucets ;) The girls I took washed their hands more than usual !

• Bar seats and outdoor seating available

Blackbird Eatery– 3009 O’Bryon – Hours Wednesday –Saturday Lunch 11am-1:30 Dinner 5pm-9pm, Sunday Brunch 10am-2:30pm, dinner 4pm-8pm This is your go to Sunday Brunch

This gem is tucked right behind Eighth & English in O’bryonville. The owner Mary Swortwood, of the now closed Green Dog and Buz Restaurants, has opened an adorable little bistro. I have only been there for brunch (many times) but if they do lunch and dinner like the brunch I’m in!

They have a cute bar where you can sit and eat, and they have a great cocktail menu! The menu is full of creative foods, some I had to ask about, but they all sound delicious, ‘cause she really knows how to put things together!

They have a couple fun kids items for brunch like “Fairy Bread” with rainbow sprinkles and “Mickey Mouse Pancakes” so fun!

Great atmosphere to kick off your Sunday morning and the Fried Egg Butty is my fav!

Things to know:

• Parking – there is a paid lot but there is a ton of on street parking

• There are good Vegetarian options