Bring the Kiddos To These Family-Friendly Brunch Spots

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Taste of Belgium
Taste of Belgium is definitive proof that waffles are the universal love language of brunch, spanning all ages and genders and levels of hanger. We are not here to suggest that brunch out with the kids is the relaxing, meandering, one-more-cup-of-coffee experience that defined your mid-20s, but it doesn’t have to be fodder for a network sitcom either. Stop by ToB’s location at The Banks, order some waffles and crepes for the kiddos, a sweet-and-savory Brunch Burger or rib-sticking goetta hash for yourself, and a mimosa or three (the ruby fruit is a crowd-pleaser). Then get a coffee (and more waffles) to-go before you hop a ride on Carol Ann’s Carousel and stroll through Smale Riverfront Park. It’ll be enough to put the whole family down for an afternoon nap. Sat & Sun 8–3, 16 W. Freedom Way, downtown, (513) 396-5800, authenticwaffle.com

The Gruff
You’d expect a place that takes its name from a Norwegian fairy tale to welcome little ones. But you might not expect the surprisingly adult menu choices, including the creamy red pepper and Parmesan polenta with prosciutto and a sunny-side-up egg. Littles can nosh on sides (toast, bacon, sausage) if they’re picky; bigger kids might try the banana bread French toast with caramel sauce. There’s a generous bookshelf/toy corner, a stack of high chairs at the ready, and a spacious patio for burning off energy when the weather’s nice. Plus, mom and dad can indulge in the $5 bloody mary with its smoky housemade mix. Everybody wins. Sat & Sun 10–3, 129 E. Second St., Covington, (859) 581-0040, atthegruff.com

Photograph by Wes Battoclette

Photograph by Wes Battoclette


Senate Blue Ash
Those trips to Summit Park with the kids are best scheduled on Sunday. Before you chase them all over the park’s bright, futuristic playscape (one of the best in town), fuel up at Senate Blue Ash. Dan Wright’s suburban location has a kids’ menu, unlike the OTR outpost, but the brunch specialties were created just for the grown-ups. We devoured the eggs benedict, served on a Blue Oven Bakery English muffin with crispy, delicious breakfast potatoes. Also worth a try are the pineapple upside-down pancakes and the Goetta Superstar breakfast sandwich. If you want, sneak a mimosa or a bloody mary, served with a Miller High Life—we won’t tell. Sun 10–3, 1100 Summit Place Dr., Blue Ash, (513) 769-0099, senateblueash.com

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