Reviews — Sugar n' Spice

Reviews

Straight from Google — unfiltered & unprompted.

We've been flippin' pancakes since 1941, and Cincinnati has plenty to say about it. Here's a taste of what guests are saying about each of our three locations.

Sugar n' Spice guests enjoying breakfast

What folks are saying

Top reviews from all three locations

Sugar n' Spice Reading Road, original location

Reading Road

★★★★★
“Finally a restaurant in Cincinnati that doesn't hide flavor. Everything about eating here is dialed up, the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the colorful locals, and especially the flavors… The Goetta is special and historic. Oh, and the special recipe pancakes that haven't changed since 1941 are so unique you'll be asking about them. If you want to feel like you're eating breakfast in Cincinnati, you should stop by, grab a seat and dig in! Oh, wait, did I mention the pricing is from the 1990's? Yeah. It's super easy on your wallet.”
Marc
Excerpt from a Google review · February 2026
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“I had heard good things, but man I was not expecting it to be as good as it was! My son literally said as soon as he bit into the Nashville hot sandwich "this is the best chicken burger ive ever had" fries were also good. challah French toast was fire. We will be back!”

Ericka Huff
Google review · August 2026

“This place has been on my list for a while now!! Thank God I finally went bc it changed my life. The cinnamon roll french toast melted away as I chewed and reminded me of getting cinnamon sugar toast as a kid in school at breakfast. The vibe was high and relaxing at the same time. So many hungry people, yet the staff handled it so well you didn't feel like there were too many people around you. They have tables, booths, and a bar. They have Spiked OJ too which I didn't try this time. So original!”

Erin Nance
Excerpt from a Google review · March 2026

“Food is spectacular, staff enthusiastic. They make you feel like you're a regular, even if it's your first visit. Dee was stupendous! The atmosphere is bright, cheerful, and whimsical. The rubber ducks for each guest are a wonderful touch. This establishment is definitely worth going out of your way to visit, you won't be disappointed. Highly Recommend”

ShreakinWarrior
Excerpt from a Google review · August 2024
Sugar n' Spice Over-the-Rhine diner car

Over-the-Rhine

★★★★★
“Sugar n' Spice is an absolute classic and hands down one of the best breakfast spots around! If you visit, you absolutely have to try their famous 'wispy-thin' pancakes—they are uniquely thin, light, and packed with incredible flavor. The entire menu is fantastic, from their huge, fluffy omelets to the perfect breakfast meats and creative specials. Everything is served in very generous portions and tastes incredibly fresh. The coffee is top-notch and kept refilled throughout your meal. Even when they are packed during the weekend rush, the kitchen is remarkably fast and efficient. An excellent spot that never disappoints!”
Unal Gungor
Google review · Over-the-Rhine
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“We checked out Sugar n' Spice for the first time and had a fantastic experience. The retro 1950s diner atmosphere is incredibly fun and cheerful, especially with the bright booths and the unique cartoon murals on the ceiling. Everything we ordered was excellent: the avocado breakfast burrito was huge and full of flavor alongside the crispy home fries, the full stack of chocolate chip pancakes was perfectly light and fluffy, and the Cincy burger hit the spot. It's a great spot, and we'll definitely be back!”

Adam Morgan
Excerpt from a Google review · July 2026

“Sugar n' Spice is must visit everytime I am in Cincinnati. The environment is unmatched with a charm that creates a friendly and welcoming experience for visitors. The staff is always kind and attentive and their food selection offers multiple delicious and extremely reasonably priced dishes.”

Chad Hughes
Google review · April 2026

“The Sugar n' Spice Diner on Sycamore Street provides the perfect dose of retro nostalgia, complete with vibrant cartoon murals, cozy vinyl booths, and the signature complimentary rubber ducky—a fun, welcoming atmosphere that is pure Cincinnati tradition. Ordering the Meat Lovers Platter is a serious commitment to breakfast… it's a filling, comfort-food feast that ensures you won't need to eat again until dinner.”

Keaton Frenzl
Excerpt from a Google review · January 2026
Sugar n' Spice Blue Ash bar

Blue Ash

★★★★★
“Sugar n' Spice is a great place to grab a delicious breakfast. Having been around since 1941, they've clearly figured out what works. Modern build but a truly classic diner vibe, with tiled walls and colorful booths. Their menu is pretty extensive and offers options for most diets and tastes. Our server was very friendly and knew the menu very well! Prices were very fair for the portion… The coffee is dark, strong and excellent. I will definitely stop back the next time I'm in the area. Highly recommend.”
Michael Lee
Excerpt from a Google review · Blue Ash
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“We went to Sugar and Spice yesterday, and it was amazing. The vibe reminded me of 80's colorful retro flare combined with the atmosphere of an old diner… When we were done with our food, we got to pick out a rubber duck. It was a fun experience, and we can't wait to come back.”

Chris
Excerpt from a Google review · August 2025

“This was our first visit to Sugar n' spice and definitely not our last. The Omelette was fluffy and delicious I washed it down with their coffee which was outstanding. We were seated quick even for noon on a Saturday the waitress we had was very friendly and helpful. The food came quick and hot. Love the decor if you haven't been there yet this place is a must. My next meal will be those pancakes they looked yummy.”

Scott O'halloran
Excerpt from a Google review · January 2026

“Although my Dad is 73, he acts like a kid lol and I really thought it would be fun for the two of us. He relished in the comfortable, bright dining atmosphere. He is a happy guy, but Sugar n' Spice made his day. Great service, everyone was happy. Walking in, the energy instantly makes you smile. My Dad was also impressed with the prices. He said Frischs had a run for its money. Oh, and those adorable ducks!”

Amanda Kimberly
Excerpt from a Google review

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