The Place
I couldn't think of a better way to spend fall than sampling some brunch options at some of the areas local breweries. This week I am reviewing brunch at an eastside favorite, Mt. Carmel Brewing Company. This spot is known as one of Cincinnati's oldest microbrewery and was voted "Best of the East" for the past five years by Cincy Magazine.
Location & Parking
Mt. Caramel Brewing Company is located on Mt. Caramel Tobasco Rd. The carriage-style house restaurant is nestled in the center of the property next to the brewhouse. Convenient customer parking is located in the front and to the side of the restaurant.
Atmosphere
Simply picturesque is the way I would describe the atmosphere at Mt. Caramel Brewing Company. You feel like you are in the brewery equivalent of a vineyard. The restaurant itself has a great rustic style. Great outdoor porch seating is located behind the restaurant which faces a beautiful pond with a fountain. This particular morning we had a party of 10 to celebrate my stepbrother and I's birthday. Our server was very friendly and the service was efficient. I realize I am reviewing brunch at a brewery and maybe you expect me to order a beer, but sorry I just can't resist a good AM cocktail! With this being said I ordered the Brunch Mule which consisted of vodka, orange juice, ginger beer, and lime juice. This is the first mule I have sampled for brunch it was both fantastic and refreshing. My sister-in-law and nephew's girlfriend had a mimosa made with cranberry and orange juice which was a great option for more traditional brunch cocktail lovers.
Order-Up
Potato Hash
So I know the name of the dish does not sound that exciting, yet this is hands down one of the best brunch items I have ever experienced! The Potato Hash was comprised of the traditional breakfast hash elements (potatoes, peppers, onions) but what took this dish to the next level was the crispy, wonderfully seasoned chorizo, and the brewery's signature Amber Ale Beer Cheese! As our waitress was making her way down the table I overheard her mention that this was one of her favorite dishes and that she preferred it topped with two over easy eggs. I ended up doing the same and this added a whole other element to this elevated breakfast classic.
Biscuits & Gravy
My father ordered biscuits and gravy to share with others and they were amazing. Biscuits were fluffy, the house made sausage gravy had great texture and spice. So far so good!
Sweet & Spicy Chicken & Waffles
I love trying different spins on the traditional chicken and waffles. I was happy when my niece allowed me to sample her dish. The waffle itself was your traditional Belgian waffle, and seasoned, battered, fried chicken filet. The waffle and chicken had great texture and tasted great together. This dish was served with a Maple Beurre Blanc (also known as maple butter) and Denzel Hot Sauce which is based out of British Columbia. This original combo was responsible for the sweet and spicy aspect of the dish.
Overall Experience
Wow, what a great place to spend a Sunday morning with family! This place is just laid back and easy. The people are friendly and the food and drink is great. I would expect to spend anywhere from 15 to 25 dollars per person here.
Rating 4⭐
Mt. Carmel Brewing Company receives four stars one for each category: Atmosphere, Service, Breakfast Cocktail, and Plate. I believe this brings me to my third four star rating in a row which is rare. I am loving the winning streak and it makes me excited to get out there and try some more places. I can not wait to come back here again!
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