The Place
The last diner in this series is a local legend, Sugar N Spice. The original Reading Road location has been in business for more than 80 years and is known for their "Wispy Thin Pancakes." They now have two additional locations: OTR and Blue Ash. This week I will be reviewing OTR.
Location & Parking
The OTR Sugar N Spice is located on Sycamore St. There is meter parking up and down 12th street which runs perpendicular to Sycamore, the Cincy EZ Park app comes in handy here. I also counted at least three pay lots between Main and Broadway. This particular morning I used a meter on 12th.
The Atmosphere
Does anyone remember The Diner? it was a downtown fave in the 80's & 90's. I have memories simply because my uncle use to work there in his twenties and I a first or second grader always wanting to go and visit him while he was working. Never got to eat there but he did bring my sister and I a t-shirt which we used as PJs. If you remember The Diner then you will be pleasantly surprised to see Sugar N Spice occupies their former building. This place has ample authenticity because the front half of the restaurant is located in a vintage diner car. The inside of this diner is a treat for the eyes because it is decked out in whimsical
pastels. What I love about these diner style restaurants is the hours and the offering of every menu item during the entire timeframe they are open. I arrived this morning at 8AM, was seated in a booth within the diner car, and was able to watch the sunrise. The hostess was very bubbly and also doubling as a waitress. I started my morning with a Pink Lemonade Mimosa, it was stellar. This is my first mimosa with lemonade and it paired great with champagne.
Order Up
Famous Wispy Thin Pancakes: Original
You can order these pancakes three different ways: original, blueberry, and chocolate chip. They come in twos or fours. I decided to order the blueberry (two) and when my pancakes came to the table they were not. Aaah yes, the cook pleasantly delivered the wrong order to the table. The hostess/waitress immediately recognized they were wrong and asked if I would like them to replace it with the blueberry, which I appreciate. Hey they looked good and I was so hungry (and hypoglycemic) from an early morning work out. I decided to just go with the original. I had two pancakes which was
more than enough because they were large. They came with whipped butter and syrup. The pancakes had a wonderful buttery flavor and a soft texture that allowed you to cut into them perfectly with the side of your fork. Each bite simply melted in my mouth.
French Fries and Bacon
I could not resist the opportunity to order French fries at 8AM in the morning, so I did! They came out seasoned and golden just they way I like. I also ordered a side of bacon. The bacon was crispy, not to greasy, and made the perfect compliment to the pancakes.
Overall Experience
Overall experience was great, only minus was the incorrect order of pancakes. The staff was friendly and service was prompt even though they appeared to be understaffed for the morning. I adored the morning cocktail and sitting by the window watching the sidewalks come to life with people. You can expect to spend ten to twenty dollars here.
Recommend: Yes or No?
Yes! This place has such a fun atmosphere and menu items. It's a Cincinnati original that has stood the test of time and with the ability to successfully expand it's business. Next time going to try a burger and a Lavender Haze Mimosa!
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