I think this is one of the most sneaky-awesome places that I have ever been to. As many reviews have suggested this place is buried in the back of a poorly located/populated retail center. I don't mind the location, as its my hope that this place stays off the beaten trail to the masses! I've hosted many fine client/prospect lunches at the Brown Dog, and I can report that everything I've eaten has been terrific. The ownership of the restaurant has even made special arrangements for larger groups when I have fallen ahead and made special requests. This restaurant is a gem!
(5)
Andrew J.
The food at Brown Dog is good, but I have to give this place one star for the service. The service here is consistently lackluster at best. You get the feeling that you're not welcome, and that you are a huge inconvenience. I will not be surprised when this place closes.
(1)
Ty H.
ate here the other day and the food was pretty delicious I must say. I didn't really expect it given the location was kind of hidden and unassuming. However, I foolishly left my receipts and needed them for an expense report, so I called back to try and get a replacement copy. This is where my review goes down to two stars. Their attitude was terrible and I heard the lady tell the guy on the phone, he got 2 or 3 copies when we gave him the bill, if he lost it, that's his fault. Yes, I am aware I messed up, but thank you so much for the excellent customer service and assistance. Very frustrating as I really liked the place until then......
(2)
R A F.
The usual high quality food and service at this small Blue Ash eatery. Tried the rice dish -- simple and flavorful.
(4)
Jaime G.
Home run place here. Small little joint in the strip mall that seems this evening but very good. The menu is inventive and exceptional. When we were there, we tried the Caesar salad which is unlike any Cesar that I've ever had. It was a few lettuce leaves that was served with Parmesan cheese prosciutto and a quail egg on top. Wow. Then we tried the burger with pork belly with a little bit of barbecue sauce - a little small but perfect taste. We then had the veggies stone bowl which was a mix of roasted vegetables a lot of garlic and stacked with two tofu slices on top. We then had to seared tuna which was apparently flown daily directly from Hawaii boy was it juicy and tender. Wine and beer selection was also pretty extensive will definitely go back and try more dishes again.
(5)
Lisa M.
Don't judge a book by it's cover. This delightful restaurant is located in a strip mall with Office Depot. It deserves its own special place as it is definitely a restaurant for foodies.
(5)
Lia V.
Hey where do you want to go for dinner? Let's go to this OBVIOUSLY awesome little place in a strip mall tucked behind a gas station and next to a hotel... it's really easy to find... So actually the story is I wanted to try the sushi place next door, but it was closed because the weather was terrible. Next door was The Brown Dog Cafe though so I went there. I enjoyed a glass of wine in this swanky little restaurant. Very different on the inside than what you see on the outside. The service was wonderful. It is a very casual and inviting atmosphere. Dim lighting, booths, tables, a variety of customers. My friend joined me and we ordered some appetizers and we were not disappointed. The portions are on the smaller side, but you're paying for quality. Very unique and delicious options. We had: Steamer Pot - delicious seafood appetizer Brie Turnovers - to DIE for The ravioli on the specials menu - though I can't remember what was in it, I remember LOVING it. Definitely worth trying and I will be going back for more!
(4)
Maria-Elena T.
This place was recommended by a local co-worker. Seven of us ate here for dinner on a Monday night. The food was exceptional and I will put this place in my permanent rotation for eating healthy when in Cincinnati. The bread lived up to the hype. It was fresh with a wonderful crusty outside. The baked garlic they serve it with compliments it. It is hard to hold yourself to one slice. I started with a salad and then had the stone bowl with shrimp on top. The stone bowl was REALLY HOT temperature wise and I recommend wait a few minutes. But I loved it that hot and the flavor was memorable. I will order this again next time I am there. Others raved about their meals- the soup, the salmon, etc. I noticed a few people eating by themselves at the bar which is small. If dining alone, I would do that. The dessert menu was tempting but we did not indulge. I will next time! Took a little long to get the bill.
While we didn't have a pre-dinner drink their wine list and beer list was extensive. The only think I would mention is that they could have included more local craft beers. Bread is from Blue Oven and is delicious served with roasted garlic and a garlic butter spread. It is always nice when a restaurant puts thought into their bread We shared the sweet potato ravioli appetizer. Flavor profile was unique, delicious and reminiscent of Thanksgiviing. For main courses we split the scallop and seared tuna. Scallops were served with a beans, boar bacon and Brussel sprouts while the tuna was served rare with winter squash risotto, Brussel sprouts and cranberries. Both were excellent choices but the Tuna was a little less rich and would be my pick when I return. I don't you can go wrong here If you are ever in Blue Ash and want a unique dining space stop in this gem tucked away in a strip mall
Excellent food! Excellent Service! I have a gluten allergy so I have to really dig down to find delicious places where I can eat. Every meal that I've eaten here was delivered to our table by the chef. Nice little tucked away place for good food. Highly recommended.
(5)
Alisha W.
The chef is so creative and everything is delicious. You'll find some more eccentric menu items such as wild boar, venison, and quail eggs on the menu, but I promise that everything is fantastic! The bread served with roasted garlic is delicious. The crab and corn chowder was heavenly! The creme brulee was some of the best I've ever had. I would really love to see some more interesting dessert selections, but other than that everything is phenomenal. If you're considering splitting a meal with a friend, they will charge you a fee to plate each portion.
(4)
Christopher W.
My girlfriend and I had dinner here with some friends. We shared the roast ohio beet & goat cheese salad, the tenderloin burger and the brown dog filet . A friend bought the brie turnovers to share. All of the food was good, with the turnovers being our favorite. The waitress was pleasant when taking our orders but was quite rude and short with us from then on. The restaurant is in a strip mall between a subway and a sushi place. Over all we enjoyed our time here but did not feel that the atmosphere or food quality justified the price ($20 - $32 per plate). We also did not like the automatic 20% tip added to our bill due to our party of 5. We would have liked to adjust our tip based on the below average service.
(3)
Patricia D.
While the food is amazing, the service is not. Our friends love the food, so we often join them there. Both of our last two visits, the service left a lot to be desired! No bread service for our table, server walking away after delivering food with no flat wear to eat, needing to ask for water refill. Both occasions, we had to switch wines because they did not have another bottle of what we were drinking. Both occasions, the wait for main course was very lengthy, with no comment from our server along the way. Last time, she did comment on it as we were paying! I guess I expect more, good quality service to match the good quality food.
(3)
Sarah T.
I was in the hotel next door, Crown Plaza, so the restaurant was easy to find. The parking easy, the staff friendly, and the stone bowl of veggies, rice & scallops was flavorful and delicious. The bread they served with roasted garlic was delicious too. My food was ready pretty quickly too, and was hot & fresh tasting. The place wasn't very busy but it was a Monday night. They have a full bar, interesting wild game options on the menu as well as burgers. Daily specials too! The name of the place was a bit deceiving, so I had checked them out on Yelp ahead of time. I'm glad I stopped in!
(4)
Shannon H.
I have only been to brown dog cafe for lunch so my review is strictly for that. It is randomly in a strip mall next to a subway and a staples but don't let that fool you - their food is really good. Their turkey club was always my go to meal but I have had the fish tacos, game hero, burger, and lunch specials before. Their crab cake lunch is really spectacular for the price. It comes with a cabbage slaw with blue cheese that matches perfectly with the crab cakes. The one thing I don't love is their service - it can be slow and some of the waitresses can be rude. Besides that the food is quite good.
(4)
Renee M.
Really small restaurant... My husband had some kind of veal and it was OK... a bit over done. I had some kind of fish and it was really good. Keep in mind the portions are really small but the presentation and uniqueness is what you are paying for. Would I go there again? Not sure if it was as good as I was hoping but it was pretty good. The bread is as everyone else has said on yelp but its not their bread. They get it from some bakery. Yes, the garlic butter is really good. Lastly, only one option for Pinot Noir...
(3)
Amanda M.
This place is a slice of heaven! The menu has over a dozen gluten free options each one sounded fantastic. I went with my server's recommendation and the crab cake appetizer, wild boar with roasted potatoes, and finished with warm carrot cake with caramel sauce was just our of this world! I will definitely be back... BRAVO!
Great service. really good food, and all reasonably priced. The wine list was okay, but very acceptable. If you are a foodie, this is the place to go!
(5)
Mary ellen F.
I've been to Brown Dog for both dinner (special occasions) and lunch alike. I agree with other reviews that the dinner entrees can fall a bit on the pricier side (thus the more 'special occasions'-still delish though)! BUT for lunch I honestly feel like it's almost a steal for the quality/amount of food I'm getting (I'm a big fan of their crab cake lunch). I've gone to Brown Dog with a variety of people, some of whom are generally picky eaters, and every single one has left a very happy customer. It would be a great place for a business meeting- reasonable pricing, and once you get past the whole strip mall exterior, great interior. There is definitely a reason that their dessert has been recognized as being some of the best in Cincinnati- their Chocolate Banana Cake is absolutely fantastic.
My husband and I stopped for lunch during the week and were seated and served quickly. He had a burger and I had the chicken special of the day. Both were delicious. Everything was great and it was very clean as well. Would definitely return if we were in the area again.
(5)
Echo R.
I absolutely love the Brown Dog Cafe. Truly a foodie paradise. It survives on word of mouth as they are nestled in a strip mall next to a subway but don't let the exterior fool you. I came here for the first time four years ago and have always had excellent service and food. I've been particularly attracted this summer for the $30 three course meal. I love the beet and goat cheese salad along with the scallops and risotto! I come here every chance I get and have never had a bad experience.
(5)
Jon N.
I like it.. I like it a lot.. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Gotta try the horse's head in the bed burger.. Fantastic!
(5)
Covingtonky M.
It should be called the Brown Bitch Cafe. BECAUSE if one went to it expecting lousy service (think: Dick's Last Resort) but FANTASTIC FOOD, the staff would have exceeded the expectation. I had the vegetable sweet potato ravoli and it nearly brings tears to my eyes to think of it... it was that good. Also, their bread was a very very good crusty brown bread and sourdough...a perfect compliment to the pasta w/cream sauce entree. [ I realize I've only added comments on yelp when I've had a less than stellar experience - I will try to rectify that for the sake of balance as we eat out 5-6 nights a week] I don't care to make friends with the wait staff - BUT acknowledging even a thank you would have been nice. I am assuming this is an independent owner, as such they probably cannot afford to give away their product. As such when I asked for additional bread I would have been willing to pay something for it... but instead the table of 4 was served a heel of the bread cut into 4 pieces. One person in our party had his plate removed before he was finished eating, no dessert offered. It was obvious we had overstayed our welcome. I love, love, love, Wildflower Cafe in Mason and York Street Cafe in Newport, and consider the food I had at the BDC on par with those... but I will give my business to the restauranteur who wants my business in the future.
(3)
B B.
Selected based on yelp reviews. Good food, nice decor/ambience and very good service. I ordered the Hawaiian Opa from the specials menu ($28). The piece of fish I received was nicely presented, if a bit small. It was dry, slightly overcooked. When the server came back to check on me, I told her so and she insisted on taking it back and getting me another piece which I appreciated. The second piece was better. I think the prices are high for a Cincinnati strip mall restaurant. I ordered the bittersweet chocolate chocolate chip ice cream for desert which I can definitely recommend. NOTE to travelers. WAZE can not find this restaurant based on the street address.
(4)
Dave B.
The food is pretty good. Impressive presentation, excellent taste. What ruined the experience for me was the server. I went with four others for lunch from work, so we had limited time for lunch. Everything took forever -- fifteen minutes before taking our order, a half hour to get the food, twenty minutes to get our checks after we'd finished eating. Even after we hinted to the server that we "had to get back to work," it still took forever to get wrung up. And then she added in an automatic gratuity, because I guess five people is a large party at Brown Dog. Very disappointing.
(2)
Matthew C.
My wife and I had dinner here this past week with another couple and very much enjoyed the food. While it is a bit odd that Brown Dog is in such an odd location next to a Subway in a strip mall, the food is excellent. We started off with the steamer pot appetizer. It had excellent flavor. Since we don't go out to dinner very often, we went all out and I had the Filet and Crab Cake and my wife had the Tuna. They were both superb. While I do think Brown Dog is a bit expensive I don't think it any higher priced than other restaraunts of this caliber. I think it feels expensive due to the location. A nice place for a special dinner especially if you live North.
(4)
Anne B.
This has been on my list to visit for years, but kept getting pushed back in favor of downtown restaurants. We went for our anniversary and we're glad we did. I love supporting our independents. As soon as you walk in, it's a peaceful oasis, good lighting, lovely art, well decorated. Staff is friendly and professional. The menu features game and fish from Hawaii. I usually decide what to eat by what I would not normally cook. It's hard to decide, because there are many choices. Fortunately the servers are good and descriptive guides. We started with pork belly, which was rich and meaty. Then I had Duck Buck- 3 meats! Venison tenderloin, duck confit, and seared fois gras. Every bite was a treat. I recommend asking for it to be cooked rare. My spouse had the wild boar, and it was like a rich steak. Blue oven bread with herb butter and roasted garlic is a perfect completion. We had a buckeye dessert - a kind of molten peanut butter cookie with chocolate ice cream. Wow!
(5)
Brian L.
WOW!!! I had these folks cater an event I held on May 6th. I kept the menu simple and had Filet for my guests. EVERYONE raved about how good the meal was. I must say, when you can cut a filet with your fork, your doing something right! Thank You Brown Dog for helping me impress my guests at my client event! Brian Lillis Ameriprise Financial
(5)
Jason W.
I won't go there again. The service was not good. It almost felt awkward when the waitress was around. I really wanted to like the place because it seemed like a hidden gem. We started with the cheese sampler. It was not a good choice. The bread was made fresh and was delicious with the roasted garlic. I had the boar tenderloin. It was pretty good. As I looked around I realized half the people there were eating it also. Only complaint about it was the portion of meat was very small. My girlfriend had the king salmon. It had zero taste. Our bottle of merlot wasn't even good. For $50 I'd expect a lot more. A $10 bottle at the grocery store would blow it away. Find it confusing why people even go there. But if you can't eat gluten, most of their menu is gluten free. So at least they have that going for them.
(2)
Fredward S.
Contrary to what the restaurant name implies, this leans more toward fine dining than cafe...which would have been nice to know before we showed up in casual attire. The food was excellent, but that's about it. I recommend being older than 50 and drive a Lexus like the rest of the clientele to fully enjoy.
(3)
K K.
We had heard a great deal about The Brown Dog, all of it good. I must say that it absolutely merits the good reviews. I had the cioppino, which was outstanding. High-quality bread on the table, super-attentive service -- nothing to complain about here.
(5)
Jamie U.
The food sounded better when reading the menu than what it tasted. The tuna entree had no flavor. The appetizers were very small for the price. The best part of the dinner was the soup of the day, it was very good. The food is not the worth the price they charge. I was very disappointed. The dining room was ok, but it was very loud.
Food is great- exotic, eccentric and very tasty. I have been there a half dozen times for dinner which is priced right, never been there for lunch. I have tried something different each time and never been disappointed and my favorite is the wild boar. They are a small restaurant that is clearly owner operated, in a weird location. Don't expect 5 star, professional servers but they are friendly and courteous. The food is fantastic!
(5)
Laura M.
dont let the ugly strip mall get in the way. This is world class eating. Wine list is stellar accompaniment to innovative fare. Will always endeavor to include it in my travels to CVG.
(4)
Courtney R.
This is a great lunch place right near my work. One time, I messed up and told friends to meet me at Brown Dog instead of Green Dog (the owner's other restaurant, off of Columbia Parkway)...oops. But despite the too-similar names, the food is equally great at both locations. I love the salads at Brown Dog - perfect for a filling lunch. The location is in a dingy suburban strip mall, but the inside is relatively cute. Definitely recommend over all of the other chain restaurants in this area.
(4)
John D.
The food was very good. The steak was cooked perfectly. However, the service was lacking. It took a long time for someone to come and greet us. It also took a long time to put in our order and the waitress seemed very unfriendly. I expected more considering all the great reviews this place received.
(3)
Dale H.
I went here for dinner with my hubby and another couple during July. They were celebrating their anniversary and had daily specials. We went for a burger and beer $10 special. Three of us ordered a burger. One ordered the seafood soup (more like a cioppino). He raved about his. Our burgers were good. I think the buns were English muffins from a local bakery. Thus, they were on the oily side. The burger patty was delicious- juicy and moist. Service was very good - efficient and friendly. We have been here for a regular dinner and agree with other reviewers - a bit pricey - especially if you order wine or beer. We think it's worth it since it is fresh and delicious!
(4)
Zack F.
I have to write a quick follow up. I've been a couple more times since the original time. Each time, the service was extremely lacking for a place at this price point. The food itself was good, no complaints there. But, the service was incredibly slow, inattentive, and not exactly friendly/engaging. When I've had issues, they were hesitant to resolve them, and with great delay. One of the times I went here, I started out at the bar but waited 20 minutes before being acknowledged. Empty drinks sat, and sat. Bartender was not engaging either. She had clearly decided one couple was going to tip her well, and spent all her time talking to them while the rest of us sat and waited with empty glasses. This is a place for me that will do in a pinch if I'm in the area, but not someplace that I will make an effort to go to.
(3)
Daniel S.
Hidden gem. I spent 2 weeks in Blue Ash for training and did not discover this until the night before I left for home, otherwise I would have been here more often. I had the Mediterranean plate and the boar tenderloin. Both were excellent!
(5)
Samantha T.
2 years ago when I went here I received the worse service I ever had. I took my boyfriend here for a celebration dinner, we ended up getting a appetizer and splitting the entree since I wasn't that hungry. We had the duck wellington, which was out of this world. Our sever however was just unpleasant. I'm not sure if its because we look very young for our age ( even though she saw our id for drinks) or its because we decided to split a meal. She never spoke to us, other servers delivered everything and asked how our meal was. She slammed down our drinks which Created our beers to foam up, rudly placed the dessert menu on our table with out saying a word. When I add this review it was oddly deleted, And I was unable to add my comments to their site that night. I'm hoping it has changed, but since we had a unpleasant night we most likely won't be back.
(2)
Monica W.
Great place for a quality meal! I came here with a friend one afternoon for lunch. The place was really busy and we didn't have a reservation but we only waited about 5 minutes for a table which was great! This place is very lively and has a a great vibe to it. Lots of wine, good food and conversation. We ordered a "dog bowl" of the french fries which were really hot and crispy ad they were served in an actual dog bowl with this really good sauce. I ordered the ravioli and my friend ordered a salad with grilled chicken. I loved the flavors in the ravioli they were so good and my friend really enjoyed his salad. The service was very attentive. and the restaurant and the restrooms were very clean. I would really like to come back for dinner sometime.
(4)
Matt L.
The food is awesome... The service is really good... The wine and beer list, impressive... Only knock is the bar and bar-tending skills. I'm pretty sure the waiters/waitresses make drinks for their tables So... I asked for a twist of orange and ended up with an orange slice in my drink... Awesome place... the tuna was about as good as it gets, but there's room for improvement.
(4)
Heather T.
We spent our 2nd Valentine's Day dinner at Brown Dog and it did not disappoint. The food here is both interesting and well done, with all dishes coming out of kitchen hot when necessary (and not one person having a lukewarm experience at the expense of someone else's longer cooking entree). The bar staff are also quite knowledgeable, making a great cocktail as well as great wine recommendations. The only downside is that we have to drive a bit to get here, but it is always worth it!
(4)
Chris B.
Overall I thought this place was pretty good. I like that they serve game meats and I have to say they were cooked perfectly. overall good value for the money. My only complaint would be that during our dining experience it took about 45 mins to get our deserts and about another 10 to get our bill. Maybe it was just that night but I'd go back and just skip dessert.
(4)
Kristan H.
Brown Dog is deceptively nice (considering it's in a strip mall next to a Subway and an Office Depot). My boyfriend often comes here for business lunches and says they do excellent salads. We finally came together for a dinner this past weekend, and I can tell you for sure we'll be back. Service was fine -- not overly friendly, but very attentive and pretty well-paced -- and the decor, while nothing to write home about, is comfortably upscale and pleasant. What stands out is the food, and of course that's the most important part. I started with a crab and corn chowder, which was both delicious and filling. For dinner I had duck wellington with Israeli cous cous -- SO GOOD! Since I was relatively full from the soup, I ended up taking half of it home, and I haven't looked forward to leftovers like this in a long time. My boyfriend had the wild boar (very good) with coffee-crusted corn cake (YUM! and not really coffee-flavored, although there's a sweet smokiness) and French green beans. For dessert we shared a key lime pie, which we think had some mint mixed in to make it extra delicious and refreshing. In all, an amazing meal and I can't wait to go back to Brown Dog and try more of their offerings.
(4)
Chris G.
This review is based on the lunches as I have only been here for lunch. The food is delicious. I don't understand the qualms other reviewers have with strip mall restaurants, as these are common in big cities Everyone enjoyed their lunches. The servers were very pleasant and came around often to refill drinks. It was nice to see them doing this for everyone and not just their tables. My only problem with the restaurant is that it is very loud. I imagine it would be extremely loud when at total capacity.
(4)
Robert S.
Was recommended to me by a client; I was in town for business. The restaurant has an upscale feel to it, but the server was extremely friendly & helpful. I was not extremely hungry, so I went ala carte. The crab cake appetizer was amazing as was the sauce & presentation. The blue cheese mixed greens salad with vinegarette was extremely fresh & flavorful. I know asparagus is asparagus, but Brown Dog's version, with grated parmesan was cooked to perfection as was possibly the best asparagus I've ever had. And finally the bread: baked by a local mom & pop outfit, both the multigrain and white had crispy, chewy crust with a soft, fluffy center. Brown Dog's olive oil dipping sauce was perfectly seasoned with whole garlic cloves and the flavored (almond?) butter made it tough to choose which to use. A very enjoyable meal!!
(5)
Scott M.
Just the right size restaurant to make you feel like you matter. Inconspicuously hidden away in a strip mall but easy to find. My wife and I both had the filet and crab cake special ($34) and were very pleased with the food and service.
(4)
Doug C.
Went to the Brown Dog for dinner over the holidays. Very pleased with the experience. Good service. Quality food. Made reservations. However, at least for this evening -- Thursday during the holiday week -- we had our choice of tables. Very nice atmosphere. Interestingly, the Brown Dog has a lively bar scene.
(4)
Amy B.
I really really wanted to like Brown Dog Cafe. I mean, I respect an independent restaurant trying to stay afloat in a sea of chain restaurants in the suburbs. I visited during Restaurant Week which got us a prixe fixe menu of 3 courses for $30. I had a lot of expecations going into this meal. The ambiance was a bit uncomfortable and the decor seemed very bland. The food wasn't bland though! My entree (scallops) were good and the Restaurant Week menu was expansive. The price tag of the whole experience was reasonable during Restaurant Week even after getting wine and dessert. I'm not sure that I'd feel the same way if I had paid full price though. The regular prices are a bit much for the dishes we ordered. The service was terribly slow for a Monday evening. I left feeling pleasantly full, but fairly confident that I wouldn't be back any time soon. If you're in the area and looking to drop some cash in order to support an independent place then give it a shot. It sounds like I should give this place another shot for lunch.
(2)
Alejandro A.
Boy, sometimes the food here is great. Tonight, it was pretty good too, except for the $32 market fish--with bacon?!? But the real problem was that the service was bad. I reserved a table using OpenTable and put a note that it was a birthday event. The restaurant didn't even acknowledge the birthday with a desert or a "happy birthday" hello. Poor showing. Why would I go there and drop another $108 on two people? Not again.
(2)
Muthu A.
Pricy, good food, excellant service.
(5)
David C.
This place is god awful. Food is 3.5 out of 5 but over priced. Service is HORRIBLE. Avoid this place at all costs. They are a good candidate for one of those 'Restaurant Rescue' shows.
(1)
Greg F.
My wife and I have been twice, and both times we've come away with the same opinion: not impressed. It had been quite some time since our first visit, so long that neither of us could remember much about the restaurant; so reading the menu (and the prices) we thought maybe we should give it a second try and we expected something pretty special. We were both disappointed. My lamb chops were tough and lacked any depth of flavor beyond the sweet sauce. My wife's filet was very average and had vein of gristle running through it. I could maybe give it 3 stars, but the description associated with 2 stars ("Meh, I've experienced better") much more accurately describes my feelings given the price point. Knock $5 off the entrees, and I'd give it 3 stars, but this is nothing special for the price.
(2)
Mark D.
My local fav for the NE Cincinnati area. Love to go here. Creative dishes from a family owned American fusion restaurant. The dishes that have attracted me most over the years blend in game meats like venison, boar and rabbit with the more traditional fare. Tuna can also be very good. The decor is contemporary, the wait staff can be a bit quirky, and the din is on the quiet side. Lots of brainstorming and idea hatching has been done here. Never let appearances deceive you! Locating a gem like this in a suburban strip mall behind a Bob Evans is no indicator of the goodness inside. Also, if you're into authentic Japanese fare, the restaurant is a little gem too!
(4)
Terri P.
I ate here for a business dinner tonight and it was excellent!! They started out by bringing us warm bread with roasted garlic in olive oil... I could have eaten the roasted garlic with a spoon, it was delicious. Then we ordered the steamer pot and crab cake appetizers, both of which were delicious. The Steamer Pot is worth getting for that garlic cheese bread alone!! I had a grouper with herb butter special which was amazing, and they were able to accommodate a special request I had regarding swapping a side dish. For dessert, our table got creme brulee and carrot cake - both of which were outstanding. Honestly one of the best creme brulees I've ever had, and it's my favorite dessert so I get it a lot! The beer and wine list were great, and service was awesome too. The only con would be the price, though I agree with another commenter that it just feels expensive for the location that it's in... if it weren't in a strip mall, I wouldn't be phased by the prices, but it just feels odd. Well worth the cost though, it was fantastic!!
(5)
Christian L.
Brown dog cafe is in a small strip mall, if it were not for the sounds of the yelp jungle drums about this place, my hopes would be low. But I have heard many good things about Brown dog cafe, and it did not disappoint one bit. The layout of the place is standard smaller restaurant style with tables and booths, but seemed a little strange the hostess was right inside the door. The Maza starter was very fresh and it seemed as if they had made it all to order. Next I had the Game plate, which consisted of a little Bambi(deer)steak, a piece of pumbaa(boar) fillet and finally Roger rabbit empanada. It was really a treat to try all 3 cuts of meat, and they were perfectly paired with small side dishes that complimented the different tastes! Kind of felt like Andrew Zimmeren while trying such uncommon items, all on one segregated plate! I will be back to try some of the other menu items. Only thing to put a finger on, was that the service was a little slow. NOT bad service just a little slow, but I think that is just the way they do things at Brown Dog cafe, which is cool in my book!
(4)
Andy G.
Small Apps for the price... Entree was just ok
(2)
Sheila C.
After reading the rave reviews, I was very excited to go to BDC during Restaurant Week. I hate to bring down the average, but it was sorely disappointing. Course 1: Blue Crab Corn Chowder - this was the best part of the whole meal. Very flavorful with a generous portion of sweet blue crab. Course 2: Scallops w/ Gnocchi - scallops were overcooked and a bit chewy. The gnocchi was good but overall I felt the dish was mundane. The flavors were muddied and components just seemed slapped together without any thoughtfulness. Course 3: Espresso Pot de Creme - Very nice and rich but nothing special. Service: Though courteous, waitstaff rushed us through our entire meal which added to the overall BLAH of this whole experience.
(3)
Caroline C.
I've been to Brown Dog a number of times now, but the majority of these times are during restaurant week. Unfortunately, Brown Dog on any regular week is just a little to spendy to make it a regular stop. And as others have mentioned, the strip mall/suburban location is pretty unappealing. Perhaps this is what keeps Brown Dog out of the Cincinnati fine dining 'best of' conversations. The restaurant week menu always stands out to me as one of the best. This most recent week they offered a starter course, salad course, then a main. With our group of six we were able to try most of the dishes. The stand outs were the pork slider starter even though it was difficult to eat as a slider, deconstructed wellington with a generous slab of foie gras, tequila shrimp app with fresh, ripe fruit and the duck with quinoa and cherry sauce. Brown Dog seems to serve a variety of proteins that you don't usually see in Cincinnati... duck, venison, foie gras, boar and rabbit to name a few. Brown Dog also has a great wine list and the markup isn't ridiculous. They usually have 'wine specials' for an even better deal.
(4)
Uday K.
Fun casual and ready. My favorite is the sweet potato ravioli. Is an off menu dish so ask for it. The bitter sweet chocolate is nice. Warning one scoop is more like three. Enjoy.
(4)
Tommy B.
Amazing! Everything I have had here is great!
(5)
L. D.
Visited on 7/9/12. I was just back from my Caribbean vacation and I tried to drown my sorrow in a bowl of Diver scallops which was very good. The goat cheese beet salad was tasty as well. I would go back to the Brown Dog without hesitation. Thanks to the past reviewers on mentioning the Subway, I was able to locate the subway a lot easier than the brown dog.
(4)
Dawn B.
Wow! We had another amazing dinner tonight at BD. The food is always over the top. The service exceptional, especially Amanda tonight who was very helpful with the wine selection. Each dish was exquisitely prepared. The dessert was equally amazing. We love BD time after time. Have been going for several years and will keep going back
(5)
Ryan C.
My wife and I wanted something different for lunch, so we decided to to check out Yelp! and find a new place. FIrst off, it was nice to see a place like this in the middle of a bunch of chains. Even though, you don't really see it since it's tucked way in the back of a really small shopping center. The service was nice but very slow. Maybe I'm just used to the lunch service in downtown where they get you in and out, but this place just seemed way too slow, especially for the price range. The clientele seemed old. I think we were the youngest people in there. We honestly felt like we were with the early bird dinner crowd in Anytown, Florida. The food is pretty good. I got a BBQ Bacon burger, which I was actually surprised with. Not because it tasted better than I was expecting but I was surprised about the Bacon. It wasn't really Bacon, but it was more like thick cut Ham. I don't mind that but I was just expecting Bacon. The burger was massive but it almost seemed like they were trying to make up in size for the taste of the food. All this being said, I would give this place another shot. I almost feel like I went on an off day just because of all the 5 star reviews.
(3)
Josh O.
Located in a strip mall in Blue Ash, you never would expect this fine dining establishment to exist where is does. We had a $50 gift card we won for here, so we decided to give it a go. Pretty good food. We shared an appetizer and got an entree each. None of the food blew me away, it was good enough. They have a good selection of beer and wine, though. Service was passable, but not spectacular. It was definitely an older crowd. We were easily the youngest people there. Brown Dog Cafe is a decent option is you're in the area, but I wouldn't necessarily drive all the way out to Blue Ash just to dine there.
(3)
Mike T.
My favorite restaurant in town based on sheer volume of my patronage (at least once a month). It's a great place to go for either lunch or dinner in the northeast quadrant of Cincy where you'll find new, innovative flavors and preparations on a regular basis. Everything is consistently delicious except for a miss or two on an entree special (out of 2-3 dozen visits). Chef McCoy has also begun regularly incorporating more health-conscious options into the menu, which has allowed me to visit even more often. The soups are always fantastic--probably neck and neck with Nectar for having the best in town on any given day. It's also THE place to go if you like game (venison, boar, rabbit, etc.) and especially if you are bored with the same old preparations of your favorite dishes (game or otherwise). Yes, the service can be lackadaisical, but for some reason, this is the only place that I'll tolerate it. Perhaps it's because it's kind of a mom and pop operation. Or maybe because it's in an unassuming strip center next to a Subway and I go in only expecting excellent food at reasonable prices, not necessarily excellent service, or ambiance for that matter (it's a fairly small space). Regardless, I'll be eating there about once a month for affordable, culinary amusement.
(5)
Daria B.
What a surprise! Hidden away in a strip mall, behind Bob Evans and next to Subway, the Brown Dog Cafe is an unexpected charmer. Walking through the doors, you're transported into a quiet, peaceful restaurant with a bistro type menu. I was here with a friend and we were seated right away during lunch. A server brought us our beverages immediately. The menu featured a burger, sandwiches and wraps, salads (with the possibility of adding grilled chicken, steaks, etc), and an assortment of hot dishes. Both of us decided to go with the sweet potato ravioli with red pepper pesto, which came with the house salad (a good lunch deal four 10 bucks). We were served bread and our meals came out relatively quickly. The salad was well composed and tasty. The 4 pieces of ravioli were covered in a red pepper cream sauce with asparagus. There were chunks of cheese floating in the sauce as well. Delicious! Overall, a great spot for an out of the ordinary lunch. Highly recommend!
(4)
John S.
Fives don't come easy by me, but the Brown Dog Cafe earns one! This is a neighborhood gem.....it's small, it's personal, they've got a nice, neighborly bar. Who cares if it's tucked away in a strip mall, behind a Bob Evans? Now for the food.....it's eclectic and whacky....so you want Wild Boar.....they've got it, as an example. They also have foods you'd recognize. I had Alaskan halibut, cooked to perfection, with two very unusual sauces (off to the side) bedded on a nice chutney. Terrific wine list, very nice ambiance: clean and soothing. Give this one a spin.....you won't regret it!
(5)
Sarah B.
I've been here for lunch a few times, as I work nearby, and I'd be willing to make the drive out for dinner on a weekend too. Great, fresh, uniquely presented dishes; plenty of vegetarian options (and meaty ones too); and fantastic service. I recommend the veggie wrap and/or the maza plate (which is available at lunch as well as dinner, or at least it was the last time I went). Pro tip: if you're a tea fan, you have to check out their huge hot tea selection. They're also a member of the Cincinnati Independent Restaurant Association, so you can get points on your card toward a gift certificate with each visit. (I really wish more Cincy restaurants were a part of this group!)
(4)
Dawny M.
Stopped by for dinner. Unfortunately there was a table of 8 women. They were so loud, obviously having a good time, but they were yelling to each other. Not a great atmosphere, because the place is too small for a loud group. I had steak and cake. The steak a small filet with wild mushrooms was very good and perfectly cooked. The crab cake was mostly bread with a not too original sauce on a strange tasting slaw. Decent wine by the glass selection but they were out of the one I ordered. So why a 4, because the steak was that good and I would go back just never order their crab cake again.
(4)
Jeff B.
Great place. Wonderful food and service. We ordered several appetizers and a glass of wine. The sushi tuna roll, crab cake and sea food pot, all had great flavors and presentation. We will definitely be back in the future.
(4)
Jeremy B.
A nice, quiet little place in a somewhat odd location. I was in Cincinnati for Junior Olympic national gymnastics championships and I might say that this was the sole redemption of a city otherwise devoid of beneficence! I'll be so glad to go back to Philadelphia but if you're ever stuck out here in Ohio, do give this place a visit! Good beers and eclectic menu.
(4)
Ada K.
This visit to the Brown Dog Cafe was so unfortunate for my dinner date. There are few things in this world that I love more than duck, garlic and onions. I also love red velvet cake and capers and soy sauce, but this story is not about them. Our bread came with delicious garlic soaked in olive oil and herbs, which I dutifully consumed.... down to the last sweet clove. My duck confit came garnished with a handful of tender, marinated spring onion bulbs, and to my date's horror, I gobbled and smacked my way through them until my mouth burned. I'm sure that the onions and garlic were oozing out of my pores later that night, but I like to think that it was the smell of happiness.
(5)
Tom K.
Thank you Brown Dog Cafe for a fantastic menu and experience on New Year's Eve. The fixed price five course menu and tremendous selection were suburb. We had a wonderful time. As a regular, I thought I knew what to expect. You exceeded it by taking it up a notch or three for the holilday.
The crispy duck was awesome. Good selection of beers and wines too. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Ann N.
Simply excellent. Many have pointed out that a restaurant in a bland suburban strip mall might conjure up images of microwaved entrees and pre-packaged salads with deteriorating bottle dressings, but not here. The food is wonderfully prepared, fresh, and original. How many places can serve wild boar? challah bread pudding? jerked red snapper over greens and plantain mash? This was a great dining experience with delicious food and great service. Once you step inside, you will be in a lovely bistro and will forget about the unusual location. Go and enjoy! Live a little! Let's keep this gem in Blue Ash.
(5)
SD L.
Above average. I appreciate their attempt at interesting food. I was there for a work celebration. One person had wild boar...nicely prepared. I had scallops - pretty well prepared but not amazing. A little pricey but a nice change from the chain restaurants around it
(3)
Amy C.
Food quality is good, though small portions. Food arrangement and ambience is nice too, where the food and everything was definitely better than you'd expect from what it looks like on street (in strip mall). It is higher priced and I thought the restaurant service was a bit slow, which is reason for the 4 star, though I think that may be the intention (it's even noted in the menu to relax).
(4)
Heather J.
Went in the spring for Restaurant Week - really excellent food - especially for a classy joint in a strip mall. It's odd - I mean - it's expensive and fancy - but yet - in a strip mall. Well worth it!
Takes Reservations : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Craig C.
I think this is one of the most sneaky-awesome places that I have ever been to. As many reviews have suggested this place is buried in the back of a poorly located/populated retail center. I don't mind the location, as its my hope that this place stays off the beaten trail to the masses! I've hosted many fine client/prospect lunches at the Brown Dog, and I can report that everything I've eaten has been terrific. The ownership of the restaurant has even made special arrangements for larger groups when I have fallen ahead and made special requests. This restaurant is a gem!
(5)Andrew J.
The food at Brown Dog is good, but I have to give this place one star for the service. The service here is consistently lackluster at best. You get the feeling that you're not welcome, and that you are a huge inconvenience. I will not be surprised when this place closes.
(1)Ty H.
ate here the other day and the food was pretty delicious I must say. I didn't really expect it given the location was kind of hidden and unassuming. However, I foolishly left my receipts and needed them for an expense report, so I called back to try and get a replacement copy. This is where my review goes down to two stars. Their attitude was terrible and I heard the lady tell the guy on the phone, he got 2 or 3 copies when we gave him the bill, if he lost it, that's his fault. Yes, I am aware I messed up, but thank you so much for the excellent customer service and assistance. Very frustrating as I really liked the place until then......
(2)R A F.
The usual high quality food and service at this small Blue Ash eatery. Tried the rice dish -- simple and flavorful.
(4)Jaime G.
Home run place here. Small little joint in the strip mall that seems this evening but very good. The menu is inventive and exceptional. When we were there, we tried the Caesar salad which is unlike any Cesar that I've ever had. It was a few lettuce leaves that was served with Parmesan cheese prosciutto and a quail egg on top. Wow. Then we tried the burger with pork belly with a little bit of barbecue sauce - a little small but perfect taste. We then had the veggies stone bowl which was a mix of roasted vegetables a lot of garlic and stacked with two tofu slices on top. We then had to seared tuna which was apparently flown daily directly from Hawaii boy was it juicy and tender. Wine and beer selection was also pretty extensive will definitely go back and try more dishes again.
(5)Lisa M.
Don't judge a book by it's cover. This delightful restaurant is located in a strip mall with Office Depot. It deserves its own special place as it is definitely a restaurant for foodies.
(5)Lia V.
Hey where do you want to go for dinner? Let's go to this OBVIOUSLY awesome little place in a strip mall tucked behind a gas station and next to a hotel... it's really easy to find... So actually the story is I wanted to try the sushi place next door, but it was closed because the weather was terrible. Next door was The Brown Dog Cafe though so I went there. I enjoyed a glass of wine in this swanky little restaurant. Very different on the inside than what you see on the outside. The service was wonderful. It is a very casual and inviting atmosphere. Dim lighting, booths, tables, a variety of customers. My friend joined me and we ordered some appetizers and we were not disappointed. The portions are on the smaller side, but you're paying for quality. Very unique and delicious options. We had: Steamer Pot - delicious seafood appetizer Brie Turnovers - to DIE for The ravioli on the specials menu - though I can't remember what was in it, I remember LOVING it. Definitely worth trying and I will be going back for more!
(4)Maria-Elena T.
This place was recommended by a local co-worker. Seven of us ate here for dinner on a Monday night. The food was exceptional and I will put this place in my permanent rotation for eating healthy when in Cincinnati. The bread lived up to the hype. It was fresh with a wonderful crusty outside. The baked garlic they serve it with compliments it. It is hard to hold yourself to one slice. I started with a salad and then had the stone bowl with shrimp on top. The stone bowl was REALLY HOT temperature wise and I recommend wait a few minutes. But I loved it that hot and the flavor was memorable. I will order this again next time I am there. Others raved about their meals- the soup, the salmon, etc. I noticed a few people eating by themselves at the bar which is small. If dining alone, I would do that. The dessert menu was tempting but we did not indulge. I will next time! Took a little long to get the bill.
(4)Maggie B.
4.5 would be more accurate. Love the chef's creativity and the interesting selections. We had the Venison appetizer which was amazing. At dinner they serve breast with fresh roasted garlic. Yum! The Brie pouches and ravioli were also quite tasty. They also had wild boar on the menu. The venison filet entrée was delicious. They participate in eat local Cincinnati, which is a great deal. The Creme Brûlée was heavenly.
(4)Erich W.
While we didn't have a pre-dinner drink their wine list and beer list was extensive. The only think I would mention is that they could have included more local craft beers. Bread is from Blue Oven and is delicious served with roasted garlic and a garlic butter spread. It is always nice when a restaurant puts thought into their bread We shared the sweet potato ravioli appetizer. Flavor profile was unique, delicious and reminiscent of Thanksgiviing. For main courses we split the scallop and seared tuna. Scallops were served with a beans, boar bacon and Brussel sprouts while the tuna was served rare with winter squash risotto, Brussel sprouts and cranberries. Both were excellent choices but the Tuna was a little less rich and would be my pick when I return. I don't you can go wrong here If you are ever in Blue Ash and want a unique dining space stop in this gem tucked away in a strip mall
(4)Brian B.
We showed up on a busy night, the day before Valentine's Day, and got seated at a small table for two near the bar. Our waitress, who we had once before, was very hard to understand. There were no specials tonight so the communication wasn't as much of an issue as the previous time. We ordered quickly as we were starving. The appetizers came out in about 15 minutes. My wife's pork belly was fattier than one would expect, and when the chef inquired about our food I mentioned this to him and he apologized and removed it from the bill. Good timing on the chef to check in on our food and it was handled well. My appetizers were the scallop taco and the seared ahi tuna. The scallop was good, but the taco was neither soft, nor crunchy, it was soggy in the middle. I ended up eating the ingredients, and not the taco, which worked well together. The tuna was properly seared, but the side of rice was overcooked on the outside even though it was meant to be crispy. The middle of the rice was much softer and tasted good with the tuna. The entrees were the highlight of the meal. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her salmon dish, which were properly cooked and paired well with the red pepper aioli sauce. The veal "vellington," as opposed to a beef wellington, was a veal preparation inside a puff pastry. The waitress did not ask what temperate I preferred for the veal, but when I asked how the chef recommended, she said medium. I'm thankful it came out cooked less than medium, actually closer to rare than medium. The pasty was lightly browned and the veal was very tender. The quinoa on the side was okay, but didn't add much to the vellington. For dessert we ordered the Creme brûlée, which comes out topped with powdered sugar and a few bits of fruit. The raspberry, strawberry and blueberry go well with the brûlée, and the only thing left on the plate was the blackberry. At the end of the meal, they brought out a red rose for the lady and a petit four to go, a nice added touch on Valentine's Day weekend. Good meal overall, though the food at this restaurant has always been better than the service. We know that going into it so it wasn't a disappointment, and I would expect the same when you dine. The waitress tried, but not being able to communicate properly is not a good starting point for great service. We would certainly go back for the food, which changes frequently with the seasons, and the chef who works hard for his guests.
(4)Ashley M.
Excellent food! Excellent Service! I have a gluten allergy so I have to really dig down to find delicious places where I can eat. Every meal that I've eaten here was delivered to our table by the chef. Nice little tucked away place for good food. Highly recommended.
(5)Alisha W.
The chef is so creative and everything is delicious. You'll find some more eccentric menu items such as wild boar, venison, and quail eggs on the menu, but I promise that everything is fantastic! The bread served with roasted garlic is delicious. The crab and corn chowder was heavenly! The creme brulee was some of the best I've ever had. I would really love to see some more interesting dessert selections, but other than that everything is phenomenal. If you're considering splitting a meal with a friend, they will charge you a fee to plate each portion.
(4)Christopher W.
My girlfriend and I had dinner here with some friends. We shared the roast ohio beet & goat cheese salad, the tenderloin burger and the brown dog filet . A friend bought the brie turnovers to share. All of the food was good, with the turnovers being our favorite. The waitress was pleasant when taking our orders but was quite rude and short with us from then on. The restaurant is in a strip mall between a subway and a sushi place. Over all we enjoyed our time here but did not feel that the atmosphere or food quality justified the price ($20 - $32 per plate). We also did not like the automatic 20% tip added to our bill due to our party of 5. We would have liked to adjust our tip based on the below average service.
(3)Patricia D.
While the food is amazing, the service is not. Our friends love the food, so we often join them there. Both of our last two visits, the service left a lot to be desired! No bread service for our table, server walking away after delivering food with no flat wear to eat, needing to ask for water refill. Both occasions, we had to switch wines because they did not have another bottle of what we were drinking. Both occasions, the wait for main course was very lengthy, with no comment from our server along the way. Last time, she did comment on it as we were paying! I guess I expect more, good quality service to match the good quality food.
(3)Sarah T.
I was in the hotel next door, Crown Plaza, so the restaurant was easy to find. The parking easy, the staff friendly, and the stone bowl of veggies, rice & scallops was flavorful and delicious. The bread they served with roasted garlic was delicious too. My food was ready pretty quickly too, and was hot & fresh tasting. The place wasn't very busy but it was a Monday night. They have a full bar, interesting wild game options on the menu as well as burgers. Daily specials too! The name of the place was a bit deceiving, so I had checked them out on Yelp ahead of time. I'm glad I stopped in!
(4)Shannon H.
I have only been to brown dog cafe for lunch so my review is strictly for that. It is randomly in a strip mall next to a subway and a staples but don't let that fool you - their food is really good. Their turkey club was always my go to meal but I have had the fish tacos, game hero, burger, and lunch specials before. Their crab cake lunch is really spectacular for the price. It comes with a cabbage slaw with blue cheese that matches perfectly with the crab cakes. The one thing I don't love is their service - it can be slow and some of the waitresses can be rude. Besides that the food is quite good.
(4)Renee M.
Really small restaurant... My husband had some kind of veal and it was OK... a bit over done. I had some kind of fish and it was really good. Keep in mind the portions are really small but the presentation and uniqueness is what you are paying for. Would I go there again? Not sure if it was as good as I was hoping but it was pretty good. The bread is as everyone else has said on yelp but its not their bread. They get it from some bakery. Yes, the garlic butter is really good. Lastly, only one option for Pinot Noir...
(3)Amanda M.
This place is a slice of heaven! The menu has over a dozen gluten free options each one sounded fantastic. I went with my server's recommendation and the crab cake appetizer, wild boar with roasted potatoes, and finished with warm carrot cake with caramel sauce was just our of this world! I will definitely be back... BRAVO!
(5)Shanda G.
Fantastic service!!!! Had the seafood pot for an appetizer and it was awesome. Also shared crab and corn chowder and a beet and goat cheese salad. Both were so amazing we are every bite. Our entrees were the filet and venison/duck were phenomenal but very rich. A great hot tea and coffee were. Great compliments to the creme brûlée and chocolate banana bread.
(5)Steve A.
Great service. really good food, and all reasonably priced. The wine list was okay, but very acceptable. If you are a foodie, this is the place to go!
(5)Mary ellen F.
I've been to Brown Dog for both dinner (special occasions) and lunch alike. I agree with other reviews that the dinner entrees can fall a bit on the pricier side (thus the more 'special occasions'-still delish though)! BUT for lunch I honestly feel like it's almost a steal for the quality/amount of food I'm getting (I'm a big fan of their crab cake lunch). I've gone to Brown Dog with a variety of people, some of whom are generally picky eaters, and every single one has left a very happy customer. It would be a great place for a business meeting- reasonable pricing, and once you get past the whole strip mall exterior, great interior. There is definitely a reason that their dessert has been recognized as being some of the best in Cincinnati- their Chocolate Banana Cake is absolutely fantastic.
(4)Fabian S.
- food was very good - the fresh baked bread with butter and roasted garlic was fantastic - service was very friendly and attentive - the creme brûlée and the espresso was mediocre - atmosphere OK - 3.5 stars but not enough for 4 stars
(3)Sara P.
My husband and I stopped for lunch during the week and were seated and served quickly. He had a burger and I had the chicken special of the day. Both were delicious. Everything was great and it was very clean as well. Would definitely return if we were in the area again.
(5)Echo R.
I absolutely love the Brown Dog Cafe. Truly a foodie paradise. It survives on word of mouth as they are nestled in a strip mall next to a subway but don't let the exterior fool you. I came here for the first time four years ago and have always had excellent service and food. I've been particularly attracted this summer for the $30 three course meal. I love the beet and goat cheese salad along with the scallops and risotto! I come here every chance I get and have never had a bad experience.
(5)Jon N.
I like it.. I like it a lot.. One of the best burgers I've ever had. Gotta try the horse's head in the bed burger.. Fantastic!
(5)Covingtonky M.
It should be called the Brown Bitch Cafe. BECAUSE if one went to it expecting lousy service (think: Dick's Last Resort) but FANTASTIC FOOD, the staff would have exceeded the expectation. I had the vegetable sweet potato ravoli and it nearly brings tears to my eyes to think of it... it was that good. Also, their bread was a very very good crusty brown bread and sourdough...a perfect compliment to the pasta w/cream sauce entree. [ I realize I've only added comments on yelp when I've had a less than stellar experience - I will try to rectify that for the sake of balance as we eat out 5-6 nights a week] I don't care to make friends with the wait staff - BUT acknowledging even a thank you would have been nice. I am assuming this is an independent owner, as such they probably cannot afford to give away their product. As such when I asked for additional bread I would have been willing to pay something for it... but instead the table of 4 was served a heel of the bread cut into 4 pieces. One person in our party had his plate removed before he was finished eating, no dessert offered. It was obvious we had overstayed our welcome. I love, love, love, Wildflower Cafe in Mason and York Street Cafe in Newport, and consider the food I had at the BDC on par with those... but I will give my business to the restauranteur who wants my business in the future.
(3)B B.
Selected based on yelp reviews. Good food, nice decor/ambience and very good service. I ordered the Hawaiian Opa from the specials menu ($28). The piece of fish I received was nicely presented, if a bit small. It was dry, slightly overcooked. When the server came back to check on me, I told her so and she insisted on taking it back and getting me another piece which I appreciated. The second piece was better. I think the prices are high for a Cincinnati strip mall restaurant. I ordered the bittersweet chocolate chocolate chip ice cream for desert which I can definitely recommend. NOTE to travelers. WAZE can not find this restaurant based on the street address.
(4)Dave B.
The food is pretty good. Impressive presentation, excellent taste. What ruined the experience for me was the server. I went with four others for lunch from work, so we had limited time for lunch. Everything took forever -- fifteen minutes before taking our order, a half hour to get the food, twenty minutes to get our checks after we'd finished eating. Even after we hinted to the server that we "had to get back to work," it still took forever to get wrung up. And then she added in an automatic gratuity, because I guess five people is a large party at Brown Dog. Very disappointing.
(2)Matthew C.
My wife and I had dinner here this past week with another couple and very much enjoyed the food. While it is a bit odd that Brown Dog is in such an odd location next to a Subway in a strip mall, the food is excellent. We started off with the steamer pot appetizer. It had excellent flavor. Since we don't go out to dinner very often, we went all out and I had the Filet and Crab Cake and my wife had the Tuna. They were both superb. While I do think Brown Dog is a bit expensive I don't think it any higher priced than other restaraunts of this caliber. I think it feels expensive due to the location. A nice place for a special dinner especially if you live North.
(4)Anne B.
This has been on my list to visit for years, but kept getting pushed back in favor of downtown restaurants. We went for our anniversary and we're glad we did. I love supporting our independents. As soon as you walk in, it's a peaceful oasis, good lighting, lovely art, well decorated. Staff is friendly and professional. The menu features game and fish from Hawaii. I usually decide what to eat by what I would not normally cook. It's hard to decide, because there are many choices. Fortunately the servers are good and descriptive guides. We started with pork belly, which was rich and meaty. Then I had Duck Buck- 3 meats! Venison tenderloin, duck confit, and seared fois gras. Every bite was a treat. I recommend asking for it to be cooked rare. My spouse had the wild boar, and it was like a rich steak. Blue oven bread with herb butter and roasted garlic is a perfect completion. We had a buckeye dessert - a kind of molten peanut butter cookie with chocolate ice cream. Wow!
(5)Brian L.
WOW!!! I had these folks cater an event I held on May 6th. I kept the menu simple and had Filet for my guests. EVERYONE raved about how good the meal was. I must say, when you can cut a filet with your fork, your doing something right! Thank You Brown Dog for helping me impress my guests at my client event! Brian Lillis Ameriprise Financial
(5)Jason W.
I won't go there again. The service was not good. It almost felt awkward when the waitress was around. I really wanted to like the place because it seemed like a hidden gem. We started with the cheese sampler. It was not a good choice. The bread was made fresh and was delicious with the roasted garlic. I had the boar tenderloin. It was pretty good. As I looked around I realized half the people there were eating it also. Only complaint about it was the portion of meat was very small. My girlfriend had the king salmon. It had zero taste. Our bottle of merlot wasn't even good. For $50 I'd expect a lot more. A $10 bottle at the grocery store would blow it away. Find it confusing why people even go there. But if you can't eat gluten, most of their menu is gluten free. So at least they have that going for them.
(2)Fredward S.
Contrary to what the restaurant name implies, this leans more toward fine dining than cafe...which would have been nice to know before we showed up in casual attire. The food was excellent, but that's about it. I recommend being older than 50 and drive a Lexus like the rest of the clientele to fully enjoy.
(3)K K.
We had heard a great deal about The Brown Dog, all of it good. I must say that it absolutely merits the good reviews. I had the cioppino, which was outstanding. High-quality bread on the table, super-attentive service -- nothing to complain about here.
(5)Jamie U.
The food sounded better when reading the menu than what it tasted. The tuna entree had no flavor. The appetizers were very small for the price. The best part of the dinner was the soup of the day, it was very good. The food is not the worth the price they charge. I was very disappointed. The dining room was ok, but it was very loud.
(2)Linsey G.
I bit the bullet and made a reservation at Brown Dog Café. The fact that I even have to make a lunchtime reservation is a bit insane, but alas, here I was. Also, a Yelp commenter mentioned the "exclusivity" of this Blue Ash eatery--even during lunch--and I felt it was best to make sure I secured a seat. To my surprise, the time slots (for one!) of 12:15, 12:30, and 1:00pm were already taken, so I opted for 12:45 to ensure that I could eat before its afternoon 2:00pm closure. Initial thought: does this place have any relation to Green Dog Café in Columbia Tusculum? From the looks of the menu, they certainly have similarities, but some differences as well, so I'll go with no. It's on the pricier end, too, which definitely compares to Green Dog (and even Melt Eclectic Café as well). But hey! I finally have a job ... so pricey lunch, it is! (And, consequently, restaurant by new job, it is!) Location: Brown Dog Café is located in a strip center adjacent to other restaurants and retail stores, and behind a flagship restaurant in Bob Evans. Thus, it can easily be lost amongst its surrounding establishments. It was because I was perusing restaurants on Yelp that I even found this delicacy to begin with. Situated on Pfeiffer Road off of I-71, it is conveniently located for all Cincinnatians, and because it is located decently far off the road, the private parking lot is pretty easy to get to and navigate. Not extremely easy for the unfamiliars of the area, but easy enough. (A traffic light makes it easier to locate and leave the establishment.) Atmosphere: I was pretty impressed with the interior because it was much nicer than the initial picture I saw led on. While the interior design isn't one of the more substantial I've seen, this locale is pretty impressive in its own right. With booths and tables situated throughout, it is obvious that Brown Dog is there to serve good food, and not necessarily to impress its patrons by sporting trendy decor. Because of its unassuming façade and interior, I think that's why I was all the more impressed by it. I guess that's kind of the point of a café, but I like to hold those particular brands of restaurants to a higher standard. That's what they get for having [what I consider to be] a pretentious name, right? Food: For lunch (so it had to be pretty quick), I decided on the 6-ounce hand-formed Angus burger cooked medium; served on a grilled Blue Oven Bakery bun (yum) featuring white cheddar cheese, lettuce, relish (eighty-six that), and honey curry mayo (QUADRUPLE YUM) with Brown Dog Fries on the side (+$1). Additional fare includes a multitude of vegetarian options as well as choices catering to your everyday carnivore (yeah, meat-eaters!)-- y'know, for the discerning and variety of restaurant goers. I have a feeling this honey curry mayo will linger for a long time (literally and figuratively), as it--in addition to the fresh-cut Brown Dog Fries--was easily the standout of the meal. A post-meal conversation with Date was necessary, to which he had to say, "Linger Factor on a condiment? That's pretty impressive." Yes, yes it was. Overall Grade: I can't decide between a B- and a C+, so 3/5 according to Yelp, it is. The service was pretty slow for it being the lunch crowd. It took nearly 25 minutes for me to receive my food, which would not otherwise bother me for dinner, but I was in a time crunch, and honestly it bothered me. And I was alone! For the cost of the food (quite high for lunch at $17, which included tip and a pop) and the lackluster service, I'm not sure that I will return. The food, however, was really good and well worth trying. The honey curry mayo and hand-cut fries were outstanding. So much so, that condiment alone may have been worth the $17 for the trip. Obviously I'm kidding, but it was that good. If you go, you must try it.
(3)Rey M.
Food is great- exotic, eccentric and very tasty. I have been there a half dozen times for dinner which is priced right, never been there for lunch. I have tried something different each time and never been disappointed and my favorite is the wild boar. They are a small restaurant that is clearly owner operated, in a weird location. Don't expect 5 star, professional servers but they are friendly and courteous. The food is fantastic!
(5)Laura M.
dont let the ugly strip mall get in the way. This is world class eating. Wine list is stellar accompaniment to innovative fare. Will always endeavor to include it in my travels to CVG.
(4)Courtney R.
This is a great lunch place right near my work. One time, I messed up and told friends to meet me at Brown Dog instead of Green Dog (the owner's other restaurant, off of Columbia Parkway)...oops. But despite the too-similar names, the food is equally great at both locations. I love the salads at Brown Dog - perfect for a filling lunch. The location is in a dingy suburban strip mall, but the inside is relatively cute. Definitely recommend over all of the other chain restaurants in this area.
(4)John D.
The food was very good. The steak was cooked perfectly. However, the service was lacking. It took a long time for someone to come and greet us. It also took a long time to put in our order and the waitress seemed very unfriendly. I expected more considering all the great reviews this place received.
(3)Dale H.
I went here for dinner with my hubby and another couple during July. They were celebrating their anniversary and had daily specials. We went for a burger and beer $10 special. Three of us ordered a burger. One ordered the seafood soup (more like a cioppino). He raved about his. Our burgers were good. I think the buns were English muffins from a local bakery. Thus, they were on the oily side. The burger patty was delicious- juicy and moist. Service was very good - efficient and friendly. We have been here for a regular dinner and agree with other reviewers - a bit pricey - especially if you order wine or beer. We think it's worth it since it is fresh and delicious!
(4)Zack F.
I have to write a quick follow up. I've been a couple more times since the original time. Each time, the service was extremely lacking for a place at this price point. The food itself was good, no complaints there. But, the service was incredibly slow, inattentive, and not exactly friendly/engaging. When I've had issues, they were hesitant to resolve them, and with great delay. One of the times I went here, I started out at the bar but waited 20 minutes before being acknowledged. Empty drinks sat, and sat. Bartender was not engaging either. She had clearly decided one couple was going to tip her well, and spent all her time talking to them while the rest of us sat and waited with empty glasses. This is a place for me that will do in a pinch if I'm in the area, but not someplace that I will make an effort to go to.
(3)Daniel S.
Hidden gem. I spent 2 weeks in Blue Ash for training and did not discover this until the night before I left for home, otherwise I would have been here more often. I had the Mediterranean plate and the boar tenderloin. Both were excellent!
(5)Samantha T.
2 years ago when I went here I received the worse service I ever had. I took my boyfriend here for a celebration dinner, we ended up getting a appetizer and splitting the entree since I wasn't that hungry. We had the duck wellington, which was out of this world. Our sever however was just unpleasant. I'm not sure if its because we look very young for our age ( even though she saw our id for drinks) or its because we decided to split a meal. She never spoke to us, other servers delivered everything and asked how our meal was. She slammed down our drinks which Created our beers to foam up, rudly placed the dessert menu on our table with out saying a word. When I add this review it was oddly deleted, And I was unable to add my comments to their site that night. I'm hoping it has changed, but since we had a unpleasant night we most likely won't be back.
(2)Monica W.
Great place for a quality meal! I came here with a friend one afternoon for lunch. The place was really busy and we didn't have a reservation but we only waited about 5 minutes for a table which was great! This place is very lively and has a a great vibe to it. Lots of wine, good food and conversation. We ordered a "dog bowl" of the french fries which were really hot and crispy ad they were served in an actual dog bowl with this really good sauce. I ordered the ravioli and my friend ordered a salad with grilled chicken. I loved the flavors in the ravioli they were so good and my friend really enjoyed his salad. The service was very attentive. and the restaurant and the restrooms were very clean. I would really like to come back for dinner sometime.
(4)Matt L.
The food is awesome... The service is really good... The wine and beer list, impressive... Only knock is the bar and bar-tending skills. I'm pretty sure the waiters/waitresses make drinks for their tables So... I asked for a twist of orange and ended up with an orange slice in my drink... Awesome place... the tuna was about as good as it gets, but there's room for improvement.
(4)Heather T.
We spent our 2nd Valentine's Day dinner at Brown Dog and it did not disappoint. The food here is both interesting and well done, with all dishes coming out of kitchen hot when necessary (and not one person having a lukewarm experience at the expense of someone else's longer cooking entree). The bar staff are also quite knowledgeable, making a great cocktail as well as great wine recommendations. The only downside is that we have to drive a bit to get here, but it is always worth it!
(4)Chris B.
Overall I thought this place was pretty good. I like that they serve game meats and I have to say they were cooked perfectly. overall good value for the money. My only complaint would be that during our dining experience it took about 45 mins to get our deserts and about another 10 to get our bill. Maybe it was just that night but I'd go back and just skip dessert.
(4)Kristan H.
Brown Dog is deceptively nice (considering it's in a strip mall next to a Subway and an Office Depot). My boyfriend often comes here for business lunches and says they do excellent salads. We finally came together for a dinner this past weekend, and I can tell you for sure we'll be back. Service was fine -- not overly friendly, but very attentive and pretty well-paced -- and the decor, while nothing to write home about, is comfortably upscale and pleasant. What stands out is the food, and of course that's the most important part. I started with a crab and corn chowder, which was both delicious and filling. For dinner I had duck wellington with Israeli cous cous -- SO GOOD! Since I was relatively full from the soup, I ended up taking half of it home, and I haven't looked forward to leftovers like this in a long time. My boyfriend had the wild boar (very good) with coffee-crusted corn cake (YUM! and not really coffee-flavored, although there's a sweet smokiness) and French green beans. For dessert we shared a key lime pie, which we think had some mint mixed in to make it extra delicious and refreshing. In all, an amazing meal and I can't wait to go back to Brown Dog and try more of their offerings.
(4)Chris G.
This review is based on the lunches as I have only been here for lunch. The food is delicious. I don't understand the qualms other reviewers have with strip mall restaurants, as these are common in big cities Everyone enjoyed their lunches. The servers were very pleasant and came around often to refill drinks. It was nice to see them doing this for everyone and not just their tables. My only problem with the restaurant is that it is very loud. I imagine it would be extremely loud when at total capacity.
(4)Robert S.
Was recommended to me by a client; I was in town for business. The restaurant has an upscale feel to it, but the server was extremely friendly & helpful. I was not extremely hungry, so I went ala carte. The crab cake appetizer was amazing as was the sauce & presentation. The blue cheese mixed greens salad with vinegarette was extremely fresh & flavorful. I know asparagus is asparagus, but Brown Dog's version, with grated parmesan was cooked to perfection as was possibly the best asparagus I've ever had. And finally the bread: baked by a local mom & pop outfit, both the multigrain and white had crispy, chewy crust with a soft, fluffy center. Brown Dog's olive oil dipping sauce was perfectly seasoned with whole garlic cloves and the flavored (almond?) butter made it tough to choose which to use. A very enjoyable meal!!
(5)Scott M.
Just the right size restaurant to make you feel like you matter. Inconspicuously hidden away in a strip mall but easy to find. My wife and I both had the filet and crab cake special ($34) and were very pleased with the food and service.
(4)Doug C.
Went to the Brown Dog for dinner over the holidays. Very pleased with the experience. Good service. Quality food. Made reservations. However, at least for this evening -- Thursday during the holiday week -- we had our choice of tables. Very nice atmosphere. Interestingly, the Brown Dog has a lively bar scene.
(4)Amy B.
I really really wanted to like Brown Dog Cafe. I mean, I respect an independent restaurant trying to stay afloat in a sea of chain restaurants in the suburbs. I visited during Restaurant Week which got us a prixe fixe menu of 3 courses for $30. I had a lot of expecations going into this meal. The ambiance was a bit uncomfortable and the decor seemed very bland. The food wasn't bland though! My entree (scallops) were good and the Restaurant Week menu was expansive. The price tag of the whole experience was reasonable during Restaurant Week even after getting wine and dessert. I'm not sure that I'd feel the same way if I had paid full price though. The regular prices are a bit much for the dishes we ordered. The service was terribly slow for a Monday evening. I left feeling pleasantly full, but fairly confident that I wouldn't be back any time soon. If you're in the area and looking to drop some cash in order to support an independent place then give it a shot. It sounds like I should give this place another shot for lunch.
(2)Alejandro A.
Boy, sometimes the food here is great. Tonight, it was pretty good too, except for the $32 market fish--with bacon?!? But the real problem was that the service was bad. I reserved a table using OpenTable and put a note that it was a birthday event. The restaurant didn't even acknowledge the birthday with a desert or a "happy birthday" hello. Poor showing. Why would I go there and drop another $108 on two people? Not again.
(2)Muthu A.
Pricy, good food, excellant service.
(5)David C.
This place is god awful. Food is 3.5 out of 5 but over priced. Service is HORRIBLE. Avoid this place at all costs. They are a good candidate for one of those 'Restaurant Rescue' shows.
(1)Greg F.
My wife and I have been twice, and both times we've come away with the same opinion: not impressed. It had been quite some time since our first visit, so long that neither of us could remember much about the restaurant; so reading the menu (and the prices) we thought maybe we should give it a second try and we expected something pretty special. We were both disappointed. My lamb chops were tough and lacked any depth of flavor beyond the sweet sauce. My wife's filet was very average and had vein of gristle running through it. I could maybe give it 3 stars, but the description associated with 2 stars ("Meh, I've experienced better") much more accurately describes my feelings given the price point. Knock $5 off the entrees, and I'd give it 3 stars, but this is nothing special for the price.
(2)Mark D.
My local fav for the NE Cincinnati area. Love to go here. Creative dishes from a family owned American fusion restaurant. The dishes that have attracted me most over the years blend in game meats like venison, boar and rabbit with the more traditional fare. Tuna can also be very good. The decor is contemporary, the wait staff can be a bit quirky, and the din is on the quiet side. Lots of brainstorming and idea hatching has been done here. Never let appearances deceive you! Locating a gem like this in a suburban strip mall behind a Bob Evans is no indicator of the goodness inside. Also, if you're into authentic Japanese fare, the restaurant is a little gem too!
(4)Terri P.
I ate here for a business dinner tonight and it was excellent!! They started out by bringing us warm bread with roasted garlic in olive oil... I could have eaten the roasted garlic with a spoon, it was delicious. Then we ordered the steamer pot and crab cake appetizers, both of which were delicious. The Steamer Pot is worth getting for that garlic cheese bread alone!! I had a grouper with herb butter special which was amazing, and they were able to accommodate a special request I had regarding swapping a side dish. For dessert, our table got creme brulee and carrot cake - both of which were outstanding. Honestly one of the best creme brulees I've ever had, and it's my favorite dessert so I get it a lot! The beer and wine list were great, and service was awesome too. The only con would be the price, though I agree with another commenter that it just feels expensive for the location that it's in... if it weren't in a strip mall, I wouldn't be phased by the prices, but it just feels odd. Well worth the cost though, it was fantastic!!
(5)Christian L.
Brown dog cafe is in a small strip mall, if it were not for the sounds of the yelp jungle drums about this place, my hopes would be low. But I have heard many good things about Brown dog cafe, and it did not disappoint one bit. The layout of the place is standard smaller restaurant style with tables and booths, but seemed a little strange the hostess was right inside the door. The Maza starter was very fresh and it seemed as if they had made it all to order. Next I had the Game plate, which consisted of a little Bambi(deer)steak, a piece of pumbaa(boar) fillet and finally Roger rabbit empanada. It was really a treat to try all 3 cuts of meat, and they were perfectly paired with small side dishes that complimented the different tastes! Kind of felt like Andrew Zimmeren while trying such uncommon items, all on one segregated plate! I will be back to try some of the other menu items. Only thing to put a finger on, was that the service was a little slow. NOT bad service just a little slow, but I think that is just the way they do things at Brown Dog cafe, which is cool in my book!
(4)Andy G.
Small Apps for the price... Entree was just ok
(2)Sheila C.
After reading the rave reviews, I was very excited to go to BDC during Restaurant Week. I hate to bring down the average, but it was sorely disappointing. Course 1: Blue Crab Corn Chowder - this was the best part of the whole meal. Very flavorful with a generous portion of sweet blue crab. Course 2: Scallops w/ Gnocchi - scallops were overcooked and a bit chewy. The gnocchi was good but overall I felt the dish was mundane. The flavors were muddied and components just seemed slapped together without any thoughtfulness. Course 3: Espresso Pot de Creme - Very nice and rich but nothing special. Service: Though courteous, waitstaff rushed us through our entire meal which added to the overall BLAH of this whole experience.
(3)Caroline C.
I've been to Brown Dog a number of times now, but the majority of these times are during restaurant week. Unfortunately, Brown Dog on any regular week is just a little to spendy to make it a regular stop. And as others have mentioned, the strip mall/suburban location is pretty unappealing. Perhaps this is what keeps Brown Dog out of the Cincinnati fine dining 'best of' conversations. The restaurant week menu always stands out to me as one of the best. This most recent week they offered a starter course, salad course, then a main. With our group of six we were able to try most of the dishes. The stand outs were the pork slider starter even though it was difficult to eat as a slider, deconstructed wellington with a generous slab of foie gras, tequila shrimp app with fresh, ripe fruit and the duck with quinoa and cherry sauce. Brown Dog seems to serve a variety of proteins that you don't usually see in Cincinnati... duck, venison, foie gras, boar and rabbit to name a few. Brown Dog also has a great wine list and the markup isn't ridiculous. They usually have 'wine specials' for an even better deal.
(4)Uday K.
Fun casual and ready. My favorite is the sweet potato ravioli. Is an off menu dish so ask for it. The bitter sweet chocolate is nice. Warning one scoop is more like three. Enjoy.
(4)Tommy B.
Amazing! Everything I have had here is great!
(5)L. D.
Visited on 7/9/12. I was just back from my Caribbean vacation and I tried to drown my sorrow in a bowl of Diver scallops which was very good. The goat cheese beet salad was tasty as well. I would go back to the Brown Dog without hesitation. Thanks to the past reviewers on mentioning the Subway, I was able to locate the subway a lot easier than the brown dog.
(4)Dawn B.
Wow! We had another amazing dinner tonight at BD. The food is always over the top. The service exceptional, especially Amanda tonight who was very helpful with the wine selection. Each dish was exquisitely prepared. The dessert was equally amazing. We love BD time after time. Have been going for several years and will keep going back
(5)Ryan C.
My wife and I wanted something different for lunch, so we decided to to check out Yelp! and find a new place. FIrst off, it was nice to see a place like this in the middle of a bunch of chains. Even though, you don't really see it since it's tucked way in the back of a really small shopping center. The service was nice but very slow. Maybe I'm just used to the lunch service in downtown where they get you in and out, but this place just seemed way too slow, especially for the price range. The clientele seemed old. I think we were the youngest people in there. We honestly felt like we were with the early bird dinner crowd in Anytown, Florida. The food is pretty good. I got a BBQ Bacon burger, which I was actually surprised with. Not because it tasted better than I was expecting but I was surprised about the Bacon. It wasn't really Bacon, but it was more like thick cut Ham. I don't mind that but I was just expecting Bacon. The burger was massive but it almost seemed like they were trying to make up in size for the taste of the food. All this being said, I would give this place another shot. I almost feel like I went on an off day just because of all the 5 star reviews.
(3)Josh O.
Located in a strip mall in Blue Ash, you never would expect this fine dining establishment to exist where is does. We had a $50 gift card we won for here, so we decided to give it a go. Pretty good food. We shared an appetizer and got an entree each. None of the food blew me away, it was good enough. They have a good selection of beer and wine, though. Service was passable, but not spectacular. It was definitely an older crowd. We were easily the youngest people there. Brown Dog Cafe is a decent option is you're in the area, but I wouldn't necessarily drive all the way out to Blue Ash just to dine there.
(3)Mike T.
My favorite restaurant in town based on sheer volume of my patronage (at least once a month). It's a great place to go for either lunch or dinner in the northeast quadrant of Cincy where you'll find new, innovative flavors and preparations on a regular basis. Everything is consistently delicious except for a miss or two on an entree special (out of 2-3 dozen visits). Chef McCoy has also begun regularly incorporating more health-conscious options into the menu, which has allowed me to visit even more often. The soups are always fantastic--probably neck and neck with Nectar for having the best in town on any given day. It's also THE place to go if you like game (venison, boar, rabbit, etc.) and especially if you are bored with the same old preparations of your favorite dishes (game or otherwise). Yes, the service can be lackadaisical, but for some reason, this is the only place that I'll tolerate it. Perhaps it's because it's kind of a mom and pop operation. Or maybe because it's in an unassuming strip center next to a Subway and I go in only expecting excellent food at reasonable prices, not necessarily excellent service, or ambiance for that matter (it's a fairly small space). Regardless, I'll be eating there about once a month for affordable, culinary amusement.
(5)Daria B.
What a surprise! Hidden away in a strip mall, behind Bob Evans and next to Subway, the Brown Dog Cafe is an unexpected charmer. Walking through the doors, you're transported into a quiet, peaceful restaurant with a bistro type menu. I was here with a friend and we were seated right away during lunch. A server brought us our beverages immediately. The menu featured a burger, sandwiches and wraps, salads (with the possibility of adding grilled chicken, steaks, etc), and an assortment of hot dishes. Both of us decided to go with the sweet potato ravioli with red pepper pesto, which came with the house salad (a good lunch deal four 10 bucks). We were served bread and our meals came out relatively quickly. The salad was well composed and tasty. The 4 pieces of ravioli were covered in a red pepper cream sauce with asparagus. There were chunks of cheese floating in the sauce as well. Delicious! Overall, a great spot for an out of the ordinary lunch. Highly recommend!
(4)John S.
Fives don't come easy by me, but the Brown Dog Cafe earns one! This is a neighborhood gem.....it's small, it's personal, they've got a nice, neighborly bar. Who cares if it's tucked away in a strip mall, behind a Bob Evans? Now for the food.....it's eclectic and whacky....so you want Wild Boar.....they've got it, as an example. They also have foods you'd recognize. I had Alaskan halibut, cooked to perfection, with two very unusual sauces (off to the side) bedded on a nice chutney. Terrific wine list, very nice ambiance: clean and soothing. Give this one a spin.....you won't regret it!
(5)Sarah B.
I've been here for lunch a few times, as I work nearby, and I'd be willing to make the drive out for dinner on a weekend too. Great, fresh, uniquely presented dishes; plenty of vegetarian options (and meaty ones too); and fantastic service. I recommend the veggie wrap and/or the maza plate (which is available at lunch as well as dinner, or at least it was the last time I went). Pro tip: if you're a tea fan, you have to check out their huge hot tea selection. They're also a member of the Cincinnati Independent Restaurant Association, so you can get points on your card toward a gift certificate with each visit. (I really wish more Cincy restaurants were a part of this group!)
(4)Dawny M.
Stopped by for dinner. Unfortunately there was a table of 8 women. They were so loud, obviously having a good time, but they were yelling to each other. Not a great atmosphere, because the place is too small for a loud group. I had steak and cake. The steak a small filet with wild mushrooms was very good and perfectly cooked. The crab cake was mostly bread with a not too original sauce on a strange tasting slaw. Decent wine by the glass selection but they were out of the one I ordered. So why a 4, because the steak was that good and I would go back just never order their crab cake again.
(4)Jeff B.
Great place. Wonderful food and service. We ordered several appetizers and a glass of wine. The sushi tuna roll, crab cake and sea food pot, all had great flavors and presentation. We will definitely be back in the future.
(4)Jeremy B.
A nice, quiet little place in a somewhat odd location. I was in Cincinnati for Junior Olympic national gymnastics championships and I might say that this was the sole redemption of a city otherwise devoid of beneficence! I'll be so glad to go back to Philadelphia but if you're ever stuck out here in Ohio, do give this place a visit! Good beers and eclectic menu.
(4)Ada K.
This visit to the Brown Dog Cafe was so unfortunate for my dinner date. There are few things in this world that I love more than duck, garlic and onions. I also love red velvet cake and capers and soy sauce, but this story is not about them. Our bread came with delicious garlic soaked in olive oil and herbs, which I dutifully consumed.... down to the last sweet clove. My duck confit came garnished with a handful of tender, marinated spring onion bulbs, and to my date's horror, I gobbled and smacked my way through them until my mouth burned. I'm sure that the onions and garlic were oozing out of my pores later that night, but I like to think that it was the smell of happiness.
(5)Tom K.
Thank you Brown Dog Cafe for a fantastic menu and experience on New Year's Eve. The fixed price five course menu and tremendous selection were suburb. We had a wonderful time. As a regular, I thought I knew what to expect. You exceeded it by taking it up a notch or three for the holilday.
(5)Alex S.
If you are one of those types of people that thinks you shouldn't judge a restaurant by its cover, Brown Dog Café is for you. "I hope that you'll forgive just good old fashioned plain-speaking." The outside of this place is sort of depressing, it has sort of a commercial, post-apocalyptic feel, but once you step inside you'll be transported to a stylish, hip restaurant comparable to one in any major city, Chicago, LA etc. I've eaten here twice, once for lunch with a friend and once for dinner with my girlfriend. The second time, I had the maza as an appetizer, which was really amazing. It's hummus, pita chips and all types of goodness like artichokes, olives and peppers. I definitely can't stress enough at this point that the food is not boring here, you will be impressed, tons of flavor and colors, great presentation. Then for dinner I had the caffeinated wild boar, my favorite part was that it was served with this little corncake with wilted greens on the top. Sooooo good. I don't know who he is, but I mean they've really got some chef in the kitchen. You'll leave thinking, "Shouldn't you move to NY and open some restaurant with a fancy name, like "Sustenance"? If I was going to recommend restaurants in Cincinnati to someone who had never been here, the Brown Dog Café would be high up on the list.
(5)Geo C.
The crispy duck was awesome. Good selection of beers and wines too. Definitely recommend this place.
(4)Ann N.
Simply excellent. Many have pointed out that a restaurant in a bland suburban strip mall might conjure up images of microwaved entrees and pre-packaged salads with deteriorating bottle dressings, but not here. The food is wonderfully prepared, fresh, and original. How many places can serve wild boar? challah bread pudding? jerked red snapper over greens and plantain mash? This was a great dining experience with delicious food and great service. Once you step inside, you will be in a lovely bistro and will forget about the unusual location. Go and enjoy! Live a little! Let's keep this gem in Blue Ash.
(5)SD L.
Above average. I appreciate their attempt at interesting food. I was there for a work celebration. One person had wild boar...nicely prepared. I had scallops - pretty well prepared but not amazing. A little pricey but a nice change from the chain restaurants around it
(3)Amy C.
Food quality is good, though small portions. Food arrangement and ambience is nice too, where the food and everything was definitely better than you'd expect from what it looks like on street (in strip mall). It is higher priced and I thought the restaurant service was a bit slow, which is reason for the 4 star, though I think that may be the intention (it's even noted in the menu to relax).
(4)Heather J.
Went in the spring for Restaurant Week - really excellent food - especially for a classy joint in a strip mall. It's odd - I mean - it's expensive and fancy - but yet - in a strip mall. Well worth it!
(4)