Some brunch dishes don’t whisper your name — they shout it across state lines.
At Taste of Belgium at The Banks in Cincinnati, chicken and waffles isn’t just a menu item. It’s a reason to set an alarm, pile into the car, and point yourself toward the river.
People arrive hungry and slightly obsessed.
The waffles land golden and crisp, ready to soak up every drop of syrup. The chicken shows up hot, juicy, and boldly seasoned.
Sweet meets savory. Crunch meets comfort.
Forks move fast. Talking slows way down.
This spot buzzes from morning through midday, fueled by coffee, laughter, and plates that never seem to come back empty. Locals bring visitors here with pride.
Out-of-towners leave plotting a return trip.
That’s how a brunch favorite earns legend status. When people willingly cross Ohio just for one plate, it’s no trend.
It’s devotion served hot, sticky, and unforgettable.
Why the Chicken and Waffles Are Worth the Drive
The first forkful explains everything. A caramelized Liège waffle, dense and tender with pearl sugar crunch, anchors crisp, juicy chicken that stays shockingly moist beneath its seasoned crust.
You taste real balance: sweet edges from the waffle, savory heat from the chicken, and a whisper of maple rounding it out.
Order it classic or go spicy Nashville style if you like a kick. The portion feels generous without tipping into regret, and the textures are the star.
You cut through that lacquered waffle surface and hear the tiniest crackle, then meet buttery softness that stands up to the chicken’s crunch.
Syrup on the side lets you steer sweetness, while hot sauce and a quick pickled garnish brighten each bite. You will notice how well it pairs with strong coffee or a citrusy mimosa, depending on your mood.
It is comfort food with training wheels off, dialed for craveability.
People genuinely drive hours for this exact plate, and it makes sense once you taste the craft. The Banks location has the view and the energy that turns brunch into a mini occasion.
Arrive hungry, share a bite, then guard the rest closely. You will not want leftovers.
Perfect Timing: When To Go And What To Expect
Timing matters if you want a relaxed brunch. Weekdays right after opening are the smoothest, especially around 8 to 9 am, with quick seating and fresh waffles flying from the irons.
Weekends get busy around game days, so plan ahead if the Reds or Bengals are playing.
The Banks has a lively flow, and you will feel it at the host stand. Put your name in, then stroll the riverfront or peek at the stadiums nearby.
The vibe is casual, upbeat, and kid friendly, with high chairs, booth seating, and a menu broad enough to keep picky eaters happy.
Portions are ample, and service leans warm and efficient even when the line stretches. Coffee and bar programs keep things moving, so grabbing a latte or mimosa while you wait is easy.
Hours shift by day, but mornings start early and there is generous evening service midweek. If you are a planner, aim for weekday breakfast or a late afternoon lull.
If you love buzz and energy, lean into peak brunch. Either way, the waffle irons never stop singing.
How To Order Like A Regular
Start by locking in the chicken and waffles, then build around it with shareables. Frites with the curry ketchup and malt vinegar mayo are a sleeper hit, crisp outside and fluffy inside.
If you want a local nod, add a side of goetta for a Cincinnati twist that plays well with eggs.
Not feeling fried? Try a savory crepe or the Classic Bennie on a waffle base for a sweet savory contrast.
Ask to keep syrup on the side so you can tune sweetness. Coffee drinkers should grab a cappuccino or latte, while brunch fans might sample the mimosa flight for something playful.
If you prefer heat, the Nashville chicken option brings a tidy burn without overwhelming the waffle’s caramel notes. For lighter appetites, split the main and supplement with a granola parfait or a simple side salad.
Gluten mindful guests can speak with the team about options and modifications.
Ordering like a regular means balancing richness with brightness. Think one indulgent anchor, one crispy side, one fresh element, and a drink you actually want.
You will leave satisfied, not sleepy. And yes, take a waffle to go.
Someone at home will thank you.
Inside Scoop On The Liège Waffle
This is not your standard batter waffle. It is a yeasted dough waffle, studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes against the hot iron.
That is why the edges crackle, the center stays tender, and the sweetness feels integrated rather than syrup dependent.
The result is portable, snackable, and wildly versatile. It handles fried chicken, ham, and eggs, or just a dusting of powdered sugar, equally well.
You can take bites plain and still get complexity from butter, vanilla, and caramel tones.
Because the structure is dough driven, the waffle holds heat longer and stands up to sauces. No soggy collapse here, even under hollandaise or spicy honey.
It is also denser, so one waffle goes a long way, which helps when sharing plates across the table.
If you love texture, order it fresh and listen for the gentle crunch when your knife taps the top. If you like contrast, pair with something bright like berries or citrus.
And if you want maximum comfort, add chicken, a drizzle of syrup, and a side of hot coffee. Suddenly, waiting in line makes perfect sense.
Brunch Drinks: Coffee, Beer, And Mimosas
Good brunch drinks should complement the food, not fight it. The coffee program covers basics well, from straightforward drip to lattes with seasonal flavors.
When the waffle leans sweet, a strong espresso cut keeps each bite lively rather than heavy.
If brunch is your social hour, the mimosa flight is a crowd pleaser. Citrus variations play nicely with fried chicken and savory crepes, brightening rich bites and resetting your palate.
Order one to share if you want a taste without committing to a full pour.
Leaning Belgian? The draft list often features crisp, food friendly options that love salt and crunch.
A light, effervescent beer can be magic with frites and chicken, cutting through fat while keeping flavors crisp. If you are lingering, alternate with water to stay fresh.
There is no wrong answer here, just balance. Coffee early, bubbles mid meal, beer if you are stretching into lunch.
Ask your server for what is pouring or which seasonal latte the team is excited about. Then sip intentionally.
The right drink makes a good plate unforgettable.
Making A Game Day Brunch Plan
On game days, plan like a pro. Arrive early for first seating, or wait until the initial rush clears after kickoff.
If the line is long, grab a coffee to go and enjoy the riverfront until your table is ready.
Order fast with a short list in mind: chicken and waffles, frites, and one drink. Stadium energy can make decisions harder than usual.
Having your picks ready keeps the table moving and gets hot food in front of you while it is at peak.
Parking can be tricky, so budget time for garages or street spots. Rideshares help if you want that mimosa flight without juggling keys.
The patio is prime when the weather cooperates, and inside seating turns buzzy without feeling cramped.
If you are meeting a group, split checks by item to speed things up. Tip your server well, especially during the rush, and you will feel that good service karma on your next visit.
Then head to the game happy, caffeinated, and carrying a to go waffle. That is a winning pregame ritual.
What Locals Recommend Beyond The Classic
Once you have conquered the chicken and waffles, dig into the local favorites list. The hot brown on a waffle hits that creamy, toasty comfort note in a fun format.
Savory crepes bring thin, delicate wrappers around hearty fillings without weighing you down.
Goetta appears as a side or in sandwiches, delivering peppery, crispy edges that love eggs. Poutine and frites with sauces scratch the snack itch when you want to share.
If you like variety, the waffle flight is a playful way to compare toppings and textures with friends.
On weeknights, watch for burger or mussels specials that make dinner feel like a low key treat. A simple salad alongside something rich keeps the balance right.
Ask what the team is excited about that week and you will usually land on something great.
The best move is mixing one signature with one curveball. You get the nostalgia factor and a new favorite in the same meal.
Keep notes on your phone if you like chasing menu items across seasons. Then come back and repeat the hits.
The waffle never disappoints.
Navigating The Banks: Parking, Lines, And Seating
Arrive with a plan and you will thank yourself later. Street parking fills quickly on weekends, so the garages along Freedom Way or just off Joe Nuxhall Way are your best bet.
Validate if available, then head toward the patio hosts where the line forms fast but moves with purpose.
Put your name in, grab a text alert, and take a quick loop along the riverfront if the wait stretches. Lines look long yet turn faster than expected because tables flip steadily.
Larger groups should request split seating to shave minutes off the clock.
Inside, seating ranges from high tops to banquettes, all buzzy but manageable. Sound carries, so pick a corner if you want conversation without shouting.
Window spots frame stadium views when events pulse nearby.
Solo or duo? Sit at the bar for speed and front row action near the waffle irons.
Patio season adds precious capacity and breezy comfort. Keep your order ready when the host calls your name and you will be diving into waffles before your coffee cools.
Price, Portions, And Value: What You Will Spend
Sticker shock does not land here because portions work hard. Chicken and waffles arrive generously plated, with enough crunch and syrup-catching crevices to satisfy without needing add-ons.
If you are splitting, pair one main with a shareable side to cover both sweet and savory.
Expect prices that match downtown Cincinnati without drifting into special occasion territory. Coffee refills and carafes of mimosas help spread value across the table.
Kids can nibble waffles minus the heat, trimming cost while keeping smiles intact.
Brunch creep is real, so set a mental number before ordering extras. Sausage, bacon, and fruit bowls are solid but optional.
The Liège waffle upgrade earns every dollar thanks to its caramelized edges and sturdy crumb.
Tip your server well because the floor stays busy and timing remains tight. Splitting checks is common, but flag it early to speed things up.
Bottom line: you will leave full, happy, and convinced the drive made sense for both appetite and wallet.
Family Friendly And Gluten Considerations
Bring the crew without fear. High chairs appear quickly, crayons sometimes materialize, and waffles are universal diplomacy with picky eaters.
Ask for extra plates and the staff will keep things moving so little hands can share without chaos.
Gluten questions come up often because the waffle is the star. Traditional Liège dough contains wheat, so clarify needs upfront.
The team can guide you toward safer sides, salads, and proteins while steering away from cross contact risks.
Communicate allergies before you sit if possible, especially during peak times. Servers will check with the kitchen and flag potential surprises.
Syrups, spice blends, and fryers deserve a double check.
Noise levels rise, which helps families blend right in. Time your visit early for breathing room and quicker refills.
When everyone needs a reset, step outside to the riverfront path, then return ready for one more bite of crisp chicken over that caramel-sugar waffle.