Made-to-order breakfasts---including over a dozen unique flapjacks---stack the odds in this restaurant's favor.

by Contributor

In Short
Founded in Oregon circa 1953, this simply-furnished spot owes its success to its creative menu and fresh ingredients. Batters are made on the premises; a special "sourdough starter" keeps treats from tasting overly sweet. Patrons choose from eggs, waffles, crepes and oven-baked omelets, as well as signature plates like blueberry pancakes (served with or without compote), giant cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, thin and chewy "49-ers" and the air-filled, lemon-and-sugar-topped "Dutch Baby."

05/29/08

You'll have to wait, but the food is great!

by dschissler

Far and away my favorite breakfast joint, period. I used to like First Watch, but recently their food has been, I don't know, bland. The OPH has the most delicous breakfast food around. Their Banana Crepes are out of sight. I've never had a bad meal at the OPH, so I'm a little confused seeing a few have. If you have never been here, do yourself a favor and go.

• Pros: The food, quick for the # of people there
• Cons: The wait is a little longer than other places

07/08/07

No longer our favorite

by sailingjunkie

We have been regular customers since 1997, and in the last six months, we have noticed a change in the once exceptional customer service.

A case in point; I try to limit my intake of carbs. Although it's a "pancake" restaraunt, all of the food is great (the best bacon in town). When I asked the server if I could substitute sliced tomatoes for the pancakes, she stated, very coldly, as if annoyed by the request, that they would not, and she would have to charge me for them. So, I ordered the tomatoes and the pancakes, then, just left the pancakes. When we received the bill, there was an additional charge of $1.50 for three, very thin slices of tomato. (For the record, I deducted the $1.50 from her tip)

Clearly it makes no sense, and certainly goes a long way on promoting poor customer relations. So, to the "powers that be" at this location, you are likely losing a regular customer (a local resident)...and one that not only shares experiences like this with neighbors, friends and colleagues, but also has an email list consisting of over 1000 people. Remember, today's success does NOT guarantee that you won't fail tomorrow, and most importantly, word of mouth can make or break ANY business.

In closing, my rating is for the service and lack of proactive thinking on the part of management.

Now, for all of you...for a fabulous breakfast at a place where you won't be charged for substitutions, a warm and friendly environment and customer service, beyond reproach, try the National Exemplar in Mariemont or the First Watch, just up the road in Kenwood.

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: Decling customer service

06/09/07

Are you kidding me?

by cincymitch

I tried this place for the second time and was hugely disappointed yet again. The first time I tried it was more than 10 years ago because I always saw a line there so I figured it must be great. It was a long wait for my friends and I for average food. We were so disappointed we never went back. After reading the reviews on here I thought I'd give it a second try....wish I had not. Again, much ado about nothing. While I was there the table next to me were discussing how disappointed they were too. I understand the food takes a while to prepare, but for the lenght of time it took you'd think it would taste good. Our server never spoke to us except to ask what we wanted, the rest of the time she frowned and treated us as if we were a bother.There are much better places in this city for breakfast, thank goodness. Thumbs down!

• Pros: Cant think of one
• Cons: Too many to list

12/27/06

THE BEST

by dolemike77

I HAVE TO THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE TWICE KNOW.THE FIRST TIME I LOVED IT , I GOT THE WESTERN OMLETE.IT WAS SOOO GOOD AND BIG IT IS HARD TO EAT EVERYTHING THEY GIVE YOU. THE SECOND TIME I WENT I TOOK FRIENDS AND FAMILY ,THEY ALL LOVED IT ALSO. THEY WERE AMAZED AT THE TYPE AND QUALITY OF FOOD SERVED THERE.A++

• Pros: LOTS OF FOOD FOR YOUR MONEY
• Cons: SOMETIMES A WAIT TIME, SOME DISHES TAKE 15 TO 20 MIN TO COOK

02/12/04

#1 Breakfast in Cincy

by catsnfrogs84

This place is AWSOME! Though you may have up to an hour wait, it is so worth it. Get there early and be one of the first in line. The food is great!!!! It takes a while to make so, I suggest to read the menu while waiting in line so you know what to order when you get seated. I would highly recomentd OPH to everyone. HUGE portions of food you don't go home hungery. Yummy!!!!

• Pros: Affordable, Family Atmosphere, Great Food
• Cons: , Service is average

05/20/03

Principle, not Policy

by ebarber

My pregenant wife enjoyed the food so much that, after giving birth early on May 2 (at Bethesda North Hospital), she requested I get her an TOPH omelete. After standing in line for over thirty minutes, the manager informed me their policy was not to do "to-go-orders" when busy. I could sit and eat, but not place an order for my wife.

I explained my situation, and was appalled he insisted she would not get anything to eat from them. I went down the road to First Watch and was in-and-out in 15 minutes.

I understand the concept of a "policy", but the basis of any good business (especially in the service industry) should be "Principles". Things such as "the customer is always right", or "making an exception in a special situation".

I have a "Principle" : 'You don't want my business, you don't get it'

• Pros: inexpensive
• Cons: crowded, no reservations

01/01/03

Must visit!

by jnk2f

This definately deserves to be number one on the list. The menu is exceptional! They have a whole host of unconventional breakfast pancakes like apple smothered and dutch boys, which I highly recommend! This is a must visit!

• Pros: amazing food, excellent environment
• Cons: slightly pricey, longish wait

11/24/02

Best Breakfast

by yjhoward

This restaurant is a Cincinnati treasure... The food is excellent and the service is good. This is a wonderful place to eat. I recommend it to all my friends.

11/06/02

#1 for breakfast!!

by new2cincy

This might just be the best breakfast I've ever had! I am a big crepes fan and theirs is wonderful! From fresh OJ to a menu where you can't go wrong, this is a breakfast delight!

• Pros: Food, Menu, Service
• Cons: Always crowded