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Brown Dog Cafe, Blue Ash, OH

Brown Dog Cafe

4.3
4.3
2877 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Join us for Cincinnati Restaurant Week from September 20-26! We will be serving a three course dinner menu designed for everyone to enjoy. You can make reservations under OpenTable's "Experiences" section. See you soon!

Good food that is not pretentious, this is the motto of Brown Dog Cafe owner and executive chef, Shawn McCoy. McCoy and his culinary team offer spirited, playful dishes that reflect the diverse influences on American food today. The Brown Dog Cafe continues to specialize in wild game preparation.

The Brown Dog Cafe provides casual fine dining for personal as well as business dinners. Our bar is a fun, personable place for drinks.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wild Game, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (513) 794-1610
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Shawn McCoy
  • Catering
    Executive Chef Shawn McCoy will be pleased to personalize a catering menu for your wedding, anniversary, or corporate event.
  • Private party facilities
    Private events are available for the patio and our back room.
  • Neighborhood
    Blue Ash
  • Cross street
    Glendale-Milford Rd and Reed Hartman
  • Parking details
    PARKING LOT AT PARK
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,877 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

2,877 Reviews
  1. yukiniki

    Cincinnati

    154 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    154 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Annette( I think was her name) was our Server and did a great job! Tomato basil soup-- to die for! Brussels sprouts with a fried egg on top, was different but tasty ! Always have had good foods/service here. Highly recommend and will be back ! Thank you !

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  2. JohnB

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner at the Brown Dog Cafe the other night, I had the Wild Boar, Beet salad and Southern Fried Shrimp. My wife had the Stuffed Perch which she said was delicious.

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  3. Star

    Cincinnati

    46 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was good as always. Server didn't have much personality and took a drink away before we were finished (alcoholic drink). She didn't even ask; she just whisked by and took it away.

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  4. DanaW

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience1
    4 of us dined at Brown Dog on a Saturday evening. I had specifically asked if we could dine outdoors. There were many outdoor tables available. The host told me “possibly” when I asked about dining outside, but then we were seated indoors without any explanation. Here it was a beautiful evening be they stuck us in a dimly lit corner. Which would have been fine if it was the only table available but that didn’t appear to be the case. We weren’t too far from the kitchen and it was very loud. It sounded like trays of dishes were being dropped off every couple of minutes. The food was good, but not something we can’t wait to eat again.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    The food was not that great. Wild boar was way undercooked and took most of the meal to get it back. The mixed grill was fatty and not great Not a good value for the prices

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was good , but on the expensive side , wife got a salad and added chicken and it was about 24 bucks. Server was great. Menu is limited during lunch hours on weekends as they are in Brunch … didn’t see that on the website but I may have missed it.

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  7. PaulB

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    We really like this place. Food was good and waiter was very helpful. The only drawback they did not provide printed receipt. Waiter just told us total amount including tips. I was hosting the party and was not in the position to start checking and arguing. That is the first time, when check was not provided.

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  8. BruceR

    Charlotte

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We had a nice dinner for two while we were in town for an event.

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  9. SueH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We were told Saturday brunch menu is limited so we were disappointed not to be able to order some favorites which was why we decided to go there

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  10. foodlovers

    Louisville

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We met friends we hadn’t seen for years. They arrived before us and we’re very well taken care of by the staff. Our table was graciously changed to allow us more privacy. We we not rushed yet our server was very attentive to our needs. We do not live in the area but our friends do. I’m sure they will be back more often than we can enjoy the great menu and ambiance.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Mahi-mahi with crab on top was delicious. Brown dog is a good restaurant.

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  12. tibbar

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Salmon was Amazing! All 4 loved our meals. Pinot Grigio was completely flat and they would not replace it. Such a shame.

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  13. Eataround

    Cincinnati

    132 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    132 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was absolutley delicious! The combos for lunch were amazing. Fresh and delicious!

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  14. StephenK

    Detroit

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Our server was great. But the restaurant’s service was poor. We ordered an appetizer that never showed up. Our main course came out way too quickly. They offered a 3 course special which include dessert. We asked if any of the desserts were gluten free and were told yes. However when it came time to order dessert we were informed that no gluten free desserts were available and the desserts that were available were

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    They were very accommodating of our large group with kids and the servers were awesome!!!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Desserts were uninspiring and our booth felt a bit cramped. But the corn chowder was delicious.

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  17. TheFoodites

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Always great food! Service can be hit or miss at times. I’ve dined here several times and more often then not the servers will ask if you are ready immediately after you sit down and if you say no, they takes forever to come back around. That being said I will be back. Good is great!!

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  18. Buckeye

    Cincinnati

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated in the bar in a booth. The bartenders are rock stars. They were all over making us awesome drinks and very attentive to our food order. The wild boar and NY Strip were excellent! The cherry/apple cobbler with ice cream was amazing! We live in SE Indiana about 45 mins from Brown Dog, and this was our 3rd visit. We love this place and will continue to come back.

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  19. BeverlyT

    Cincinnati

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed Saturday brunch. Loved the Bloody Marys, food and service.

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  20. DonE

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrating (2) birthdays which was perfect.

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  21. FandS

    Cincinnati

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and the service was great! The truffle fries were amazing!

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  22. JLee

    Cincinnati

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    The restaurant is significantly understaffed. While the restaurant was not at capacity and we were seated promptly - we waited 15 mins for a server to take even a drink order. Food was ordered when drinks were ordered. Our table waited 30 mins for half of the dinners and another 15 minutes for the remaining order (in total one salad and 2 kids meals). We couldn’t find our waitress or any staff to help let alone even get a refill on water. While I believe she was probably doing the best she could the experience was disappointing.

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  23. siestakey4

    Denver

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was very good- our wait to be assisted on arrival for our reservation seemed inappropriately long and the wait for our good was lengthy. In spite of these points I’d still give it a very good rating - service was very good even though she clearly was stretched thin and once good arrived it was delicious! Just some bugs to work out but worth it!

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  24. Millie

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    If I could give no stars I would. First time dining in and it will be our last. Upon arrival there was no greeting, no acknowledgement of existence so I had to get the hosts attention to check in for our 5:45 reservation. The resturant seemed like a mess, so many dirty tables, the booth seats were pilled and in bad condition, not to mention the table placement was far too close to the seats it was uncomfortable to dine at. The bathrooms were not well kept at all. Service was beyond slow, we told our server we were ready to order upon first greeting (because we had a feeling it would take a while) I clocked us putting our order in at 6:07pm- asked for our child’s meal to come out ahead of everything else, we didn’t get our food until 6:57. A whole 50 mins for fries, tenders and 2 burgers. And our burgers came out wrong. We even sat outside in the dark for a while until my husband had to ask if they could turn some lights on. It was a horrible experience, we even bonded with other customers due to our shared dining misery. This resturant needs better training on every level. Management needs to step up.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. TrishaF

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Had reservations - hostess sat party that arrived behind us (they had reservations at the same time) so we had to wait another 30 mins. No apologies, no explanations. Food was really good, and service was okay. May come back but it will be awhile since there are other restaurants with better service.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious burgers and drinks! Their fries are my favorite!

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  27. Ronaldo

    Cincinnati

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience5
    I have been to this restaurant many times before and usually the service and food are excellent. This time, however, both suffered terribly. The food quality was way below par and service was also way below par. If management is reading this, please take note.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful environment. It’s a bit loud on a busy night, but not so loud that we had trouble with conversation. Service is nicely paced for an enjoyable date night, not too fast, but not too slow. Food was exceptional.

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  29. JeffreyS

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very good. Would definitely go back.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Good service and food. Really nice place for a quiet dinner

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  31. ValerieB

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most delicious burger I've ever had! Can't wait to go back.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The pomegranate mule mocktail was light and refreshing - not too sweet. You can’t go wrong with the Brix bread appetizer. I got the New York strip steak which was cooked to the perfect temperature but a little under seasoned and I’m used to eating low sodium. The asparagus and goat cheese garlic mashed potatoes were very good. And I definitely recommend the key lime pie for dessert! My server was very friendly and helpful and paced the meal very well.

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  33. GPMP

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and service first time at this restaurant and great experience will return

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  34. DebB

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    We love the Brown Dog! That said, we were a bit disappointed that the food, all of it, seemed very salty. Not up to the standard we were accustomed to.

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  35. RickD

    Cincinnati

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Good noon gathering with friends. Our server could have been more attentive to details . ..served ice tea without asking for or bringing sweetener.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great spot for an upscale casual dinner.

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  37. JohnC

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Steak was average wldnt get again there. Details have gone down hill: bathrms not maintained/clean & hole or hook on wall in back where we sat no picture on wall??? Requested a booth but stuck at table in back. It use to be a lot better all the way around so wish it still was.

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  38. CarlS

    Cincinnati

    117 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    117 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Everything was very good. Service from Natalie was excellent and food very good. It was the first time in almost two years returning after a very bad service experience in 2021. After this visit we will definitely be back.

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  39. KKKKK

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Let's skip this one completely. BDC has really deteriorated since its previous location. We ordered an Avo toast for brunch on Saturday. Firstly - it was served on thin slices of bread (should have been thick toast). Secondly - the avocado mash was completely oxidized (i.e. not fresh at all !!!) and had chopped tomatoes on it (who puts that on an avocado toast???) Thirdly - the server seemed to want to rush us out. She didn't even let us order dessert and just left the check. Granted we took out sweet time to finish up drinks and pay but still.. Overall - please skip this place and just go somewhere else. The food was just plain bad.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. Amaj

    Cincinnati

    74 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    74 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Surprised lately with the lack of good customer service from Brown Dog. Called last week to see what the wait was and was told “we have nothing” with a hang up. Last night we had a reservation and the service was just ok. Our server didn’t want to be there. Food was good but not like usual. Very salty on veggies and potatoes weren’t good. Steak was good and the basil slaw too. Dirty dishes and empty glasses no refill on water unless we asked. This is not the norm and hope to see a change Price was high for the overall experience

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Brown Dog Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 794-1610.

Brown Dog Cafe is rated 4.3 stars by 2877 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Brown Dog Cafe

1000 Summit Place, Suite A, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Glendale-Milford Rd and Reed Hartman
  • Neighborhood
    Blue Ash
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Wild Game, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    PARKING LOT AT PARK
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Shawn McCoy
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (513) 794-1610
  • Catering
    Executive Chef Shawn McCoy will be pleased to personalize a catering menu for your wedding, anniversary, or corporate event.
  • Private party facilities
    Private events are available for the patio and our back room.
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