Brandywine Inn

Have meant to try this for years and if your in the same boat don’t wait as they will soon close … the chef is retiring.
Loved the atmosphere in this charming historical location. It is french without taking itself too seriously. They are opened limited days and highly recommend preordering which was a bit unusual. It’s a s mn all place abs dress warm as it was cold up there .but food and service were both delightful. We opted for the multi course meal… got both and shared.
Looking forward to the surf and turf in Feb as our last hurray there … sorry they are closing.
They don’t accept credit cards so be prepared for that.

Last night, my husband and I went to this delicious restaurant. The downtown area in Monroe is TINY and this is the nicest restaurant in town and it is really nice. French cuisine. Tiny menu. So we went there. Chef was married to the hostess who were both the owners. One waitress. The food. To die for. The bread and butter was so fresh and delicious. For an appetizer we had mushrooms on toast which was put in a ramekin and broiled. Such amazing mushroom sauce and wow. We got the chicken and oh my goodness. Plus there was a purée of carrots, sweet potatoes, and curry. It was a perfect pairing even though I would never have considered it. Broccoli was steamed in a butter sauce. Stuffed chicken. Just all yum. And their Long Island was on point also. We got to chat with the hostess/​owner about the joys of their impending retirement. So if you know of someone who wants to own a restaurant halfway in between Cincinnati and Dayton in a GORGEOUS house from 1850 that has a lot of history, hit them up. They’ll give you a good deal.

Great food. Amazingly nice people. I got the lamb. Very affordable. The ambience is very cottage-​in-​the-​wood. They keep their short and simple menu on their website, and they update it often. I called for reservations on a Saturday without any problems.

This is a hidden gem! Great food, attentive service, and we were able to get a table without waiting. Restaurants like this anywhere else have waiting lists and lines out the door. For a short drive up I-​75 from most northern Cincinnati ‘burbs you’re guarenteed a great meal. We had lobster and filet. Their house Cab is a perfect match. We’ll definatly be going back!

This was a last minute selection on a very hungry late-​dinner night with my fiancé’s family. We happened upon some seating left for the night and sat down without knowing what to expect (or at least I didn’t). We were greeted by the chef’s wife immediately and she helped explain how they do things as far as the menu and ordering goes. The menu is select and made fresh according to season and the chef’s whim. They have superb bread that is different every month, according to season and holiday (chocolate in February, for example). We were surprised to find chocolate rye in our basket and I’ve been thinking about it ever since!
We all ordered according to what was left of the menu, which wasn’t a problem, because as far as I can tell we aren’t a picky bunch and were quite hungry at that point. I had the mushrooms and toast, which I could have made into a meal itself. So delicious (I should mention I’m really obsessed with mushrooms right now). I sampled someone else’s shrimp and that was tasty as well, but the mushrooms definitely won the majority vote from the table. I had a salmon dish as my entrée. It was moist and light, but full of flavor. Our server was actually really patient and pleasant. Probably some of the best service I’ve ever experienced. There was a mixup with a drink order (a result of mishearing and a little bit of a strange order) and she not only saw the humor in it, but felt comfortable enough after that to joke around with us for the rest of the night.
Dessert was ordered at the end of the meal, but, to be honest, I barely remember it. I was so full from dinner and my mind was stuck on those mushrooms. I do recall an apple something or other that was fantastic (pie, pastry, turnover?). (I should also mention that I’m not a huge dessert eater. I like a sweet here and there, but often go for cookies or sweet snacks, which is probably why dessert didn’t really punctuate the dinner experience for me.)
The atmosphere was warm and a bit like being in grandma’s house, which is what they seem to be going for. A little update to the décor couldn’t hurt, though.
Our perfect visit here was finished off the way it began: the chef’s wife came over to our table for a chat. She was warm and lovely. We learned a lot about the history of Brandywine and the background of their family. She was more than happy to relate her feelings about the whole experience of owning and running this historical building.
If you ask me or any one of us that happened upon this establishment that night, you’ll probably get a hearty and unanimous recommendation. These are good people running a good restaurant and building a rich history that anyone in the area should really experience at least once.

I’m not sure this restaurant should be listed in the French category, although they do serve an amazing Chateaubriand. I agree with everything Kris H. said. I’d add that reservations are needed, the menu is limited, and they don’t accept credit cards. Don’t let any of that deter you, though, everything about the Brandywine is darn near perfect.

This is the best kept secret in greater Cincinnati. The Brandywine Inn is a small family-​owned French restaurant that’s been on Main St. in Monroe for over 20 years. You’ll be greeted at the door by Doris, one of the owners. And when seated, you’ll be enjoying the work of her husband, the chef. Everything in the restaurant is hand picked, and often hand made (the tables, for example, were made by the chef… as was much of the art). The atmosphere is very personal but slightly restrained. You’ll be surprised to spend less at the Brandywine Inn for an amazing fresh personalized dish than you would at a chain restaurant for a thawed out steak dinner. And there’s a great patio where you can enjoy a drink before you’re seated. They’re only open Thursday through Saturday, and calling for reservations is usually your best bet.