National Exemplar

4.8

1889 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

The National Exemplar, located on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, is a popular neighborhood restaurant. It offers American-style cuisine in its spacious dining room or relaxing outdoor patio. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the National Exemplar offers an outstanding experience.

Southerby’s Pub, located off the lobby, offers dining as well as a cozy place to have a drink and features oversized chairs overlooking one of the original 1920’s fireplaces. In the evening settle down in an over-stuffed sofa and savor a drink with the locals in this intimate lobby pub.

In April of 1983, The National Exemplar began operation in the Mariemont, Ohio landmark, the Mariemont Inn. The Inn was constructed in the mid-1920's as a small piece of the very unique Mariemont community, founded by Mary Emery. The National Exemplar Restaurant was named after learning that Mary Emery once referred to her developing community as the National Exemplar, meaning national model community.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(513) 271-2103
Website
http://www.nationalexemplar.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Ed P.
Catering
Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
Private party facilities
We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.

Location
6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Neighborhood
Mariemont
Cross street
Plainville Road
Parking details
Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
Entertainment
Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Traditional Breakfast$11.99
two fresh cage-free eggs* cooked any style with your choice of hardwood smoked bacon, griddled ham, pork sausage or glier's goetta. served with whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves & seasoned breakfast potatoes
Tri-Fecta$12.29
two fresh cage-free eggs* cooked any style with your choice of belgian waffle or a multi-grain pancake. plus, your choice of hardwood smoked bacon, griddled ham, pork sausage or glier's goetta

Fresh Start

Steel Cut Oats$8.99
topped with house macerated berries, fresh sliced banana & toasted pecans served with low-fat milk, brown sugar & fresh baked muffin of the day
Strawberry & Banana Crepe$9.99
fresh sliced strawberry & banana, mascarpone, maple pecan granola & local ohio honey
Avocado Toast$11.99
thick cut quinoa artisan toast topped with crushed avocado, hard boiled egg, chili oil, arugula & queso fresco
Protein Packed Quinoa Bowl$11.79
house smoked chicken breast, scrambled cage free egg whites, kale, carrots, black beans, roasted tomato, basil pesto, cotija cheese & baby arugula

Middle Griddle

Multi-Grain Pancakes
made from scratch, served with warm maple syrup & whipped butter
- One$6.29
- Two$8.29
Belgian Waffle$9.99
a light airy waffle topped with powdered sugar, served with warm maple syrup
Berry French Toast$11.49
thick cut sixteen bricks sourdough dredged in custard batter, topped with whipped butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon & macerated berries
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes$11.29
Fresh ricotta cheese lightly folded into our multi-grain batter. Served as a stack of two pancakes topped with macerated berries & creamy lemon curd

Egg-Cellent Dishes

Classic Eggs Benedict$12.49
two poached cage-free eggs* atop a toasted english muffin piled high with country ham & vine-ripened tomatoes topped with hollandaise sauce
Farmhouse Breakfast Hash$12.89
two cage-free eggs cooked any style, bacon, avocado, roasted onions & tomatoes with cheddar & monterey jack cheese
Garden Vegetable Hash$12.79
two cage-free eggs cooked any style, roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, crimini mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, crispy onions & whipped boursin cheese
Breakfast Tacos$11.69
cage free scrambled eggs, chorizo, smoked chicken shredded cheese blend, avocado, salsa verde & pico de gallo served in flour tortillas

Omelets

Ham & Gruyère Omelet$11.89
country ham, gruyère cheese & fresh herbs
Bacon & Avocado Omelet$12.49
hardwood smoked bacon, fresh avocado, monterey jack topped with pico de gallo & sour cream
Works Omelet$12.49
griddled ham, bacon, pork sausage, roasted seasonal vegetables with monterey jack & cheddar cheese
Southwestern Omelet$11.99
fire roasted green chiles, sautéed onions, chorizo, black beans, cilantro, cotija cheese, lime crema & topped with salsa verde
Veggie Omelet$11.99
market inspired omelet filled with the weeks freshest veggies & topped with feta cheese

Breakfast & Brunch Sides

Fresh Baked Muffin$3.09
Fresh Fruit Bowl$5.99
Lightly Dressed Mixed Organic Greens$3.49
Seasoned Breakfast Potatoes$3.69
Hardwood Smoked Bacon$5.49
Pork Sausage$4.49
Griddled Ham$4.49
Glier's Goetta$5.09
Thick Cut Artisan Bread$2.19
English Muffin$1.99
Udi's Gluten Free Toast$2.19

Choose 2 Lunch Special

1/2 sandwich - soup - salad - $10.99

Sandwich
donnas chicken salad, mariemont club, french dip, reuben
Salad
lightly dressed mixed organic greens, caesar, arugula-kale salad
Soup
signature hungarian mushroom soup or soup of the day

Sandwiches

lightly dressed organic mixed greens, seasoned breakfast potatoes, smoked potato salad, or salted kettle potato chips

Mariemont Club$12.19
turkey, hardwood smoked bacon, country ham, tillamook aged cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, tomato & mayo on artisan thick cut whole wheat bread
Donna's Chicken Salad$11.19
all-natural white meat chicken salad with grapes, pecans, celery piled high on artisan toasted whole grain bread with sliced tomato & romaine lettuce
B.L.T.E$12.09
two fresh cage-free eggs cooked any style, smoked bacon, tomato, iceberg lettuce & basil aioli served on toasted wheat bread
Reuben$14.09
housemade pulled corned beef with riesling braised sauerkraut, thousand island & swiss on toasted rye
The Comeback Burger*$16.49
two sakura wagyu farms fresh ground beef patties, american cheese, bread & butter pickles with comeback sauce served on soft potato bun
Cheeseburger*$10.99
one sakura wagyu fresh ground patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise & mustard
Bison Burger*$19.09
half pound durham ranch bison, pepper-jack cheese, chipotle mayo, baby arugula, fried onions, potato bun
French Dip au Jus*$18.99
freshly shaved prime rib on a warm hoagie roll with melted provolone piccante cheese & creamy horseradish

Soup & Salads

Hungarian Mushroom Soup$6.00
our housemade signature soup
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$8.00
Soup of the Day$6.00
ask your server about our daily feature
- Cup$6.00
- Bowl$8.00
Smoked Chicken Chopped Salad$14.99
all natural smoked chicken breast, chopped romaine & mixed greens, avocado, black beans, red onion, haricots verts, tomato, feta with honey-chipotle dressing
Cobb Salad$11.79
organic mixed greens, hardwood smoked bacon, oven roasted all natural white meat turkey, tomato, hard boiled egg, topped with farmhouse bleu cheese dressing & crumbles
Arugula & Baby Kale Salad$7.00
fresh organic greens, shaved manchego cheese, balsamic glaze & housemade lemon vinaigrette
NE Caesar Salad$7.00
baby kale, romaine heart, sourdough croutons, grana padana cheese, creamy caesar dressing

Sweets

Carrot Cake$9.99
house favorite, cream cheese icing, served warm
Chocolate Cake$9.99
whipped chocolate-mascarpone, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil
Lemon Tart$7.99
lemon cream, vol au vent, sugared berries

Coffee, Tea & Soda

NE Signature House Blended Coffee$3.49
Unlimited full pot of our premium full flavored, freshly brewed coffee. Regular or decaf
Herbal Teas$3.49
selection of hot organic herbal teas
Hot Chocolate$3.29
Iced Tea$3.29
Coca-Cola Soft Drinks$3.39
Cranberry, Apple, Grapefruit & V8 Orange Juice
- Small$3.49
- Large$4.29

Milk

Low-Fat Milk
- Small$2.99
- Large$3.99
Almond Milk
- Small$2.99
- Large$3.99

Brunchy Cocktails

Tip Top Bloody Mary$18.00
Our over-the-top monster made with, tito's vodka, zing zang, spicy sauce, spiced rim, topped with everything but the kitchen sink! Available fri-sun
NE House Mimosa$7.00
fresh squeezed orange juice and bubbles
NE House Bloody Mary$7.00
vodka, zing zang, seasoned rim, celery
The Exemplar$10.00
prosecco, chambord, cranberry, pineapple, simple syrup, lemon
Midwest Mule$10.00
tito's vodka, ginger beer, lemon, simple
Mrs. Robinson$9.00
gin, pineapple, grapefruit, lime, bitters, topped with bubbles
Fresh Fruit Bellini$8.00
peach, strawberry, or mango puree, triple sec or peach snapps, bubbles
Exemplar Coffee$8.00
house blend coffee, baileys irish cream, frangelico, whipped cream

Wine by The Glass

Sparkling | Rose | White

Prosecco, Ca' Furlan ITL$10.00
Rose, Reserve de la Saurine$9.00
Riesling, High Def GER$9.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Massey Dacta NZ$10.00
Chenin Blanc, L' Ecole No. 41 WAS$12.00
Pinot Grigio, Bosco dei Crimioli ITL$9.00
Albarino, O Fillio da Condessa ESP$10.00
Chardonnay, Aves del Sur Maule Valley CAL$10.00
Chardonnay, Lava Cap CAL$15.00

Red

Pinot Noir, Jovino ORG$12.00
Tempranillo, Protocolo ESP$9.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo ITL$12.00
Barbera d'Alba, Mauro Molino ITL$10.00
Grenache/Syrah Blend, E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone FRA$12.00
Malbec, Areyna ARG$10.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Highway 12 CAL$12.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Dancing Crow CAL$15.00

What 1,889 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cincinnati / Dayton
Neighborhood gem
Cincinnati / Dayton
American
Cincinnati
Neighborhood gem
Cincinnati
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

National Exemplar is a true gem offering "historic and cozy" ambiance with "outstanding service" and "wonderful food." Signature dishes like the prime rib and carrot cake are "to die for," and their cocktails, including the Manhattan, are "superb." Consistently praised for its "friendly and efficient" staff, it's ideal for any occasion.

1,889 Reviews

J
Judy
VIP
Cincinnati
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a fabulous place and always has been. We all had the Hungarian Mushroom Soup and Prime Rib - perfection! We’ve been going for years and always love everything about it - excellent food and outstanding service. Lisa, the manager is always so welcoming.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
Cincinnati
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Took a long time to take order and then an extremely long time to get food. Food was ok but not outstanding. The risotto had an interesting taste. Park Shank was very good and friend dip was good. The management did provide free deserts due to delay in getting food which was very nice.
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M
Mary Ann
Cincinnati
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
delightful service, delicious well prepared food and lovely ambiance - will return
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D
Diane
VIP
Cincinnati
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent good, wine & service with great ambience!
Is this helpful?
R
Rosalee
Cincinnati
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful restaurant in Mariemont. Many of the locals frequent this quaint iconic restaurant. Service was the best.
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E
Eugene
Wilmington
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place for any occasion but especiall excellent for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
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J
Jacqueline
VIP
Los Angeles
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Hands down our favorite restaurant in Cincinnati! My husband and I visit quite a bit (we’re from Lis Angeles) as our daughter lives in Cincy. The ambience is unassuming. You can dress up, or come in jeans. The cocktails are always exemplary. I always order their prime rib, which is better than Jeff Ruby’s and Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Staff is always great. This time Mary was our server, and of course she was fantastic. The only thing that could improve is their wines-by-the-glass offering. Can’t wait to come back! Note to management- can I get a frequent diner card? Lol. If you haven’t been, go. Just go.
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H
Henry
Cincinnati
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The carrot cake is the signature dessert and the reason we came here for cocktails; speaking of which, the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned were superb!
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T
Tom
VIP
Cincinnati
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great choice for straightforward well prepared prime rib, burgers, sides and deserts. Very good welcoming and friendly service. All at a reasonable price in a relaxing comfortable atmosphere.
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L
Linda
Cincinnati
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We brought a neighbor couple in to celebrate New Years and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Steven was our server and did an outstanding job on a very busy evening. Our neighbors thanked us for introducing them to a great restaurant and intend to return. Thanks!
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FAQs

National Exemplar does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. National Exemplar also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (513) 271-2103.

National Exemplar is rated 4.8 stars by 1889 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

6880 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Additional information

Cross street
Plainville Road
Neighborhood
Mariemont
Hours of operation
Breakfast/Lunch Daily 7:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Exit I-71 at Red Bank Road, follow Red Bank Road to 50 East, take 50 East (Wooster Pike) to 6880 Wooster Pike, on the circle in Mariemont (inside the Mariemont Inn).
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ed P.
Entertainment
Live music in Southerby's Pub every Thursday evening 6:00-9:00.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.nationalexemplar.com/
Phone number
(513) 271-2103
Catering
Full-service menus available upon request. The National Exemplar is part of The Phoenix Restaurant Group which is a full-service restaurant management company located in Cincinnati, OH. Specializing in full-service restaurant dining, catering, banquets, special events and rehearsal dinners.
Private party facilities
We offer two Private Dining Rooms, The Chess Room and The Tudor Room, that can accommodate from 12 to 40 guests depending on the function and floor plan.

National Exemplar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Prime Rib au Jus

Sandwich

Liver & Onions

Mariemont Favorites

Traditional Breakfast$11.99

Tri-Fecta$12.29

Fresh Start

Steel Cut Oats$8.99

Strawberry & Banana Crepe$9.99

Avocado Toast$11.99

Protein Packed Quinoa Bowl$11.79

Middle Griddle

Multi-Grain Pancakes

Belgian Waffle$9.99

Berry French Toast$11.49

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes$11.29

Egg-Cellent Dishes

Classic Eggs Benedict$12.49

Farmhouse Breakfast Hash$12.89

Garden Vegetable Hash$12.79

Breakfast Tacos$11.69

Omelets

Ham & Gruyère Omelet$11.89

Bacon & Avocado Omelet$12.49

Works Omelet$12.49

Southwestern Omelet$11.99

Veggie Omelet$11.99

Breakfast & Brunch Sides

Fresh Baked Muffin$3.09

Fresh Fruit Bowl$5.99

Lightly Dressed Mixed Organic Greens$3.49

Seasoned Breakfast Potatoes$3.69

Hardwood Smoked Bacon$5.49

Pork Sausage$4.49

Griddled Ham$4.49

Glier's Goetta$5.09

Thick Cut Artisan Bread$2.19

English Muffin$1.99

Udi's Gluten Free Toast$2.19

Choose 2 Lunch Special

Sandwich

Salad

Soup

Sandwiches

Mariemont Club$12.19

Donna's Chicken Salad$11.19

B.L.T.E$12.09

Reuben$14.09

The Comeback Burger*$16.49

Cheeseburger*$10.99

Bison Burger*$19.09

French Dip au Jus*$18.99

Soup & Salads

Hungarian Mushroom Soup$6.00

Soup of the Day$6.00

Smoked Chicken Chopped Salad$14.99

Cobb Salad$11.79

Arugula & Baby Kale Salad$7.00

NE Caesar Salad$7.00

Sweets

Carrot Cake$9.99

Chocolate Cake$9.99

Lemon Tart$7.99

Coffee, Tea & Soda

NE Signature House Blended Coffee$3.49

Herbal Teas$3.49

Hot Chocolate$3.29

Iced Tea$3.29

Coca-Cola Soft Drinks$3.39

Cranberry, Apple, Grapefruit & V8 Orange Juice

Milk

Low-Fat Milk

Almond Milk

Brunchy Cocktails

Tip Top Bloody Mary$18.00

NE House Mimosa$7.00