Eating well during orthodontic treatment is one of the best ways to keep your progress on track and your smile healthy. Our Thacker Orthodontics team knows that finding braces-friendly food that’s both healthy and delicious can seem really tricky—but it’s very doable in cities like ours!
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or hearty, we’ve rounded up the best local spots near Cincinnati and Hillsboro that offer braces-safe options.
Your Braces-Friendly Dining Guide
You probably already know this, but Cincinnati is a city built for foodies, which is why most of this list is located there! We have so many diverse options to choose from. Some of these places will have menu items that are braces-friendly as is, while others might need to be modified. They are all collectively delicious.
1. Maplewood Kitchen and Bar (Cincinnati, OH)
This fresh, fast-casual spot is known for its healthy Californian-style menu. Try the avocado toast (minus the crusty bread if you’re newly banded), scrambled eggs, or the quinoa salad with soft ingredients. Smoothies are also a great go-to here—packed with fruit and protein.
2. Sleepy Bee Cafe (Cincinnati, OH)
Sleepy Bee serves breakfast and brunch with a healthy twist. Their Bee Cakes (soft and fluffy pancakes), scrambled eggs, and roasted veggie sides are gentle on braces. Plus, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming.
3. Good Plates Eatery (Cincinnati, OH)
Located in the heart of the greater Cincinnati area, Good Plates Eatery stands out as a top choice if you’re aiming to eat well with braces. Their menu is thoughtfully designed around healthful, soft, and flavorful ingredients like shredded chicken or slow-roasted pork, paired with grains such as rice pilaf or quinoa salads.
4. CoreLife Eatery (Mason, OH)
While not in Hillsboro proper, CoreLife is worth the drive for build-your-own bowls with soft grains, roasted veggies, and tender proteins. Everything is fresh, clean, and braces-safe.
5. First Watch (Various OH locations)
First Watch offers a range of braces-friendly choices, from soft scrambled eggs and multigrain pancakes to fruit bowls and avocado toast (without crust). It’s a great option for any time of day.
6. Raya Lebanese Restaurant (Cincinnati, OH)
This spot’s lentil soup and yogurt-based dips like tzatziki are nutritious and soothing, especially after adjustments. Rice pilafs, steamed couscous, and silky baba ganoush also create balanced meals without the need for chewing hard or sticky foods.
7. Northstar Cafe (Liberty Township, OH)
From Buddha bowls to veggie burgers on soft buns, Northstar is all about flavor without compromising your braces. Their soups and salads (without crunchy toppings) are also great choices.
8. Butterbee’s Grille (Cincinnati, OH)
A casual, family-friendly spot with soft sandwiches, mashed potatoes, and grilled salmon. Skip the crunchy apps and stick with protein and veggie options that are soft and easy to chew.
9. HangOverEasy (Cincinnati, OH)
While known for hearty breakfast and sandwich options, many items on their menu can be braces-safe when selected carefully. Start with soft options like scrambled egg bowls, avocado mash on eggs (ask for no toast), and Greek-style yogurt parfaits with berries (ask for granola on the side)
10. Green Farm Juicery (Cincinnati, OH)
Perfect for a post-adjustment treat, this smoothie and juice bar offers nutrient-packed drinks that are gentle on your teeth. Add a protein boost to keep your energy up.
A Practice That Knows Its People
When you’re choosing a provider, it’s important to pick a team that’s invested in your smile and your community. With offices in both Cincinnati and Hillsboro, we’re proud to serve the neighborhoods we live and work in every day.
Here’s what sets Thacker Orthodontics’ approach apart:
- Local roots, personalized care: Dr. Jim Thacker and Dr. MaryEvan are simultaneously board-certified orthodontists, your neighbors, and your biggest supporters.
- Elite expertise: As part of the 54% of AAO orthodontists who are board-certified, they bring advanced knowledge and precision to every treatment plan.
- Support beyond the smile: We sponsor local events, school programs, and community initiatives to stay actively involved in what matters to you.
- Convenient and flexible: With same-day starts and flexible scheduling, we help fit orthodontic care into your life, never the other way around.
- A lifelong relationship: Our goal is to create new smiles, yes—but it’s also to build lasting relationships that continue well after your braces come off.
When you decide on a community-focused practice like Thacker Orthodontics, you’re choosing care that feels personal, connected, and truly invested in your family’s future.
A Healthy Appetite
Hopefully, this blog has reassured you that your cravings can still be sated even with braces. Feel free to ask our doctors and team members for other suggestions when you stop by Thacker Orthodontics!