David's Guidebook for Dayton
Food Scene
I’ve picked my favorite local independent restaurants.
I’ve done advertising and marketing for many of the best- and these are the places my clients go to when not eating their own food.
The gourmet pizzas are great- and they deliver.
Faves: Buffalo Bacon Ranch, Mediterranean, Classic Italian, Pesto Pizzaz and the Aussie Special. Monday night- it's buy one get one 75% off for pickup only. Highly recommend.
Pizza Factory - Dayton's Original
1101 Wayne AveThe gourmet pizzas are great- and they deliver.
Faves: Buffalo Bacon Ranch, Mediterranean, Classic Italian, Pesto Pizzaz and the Aussie Special. Monday night- it's buy one get one 75% off for pickup only. Highly recommend.
I don't drink coffee, but my coffee snob employees LOVE this joint. Short walk. Some food.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Ghostlight Coffee
1201 Wayne AveI don't drink coffee, but my coffee snob employees LOVE this joint. Short walk. Some food.
Covid update- they don't do dine in. Order online- pickup behind the shop. They bring it out to your car. Legit authentic Chinese. Really tasty. The Chinese students at UD all go here. Very tight fit. Inexpensive. They have a menu only in Chinese if you want to be daring.
Ginger and Spice Asian Bistro
1105 Brown StCovid update- they don't do dine in. Order online- pickup behind the shop. They bring it out to your car. Legit authentic Chinese. Really tasty. The Chinese students at UD all go here. Very tight fit. Inexpensive. They have a menu only in Chinese if you want to be daring.
Sushi and Chinese. Really affordable, a little more intimate than Ginger and Spice.
8 recommandé par les habitants
CJ Chan
536 Wilmington AveSushi and Chinese. Really affordable, a little more intimate than Ginger and Spice.
My favorite place. Cheap. Awesome. Get the fresh spring rolls. Only order from the Vietnamese menu.
The Spicy Salted Pork, the Basil Beef and the Pho all rock- as does their monster salad- I don't know it's name- but it has chicken, shrimp and pork- and it's so good.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Linh's Bistro
5532 Airway RdMy favorite place. Cheap. Awesome. Get the fresh spring rolls. Only order from the Vietnamese menu.
The Spicy Salted Pork, the Basil Beef and the Pho all rock- as does their monster salad- I don't know it's name- but it has chicken, shrimp and pork- and it's so good.
Wood fired stone ovens. Get the Angry Beekeeper. And try the Straticatella for an appetizer.
If you are vegan, the fire roasted cauliflower rocks. Outside dining.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Old Scratch Pizza & Beer
812 S Patterson BlvdWood fired stone ovens. Get the Angry Beekeeper. And try the Straticatella for an appetizer.
If you are vegan, the fire roasted cauliflower rocks. Outside dining.
No reservations. Bring cash. It's on the NYTimes 10 best traditional steakhouses. House dressing is garlic to die for. No dessert- but Ben and Jerry's is right next door.
My favorite - the Porterhouse for two- medium rare.
It's as Dayton as it gets. Servers in black and white aprons.
Dinner for 2- no drinks- $100.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Pine Club
1926 Brown StNo reservations. Bring cash. It's on the NYTimes 10 best traditional steakhouses. House dressing is garlic to die for. No dessert- but Ben and Jerry's is right next door.
My favorite - the Porterhouse for two- medium rare.
It's as Dayton as it gets. Servers in black and white aprons.
Dinner for 2- no drinks- $100.
Authentic Mexican- inexpensive. It's an old Burger Chef- and the bathroom access is outside- so, go before you go.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E 3rd StAuthentic Mexican- inexpensive. It's an old Burger Chef- and the bathroom access is outside- so, go before you go.
This is only if you've never had "Cincinnati Style Chilli"- which is a strange thing if you're not from here. Go to this one, not the one on Brown Street.
Cincy chilli is a meat based sweet chilli server over spaghetti with grated cheddar- that's called a 3-way. Add onions or beans to both to make a 4-way or 5-way. Served with Oyster crackers- you crumble them up to sop up the leftover juice at the end for a salty finish.
They also eat it on "coney's"- which are embarrassingly small hot dogs- with mounds of cheese, chilli and mustard.
You'll either love it or hate it- but, it's a SW Ohio thing. It's also pretty cheap.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Skyline Chili
2724 Wilmington PikeThis is only if you've never had "Cincinnati Style Chilli"- which is a strange thing if you're not from here. Go to this one, not the one on Brown Street.
Cincy chilli is a meat based sweet chilli server over spaghetti with grated cheddar- that's called a 3-way. Add onions or beans to both to make a 4-way or 5-way. Served with Oyster crackers- you crumble them up to sop up the leftover juice at the end for a salty finish.
They also eat it on "coney's"- which are embarrassingly small hot dogs- with mounds of cheese, chilli and mustard.
You'll either love it or hate it- but, it's a SW Ohio thing. It's also pretty cheap.
The neighborhoods newest coffee shop.
I'm not a coffee drinker- so I can't tell you if it's any good. It's claim to fame is that it has a liquor license and can sell "Irish Coffee"
Nice atmosphere. Just opened 12/22/18 Has wifi. You can walk over.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Wholly Grounds
825 Wayne AveThe neighborhoods newest coffee shop.
I'm not a coffee drinker- so I can't tell you if it's any good. It's claim to fame is that it has a liquor license and can sell "Irish Coffee"
Nice atmosphere. Just opened 12/22/18 Has wifi. You can walk over.
Chicken and Waffles- with garlic aioli sauce. Aweseome. Cool vibe- tiny joint. Mom Teresa, son Jesse opened it on 4/20/2019 and it's great. Only open Thursday to Sunday 7am to 7pm. Well worth it. Get a half-order btw- it will fill you.
The protein smoothies aren't $100 ea - they are $5, but Jesse won't make them- only Teresa will.
Stoney’s Munchie Bar
1929 E 5th StChicken and Waffles- with garlic aioli sauce. Aweseome. Cool vibe- tiny joint. Mom Teresa, son Jesse opened it on 4/20/2019 and it's great. Only open Thursday to Sunday 7am to 7pm. Well worth it. Get a half-order btw- it will fill you.
The protein smoothies aren't $100 ea - they are $5, but Jesse won't make them- only Teresa will.
Fred is the hardest working restaurant owner I know. He also makes the best middle eastern food. My favorite is his Kufta- either as a wrap- or a platter. Gyros, Shwarma, Hummus- it's all good. His reviews online are amazing- for the food. Atmosphere- non-existent. Great for pickup.
Olive Mediterranean Grill
44 W Third StFred is the hardest working restaurant owner I know. He also makes the best middle eastern food. My favorite is his Kufta- either as a wrap- or a platter. Gyros, Shwarma, Hummus- it's all good. His reviews online are amazing- for the food. Atmosphere- non-existent. Great for pickup.
Old north Dayton was the Eastern European Mecca of Dayton. Lots of factories and tool and die shops. This place opened in the sixties and is a working class sandwich shop. Inexpensive, tasty. Great for lunch pickup- or eat in the back.
Charlie's Deli & Catering
429 Troy StOld north Dayton was the Eastern European Mecca of Dayton. Lots of factories and tool and die shops. This place opened in the sixties and is a working class sandwich shop. Inexpensive, tasty. Great for lunch pickup- or eat in the back.
Another old north Dayton institution- you want schnitzel or cabbage rolls, this is the place.
Amber Rose Restaurant
1400 Valley StAnother old north Dayton institution- you want schnitzel or cabbage rolls, this is the place.
It isn't closed- and it's not called Siam Pad Thai- anymore- https://www.massamantc.com/
Massaman thai. Authentic Thai- really good, and they can make it as hot or as mellow as you like.
Small- not real sexy- but delicious food.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Siam Pad Thai (temporarily closed)
467 Patterson RoadIt isn't closed- and it's not called Siam Pad Thai- anymore- https://www.massamantc.com/
Massaman thai. Authentic Thai- really good, and they can make it as hot or as mellow as you like.
Small- not real sexy- but delicious food.
Reservations required. If you are a foodie- and like Mexican food- you will be in for a treat. It's not cheap. Small plates for the most part- exquisite presentation, nice tastes. Very sexy atmosphere. Great place for a date. It's not been open that long- and is a hard table to get on short notice. You can eat at a table- or- at the "bar" overlooking the kitchen- which works great for solo dining.
13 recommandé par les habitants
Sueño
607 East 3rd StreetReservations required. If you are a foodie- and like Mexican food- you will be in for a treat. It's not cheap. Small plates for the most part- exquisite presentation, nice tastes. Very sexy atmosphere. Great place for a date. It's not been open that long- and is a hard table to get on short notice. You can eat at a table- or- at the "bar" overlooking the kitchen- which works great for solo dining.
This is a hole in the wall, in a superette/drive through. The owner, Chazzy is larger than life and loud and proud.
The booths seats are bumpy, the menu is hard to read- but it's home cooking at it's low brow best.
We would never have found it- until one of my guests and Leslie's guests both raved about it in the same week.
People must know about it- because it's been around since 2018 or so- and survived the pandemic.
Known for wings, I had the pulled pork and mac and cheese- and it hit the spot.
For those who like going way off the norm- it's relatively close- 10 minutes- and a trip- and not that expensive.
Chazzy's Kitchen
3351 Main StreetThis is a hole in the wall, in a superette/drive through. The owner, Chazzy is larger than life and loud and proud.
The booths seats are bumpy, the menu is hard to read- but it's home cooking at it's low brow best.
We would never have found it- until one of my guests and Leslie's guests both raved about it in the same week.
People must know about it- because it's been around since 2018 or so- and survived the pandemic.
Known for wings, I had the pulled pork and mac and cheese- and it hit the spot.
For those who like going way off the norm- it's relatively close- 10 minutes- and a trip- and not that expensive.
Really enjoyed the food. If the reservation system doesn't say a table is available- call. We couldn't get a table- so sat at the kitchen table- and thankful that we did. Saw them prepping the Brussel sprouts- and ordered them. Absolutely incredible- as was the Halloumi , and everything else.
This isn't an inexpensive meal- but, it's worth every penny in the exquisite preparation and presentation. The dessert- a banana miso thing- was outstanding (blow torch to the yummy cake and marshmallows...)
This is a great date place- not too loud- sexy food- and a hip vibe. The bathroom walls are covered in anime art. Service is polite and attentive.
May be one of my top 5 restaurants in Dayton.
Reservations on weekends an absolute.
It's in the Fireblocks district downtown- which means you can take the free Flyer trolly on Warren Street and get off at Courthouse square and walk 2 blocks.
You can eat at the kitchen table- a bar around the kitchen- good for single diners.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Jollity
127 East 3rd StreetReally enjoyed the food. If the reservation system doesn't say a table is available- call. We couldn't get a table- so sat at the kitchen table- and thankful that we did. Saw them prepping the Brussel sprouts- and ordered them. Absolutely incredible- as was the Halloumi , and everything else.
This isn't an inexpensive meal- but, it's worth every penny in the exquisite preparation and presentation. The dessert- a banana miso thing- was outstanding (blow torch to the yummy cake and marshmallows...)
This is a great date place- not too loud- sexy food- and a hip vibe. The bathroom walls are covered in anime art. Service is polite and attentive.
May be one of my top 5 restaurants in Dayton.
Reservations on weekends an absolute.
It's in the Fireblocks district downtown- which means you can take the free Flyer trolly on Warren Street and get off at Courthouse square and walk 2 blocks.
You can eat at the kitchen table- a bar around the kitchen- good for single diners.
I love sushi. Problem is, unless you have a huge group, you get a roll or two- and that's it.
This place, you pay $25 per person, get a bowl for the Hibachi ingredients- and you pick what kind of starch (I like the Udon noodles) and what you want- and they grill it up to bring to you. But the real deal is the sushi- they keep putting out new rolls, and you can take a piece or 3 of any of about 20 different rolls and try them out.
It was fresh- and tasty. They also have a desert bar.
Atmosphere isn't hip or warm and fuzzy - but that's not what you are there for. Note- there are a couple different Tokyo yada yadas this is the one in front of Sam's Club on Miamisburg Centerville Rd.
Tokyo Grill & Sushi Buffet (Centerville)
I love sushi. Problem is, unless you have a huge group, you get a roll or two- and that's it.
This place, you pay $25 per person, get a bowl for the Hibachi ingredients- and you pick what kind of starch (I like the Udon noodles) and what you want- and they grill it up to bring to you. But the real deal is the sushi- they keep putting out new rolls, and you can take a piece or 3 of any of about 20 different rolls and try them out.
It was fresh- and tasty. They also have a desert bar.
Atmosphere isn't hip or warm and fuzzy - but that's not what you are there for. Note- there are a couple different Tokyo yada yadas this is the one in front of Sam's Club on Miamisburg Centerville Rd.
Drinks & Nightlife
Same pizza as the Pizza Factory- mostly.
Music a lot. Beer- highly rated. Nice patio. Short walk.
16 recommandé par les habitants
South Park Tavern & Pizza (SPT)
1301 Wayne AveSame pizza as the Pizza Factory- mostly.
Music a lot. Beer- highly rated. Nice patio. Short walk.
Food, music, easy walk.
Paisano Pizza Chips. mmmmm.
Good sandwiches, salads, outdoor covered patio.
Music - sometimes.
17 recommandé par les habitants
Jimmie's Ladder 11
936 Brown StFood, music, easy walk.
Paisano Pizza Chips. mmmmm.
Good sandwiches, salads, outdoor covered patio.
Music - sometimes.
I don't drink- but, my friends who do, like the ales these guys brew. You can get growlers to take home.
Nice little place, short walk. They have food trucks occasionally.
Rated the best rookie brew pub in Ohio in 2019.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Branch & Bone Artisan Ales
905 Wayne AveI don't drink- but, my friends who do, like the ales these guys brew. You can get growlers to take home.
Nice little place, short walk. They have food trucks occasionally.
Rated the best rookie brew pub in Ohio in 2019.
This is the hippest bar in town. Was set to open the weekend covid lockdown started. It's super sexy- a place to be seen. I'm not a drinker- but, my many friends who are - love the cocktails. Again- harder to get in- and for a while by reservation only.
It's underground- in the basement below Sueno- and has that whole "underground" vibe.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Tender Mercy
607 E 3rd StThis is the hippest bar in town. Was set to open the weekend covid lockdown started. It's super sexy- a place to be seen. I'm not a drinker- but, my many friends who are - love the cocktails. Again- harder to get in- and for a while by reservation only.
It's underground- in the basement below Sueno- and has that whole "underground" vibe.
Opened in Feb of 2022- this place took the name of an old dive bar on 5th Street in the St Annes neighborhood- and turned it into a hipster wine bar.
Please- WALK to the Slipper- it's a short 4 block walk straight up Johnson St. (turn left out the door of the cottages and the first street is Johnson).
I'm not a drinker- but- my neighborhood is full of them, and the early reviews are good. They also have Oysters.
The Silver Slipper
1105 Wayne AvenueOpened in Feb of 2022- this place took the name of an old dive bar on 5th Street in the St Annes neighborhood- and turned it into a hipster wine bar.
Please- WALK to the Slipper- it's a short 4 block walk straight up Johnson St. (turn left out the door of the cottages and the first street is Johnson).
I'm not a drinker- but- my neighborhood is full of them, and the early reviews are good. They also have Oysters.
Arts & Culture
Dayton has a pretty good music and arts scene.
One of my favorite museums in the world. Intimate art experience. Inexpensive.
76 recommandé par les habitants
The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park NOne of my favorite museums in the world. Intimate art experience. Inexpensive.
It's free. It's huge. Nothing else like it. If you want the history of flight- love planes, space, or history- it's a must see. Open everyday but Christmas.
129 recommandé par les habitants
National Museum of the US Air Force
1100 Spaatz StIt's free. It's huge. Nothing else like it. If you want the history of flight- love planes, space, or history- it's a must see. Open everyday but Christmas.
Levitt Pavilion- free shows in the summer. Easiest way to get there is by taking the Free Flyer bus on Warren Street- runs every 10 minutes. Get out at Jefferson St and 5th St. It's lawn seating- so ask me for a blanket or chairs.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Levitt Pavilion Dayton
134 South Main StreetLevitt Pavilion- free shows in the summer. Easiest way to get there is by taking the Free Flyer bus on Warren Street- runs every 10 minutes. Get out at Jefferson St and 5th St. It's lawn seating- so ask me for a blanket or chairs.
Getting Around
Need a cc. We have two places to pick up bikes. One by Ghostlight and the other by Jimmies. Always put the bike into a station after 30 minutes- or it starts to cost.
Link Dayton Bike Share
929 N Ludlow StNeed a cc. We have two places to pick up bikes. One by Ghostlight and the other by Jimmies. Always put the bike into a station after 30 minutes- or it starts to cost.
AirBnB won't let me label this right- the Flyer- a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes- goes from Brown/Warren to downtown and back. Great for visiting downtown- or the Pine Club- or the Levitt Pavillion. Get the details on the web i-riderta dot org The text to schedule works great. Walk West 5 blocks (toward the hospital) on Adams to Warren street- the stop is right there.
M-F it's from 6am to Midnight. Saturdays 4pm to Midnight. No bus on Sunday.
RTA Hub
AirBnB won't let me label this right- the Flyer- a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes- goes from Brown/Warren to downtown and back. Great for visiting downtown- or the Pine Club- or the Levitt Pavillion. Get the details on the web i-riderta dot org The text to schedule works great. Walk West 5 blocks (toward the hospital) on Adams to Warren street- the stop is right there.
M-F it's from 6am to Midnight. Saturdays 4pm to Midnight. No bus on Sunday.
Recreation
If you are a cyclist- this place is a dream. It's about a mile from the cottages. Check out the website mvmba.bike/trails/dby
Dayton Bike Yard
If you are a cyclist- this place is a dream. It's about a mile from the cottages. Check out the website mvmba.bike/trails/dby