Local Dining
There is no shortage of restaurants around Dayton! Below we have listed dining options within walking distance, and also “worth a short drive”. Curious what amazing plate is pictured above? It’s the Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps from the Trolley Stop (4m walk).
Restaurants within walking distance
Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St.
Bob wanted a bar. Nate wanted to run a business. Lisa wanted Bob and Nate out of her hair. Thus was sparked the idea of a family business. But what could they agree on? Good food and beer had always been a reliable source of numerous gatherings with family and friends. Coupling their strengths and experience, plus the availability of one of Dayton’s historic buildings and legendary music venues, gave birth to Blind Bob’s–an American Tavern.
www.blindbobs.com
Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave.
224-7822
The name says it all—the food is Irish, the atmosphere, noisy and fun. Large variety of beers on tap and in the bottle, both foreign and domestic. Offers indoor and patio dining. Live music on the weekends.
www.dubpub.com
Franco’s Ristorante Italiano
824 E. Fifth St.
222-0204
Traditional Italian fare. This restaurant has been a staple in the Oregon District for over 40 years. Wonderful patio for warm-weather dining. Though Franco has passed, many nights Nick, Franco’s son, will make the rounds as you dine in the restaurant or sip your favorite beverage at the bar. By your second visit, you may be adopted as part of the Germano Family.
www.francos-italiano.com
Jay’s Seafood
225 E. 6th St.
222-2892
Upscale dining known for their excellent seafood and excellent selection of wines.
www.jays.com
Lily’s Bistro
329 E. Fifth St.
723-7637
The owners of Blind Bob’s have done it again, creating a new, creative destination for visitors and locals alike. Lily’s offers American fresh-fare with a twist. What does this mean? One of their “snacks” (that’s what they call their appetizers) is deviled eggs, where the filling rotates based on the chef’s choice of ingredients that day. Their Surf-N-Turf is Scallops with Pork Belly. Good wine list, delicious hand-crafted cocktails (their blueberry mojito is superb!), and a small selection of craft beers to accompany your meal. Also a great place to simply start or end your evening with a beverage and a snack or a dessert. Tuesday night is ½ price wine by the bottle. This has the best patio in the neighborhood (located behind the restaurant, so be sure to ask to be seated there). They also have two front patios, one of which is dog friendly.
www.lilysbistro.com
Lucky’s Tap Room
520 E. 5th St
222-6800
Drew, the owner, saw a need in the Oregon District and filled in wonderfully. We had no sports bar, and nowhere to go after 9pm on a weekend that wasn’t charging a cover and/or playing music. Forged from a vision he and his late father “Lucky” had created, Lucky’s is decorated with a collection of miniature autos and trucks, has diner-style food, 20 craft beers on tap, numerous screens with sports, no cover charge, and just the noise of friendly banter and an occasional song on the juke box.
www.restaurantji.com/oh/dayton/luckys-/
Oregon Express
336 E. 5th St.
223-9205
Offers a friendly, neighborhood tavern atmosphere with live music on weekends. Their specialty item is their pizza, which happens to be discounted on Monday. Test your knowledge against the locals at Trivia each Tuesday night from 7:30-9:30pm.
Press
257 Wayne Ave.
286-4585
This is our neighborhood coffee shop. Brett and Janell, the young couple who owns it, know coffee. Their “house coffee” is all French press, starting at $1/mug onsite. Espressos, lattes, pour overs and Japanese iced coffees are just a few of the items they will personally prepare for you.
Roost
524 E. Fifth St.
222-3100
Modern Italian–incorporating seasonal items into a delicious dining experience. Chef Dana Downs is an alum Alter High School, Leslie’s alma mater.
www.roostdayton.com
Salar
410 E. Fifth St.
203-3999
Upscale contemporary, world-fusion cuisine with French, Peruvian and Mediterranean influences . This is the chic place to see and be seen in the Oregon District. Known for their hand-crafted cocktails.
www.salarrestaurant.com
Thai-9
11 Brown St.
222-3227
As the name states, their specialty is Thai cuisine, and in addition they offer a fresh sushi bar. When you order your entree, you are able to specify how spicy you want your dish on a scale of zero to nine.
www.thai9restaurant.com
The Trolley Stop
530 E. 5th St.
461-1101
Relaxed pub atmosphere with an outdoor, French Quarter style patio for seasonal outdoor dining. Live music many nights.
www.trolleystopdayton.com
Toxic Brew Company
431 E. 5th St.
985-3618
The Oregon District’s first micro-brewery. Enjoy their 10+ hand-crafted beers on tap. Front patio is excellent for people watching Fifth Street visitors.
www.toxicbrewcompany.com
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
515 Wayne Ave.
496-5268
The owners of Meadowlark in Centerville have opened this pizza-centric restaurant at a mid-level price point, including salads and sandwiches.
www.wheatpennydayton.com
Restaurants worth a short drive
Carmel’s Mexican Restaurant
1025 Shroyer Rd.
294-1261
A menu of Mex-American favorites, but the reason you go to Carmel’s is their Margaritas. Enjoy them in the restaurant, in the bar or on their patio when weather permits.
Coco’s Bistro
250 Warren Street
228-Coco
Enjoy their creative menu offerings in a modern, relaxed setting. Upscale enough for a special occasion. Comfortable enough for dining with old friends.
www.228coco.com
Hickory Bar-B-Q
1082 Brown St. (the “other” Brown St. in town)
228-5252
The Hickory is old-school barbecue—with the rotisserie right in the front window. A favorite of the locals, where each new guest is treated like an old friend. Their bar area will take you back to the 50s/60s, especially welcoming if you are a solo traveler.
Marion’s Piazza
711 Shroyer Rd.
293-6991
Marion’s is a local institution here in Dayton. They are known for pizza their way, which is thin-crusted and crispy around the edges. Rinse it down with a pitcher of beer, a carafe of wine or a mug of soda-pop. Though they have other restaurants around the city, this is the original. The walls are covered with pictures of the stars who have eaten there and the order-counter bears the signatures of numerous famous people.
The Pine Club
1926 Brown St.
(the “other” Brown St. in town)
228-7463
When Daytonians think “steak,” they think “Pine Club.” This is a cash-only establishment, though they are happy to set up a personal account for you.
Also see: Things to do around Dayton