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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

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Coco’s Bistro & Toxic Brew Co Beer Dinner

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Come to Coco’s Bistro Monday, Aug 19 for a 5 course dinner by Executive Chef Bryan Ondre and Sous Chef Jeremy Sacksteder. Each course is paired with a different beer crafted by Toxic Brew Co. $60 per ticket. Limited seating, so don’t delay!

1st Course: Tuna Crudo – lime juice, orange, chives, jalapeño, ginger, pink salt, grilled baguette paired with Toxic Brew Uno Mas Lime Lager (5.2%),

2nd Course: Frog Legs – yogurt marinade, pan fried, harissa, mango salsa, fried chickpea dust paired with Toxic Brew Blonde Ale (5.6%)

3rd Course: Beef Tongue Carpaccio – avocado puree, tomatillo salsa, crispy chicharrones, pickled red onion, radish, cilantro micro greens paired with Toxic Brew Porn or Pawn Jalapeño Ale (6.2%)

Palate Cleanser: Cucumber-Lime Sorbet

4th Course: Duck – seared, grilled corn ravioli, thyme Amish butter, chicken demi paired with Toxic Brew Abby XXXX Belgian Quad (11.3)

5th Course: Pound Cake – deep fried, banana ice cream, dark rum dolce, candied walnuts paired with Toxic Brew Hanger 18 Coconut Porter (6.2%)

Jewish Cultural Festival

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The ninth annual Jewish Cultural Festival returns to Temple Israel on Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 130 Riverside Drive across the river from Fifth-Third Field, near downtown. The entire community – both Jewish and non-Jewish – is invited to join the free, family-friendly festival celebrating Jewish music, art, food and ritual.

Non-stop entertainment

Festival attendees will enjoy an eclectic mix of live dance and music performances, including traditional Israeli and belly dancing, Eastern European Jewish folk music, contemporary Jewish rock and blues, as well as popular tunes performed by the Dayton Jewish Chorale and the Miami Valley Music Men.

A Jewish culinary journey

Bernstein’s Catering will serve up traditional Jewish foods including corned beef, pastrami, noodle kugel, and kosher hot dogs, while popular Miami Valley eateries Bella Sorella Pizza, El Meson and Pasha Grill offer festival favorites like falafel and arepas, and put a unique spin on classic Jewish recipes. Festivalgoers can stop by Temple Israel’s bakery to satisfy their sweet tooth with delicious homemade treats including challah, rugelach, cookies and honey cake. For the craft beer fans, an assortment of hand-selected brews from the Dayton Beer Company will be available for purchase, plus ice-cold Dr. Brown’s sodas, a staple in Jewish delicatessens around the country.

Kid-friendly activities

Children of all ages can meet and learn about animals up-close at the festival’s educational petting zoo. For added fun, kids can climb the 18-foot tall inflatable Mt. Masada slide and express their creativity with crafts and activities.

Culture & traditions

Throughout the day, a series of interactive presentations will be held in Temple Israel’s sanctuary, where local and national speakers will share Jewish stories, traditions, and history. A lively open-air Shuk (market) will offer a mix of crafts and artwork by Jewish, Israeli and non-Jewish artisans including jewelry, clothing, pottery and other handmade items.

Oy Vey 5K Run/Walk

The annual Oy Vey 5k starts at 10:30 a.m. Open to runners and walkers alike, the course boasts beautiful views of Downtown Dayton and the Stillwater River. Top male and female finishers will each receive a $100 cash prize and all participants will receive a finisher medal and tickets valued at $5 to use at the event for food or drinks.

To learn more about the ninth annual Jewish Cultural Festival, please visit http://tidayton.org/festival.

About Temple Israel

With a rich tradition that spans more than 150 years, Temple Israel is proud to be the largest Reform congregation in greater Dayton. Our religious, cultural, educational, social and social action programs build on the legacy of those who have come before with innovations guaranteed to create a fulfilling and vibrant future for the congregation. For more information, visit www.tidayton.org.

Easter Brunch at The Wright Place

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Executive Chef Justin White will host an extravagant, farm-driven Easter Brunch at his popular flight-inspired restaurant, The Wright Place, located inside the Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn (www.holidayinn.com/fairbornoh). The reservation line at (937) 426-7800 is now open for two seating times (12 pm and 2 pm) on Sunday, April 1st. Chef White and his dedicated kitchen staff invite community members to leave the cooking up to their team and enjoy a relaxed and entertaining holiday meal amid a festive atmosphere.

“The Wright Place is proud to give families memorable holiday experiences,” said Chef White. “Easter Brunch is one the restaurant’s signature community events, always a great time for folks of all ages!”

The occasion includes a special visit and free photo with the Easter Bunny, who will have plastic Easter eggs for children to decorate. For adults, freshly-made Mimosas as well as a Bloody Mary Cart will be available. When it comes to the food, Chef White is pulling out all the stops. Families can select from an array of chef-crafted offerings, including: a made-to-order omelet station, leg of lamb, stuffed Sole with lobster sauce, carved prime rib with horseradish sauce, carved bourbon honey glazed ham, a shrimp and smoked salmon display, fresh fruit, hand-made desserts and much more. The cost of Easter Brunch is as follows: adults – $30, seniors (60+) – $21, kids (6-12) – $13, kids 5 and under free.

WHAT: Easter Brunch

WHERE: The Wright Place inside Holiday Inn Dayton/Fairborn
2800 Presidential Dr, Fairborn, OH 45324

WHEN:
Sunday, April 1: 12 pm seating and 2 pm seating

RESERVATIONS:
Easter Brunch: (937) 426-7800

Easter Brunch at Basil’s On Market – Dayton

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Why not let us handle your Easter meal so you can spend more time decorating eggs? Our Easter Brunch special will feature all your brunch favorites along with many other delicious delicacies for only $25.95 per person, and that price even includes your (nonalcoholic) drink of choice!

This event is reservation only, so call the restaurant at 937-818-4390 to reserve your spot!

Our menu:

-Bacon/Sausage

-Biscuits & Gravy

-Corn beef Hash

-Quiche

-Hash brown Casserole

-Fruit Display

-Cheese Display

-Seafood Bar

– Crab Claws

– Shrimp

– oysters on the half shell

-Fresh Tossed Salad w/ Ranch, Italian, basil vin

-Carved Meat.  Roasted Turkey & Smoked brisket w/ peppered Demi.

-Omelet Station. Cheese, peppers, onion, ham, tomato & bacon.

-Basil Pasta Salad

-Cole Slaw

-Fresh Sautéed Vegetables

– Blackened Tilapia w/ Mango Salsa

-Mac & Cheese/ Chicken Fingers

-Bruschetta Chicken w/ lemon truffle aioli

-Desserts.  Cookies, pies, cheese cake, assorted desserts, choc cake, Danish.

-Rolls w/ whipped butter

-Smoked salmon & Herb dip display w/ crackers

-Beef Teriki  Tips w/ wild rice harvest blend

The Top 35 Burgers of Dayton

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2 of Voltzy's 20 ounce "Hogs"

Two of the 20 ounce Hog Burgers from Voltzy’s. Home of Dayton’s Best Hamburger !

According to our good friends at Dayton Dining, May 28th is National Hamburger Day.  Today, we celebrate with this timely article.

THIS IS THE UNDENIABLE TOP 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO.   Some are well known icons, some are not.  What they all have in common is incredible taste and freshness.  Each is a burger in a class of its own.

For years, Food Adventures has scoured the Miami Valley, trying different places over and over again to make sure we get the definitive list.  We have eaten each burger on this list at least twice to ensure placement, accuracy of ranking and consistent quality.  Our hard work and chewing has paid off.

Now, without further delay, Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu present, in order, the best 35 burgers of Dayton, Ohio.

 

The Slyder 10 ounce Cheeseburger

The 10 ounce Cheeseburger from Slyder’s Tavern. “The Pride of Belmont”

THE BEST 35 BURGERS in DAYTON, OHIO

 

1) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” and ” THE HOG BURGER ” at VOLTZY’S ROOT BEER STANDE: Fresh hamburgers and fresher service.  Dayton’s #1 burger is in a shack, but at least they have bathrooms.  We are amazed at how many people still have not tried this place.  The owner Rick Volz, is known for his grumpy, yet playful attitude with the customers.  If you go in the wrong door, forget to call in your order, or deviate from the regular toppings, you will feel Voltzy’s wrath.  It is his “schtick,” similar to the Seinfield show’s “soup nazi.”  Enduring the insults is worth it for a taste of his cheeseburgers.  Voltzy grills each and every hamburger himself, and he does it to perfection.  The 2 burgers here that are MUST EATS are the CHEESEBURGERS ,which are sliders and priced at 10 for $12.  The other burger is THE HOG, a 20 ounce mammoth burger that he named after his ex wife.  One of his sleepers is the Betty Ann Burger, named after his mom.

The Secret: His 80/20 chuck mix is ground fresh every morning.  His burgers are steam grilled with onions and cheese, and topped with sweet heat mustard.

 

 

The TANK BURGER !

The Tank Burger with Cheese, a Cult Classic in Dayton !

2) ” THE 10 OUNCE CHEESEBURGER ” at SLYDERS TAVERN:  Make sure you get the 10 ounce burger for the full experience.  This is a ‘burger lovers burger,’ with a fresh taste.  You get it all, lots of toppings and you can taste the seasoned meat.   If you don’t get a handle on the burger early, it can get a little messy.  A burger with a huge underground following, and comes in at #2.  Make sure you check out “The Pride of Belmont” on Watervliet Rd.

The Secret: They use Dot’s Market fresh 80/20 Ground Chuck.  “Grandma’s old iron cast stove and steel grill” in the back is also a key to cooking the burgers perfectly.

 

 

3) ” THE TANK BURGER WITH CHEESE ” at TANK’S BAR & GRILL: One of Dayton’s Iconic Dayton Burgers.  It is as simple as that.    This burger has a cult following of thousands and thousands of fans.  People come from all over to this spot on Wayne Avenue to try the legendary burgers.  Sink your teeth into one of these big, meaty legends !

The Secret: The owner Dan ” Tank” Tankersley says it himself..”Fresh, fresh, fresh… and the quality helps too.”    We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

 

 

The "Lark Burger" from Meadowlark has a unique and distinctive flavor

The “Lark Burger” from Meadowlark has a unique and distinct flavor

4) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at THE PINE CLUB:  You think they have great steaks?  You should try their Cheeseburgers! This iconic restaurant on Brown Street, is the most unlikely place to find a good burger.  But it makes sense, doesn’t it?  Some of the best quality meat in  town in here.. right?  It’s so good that they sell their raw hamburger meat in 5 pound bags “to go.”

The Secret:  They grind the hamburger meat daily, at the same time that the butchers are carving the most famous steaks in Dayton. Rumor has it that they add a little bit of ground lamb to their burgers.

 

 

5)  ” THE LARK BURGER ” at THE MEADOWLARK RESTAURANT: Served on a sturdy kaiser roll with white cheddar, this is one of the juiciest burgers we have ever eaten.  Trust us, and order one of these burgers.  It is a sophisticated, delicious and unique tasting burger, and unlike any other on this list.

The Secret: Fresh Rosemary spice is worked into the all-natural, Ohio Beef patties, which are also seasoned in wine.  The burger is as aromatic as it is delicious.

 

 

The “Jerk Burger” at Ye Olde Trail Tavern in Yellow Springs has Jerk Seasonings and Jalapenos

6) ” THE JERK BURGER ” at YE OLDE TRAIL TAVERN: Talk about a Food Adventure in a bun, this burger has a lot going on.  The cheese topped jalapenos bring the burn, the beef brings the flavor, and the jerk sauce is the icing on the cake.  A burger so unique, we have never had anything like it.  This one is #6 with a bullet !

The Secret:  They tout that they have their own special “beef blend” for their burgers.  This and the inventiveness of the jerk sauce on the burger are the secret.

 

 

7) ” THE ONION STRAW BURGER ” at THE HORSELESS BUGGY EATERY:  They won 3rd place in the nation for food truck’s with the best burger.  We love them for the size of this burger.  The presentation of this hefty burger is usually met with “ooohs and ahhs,” from people standing around at food truck rallies.

The Secret: The burger is pattied fresh daily with special seasonings.  The onion straws are made fresh to order, on a bakery style Kaiser roll.  These onion straws are that crunch that puts it over the top.

 

 

The Onion Straw Burger from The Horseless Buggy Eatery, a Food Truck

8) ” THE VOSS BURGER ” at O’LEARY’S PUB & GRUB:  Two hand smashed patties totaling  2/3 pound of meat, with cole slaw and any other of your typical toppings.  A nice Kaiser roll with  a long toothpick holds it all together.  This burger is messy but so delicious.  One of the best burgers we have ever eaten, but get it with cheese !

The Secret: The burgers are ground daily at Zink’s Meat Market less than a block away.  The high quality and fresh 80/20 ground chuck, catapult this burger onto our list.

 

 

9) ” THE BOURBON BURGER ” at BRIXX ICE CO.:  A huge hamburger, that even feels warm through the bun.  With lots of toppings, it is surprising, but the bourbon sauce is still very noticeable.  There is no better atmosphere to enjoy a burger than inside this old building, or on the patio overlooking the Dragon’s stadium.  This burger is simply phenomenal.

The Secret: It’s all in the bourbon sauce.  It haunts your every bite, in a good way, letting you know “I’m still here.”

 

 

10) ” THE MOWHAWK BURGER ” at MOHAWK FREESTYLE GRILL (FOOD TRUCK): A huge burger on wheels.  Chef Aaron serves up some of the best burgers in Dayton. They have a distinct taste.  Truly a delicious burger with great toppings.  Make sure you grab one of these, when his food truck is in town.  You can thank us later.

The Secret: He uses fresh ground ribeye meat.  The result is a big, juicy, delicious burger.   It is as simple as that.

 

 

“The Voss Burger” from O’Leary’s Pub in Centerville

11) ” THE GOAT BURGER ” at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  A nice, filling burger with a ton of flavor.  It is made of local, Dayton beef, and a pile of toppings.  Unhinge your jaw and bite into a serious burger.  Andrew Trick and his staff do this up right!

The Secret: The beef is from Keener Farms, which produce locally grain fed beef.  The freshness is evident in every bite.

 

 

12) ” THE TASTY BURGER ” at THE HASTY TASTY PANCAKE HOUSE: Like a “Big Boy” sandwich, only better.  It is juicy, tasty and filling.  This is one of the lesser know burgers in town, with the biggest flavor.  Every bite is like music to your mouth.

The Secret: The greasy grill of the Hasty Tasty Pancake House, seasons the burgers perfectly.  The bun and tartar sauce on your tongue, seals the deal, and makes it a MUST EAT.

 

 

13) ” THE STICKY BURGER ” at ARCHER’S TAVERN:  This unique burger is another MUST EAT.  It is the #1 selling signature burger on their menu.  Part-owner Dan Apolito says in his 5 years at Archer’s, he knows of only 2 people that tried it and didn’t like it.  If you’re thinking about it, go for it!  Peanut butter as a topping makes it a Food Adventure for sure !

CARVER’S CHEESEBURGER

The Secret: Peanut Butter, Bacon, & Pepper Jack Cheese give it a hot, sweet almost Thai peanut taste.  They suggest you order it with no lettuce , no tomato, no onion or pickles

 

14) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at CARVER’S STEAKS & CHOPS:  This burger is only available at the bar or “to go.”  It is not on the regular menu, so this burger is one of the best kept secrets in town.  A deliciously seasoned burger with all the ‘fixins.’  The weck style dinner bun makes it easy to eat.

The Secret:  They use steak scraps to make the burgers.  The burger is also served with carmelized onions and a housmade A1 aioli sauce.

 

 

15) “THE THREE CHEESE BACON BURGER” at ONE EYED JACKS:  Provolone, Swiss and Cheddar cheese adorn this burger , as do 2 big pieces of bacon.  This is one of the best burgers we tried, and the flavor is one-of-a-kind.  It is one of those burgers that when you take a bite, you say with a full mouth “oh my gawwwsh.”

The Secret:  When they mix the meat, they add herbs and spices.  The result is a very distinct taste of basil and other ingredients.  This burger is one of the dark horses on the list.

 

The “Bourbon Burger” from Brixx Ice Co. is a Food Adventure on a plate

16) ” THE PARAGON  STEAKBURGER ” at THE PARAGON SUPPER CLUB: The burger is a modest 6 ounce serving, and a great deal at just $7.50.  When you add the bun, tomato, lettuce and onion, it becomes a mouth stretcher on that first bite.  We choose to add american cheese, mustard and ketchup to seal the deal.  It is even great when ordered “to go.”

The Secret: They grind the trimmings of their filet mignon steaks for the patties of this burger.  The result is lean, flavorful magic.

 

 

17) ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at KOWALSKI’S HOTS:  Yes, a burger from a hot dog stand made this list, and rightfully so.  Fresh meat on a NY style weck bun, with concession style condiment choices where you doctor it up yourself.  The $5 price tag is worth every bite, and when the relish, mixed with the weck bun and meat hit your taste buds, we say “goodnight Irene.”

The Secret: He puts a meaty coney sauce on the hamburger. The way the juicy meat soaks into the weck bun is a perfect vessel for delivering this burger to your mouth.  We found ourselves dancing while standing and eating it at the cart.

 

 

The “Mohawk Burger” from Mohawk Freestyle Grill Food Truck

18) ” THE LARGE, CLASSIC  CHEESEBURGER ” at E. O. BURGERS:  Located at the Greene, not only is this a great burger place, but their shakes are killer too.   Make sure you get the large cheeseburger, take your number, sit down and wait for the main event.  Condiment carts at the tables have sauce toppings including A1 and Cholula.  It doesn’t matter what you top it with, it is a great burger.

The Secret: They use 100% USDA Prime Beef, and the taste is terrific.  Fresh, handmade patties everyday with USDA Prime Beef quality, means consistently good burgers.

 

 

19) ” THE CHEESEBURGER” at JIMMIES LADDER 11: This six ounce masterpiece is probably the best deal on our list.  The burger, the toppings and the atmopsphere is 100% Dayton.  We love it. With so many great items on their menu, it is no surprise that their burgers kick butt too.

The Secret: The burgers are 100% Angus meat, mixed with secret house seasonings.  It doesn’t hurt that the burger is served with Mikesells Chips.

 

 

The “Goat Burger” from Lucky’s Taproom is a Masterpiece

 20) ” THE URBAN BURGER ” at ELSA’S KETTERING SPORTS GRILL:  Made famous by the legendary Dayton restaurant owner, Urban Suburban, this burger has been a Miami Valley favorite for decades.  The recipe is untouched since Elsa’s Kettering took over, and the result is still magical.  Get it with cheese.

The Secret: Fresh meat, never frozen and a pile of toppings.  Big eaters with big appetites, this burger is for you.

 

 

21) “ THE GROUND BEEF BURGER” from CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT:  Easy to eat, and absolutely delicious.  This burger is as unique as the restaurant that serves it.  They pride themselves on organic, all natural burgers with no additives.  The proof of that choice is in every bite.  The most picturesque burger on our list, it looks like a magazine ad.

The Secret: A bakery quality, multi-grain roll holds the burger together perfectly.  It is the handle that carries that non additive beef burger into your mouth, like a valet for your taste buds.

 

 

The Large, Classic Cheeseburger from E.O. Burger at the Greene

22)  ” THE BISTRO BURGER ” at COCO’S BISTRO:  This Angus beef burger is served with bacon, carmelized onions and the most incredible Boursin cheese sauce.  One of the more unique burgers on the list, the taste is instantly recognizable.

The Secret: It is all about the creamy, rich, Boursin cheese sauce.  The first bite is one of those “wow” moments.  The kaiser roll is stellar too.  We cant stop saying the word Boursin after eating this… Boursin, Boursin. Booooorr. siiiiine. It’s all about boursin,bout de boursin, no trouble…

.

 

23) ” THE BLEU CHEESE STUFFED PEPPERCORN BURGER  ” at THE TROLLEY STOP:  It is a juicy burger, made with local beef.  It is stuffed with bleu cheese.  You must stuff it in your mouth.  Not a lot of condiments are needed for this special treat.  The chef at Trolley Stop has really kicked up their menu, and this is just another example of that.

The Secret: It is made with Keener Beef, a locally raised beef, which gives a very fresh and organic feel to the burger.

 

 

The “Ground Beef Burger” from Christopher’s is Delicious & Picture Perfect

24) ” THE BIG NICK BURGER ” at NICK’S RESTAURANT:  Xenia natives know this is a great burger.  For the others that don’t know, welcome to another place where you can “get the beef!”  The Big Nick is a tasty 1/2 pound burger, and the only place in the area where you can get a side of smelts with it.  Call it a Xenia Surf and Turf ! We love it !

The Secret:  They claim the perfect blend of 80/20 ground chuck.  We say they are right!  You have to love a burger whose call tag it, “What’s on your Big Nick?”

 

 

25) ” THE BLACK JAX AND BLEU BURGER ” at SEA JAX TAVERN:  This nice sized burger is served with carmelized onions, pepper jack cheese and crumbles of bleu cheese.  Lots of flavor in this one.

The Secret: The burger is “blackened” before the incredible toppings are added.  The cajun spices on the meat are a nice touch.

 

 

The Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg has been legendary fro over 100 years !

26) ” THE HAMBURGER ” at THE HAMBURGER WAGON:  Any place that people that people stand in line 15 deep in the bitter cold or intense heat, just to get a taste of the burgers, has to be on this list.  There is no doubt, this place has a cult following.  In fact the “place” is actually a wagon in the street.  Since the Great Flood of 1913, the Hamburger Wagon has been an icon in Miamisburg.  The burgers are topped only with onion, pickle and salt & pepper.  The pride themselves on needing “no stinking condiments.”

The Secret: The burgers are actually a mix of burger and sausage meat.  Also, the grilling method of deep frying the burgers, by pressing them down with a spatula, in a large iron skillet gives the hamburgers than one of a kind “crunch” when you bite into them

 

 

27) ” THE ITALIAN BURGER ”  at BLIND BOB’S: A generous 1/2 pound burger with provolone cheese, marinara sauce and carmelized onions. The atmosphere and quiet fanfare for this burger, makes for a fun experience.  Definitely a hamburger not to be overlooked.

The Secret: The burger is “stuffed” with provolone, green peppers and basil.  It oozes with every bite.  Eat it quick, so it oozes into your mouth and not in your hand.

 

 

“The Italian Burger” from Blind Bobs is stuffed with Provolone, Green Peppers and Basil

28) ” THE APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER ” at BUNKER’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL:  A nice sized hamburger with bacon and cheddar cheese.  You have to pour the BBQ sauce on yourself, since it is served on the side.  The result is a smokehouse flavor that is a refreshing twist.  This is the only burger on the list that is served with shredded cheese.

The Secret: Fresh Angus beef combined with applewood smoked bacon is the key to this bad boy.  It gives a nice maple hint to the burger and shredded cheese.

 

29)  ” THE PUB FRIES BURGER ” at THE DUBLIN PUB:  A burger with fries, cheese and bacon crumbles on top.  When you combine Dayton’s favorite pub fries and a great burger, you are bound to have a winner.  Add the “Dub Pub” atmosphere and you have yourself a Food Adventure escape from reality !

The Secret: The cheesey pub fries topping are what puts this on the list.  The burger is good, but the pub cheese fries on top, make it outstanding.

 

 

The “Applewood Bacon Cheddar Burger” at Bunker’s in Vandalia

30) ” THE DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER “ at CADILLAC JACKS: A great sports bar atmosphere for one of the best burgers in town.  Make sure you get the “double” burger, it is time to play with the adults. Great flavor from the first cheesey bite, to the last.

The Secret: Fresh ground sirloin and ground chuck mix, with tons of cheese.  The result is a melt in your mouth, delicious experience.

 

 

31)  ” THE HAMBURGER ” at GEEZ GRILL and PUB:  A solid, great tasting pub burger.  This burger is one of the dark horses on our list. “Mama G” hits the mark again with her menu items.  Make sure you get some cheese on it

The Secret: The meat is fresh Ground Chuck, pattied daily by hand.  And that was all it took in this case.

 

 

The Double Cheeseburger from Cadillac Jack’s. Soooo Cheesey !

32) ” THE HALF POUND HAMBURGER ” at GEORGE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT: A diner that is a throwback to the “good ole’ days”.  Killer food and good service.  Grab a 1/2 pounder at George’s to fill your carnivore cravings.  No frills, no dramatic presentation, just a damn fresh and tasty burger in a bun, on a plate.

The Secret: Fresh meat cooked on a flaming grill.  The grill is so fierce, you can see it flare up from time to time if you are seated in certain areas of the dining room.

 

 

33) ” THE YUMMY BURGER ” from WHITE LOTUS RESTAURANT: A true Dayton dive with a friendly cook / owner.  Here your hamburger could be cooked next to some chicken pad thai.  The burger is delicious and the prices are cheap. “Yummy burger?”  Hell yes it is!

The Secret: The owner will tell you that her “love” that goes into the burger is the secret.  But we saw the trick.  It is fresh ground meat, with garlic salt and pepper, cooked on that old, seasoned, flat top grill.

 

 

34) ” THE MINNESOTA JUICY LUCY ” at ROMER’S BAR & GRILL:  This 1/2 pound burger is stuffed with provolone, pepperoni and jalapenos.  The result is a tasty hamburger that oozes cheese with every bite from inside the burger.  Yet another Food Adventure on a plate, this one takes it to a whole new level of taste.

The Secret: The “inside out burger” mentality of the Juicy Lucy and the unique stuffings of course.  The pepperoni and jalapenos give it a salty and sultry burn in every bite.

 

 

“The Yummy Burger” from White Lotus

35)  ” THE CHEESEBURGER ” at BENJAMIN’S THE BURGER MASTER: A great burger that deserves a spot on our list.  The gooey cheese and the meat, it’s the simplest burger on this page.  And it simply tastes great.  They also have the best BBQ wings in town.

The Secret:  The simplicity equals good taste. The burgers are fresh, 100% ground beef, seasoned and topped simply.  Sometimes, less is more.

 

 

Honorable Mention: 

” THE BIG FRICKIN’ BURGER ” at FRICKER’S: This burger is a full pound of beef.  The patties are brought in fresh, not frozen. This burger stacks two of the 1/2 pound patties, resulting in a massive burger, and a great frickin’ deal at just $7.99.

The Secret:  Cooked over a flaming grill.  Great grill marks, and a great taste.

 

 

“The Big Frickin’ Burger” at Fricker’s is a pound of meat, flame grilled, for less than 9 bucks

” THE MAID RITE  ” at MAID-RITE SANDWICH SHOPPE:  They are sweet tasting, tiny, little sloppy joe like sandwiches.   We are letting them slide by into the burger category.  The small sandwiches are addicting and delicious.  There is a HUGE fan following of this restaurant, and many people travel an hour for these little icons.  The eatery is located at 125 N. Broadway St in Greenville, Ohio.

The Secret: It is the cooking technique, which is a closely guarded mystery.  Some say they add sugar to the meat, others think they steam the meat in Pepsi.  We have no idea, we just know we love them.

 

Honorable Mention Chain Burgers:  “The Garbage Burger” from Max N Erma’s, The Big Boy Sandwich, and White Castle Hamburgers.  These regional chains along with the Red Robin burgers are MUST EATS.  We  give a shout out to Five Guys and Smashburger as well…    We eat it all,  no self contradictions here.

 

“The Hamburger” at Geez Grill & Pub. A solid entry into the list.

There you have it, that’s our list of the top 35 Burgers in The Miami Valley !  Comment below and give us your beefs, take it easy on our buns…

As you can see, Food Adventures   never does anything halfway, and this is no different.  Notice, we have no contributed or borrowed stock photos here.  All of these pictures are original, because we actually went to the places and ate the burgers at least 2 times each.  Yes, multiple visits is what keeps Food Adventures on top of the pack.

Want more of the best foodie spots in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE.  Join Hungry Jax, Chef House and The Big Ragu as they leave no plate unturned.

 

DID WE LEAVE ANYONE OUT?

IS SOMEONE IN A SPOT THEY SHOULDN’T BE?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU !  COMMENT BELOW AND TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR “UNDENIABLE LIST” DAYTON’s TOP 20 BURGERS !

Also, check out our photo gallery below.

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All You Can Eat “Sushi Club” Hits Dayton + ** win free sushi **

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Alaska roll

The Alaska Roll up front, Raw Pepper Tuna and Raw Salmon in the back

Attention sushi lovers, you aren’t gonna believe this.  For the first time ever, an all you can eat sushi restaurant has opened in the Gem City.

This special place, called the “Sushi Club” has been open for a couple of weeks in West Carrollton.  Now, before you start thinking of the side sushi at a Chinese buffet, let us stop you, because you’re wrong.  This place is more like a Brazilian Steakhouse setup, but for sushi.  Actually, it is just a sushi restaurant, with an option to pay $16.99, and order sushi rolls until you are full.  That’s how it works. And the quality is great !!  Your humble Food Adventure Crew have already visited the place a handful of times, and we are hooked!

***Contest*** Want to win a free all you can eat sushi experience???

Comment below on why you should win and one lucky person will be chosen at random and will win dinner with the Food Adventures Crew at the Sushi Club!

Sexy on the Beach

Click to enlarge this roll called “Sexy on the Beach”

You certainly don’t have to get the all you can eat option, but it’s the best deal in the place.  So get ready to grab some chopsticks, pour some soy sauce and stir in some wasabi.  It is time to indulge to your hearts content!  Time for your own Japanese Food Adventure !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Sushi Club is located at 2098 S. Alex Rd in West Carrollton

— The best deal is the all you can eat sushi rolls, for $16.99, available all day long.   There are 47 different sushi rolls for you to choose from.  You can order 2 at a time, and the waitress will bring out your order and you can place another order and so on until you are done.  The meal is served with salad, soup and an orange for dessert.  The salad is an amazing lettuce and mango salad with creamy dressing.  Sometimes, edamame is also served on the house.

— If you want to order Ngiri sushi slices or sashimi raw slices, the fee is and additional 25cents per piece.  But it is totally worth it to try 4 or so pieces each visit.   The raw sushi pieces are fresh and delicious.

— The staff couldn’t be friendlier.  They are very helpful, and always willing to explain the menu with a smile.

— Not a sushi fan?  No problem! The menu features Hibachi Steak, Chicken, Shrimp and Lobster too !

 

With so many choices, let’s just say you can’t go wrong.  From mango topped to tuna topped, from yellow tail to salmon roe, whatever you like, Sushi Club will deliver a roll that will blow your mind and your mouth!

After trying nearly 40 rolls, we give to you our patented MUST EATS at the Sushi Club !!

 

MUST EATS:

The Incredible Roll

The Incredible Roll

— THE ALASKA ROLL: Raw salmon, cucumber and avocado .  A simple roll, highlighting fresh salmon.

— SPICY YELLOWTAIL ROLL:  This roll is a rarity in the sushi world.  Raw yellowtail tuna is chopped and mixed with spicy mayo.  The result is a creamy, fresh, raw taste.

— SEXY ON THE BEACH ROLL:  We don’t know if they meant to name it the drink name and messed up or what.  But we don’t care, it’s that good. Spicy yellowtail on the inside, topped with tuna and salmon

— THE INCREDIBLE ROLL: Shrimp Tempura and avacado, topped with spicy crabmeat, eel and sweet chili sauce.  A huge blend of flavors in this one promises to become one of your favorites.

— THE TUNA AMAZING ROLL:  Crabmeat, cucumber and cream cheese, topped with pepper tuna, eel and spicy mayo.  Whoever named this roll, got it right.  Its amazingly naughty.

The Fancy Sushi Roll

The Fancy Roll

— THE SOUTH ALEX ROLL:  A deep fried roll with smoked salmon, avacado and cream cheese.  It is topped with scallions, eels sauce and spicy mayo.  Very filling, this one will put a dent in your all you can eat plans.

 —THE FANCY ROLL: Tuna, Salmon and avacado, topped with whitefish, miso, and spicy mayo sauce.  A nice, big mouthful or flavor.

— THE TUNA ROLL: Raw tuna, and avacado, back to the basic melt in our mouth sushi on this one.

 

Honorable Mention: A couple of items here are worth mentioning because they are good and because we have not seen them in other sushi place before.  Try the raw “Pepper Tuna” Nigiri.  It’s lightly coated with black pepper.   Also try the Fish Tempura roll.  We have never seen these before and it’s not bad.  Finally, they offer Raw Tilapia sushi.  We again have never seen this anywhere before, and it was very much like yellowtail sashimi.  We also love the fact that they have a nice sake selection, and we enjoyed a beer we had never seen on draft before, Kirin Ichiban, one of our fave bottled beers since the early 90’s.

Tuna Roll and Tuna Sashimi

Tuna Roll and Tuna Sashimi

Now… about the free sushi..

***** WIN A FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI DINNER ! *****

Put a comment in the story below and 1 lucky person will win an all you can eat sushi feast with the Food Adventures Crew.  One winner will be chosen at random next week !

 

If you come to the Sushi Club, you won’t ever have the “I just spent $20 on sushi and I am still hungry” problem.  Instead, satisfy your sushi cravings and treat yourself!  Tell them the Food Adventures Crew sent you ! You won’t regret giving this place a try.  Roll on !

Speaking of rolls.  We literally have ordered every sushi roll on the menu, so please check out our gallery below for killer pictures on what to expect.

Also – visit Chef House, The Big Ragu, Hungry Jax and The King on Facebook by clicking HERE.   5,000 fans can’t be wrong.

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Drive Thru Pizza Hits Dayton

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Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

Brew & Brews Drive Thru, now serves Fresh, NY Style Pizza

You may have seen the new Brew & Brews Drive Thru that popped up on 741 across from Home Depot.  They have the usual drive thru fare, such as beer, wine, pop, chips and candy.  But did you know there is now a full blown pizzeria inside as well?  Yes !  The addition is called B & B Slices.   Now you can get whole pizzas or slices on the go.   Whether customers call ahead or just swing by, B&B is sure to have something freshly made to please your pizza cravings.

Yes, a Food Adventure in your car !

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The drive-thru joint is called B & B Slices and is located at 326 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg.

— B & B Slices owners are Johnny and Michele Rivera former owners of Johnny’s Slice of NY Pizza.  So, if are fans of that place, you can expect the same New York style pizzas.

— Other items available include 3 ingredient calzones for $6 and subs for $6.50.

— Everything is produced with fresh dough, made daily by Johnny himself.

— They have not set firm hours yet, but we assume roughly 11:30-7pm is when you can expect  the saucy, cheesy goodness of B&B Slices.

 

MUST EATS:

New York Style Slices – We prefer Pepperoni or Cheese

— SLICE OF PEPPERONI PIZZA: The hallmark, the flagship if you will.  These New York Style slices are a great bite on the go, and a match made in drive thru heaven.  The slices are big enough to curb your hunger, but wont stuff you.  Fold the slice, take a bite and get your craving in a drive-by.

— CALZONES: Homemade, handmade and perfectly made with fresh dough.  Pick your favorite 3 ingredients, and get afork for some marinara dipping action.  One of the best in the land.

— WHOLE PIES: Load up the toppings or keep it simple with just cheese, you can’t go wrong with a B & B pizza.  If you are feeling really hungry, order one of their signature Brooklyn Brawler Pizzas, which is a mammoth stuffed crust style pizza.

 

Our Food Adventures Crew love fresh, original ideas like this one.  The dough is just as fresh as the concept, and Chef House, The Big Ragu, The King & Hungry Jax are suckers for fresh dough.  So the next time you are driving down 741 with a little hunger pain, you might want to drive through Brew and Brews for a slice of paradise.

 

Hungry for more Dayton eats?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here!  Is your preference food porn? Hit us up on Instagram HERE.

Remember, we are not food critics, we just love to eat !

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New Bar Opens in Centerville to Rave Reviews !

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The Barnyard Pizza: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage

Bars are bars right?  Well, one new spot that just opened in Centerville’s Normandy Square Shopping Center on 725 next door to Big Lots, aims to prove that theory wrong.  Mack’s Tavern owner, Mackenzie Manley, will distinguish her place with unique eats, and an old school, laid back atmosphere, that feels like home.  Mack’s Tavern has only been open for a few weeks, but since the VIP soft opening, the buzz and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  Food Adventures has already visited the bar a few times, and each trip we notice the beer taps keep rotating, and the menu keeps growing.  We have also noticed that the crowds have been steady.

Our Food Adventures Crew is always on the hunt for new and exciting killer food items on Dayton menus.  It is our “thang,” if you will.  Mack’s impressed us with some  kitchen creations, causing us to say her trademark tagline .. “it’s better than expected.”  Let’s get to it …

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Mackenzie Manley, Owner of Mack's Tavern in Centerville

Mackenzie Manley, Owner of Mack’s Tavern in Centerville

— MACK’S TAVERN first gained attention by winning The Bloody Mary Showdown,  in October, 2014 a few months before their doors even opened.  Mack’s came out of nowhere to beat the field of competition and have their drink named the best Bloody Mary in Dayton.

— Owner Mackenzie Manley, is using her previous bartender experience, to create a friendly atmosphere, even for families.  Mackenzie said kids are welcome, and asks parents to use discretion on how late they stay (she says before 9 pm seems to be the typical time for kids to head home).

— Hours are 2pm-11pm weekdays and 2pm-2am on Fri and Sat nights.  This spring she looks to expand hours to opening at 11am for those wanting lunch Food Adventures.

— They have 12 beer taps and currently are featuring some unique beers like Sweetwater Blue and Konig Ludwig Weissbier Hell.  Mack’s Tavern also features a IPA named after her dog, Haze.  It is called “Haze’s IPA” and is brewed by RedHook Brewery.

— Mack’s features some wildly inventive cocktails.  The Angry Orchard Ale with Oak Heart Spiced Rum is just one of them.  It is called “Chewys Hogtail” named after the stuffed boar above the bar she has nicknamed Chewbacca.  Other drinks include the “Kitty on a Triscuit” with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Watermelon Pucker and orange juice.  Or how about the drink named after her dog, Haze.  A “Sweet Haze” is a mix of Corzo Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice.

All these drinks need to be soaked up by some food.   Here we go the patented section of the article, where we display our MUST EATS for Mack’s Tavern.

“Chewy’s Boar Bombs,” are Pork Niblets tossed in a delicious glaze sauce

 

MUST EATS:

— THE BLOODY MARY: Our first must eat is a “must drink.”  Come on, if you win Dayton’s best Bloody Mary contest, your drink kicks some serious butt.  No brainer here.

— MACK’S SIGNATURE MAC N CHEESE:  Served piping hot in a casserole dish, small or large this is cheesey goodness at it’s best.  We love the bread crumb toppings for a perfect crunch.  They have a few variations, but our favorite is the CHICKEN PARM MAC n CHEESE.  

— BROWN BOTTLE CHEESE DIP and PRETZEL STICKS:  This is all about the dip, bout the dip, no pretzel.  This thick beer cheese dip will melt you.  The Food Adventures Crew could drink a glass of this stuff.  The flavor is out of this world.

— CHEWYS BOAR BOMBS:  They look like wings at first, but they are pork ‘riblets.’ These bites are on the bone and tossed in an amazing glaze sauce.  This was the Big Ragu’s favorite menu item of them all.  The pork is cooked perfectly, and the sauce will have you licking your fingers like a kid.

Chicken

Chicken Parm Mac N Cheese, one of Mack’s Signature Dishes

— NOT YOUR GRANDMA’s BREAD: Naan bread topped with feta cheese, spicy sauce, and drizzled with spicy sour cream.  The whole thing is toasted, until the toppings are melted.  We have never had anything like this in a bar, that’s for sure.  Creative and delicious.  A Food Adventure on Naan Bread.

— THE BARNYARD PIZZA: Pepperoni, Bacon, Ham and Sausage toppings.  Hint: all their pizzas are good. Take the veggie pizza called the “Tree Hugger.” for example which has black and green olives on it with mushrooms, onions, banana peppers and green peppers.  Our our favorite name , The “PMS” Pizza.  It has Pepperoni, Mushroom and Sausage.

Honorable Mention goes to the Salsa served with chips.  It is a smoky tasting salsa, made from scratch and is the secret recipe of Mack’s brother, Jacob.  It is addicting !

Mack’s Tavern has plans to expand the menu even more to include a Bourbon Bacon Pulled Pork that will be smoked on site.  Also look for burgers to be added to the menu  in the near future.

Mackenzie’s dog, Haze, has his own IPA

So you can see, Mack’s Tavern is not your typical bar.  Sure they have dart leagues and pool tables.  We want to mention that they have some of the friendliest bartenders in town.  Mackenzie of course, and Gabby, Stacy and Tiffany always have a smile on their face.  Good food,  good drink, good people, good times.  Check out Mack’s Tavern for yourself and tell Haze and Chewy that the Food Adventures Crew said “woof.”

Want more foodie fun from The Big Ragu, Chef House, The King and Hungry Jax  ?  Then follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking HERE and “liking” their page.  Be sure to browse our gallery below for the sneak peek into MACK’S TAVERN’s food and atmosphere.

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Hungry Jax Shares A Recipe From Her Hometown: Utica Greens

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“Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish from Upstate NY.

The Food Adventure Crew have come up with a brand new feature that you’ll  will see in upcoming months  called “KITCHEN ADVENTURES.”  Here we will list some of our favorite all time recipes that will release the inner foodie in you.  We are also hoping these recipes will impress your family and friends.  Don’t worry, we won’t tell them where you got it.  It will be our little secret.

Our inaugural installment comes to you from our resident foodie mom, Hungry Jax.   May we present to you…

KITCHEN ADVENTURES: UTICA GREENS

Hey all! “Hungry Jax” here.  About 9 years ago my husband and I relocated to the Dayton area from our hometown of Utica, NY.  Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a culinary treasure that is slowly, but surely making it’s name as one of the most delicious places to eat in the US.  It is a city rich in Italian culture and cuisine!  Upon relocating, I was homesick, not just for family, but for the culinary creations that are unique to the Utica area.  So my kitchen became a laboratory with weekly experiments to recreate these hometown dishes that I love so dearly (talk about a Food Adventure!).  I find that these dishes are ones that I love to share with my new friends here in Dayton.  Sharing with them not just a great dish, but part of who I am and where I have come from.  I’d like to share with you all one of these special dishes and I hope that you enjoy this recipe and maybe even take a stab at making them!

 

So my dear fellow Food Adventurers, I give you: “Utica Greens“.

I know what you’re asking yourself: “What’s a Utica Green?” “Utica Greens” is a spicy Italian dish made up of escarole, garlic, pancetta, hot peppers, cheese and breadcrumbs.  Typically served as a side dish but can easily become a meal with a hunk of Italian bread!  I also like to mix these in with penne to make a fun pasta dish, or even cook up with eggs in an omelet or frittata!

Hot Cherry Peppers

It should be noted that the peppers for this dish, Hot Cherry Peppers, are hard to find around here.  I have found them fresh at Jungle Jims, as well as at Meijers from time to time.  You can find them jarred, but typically those are sweet and not hot. Mild will work fine and if you want to spice thing up, just add more red crushed pepper.  I have my brothers mail me these peppers when I am not back north to stock up on them myself!

 

 

For this dish you will need:

  • 3 heads Escarole chopped and cleaned well.  This type of green can be very “gritty” so I have found it best to let the chopped leaves soak in a sink full of cold water to allow for any dirt on the leaves to sink to the bottom.  Rinse once more and then you should be good to go!
  • One small bag baby spinach
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3-5 chopped Hot Cherry Peppers
  • 3/4 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan – I use a mixture of both)
  • 1/8lb Prosciutto or Pancetta chopped
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste
  • Mix together an additional ¼ cup bread crumbs and ¼ cup cheese, set aside

Cut and thoroughly clean the escarole.  Add the greens to a large pot of salted water.  After water comes to a boil, cook the greens for about 4-5 minutes. Do not cover pot as it will turn your greens brown. Remove and drain.

In a frying pan add olive oil and heat.  Fry Pancetta until crispy.  Remove from pan and let sit on paper towel to drain.

The Finished Product.  Mangia!

Next, add garlic and hot cherry peppers.  Cook for just about one minute.

Add the greens and cook just until heated through.  Make sure to stir often.  Add the spinach a handful at a time until wilted.  Add salt, pepper and red crushed pepper to taste.

Take off heat, stir in breadcrumbs and cheese .  Top with extra breadcrumbs and cheese and broil for a few minutes to crisp!  If the greens look too “wet” don’t hesitate to add more breadcrumbs.  You will find that they are crucial for flavoring the dish. Same with the cheese. So add and taste as you go.

Now tear yourself off a big piece of crusty Italian bread and go to town!  This will serve about 4 people (or just me).

These also freeze great which makes it easy for me to grab a batch out of the freezer for holidays or unexpected dinner guests!

I hope you enjoy these as much as my family and I do. Let me know if you give it a try!

Mangia!

~ Hungry Jax

 

Want more Food Adventures and scoop on local eateries?

Follow Hungry Jax, Chef House, The King and The Big Ragu on Facebook HERE !