Dayton Most Metro

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

Bryan Suddith

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Lasagna

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As a kid, I grew up on Chef Boyardee’s Lasagna. You know the kind. It came in a box with a can of sauce, powdered cheese, and lasagna noodles. It was fast, easy, and not terribly delicious. When my parents wanted real lasagna, we drove to Lebanon and ate at the Tavern. It was the best lasagna in town. It was a single serving in a metal pan, covered in tons of melted stringy cheese, bubbling with housemade sauce and it arrived with a mini loaf of french bread doused in garlic butter. My parents loved this place and I loved the lasagna.

Recently I found myself eating really mediocre lasagna with my son. He is attracted to the free breadsticks and mediocre pizza at this national chain. I sat there poking the pasta looking for the cheese and sauce I fondly remembered as a kid. I never found it. So I had more breadsticks while mapping out a plan to find that lasagna I remembered as a kid.

 

I found it! We are surrounded by great Italian food here in Dayton.

Jimmy’s lasagna with garlic rolls

Starting south of town I worked my way across the county and here is my report.

Troni’s Lasagna

Great lasagna isn’t far away. In Kettering, we have an abundance for every taste. While locals are divided between Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen on Woodman or Troni’s on Dorothy Lane, one thing is clear, the sauce is fresh and full of flavor. $8.99 gets you enough lasagna to demand an afternoon nap. Troni’s has a great salad and house dressing for their lunch special, Jimmy’s serves soup alongside their lunch. Troni’s delivered with pasta that was cooking perfectly and sauce with spice. Order extra garlic knots. Jimmy’s sauce is chunkier, which I like, and the rolls are soft and buttery, but I wanted the garlic and didn’t get it.

Mamma DiSalvo’s lasagna

I drove past Mamma Disalvo’s on the way to these two stops. The lasagna there is 100% Mama’s. The sauce is thicker, sweeter, and made with love. Mama’s lasagna is like my grandmas. The ricotta is noticeable and the pasta is cooked perfectly and still has a bite to it. It is covered in mozzarella and baked off to perfection. $9.95 for lunch with salad and bread. Order extra bread, you don’t want to leave any of that sauce on the plate.

For folks up north you aren’t far from great layered pasta and cheese either. Folks know Giovanni’s in Fairborn for their pizza and subs. Skip the pizza, order the lasagna. Portions large enough to share, you won’t want to but you could, and dinner prices make it so you can get the antipasto plate beforehand. Dinner is $13.00 with salad and housemade Italian bread.

My final suggestion for great lasagna in Dayton is Franco’s on 5th near the Oregon District. Franco’s has that old school Italian feel. Tuck in your shirt, grab a date and find a booth in the back. Settle in for great service and better food. Stop in for lunch and you will probably have Franco stop by your table. When ordering the lasagna at Franco’s get it with sausage in place of the beef. Get the salad with the house dressing and grab a napkin for your shirt. I’ve never had the beef lasagna at Franco’s because the sausage is always on point.
We are fortunate to have so many spots to grab a great pasta dish. On my quest to find the best, I rank these at the top. Other places to try include Palermo’s , Roma’s in Springboro and Napoli‘s in Miamisburg.
Where do you go when you are looking for great Lasagna in Dayton? Add your favorite to the list in the comments.

Quest for the best of Black Owned Eateries

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I know my way around the Dayton food scene. At least the affordable food scene. I am not one for fancy dinners or $30 lunches, but I like to eat and I like to see and eat what Dayton has to offer.

People ask me all the time, where are the best wings, best burgers, best this, best that. I always have an answer.

Until recently. People started asking me about Black owned restaurants. I only knew of the two immigrant owned spots I frequent Nanyea Cafe (North Dixie) and Eden Spice (Central Ave in West Carrolton) as well as a food truck I hit up downtown on occasion (Courtland’s Mobile Grill).

So I had to ask, poke around Facebook a little and what I found is a bit surprising. There aren’t as many as I had thought. Also, one place I thought was Black-owned wasn’t. Still a favorite but not what I was looking for this time.

Here are the six Ill be visiting in the coming days!

The Chicken Spot
This place is more than chicken. Salads and a variety of sandwiches are on the menu. Pulled chicken thighs on a bun with mac and cheese as a topping? Yes. The Back Yard Medusa is an entire backyard bbq in one bite. This joint will add Collard Greens as a topping to the sandwich! I am not one for crazy sandwiches, but this one has my attention. Located on Siebenthaler near Philadelphia. Give them a follow on Facebook for hours and specials.

Twist Cupcakery
One of the sweetest spots in the Fireblock District is Twist. My afternoons are always made better with one of these cupcakes. Located on St. Clair, just south of Third Street. $2.50 wont buy you happiness, but it will buy you a cupcake, and that is pretty darn close. They have curbside pickup and deliver a “CupCake in a Jar” nationwide. Brownies, cookies and other treats can be found as well.

Fat Boyz BBQ

Today’s BBQ popularity can be attributed to African Americans solely. From Texas to Kansas City to Memphis, BBQ history starts with African Americans turning the less desirable cuts of meat into something delicious.

Their menus is pure bbq and they do something that few BBQ spots do, ribs by the bone. Pork Spare Ribs and Beef Ribs on the menu as well as something they call a Turkey Rib. I have to try it. Burgers and a turkey burger also make the menu. Southern sides round the menu, mac and cheese, collard greens, yams and grilled corn are great accompaniment to any entree.

Find them on Kipling Dr in Dayton Wednesday through Saturday. Check Facebook for weekly specials.

Stuffed Enuff

Soul Food joint doesn’t do them justice. With wraps and stuffed burgers on the menu, Stuffed Enuff is more than soul food. This is legit home cooked food with something for everyone. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all accounted for here

You gotta check out the stuffed breakfast burger! Imagine waffles or pancakes as the bun and let your imagination run wild.

Located on N Dixie, Stuffed Enuff is on my must eat list.

Alematic Artisan Ales

Dayton is a brew town, but did you know up north in Huber Alematic Brewery is Dayton’s only Black owned brewery? With 7 creations on tap, there is sure to be something you’ll like. Ive got my eye on the Hawaiian Passion Fruit Wheat, I like a good Wheat beer and this one sounds delightful. A few IPA, Stouts and Pale Ales round out the list. Grab food from from TJ Chumps delivered right to your table.

Alematic can be found at 6182 Chambersburg Rd. in Huber.

 

Grind House Coffee and Tea

Dayton has no shortage of coffee shops, but few have a legacy and history like Grindhouse. Bill Miller took his families passion for coffee and tea and made it a reality by importing single source coffee and tea from around the world. His shop is located inside the Meijer department store in Huber and is not to be missed. Grind House has iced coffee, teas, lemonades and every drink is hand crafted.

Grind House also leads the way in flavored coffees. My wife prefers something with a little sweetness, so their Apple Pie, Blueberry Muffin and Creme Brulee coffee blends really hit the spot. Check them out and all their merch at Meijer, 7150 Executive Blvd in Huber.

Making this list, and finding these hidden Dayton Gems isn’t easy for a white guy from the Suburbs. But, you can tell that these are spots and menus not to be missed. I follow Te’Jal on Instagram and YouTube for her show What’s The Biz. Whats the Biz is a web series that highlights the stories of black entrepreneurs. Check it out!

This episode tells the story best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnL12Ai10ME

Check her out on Instagram too: Instagram.com/whatsthebiz_

Bryan

One Of A Kind Bourbon at Dewberry 1850

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Maker’s Mark Distillery

Attending college in Kentucky introduced me to bourbon before beer. Bourbon and whiskey was prolific in far western Kentucky where I spent 5 years in the early 90’s before bourbon became trendy. In dry Calloway County bourbon was popular in frat houses and backyard parties before there were release parties and long lines for the latest small batch.

I took a liking to Maker’s Mark. For my palette the nearby Maker’s Mark was a great fit. Smooth and caramel sweet on the front, a slow spice finish. It was my go to. By 2005 I had become an official Maker’s Mark Ambassador. Telling the world about Maker’s Mark.

That brings me to Dewberry 1850 and their new bar and restaurant. To my delight they have created and bottled their own Maker’s Private Select recipe and it is tasty. This one of a kind bourbon is only available in the contemporary and well appointed bar in the lobby of the Dayton Marriott hotel.

Unlike everyday bottles of Maker’s 46, Dewberry’s Private Select isn’t as sweet up front, heavier notes of vanilla and chocolate with a smooth yet peppery finish. I liked it alongside one of their Red Velvet cupcakes. The warm spice played well against the sweetness of the cupcake. Who doesn’t love cake and bourbon at lunch?

Here is their Makers Private Select recipe: 5 Seared French Cuvee, 2 Maker’s 46, 2 Roasted French Mocha and 1 Toasted French Spice. The staves are flavored via the amount of toasting or searing the oak pieces get from a flame.

In response to the growth of bourbon and the need to further differentiate themselves from a dozen other distilleries Maker’s Mark brought the world Maker’s 46.

Maker’s Mark 46™ was created in 2010 by Bill Samuels, Jr., In order to create something new, aged Maker’s Mark was re-barrelled and 10 seared French oak staves were added to the barrel and aged for an additional nine weeks. The product was a more robust and unique Maker’s. 46 represented the number of recipes (variations of seared and toasted staves) used to find the right combination.

Recently Maker’s opened up the “46 process” to bars and restaurants under the Private Select Product. The opportunity to create a unique version of Maker’s Mark 46. This recipe is created by altering the combinations of the wood staves added to the barrel.

While you can’t buy a bottle of Dewberry’s Private Select, you can grab it neat, over ice or in a cocktail at their bar in Dayton’s Marriott at UD. Beyond some delicious Maker’s Mark, they have their own barrel of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve. Aged 9 years and really small batch (one barrel) it will be hard to find an exact replica of this bourbon anywhere else.

The Dewberry 1850 is the perfect spot for an after work drink with small plate and happy hour specials all week. Bring your laptop and stay late as the bar is equipped with an espresso machine with great coffees (and wifi) for those needing a place to plug in for late night work after the other coffee shops have closed. Bar is open until midnight.

Check out their bar specials, cocktails, small plates and more at https://dewberry1850.com/

Quest For Dayton’s Best: Falafel

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It was five years ago I unexpectedly found myself in Istanbul for a few days. This was a great opportunity to eat some new foods. I tried the breads, some street foods, Turkish Delight, and a range of Pistachio pastries. But..it was a sidewalk cafe near a rug vendor where I first had falafel alongside a plate of hummus. I was no stranger to hummus, but falafel, a middle eastern hushpuppy that I come to love.

Five years later and still crave Falafel. Lucky for me Dayton is full of Middle Eastern descent restaurants who are serving great Falafel. Falafel is basically a chickpea hushpuppy. Basically ground dried chickpeas, parsley and cilantro, garlic, onion, other spices and balled together and deep fried. Eat it with tzatziki or a side of hummus. This is where I get the best in Dayton.

Carmens Deli
Address: 40 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45423

The Falafel Gyro. Think traditional Gyro but with fried falafel balls that are crumbled up in the pita alongside onion, feta, olives, lettuce and tzatziki. It’s basically a greek salad with falafel crumbled atop all sitting on a warm soft pita. I have one of these every month. No lie. Every month. Ask Haitham at the register. If you are feeling extra Greek, grab a piece of his baklava for good measure. This gyro is so big and full you won’t need a side dish, as good as the side salads and fries are, you won’t need them. Grab an extra tzatziki though. You’ll be wanting more of this tart, tangy, and creamy condiment for sure. $7.50 for lunch.

Mudlick Taphouse
Address: 135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Burger. Yes. Burger. Think Veggie burger but with flavor and substance. This falafel is pattied and fried and fills the bun. Topped with chipotle hummus, fresh greens and a tomato jam that would taste good on shoe leather. This entire sandwich is an experience. The falafel has a distinct punch of cumin and I like it. $12 and it’s worth every penny.

Olive Mediterranean
Address: 44 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402

The Falafel Platter. This platter is complete with rice, a salad with feta, olives and tomato, warm pita and a pile of 5-6 falafel fritters. Deep green, crunch on the outside and Dayton’s best tzatziki served alongside. I love the crunch of the salad and it’s red wine vinagrette dressing accompanying the crunchy and creamy falafel. For $11 its a great lunch any day of the week.

The Gyro Palace (Dayton Mall location)
Address: 57 N Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, OH 45342

These guys know Falafel. They call it a wrap, but its basically a falafel gyro and I love it. There is something different about their version. It’s fried perfect and deep green color that comes from all the cilantro and parsley that is blended in. Calling it a Gyro suggests you can eat it politely with two hands, the truth is that it is overstuffed and you are gonna need a fork and extra napkins. At $6.50 its hard to beat the service, taste and price of the Palace south of town. They’ve recently opened up a Brown St. location as well.

Side note: I once had great Falafel from Trolley Stop. It’s not on the menu anymore sadly.

However, on my short list to try is:
Cedar Land Bakery
Address: 4515 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45432

Meadowlark
5531 Far Hills Ave Dayton, Ohio 45429

Just yesterday they introduced a new menu item- this Falafel Salad!

 

Where do you go to get Falafel? Have a recipe for your own? Share it in the comments below.

Bryan Suddith’s Favorite Downtown Lunch Spots

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After 10 years working in the Suburbs 2019 brought a new job downtown in the Fireblocks district. I was excited to be downtown for work again, after a decade of being gone, the race was on to find a new set of regular lunch spots. Downtown is on fire and I wasted little time getting acquainted.More than dining, I was pleased to find my bank branch in walking distance, a barber just blocks away and new spots to eat alongside some longtime favorites.

Here’s my regular lunch list. Regular meaning, at least once a month and a few a little more often.

Benjamin Burger Master

1000 N. Main Street

937-223-8702

Known for burgers, but I go for the home cooking. Beans, greens, cornbread, slow cooked ribs and the best fried chicken on North Main. Bring cash. I’ve been coming here for almost 15 years and now its a short drive, I get there more often. I still have yet to get a burger. It’s home-cooked food and cafeteria style gets you in an out pretty quick.

Olive Mediterranean

44 W. Third Street

937-221-8399

This place is located just west of the Arcade on 3rd. Gyros and Kabobs, as well as great hummus plates and salads. It is hard to find better service or friendlier faces behind the counter. For less than $10 you can get a serving of Baba Ghanouj, veggies, pita and a salad for a great vegetarian lunch.

Carmen’s Deli
Corner of Jefferson & 2nd  Inside of the Stratocache Tower

(937) 610-9999

Nicest place to have lunch downtown. Unparalleled service. The only place with service that goes above Olive. I’ve yet to order anything that disappointed. Two or three times a month I find my way to Carmen’s for the Reuben or Falafel Gyro. The Falafel is bright green, full of flavor and crumbled atop lettuce, tomatoes, olives, tzatziki and feta. This is another Veggie only meal that never disappoints. Stop by Carmen’s located in the Kettering Tower.

Garcia Mobil Taco Truck

1914 E. 3rd Street

(937) 554-8196

This place. I probably visit 3 times a month or more. Call ahead, have cash ready. $2 street tacos are my go to, but my office mates have ordered the Quesadilla (its a monster full of chicken, cheese and veggies) as well as the burritos. Street tacos are soft corn tortillas, meat, onions, and cilantro. I usually get three for lunch and like the steak as well as chorizo and chicken mixed in one taco. It’s a killer combo. A touch of hot sauce and a touch of the green salsa and you’ve got taco bliss. The wait can get long if you don’t call ahead. The truck can be found on East 3rd and Huffman.

Canal Street Arcade Deli
308 E. First Street
937–220–9333

If there is a better club sandwich in Dayton, I’ve yet to find it. Boars Head meats and cheese on Rahn’s bread is the answer to most lunch hour problems. Take a few office mates, split a pitcher of beer, they have 12 taps featuring local craft beers, and make it a long lunch.  The Reuben and Monster are also in my lunch rotation.

Pita Pit
1047 Brown St
(937) 723-6884

Not downtown, it’s on Brown Street but…the new free Flyer Express runs down Main Street to Brown like clockwork. Buses come by every ten minutes making a quick ride to Brown Street easy for downtown folks to expand their lunch option. Our affinity for Pita Pit has meant that we’ve ordered Pita Platters for office lunchs more than a few times this year. I like the traditional pita but the Thai Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Pitas are worth your attention.

Not Often Enough
Lock 27 at the Dragon’s Stadium never disappoints for long lunches. Its a longer walk but the wings, soups and salads make it worth it. The beer does too. This place is easy to get in and out of for lunch and there’s always room.If you work downtown, where are you getting lunch?

Quest For The Best: Hot Dog

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Springtime means the return of baseball, the opening of local ice cream and concession stands and the first firing up of the backyard grill. For me, its the return of the hotdog.
This uniquely American treat came here from Germany and quickly gained prominence on carts and at hot dog stands. Mostly associated with baseball and youth concession stands, the hotdog has made its way to menus across Dayton and we are happy about that.
Here’s where you can find the best hotdogs in Dayton:

Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton

Photo Cred: Yelp user Brett P (trio of dogs)
No one has done more to elevate the lowly hotdog than Zombie Dogs. I am not a Zombie guy. The entire genre confuses me. The menu at ZD does not confuse me. If it’s your first time here are a few reminders:
Get the tots. Trust me.Get a a few of the mini dogs. It is too hard to settle on just one dog. But. If you must choose just one. I’d suggest the Calling in Dead. It is their 1/4 all beef dog covered in Truffle Mac and Cheese with a Parmesan breadcrumb on top. It sounds heavy. Its not. Still get the tots. I’d also suggest the Chicago style, just ask for it. Juan of the Dead is popular as well, the big dog covered in pulled pork and bbq sauce. Crazy good. These are not concession stand, overly cooked mystery meat dogs. This is hotdogs on a whole ‘nother level.
Get the tots.

Rootbeer Stande

1727 Woodman Drive Dayton
Footlong hotdogs for under $5.00. You may remember I mentioned this place in my quest for the Best Pork Tenderloin, but when I want a good old school hotdog, the Stande is my go to. Here’s why.
Sauerkraut. Yes. Sauerkraut. Few places you can get a hotdog with it. They also serve Nathan’s all beef dog in a Chicago style, the Hound Dog with bacon and bbq sauce, and the Uncle Reuben. This one is made like a Reuben. Kraut, Swiss Cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Don’t wear your dress shirt for this one. The Dirty D. Bacon wrapped and deep fried. Don’t tell your doctor. Just order it with a Rootbeer and thank me later. Final two words. Onion Rings. Hot and fresh for you always at this drive up stand.

Gibbs Ole-Tyme Hamburgers

535 E Dixie Dr West Carrollton

Some would call this is cheap imitation of the Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon. Don’t listen to those negative people. This place has a similar burger, yes. But they also have one of the best hotdogs I’ve ever had in town. The Southern Dog. Deep fried along side the cast iron burgers, toped with mustard, chili, onion, mustard and slaw. Yes. AND SLAW. Its a big messy bite but perfectly balanced with hot and cold, sweet and savory. A perfect lunch is two sliders, one hotdog and a cold Coca Cola. If the Southern Dog is too much, go with the more familiar Coney Dog, coney sauce, onion and cheese.

Trolley Stop

530 East 5th Street Dayton
I’ve been known to say things like…Trolley..best patio in Dayton. Best chip dip in Dayton. Best Veggie burger.
However, the Double Dogs, a fork and knife kinda deal, should not be overlooked. Two beef hotdogs, chili (house made), onions, cheese and it comes with MikeSells chips and Herbie dip. I mentioned the dip earlier. Its worth mentioning twice. They’ve taken the hotdog to a new level here. It feels almost fancy.

Chicago Gyro and Dogs

3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek
Chicago Authentic
You’ve seen this place on my quest list before. They rank high in my book for Dayton’s best Gyro. For friends who ask for the best Chicago style dog, I send them here. Vienna Beef dogs are brought in from Chicago along with that neon green relish and sport peppers. They even have the poppy seed bug and celery salt on top like they do in the Windy City. Where else can you get an authentic Chicago style dog with authentic Chicago ingredients, made by a guy who hails from Chicago? Hint. This is the only place in Dayton and it’s only $3.00. They have a Cincy dog too, chili, cheese and onion and they are serving some of the best fries in town.
Where do you find a great Cuban sandwich? Let us know in the comments.
Check Bryan’s other quests:

Quest For The Best: Cuban Sandwich

Quest for the Best Biscuits and Gravy

Quest for Dayton’s Best: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Quest for the Best Latte

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My dad, who was an over- the-road truck driver,  was a simple black coffee kind of guy. Donut shop, diner, or an exit ramp truck stop was his go to for breakfast and a thermos refill of coffee. His coffee usually came in a styrofoam cup from a driver’s break room or from an abandoned Mr. Coffee in the corner of the warehouse by the loading dock where he waited on the truck to be loaded. (bills photo)
Like my dad I am no coffee snob. I’m as loyal to Speedway as I am Starbucks. Both are convenient and fill my belly with warmth and varying degrees of caffeine. Dayton however has grown a more sophisticated taste for good coffee and good company. A recent boom of coffee shops has provided room for everyone here in town.  For fun, I took a tour drinking Latte’s in all the coffee shops in my part of town.
If I am not drinking a black coffee, I am probably enjoying a latte. I like it from a big mug. The kind that requires two hands to lift and tip. The latte is entirely Italian and kinda fancy. Often confused with a cappuccino, the latte is espresso with steamed milk and a little foam on top. Technically speaking, 1/6 espresso, 4/6 steamed milk and 1/6 foamy milk providing a frothy head. Perhaps more than you need to know. I like mine straight. No flavored syrup added.

Here is where you can get a great latte in Dayton:

Ghostlight

1201 Wayne Ave.
Latte: 16 oz $3.75
Drip: 16 oz $2.50
Everyone’s favorite. It’s comfy and familiar. This is where the Wayne Ave Coffee Trail begins. Check out this latte out. Shane has created a space akin to your favorite aunt’s living room. You will hear a great story, meet someone new and probably share a table with a stranger. Baked goods grace the counter and the baristas are in the know and will help you decide among a flavored latte, a cold brew or something unique just for your taste.

Wholly Grounds

825 Wayne Ave
Latte: 16 oz $3.00
The newest show on Wayne Avenue. Just a scone’s throw north from Ghostlight. Wholly Grounds is the most economical. Just $3.00 for the latte and the baked goods equally priced. My barista was one of the friendliest and the room the quietest on a weekday morning at 8. Plenty of room for a small meeting, friends enjoying cards or grabbing a chair in by the window and enjoying a good book alone.

Press

257 Wayne Avenue
732 Watervliet Avenue

Latte: 16 oz $4+
I stopped into the Watervliet location right after they opened. The latte was perfect. Perfect. Almost a bit too perfect. The room is minimalist in design. Not really cozy and the drink is made away from the counter. One the most expensive lattes, but the most technically correct of them all. Baked goods were few and limited to croissants and few scones.

Epic

22 West Stroop Rd. Kettering
Latte: 16oz $4+
Coffee, ice cream, sodas and the most expansive menu that included toast and bagels with a variety of toppings. This place is super comfy and I like being there. I always see someone from Kettering when I am there and it has real local feel. Uniquely Kettering somehow.  The one draw back is the unsolicited advice and history of your drink. I don’t need to know that you don’t offer a specific size of latte. Or why my latte is not a cappuccino or a variety of other tidbits you get when you order. I watched 5 customers in a row order and receive this chat about the drink they asked for. However, their latte was among my favorite. It tasted as if they used a ristretto shot, or a short shot of espresso and let the steamed milk carry that flavor. Currently my favorite for flavor, texture and beauty.

Boston Stoker

34 W Second St.,Downtown Dayton
Since 1973 Boston Stoker has been elevating Dayton’s coffee scene. Originally roasters, Boston Stoker has locations throughout the region for a great latte. Perhaps best known for the Highlander Grogg with its sweet syrup, bourbon flavor and whipped topping, these guys know how to pull a shot of espresso and will leave you dazzled with their latte art. The Downtown location features plenty of room for a meeting and quiet corners for taking a break with a book or podcast.
Side note: I really miss their old Centerville location and have been visiting their downtown 2nd St. location more often.

St. Anne the Tart

1500 E 5th St Dayton

16 oz $4+
Two words. Get there. Delightful unpretentious service. A great shot of espresso and a near perfect latte. Which was a surprise in a location billed as a bakery. Did I mention the service? My visit was disrupted only by some kids unattended and making a ruckus. That didn’t even turn me off to this quaint addition to the St. Anne’s neighborhood. Besides the coffee, service, and humble vibe, they have biscuits and jam, tarts and a list of baked goods I will go back for.
Visit the tag wall. Folks buy a treat or drink and leave it for a specific person. What a great way to share a smile with a stranger.

Gem City CatCafe

1513 E 5th S. Dayton
16 oz $4+
I am allergic to cats. My wife doesn’t really love coffee shops. We loved CatCafe. I get a great latte and time with a book, and for a few dollars more my wife enjoyed some cat therapy in the adjoining room. She had an iced tea and we shared a sweet treat. Don’t let the cats fool you, this is a legit coffee stop with baristas that can pull a shot and brew great tea.

3rd Perk

46 W. 5th St. Dayton,
16 oz $3.50
3rd Perk is oddly enough found on 5th Street and joins Wholly Grounds as the most warm and welcoming of coffee shops. This location is a great spot for early meetings and parking is easy to find on 5th or Ludlow. Pretty sure I saw the owner/barista delivery a drink curbside to a regular who just pulled up outside. This kind of service catches my attention every time.

Quest For Dayton’s Best: Chicken Wings

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The Buffalo Wing was an economical snack created in response to late-night bar patrons looking for a quick snack. In the now famed Anchor Bar in Buffalo , over 50 years ago, the Buffalo Chicken Wing was invented. Dayton has no shortage of places to get wings. Everyone is getting in on the wing business but a few in the area do it right.
Quick disclaimer, I can’t in good faith review a wing produced by any chain that specializes in pizza. Wings that are 40 minutes old and delivered in a cardboard box is just wrong. Secondly, I left out two locally famous wing joints. For the record, I love having a tall beer and a plate of wings from Roosters or Frickers. I enjoy both equally.
Today I am talking Dayton’s best wings. The best. Here’s where I land in my quest for the best of Dayton chicken wings.
1035 South Main Street
Centerville, Ohio 45458
Dayton Dragons Plaza
329 E. First St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Lock 27 is making magic one wing at a time. These are smoked. Deep fried and full of flavor unmatched in Dayton. These aren’t the 10 cent wings of your college days. Crispy, but insanely tender and makes you wish you got two orders. The hot option comes in habanero peach and the mild option is a dry rub full of flavor without the heat. Lock 27 doesn’t stop there. They are making the bleu cheese dressing by hand with a little sriracha for an extra kick.
Choose the Lock Tender Ale. Nothing better to wash down an order of these wings.
1001 S. Main St.
Englewood, OH 45322
These guys are more than brisket and pulled pork. Two reasons to make the drive north. Company 7 is smoking these wings in a wet marinade and then deep frying to perfection when you order. These guys look like a standard naked wing until you take a bite. It’s the crispy fried wing you depend on with a smokey back-end you normally only get from a good slice of brisket or smoked pulled pork. The wing is one of a kind and is fall of the bone perfection so nothing is wasted.
Like Lock 27 you have options for beer to pair. Lock keeps 25 tabs of craft beers all the time. These wings are bold in flavor and will stand up to your favorite IPA or Dark Ale.
1443 N. Detroit
Xenia, OH
I like options. Nicks is a joint older than the chicken wing for which they’ve become famous for. When I say options I mean options. Nicks offers their wings breaded or naked (no breading and my preference) and you can enjoy 14 different sauces.
Fire in ya Hole | Nick’s Secret Sweet Hot Damn | Original Hot | Spicy Garlic | Asian Cajun | General Zen’s | On The Fence | Sissy Sauce | Sweet Bourbon BBQ | Sweet BBQ | Sweet-n-Sour | Honey Mustard | Mild | Nick’s Dry Rub
I split my order between Original Hot and Sweet Bourbon BBQ. The BBQ is sticky and sweet with a hint of bourbon to keep it exciting. I like the hot with Bleu Cheese dressing. It’s the way the Anchor Bar intended.
Bonus…order your favorite wings with a waffle. Just try it. Something crazy good about a hot wing and a syrup covered waffle and Nick’s does it right.
9496 Dayton-Lebanon Pike,
Centerville, OH 45458
2030 East Dorothy Lane,
Kettering, OH 45420
The World’s 2nd Best Wings. That’s how Archers bills them. These wings are huge and tasty. This is my go-to here in Kettering for a quick lunch. Available in Mild, Hot, Archer’s Style, Destroyer, Sweet BBQ, Hickory BBQ, and Chipotle BBQ. You guessed it, I get mine with the hot and always get the celery and bleu cheese. These are lightly breaded and deep fried. No tricks. Just good chicken with great flavor.
Keeping up with the theme of great wings and beer, Archer’s is no slouch in the beer area. They have 20 rotating taps but I stick with the Archer’s Ale. I’m a creature of habit and a good hoppy ale seems to work with the oil carried spice of a deep fried wing.
Here are a few more spots to get great wings in Dayton:
Bunkers Sports Bar
A very traditional wing that never leaves you disappointed. Cooked perfectly.
Hard to beat the prices here. If you are wanting 10, order 15. Thank me later.
This is a great pub that happens to have fantastic wings, and gyros, Reubens, burgers and a bevy of deep fried bar goodness. Try the wings first. Then go back again and again.
Go ahead. Tell me. Where should I be getting great wings here in Dayton that didn’t make the list? 
ps.
Occasionally I make my own wings at home. I’m gonna share a secret with you. I have found the best recipe for getting my wings to restaurant quality. Alton Brown makes it easy for anyone to make at home, no deep fryer needed.

Quest for the Best Pho

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Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup for McCormick Kitchen Basics 2013

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup made with a slow simmered broth and noodles. The noodles are rice noodles and the dish is usually served with slices of beef or chicken that cook in the hot broth, leaving the proteins tender and full of flavor from steeping in the broth.

I love Pho. Pho is pronounced Fuh by the way. Making possible a ton of puns. What the Pho? Pho me? Pho you! It is also a fun food to eat. To me eating a bowl of Pho is akin to eating good barbecue. There are plenty of parallels here.
First, it’s a soup with chopsticks. This is automatically fun. Second, Pho is served with a side plate of herbs, lime, and sprouts. Pho like BBQ is unique to each chef/cook. Broth recipes vary from region, family and here in Dayton restaurant to restaurant. Also like BBQ, the broth is a labor of love and the recipe usually protected. The food is tactile, it requires getting your hands involved.
Part of the Pho experience is determining how you like your bowl. Tearing the leaves of cilantro and basil, adding sprouts, choosing two or three or more slivers of pepper to the bowl. Deciding to add Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Hoisin or Siracha?
I like mine with a fair amount of cilantro and basil. I add hoisin if available and as many of the sprouts and peppers as possible. A dash of soy finishes my bowl. I like to eat broth first, letting the noodles soak up the herbs and peppers. I usually finish my bowl with chopsticks picking the noodles and sprouts from the shallow broth that remains. Everyone has their way.
When I want Pho I have two standbys that are the best of the best. There are other options if you are on the upper northeast side of town or south of town for good Pho. Here’s where my Quest for the Best took me:
Address: 5532 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Hours: 11AM – 9PM
Phone: (937) 252-1857
This was my first Pho in Dayton. It opened back in 2007 and quickly grew as a favorite in the East Dayton/Riverside/WPAFB area. This is where I learned to team chopsticks with the deep soup spoon. Where you crowded in tight and stood between tables waiting on your table. The broth here is full of flavor, not spicy, but deep in aromas.  The bowl is huge and plenty for lunch or dinner. The plate with sprouts, cilantro and peppers are generous as well. The “new” location is huge in comparison and the wait time is nearly non-existent these days. I find myself adding a fair amount of Siracha and Hoison to my bowl here. Linh’s also has a wide selection of Chinese dishes as well. Perfect for any companion who is less than adventurous, the chicken fried rice is a filling dish for your +1.
For the PHO. I get the beef, but the chicken is great too.
Address: 1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
Hours:11AM –  2PM ⋅ 4:30PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: (937) 258-8010

No secret here, this is my favorite. The broth has a slight kick to it. If you ask, there is a spicier Pho offered. I usually go that route. No additional sauces are necessary. They soft shrimp rolls are top notch and come two to an order, no matter what the menu might suggest. This is a small shop but you’ll feel welcome. The menu isn’t easy to under
stand, so tell your server what you want and they’ll guide you.
Bonus points here for Vegetarian friends: Tofu is made fresh every day and is available in the Pho, stir-fried noodle dishes and fried rice entrees. It takes less than 2 visits to feel like a regular who is dining in a friend’s home. Little Saigon is a family run operation and has been serving authentic Vietnamese food for more than 30 years.
Address: 8990 Kingsridge Dr, Dayton, OH 45458
Hours: 11:00AM –  9PM
Phone: (937) 433-7388
I had to try this spot. As a kid, this building was a little Mexican food joint (late 1970’s and early 80’s) and my mom loved going there. The Pho here is the mildest of the four in this article. Took a fair amount of Siracha and Fish sauce to kick up the flavor. Plenty of beef, soft noodles cooked perfect and the addition of Thai Basil on the plate next to sprouts and cilantro was a nice touch.
The Shrimp Spring rolls here are among my favorite, rivaling that of Little Saigon. Pho Mi had plenty of seating, a menu that includes a Bánh mì lunch special. I’ll have to return and try the famous sandwich next time. The menu sticks to its Vietnamese roots and are full of noodle dishes beyond Pho and the Banh mi sandwiches.
Address: 3464 Pentagon Blvd C, Beavercreek, OH 45431
Hours:11:00AM – 8:30PM
Phone: (937) 956-6060
I was most skeptical about this spot. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the newest spot here in Dayton out by the Fairfield Mall. I was surprised. First note, the Pho comes in a smaller lunch portion. It was still plenty when paired with the Shrimp Spring Rolls but cost the same as their competitors bigger bowls.
The decor was modern and new as you might expect in a strip near a big mall, lacking the old world charm and character of Little Saigon but the service was fast, the Pho tasty and rolls adequate. I found the roll rice wrappers a bit chewy, perhaps from not being as fresh. I arrived for a later than normal lunch after the crowd had thinned a bit.
Prices here are the highest of all 4 spots. Linh’s, Little Saigon and Pho Mi you can have Pho, Shrimp Roll, and a tea for $10-$12 total. What Da Pho was up over the $14.00 range before gratuity which was well deserved.
My “to visit” list:
Xuan Vietnamese Cuisine, 4770 Airway Rd, Dayton, OH 45431
Where do you go for Pho in Dayton? If your spot isn’t here, tell us in the comments. You can’t go wrong at these spots, but if you make it to Little Saigon, tell them Bryan and Most Metro sent you.

Learn How To Tell A Great 5 Minute Story

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Dayton’s open mic storytelling group, Story Slam Dayton, kicks off their 3rd season at Wiley’s Comedy club with a workshop on August 21. The regular season kicks off on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:00 at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District.
Aspiring storytellers and experienced veterans alike are invited to take part in this workshop. Story Slam Dayton producers Shelly Hulce and Bryan Suddith will share their experience from both sides of the stage with the workshop attendees.
Bryan and Shelly will cover the basics of crafting a story for the stage, basic storytelling structure, editing for time and will allow storytellers a chance to try out the stage in front of a small audience.
Bryan will share his method for shaping stories for the Story Slam stage. Stories in this format are 5 minutes in length, are told in the first person and have to relate to each month’s theme.
Shelly will lead the group on stage, overcoming the bright lights and how to command the stage at the mic.
Shelly has been leading the local Story Slam community for more than 10 years. Bryan is two-time Moth Storytelling GrandSlam participant and can be found telling stories on and off stage frequently.
Interested Storytellers can RSVP via Facebook.
The workshop is $5.00 and every participant will receive one (1) free admission to a future story slam. To learn more about Story Slam Dayton, visit us at Facebook.com/StorySlamDayton