Dayton937

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

Archives for January 2025

Feb 1st is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

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Round up all the ice cream lovers you know, put on your favorite PJs, and celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Jubie’s!
Wake up & smell the ice cream because we will be OPEN AT 8:30AM IN FAIRBORN on February 1st! We’ll be offering specialty breakfast inspired ice cream and menu items, wearing our best PJs, and taking pictures with Jubie during the first hour we’re open!
The sweetest part? A portion of all the proceeds made between 8:30AM – 12PM will be donated back to the Fairborn YMCA!
Our regular store hours (12pm-9pm) will also be observed, so if you accidentally hit snooze one too many times, you can still come celebrate with us. We’ll be wearing our PJs all day long, which means you can too!
Wake up & smell the ice cream because we will be OPEN AT 10AM IN TROY on February 1st! We’ll be offering specialty breakfast inspired ice cream and menu items, wearing our best PJs, and taking pictures with Jubie during the first hour we’re open!
The sweetest part? A portion of all the proceeds made between 10AM – 1PM will be donated back to the Miami County YMCAs!

Ric and Carla Wren Build Thriving Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

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The following article was featured in RestaurantNews.com.

Ric and Carla Wren Build Thriving Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Springboro, OH

Ric and Carla Wren, franchisees of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Springboro, OH, have transformed their location into a vibrant family business and community favorite. Since purchasing the franchise in 2018, the Wrens, along with their son Chris, have turned their restaurant into a thriving operation that reflects their dedication to teamwork, quality food, and strong ties with the community.

“Our business operates like a three-legged stool,” said Ric Wren. “Carla, Chris, and I each bring unique strengths to the table. Carla and I run the operations together, with Carla also overseeing food quality — especially the meats — ensuring everything meets Dickey’s high standards. Chris handles day-to-day management. We rely on each other to keep things running smoothly — it’s truly a team effort.”

The couple’s success didn’t come without challenges. Neither Ric nor Carla had prior restaurant experience when they purchased the franchise after selling their healthcare company and spending a few years in retirement. Their determination, however, helped them overcome the learning curve. Ric took the lead in mastering operations, while Carla focused on ensuring the quality of the smoked meats and building relationships with customers to create a welcoming atmosphere.

“When people walk through our doors, we want them to feel like family,” said Carla Wren. “This isn’t just a business for us — it’s a way to build relationships and serve the community. That connection keeps customers coming back.”

The family’s commitment to service was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite uncertainty, the community rallied behind them, making 2020 their most successful year yet.

“The support we received reminded us why we do what we do,” Carla said. “Our customers showed up for us in ways we’ll never forget.”

Ric and Carla have also made community involvement a cornerstone of their business. They sponsor youth sports teams, support school programs, and participate in local events, deepening their bond with Springboro residents. Their active presence in the community has not only earned loyalty but also helped expand their catering business.

Ric and Carla Wren Build Thriving Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Springboro, OH

“Ric and Carla’s story is a perfect example of what makes Dickey’s franchisees successful,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “Their commitment to quality, their focus on relationships, and their teamwork have turned their Springboro location into a shining star within our system.”

Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Ric and Carla have created more than just a business — they’ve created a gathering place for their community. Their dedication to their customers and their ability to make everyone feel at home is inspiring.”

The Wrens credit Dickey’s corporate team for playing a crucial role in their success. From training resources to marketing tools, corporate support has been an invaluable part of their journey.

“The resources and guidance from corporate have allowed us to focus on what matters most – growing our business and building strong relationships with our customers,” said Carla.

Looking ahead, Ric and Carla plan to focus on optimizing their Springboro location rather than expanding. “Our goal is to make this one location the best it can be,” Ric said. “We’re committed to continuing to serve our customers and community with excellence.”

Ric and Carla Wren exemplify what it means to be dedicated franchisees, turning challenges into opportunities and customers into family. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference through great barbecue.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchise

About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can’t be rushed.

With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc.

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains” list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine.

New Menu For Salt Block Biscuit Company

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Owner Justin Mohler, who opened the Salt Block Biscuit Company in the Fire Blocks downtown in September of 2020, has just announced some major updates will take place starting January 31st.
The Bodega that sells planks/tinned seafoods will be going away to make room for much needed seating.

The menu, which changes with the seasons will have a new Warm Bacon Cobb Salad, and you won’t have to wait for the weekend for biscuits & gravy- they’ll be available all day, every day.  There will also be the addition of Maryland Lump Crab Dip with Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Here’s a look at the new menu, which will start Friday at 10am:

Salt Block Biscuit Company
115 East Third Street
Dayton, OH

937-938-9079

Tues- Sat 10am -4pm

Dine-in, Carryout
Online Ordering 

Hardee’s Maple-Inspired Lineup

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Maple makes everything better. Biscuits. Bacon. Even burgers! Hardee’s® announces guests can sweeten their day at participating locations with the smooth taste of maple featured in its new lineup, including the Maple Bacon Super Biscuit and the Sausage Maple Biscuit. For more goodness all day long, the Maple Biscuit with maple flavoring is available in a two or four pack, along with the Maple Bacon Frisco Burger and Maple Bacon Snack Pack, for a limited time while supplies last.

“No matter the time of day, Hardee’s is all about goodness, and this is an opportunity to launch a new year with some new flavors that are nothing short of delicious,” said Sarah Breymaier, vice president of brand marketing at Hardee’s. “In the heart of winter, we hope our maple lineup of signature biscuits, burgers and bacon feels like a warm, nostalgic hug.”

Available for breakfast, guests can enjoy the Sausage Maple Biscuit, which features a baked in-house, warm and fluffy maple flavored biscuit topped with a sausage patty. The Maple Bacon Super Biscuit features a Made from Scratch™ Biscuit topped with cherrywood-smoked bacon, caramelized maple, sugar and spices, topped with American cheese and a fried egg. The Maple Biscuit is baked in-house and infused with maple flavor and drizzled with icing.


For lunch and dinner, the Maple Bacon Frisco features a 100 percent Angus beef patty, topped with four strips of crispy maple bacon, Swiss cheese, tomatoes and mayo, served on sourdough bread.

For guests on the go, the Maple Bacon Snack pack is available, featuring cherrywood-smoked bacon prepared in-house with caramelized maple, sugar and spices, loaded into a portable pack to travel with ease.

Named 2024 Best Food and Beverage Loyalty Program by Newsweek, guests can enjoy goodness and value by downloading the Hardee’s app here. Through March 4, all My Rewards members can earn Double Stars (20 Stars for every $1 spent) on maple lineup purchases that can be redeemed for free menu items, and new members can enjoy a FREE Maple Sausage Biscuit with minimum of $1 purchase.

McCoy on Movies: You’re Cordially Invited

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“Did you touch my drum set?” Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell, left) talks with Margot (Reese Witherspoon) in a scene from writer/director Nicholas Stoller’s YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED. © 2023 Amazon Content Services. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Leanne Morgan, Stony Blyden, Celia Weston, Jack McBrayer and Rory Scovel

DIRECTOR: Nicholas Stoller
 
THE BACK STORY: Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell) is a widower who loves his only child, his daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan). So when she returns home to tell him that she’s engaged to her boyfriend Oliver (Stony Blyden) instead of that she’s moving back home, he is taken aback to say the least. Once the initial shock is gone, he decides to celebrate the occasion by booking their wedding at the same island resort he and his late wife got married.
 
Margot (Reese Witherspoon) is a successful reality TV producer living in LA who misses her baby sister (Meredith Hagner) dearly since she is kind of her best friend, daughter and husband all in one. But when she arrives on the scene with Dixon (Jimmy Tatro) in tow, she is ecstatic to learn they are also engaged and – surprise – pregnant – to boot. Wanting to ensure nothing but the best for her little sister, she books the same place they used to spend so much time as children having fun with their late grandmother.
 
But as hotel manager Leslie (Jack McBrayer) is soon to learn, his mother forgot to inform him that both Jim had already booked the same wedding date that Margot has. (Let’s just say she was indisposed – permanently.) And since the island can only accommodate one wedding per weekend, the two headstrong would-be wedding planners are going to do whatever it takes to ensure the special day for the bride to be.
 
Even if it results in near disaster. 

 

THE REVIEW: YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is a movie you can tell the cast had a lot of fun making. The characters are likable enough, the run time isn’t excessive and it’s got a few decent guffaws in the mix to keep you watching till the end. 

 

And that’s about all you really need to know about the latest film from Nicholas Stoller, which is streaming now on Amazon Prime. Because if you already have the service, it’s a nice way to kill about an hour and 40 minutes of a Friday night in or a Saturday afternoon. But given the generally silly nature of the affair, it’s not going to be the movie that makes anyone sign up for added benefits from Jeff Bezos’ studio arm.

 

Witherspoon is at her best when she plays the woman coming to grips with her situation and realizing things about herself after interacting with others. Ferrell is at his best when he’s allowed to go fully goofy while being genuine yet stupid in the process. That’s why sometimes when the jokes feel a little forced and the situations too outrageous, the likable nature of the actors is called upon again – and again – to keep things going. There are times when the film feels like it would be better served going into more a focused tone with other moments feeling like it would be better going for the full joke instead of feeling restrained. Celia Weston adds a nice amount of balance to the mix with Leanne Morgan subtly stealing each scene she’s in, but the film feels like a diet version of some of Ferrell’s better work while trying to delve into some positive messages about family dynamics, but few people will remember that with the silliness preceding it. 

 

In short, YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is fine for a short stay, but more than one viewing will be enough to convince most it has overstayed its welcome.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

 

 

 

Rich Reuter and Nicholas Johnson at Oregon Express

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Dayton musician Rich Reuter will be joined by Cincinnati singer-songwriter Nicholas Johnson for an evening of music at Oregon Express. Rich will be doing a solo set and then backing up Nick on a set of his tunes. Great pizza and a selection of drinks are always available at the OE. No cover so you can spend your money on food, refreshments and merch.

2025 Dunkin’ Valentine’s Menu Returns This Week!

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Love has arrived at Dunkin’! The chain, which has 9,748 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in the U.S,  has announced the return of its Valentine’s Day-inspired product line, so you can celebrate this special day in a sweet and unique way with your loved ones.

dunkin valentine's day menu 2025 | Dunkin'

The line includes two of their most popular donuts:

  • Brownie Batter: A heart-shaped donut filled with a smooth brownie batter-flavored buttercream, topped with rich chocolate glaze and festive sprinkles.
  • Cupid’s Choice: Also heart-shaped, filled with creamy Bavarian filling, and covered with irresistible strawberry glaze.

Three new donuts and two themed drinks will also be available:

  • Chocolate Dream: A chocolate-covered donut filled with creamy dulce de leche.
  • Strawberry Bliss: A strawberry-flavored glazed donut decorated with colorful sprinkles.
  • Cupid’s Raspberry: A donut filled with delicious raspberry filling, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Pink Velvet Latte: An espresso with a touch of red velvet flavor and sweet cream.
  • Cupid’s Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee topped with a strawberry-flavored foam.

 

dunkin valentine's day menu 2025 | Dunkin'

The rest of Dunkin’s donut lineup will be getting a Valentine’s Day makeover, too! Through February 18, all of their filled donuts will be handed off to you in a lovely heart-shaped shell.

And if the returning donuts aren’t enough to fill your Dunkin’ Valentine’s Day menu cravings, the coffee chain is pairing up with New York-based artist and muralist Corey Paige Designs for a super cute merch capsule collection. Launching January 29 at 9am ET, you’ll be able to shop two adorable crewnecks ($45), a hat ($25), socks ($16), and a heart-shaped tote bag ($25)!

dunkin valentine's day menu 2025 | Dunkin'

Spaghetti Warehouse Wednesday Pasta Deals

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Spaghetti Warehouse is bringing back their Warehouse Wednesday promotion back, starting at just $6. You can create your own pasta dish for lunch or dinner.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose your Warehouse Wednesday Pasta
• Spaghetti with Meat Sauce $7
• Fettuccini Alfredo $8
• Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce $6
• Spaghetti with Beer Chili $7
• Spaghetti with any two sauces $8
Step 2: Then choose any two grilled items for only $5 (Choose one for $3)
• 2 Hand Rolled Meatballs
• Grilled Tender Chicken Breast
•Pepperoni Pizza
• Sweet Italian Sausage Link
• Grilled Succulent Shrimp
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Sauteed Mushrooms
And for an even more decadent dish, top it off with
Melted Mozzarella Cheese for $2

Spaghetti Warehouse

36 W 5th St,
Dayton, OH 45402
937-461-3913
Sun – Thurs  11am – 1opm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm
Free parking in their lot of Fifth Street just west of Ludlow

The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Return to Rose

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If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute when they return to Rose Music Center at The Heights on Friday, June 27. The 2025 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating The Beatles’ first visit to the USA, with performances from the Ed Sullivan show and the Meet The Beatles album played in its entirety with a few greatest hits from every era.  Hear your favorites including “I Want To Hold Your Hand”, ”I Saw Her Standing There”, ”All My Loving”, and so many more!

The Emmy Award-Winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude”, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Their incredible stage performances include three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career, and this loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world, including Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, The United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 31 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

Reserved Seating: $54.50* – $34.50*

The Rose Music Center box office will be open on Friday, January 31 from 10am – 3pm for The Fab Four on sale.

While supplies last. Ticket prices include parking and are subject to price increase based on demand and applicable Ticketmaster fees. All events are rain or shine.

Sunday Brunch At Coco’s For February

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Every Sunday in February Coco’s Bistro will host “Savor Your Sunday,” a special brunch series featuring performances by young musicians from Stivers School for the Arts. The restaurant will be open from 10am – 1pm  and Coco’s chefs have  crafted a special menu for the brunches:

 

Brunch at Cocos BistroBrunch will be served with music, as each week the  talented musical student performers will be on hand each week to perform:

Feb 2 –  Strings
Feb 9 – Piano
Feb 16 – Jazz Orchestra
Feb 22 – Dance & Choir

Advance reservations are required and fill up quickly! So call CoCo’s Bistro at 937.228.CoCo (2626) to book a table for you and your family, friends, co-workers, colleagues for one or MORE Sundays in February! $45 per guest, with $15 being a tax-deductible donation. Price does not include gratuity.

 Coco’s Bistro

 250 Warren St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-228-2626

HOURS:

Mon-Thurs 11:30am – 9pm
Fri 11:30am – 10pm
Sat 5 – 10pm
Sun 10am – 1pm Feb only

Bonefish 3 Course meals for $17.90 or $22.90

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Enjoy a 3-course meal Bonefish Grill starting at only $17.9. Scroll down to see all your delicious choices. Don’t miss this limited-time special valid for dine-in only. Excludes tax and gratuity.
BANG BANG SHRIMP® TACOS WITH FRIES, HALF-POUND BFG BURGER WITH FRIES, SAUCY SHRIMP CAVATAPPI PASTA

$17.90 Options:

CHOOSE A SALAD

SIDE HOUSE OR CAESAR

CHOICE OF ENTRÉE

BANG BANG SHRIMP® TACOS WITH FRIES

HALF-POUND BFG BURGER WITH FRIES

SAUCY SHRIMP CAVATAPPI PASTA

INDIVIDUAL TOPPED BROWNIE

$22.90  Options

KUNG PAO SHRIMP BOWL, BOURBON CHICKEN & TEMPURA SHRIMP, CHIMICHURRI MAHI-MAHI

CHOOSE A SALAD

SIDE HOUSE OR CAESAR

CHOICE OF ENTRÉE

KUNG PAO SHRIMP BOWL

BOURBON CHICKEN & TEMPURA SHRIMP
WITH GARLIC WHIPPED POTATOES AND SEASONAL VEGETABLE

CHIMICHURRI MAHI-MAHI
WITH JASMINE RICE AND SEASONAL VEGETABLE

INDIVIDUAL TOPPED BROWNIE

Bonefish Grill Dayton

2818 Miamisburg Centerville Road
Dayton, OH 45459

(937) 428-0082

Mon – Sat 11am – 10pm
Sun 11am – 9pm

Happy hour daily 3- 6:30pm
$7 cocktails

Do Your Moo at Young’s Jersey Dairy

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Start practicing your MOOs now! We want to hear your best MOO! A good MOO will rewarded with Young’s Famous Homemade Ice Cream.

Give a great MOO at the Dairy Store Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, 2025 and you’ll earn a one dip upgrade for your dessert. For example, buy a one dip cone, MOO for us, and we’ll upgrade it to a two dip cone for FREE. Add a dip to your sundae, or upgrade your milkshake.
It’s up to you and your MOO! We’ve always been partial to cows at Young’s and their MOOs. We feel this promotion helps show solidarity with the cow nation. Best of all, it’s a fun way for you to earn your way to a dessert upgrade!

We won’t accept just any MOO. Our staff will be the judge. We’re not looking for loudness, but we are listening for creativity, tonal ability, and heartfelt MOOs.
Limit one MOO per person per day. Not valid with any other offer.

Totally Tubular 80’s New Wave Festival Coming to The Rose

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Following last year’s successful run, the 80’s New Wave tour TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL announces its return this summer and features artists that exploded in the pop culture zeitgeist in the 1980’s thanks mainly to the high rotation of their music videos on MTV. These artists have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity in recent years, with their music having a lasting impact. Tour creator and JPA agency founder Jon Pleeter calls the TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL “the best ‘80s party on the planet. The audiences last year fully embraced the spirit of the tour and were wildly enthusiastic. The party continues this summer.”

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL will expand into new cities, including Huber Heights, OH for a performance at Rose Music Center on July 22, and will keep its popular compact set times highlighting each artist’s major hits.  The lineup is RIGHT SAID FRED, MEN WITHOUT HATS, HAIRCUT 100, THE TUBES, THE MOTELS, ANIMOTION, THE ESCAPE CLUB, and MUSICAL YOUTH.  Men Without Hats and The Tubes return to the tour this year while some artists, such as show closer Right Said Fred, have not toured the U.S. since the early 90’s. The tour will also offer an expanded merchandise line at shows and online, including limited edition/collector’s items.

Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10AM on Friday, January 31 at Ticketmaster.com and the Rose Music Center Box Office.

A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go towards food banks locally in each market.

 

 

Restaurant Week Starts Tonight- Feb 2nd

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Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the creation of the winter version of Dayton Restaurant Week, the three course dinner meal deals kicks off tonight and runs through Sun, Feb 2nd.  It also happens every July. The original was priced at $20.05 with $1 of each meal being donated to a charity partner each time. The meal would go up a penny a year, but the economics of the restaurant industry changed all that some years ago. Full disclosure, I was president of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association when this started.

The 3 course meal concept is still the basis for most of this promotion, but the price pint is all over the place now with meals being offered from $20.25 to $65.25.

$20.25 Meals*:

All The Best: cups of soup,  chicken cutlet, brisket or meatloaf &  cheesecake

The Barrel 2 garden salads and a 3 topping 14″ pizza

CBCB Bar and Grill: appetizer, choice of burger, fish & chips or wings & fries and a dessert

Carvers Steaks and Chops: soup or salad, Basil & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, chocolate truffles or lemon bars

Crooked Handle: soup or salad, loaded mac & cheese, a cuban sandwich or pulled braised beef on a toasted sub roll

El Meson: cup of soup or salad, Spicy Battered Cauliflower Tacos and Tres Leche Cake

Greek Street: soup or greek fries, chicken or veggie gyro, baklava and a fountain drink

Hickory River Smokehouse: fries, onion rings or okra, BBQ dinner plate w/ 2 sides and cornbread and dessert

Little Fish Brewing: an appetizer and choice of-noodle bowl, grilled cheese melt, falafel plate, sausage plate

Loose Ends Brewing: Crab rangoon, deluxe side salad, classic smashburger

The Famous Restaurant: burger, fries & drink or 10 wind with salad and drink or fish dinner, drink & dessert

*many of these eateries also have other options.

Meals for Two*:

Bunkers Restaurant: Choice of appetizer to share and Two orders of Chicken Chunks or two quesadillas $25.25

Dublin Pub– appetizer, 2 sandwiches and one dessert $35.25 or appetizer, 2 entrees one dessert $40.25

Kabuki: soup or salad, edamame or goyza and choice of Dol Sot, Oragne Chicken $35.25, Sushi for two $45.25

Nick’s: appetizer to share, NY Strip, Mahi Mahi or blacken Chicken Caesar salad, and dessert to share $40.25

Other Participating Restaurants:

Agave & Rye, Amber Rose, Archer’s Tavern, Chappy’s, Chop House, Coco’s Bistro, Condado Tacos, Corner Kitchen,
Crooked Handle, El Meson, elé Bistro & Wine Bar, Figlio, Jay’s Seafood, Loose Ends Brewing, Manna Uptown, Pasha Grill, Primo Italian Steakhouse, Rip Rap Roadhouse, The Florentine, The Foundry, The Melting Pot and  Treasure Island.

Restaurants are traditionally busy for this week, so reservations are suggested where appropriate. Menu’s are subject to change. Not restaurants are open each night, so please check hours before you head out. To check out full menu’s, click here.

The Quest For Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary Continues!

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The very first Bloody Mary Showdown was held in 2014 at the old Montgomery County Fairgrounds.  The winning cocktail was created by MacKenzie Manley and it was called Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary with a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in a caramelized bacon slice. This win was big for Mackenzie, as it was a great way to get the word out about her bar, Mack’s Tavern, that opened several weeks later.

Bartenders from the first Bloody Mary Showdown in 2014

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed  top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

For the last two years Loose Ends Brewing Company has walked away with the $500 first prize and bragging rights. Their award winning Bloody Mary was garnished with a celery stock, olive, lime wedge, pickled green bean, Chef Adrian’s house brined pickle, and a bacon salt rim. They’ll be back this year to go for the 3peat!


The quest for Dayton’s  Best Bloody Mary is back again for the 9th edition on Sunday, Feb 2nd at Top of the Market from noon – 2pm.  Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Lisa Grigsby says, ” I love this event that highlights the creativity of our local bartenders and you’ll experience the range of flavors, spices and garnishes that make each bloody mary special.”  Competing  bars/restaurants include: Blind Bob’s, Entropy Brewing Company, Fifth Street Brewpub, Lily’s Dayton, Little Fish Dayton Station, Loose Ends Brewing, Meridien Uptown, Mudlick Tap House, Sparky’s Lounge, SushiNero, Table 33, The Oregon Express, Trolley Stop.  Scott Conrad will be back as a special guest, showcasing his award winning RAD’s Bloody Mary Mix.

Want to judge the entries?  Your opinion counts, participants will  get one vote for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary as well as a vote for best garnish and best table decor.  There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast and an exclusive VIP hour from 11:00 AM and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75.

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $35. Doors open for GA at noon, and the event concludes at 2:00 PM.

Purchase your advance tickets here. General admission tickets (if available) will be$40 at the door.

 

 

 

The Silos Food Hall & Beer Garden Now Open

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The Silos, Dayton’s newest food hall and beer garden,  is now open at 810 E. First Street, just down the road from the 2nd Street Market.  The original plan for owners Wes Hartshorn, Shannon Thomas and Scott Johnson, was to open in the summer of 2024, but it took a lot longer to jump through all the hoops of construction, zoning and permitting for the 1.5-acre property.  Seeing the results, it sure was worth the wait!
When I arrived for my first visit, I got lucky and parked on the street right in front of the building, which is easy to find since the Silos stand out from a couple blocks away.
As you enter you’re greeted by the central bar, which seemed to service the guests pretty quickly.  All beverage service is handled at the bar. You can start a tab if you’ll be there for a bit.
With 16 tap handles and a full liquor license, you’ll have no problem finding something that quenches your thirst!  The House beer has been created for them by Warped Wing, it’s a pilsner called Load Lifter, which is named after the huge crane at the brewery’s headquarters.  Plenty of craft beers and Hartshorn says they’ll always have $2 PBR’s. Nonalcoholic options include kombucha, THC beverages and and sodas.
Here’s a look at the opening offerings:
An eclectic mix of table and sofa seating is scattered around with seating for a couple of hundred with the 2nd floor atmosphere is jungle/industrial with a very cozy feeling with all the plants and some couch seating for about 80 upstairs, you can take the stairs or the elevator to get upstairs.  Garage doors and plenty of outdoor seating will expand the food hall, once spring weather arrives.
Located on the perimeter of the building are the four food vendors each created in a shipping container.   Each vendor pays a flat monthly rent and all decisions about their business are up to them. The food options include:
Kung Fu BBQ – a family owned eatery that serves worldly-inspired cuisine with a unique American BBQ smoked interpretation. They draw influences from the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico and more. Think Birria tacos made with Smoked Brisket and Filipino Pork Belly Adobo with garlic rice

Screenshot

Indigo– 100% gluten and dairy free , plant forward dishes like salads, grain bowls and burritos


The Burger Bistro by Cece’s Kitchen– featuring elevated burgers and sandwiches that includes traditional American burger along with a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, glazed salmon filet sandwich, black bean burger, sliders, wings, fried mac & cheese balls and of course fries – cheese fries with a house-made cheese sauce. Be sure and check them out and tell them DaytonDining sent you!

Nood Bar– asian inspired food with a twist that includes noodle dishes, bao buns and dumplings by Chef Dane Shipp
On my visit today the place was bustling, with lots of families and friendly folks willing to share seating and talk about what they ordered and liked best. The staff were hustling, keeping tables clean and the trash emptied.  It was a great first experience and I’m sure it will get event better as they all get into a rhythm.

The Silos

810 E 1st, Downtown Dayton

Free street parking is available on Meige, Taylor, East First, Pond, and East Second Streets

Tuesday – Thursday 4-10 PM
Friday 4 PM – Midnight
Saturday 11 AM – Midnight
Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM