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Dayton Dining

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

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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

Breakfast Charcuterie Board Class

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We’ve all been waiting for this one. Our fabulous instructor, Lisa, has done it again. Lisa will be here and for only $65 she will
bring all the yummy supplies such as pastries, waffles, fruit, etc and give all the instruction to teach us how to build
beautiful breakfast charcuterie boards. There will be some extra supplies to snack on while making your boards. The winery will have special Fuzzy Navel, Wine Cocktails, wine tasting,and our entire menu of wines available to order for an additional charge. Reservations and prepay required. Call 937-416-2019 for reservations. These classes fill up quickly so don’t hesitate.

Another Downtown Eatery Closes

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Having just celebrated their 4th anniversary earlier this month, the 1 Eleven Flavor House, owned by Demetrius Wright and Joey Williams  and  located at 111 W First St in Dayton has announced that Jan 31st will be their last day of service.

Here’s the official announcement:

 

The Flavor House Event Center‘s indoor occupancy is 125, larger events up to 150, utilizing the FH Patio. They have a complete food menu. No outside caterers are allowed. You may bring in your own desserts.

M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

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Just in time for National Peanut Butter Day (January 24), M&M’S® Ice Cream, proudly part of Mars, is launching its newest innovation: the first-ever M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich! This new treat is a nod to the enduring popularity of peanut butter, which continues to reign as the No. 1 nut flavor for Gen Z and millennials in ice cream.

M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich delivers a delightful multi-texture flavor experience that combines the crunch of M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis, the melt-in-your mouth sweetness of “home-baked” style sugar cookies and the rich, creamy goodness of 100% real peanut butter ice cream. Leaning into the popularity of peanut butter, this innovation joins the colorfully fun M&M’S Ice Cream portfolio with a sweet-and-salty creamy peanut butter twist.

“National Peanut Butter Day just got a whole lot sweeter with the launch of our M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches,” said Chanel Gant, Mars Ice Cream Marketing Director. “Peanut butter is the Gen Z and millennial flavor of choice when it comes to ice cream pairings. With this new creation, we’re bringing that beloved flavor to the freezer aisle in a way that perfectly matches their cravings, offering a nostalgic yet innovative treat, creating moments of everyday happiness for our consumers.”

The M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich is the latest addition to the popular M&M’S Ice Cream’s Cookie Sandwich lineup, which already includes Vanilla, Chocolate and Cookies & Cream varieties. Now available at retailers nationwide, M&M’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches come in single serve (3.5 oz.) and 4-packs (14 oz.) to share the joy with others or enjoy for yourself.

St. Albert the Great Fish Fry

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St. Albert the Great Athletic Association is holding its annual Fish Fry on FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025 from 7PM – 11PM. This event is the primary fundraiser for our Student Athletic Programs. The funds generated are used to maintain and improve fields/facilities and provide equipment and uniforms for all sports including: soccer, golf, volleyball, basketball and track.

St. Albert the Great Parish – Kettering, OH USA, A Welcoming Roman Catholic Parish. 

Jollity Debuts Winter Menu

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Founded in 2016 Jollity was conceptualized by 3 cheffs and friends, Zach Weiner, Brendon Miller and Nathan Heil, who met while attending Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC). Jollity opened its doors with 60 seats in 2021 in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District.

Brendon Miller (left) and Zackary Weiner.

As they do each season, yesterday they dropped a new winter menu.  Check it out below:

Winter 2025 Menu

Veg

Meat

Seafood

Sweets & Finales

Jollity
127 E. 3rd St.
Dayton, OH 45420

Tues- Sat 5 -10pm

Free Chicken Salad Chick on Thurs, Jan 23

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This Thursday is Guest Appreciation and  Chicken Salad Chick is dedication a whole day to celebrating.
Join us at any Chicken Salad Chick location on Thursday, January 23 for a FREE SCOOP of Classic Carol on us. A free scoop will be gifted to every guest who comes into the restaurant for takeout, dine-in, and drive-thru, or added to every online and delivery order.
While supplies last. No purchase necessary when dining in. Limit one scoop per guest. Online orders will receive one scoop per entree.
That’s not all! For our Chicken Salad Chick Rewards members, it’s also Double Points Day for all purchases made on Thursday, January 23.
Chicken Salad Chick
5264 Cornerstone N Blvd
Centerville, OH 45440
Hours: 

Soup Season is Here!

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Craving some soup to warm you up?  From the first steaming spoonful, to that little bit of liquid left in the bottom, these are the best bowls of chow that the Miami Valley has to offer.  So, all you serious eaters, get a spoon, get some crackers if need be, and check out our list of MUST EAT soups.

With some help from our Dayton Foodies group, we’ve pulled together some recommendation for Dayton tastiest soups:


FRENCH ONION SOUP
Any one of Doubleday’s soups could make this list.  In a restaurant known for their homemade soups, this one is a favorite.  Dayton  regulars have stuffed the restaurant for decades, and many have felt the hot, gooey dripping flavor of the french onion soup. Other top mentions for French onion include The Oakwood Club, Buckhorn Tavern and The Paragon Super Club.

THE NEW ORLEANS STYLE GUMBO 

New Orleans Gumbo from Jimmie’s Ladder 11

Hearty, rich and just the right spiciness, this soup is one of those “OMG” moments when you take a bite. Known for a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish (or sometimes both), a thickener, and the Creole “holy trinity”: celery, bell peppers, and onions. Gumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used, whether okra or filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves). It’s been said that Jimmie’s Ladder 11 has the best gumbo outside of the big easy, but  Sands ands Seafood and Sports is fast gaining on them. For a different take on gumbo check out DiSalvo’s Deli for their chicken gumbo. Perfectly carved, generous chicken pieces, line a delicately light broth.  The bowl is filled with a treasure trove of vegetables and tremendous flavor.

CLAM CHOWDER

Jay’s Clam Chowder, a Dayton original

This  is a soup with cream or milk mixed with ingredients such as potatoes, sweet corn, smoked haddock, clams and prawns, etc. Some cream-style chowders do not use cream, and are instead prepared using milk and a roux to thicken them.  The creamy broth, the chunks of fresh clams, and the perfect dash of pepper make this soup. Seajax, Club Oceano, Smith’s Boathouse, Bullwinkles and Jay’s Seafood all have raves for their New England Clam Chowder.

HOT & SOUR SOUP
It happens to be one of the healthiest mushroom soup recipes in the world! A Chinese restaurant favourite, it’s hearty, savory, sour – and as spicy as you want it to be. Filled with mushrooms, tofu and silky egg ribbons, Hot and Sour soup is thickened with cornflour/cornstarch so the broth is beautifully glossy. Fu Mon Lau – hot and sour soup is  packed with veggies, low in calories and low in fat. Authentic Chinese hot and sour soup is considered medicinal as it combines healing chicken broth, circulation improving fungus (mushrooms), and antioxidant packed ginger and vinegar. Flavors Eatery in Centerville offers an original house hot drop which combines the heat of hot and sour with a more traditional egg drop soup.

POTATO SOUP
A creamy soup primarily made with cooked potatoes, broth, mil or cream and ofen includes aromatics like onion, celery and garlic.  It’s often topped with  bacon bits, cheese, and green onions depending on the recipe.  Local favorites include The Famous, Salt Block. Biscuit Company, Bullwinkles, Grist, The Dublin Pub and Corner Kitchen,  Try Tony & Pete’s for a sweet potato version.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
This comforting  soup is usally made with  with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn  and topped with tortilla strips its full of flavor, and very filling! Some of the place you’ll find it are Charlie’s Deli,  Mi Lindo Jalisco Mexican Restaurant And Bar, Big Sky Bread Company, Mamacitas Cantina and El Meson.

POZOLE
A traditional soup or stew from Mexican cuisine. It is made from hominy and typically chicken or pork), and can be seasoned and garnished with shredded lettuce or cabbage, chilivpeppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa or limes.  It’s time-consuming to make, so restaurants will usually only serve it on the weekends.  The owner of Chiapas Mexican Grill tells us he uses grandmother’s recipe for a chicken and hominy soup.  The broth is soothing yet spicy.  The chicken is tender and shreds of it soak between hominy corn.  Radishes float on top of this beautiful looking soup.  One of the most unique soups on this list, it is authentic Mexican fare. You can also find it at Taqueria Mixteca, El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant in Franklin and La Michoacana Mexican Market & Restaurant

El Meson

BLACK BEAN SOUP

This flavorful and hearty soup is a staple in Latino cuisine, made with black beans, onion, garlic, pepper, ham hock, olive oil and a bit of vinegar. Pictured here from El Meson, also check it out at Jorrge’s Reataurant Cantina,  Nelly’s A Taste of Bolivia and Elsa’s .

 


TOM KAI SOUP (Coconut Soup)
Rich and creamy yet tangy and salty, this Thai coconut chicken soup recipe is filling but light and positively bursting with flavor from Coconut milk soup, mushroom, galangal root, citrus leaves, lime juice. You can get it made with chicken or veggies or the  Seafood Combo (Shrimp, Scallops, Squid) Also availaable from rom Massaman Thai Cuisine, also popular at Penn’s Thai Grille, Thai Table, Sky Asian Cuisine, Singa Thai and White Lotus.

SPECIALTY SOUPS:

THE TURTLE SOUP at THE AMBER ROSE:

Amber Rose Turtle Soup

This soup is exotic, thick and hearty.  It is an old recipe, passed down by Elinore, the previous owner of the restaurant.   This is one of those things that you eat and immediately want more.  Visit Joe Castellano and his chefs and try it for yourself as an appetizer to one of their Eastern European meals.

 

THE PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S:
Don’t be fooled by the sound of it, don’t judge a book by its cover.  This is one of the best soups in Dayton.  The flavor isn’t sharp, it is surprisingly mild and rich.  If you like cream of broccoli soup, this is an even better spin on it.  This is a great warm up right before you try one of their burger selections!

THE SIZZLING RICE SOUP FROM CHINA COTTAGE:
For decades they have been serving this white meat chicken, fresh vegetables and steaming rice kernels in an unforgettable broth.  The flavor is a perfect balance of mushrooms, carrots, other vegetables and rice in a white meat chicken and broth mixture.  North China also has a good one.


SEAFOOD PHO  from Pho Mi in Miamisburg
Pho is a veitnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles and herbs and is know asthe national dish of Vietnam.  The seafood version is loaded with shrimp, crab meat and squid, and is simply delicious.

 

 

SPICY VEGETABLE SOUP from KABUKI. This soup  is a fantastic mix of spicy pepper broth, bean sprouts and onions.  This can clear your sinuses and make your cold feel better all at the same time.  It is the perfect tune up for a sushi feast.  Enjoy the color and aroma of the soup, it tastes as good as it looks.

Also don’t forget to check out Dorothy Lane Market for a daily selection of housemade soups.  They usually have four or five featured soups, including vegetarian  and gluten free options.  Check here to check out the soup of the day selections.

Have we missed your favorite soup?  Tell us about it in the comments below.

 

Old Scratch Pizza’s Newest Menu Additions

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Old Scratch Pizza has just released several new menu items.

The vegan twister pizza has been run as a special before but has just been added to the menu on a permanent basis.

Next they’ve added their flare to a classic greek salad.

And finally, their take on a  BLT sandwich? Paired with our housemade Ranch and melty provolone cheese in a wrap.

For their full menu, click here.

Old Scratch Pizza Locations:

812 S Patterson Blvd
Dayton, OH 45402

937-331-5357

440 Miamisburg Centerville Road
Centerville, OH 45458

937-886-4513

2450 Dayton Xenia Road
Beavercreek, OH 45434

937-956-6025

19 East Race Street
Troy, OH 45373

937-552-7283

Cold and Crafted – A Celebration of Miami Valley Winter Beers

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A winter celebration of locally crafted artisan ales from 16 or more Dayton area breweries. Only 150 tickets will be available!

The tasting will be held from 12-4 pm. Each attendee will receive 20 five ounce samples in a specialty glass. Attendees may purchase further samples for $1.50 each.

Our German kitchen will be serving up delicious beer brats, polish sausages, mashed potatoes, german potato salad, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels and beer cheese!

Live music will be played by Scott Houchens!

Taste of Jerusalem Opens 2nd Location

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Mohammed

Babylon Mediterranean Cuisine in Miamisburg has been bought and converted into the 2nd location for Taste Of Jerusalem. 

The Miamisburg restaurant opened a couple of weeks ago, according to one of the owners, who are all family.  The original location in Fairborn has been open about 4 years. They serve up some of  the  most authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor you’ll find in the Miami Valley. For  Mediterranean lovers, their cuisine is guaranteed to please the taste buds with authentic Jerusalem food.   

I ordered their lamb bowl, which was served over rice with tzatziki, onion, parsley and hummus. They offered me a taste of the chicken schwerma, which was juicy and flavorful. 

The menu is the same at both locations. And don’t worry; if it’s your first time trying something, they’ll be happy to offer you a taste of something.

Mixed Grill Kabob

Stop by and experience the Taste of Jerusalem and tell them DaytonDining Sent you!

Taste Of Jerusalem

9656 Springboro pike, Miamisburg

3800 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn

Hours:

Mon – Sat 11am – 8pm
Sun noon -8pm

 

BaconFest Is Back at Dorothy Lane Market

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Nearly everyone loves bacon and there’s no better way to seize the sizzle (and day) than with a few crispy strips! Make every bite count and join DLM  for  BaconFest as they celebrate DLM Uncured Bacon, lifetime free of antibiotics and always without added nitrates/nitrites. From its mouthwatering aroma to its crave-worthy flavor, this skillet superstar has inspired us to create a sizzling selection of bacon-centric creations throughout our stores and online. BaconFest runs through Jan 21st at all three Dorothy Lane Market locations.

Don’t miss the chance to savor all of their seasonal bacon treats, from breakfast to dinner (and even dessert) don’t miss a bacon beat: Smoked Maple “Bacon” Latte, Bacon Cheddar Focaccia, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, Encrusted Mac & Cheese with Bacon, Maple Bacon Baby Cake, Cajun Bacon Cheddar Sausage, and so much more!

They are even featuring over 25 bacon inspired recipes on their website to inspire you and have a section where you can send a bacon gift to a friend.

Here’s a checklist of all the bacon goodies being featured:

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White Castle opens reservations for Valentine’s Day

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Reservations are now available via Open Table at the more than 300 participating White Castle locations nationwide for Feb. 14, from 4 – 9pm.

The increasingly popular QSR dinner, which launched in 1991, features hostess seating, tableside service and Valentine’s Day decorations.  The chain encourages not just couples, but friends and families to join in the festivities as well. Per the brand, “tens of thousands” of customers join the chain on the holiday each year.

“Everyone can enjoy love at White Castle … without the inflated price tag,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle in a release. “Our Castles go all out to make Valentine’s Day dinner special.”

In addition to the regular White Castle menu, on Feb. 14 guests will also have a choice of a $5 Sloppy Joe Combo, which consists of two Sloppy Joe Sliders, small French fry and small soft drink, or a $6.99 Sloppy Joe Six Pack, which consists of any combination of six Sloppy Joe Sliders.

Members of the chain’s loyalty program Craver Nation will also have access to special deals beginning on Feb. 14, including BOGO free dessert on-a-stick, $5 Sloppy Joe Combo upgrade, BOGO French Toast Sliders and BOGO Breakfast Sliders. Customers with the Craver Nation app can participate in a “Bonus Quest” by placing an order Valentine’s Day, which will earn a BOGO Free Combo Reward.