Dining in Dayton
Visitors to Dayton are pleasantly surprised by the number and variety of dining options. Below are our recommendations based on proximity to the UD campus, conference center, & hotel.
Recommendation Key:
- $ = options under $10 per meal.
- $$ = options between $10-$20 per meal.
- $$$ = options between $20-$40 per meal.
- $$$$ = $40 and higher per meal.
- Veg = recommended for Vegans & Vegetarians
- W = woman-owned business
Select a location below to view dining options
Around the UD Campus (walking distance from campus)
Pine Club $$$$ | 1926 Brown Street, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-228-7463
One of the oldest restaurants in Dayton, the Pine Club offers nationally recognized steaks, chops, sandwiches, and seafood just footsteps away from the UD campus. Come for cocktail hour and stay for an incredible meal! Cash or personal check only, take-out available.
Milano’s Atlantic City Subs $$ | 1834 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-222-7072
Specialty cheesesteaks, pizza, and calzones available for dine-in, take-out, and limited delivery.
Butter Cafe $$ | 1106 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-985-9917 | Veg | W
Featuring locally grown produce, dairy, and meats, Butter Cafe is a very popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot just one block from the UD campus. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Specials change daily.
Coco’s Bistro $$$ | 250 Warren Street, Dayton OH 45402 | 937-228-2626
Fantastic cocktails, an ever-changing menu, and homemade desserts make Coco’s the perfect spot for an special evening of fine dining. Reservations highly encouraged for dinner.
Dewey’s Pizza $$ | 131 Jasper St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-223-0000
Relax in this casual pizza parlor that serves award-winning pizza, calzones, seasonal salads, and a rotating beer selection. Great for small parties, take-out available.
Fusian $ | 1200 Brown St #125, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-223-5173 | Veg
Fresh, fast sushi made to order. Many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
Jimmy’s Ladder 11 $$ | 936 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-424-1784
A restored firehouse, complete with fireman’s pole, houses this bar and grill, which features an extensive list of specialty sandwiches, pizzas, and bar favorites. Upstairs party room available for larger groups.
El Rancho Grande $$ | 1200 Brown St. Dayton OH, 45409 | 937-723-9396
Casual Tex-Mex cantina featuring 1/2 price drinks during happy hour.
Bibibop Asian Grill $ | 1200 Brown St #140, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-307-0826 | Veg
Fast casual Korean dishes made to order. Take-out available.
Zombie Dogz $ | 1200 Brown St #150, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-951-2942
Gourmet hot dogs in a fast-casual atmosphere. Vegetarian dogs available.
Ginger & Spice Asian Bistro $ | 1105 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-716-1298 | Veg
Cozy café offering a variety of asian cuisine, including Chinese, Korean, and Thai-inspired dishes. Take-out available.
R Taco $ | 822 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-938-7382
Tacos in many styles! Street tacos, breakfast tacos, & margaritas!
Old Scratch Pizza & Beer $$ | 812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-331-5357 | Veg
Traditional Neapolitan-style pizza with locally sourced ingredients. Extensive regional beer selection.
The UD Campus and vicinity also offers a range of quick stops for dining, refreshments, or a pick-me-up. Popular options include:
Downtown Dayton (5-10 min. drive north from campus)
Downtown Dayton boasts fabulous restaurants, fine dining, and a thriving nightlife sure to please any palate. We recommend walking the streets of Dayton’s historic Oregon District, where there are plenty of dining options, from vegan-friendly spots to modern Italian and classic Thai. Some of our downtown favorites include:
Salar $$$ | 400 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-203-3999 | W
Peruvian fusion cuisine borrows flavors from South America, West Africa, and East Asia. The cocktails, made with all in-house mixers, are not to be missed! Reservations highly encouraged for dinner.
Thai 9 $$ | 11 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-222-3227 | Veg
Dayton’s premiere Thai restaurant features an extensive menu of specialities, including house-made curries and an impressive sushi menu. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Reservations encouraged.
Lily’s Bistro $$ | 329 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-723-7637 | Veg | W
A quaint spot for lunch or dinner, Lily’s Bistro features an ever-changing seasonal menu sourcing the finest local ingredients. Portions vary from snack-size, to sharable plates, and full course entrees. Sunday brunch at Lily’s is a fantastic treat! Try the daily deviled egg special!
Roost: Modern Italian $$$ | 524 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-222-3100 | W
An intimate atmosphere welcomes visitors to an unforgettable Italian dining experience. From seasonal pasta dishes, homemade soups and farm-fresh salads to the sweetest Italian desserts, Roost’s updated approach to Italian is as mouthwatering as it is hip. Reservations highly encouraged.
De’Lish Café $$ | 139 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-461-2233 | Veg | W
Dayton’s best creole, cajun, & soul food in an upscale café that also featured themed music nights. Fabulous happy hour menus!
Dublin Pub $$ | 300 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410 | 937-224-7822
Relax and unwind in this traditional Irish pub, featuring Ohio’s largest selection of Irish whiskey. Traditional pub fare, burgers, and seafood offer guests a wide selection of easy options for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night dining. Featuring live music on weekends!
Corner Kitchen $ | 613 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45403 | 937-719-0999 | Veg | W
Dubbed as a “finer diner,” this low-key restaurant & bar is a new favorite in Dayton for its fresh takes on classic diner recipes in both small and large portions using locally sourced ingredients. Excellent seasonal cocktails & desserts. Reservations recommended.
Wheat Penny $$ | 515 Wayne Ave, Dayton,OH 45410 | 937-496-5268 | Veg | W
California-style pizza with house-made mozzarella, ricotta, meats and locally sourced veggies. Try a house specialty pie or create your own! Refreshing, unique cocktails complement the cool, artistic atmosphere. Reservations requested for parties of 5 or more.
Jay’s Seafood $$$ | 225 E 6th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-222-2892
Ohio’s premiere seafood restaurant, Jay’s offers exquisite selections sourced four times per week from the east coast (Massachusetts & Florida), west coast (Oregon) and Lake Erie. Each selection is perfectly paired with one of Jay’s monthly featured wines. An unforgettable dining experience! Reservations encouraged.
View 162 $$$ | 33 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-224-0800
Located on the top floor of the Crowne Plaza, Dayton, View 162 offers delicious dining with spectacular rooftop views of the city. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night fare, patrons enjoy a fine selection of steaks, chops, and seafood along with fine-crafted cocktails.
Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery $ | 520 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-222-6800 | Veg
Most famous for their brunch & Bloody Mary bar, Lucky’s also serves excellent burgers, sandwiches, & salads with an extensive beer menu in a casual bar atmosphere. Plus, vegan-friendly pub food!
Tacqueria Mixteca $ | 1609 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45403 | 937-258-2654 | Veg
Consistently rated the best Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant in Dayton, this low-key, BYOB restaurant serves the most authentic (and enormous) tacos, burritos, and enchiladas in the entire region. Seating is very limited, consider take-out.
In the Suburbs (10-15 min. drive south from campus)
Oakwood Club $$$$ | 2414 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45419 | 937-293-6973
Classic supper club feel with steaks, seafood, and chops on the menu. Reservations required.
Flyboy’s Deli $ | 2515 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45419 | 937-723-6135
Aviation-inspired, NYC-style deli featuring sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere. Quick & easy.
Siam Pad Thai $$ | 3027 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45429 | 937-293-9606 | Veg | W
Quaint, snug establishment serving Thai & Japanese dishes and sushi. Take-out available.
Ajanta India $$ | 3063 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420 | 937-296-9200 | Veg
Casual Indian cuisine, consistently the most popular Indian establishment in Dayton (and the UD English department!).
Arepas & Co. $ | 1122 E Dorothy Ln, Kettering, OH 45419 | 937-503-5192 | W
Columbian comfort food, known for arepas and yucca fries. Also located in downtown Dayton.
Meadowlark $$ | 5531 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429 | 937-434-4750 | Veg | W
High quality, locally sourced ingredients combine in an ever-changing seasonal menu. Excellent house-made cocktails. Reservations recommended for parties of 5 & over.
Little Saigon $ | 1718 Woodman Dr, Kettering, OH 45420 | 937-258-8010 | Veg
A humble & cozy atmosphere combines with delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes. A must-visit for noodle lovers!
Mama DiSalvo’s $$ | 1375 E Stroop Rd, Dayton, OH 45429 | 937-299-5831
Old-world style Italian restaurant with made-from-scratch specialities. Reservations required.
Nelly’s $$ | 79 S Main St, Centerville, OH 45458 | 937-859-5555
Classic tastes of Bolivia with an extensive wine menu.
Pho Mi $ | 8990 Kingsridge Dr, Dayton, OH 45458 | 937-433-7388
Best banh mi sandwiches in Dayton, along with delicious pho soups. Casual & good for groups.
Breweries
Carrillon Brewing Company | 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
Historical beer recipes and European flavors merge as you watch the brewing process.
Warped Wing Brewery | 26 Wyandot St, Dayton, OH 45402
Industrial space transformed into a modern microbrewery with Dayton’s favorite beers.
Dayton Beer Company | 41 Madison St, Dayton, OH 45402
Dayton’s original brewery – great selection and a relaxed meet-up spot.
Toxic Brewing Company | 431 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
In Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, a microbrewery known for their Belgian and American-style beers.
Eudora Brewing Company | 4716 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, OH 45440
Featuring specialty and customer-made brews.
5th Street Brewpub | 1600 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45403
Dayton’s beer co-op with a wide selection of ever-changing house brews in a beer garden atmosphere.
Lock 27 Brewery | 1035 S Main St, Dayton, OH 45458
House-made brews and small plates made for sharing.
Crafted & Cured | 531 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
A system of 60 taps featuring local, regional, and world beers.
The Barrel House | 417 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Independent bar and bottle shop featuring local brews from Dayton’s microbreweries.
Bars & Nightlife
Century Bar | 10 S Jefferson St, Dayton, OH 45402
Recognized as one of the best bourbon bars in the United States, excellent cocktails in a speakeasy environment.
Therapy Café | 452 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Themed music and dancing spot with weekly karaoke, salsa, and EDM nights.
The Wine Gallery | 5 W Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
Downtown Dayton’s low-key boutique wine bar.
Gilly’s | 132 S Jefferson St, Dayton, OH 45402
Historic jazz & blues club in downtown Dayton.
MJ’s on Jefferson | 20 N Jefferson St, Dayton, OH 45402
Popular LGBTQ meeting spot in downtown Dayton.
Club Masque | 34 N Jefferson St, Dayton, OH 45402
Vibrant gay nightclub featuring a lively dance floor and nightly drag shows.
Mudlick Tap House | 135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402
A comfy gastopub featuring high-end beers and cocktails.
South Park Tavern | 1301 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
Featuring craft beer, pizza, and live music on weekends.
Trolley Stop | 530 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
An tavern dating back to 1839, featuring live music & local beers.
Oregon Express | 336 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
Local brews on tap and speciality pizzas. Weeknight trivia and live music.