It is hard to get a bad burger in Dayton. Immediately I can list almost 10 great spots for a good burger. Tanks. Meadowlark. Pine Club. Oakwood Club (that black and bleu is to die for). Slyder’s Tavern. Abners on East 3rd. Foys in Fairborn. Zink’s. Voltzy’s. Burger Master (my go-to for soul food).
Back in 2009 I began my search for the best burger in Dayton and I have found it:
There is one spot that stands above the rest. Disalvo’s Deli. Rinaldo “Ron” Disalvo is grinding his own blends of choice cuts of beef. Filet. Sirloin. Trimmings from brisket. Chuck. Whatever he has on hand he is mixing to perfection.
One day a week. These custom creations are only available on Thursdays at his spot on Stroop Road in Kettering. The flavor and the makeup of the burgers fluctuate weekly with the cuts he uses and the toppings he piles on.
Here’s what you will notice. It’s cooked perfectly on the flat-top. Smashed with a sear, cooked just under medium and juicy throughout. It’s a loosely packed patty. The crispy edges give it a nice texture to offset the tender bite of a freshly made patty.
I have had the burger with onion, tomato and lettuce under a buttery brioche bun with nothing else. Rinaldo has a custom spice blend that flavors the beef perfectly while negating the need for ketchup or mayo. One time, I swore I could taste a hint of A-1. When I asked Rinaldo, he laughed and went back to the kitchen. Whatever it is, it’s delightful and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the top shelf beef.
Recently his burger came dressed with crispy Neuske’s bacon, provolone, sauteed onions and mushrooms with a dollop of his homemade bbq sauce. (Ron is pretty adept at the smoker and his bbq is equally as famous.)
The deli case at Disalvo’s is full of deli salads. Coleslaw, potato salad, greek and Mediterranian dishes with olives and artichokes, skip them all on Thursdays. Your burger is always accompanied by a basket of crispy fries tossed in Truffle Oil and Parmesan cheese. Finish the burger and the fries and you may have the willpower to skip the cannoli by the register. Probably not.Since my days blogging at Dayton’s Diners and Dives, I’ve always enjoyed my burger and fries with a Coke. These days I have a diet Coke, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a beer over lunch. Crooked Handle has created a special Italian brew for Disalvo’s or grab a can of Warped Wing’s Ermal’s.
This isn’t your typical burger. Depending on the week and the toppings this burger and fries range from $9.95 to $12.95 for the recent bacon/provolone/mushroom/onion and bbq burger. Worth every cent. Grab an extra napkin. Make it two. You are gonna need it. Remember. Thursday’s only, Disalvo’s Deli, tell them Bryan sent you.
Visit them online at http://www.disalvosdeli.com/menu/daily-deli-1/ for their daily specials.
DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store 
1383 E Stroop Rd
Kettering, Ohio
(937) 298-5053
Monday – Saturday 10am – 7pm
closed Sunday
