Jimmie’s Ladder 11: Great Food in a Historic Firehouse

What better place for a Food Adventure than a historic Dayton Firehouse?  But atmosphere isn’t everything , you gotta have good eats too.  Jimmie’s Ladder 11 at 936 Brown St. is one of Dayton’s best examples of a great menu in a great venue.  The restaurant is located in what used to be an old city firehouse back in the days when the engines were run by horse drawn carriages.  Dayton Fire Department memorabilia lines the walls of this beautiful dining area.  Antique wood floors and walls throughout the building develops a warm, nostalgic feel.  But The Food Adventure Crew knows, the decor is just the beginning.

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is located in a historic Dayton Fire Department Building built in 1892.

— Family owned restaurant with a stellar service staff.

— Owner Jimmie Brandell worked at the Upper Krust for 17 years honing his restaurant skills.

— Wide variety of menu choices from Burgers and Sandwiches, to rare Upstate New York favorites

— Nice selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles.  They even feature a fire hydrant tap.

— Live Music on weekends, showcasing eclectic local bands

— Private Party Loft available for special events or parties

— Outdoor dining area overlooks a bustling Brown Street

Let’s dive into the menu, with FOOD ADVENTURE’s MUST EATS for JIMMIES LADDER 11:

Grab a fork and follow us…

CREOLE CHEESECAKE – Probably one of the best appetizers in Dayton.  This unique menu item is not a dessert.  It is a casserole type dish served in slices.   The “cheesecake” is stuffed with Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, smoked Gouda, Cream Cheese, Onions, and Peppers.  Slightly “fiery,” but mostly rich and tasty.

NEW ORLEANS GUMBO – Made from scratch daily, this hearty gumbo is simply amazing.  Bursting with Chicken, Shrimp, and Andouille sausage, this is a “must eat” with the perfect heat.  We are addicted and after one cup, you will be too.

VODKA RIGGIES- You won’t find this Upstate New York  favorite anywhere else in Dayton.  Jimmie’s wife, Sue is from Utica, NY where this dish originated.  Creamy tomato sauce is blended with vodka, chicken and rigatoni, then finished with peppers.  There is some spiciness to this pasta plate, but we won’t have to hose you down afterwards.  One of our favorites for sure.

NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE –  One of the best we have ever eaten.  Again made from scratch, this is a cross between the Upper Krust Cheesecake and the ones you find in New York City.  We love this stuff.  Order a piece for a rich, sinful taste of dreaminess.

LADDER 11 SANDWICH – The kitchen starts out with either a hoagie roll or rye bread.  They add some Romanian style Pastrami and Corned Beef.   Top the whole thing off with the house-made, hand-cut Cole Slaw.   The final touch is a drizzle of house-made Russian Dressing.  Are you licking your chops yet?

Honorable Mention:

The Hamburger – You might hear fire truck sirens in your head, because for 6 bucks, this platter is a steal.

Tom Turkey – A throwback to the Upper Krust sandwich.  You cant go wrong with turkey and creamy house-made cole slaw chopped that day.

Paisano Pasta Chips – Could be described as “Italian Nachos.”  Homemade pasta, deep fried and topped with Italian Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Mozzarella and Provolone.  The concoction is finished off with a delicious Asiago cream sauce.

Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is a Dayton original.  No trendy stuff here.   The Ladder 11 staff has brought together good, affordable food and fun surroundings.   They even have great salads and vegetarian choices.

If you have not had a chance to visit this establishment, take some time to check it out.  We frequent this place because we love the menu and beer selection.  The service is always spot on as well.  Got a hungry stomach?  Put that fire out by visiting Jimmie’s Ladder 11.

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Browse through our incredible photos below for a thorough look at the menu.  We aren’t a “one dish Trish,”  we write informed stories after trying various menu items during numerous visits.

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