We’ve all been there. It’s lunch time. You’re hungry, but you don’t want the usual fare. Or you brought your lunch, but who wants to eat at their desk – again?!
Five Rivers MetroParks offers you plenty of options to get a real break today. With food, friends and a bit of natural wonder downtown, you could make today’s lunch spectacular!
Eat it Up
There are lots of places to get your eat on and enjoy a great view of downtown. Five Rivers MetroParks has added to those options this summer with the new Silver Fern
Café at RiverScape MetroPark.
Now open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, (as well as Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and special hours during festivals, concerts and other events), the Silver Fern offers a fusion of New Zealand-style treats and American fare with menu items like:
- Individual sized savory pies stuffed with tasty meat all encased in a flaky crust
- Wraps with your choice of freshly sliced deli meat, crisp lettuce, tomato and sauce all wrapped-up in a fresh tortilla
- Pure beef burgers topped with a free range egg, dill pickle, salad, relish and fresh garlic aioli all on a fresh bun
- Griddle-cooked, bacon-wrapped beef dogs in a fresh roll topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, cheese, pinto beans, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and green chili pepper relish
- A complete menu is available online at metroparks.org/riverscape.
Also at RiverScape, The Fountain Snack Bar features treats for park goers 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Fountain offers typical snack bar fair like hot dogs, chips, cookies drinks, even ice cream for a great afternoon treat.
Get in the Mood to Finish the Day
Besides the amazing views of the Great Miami River that will bring peace to any work day, RiverScape will help you get refocused with live acoustic music Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. (also Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Or if you decide working in this beautiful natural scene is more productive, RiverScape now has free, public WiFi with plenty of relaxing seating and tables. Schedule an outdoor meeting to make your next big deal; who needs the golf course?!
Don’t Forget 2nd Street Market
Thursdays through Saturdays, it’s hard to beat the all the local options at the 2nd Street Market. Visit one of the delectable eateries where you will find anything from 
European pastries to the good ole’ sandwich. The Market is just steps (or a 5-minute bike ride) from the center of downtown Dayton, or if you prefer to drive, there is plenty of free parking.
Vendors offer a variety of dishes including fresh salads featuring local and organic ingredients, seasonally rotating soups, Columbian specialties like arepas and empanadas, tasty South-Slavic & Mediterranean Cuisine like Gyros and Shish Kebabs, Pad Thai or spicy curry dishes, savory French crepes and so much more. And for that sweet tooth, why not top off your meal with dark chocolate almond toffee, or blueberry & macadamia nut bread?
You won’t go back to the office hungry. And you can stock up for dinner while you’re there with bread, veggies and more from local growers, producers and bakers.
Whether you meet friends for coffee or lunch, there is plenty of seating for dining on your market goodies. Take advantage of free wireless Internet access provided by DoNet and the tables in the rear pavilion – perfect for a department meeting. The 2nd Street Market is open Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. So venture out of the office and stop eating at your desk. Five Rivers MetroParks wants you to enjoy what the nature has to offer every day.
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