Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 opened for business on 11-11-11 in a renovated 1892 firehouse on Brown Street. They are hosting a special 3 course dinner for two this Wednesday, November 11th from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines and the Best Dressed Couple will win a $99.99 Gift Card.
Featuring:
-Candlelight Dinner for 2 Menu
-Specialty Stoli Vodka & Tequila Corralejo Craft Cocktails
-Featured Local Draft Beers
Call (937) 424-1784 and make Your Reservations Today
The local promotional group Hear&See presents an exciting night of alternative rock with Pollyanna, on tour from New Jersey and making their only Ohio stop right here in Dayton! They’ll be performing with support from Ohio bands COLLY, snarls andBeloved Youth at Jimmie’s Ladder 11on Saturday December 7, 2019.
Pollyanna is an up-and-coming pop punk trio (see video below). Cincinnati’s Colly nimbly balances robust rock songcraft and electronic pop ambition with Kings of Leon influences. Snarls is an emo glitter pop group from Columbus, OH. And . Beloved Youth is a 4-piece alt rock band from the Cincinnati area, boasting strong pop melodies and compelling guitar arrangements.
Don’t miss these fresh new alternative acts!
HOW TO GO?
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 opened for business on 11-11-11 now they are celebrating their eighth year in business with 8 days of music, drink and food specials as well. This Brown Street eatery renovated an 1892 firehouse into a favorite local spot for great eats and late night entertainment.
Jimmies’ Ladder 11 is truly a family business and the Brandell family is a constant presence with owners Jimmie and Susie overseeing operations. Son Jason runs the back of the house with Tommy Slade, while son Nick runs the front of the house with Brad Hull. Brad and Nick also do most of the music booking with input from the staff. The 3rd Brandell son Anthony has worked as a host, but is currently in his freshman year at UC. Mom Sue shares “that many of the staff have been with us from the very beginning and we’re really all one big family. It’s been a balancing act to figure out all the roles and responsibilities but we all really get along great.” Some health challenges for Dad Jimmie have him slowing down a bit, confident the rest of the family will keep things going.
Here’s a look at the celebration that kicks off tonight:
Here are the menu’s for the 8 sandwich and 8 drinks specials they are featuring at part of the celebration:
Jimmie’s is also a great place to celebrate your own special events taking advantage of the upstairs party loft that can accommodate up to 80. For more intimate private occasions take advantage of their Greenhouse, located just behind the restaurant that is perfect for groups up to 30.
936 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 424-1784
Hours:
Sun – Thursday 11am – midnight
Fri & Sat 11am – 2am
When I worked on the West Side of Dayton 15 years ago there was a place in Drexel, an old-fashioned Root Beer stand that had the best fried Pork Tenderloin. It came on an undersized bun with pickles, onions, and mustard. For a few bucks, this slice of fried breaded pork could keep you satisfied until way past dinner. It was reminiscent of the Fried Tenderloin you could only get at the county fair when I was a kid.
Rootbeer Stand
photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
Bringing the community together for the benefit of our awesome friend, Malacai McDufford and his mother and life support, Nicol Perry.
Live music has a special way of bringing people together. Some refer to it as a scene, community, tribe, family, or simply “my people.” It’s a genuine form of self and group identity, that has a unique place in music lover’s hearts. When one of our people is tragically taken from us, it’s a ripple effect of sadness throughout the scene.
Sarah Vesey was a bright spot in the Dayton jam band family. She was a dedicated fan and friend to many in the area. This summer, Sarah died tragically, at the young age of 29, leaving behind a grieving family, parter and young son. Friends rallied together to pull together Stay Strong for Sarah Benefit Show to both remember Sarah, and help her family.
Sami Love, one of Sarah’s friends, and the organizer of this benefit described how the show came together. “Sarah’s passing has deeply affected us all. I wanted to put together this event in memory of Sarah. For all of us near and far to get together and show love for her, and for one another.”
The evening starts early, with music starting at 6:30pm, during the dinner hour with acoustic jams from Sway. A portion of dinner sales this evening will be donated to the family to help offset medical costs, and set up a college fund for Sarah’s son. What a great reason to stop in for food and fun with friends!
Music will be running on all evening, till 2:30am, with awesome local jam bands including Cheezcake starting at 9:30pm, followed by Subterranean and The Ohio All Stars. What an incredible line-up! This is certainly a don’t miss evening! Everyone will be feeling the love at this show!
While you’re there, check out the awesome raffle items they have gathered from various restaurants, tattoo parlours, music festival passes, art work, and surprise baskets donated from national to regional bands. Seriously, cool stuff they’ve gathered!
How to Go?
Hard to believe it’s been 5 years since the Fire House at 936 Brown St, which was built 124 years ago when the fire engines were run by horse drawn carriages, was revamped into Jimmie’s Ladder 11. 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. Time flies and Jimmie’s is inviting us all to celebrate with them all week long.
And Jimmie’s isn’t the only area business that debuted five years ago in November. Shane Anderson opened Ghostlight Coffee on Wayne Ave in South Park. This cozy gourmet coffee shop quickly became a pillar of the community, hosting art shows, poetry readings and so much more. They’ve added housebaked treats, bagels, holiday pies and supported many area events providing coffee to go. This coming Sunday they’ll colloborate with Jimmie’s for a very special celebration dinner.
Sunday 11/13 at 6pm Jimmie’s Ladder 11 & Ghostlight Coffee will collaborate together on a five-course dinner. The after party and fifth course will be at Jimmie’s Greenhouse. Tickets are limited with a cost of $40 and are available at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 or Ghostlight Coffee.
The Menu:
Course One:
Espresso Black Bean Chili & Cornbread Muffin paired with Fifth Street Brewpub’s JoJo’s Midnight Stout.
Course Two:
Mixed Greens tossed in Walnut Maple Vinaigrette topped with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Red Onion, Candied Espresso Walnuts & Asiago Cheese paired with Fernet Cold Brew Cocktail.
Course Three:
Grilled Cheesy Grits topped with Bourbon Coffee Glazed Shrimp paired with Toxic Brew’s Night Ender Stout.
Course Four:
Coffee Braised Short Ribs served with Roasted Root Vegetables, Whipped Potatoes & Red Eye Gravy paired with Warped Wing’s Esther’s Little Secret.
Course Five:
Gamma Bomb Brownies topped with Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Brittle or Ghostlight Celebration Torte paired with hand poured Ghostlight’s “Poet & Pilots Blend” coffee and Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb IPA infused with Ghostlight Coffee.
A very special night of solo performances.
Featuring some of the finest local favorites:
Andy Smith (Me Time)
Burris Dixon (Me & Mountains, SWIM DIVER)
Chad Wells (Cricketbows)
Micah Kemplin (Ossicles)
John Dubuc (Trey Stone and the Ringers)
Ward lawsoN
Philadelphia-based super group Swift Technique will be in town Friday night!
If you like to dance to funky live music, Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is your spot this weekend. SassafraZ, a Columbus-based band, is in town and bringing along their friends Swift Technique, out of Philly. They love the live music scene in Dayton, and can’t wait to rock out Jimmie’s on Friday February 26th!
SassafraZ is a super collection of six great guys who make their music and live their lives with the emphasis on the offbeat. All of them really enjoy holding a groove, grooving out, grooving in, and just plain moving and grooving. Started by multi-instrumentalists Jack Gould and Zach Pontzer in 2012, SassafraZ quickly took the midwest music scene by storm, playing shows with notable groups such as Snarky Puppy, Galactic, Papadosio, The Werks, Dopapod, and many more. The band released its first album “Time Will Tell” in 2013 and the follow up “Move Your Body” a year later in 2014.
Swift Technique is a fiery funk extravaganza, who are entering 2016 after completing their most successful year to date. Most recently, the band has held several high profile support slots, including sharing the stage with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Motet, Fishbone, The Main Squeeze, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, JoJo Mayer, Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Sophistafunk. While introducing the powerhouse lead vocal tandem of Chelsea ViaCava & Nik Greeley, the band released two new singles, “Dress Shoes” & “Jay’s the Name” to critical acclaim. 2015 saw the debut of Swift Technique’s “Ultimate Funk Throwdown: Prince Vs. Morris Day”, which will continue to be performed on select dates throughout the country.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to see these rising stars in the midwest music scene! Only $5 admission!
SassafraZ is making a stop in Dayton on their Spring tour.
How to go?
Friday February 26th.
Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Music 10pm
$5 Cover
Unlike the chaotic streets of Chicago in the 1920’s where Speakeasy’s were the source of nightlife and the spot for bootleg alcohol, Subterranean invites you and your loved ones to Jimmie’s Ladder 11 for an open celebration to show our appreciation and love of our musical community!
The St Valentine’s Funky Massacre show is FREE for the both longtime and new fans, featuring free toasting, snacks and swag!
Each person will be given a raffle ticket at the door and be entered into a contest where you can win tickets to some festivals that we will be apart of. Thanks to Yes Please Entertainment we have 2 tickets to Hookah in the Hot Tub and thanks to Alchemy House Presents we have 1 ticket at the Alchemy Rising Festival to give away. Winners will be drawn randomly throughout the night and you must be present to win and claim your prize.
New to Subterranean? They approach improvisation with intent. Pushing stylistic boundaries and fearlessly exploring their musical journey while still presenting infectious grooves. They create a unique experience at every live performance making each one a must see!!
It’s been a long time coming, but we’re happy to announce that Dayton’s newest foodtruck, Jimmie’s StrEATery, will be debuting at Warped Wing Brewing Company this Wed, August 27th at 7:00 pm!
Jimmie Brandell, the chef and owner of Jimmie’s Ladder 11 got started on his truck last year, thought he’d have it out by the end of last summer, then had a little back surgery and the truck was parked while he recovered. But good things are worth waiting for and the food coming out of this mobile kitchen should be good!
Here’s the list of street eats that will be for sale on the truck:
Sandwiches
$8 Fried Green Tomato “BLT”- Green tomatoes beer battered with Warped Wing’s Flying Rye IPA, apple wood bacon, fresh spinach leaves, and Siracha mayonnaise on toasted wheat bread.
$8 Tom’s Turkey- Thinly sliced turkey topped with, creamy coleslaw cut daily, and a sliced hardboiled egg on a toasted hoagie roll.
$9 Blackened Chicken Sandwich- Grilled blackened chicken topped with, apple wood bacon, grilled onions, tomato, Swiss cheese, and Baja white sauce, stuffed inside a toasted hoagie roll.
$9 Arugula Pesto Chicken Sandwich- Grilled chicken topped with arugula pesto, roasted red pepper, asiago cheese, and a balsamic reduction on a toasted hoagie roll.
Sides
$3 French Fries- House cut French Fries deep fried to perfection.
$3 Creamy Coleslaw- Hand cut creamy coleslaw cut daily.
$4 Spinach Salad- Spinach leaves, red onion, cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, with a garlic vinaigrette.
$4 Jimmie’s New Orleans Style Gumbo- Chicken, Andouille sausage, shrimp, and okra
The brewery boom that is now happening in Dayton started just a little bit earlier in Cincinnati. Rhinegeist Brewery opened in the historic Over the Rhine near Findlay Market in June of 2013. The 50,000 square foot brewery was originally built before prohibition in 1895 and was operated as part of the Moerlein Brewing company. Rhinegeist opened their doors as a 20-barrel brewhouse with four 40-barrel fermenters, and has since expanded to an annual capacity of over 10,000BBL (20,000 kegs).
Rhinegeist co-founders Bryant Goulding (left) and Bob Bonder.
The yin/yang of their brewing philosophy is hoppy/sessionable, and they aim to brew beers where “the first sip calls for the third”. Rhinegiest co-founder Bryant Goulding was the West Coast regional sales manager for Delaware’s Dogfish Head Brewery, and prior to that, worked for California’s Anderson Valley Brewing Company. In September 2011, Goulding received a call from Bob Bonder, president of the Tazza Mia coffee house empire. Bonder, 31, met Goulding when the two worked in San Francisco. Bonder asked Goulding to visit Cincinnati to help work on the business plan for Rhinegeist. Goulding responded: “Bob, I’m not going to move to Cincinnati,” but agreed to assist. He ultimately returned to the West Coast, broke up with his girlfriend, and set in motion plans that led to his move to Ohio in 2012.
Rhinegeist Brewery recently announced that theye are expanding distribution to include the entire Dayton Ohio market. Beer drinkers throughout Dayton will be able to get their hands on the Cincinnati-made brew in local bars, restaurants, and retail locations. To celebrate the launch, Rhinegeist will be partnering with various local watering holes to throw tapping/tasting parties. Each party will include the chance to enjoy Rhinegeist beer, enter to win prizes, and even meet the brewery staff (they’re an interesting bunch, promise).
Dayton Launch Events:
Mon,May 12- Company 7 BBQ Brew Crew Event
Wed, May 14- Rhinegeist Tap Takeover at Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Thurs, May 15 – Archers Tavern Official Dayton Launch Party
Fri, May 15 – Big Brews & Blues Festival
Happy January 30th; Jazz trumpeter David Roy Eldridge was born on this day in 1911, Eldridge joined Gene Krupa’s Orchestra, and was successfully featured with rookie singer Anita O’Day. (read more here)
Who is Bill Burns?William (Bill) Burns is a Jazz Educator and Performer from Centerville Ohio: He is a music educator for the Centerville City Schools and president of the Jazz Education Connection of Ohio, a freelance saxophonist and recording artist.
Bill is an active educator and performer across southwest Ohio and teaches elementary general music and Jazz Ensemble in Centerville City Schools. He holds a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Dayton and Masters in Saxophone from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Bill is an in-demand clinician across southwest Ohio and has been invited to present at the national Jazz Education Convention and the Ohio Music Education Association conventions. He also maintains a busy performance schedule. Bill has recorded with numerous groups including the CCM Jazz Ensemble, The Dayton Jazz Orchestra, and the Bill Burns Quartet. Bill’s music is available at CDBaby.com.
Starting this Wednesday, Bill Burns and Chris Berg are teaching a jazz improvisation class at McCutcheon Music on Marco Lane in Centerville. I understand space is still available and more information is available here. Interested students can email bill at billburnsohio@gmail.com.
Some other upcoming Bill Burns events: – Jazz Jam at Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown St. Saturday, February 10th, 3 to 6pm – Centerville Jazz Ensembles concert on Tuesday, February 26th, 7:30pm at Centerville Performing Arts Center (all three Centerville Jazz Ensembles) – JazzCakes on Saturday, March 23rd, 8am to 1pm at Centerville High School Aux. Gym (all 3 middle school jazz ensembles and HS jazzensembles) – Centerville High School Jazz Night at the Dayton Art Institute on Thursday, May 9th from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Here are some (not all) of the upcoming jazz events for the next couple of weeks:
Tonight Wednesday, January 30 – Jazz Central presents Blue Wednesday with Jack & Joe Waters and an the Tuxedo Junction Big Band is at the Dayton Event Connection.
Thursday January 31 – The Rusty Burge/Chris Barrick Two Vibraphone Quartet is at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and Tony Monaco is at Giammarco’s Pizza in Columbus.
Friday February 1 – Art Gore & Special Guests JD Allen, Dan Karlsberg, & Eddie Brookshire is the Thompson House in Newport, Ky – the Venue Lounge has Khasmir Jazz Trio in Columbus.
Saturday February 2 – the C’est Tout Bistro in Oakwood presents James & Moore and Andrew Waters – Smooth Jazz is at Eastern Palace Restaurant in Columbus.
Sunday February 3 – A live Jazz Party produced by Gene Walker is at Hunan Gourmet Restaurant in Whitehall, OH and the Jazz Jam Session w/ Kenny Baccus continues at Jazz Central.
Monday February 4 – Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra is at the Clintonville Woman’s Club in Columbus and a Jazz Jam hosted by Sandy Suskind Quartet is at the Wisp in Cincinnati.
Tuesday February 5 – Arnold’s Bar & Grill presents Cincy Blues Society – Bluesday Tuesdays and Ed Moss & the Society Jazz Orchestra ia at Schwartz Point in Cincinnati.
Wednesday February 6 – Swing Dance with Lizz & Rex Review is at the Dayton Event Connection and Rich Lopez ia at Rigsby’s inColumbus.
Thursday February 7 – Dottie Warner and Ricky Nye are at Arnold’s Bar & Grill in Cincinnati and the Rick Brunetto Big Band is at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Columbus and Dave Powers is at Amano’s Sports Bar in Worthington, OH.
Friday February 8 – Shawn Stanley Trio is at Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville, OH and Mike Wade and The Ambassadors are the Thompson House in Newport, Ky.
Saturday February 9 – A Mardi Gras Celebration to benefit The Human Race Theatre Company is at Temple Beth Or in Dayton and Gilly’s presents Touch in Dayton.
Sunday February 10 – Dayton Blues Society present Uptown Blues Players at Jazz Central and Patrick Kelly’s PsychoAcoustic Orchestra plays the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati.
Monday February 11 – the John Taylor Trio is at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Beavercreek and Mark Flugge, Derek Dicenzo & Jimmy Castoe is at Due Amici in Columbus.
Tuesday February 12 – Ron Purdon Orchestra Plays for Dancing at the Blue Wisp in Cincinnati and the Part St. Tavern Jazz Jam is going on in Columbus.
More info and jazz listings can be found at JazzAdvocate.com
Cold beer and hot chili is a recipe for a Food Adventure. Last Friday night, a large crowd enjoyed all the chili, adult beverages and gambling action they wanted at the 26th Annual AMBUCS Chili Cookoff and Casino night at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. All the proceeds went to benefit Dayton AMBUCS, a charity service organization that is creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew was lucky enough to be asked to be “Special Judge” for the event. We had a blast, hung out with Dayton Mayor Gary Leitzel, and ate some terrific chili.
First off, we tried each and every chili offered. We loved the traditional chili from Flannigans, Atrium Grille, Buckin Donkey Grille, Miami Valley Golf Club, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Elsa’s and Slyder’s. Our taste buds enjoyed unique meat twists on chili from Smokin BBQ, Vinny’s Bar & Grill, Christopher’s, and Longhorn Steakhouse . Things heated up with the spicy chili from Scratch Catering and Harrigans Tavern. Unique tasting chili from The Tropics and Cafe Mexico were nice surprises, too. There were even great entries from individual cooks like “Deer Slayer” and “Chef Daddy’s Firehouse Chili!”
We loved and finished them all, from white bean chili, to every piece of venison, and every jalapeno. But, we had to pick our favorites, and here were our choices:
Food Adventure’s Top 3:
1) Deer Slayer
2) Jimmie’s Ladder 11
3) Smokin’ BBQ
After trying all of the chili we ate some hot dogs then tried our luck at Bingo, Blackjack and Dice games. Most importantly, we donated to a great organization, AMBUCS. It was great to see local people helping a charity that reaches out to all sorts of people with physical disabilities. We were honored to be a part of this special event and this was a Food Adventure that will always remain close to our heart. See you next year !
If you were not there, but want to help out a great cause, visit ambucs.com, and see how you can get involved.
“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !
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Food Adventures with the Big Ragu and Crew: Another installation of “Small Bites.”
Here in “Small Bites,” we feature some of our favorite food items across the Dayton area. We are not food critics, we love to eat. Often imitated never duplicated, we set out to let you know about some of the better eats around the area that you may not know about !
Owners Rick “Voltzy” & Jack Sperry Want Your Vote to Decide!
THROWDOWN: VOLTZY’S vs. THE HAMBURGER WAGON, on Saturday June 9, 2012
Our first small bite is actually a coming attraction. Two of the most popular burger joints in the Dayton area are going to have an old fashioned “Throwdown!” at the Rock n’ Green Tomato Festival in Miamisburg, Ohio. The Hamburger Wagon of Miamisburg will go toe to toe with Voltzy’s Rootbeer Stand of Moraine. Get to this festival and cast your vote on Saturday June 9th. Who will win this burger brawl to settle it all ?? We visited with Voltzy’s owner Rick Volz and the Hamburger Wagon owner Jack Sperry, and they both think they are going to win ! The Throwdown is in the early stages, so there will be more details in the coming weeks. Look for a follow up feature story from the Big Ragu in May right here on DaytonMostMetro, when we will cast our votes for the best burger!
THE SANDWICHES at JIMMIES LADDER 11:
The Ladder 11 Sandwich
Are you looking for a great, casual bar and grill that serves up top notch sandwiches? Food Adventures recommends that you try Jimmie’s Ladder 11 on Brown Street. Jimmie’s ladder 11 resides in an old renovated 1892 firehouse and is full of atmosphere. They also make some amazing sandwiches. One of our favorite sandwiches is the Ladder 11 which consists of Romanian Style Pastrami, Corned Beef, Hand Cut Cole Slaw, and House Russian Dressing on Rye. The menu has a large variety of sandwiches, pastas, and some incredible appetizers. Try the creole cheesecake…… you will not be sorry. Jimmies Ladder 11 is located at 936 Brown Street across from Miami Valley Hospital. For more information, check out jladder11.com.
THE CREPES at CREPE BOHEME at the 2nd Street Market:
Veggie Crepe
From the crepes in Paris, France to a Chocolate Crepe from a street vendor. We have been fans ever since! Fortunately for us, we have Crepe Boheme located at the 2nd Street Market in Downtown Dayton. Today we even opt for for a Vegetarian Crepe rather than the crepes made with Nutella. The Crepe-Master Sabine skillfully pours the thin layer of batter on the hot plate and the magic begins. We suggest you try a create your own crepe you with: Spinach, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Brie and an incredible Red Pepper Sauce. For the carnivores out there, you can always try the Black Forest Ham Crepe. This crepe is packed with Black Forest Ham, Brie, and topped with Mushrooms. Give Crepe Boheme a try and you will be hooked!
THE 2 FISH OR CHICKEN SANDWICHES FOR 2 BUCKS at RALLY’s:
Rally’s: 2 Nice Sized Fish Sandwiches for 2 Bucks
Two dolla to make you holla! We don’t usually write about fast food chains, but every once in a great while, we will see something worth mentioning. Such is the case with the current deal at Rally’s Hamburgers, the infamous double drive-thru place. The Big Ragu’s obsession with fast food had him doing a double take. Rally’s has a deal of 2 fish or chicken sandwiches for 2 bucks total. The sandwiches aren’t tiny either. The bang for your buck is great. Satisfy your hunger for 2 dollars? When is the last time that happened? Other monster chains are charging around 4 bucks for the same thing, so make sure you stop in at Rally’s for this fantastic deal during the Lenten season.
Look for our FOOD ADVENTURES every THURSDAY on DaytonMostMetro.com!
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