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The Donk! Kettering’s Buckin’ Donkey is Kicking !

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The Frosted Flake French Toast Sandwich

Once upon a time there was the Buckin’ Donkey on Wilmington Pike.  After some admitted mistakes by management, it closed, only to be reborn a couple of years later at the Moraine/Kettering border at 2866 S Dixie Dr.  Owner Sean McKown is hitting his groove almost a year in, and the feedback from customers has been tremendous.

If you are true foodie, you need to check this place out for your own Food Adventure.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

— All of the food items are made from scratch , except the veggie burger patty and breads.  Decades of experience at other restaurants, is highlighted in the Buckin’ Donkey’s food offerings.

— The atmosphere is of a bar, with a sports slant, but don’t let that fool you.  There full kitchen menu is as full as their bar selections.

Old Chicago Style Beef on Weck

— The owner has developed relationships with Ohio craft beer companies and carries a nice choice of revolving beers on tap.

— The menu is uh.. UNIQUE… it is a bachelor pad meets sports bar type of menu.  Over the top, inventive sandwiches and burgers, and some of the best pies around.  Our tip here is try it, you might like it, no matter how crazy the menu item sounds.

— The Buckin Donkey is known to have few Steelers Fans in the house, but is friendly to all sports fans.  Owner Sean McKown is a Pittsburgh native, who has been in Dayton for over 20 years.  Decor and menu items show a Pittsburgh and Polish food influence.

 

We have discovered some NEW “MUST EATS” from our various visits over the past year and we just had to share them, along with some old favorites.  So without further delay, Food Adventures presents the “Must Eats” for the DONK !

 

MUST EATS at THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

— FROSTED FLAKE FRENCH TOAST SANDWICH (Only available on brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 11am-2pm)
Sausage, Bacon , Egg and Cheese in between 2 slices of Frosted Flake French toast. Add hash browns for a buck. This is a guilty pleasure worthy of the Food Network.

— OLD CHICAGO STYLE BEEF ON WECK:
This is the menu item that shuts up the nay sayers. Some of our friends are addicted to this item, it is all they will order. Served with “au jus” it is one hell of a dipping good time. And one hell of a sandwich with Italian style, sliced beef, roasted in its own juices.

—HOMEMADE JAMBALAYA
Ever have a cup of something incredible? This is one of those times. Spicy and flavorful, it needs a squirt of Tabasco sauce and you are in dream land. It has rice, sausage and just the right flavorings. Bucking Donkey also has fantastic GUMBO !

Cajun Turkey Pizza

— PEANUT BUTTER PIE
Sean makes his own pies. This one is his specialty. It is one rich, delicious dessert. This is the start of your pie addiction at the “ba donk a donk…. If you like peanut butter.. open up and say Oh my!

— THE CAJUN TURKEY PIZZA
In a world of pizza, this one is unique. It is the typical Dayton thin crust, but the splash of Cajun seasoning and Cajun flavored turkey works with the cheese.

— THE BREAKFAST BURGER (Only available on brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 11am-2pm)
This is a monster creation, must have been dreamed up in Sean’s bachelor pad or college days. It is their beef and sausage patty, served on a fresh biscuit, topped with egg, sausage gravy, hash browns and melted cheddar cheese. This is a brunch choice that your taste buds won’t soon forget. It works. It is a home run !

— THE PIEROGIE BURGER
Their typical burger topped with two whole pierogies. It turns that first bite into a creamy bite of deliciousness. This is a perfect example of the Pittsburgh / Polish heritage influence often seen on the menu. These are the creations you wont see anywhere else,.

Homemade Blackberry Pie

— BLACKBERRY PIE
So flavorful,. so unique. Again, a homemade specialty from Sean’s kitchen. It is a perfect refreshing dessert for summer and is usually served cold. The whipped topping brings just the right amount of creaminess.

HONORABLE MENTION:
We would be remiss if we did mention two more menu items: first the “PORKY THE PIG DONUT BURGER” which is a mixed beef and pork patty, topped with 3 strips of bacon and american cheese served on a glazed doughnut. Yeah its nutz.

How about the “FOUR CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE?” The sandwich has a blend of Swiss, American, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses served on thick Texas toast, and grilled to perfection.

 

WHEW !!! What a list. What a kickin’ menu. They are bucking the traditional menu items, and they are doing it with friendly service. The waitress and bartenders are always attentive and excited to share the latest specials. They enjoy the food as much as we do.

The bar area

 

The infamous BREAKFAST BURGER

THE BLT

Peanut Butter Pie

Hash Browns

BLT SANDWICH

DINING ROOM

Grilled cheese

Take advantage of the return of the BUCKIN’ DONKEY and stop by the restaurant. They are located in the former “Murray’s Place” on S. Dixie. There is a small patio too, but the real attraction is the menu. The wacky concoctions make for a one of a kind eating experience. Next up on their creation list is the ABE FROMAN “THE SAUSAGE KING OF CHICAGO” PIZZA – It will have 3 types of sausage with a healthy dose of cheese. We can’t wait for our next Food Adventure at the Buckin’ Donkey !

Thanks for reading our article. We have a new one every week right here on MostMetro. Feel free to follow our Food Adventures blog on Facebook by clicking HERE.

The Buckin’ Donkey is Back !!

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It’s Baaaack ! Yes ! Yes ! Yes !

Ba – Donk- A -Donk !

Two years ago a popular sports bar in Kettering abruptly closed, resulting in Facebook posts of grief from a slew of customers. The cult following had been hoping one day for a return.

Today, their hopes came true.  The Buckin Donkey restaurant will be returning to Dayton (they dropped the Grill part of the name).  The new spot will be located at the old Murray’s Place restaurant in Moraine.

Food Adventures has exclusive scoop on the new developments after talking to our friend and owner, of the original Buckin Donkey, Sean McKown.

Beef on Weck

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—The Buckin Donkey is the project of Sean McKown, Kiera Harris and Sean’s brother Larry Maglicco

—They plan to open for business MAY 2nd, 2017.  They are finishing flooring and booth construction right now.

—The restaurant address is 2866 S Dixie Dr. Dayton, Ohio 45409

—Many menu items will be returning that were favorites at the previous restaurant.  Food Adventures is really excited about this.

Sign of the times – out with Murrays , in with the Donkey

—They will be closed on Mondays for sanity and relaxation.

—Saturdays and Sunday mornings will feature Breakfast and Booze

—Full bar to feature 8 taps, BudLight and 7 revolving taps

—The Buckin Donkey will feature boxed lunch delivery as well

—Menu will feature a Vegan Section

—Plans for a Happy Hour are in the works

Now for the favorites you missed for 2 years … here is our often imitated, never duplicated list of MUST EATS

The Donut Burger

 

MUST EATS at THE BUCKIN’ DONKEY:

—THE DONUT BURGER:
The old “using the donut for the bun” trick.  Not only this burger, but many other favorites will be back.  Crazy combos of tasty ingredients that make unique burgers.  Customers can join the “burger club” where they get a punch card to try every burger on the menu.

—JAMBALAYA:
One of Dayton’s best “soups” if you will.  It is back, and better than ever. Rice, sausage, spice and more.

Jambalaya – homemade

—PIES:
Homemade pies available.  Every one is delicious and made by Sean or his mom.  In fact, customers can request any fruit cream pie a couple of days in advance.

—TRIPLE BYPASS:
A fresh patty of ground beef and bacon, topped with bacon strips, fried egg and cheese. Not for wusses.

—PIZZA WITH HOMEMADE SAUCE:
New addition to the menu, Sean says it is all about the sauce.  His Pittsburgh family recipe pizza sauce to be exact.

Peanut Butter Pie – homemade

—MAGIC MUSHROOM:  
A Grilled Portabella Mushroom sandwich with cheese and more toppings. Absolutely fantastic for the vegetarian choice.

—FROSTED FLAKE COATED FRENCH TOAST :
Crumbs of Forsted flakes provide a crispy coating to the soft, cinnamony French Toast. One of Big Ragu’s favorites. He says it melts in your mouth.

 

Frosted Flake French Toast

Social media is gaining some buzz about the opening, and Daytonians look ready for this upcoming Bucking Food Adventure.

This time around there will be more parking, and a bigger restaurant than before.  They hope to avoid previous pitfalls like being hampered by bills for equipment repairs, like the previous walk-in cooler that caused them to be closed 9 days, with a hefty bill.

The restaurant looks to pull clients from Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, West Carrollton, Dayton and Moraine.  They think it is a good fit and we agree.  Food Adventures plans to be there opening night May 2nd.

Want more original foodie content from the Dayton area?  We don’t share news blurbs, we create them!  From original restaurant reviews, to cooking classes, original dinner events and festival partnerships, The Big Ragu, Chef House, and Hungry Jax are the Food Adventure Crew sharing our favorite eats with Miami Valley foodies.  Follow us on Facebook HERE.

Strawberry cheesecake – homemade

Walnut Pie

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Philly cheesesteak

NY Cheesecake – homemade

Join their Burger club

Biscuits and Gravy

Frosted Flake French Toast

Reuben

Grilled Cajun Shrimp Po Boy

Pierogie Burger might be a special one day

Grilled Spicy Garlic Wings

Home made Beef Barley soup

Portabella Mushroom Sandwich- sliced in half

Ham and Cheese

Italian Nachos

 

What a Gas! AMBUCS Chili Cookoff Winners Announced

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Jimmie's Ladder 11 Chili was the Peoples Choice for # 1 (served with a jalapeno corn muffin)

Ladder 11 was the People’s Choice Winner (served with a jalapeno muffin) Click to Enlarge

The people have spoken at the 27th Annual Charity Chili cookoff and Casino Night for AMBUCS.  And they were tooting more than their horns the next day!

For the 2nd year in a row, JIMMIES LADDER 11 was the people’s choice for best chili.   BUT NOT SO FAST MY FRIENDS ….. THE FOOD ADVENTURES CREW with THE BIG RAGU have their takes on the chili contest and it may surprise you.

Your humble Food Adventurers were asked to be special celebrity guest judges and we ate every station, every bowl and left no pot unturned.  We also had hot dogs, coney dogs, wine, beer and soft drinks.  The frigid evening was PERFECT for chili tasting.

There was spicy chili, mild chili, chicken chili, no bean chili, .. there was even a gumbo !   Topping options were cheese, onions, hot sauce some had sour cream ! …  So Poopsie, how do you like your chili ?

 

THE BIG RAGU’S WINNER: Tie between THE BRUNCH CLUB and THE TROPICS

The Brunch Club had an amazingly sweet chili that was delicious.  The Tropics entry was just as addicting.  It was a  with a hearty, traditional chili with great flavors.

 

Honorable Mention to the other great chili’s: Longhorn Steakhouses’ Brisket chili, and of course the chili from Jimmie’s Ladder 11.  The Spiciest chili was Harrigan’s chili.  Other great, hearty traditional chili’s included Elsa’s Restaurant and Slyder’s Tavern.   Buckin Donkey Grille’s traditional chili was great, and they even served chicken sausage gumbo that was to die for.  Even amateur entries like Chef Daddy’s Firehouse won hearts with their chicken chili.

 

The real winner here was the AMBUCS charity who raises money to help disabled children and adults in the Miami Valley.  It is a local chapter and the funds stay local to help those in need in the Dayton area.  If you have never attended this event, it is a complete blast.  There was chili, beer, hot dogs, wine and pop (all you can eat).   There were casino games like blackjack, showdown, dice games and spin the wheel games.  The upstairs area even had a Bingo area !

 

Chef Daddy’s Firehouse White Chicken Chili (click to enlarge)

It was a true Food Adventure and Gamblers paradise!   You have 12 month to get your gastro-intestinal tract in shape for this one.  Don’t miss this event next year, it truly was a gas !

Want more photos and tongue in cheek fun from the one and only FOOD ADVENTURES CREW?  Then  “like” us on FACEBOOK by clicking HERE.  

We are not food critics, we are two “foodies in our forties” who love to eat !    This is not our job, this is our hobby, so we don’t have an agenda !  That’s why our stuff is original!  Often imitated, but never duplicated you can find us every week right here on Dayton Most Metro !

As always, check out our gallery photos below for some amazing food shots !

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Buckin’ Donkey Grille: The Menu Will Kick Your …

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Beef on Weck – Old Style Taste

The Food Adventure Crew have been tackling the only Polish-Irish Pittsburgh Bar cuisine in Dayton for months now.  Today, we share these experiences with you.

Our weekly Food Adventure installment brings us to The Buckin’ Donkey Grille at 3808 Wilmington Pike in Kettering.  Sure, being Cincinnati Bengals fans, we have to stomach the Steelers posters, but the food is worth it.

Our friend, owner Sean Mckown, has worked in various restaurants, but honed his skills cooking for his buddies.  Over the years he has tweaked recipes and invented menu items that are remarkable comfort food.  Sean is a laid-back guy with a great sense of humor.  You can often catch him mingling with patrons as he is in and out of the kitchen.  Sean is our kind of guy, making food that his friends love.  He experiments in the kitchen, and has perfected his dishes over the years.  This is yet another locally owned spot, where almost everything is made from scratch.

Sit back, saddle up as we take you for a ride on the Buckin’ Donkey menu highlights.

 

Here’s the Skinny:

Sean McKown, Pittsburgh Native and owner of Buckin’ Donkey Grille

— Inventive, homemade menu with one-of-a-kind items or Chef Sean’s twists on standard favorites.

— One section of their menu is Breakfast, served all day

— Locally owned, sports bar atmosphere

—  Great drink specials:  In May, bottles of Corona are only $2.  Last month, Red Stripe beers were only 2 bucks.

— The large outdoor patio will get some good use this summer.

 

Must Eats:

— The Jumbalaya – spicy and addicting, Sean has been making this masterpiece in a cup for over 15 years.

Banana Peppers Stuffed with Chorizo and Cheese

— Old Style ChicagoWeck – A favorite of most of our friends.  Slow cooked Italian beef, marinated in au jus.  The weck bun makes the sandwich along with a dash of horseradish.  You want authentic, you got it.  Get your kimmelweck on.  Stop slobbering and order one.

— The Pork Belly Burger. – This is a favorite!  It is a burger of 80/20 beef, topped with cheese and strips of pork belly.  Inventive and delicious.

— Stuffed Banana Peppers – Stuffed with chorizo and cheese, these long sliced banana peppers melt in your mouth.  Warning: Your taste buds aren’t going to believe this.  Talk about original, try these on for size.

Frosted Flake French Toast – They serve breakfast all day

— Frosted Flake French Toast – It is what it says.  French toast, coated with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereal.  So good and rich, that Tony the Tiger himself would be proud.  It is a savory breakfast item that immediately makes you feel like you are at home.

— The Pierogie Burger – A burger topped with a couple of pierogies.   Big Ragu loves these so much, it makes him want to dance to polka music.

— Shrimp Po’ Boy – We recommend the grilled shrimp version.  It is an amazing take on this Louisiana style sandwich.

— Homemade Desserts – Not many restaurants have the chef’s mom making the pies from scratch.   Buckin’ Donkey Grille does.    There is no set dessert menu,  so whatever she made that day, is what’s available.  Don’t worry though, they are all good.  You have to try the peanut butter pie, strawberry shortcake and the cheesecake.   We would run topless across lanes of traffic on Wilmington Pike to get a taste of these.  Another incredible unique favorite is their homemade walnut pie.  We are willing to bet that nobody else in Dayton serves walnut pie.  If someone else does, we will let you kick us in the walnuts.

Homemade Walnut Pie

There are so many great flavors on this menu, it is hard to pick just a few favorites.  Other honorable mention specialties that we recommend include The Reuben Sandwich and The Cuban Sandwich.  The grilled wings are great and so are the hand breaded deep fried pickle slices.  Also, the thin sliced onion rings are so good that we have been known to arm wrestle over the last forkful.  If you are feeling sassy, try the Porky Pig Burger, a pork/beef mix burger served on a doughnut!  It was definitely a unique tasting sandwich.

Also, don’t forget that Buckin’ Donkey Grille has $1 hot dogs and $2 chili dogs during every Cincinnati Reds Game!   They also feature live music on Saturday nights and trivia on Wednesday nights.

There really is no secret to this place.  The formula is great food at fair prices.   The servers are also very personable and attentive.  Sean McKown did it right.  Many Daytonians are grateful that he has brought a sampling of Pittsburgh to the Gem City.  Make sure you visit this seemingly typical sports bar, with the uncommon fare.  We know why they named this place the Buckin’ Donkey Grille, because the menu is kickin’ ass.

Browse through all of our original food photos from Buckin’ Donkey Grille in the album below.  Drool bibs not included.

Who else is ‘buckin the trends’ and settin’ the trends? … Food Adventures!  Ride us and ‘like’ us on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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