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shakes

The Bun Bros. ConeyLand in Riverside

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Coneyland has operated for over 10 years with 3 operators prior to Mike Davis relaunching it this summer as The Bun Bros Coneyland.  Inspired by his time spent in the Army stationed in Korea and his love of food, he was excited to introduce a line of gourmet hot dogs, featuring a kimchi hot dog, the blue bacon cheddar dog, slaw dog, kraut dog,  and of course coney dogs.

 

Mike and his wife Renee debated about the chili for the coney’s, Mike preferring an East Coast meaty ketchup based chili, while she preferred a Cincinnati based chili flavored with cinnamon and allspice.  So they agreed they’d offer both for the first month and then go with the one that sold the best.  But both sold equally well, so now every Monday they spend hours making 8 gallons of the two chili’s to prep for the week.

The menu continues to grow, featuring burgers that include a bacon cheeseburger, jalapeno burger, a greek burger and Mikes favorite- the Kimchi burger. They’ve added a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, a philly cheese steak  and a pork tenderloin sandwich as well.  Sides include chili cheese fries, mac and cheese bites, funnel cake fries, fried okra, deep fried mushrooms, pickles or cauliflower, cream cheese or cheddar cheese poppers, coleslaw and onion petals.

Strawberry is for lovers sundae

And then there’s the ice cream…
Whether you want a cone, a cup or a sundae they’ve got the options!  The original Bun Bros Hot Fudge Sundae is just $3.75, or you may prefer a banana split, brownie sundae or the short cake sweetie.  Of course you can also do a float or choose one fo the 10 flavors of slushies they offer.  Then there’s the Bun Bros Brain Freeze- vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with a slushie and toped with whip cream.

The location in Riverside was owned by Mike’s buddy Tony Bowen, who also owns the adjacent Valley Billiards, and made him a rental deal that he couldn’t resist.  Having never worked in the food industry  Mike shares that “it’s been an education running the business and he’s learning each day.”  A Beavercreek native, he was also unsure of the location, but has been pleasantly surprised by the welcome and support he’s received in the neighborhood.

Stop on by and tell them DaytonDining sent you!

The Bun Bros Coneyland

2509 Valley Pike,
Dayton, OH 45404-2602

937-701-5493

Hours:
Tues – Fri 11am-8pm
Sat 12-9pm
Sun 12-6pm

Loose Meat: The Mystery of MAID-RITE Sandwiches

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Classic meal

Maid-Rites with a Little Kings: Click on photo for full effect

Usually when someone says “loose meat” it has never been a compliment, until now.  On the outskirts of the Miami Valley, in the town of Greenville, a legendary burger joint has existed since 1934.  It is called Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe.

Over the years it has developed a cult following.  People drive miles, and even come from out of state to taste their ‘burgers.’  They aren’t even burgers, they are “loose meat sandwiches” or “Maid Rites.”    Why are so many people coming to eat these sandwiches and why are they so good ??   The Big Ragu and Crew set out to solve the mystery.

We have a had a handful of Food Adventures to Maid Rite either after the Darke County fair, or on a whim, or to satisfy an insatiable craving.

Over the years we realized that there are 2 types of people, those that have never tried Maid Rite Hamburgers, and those who have tried it and cant figure out how they make them.

 

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The main attraction is the maid rite loose meat sandwich. The sweet taste of the meat has developed three major theories of how they are prepared 1) Some think they are steamed in pepsi or coke  2) Some claim they are steamed in beer  3) Others say that sugar is added to the meat before cooking.

Out Front

A Greenville Icon Since 1934

— The eatery is a small, no frills, brick building located at 125 N. Broadway St. in Greenville, Ohio and worth the trip.  Locally owned they claim no relation to the MAID-RITE sandwich shop franchises in Iowa etc…

— Limited menu with 4 sandwich choices which include loose meat, chicken salad, egg salad or ham salad sandwiches.  Shakes, sundaes, beer, soft drinks and chips are available too.

— The employees are very protective of the recipe and process of the sandwiches.  We were unable to get the secret recipe after badgering the employees and managers.  We were threatened with spatulas and told we would be picking shards of Little Kings bottles out of our rumps for a week.  Sorry for the letdown, folks.

— For some unknown reason, it is now customary to stick your gum on the outside of the building.   Literally thousands of wads of chewed gum have been stuck on every outside wall of the establishment.

— Bathrooms are located in a separate building around back, adding even more uniqueness and oddness to this place.  They also have a drive up window for a quick meat fix.

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

How do they make the meat so sweet ???

 

MUST EATS:

— THE CHEESE RITE SANDWICH:  This is the classic maid rite sandwich with cheese.  What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich?  Think of it as a sloppy joe but with no sauce. It is served on a soft bun, slapped with meat and toppings, and wrapped tightly in wax paper.   The meat has a sweet taste to it.  This sandwich is topped with a squirt of mustard, a couple of pickle slices and a slice of cheese.  They run about $1.95 and the average person could eat 2 or 3 of them.  You can get the Big Jim version which adds ham, but we prefer the original Cheese-Rite.  Eating one is a unique experience, and you have to try it.  Warning: once you unwrap one, we hold no responsibility for future addiction.

— CHOCOLATE MALT:  Creamy, sinful and made just for you.  You cant go wrong with this delicious, cool classic.

— LITTLE KINGS CREAM ALE BOTTLES: Oh come on , you gotta make it a full blown Food Adventure and wash it down with a icon from Schoenling Brewery.  Ok, wanna be a snob?  Then grab a Heineken instead.

— MIKESELLS POTATO CHIPS:  No fries in this establishment, so choose your hometown chip instead.  They have a nice selection of Dayton’s favorite potato chip.  It is a good pairing with the simple, classic sandwich.

Gum Wall

Click to enlarge: Partial shot of the Gum Wall outside Maid-Rite

 

A couple of sidenotes:  Make sure you bring cash, because that is the only form of payment they accept.  Also, hours are 10am-10pm except Fri and Sat when they stay open until 11pm.

Amazing isn’t it?  A formula for success being a squished, sloppy joe like sandwich served in a small diner with people sticking gum to the walls outside.  But people come back every day in droves.  WHY??  It is the curiously sweet tasting, delicious loose meat sandwiches.  The workers feverishly tossing the ground meat, stuffing buns,  wrapping it quickly, and tossing across the counter.  It is the personality of the place.  If you have never visited this spot, make sure you put it on your “Food Adventure hit list.”   Maid Rite is one-of-a kind.

Want more One-of-a-Kind foodie fun?   Then “like” FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK BY CLICKING HERE !