Steelers bar

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.

— 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 !

— 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,.

— 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.

 

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 !

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