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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Twist Cupcakery

Twist Cupcakery Named Best in State!

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Dayton’s own Twist Cupcakery was just recognized for having the best cupcake in the state by MSN and Eat This Not That in their Best Cupcake in Every State article!

According to their write up:

“You would be hard-pressed to find anything less than a five-star review on Twist Cupcakery’s Yelp page, and for good reason. Located in downtown Dayton, this unassuming joint churns out unique flavors like peanut butter Oreo and the popular apple pie cupcake.”

Owner Kate River opened downtown’s only bakery in 2015, after a 3 year run operating as a home based bakery. A successful kickstarter campaign and the doors were open.  The bakery has earned a reputation for amazing sweet treats and during the pandemic their line of cupcakes in a jar became a big hit, allowing folks to send “Happiness in a jar, wherever you are.” Each jar includes 2 full size cupcakes and all the toppings packaged in a re-usable half pint glass jar. Treats will be mailed via USPS Priority service or UPS for $9/jar. Kate says the cupcakes are best eaten within  two days of arrival, but will last up to a week in the refrigerator or frozen for several months.

Don’t let the name fool you, Twist also makes cakes, brownies, chocolate covered strawberries and even wedding cakes. Place an order for cupcakes, cakes and other treats via phone, online, email, or stop by their shop.

Twist Cupcakery

25 S St Clair Street
Dayton Ohio 45402

937-771-4099

Fri : 12:00 pm – 5:00pm
Sat: 11:30am – 3:00pm
937-771-4099

Dayton at Work and Play: Kate Rivers-Twist Cupcakery

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Kate Rivers worked as an engineer for a business that makes medical devices. Now she makes gourmet desserts for her own business – Twist Cupcakery (25 South St. Clair).

“I started baking from home” she told me. “People raved about the desserts I made, and asked if they could buy them from me. Five years ago we decided to move out of the house and operate out of this spot downtown. We’ve gotten a lot of support from the community, and business has grown steadily. We’re closed for walk in service currently, but people can order cupcakes and other products on our website and then do a curbside pick up.”

“Cakes for weddings and other special events are an important part of our business, but that ‘s not happening now. To boost sales we developed a new product that’s doing well. It’s called Cupcakes in a Jar. Each jar has two of our gourmet cupcakes. We can mail them out nationwide. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion with people that we can’t be with.”

“We’ve been sending our cupcakes to hospitals, testing stations and other places where people are doing so much to help the community – our way of spreading happiness and joy. Everybody need to pitch in during these tough times. We like to do it with cupcakes.”

Quest for the best of Black Owned Eateries

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I know my way around the Dayton food scene. At least the affordable food scene. I am not one for fancy dinners or $30 lunches, but I like to eat and I like to see and eat what Dayton has to offer.

People ask me all the time, where are the best wings, best burgers, best this, best that. I always have an answer.

Until recently. People started asking me about Black owned restaurants. I only knew of the two immigrant owned spots I frequent Nanyea Cafe (North Dixie) and Eden Spice (Central Ave in West Carrolton) as well as a food truck I hit up downtown on occasion (Courtland’s Mobile Grill).

So I had to ask, poke around Facebook a little and what I found is a bit surprising. There aren’t as many as I had thought. Also, one place I thought was Black-owned wasn’t. Still a favorite but not what I was looking for this time.

Here are the six Ill be visiting in the coming days!

The Chicken Spot
This place is more than chicken. Salads and a variety of sandwiches are on the menu. Pulled chicken thighs on a bun with mac and cheese as a topping? Yes. The Back Yard Medusa is an entire backyard bbq in one bite. This joint will add Collard Greens as a topping to the sandwich! I am not one for crazy sandwiches, but this one has my attention. Located on Siebenthaler near Philadelphia. Give them a follow on Facebook for hours and specials.

Twist Cupcakery
One of the sweetest spots in the Fireblock District is Twist. My afternoons are always made better with one of these cupcakes. Located on St. Clair, just south of Third Street. $2.50 wont buy you happiness, but it will buy you a cupcake, and that is pretty darn close. They have curbside pickup and deliver a “CupCake in a Jar” nationwide. Brownies, cookies and other treats can be found as well.

Fat Boyz BBQ

Today’s BBQ popularity can be attributed to African Americans solely. From Texas to Kansas City to Memphis, BBQ history starts with African Americans turning the less desirable cuts of meat into something delicious.

Their menus is pure bbq and they do something that few BBQ spots do, ribs by the bone. Pork Spare Ribs and Beef Ribs on the menu as well as something they call a Turkey Rib. I have to try it. Burgers and a turkey burger also make the menu. Southern sides round the menu, mac and cheese, collard greens, yams and grilled corn are great accompaniment to any entree.

Find them on Kipling Dr in Dayton Wednesday through Saturday. Check Facebook for weekly specials.

Stuffed Enuff

Soul Food joint doesn’t do them justice. With wraps and stuffed burgers on the menu, Stuffed Enuff is more than soul food. This is legit home cooked food with something for everyone. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all accounted for here

You gotta check out the stuffed breakfast burger! Imagine waffles or pancakes as the bun and let your imagination run wild.

Located on N Dixie, Stuffed Enuff is on my must eat list.

Alematic Artisan Ales

Dayton is a brew town, but did you know up north in Huber Alematic Brewery is Dayton’s only Black owned brewery? With 7 creations on tap, there is sure to be something you’ll like. Ive got my eye on the Hawaiian Passion Fruit Wheat, I like a good Wheat beer and this one sounds delightful. A few IPA, Stouts and Pale Ales round out the list. Grab food from from TJ Chumps delivered right to your table.

Alematic can be found at 6182 Chambersburg Rd. in Huber.

 

Grind House Coffee and Tea

Dayton has no shortage of coffee shops, but few have a legacy and history like Grindhouse. Bill Miller took his families passion for coffee and tea and made it a reality by importing single source coffee and tea from around the world. His shop is located inside the Meijer department store in Huber and is not to be missed. Grind House has iced coffee, teas, lemonades and every drink is hand crafted.

Grind House also leads the way in flavored coffees. My wife prefers something with a little sweetness, so their Apple Pie, Blueberry Muffin and Creme Brulee coffee blends really hit the spot. Check them out and all their merch at Meijer, 7150 Executive Blvd in Huber.

Making this list, and finding these hidden Dayton Gems isn’t easy for a white guy from the Suburbs. But, you can tell that these are spots and menus not to be missed. I follow Te’Jal on Instagram and YouTube for her show What’s The Biz. Whats the Biz is a web series that highlights the stories of black entrepreneurs. Check it out!

This episode tells the story best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnL12Ai10ME

Check her out on Instagram too: Instagram.com/whatsthebiz_

Bryan