Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
friend during his visit to the states.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year. There’s not a lot usually going on Mondays, especially romantic date night fun, so the folks over at The Brightside Music & Event Venue are offering a special Valentine’s Celebration just for the lovers out there: a limited 40 person seating for a night of live music, cocktails, and delicious food. It’s a perfect date night for the ultimate romantic holiday!
Enjoy a surf and turf or vegetarian 3-course dinner from Phat & Rich, with live, romantic music from Alyssa Hanson, Kevin Milner & Andy Rush. The ticket price alsoincludes a drink from the Brightside’s VodVil Bar for each person too! (does not include top shelf)
Guests are invited to arrive at 6:30pm on Monday, February 14, 2022. Dinner will be served at 7pm. Music starts at 7pm and goes on till 9pm. The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize the circulated air.
Andy Rush
MENU:
1st Course – Mixed greens salad with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette
2nd Course – NY Strip Steak over mushroom risotto with sautéed asparagus
Or
King Trumpet Mushroom Medallions over mushroom risotto with sautéed asparagus
Dessert – Shared Slice of Strawberry Chocolate Cheese Cake
Tickets: Cost for dinner, 2 drinks and entertainment is $69 per person (purchased as 2 top individual tables). Tickets are sold in Pairs. You will receive one QR code for 2 entries. Secure your spot here: https://myclicktickets.com/product_view/42G5MKS70HDNA/7
Alyssa Hanson
The Brightside is located at 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio. Website: https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/
Kevin Milner
The Super Bowl is always a big deal, but with the Bengals playing this year there are going to be huge watch parties all over town. And that mean’s lot of snack foods to go with the game. Super Bowl viewers tend to graze, nibbling on a wide variety of finger foods and snacks throughout the lengthy broadcast. Favorites tend to be chicken wings, meatballs and deli wraps, as well as cut fruit and vegetable platters We’ve pulled together a list of packages some of our local eateries are offering. Keep checking back as we’ll keep adding to this as we hear of more!
Rob’s Restaurant
705 Arlington Rd Brookville (937) 833-3310
Pre-order Special:
2 large pizza’s, 2 large subs, 2 dozen chunks $49 Feeds 8-19
Smales Pretzels
210 Xenia Ave, Dayton (937) 253-7482
Big Game special: 25 frozen soft pretzel sticks and 8oz of beer cheese (from @fifthstbrewpub) for $10. Orders must be picked up on Saturday, February 12th between 8am-2pm. Just email [email protected] or call us during business hours to place your order.
2419 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton (937) 813-1258
1 topping large pizza+ large garlic cheese-bread $221 topping XL pizza+ 32 wings+ 2 liter soda $45Hours of operation is 11am-11pm on that day.
$45: Dry-Rubbed Smoked Wings – serves 3-6 (w/ 6 sauces + celery)
$35: Warped Chunks – serves 3-6 (w/ 6 sauces + celery)
$5: Add a pint of ranch or bleu cheese
Email orders to [email protected] by 5pm on Sat, 2/12
We have planned another extra special Valentine’s Day event at the winery. Get your hunny and friends together for our wine and cheese pairing and Italian dinner celebration. For only $55 (plus tax and 20% gratuity) per person you will receive a flight of six wines paired with six gourmet cheeses.
The dinner will be served promptly after the tasting and will include Caesar salad and rolls, a choice of Fettuccine Alfredo with Italian garlic chicken or Baked Gnocchi with vodka sauce and Italian sausage. You will get a glass of wine, of your choice, with dinner.
Then for dessert you have your choice of one of the following gourmet desserts either Red Velvet Cheesecake or Chocolate Toffee Torte. You can also opt, for an additional $5, to receive a 2 ounce shooter glass of our special chocolate raspberry wine, Seduction, with a souvenir glass, served with dessert. There are two seatings 4-6:00pm or 6:30-8:30pm in our heated tent.
You will enjoy dinner to the beautiful jazz music of the always wonderful Gina G. Reservations and prepay are required. Don’t hesitate as we expect to sell out quickly. Last day to make reservations is Wed Feb 9th. All sales are final!
With a new owner, new chef and a revamped dining room, Corner Kitchen announced via their Facebook page today the grand reopening will be Friday, February 18th! They are describing it as a “modern take on steak and seafood immersed in our newly renovated bistro space. This Experience a new aesthetic and taste the eclectic with the incredible flavors of our chef-driven menu.”
Dinner service will be offered Wednesday through Sunday with a late night bar menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. Weekend brunch will be unveiled later in the month. Reservations available to make NOW for two nights of preview dining on Saturday, February 12th and Monday, February 14th. No menu has been posted yet, please stay tuned for more info.
Corner Kitchen
613 E 5th St Dayton,
OH 45402
(937) 719-0999
The Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail was created by the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau, and covers thirty one candy and confection stores throughout the state. The trail meanders across the state, starting in the South-West of Ohio with Haute Chocolate in Cincinnati, and ending in the North-East with the Buckeye Chocolate Company in Chardon.
Located in the heart of Montgomery. They have been creating freestyle chocolate treats since 1979.
9424 Shelly Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-793-9999
Featuring artisan Chocolates, 30+ varieties of house-made fudge, delightful hand-crafted cookies and macaroons.
317 Main St, Milford, OH 45150 513-880-4169
124 W. Loveland Ave, Loveland, OH 45140 513-583-8305
At Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory, premium chocolates have been prepared by master candymakers since 1982. Their chocolate temptations will satisfy the most discriminating tastes.
120 S. Broadway Street, #1 Lebanon, OH 45036 513-932-1990
33 S. Main Street, Waynesville, OH 45068 513-897-2112
Friesinger’s is a family owned business which manufactures the finest quality nuts and candy in two facilities in Dayton and Springboro.
45 N. Pioneer Boulevard, Springboro, OH 45066 937-743-4377
101 E. Alex-Bell Rd., Suite 144, Centerville, OH 45459 937-436-5066
As distinctive as Esther Price’s gold box, so is the taste of our chocolates. Esther Price Candies continues the tradition of old-fashioned quality using the same recipes that Esther Price herself perfected since 1926!
1709 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410 800-782-0326
Established in the early 1900s and located in the quaint, historic setting of downtown Piqua, Winans creates premium chocolates, handmade the same way for generations.
310 Spring Street, Piqua, OH 45356 937-773-1981
Marie’s Candies opened its doors in 1956, and its reputation for old-fashioned, high quality candies spread across the countryside.
311 Zanesfield Road, West Liberty, OH 43357 937-465-3061
124 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840 567-294-4234
In 1937, Dietsch Brothers began producing fine chocolates and ice cream using original family recipes and have been producing delicious, quality products ever since.
400 West Main Cross Street, Findlay, OH 45840 419-422-4474
Stella Leona artisan chocolates are locally handmade with the finest, freshest ingredients. Passion, love and history goes into everything they make.
362 Main Street, Pettisville, OH 43553 419-445-0370
For over 30 years Marsha’s has specialized in manufacturing Peanut Butter and Chocolate Candy Buckeyes. The Buckeye is the only candy that they make so their goal has always been to produce the perfect one.
25631 Ft. Meigs Road, Suite H, Perrysburg, OH 43551 419-872-7666
Offering handmade chocolates, ice cream, milkshakes, cupcakes, gift baskets, favors and more, Coco Beans Candy & Cupcakes strives to make your life event sweeter.
116 South Front Street, Fremont, OH 43420 419-332-0420
10221 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH 43065 614-361-6166
Operating in the same location, with the original equipment and recipes, Eagle Family Candy takes pride in making quality, local, delicious chocolates.
4590 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214 614-262-2255
The Tremont Goodie Shop is a full-line, family-owned bakery nestled in Upper Arlington, Ohio. For over 60 years, they’ve hand-made their products from scratch and served their customers – who are more like friends – with a smile.
2116 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 614-488-8777
Anthony Thomas is one of the largest family-owned and operated candy companies in the mid-west. They produce an average of 50,000 pounds of chocolates daily.
1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228 877-226-3921
Serving the area since 2007, at the Chocolate Cafe, you can order your hand-rolled buckeyes to go in an edible chocolate box.
1855 Northwest Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43212 614-485-2233
1205 Grandview Ave., Grandview Heights, OH 43212 614-488-3070
At Schmidt’s Fudge Haus, they only offer the finest fudge and chocolates made with the finest ingredients. Their buckeyes will make you scream OH-IO!
220 E. Kossuth Street, Columbus, OH 43206 614-444-2222
Celebrating 178 years in business, Wittich’s Candy Shop is the nation’s oldest family owned and operated candy shop. Try one of their buckeyes in the Buckeye Blast Sundae: Smith’s Buckeye Blast ice cream topped with chocolate and peanut butter sauce, real whipped cream, and a Wittich buckeye.
Celebrating 178 years in business, Wittich’s Candy Shop is the nation’s oldest family owned and operated candy shop. Try one of their buckeyes in the Buckeye Blast Sundae: Smith’s Buckeye Blast ice cream topped with chocolate and peanut butter sauce, real whipped cream, and a Wittich buckeye.
117 W. High Street, Circleville, OH 43113 740-474-3313
6962 Willow Bloom Drive, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 614-209-1617
The Candy Cottage is a locally owned confectionery and their legacy dates back to the 1960’s. They specialize in unique holiday treats, custom favors for any occasion, baskets, corporate gifts, chocolate boxes and more.
2271 W. Fair Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130 740-653-6842
It’s always buckeye season at Goumas Candyland and people can’t get enough. Aside from using only the best ingredients, the secret lies in traditional recipes, passed down through the generations.
19 Claren Drive, Heath, OH 43056 740-345-7440
Nothing But Chocolate is a chocolate business located in historic Cambridge, Ohio. Our most popular item is an Ohio tradition. Each box of Buckeyes is made to order to ensure delicious fresh Buckeyes dipped for you.
731 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, OH 43725 740-439-5754
Coblentz Chocolate Company began in 1987 and is nestled in Ohio’s Amish Country. They hold true to the local traditions of doing things the old-fashioned way. We use the freshest ingredients.
4917 State Route 515, Walnut Creek, OH 44687 800-338-9341
With over 40 years in the business, they continue to welcome visitors from all over the globe to savor the experience of their sweet dream come true.
668 U.S. Highway 250 East, Ashland, OH 44085 419-281-3202
1281 S. Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720 330-433-1834
5353 Lauby Road, North Canton, OH 44720 800-999-3629
You’ll take a step back in time when you visit the Hartville Chocolate Factory retail store located in historic downtown Hartville. Established in 1986, our confectionary shop offers an old-fashioned atomosphere, tempting guests with a full display of our chocolate creations, homemade fudge, caramels, marshmallows and more!
114 South Prospect Avenue, Hartville, OH 44632 330-877-1999
1138 West Maple Street, Hartville, OH 44632 330-267-6033
Family owned and operated since 1955. They make old fashioned, handmade products in small batches.
100 Victoria Road, Boardman, OH 44512 844-688-7655
Now in the third generation of family business, Malley’s Chocolates is committed to offering quality confections made with the same special-recipe milk and dark chocolate they’ve earned their stellar reputation providing.
1685 Victoria Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107 216-226-8300
The heritage at Campbell’s Sweets begins over four decades ago in the roots of candy making excellence. Campbell’s feels good about getting behind all of their products with the quality of ingredients they use!
2084 W. 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113 216-965-0451
In its second generation, the Buckeye Chocolate Company is devoted to providing customers with fresh and quality confections.
510 Water Street, Chardon, OH 44024 440-286-5282
Jubie’s Creamery in Fairborn will be opening early on Sat, Feb 5th, beginning at 9am, for their Ice Cream for Breakfast Celebration. The holiday, originally created in the 1960’s is celebrated the first Saturday in February each year to prove that you can eat ice cream at any time of the year, any time of the day, and on any occasion.
Feel free to wear your pajama’s into the store to get one of their sweet treats. A portion of all items sold between 9am and 1pm will be donated back to the Fairborn YMCA.
The creamery will then remain open throughout its usual hours (1-9 p.m.) with its regular menu after the event.
471 W Dayton-Yellow Springs Road
Fairborn, OH 45324
(937) 874-5391
Open 7 days a week 1pm- 9pm
Join Partners for the Parks and sample pizza from up to eight area pizza shops. Then vote for your favorite. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment! The Slice of Springfield fundraiser will donate 100% of proceeds from tickets to help support National Trail Parks & Recreation District. Your $25 ticket includes at least 8 squares of pizza, and a free drink (soft drink, beer or wine). Tickets purchased through Eventbrite on or before January 15 will receive an additional free drink! Youth tickets (12 & under) will be available for $10 at the door. Tickets are also available for purchase at the National Trail Administration Building.
BaconFest 2022—a sizzling slice of paradise—is here and runs through February 8th at all three Dorothy Lane Markets. We’re talking about DLM Uncured Bacon that contains no nitrates or nitrites, and is lifetime antibiotic free. During BaconFest, look for creative bacon concoctions and products highlighted throughout their stores and online.
During BaconFest, DLM lets their imaginations run wild with new bacon concoctions creating quite the squeal throughout our stores. You don’t want you the miss a bacon bite, so check out the BaconFest 2022 Checklist:
Look for exclusive Baconfest items like our Maple “Bacon” Latte, When Pigs Fly, Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin, Maple Bacon Donut, Maple Bacon Baby Cakes
Bourbon Salted Bacon, this Bacon Cheddar
Pull-apart Bread and so much more…
All 3 stores open Mon – Sun: 6AM – 9PM
Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened its first restaurant in Point Pleasant, New Jersey in 2008. Their burrito concept serves up fresh, made-to-order food, that is affordable for kids, families and seniors. The company is quite community minded, offering fundraising opportunities, a Read it to Eat it Program that encourages students to read five books to earn a free meal. They also offer catering with a build your own taco option, burrito trays and more.
Their first Miami Valley eatery at 5810 Wilmington Pike in Centerville opened this past September. Construction has begun next to Cassano’s in Springboro’s Wright Station and the location is projected to open in March of 2022.
Here’s the info we shared when the Centerville eatery opened and some pictures of that one:
You can create your own Burritos, bowl or quesadilla at this fast casual eatery, building from their menu with plenty of choices to keep it fresh every time!
There are also plenty of side to choose from and make sure and save some room for fried Oreos for dessert!
Calling all Oyster Fans! Lily’s Dayton in the Oregon District announces the return of Oyster Fest! Raw, on the half shell, east coast, west coast, oyster shooters, cocktail sauce, mignonette, fried, po boys, jambalaya–Oyster Fest begins Wednesday, January 26 and runs through Sunday, February 6th. Enjoy Oyster fest starting at 4:30pm Wednesday through Saturday and remember Lily’s is closed Monday and Tuesday. The entire menu is also available for carry out or delivery by door dash.
RAW:
-Oysters on the half shell
Bloody Mary Shooter. Photo by Donald Lawson
choose either Assorted East Coast (typically meatier; but individual sizes vary) or West Coast (typically deep-cupped and more petite) $2.50 each choose up to 1 sauce per 2 oysters: horseradish, cocktail sauce, or lemongrass mignonette. Saltines and hot sauce available at no cost upon request
-Oyster shooters
-Bloody Mary: Belle of Dayton Vodka, Lily’s signature Bloody Mary Mix, celery, and raw oyster $7
-Sake: Chilled sake, ponzu citrus soy vinaigrette, sesame seed, raw oyster $7
SOUP AND APPETIZERS:
Oysters “Cochon-feller” Photo by Donald Lawson
-Oyster and bay scallop stew $7
‘Put it in a bread bowl +4’
-Oysters “Cochon-feller:” oysters baked on the halfshell with butter, garlic, and sambal, inspired by Emily’s favorite oyster preparation from her former employer, Cochon, in New Orleans $12
-add freshly baked rosemary-garlic focaccia bread for dipping +4
–Fried Oyster Oreganata ‘tossed in lemon oregano butter’ with Lily’s spicy remoulade $11
ENTREES:
–Oyster and Crawfish Jambalaya: Oysters, crawfish, andouille sausage, and vegetables cooked in a Creole tomato sauce $22
–Fried Oyster Po-Boy: Fried oysters on French bread “dressed” with lettuce, tomato, and lily’s remoulade, served with house potato and yucca fries $17
Oyster Po Boy. Photo by Donald Lawson
Lily’s Dayton
329 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 723-7637
Hours:
Created last year as a pandemic safe event, here we are again still dealing with Covid, so Planned2Give is bringing back The Dayton Donut Fest on Tour for a second year. Kicking off Feb 11th, ticket buyers will have 11 days to visit the 11 participating donut shops and pick up sweet treats. Buy your tickets online and they will be mailed to you, so order them now to make sure they get to you in time. Tips from festival veterans last year include arriving early- the best flavors sell out quickly. Get a box and collect several donuts for a taste test later at home and finally remember, you don’t have to eat them all at once- you can spread your visits out. Festival goers are encouraged to share pictures of their adventure using the hashtag #DaytonDonutFest and there will be prizes for the favorites.
With your ticket booklet you’ll have a coupon to get up to 3 donuts from each participating vendor from Feb 11-Feb 21. Each vendor’s page will list hours for their business so you can plan your adventure.
Confirmed Participants:
Ashley’s Pastry Shop
21 Park Ave Dayton, Oakwood
Satisfying our sweet tooth for over 30 years, owner Theresa Hammons is always trying new flavors, but we have to tell you her apple fritters were a huge hit amongst festival goers last year.
80 S. Main Street, Miamisburg
Owner Ryan Tripp worked at the Springboro Donut Haus while growing up and then went out on his own to open this shop in downtown Miamisburg. He then went back and bought the Donut Haus a few years later.
5264 Salem Ave, Dayton
5115 Old Troy Pike, Huber Heights
Since 1971, the Donut Palace has combined your classic donut shop. WCheck out their peanut butter glazed, cream-filled eclairs or apple fritters.
1200 Brown Street Suite 115 Dayton
Your visit here starts with a freshly baked hot vanilla cake donut and then you pick your toppings. Glaze it, cover it in sprinkles or ice it in salted caramel or raspberry- it’s truly a custom donut.
700 Troy St Dayton
Second generation bakery owner Jennifer Evans puts some amazing flavors into her donuts. Try the Coconut curry cake donuts (pictured below) or their butterscotch cake donuts.
607 North Detroit Street, Xenia
Opened during the pandemic in the summer of 2021 Glazed has been a big hit in Xenia.. Owner Clay Fillinger worked in the donut business while he was a firefighter. Now he’s into creating tasty donuts full time, like the one pictured below: Do’nut Go Bacon My Heart
2739 West Alex Bell Road, Moraine
122 E National Rd, Vandalia
Serving up donuts since the 1950’s Jim’s has 22 cake donuts alone and 40 varieties in all.
Stan, The Donut Man
1441 Wilmington Ave, Kettering
There’s nothing fancy about it, but for over 50 years Daytonians have been stopping here to pick up a dozen.
305 W Central Ave Springboro
The Donut Haus Bakery has been offering delicious classics for over three decades and is open 24 hours to fulfill your cravings!
313 W. Main St. Fairborn
Offering delicious gluten-free/allergy friendly and KETO baked goods.
Proceeds benefit Miami Valley Meals, which is a chef-led effort to recover donated food and transform it into prepared meals for distribution through organizations serving the hungry. Their unique model allows them to intercept food that would otherwise be wasted, and redistribute it to those in need throughout the community. Since the project’s inception in March 2020, they have served 283,000 free meals through 72 partnering organizations across 34 zip codes. Learn more about them.
The last week of January has been designated Restaurant Week since 2005. Running through January 3oth, local eateries offering 3 course meal deals starting at $20.22. Over the years, price points have stretched to $25.22 and $35.22. This year a couple of restaurants are blowing the roof off the pricing with Roost offering a 10oz New York Strip meal at $42.22. and Smith’s Boathouse has a Filet Mignon* & Scallops dinner for 52.22. On the other end of the budget, Bunkers is offering dinner for 2 at $20.22 and $25.22, while Nick’s has dinner for 2 at 2 For $ 32.22. Meadowlark is offering a twist by offering a brunch for dinner menu. You can check all menu’s and hours here.
Please pay attention to the days and hours of each restaurant. The pandemic has limited days open for many. You’ll also find many restaurants are offering these pre fixe specials for carry out. Also be aware that menu’s may change based on availability and reservations are often suggested.
Participating Restaurants Include:
Basil’s on Market Menu at all 3 locations
Amber Rose
Backwater Voodoo*
Basil’s on Market- all 3 locations
Buckhorn Tavern
Bunkers Sports Bar & Grill
Carvers Steaks & Chops
Chappys Social House
Coco’s Bistro
elé Bistro & Wine Bar
Figlio
Firebirds
Francos Italian Restaurant
Hickory River Smokehouse
Jay’s Seafood
Jollity*
Meadowlark
Nick’s Restaurant
Pasha Grill
Rip Rap Roadhouse
Roost Modern Italian
Smith’s Boathouse
The Chop House
The Florentine
Top of the Market*
Watermark
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
*first time participants
102 YEARS STRONG!! 
