Dayton Dining

Abuelo’s had great dinner entrees

It is time for our annual breakdown of the year in food.  The Food Adventures Crew recaps the restaurants  that closed forever and new ones that have opened in the Miami Valley.  It was a year of 40 year old restaurant closings.  It was a year of new chains and new mom and pop stores.  It was a year of movers and salt shakers, a year of burger and pizza makers.  Some fire shut downs, and other financial closedowns.  It was a year of heartbreak and first takes.   Sit back and let’s recall 2018 the year in food.

First places that closed, a couple temporarily ….

DAYTON RESTAURANTS THAT CLOSED IN 2018:

ABUELOS:
The Tex Mex mega restaurant, with the atmosphere like Bravo inside. Known for decorative drinks and Mexican dishes, this restaurant shut its doors after 13 years near the Fairfield Mall in Beavercreek.  Sad to hear, because the food was good for a chain.

Applebee’s Wedge Salad

APPLEBEES WILMINGTON PIKE:
Plagued with service woes, the Cornerstone development down the street may have been the final straw to bury this eatery.  Located on Wilmington Pike, many were surprised by the closing in June 2018.  Guess not enough people wanted their baby back baby back ribs.

BLUE NOTE BISTRO AND LOUNGE:
An abrupt and unexpected close for this critically acclaimed spot due to a financial dispute. Known for food and live music, the incredible atmosphere at this Miamisburg restaurant will be missed.  Owner Julie Delph still operates the Miami Valley Sports Bat Alex Rd and 725, and opened the Blue Note in the summer of 2016.

Inside the Blue Note

BORO BISTRO:
This 14 year old trendy eatery in Springboro closed in October, 2018. Known for healthy dishes, breakfasts and lunches, they also had a cult following like many on this list.  Nestled in the shopping center by Dorothy Lane Market, Springboro, the shop was known for its wraps.

BUFFALO WINGS AND RINGS:
Even with a chaos room video arcade attached, they couldn’t quite attract the big crowds for sporting events, which was a shame.  They had huge TV’s everywhere, a good beer selection and great food.  The service was hit or miss and possibly lead to the decline.  We will miss this spot and their hand breaded boneless, fresh chicken tenders and sauces.

Thai Chili Wings

CADDYS TAP HOUSE BEAVERCREEK:
Recent problems with scuffles in the restaurant from some seedy customers, help lead to the demise. Located near the Fairfield Commons Mall, Caddy’s was known for good live music and decent appetizers and food. Their burgers, wings and beer selection were very strong too. May 2018 ended the final run for this restaurant.

CHAPPY’S TAP HOUSE IN MORAINE:
Popular eatery on Alex Rd, known for their chicken, fish and beer selections.  Fans don’t fret, they still have a restaurant open on 725 in the old Chammps Grille Location.

Chappys Tap House memories

CHOE’S ASIAN BISTRO:
Rent disputes ended the tenure of this restaurant at the Greene.  A sleek interior and a gourmet Asian menu were the attractions.  The doors eventually shut in February 2018.

DARK HORSE TAVERN:
Known for good grub and killer BBQ, this spot also had a following for local, live music.  It was a fun place to dance, eat and get your drink on.   They had suffered a couple of opening and closings and owner transfers before the final end in April, 2018.

DE-LISH CAFE:
This Downtown family owned restaurant had been in business for 8 years.  In a heartfelt post, the owner posted a Facebook message informing of the final closing in Summer 2018.   They were known for gourmet comfort food and, good soul food.  The business overcame a brief tax hiccup in January 2018.

DONATOS IN 5 OAKS:

Donatos anchovy, onions, green peppers ad mushroom with extra sauce

1st time a Donato’s has closed in Dayton since the presence of this Columbus based chain.  Known for thin crust pizza and subs, there remains another dozen surviving pizzerias in the area.

EUDORA BREWING CO.
It is moving up the street to 3022 Wilmington Pike with an expected opening date of Spring 2019. This is the brewery with a gluten-free beer choice, and an option to bottle your own beer. Looks like they will be serving food at the new location, which will be much larger than the previous one.

Goodbye to the old Eudora Brewing Co, here is to the new site in 2019..

CARDBOARD CROWNS:
Near the Dayton Mall, this one was open a short time.  We had seen some gamer interest, but unfortunately not enough for the bar to survive.  Meanwhile other gamer bars in town continue to thrive.  Maybe the mall rent levels were too much to overcome.

INDIAN OVEN:
This eatery was known for its lunch buffet and Indian menu. Tucked into a shopping center in Fiesta Lane, not far from Chuck E. Cheese, they had a small following which never developed into larger crowds. It is a shame, because the food was great.

A plate of food from the lunch buffet at India Oven

INDIAN RASOI:
Springboro Indian food spot located in the strip mall with Marie Scramblers on 741. It is a small shop, and was short lived. They were unable to hook enough of Lexis Nexis lunch crowd to stick around.

LAROSAS BEAVERCREEK:
For some reason this store was in not in performance line with other LaRosas. But don’t fret if you are a lover of this Cincinnati based pizza place. There still remains 3 LaRosa Restaurants in Centerville, Kettering and Englewood.

LA PIAZZA in TROY:
Italian restaurant owned by the Anticoli family.  This will leave a hole in the Troy community as it was a favorite stop.  Still selling house dressing and house butter for pickup Dec 16th, 2018.

A side salad at LaRosa’s

LIBRARY LOUNGE:
Drinking hole on Woodman Dr. that would soon open at another location.  So fans don’t worry, they moved just around the corner on Stroop Rd.

LINDAS RESTAURANT
The restaurant moved and had a change of name,  It is now 5 Points Cafe in Xenia.  Expect similar comfort, family style breakfasts and lunch/dinners.

MAX N ERMAS MILLER LANE:
Icon chain out of Columbus, one of the last Dayton locations calls it quits.  Will miss the Erma Burger and those wonderful onion rings.  Something tells us they started the decline when they got rid of the telephones at each table.  They have a restaurant left in the Dayton Airport Terminal.  According to their website, the next closest Max n Ermas is in Wilmington, Ohio.

The Honky Tonk Burger at Max n Erma’se

MCALISTER’S DAYTON MALL:
Short lived deli chain that never got a foothold.  Don’t worry if you love it or never had a chance, there is another one open near the Fairfield Commons Mall by Half Price Books.  This franchise is 400 locations strong and headquartered in Mississippi.  They are known for turkey sandwiches and seasonal soups.

MERIT GRILL:
This was an unsung restaurant that was fantastic, yet did not get much notice.  Located in the old BBQ Hut Restaurant on Wilmington Pike.  Not long after it is was opened, it transformed into another restaurant.  They had great fish, steaks and brunches.

NASHVILLE HOT CENTERVILLE:
One of two locally owned hot chicken spots.  If you love this place like we do, make sure you visit the other Nashville Hot restaurant at Austin Landing.  The Centerville store on 48 closed due to lack of patronage.  The food is good and hot, and the dessert pie is incredible.

The Jalapeno Crunch Sandwich from McAlisters

OINK A DOODLE MOO MIAMISBURG:
This spot in downtown Miamisburg lasted over three years, but owner Steven Meyer said the store was “underperforming” in sales and shut it down in November, but delivery is still available from the Kettering spot.

ONE BISTRO MIAMISBURG:
The “pay it forward” restaurant concept was one of the first of its kind in the area.  Customers choose their own price for dinner and evidently the customers who are down on their luck would be picked up by those doing well.  That didn’t happen enough at this Miamisburg location, though the Xenia location remains open,

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE CROSS POINTE CENTER:
Australian Steakhouse chain with great steaks, and the bloomin’ onion.  After a run of 22 years, the Cross Pointe Center location has closed to make way for the mega store opening by the Dayton Mall. Get your chocolate thunder from down under there.

PAPA MURPHYS CENTERVILLE:
Take and Bake pizza shop that had suffered some recent sign vandalism decided to close its doors this summer.  This was the last one in the Dayton area.

PARADISE KEY CAFE – BREITENSTRATER PLAZA:
In May, this full bar known for its wings shut down.  Customers wont freak out too much, because the flagship restaurant on Needmore Rd remains open from 11am-3am most days..

Pepper Steak at Merit Grill

PEPITOS – on WILMINGTON PIKE:
The Wilmington location closed after 38 years.  Known for good Mexican food, their nachos and margaritas were fantastic.  The owners have opened a new spot up the street called Jorrges (see below).

PIZZA FIRE:
This was a short-lived fast, assembly style pizzeria in the new strip mall near Shroyer and Route 48.  Lack of sales lead to a corporate  decision to close the doors in January.

ROCKYS PIZZA RING:
For forty years they served pizza in Beavercreek’s Lofino’s Beaver Valley  Shopping center.  Once one of the hottest spots to drink and eat for 20 somethings in the late 70s’ the last decade had seen a slow decline.  Location and not enough sales to absorb moving costs were to blame for Dayton’s only “eat in a boxing ring” restaurant.

ROOST AMERICAN or ROOST EVENTS NEAR FRAZE:

Mike’s Nashville Hot Chicken

The long cursed site outside Fraze Pavillon gets another victim.  After closing normal hours for event hours, the gourmet eatery stopped operating this fall.  The building has finally decided they’re not going to try another eatery and is turning the site into offices.

SALAR:
A kitchen fire turned into a longer than anticipated closing as repairs were delayed in this Oregon District fixture.  They have opened backup after the hiatus and we hope they don’t miss a beat.

SCHLOTSKYS DELI:
The Cross Pointe fixture for 2 decades closed its doors in 2018.  This all happened while the fairly new restaurant neighbor “Old Bag of Nails” continues to draw big crowds.  We thought this might give them some runnoff business, but apparently not.

One Bistro’s French Toast

SIAM PAD THAI:
Closing in Kettering on Wilmington Pike with the hope of opening a location closer to Patterson Rd., this Thai Eatery is a local favorite.  Known for soups, sushi and pad Thai, look for them to open again soon in 2019.

STAR CITY BBQ:
This shack served some great BBQ while it lasted in Miamisburg.  The usual ribs, pulled pork and brisket were the specialties at this humble eatery.  They closed in September after 3 years of serving and gained lots of fans.  Sales must not have been enough to maintain a presence in the burg.

WILLIAMS EATERY:

Wilmington Pike’s Familiar Sign

This Yellow Springs restaurant lasted a decade before it closed. The owners are investigating new opportunities and has plans to open another restaurant.

WINANS BY DAYTON MALL:
Choco-holics and coffee lovers are mourning the closing of this specialty shop.  A huge chocolate selection was the base of this business.  Even though they closed this 12 year establishment, the company has 2 more locations in the Centerville area where you can get your fix.

THE WINE GALLERY:
Billed as Downtowns “only true wine bar”, the business closed after 12 years.  Located near Main and Monument, it had a former location near the Cannery.

Inside Rockys Pizza Ring

THE WRIGHT WING FAIRBORN:
Chicken wing joint on Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn went out of business this year.  Bar known for its drink specials and wings couldn’t quite get enough of the Wright State and Wright Patt Air force Base crowd to stay afloat.

ZOUP!:
Two spots shut their doors this year.  One restaurant was in the Cornerstone Development and the other was in the strip mall at 725 and McEwen in Centerville.  Soup and salads were the attraction here.  The chain abruptly closed the stores without warning and that has caused some legal wrangling by the property managers.

Now, the excitement builds as you wipe your tears from those we lost and say hi to the new places to eat in Dayton.

RESTAURANTS THAT OPENED IN 2018:

Schlotskys Deli Turkey

ACE ASIAN CAFE:
Featuring the menu of a Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Thailand, this eatery has a powerful punch.  Sleek, modern dining areas include tables with Korean BBQ built inside.  Full sushi bar and more at this restaurant in Beavercreek at The Greene.

AUNTIE ANNES:
The Greene gets another eatery on Glengarry Dr.  It is the pretzel place you love from the mall food courts.  This shop will include the famous pretzels and more.

BAR GRANADA:

Soup from Siam Pad Thai

A downtown “Tapas Pub” is the old Wine Gallery.  The Monument Street location hopes to attract theater and downtown gourmet food lovers.  Calling themselves a Spanish European restaurant, it is reminiscent of restaurants popular in downtown Chicago.  Full cocktail bar is another feature.

BRANCH N BONE BREWERY:
Wayne avenue’s entry into the craft beer world of Dayton.  Brewed in-house, the Artesian ale’s on hand include IPA’s, Stouts, Weiss beer and more. You can find food trucks parked outside feeding the hungry drinkers.

BURGER KING CENTERVILLE:
The home of the Whopper has returned to Centerville, but for the first time, south of 725.  Located near Spring Valley Pike, the site is tucked into a row of fast food restaurants.  Get your flame broiled cravings here.

Winans by the Dayton Mall closed !

CALYPSO GRILL & SMOKEHOUSE:
An incredible looking menu of Latin and Caribbean cuisine.  This restaurant is on Xenia Street in Yellow Springs and features and Sunday Brunch and a libations menu.  This one sounds like a Food Adventure !

CANAL HOUSE EATERY:
The establishment on 2nd Street in Miamisburg is featuring Wraps and Sandwiches. They have daily specials on things like chicken salad sandwiches and have some incredible looking cakes.  Check them out !

CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN:
Chain mega restaurant comparable to TGI Fridays.  They say they are all about American Classic meals.  They are known for affordable huge portions.  From burgers to ribs, and hand breaded chicken to pot pies, the rich menu has an indulgence for everyone located on Cornerstone in Centerville.

CURRY & GRILL:

Ace Asian Cafe features Korean BBQ seating where you can cook at your table.

This replaces the India Oven in the Fiesta Lane shops by the Dayton Mall.  They still feature a lunch buffet and private room.  Initial feedback is good.  The food is great, flavorful and sometimes spicy as ordered !

DEVILS WIND BREWERY:
Brewery named after a nickname for tornadoes in a town that has seen a couple.  Owned by four friends, they hope to separate themselves from other local breweries by offering styles not currently found in Dayton.  European ales and lagers, specifically German lagers are mentioned.   They will also offer innovative and newer American styles of beers

DJ’S CHILL AND GRILL:
This is an ice cream shop with sandwiches.  Featuring burgers, dogs, sandwiches, pizza and a whole menu for ice cream treats.  Open for lunch and dinner this spot is located on Route 40 in Tipp City.   From banana splits to cones and malts, you can get your ice cream cravings satisfied here.

DOGS BREATH TAVERN: 
Watering hole on Whipp and Hewitt Ave. Owner transferred the bar to the new Phone Booth lounge and is concentrating on his restaurant The Growler on Wilmington Pike.

Burger King is back in Centerville, for the first time south of 725

DOUBLE DEUCE:
This Brand Street pizzeria with bar food and a nice beer selection is the basis for this pub, a definite upgrade from their previous spot on Valley St.  The also feature burgers, salads, wings and subs.  However the pizza is the main event here, and they look delicious.  A Food Adventure is in order here for sure.

DUNKIN DONUTS – HUBER AND BEAVERCREEK:
Whether you passion is their coffee or their donuts, the monster chain from the Northeast is spreading in Dayton too.  They also have decent bagels and of course donut holes known as “munchkins.”

ELSAS CORNER CANTINA:
Located at Wilmington Pike, this is the latest installment of Dayton’s popular Mexican restaurant.  Known for the “Bad Juan” drinks and “mini-super” burritos, this menu carries on the quality, legacy and traditions of the other restaurant locations.  A little known fact is they have some of the most underrated wings in the area.  Try the Jamaican Jerk ones, and some crunchy tacos with a Mexican Beer.

Dunkin Donuts continues to expand

THE EPIC COFFEE SHOP:
Lattes, Mochas and the norm are the tip of the iceberg at this unique shop at the corner of Stroop and Far Hills.  They offer soups and hot cocoa.  Coffees like apricot and other interesting flavors are always rotated.  It seems their specialties are Guatemalan and Nicaraguan coffees.  Their soups of the day sound delicious from chicken pot pie to tomato basil.  Sounds like it is worth checking out !

THE FLORENTINE:
A reopened Germantown gourmet restaurant with a full bar.  Known for steak specials like prime rib, New York strips and even pork chops, they have had some awards by Dayton readers.    The restaurant is located in an old hotel with lots of history.  The buzz around this eatery is eyebrow raising and begs for a visit !

FIVE POINTS CAFE:
A Xenia cafe known for breakfasts, and American comfort foods.  How about some caramel apple cobbler or some slow roasted chili?  The breakfasts look great from pancakes, to eggs any way you like them.  It looks like this could become a cozy little favorite for locals.

Bad Juan is now on Wilmington Pike !

FLYBOYS DELI BEAVERCREEK:
Eat like you are in New York City, while never leaving Dayton.  These guys have expanded their successful formula to Beavercreek.  Known for incredible, authentic New York pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, they also serve wraps and salads.  This location will also feature bagels, breakfasts and soups.

FUZZYS TACO SHOP:
Found at The Greene, this shop’s patrons say they are addicting.   More than a huge selection of soft and crunchy types of tacos, they also offer quesadillas and queso dips.  Burritos? Oh yes they have those too, as a wrap or in a bowl.  They even offer a nacho selection and fajitas.  More than just your average taco shop, the menu is encompassing many Mexican favorites !

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GEM CITY CATFE:
A full-blown coffee shop with separate cat lunge for adopting cats and kittens.  We think they should name a drink a “Cafe Meowcha” but it probably wont make the menu.  What is on the menu is an espresso bar, various teas, and bottled beverages.  They have hot coffees and iced coffees of all sorts.  They are open 7 days a week.  Purrrfect.

THE FAMOUS:
The owners of Doubleday’s have expanded with a new concept on Main Street in Centerville.   Paying homage to a restaurant in Pottsdam, Pennsylvania and a dedication to the former owners of The Golden Nugget Pancake House, a full pub was born.  A Huge beer selection is the first thing noticed.  Other specialties are soups, sandwiches, burgers, chicken dinners, tater tots and fresh-cut fries.

NYC style Corned Beef at Flyboys

GYRO PALACE BROWN STREET:
The place with the great Gyros has expanded to Brown street.  This means the UD students can enjoy their great stuff.  Oversized beef/lamb pitas or chicken gyros, are the hallmark of this spot.  Greek fries and baklava seal the deal for a great meal.  If you have not been here, you are missing one of Dayton’s best Greek food offerings.  The regular Gyros are MUST EATS!

Gyro Palace is now open on Brown St.

HUNGER PAYNES DAYTON MALL:
The popular Food truck has a restaurant inside the Dayton mall now.  Featured are their different flavored croquettes, as well as a beer and wine garden.  They have a wine slushy that is picking up a following as well.  Owner Andy Payne has also been known to offer wings, wraps and Strawberries with Sriracha sauce.

JJS LUNCHBOX:
Tipp City has a new wings and pizza spot at 7031 S. County Road 25A.  The menu also includes wraps, sandwiches and more, all reasonably priced in a casual atmosphere.

JORRGES RESTAURANT CANTINA:
This Wilmington Pike eatery is now open.  It was formerly Merit Grill.  The owners of Pepitos took it over after moving their operation down the street with a name change.  They serve American style breakfast and Tex-Mex food for lunch and dinner.  Yes, you can get waffles here in the morning and chimichangs at lunch.  No liquor license yet, but it’s in the works.

Mac and Cheese Croquettes

JUBIES CREAMERY IN FAIRBORN:
They offer premium, scoopable ice cream.  They offer soft serve frozen custard.  They offer ice cream cookie sandwiches.  From sundaes to banana splits, if you can dream it up with frozen custard or ice cream, they have it .  Also on the just desserts menu are shakes and topping add ons.

KH EMPIRE:
New, quaint Asian cafe on Bigger Rd across from the Victoria Secret call center.  The menu is NOT your typical one.   Items like Cambodian Curry Soup, Khor Ko Noodles and Bread are new ones we have never heard of before.  They also have traditional favorites like Lo Mein and Sweet N Sour.  We cant wait to try out this unique menu.

Jubies Creamery in Fairborn offers ice Cream and Frozen Custard

LEFTYS EATS AND ESPRESSO IN FAIRBORN:
Pretty straight forward menu here. A nice list of soups, salads and specialty sandwiches. They also have a full coffee bar menu.  Located a 2 W. Main Street, it looks like a fresh place to stop in for a bite when in the area.  Could be a nice pick up and go option as well.

LEO’S BISTRO:
Leo’s is back at The Dayton Art Institute.  This time, the theme is a fast, casual eatery.  They close at 5pm  every day except Thursday at 8pm.  Now featuring Boosalis Bakery items and Boars Head Meats, they look to capitalize on the deli crowd to swing into the Dayton Art Institute for a bite.  They serve Starbucks Coffees, beers and wine, and the restaurant is available for private events.

LISAS PRETZELS IN THE DAYTON MALL:

KH Empire on Bigger Rd is now open

These are the hard pretzels with all types of toppings and dipped flavors.  From chocolate choices to cinnamon and everything in between, the pretzels are bagged and make great gifts .  They also are great for a treat to go or to save for a night at home.

LITTLE CAESARS IN CENTERVILLE:
Papa Murphy’s old location has morphed into an eatery/drive thru Little Caesars in Centerville near Kabuki Sushi Bar on 48.  This franchise makes a comeback in the area as a store used to be near Lock 27 in the 80’s.  No longer known for the pizza pizza gimmick, they are now famous fro ready to go pizzas on the fly.  This has lt them hold on to the 3rd biggest pizza company in the USA behind Pizza Hut and Domino’s.

LOCAL HERO BUTCHERY AND FARE and JACK LUKEYS OYSTER SALOON AN CAVIAR BAR:
This place sounds amazing.  Yes a caviar bar and Oyster saloon in Dayton!  Shucking and slurping to your favorite craft beer, what else is there in life?  This is part of the District Provisions company, and is located at 521 Wayne Ave.

Little Caesars is now open in Centerville

MANGO TWISTER:
Located in the Shoppes of  Dayton Mall at 2806 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., this place is a Columbian cafe.  They have cookies, desserts, chocolates, cheese breadsticks and more.  Smoothies and Columbian beverages are featured as well. It loks like a unique place and a must visit for a Food Adventure.   They have packaged candies “to go” as well.

MILAS SUBURBAN CAFE:
Englewood’s Northmont Plaza has a new cafe.  The menu features flat bread pizzas. sandwiches, salads and burgers.  How a bout a full cofee bar.. YES!  They also feature live music from time to time.  This sound like a nice relaxing place to take a break for a coffee or a bite.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES:

BBQ spot returns to Kettering

Bakery featuring the 60’s and 70’s classic bundt cake!  They are a national company out of Texas, and this is the Dayton franchise located on 741 across from LexisNexis.  Bundt cakes are prominent on the menu coming in 8 inch, 10 inch, tiered cakes or mini bundt cakes.  With over 9 flavors of cakes from Pecan Praline to Red Velvet, this place looks delicious!

OINK A DOODLE MOO KETTERING:
The oink is back in Kettering.  The same casual BBQ you learned to love and those signature sauces are back too.  From pulled pork to ribs, and sliced turkey  and brisket we are ready to  visit them soon.  The restaurant on E. Dorothy Lane also features Applewood smoked wings.  Sounds like a nice Wintery feast is due to load up on protein!!

New on Stroop Rd.

OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL:
Catering company and restaurant moved from Dixie to Downtown Dayton on 3rd Street.  Click on the name of the restaurant for a link to the website, which has some fabulous photos of their menu items. From hummus to feta rolls the Greek Isle specialties look amazing.  They also have wraps, meat plates and vegetarian options.

ONE MORE TAVERN:
The former owner of the libation spot called the Library Lounge has opened this Tavern with the dream of running a bar with a kitchen.  They are just starting to serve food at this establishment on Stroop Rd.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE DAYTON MALL:
Out of the chains these guys have some of the best steaks.  The newest Outback is in the old Sears Auto Service Center building in front of the Dayton Mall.  This unlikely spot allows for a HUGE dining room.  The crowds are already filing in and this looks to be one of the most popular places by the Dayton mall. Crikey !!

PHO DISTRICT:
Located at the Greene on Glengarry Dr., this restaurant offers a 10% discount to all military members.  Their menu mostly consists of bowls of Vietnamese style soups and salads with grilled meat, over vermicelli noodles in a bowl.  They also have the typical appetizers like seafood spring rolls and soft rolls.

Popeyes Mashed Potatoes with Giblet gravy

PHONE BOOTH LOUNGE:
These guys moved their operation to the old Dogs Breath Tavern where Whipp Rd splits with Hewitt Rd.  The crowds have been good and it looks the their clientele followed them to the Centerville Kettering border.  Drink specials, a full bar and live music are the favorites here.

POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN in SPRINGBORO:
Nationally loved chain hits South Dayton for the first time since Wilmington Pike’s store closed a few years back.  Known for their Louisiana style, slightly spicy fried chicken, Popeye’s has a big fan base.  They also have fried fish and shrimp, as well as Southern “soul food” style sides.

Raising Canes is now in Beavercreek !

RAISING CANES BEAVERCREEK:
Wrap around drive thru lines are the norm at this chicken place.  Known for their fried tenders and dipping sauce, this southern style fast food chain has a charm and friendly service.  They even sell lemonade and sweet tea by the gallon.  What’s not to love when you get greeted with an employee saying “Hot chicken, Hot chicken, what combo you pickin’?

RANCHEROS COCCINA MEXICANA:
The buzz has been positive about this new restaurant in Cross Pointe Center.  Cleanliness, good service and good food has given it high reviews on Facebook.  The Tex-Mex formatted eatery is known for Margaritas, Mexican Beers and T-Bone Steaks.   Besides burritos, tacos and enchiladas, they have some seafood and shrimp specialties as well.  The pictures of the food look delicious.  We can’t wait to try this one !

RAPID FIRED PIZZA XENIA:

Rapid Fired Pizza now in Xenia !

Rapid Fired continues to expand across the Dayton area.  The quick bake, fresh crust pizza is made your way by an assembly line style of ordering.  Your pizza is typically complete a couple of minutes after you pay for it.  Other must eats include their salads.  Fresh, flavorful and locally owned, this has become a great stop for a bite in the Miami Valley.

RIVERTOWN CHILI:
We cannot wait to try this new spot in Miamisburg.  We love chili and this time of year beckons for us to get to Rivertown!  But guess what… they serve breakfast too during their days open which is Thursday – Saturday 7am  – 2:30pm and Sunday 8-2pm.  They also tout Beef Brisket, sandwiches, eggs and hotcakes.  Looks like a Food Adventure is due at “The Burg.”

R TACO aka “RUSTY TACO” IN BEAVERCREEK:
Dallas based chain with “street tacos” on the menu.  This eatery started in 2010 and has locations in 8 states.   Making sauces from scratch and slow roasting meats, the pride freshly chopped veggie toppings as the finishing touch.  Offerings include vegetarian options, pork, beef, chicken, and fish tacos.  Breakfast burritos and Margaritas are on fleek as well.  We always wanted to use the word “fleek” in an article.

The Filet from Salar

SALAR:
We missed the down time of this restaurant due to a kitchen fire.  That is behind them now and good food is ahead.  Terrific steaks and seafood, rule here, with Peruvian influences from Chef/Owner Margot.  The cocktail selection here is unparalleled in Dayton.   One must see to believe this fun experience in the Oregon District.  There is valet parking available out front as well.

SANTA CLARA JUICERY:
Clean, organic and fresh juice options for the health conscious.  This new juicery offers pickup or delivery if close.  They offer raw, organic, pressed juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, vegan snacks, coffee, and tea. Whether a cleanse special or a supplement to your diet, they have a choice here for you.  This looks like they are turning healthy into yummy.

SPORTYS TAP HOUSE AND GRILL:

Cant wait to try this spot on North Main St.

The old Barnsider Restaurant has a new tenant.  It is Sportys Tap House and Grill on N Main St in Dayton.  Featuring and incredible 60 beers on tap, these guys also offer pizza, chicken, salads and tacos.  One of their specialties we cant wait to try… Crawfish Bites !  Yeah – we gotta try this place soon, it is on our Food Adventure Hit List …

STEAK ESCAPE WILMINGTON PIKE:
Escape to the BP gas station on Wilmington Pike for a Cheesesteak to go.  Guess what – they are fricking great.  Columbus, Ohio based chain started in 1982, they had previously been known in mall food courts.  Fresh cut fries, cheesesteaks and chicken Phillys are their calling card.  Our humble advice  – extra mayo makes the sandwich.

Philly’s on Wilmington Pike

SWEET RETREAT ICE CREAM FOOD AND SWEETS:
They have 24 flavors of soft serve ice cream.  They offer ice cream cakes.  The hours are seasonal, as they are closed during winter months.  When spring hits, they will again be selling tater tots, hot dogs, soft pretzels, and other appetizers.  Other specialties include hand dipped ice cream, shakes, sundaes and more!

Now in Xenia – soon in Fairborn

TASTE OF THE WORLD:
Located on Fuyao Rd in Moraine, the extensive menu especially impresses on the seafood offerings.   It is an Asian menu, that seems mostly Japanese and Chinese influenced.  Beware, this is one of those restaurants that closes at 2pm and reopens at 5pm.  Sorry but we think that’s a pain in the… Oh well, the reputation we hear is the food is great.  We are excited to check it out before year end.

T-BIRDS KITCHEN
Not much is known about this restaurant.  We were unable to find an online menu presence.  There were posts by other outlets that they had been serving wings and side dishes.  It looks like we will have to make the trek up to 3736 Salem Avenue to see for ourselves what they offer.

TROLL PUB:
This is a chain restaurant in 216 Wayne Ave is in a building that house Dayton’s first automobile manufacturer, so it is a sizable place.   A big bar and menu featuring pretzels with beer cheese, fried pickles, fish and chips, burgers, Reuben sandwiches and cheesecake.   The buzz surrounding this restaurant is very positive.  If you like pub food and beer, this is a place you need to check out ASAP!

Which Wich has a superfood wrap that rocks.

TUDORS BISCUIT WORLD:
Southern comfort chain comes to Xenia on 2nd Street, with a promise for a store soon in Fairborn.  From all you can eat biscuit and gravy or pancake specials, to southern style breakfast platters and wraps, you can find a lot of food here.  They even have lunch sandwich features like BBQ Pork, Grilled Chicken and Burgers.  We have no rules at Food Adventures, we eat it all.  See you in Xenia soon.

THE VISTRO :
This is actually a new restaurant grown out of a favorite food truck in Dayton.  Located on Linden Ave,  the menu features modern Vietnamese Cuisine.  Look for Pho Vietnamese Noodle Soups, Vietnamese Noodle salads and Vietnamese style subs.

WHICH WICH ON FEEDWIRE RD:
A chain sandwich and wrap shop with some incredible flavors has setup in Bellbrook.  As part of the Cornerstone development you can find superfood wraps. You want a sandwich?  How about the Wicked, a 5 meat and 3 cheese sandwich of your choosing.   Whether you build your own or eat a specialty like the meatball grinder or Italian you cant go wrong.  The Reuben, BanhMai Thai sub and the BrunchWich round out the top favorites.

2018 also saw the popularity soar for food delivery sites like the local grubhub and national doordash companies and ubereats.  Now you can enjoy almost any restaurant while you stay home in your sweatpants.  It does come with inflated prices and service/delivery fees, but sometimes…. it is worth it.

There you have it the movers and the salt shakers for the year that was 2018.

Thank you for joining the Food Adventure Crew for this walk through time.  Look for us each and every week right here with a feature article on Dayton Most Metro.  Like us on Facebook by clicking HERE and join the nearly 8,000 Dayton area foodies who love us .

Browe the photos below and give us your comments on 2018.

THE STEAK ESCAPE CHEESESTEAK

TUDORS BISCUIT WORLD – Biscuits and Gravy

Elsa’s Chicken Wings – now on Wilmington Pike

Dunkin Donuts – opening up new stores

Goodbye Rockys Pizza Ring

Choes Asian Bistro ‘s Teriyaki Salmon

Chappys Tap Room in Moraine is closed