Take Off and Experience Dayton Like a Seasoned Pro

(Photos courtesy of Fleming, Dayton Air Force Museum, Ghostlight, and Dayton Art Institute Instagram pages)

Eleanor Hake | Contributing Writer

When the sun dips below the horizon, the city of Dayton comes to life. Between the local parks and out of the traffic, there are hidden gems within the city waiting to be found. 

This is no ordinary city, it’s beaming with flavors and new experiences beyond the well-traveled paths of Brown Street and the University of Dayton dining halls.

 A vibrant city rich in innovation and history, Dayton is celebrated as the birthplace of aviation, but the city has so much more to offer. Dayton’s surrounding areas have such a unique blend of attractions and dining experiences that so many people do not realize that they are available to and ready to try. Here is a guide to help you discover Dayton! 

Restaurants

For steak lovers, Flemings Steakhouse located in beavercreek, a short 15 minute drive from campus, stands out with its expertly crafted 28 day aged filets and impressive red wine selection. Be prepared to dress your best and save room for their delicious lava cake desert that is absolutely worth the wait.The Pine Club right off Brown Street, a Dayton institution since 1947, prides itself on cutting, aging, and preparing steaks in-house, earning accolades for its bone-in filet, be prepared to hit the ATM before hand, the Pine Club is cash only.

Seafood enthusiasts can revel in the offerings of Jay’s Seafood, voted Dayton’s #1 seafood restaurant three years in a row, famous for its salmon, crab cakes, and lobster. Guests always bring up the great atmosphere that comes with dining at Jay’s Seafood. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, Thai 9 just a short 6 minute drive from campus serves up traditional Thai dishes, stir-fries, and fresh seafood that transport diners straight to Thailand, guests compliment their shrimp shumai and even their traditional salads get the rave!

For a taste of classical live music alongside great food, The Paragon Supper Club, founded in 1978, retains its original menu and features traditional classical music performances by an in -house pianist most nights. Meanwhile, Salar Restaurant & Lounge, tucked away in the Oregon district invites guests to enjoy brunch or dinner in one of their multiple private rooms.

If you are looking for something unique try Elsa’s Mexican, known for its potent margaritas and authentic cuisine.If you’re feeling something sweet, Bill’s Donut Shop–which is a personal favorite–is open 24 hours a day and ranked as one of the top donut shops in America by USA Today. 

For pizza lovers, Marion’s Piazza offers what is known as Dayton-style thin crust pizza and has been a local favorite since it was the first pizza shop in the area to offer seating. Even Dayton-native actor Rob Lowe can’t resist a visit when he’s back in town!

In need of a visit to a local brewery? Check out Moeller Brew Barn, which opened its third location in Dayton in 2022, offering 24 craft beers and a full kitchen with homemade pizzas and craft sandwiches. Warped Wing Brewery, named after the Wright brothers’ invention of wing warping, features a diverse menu that includes stouts, IPAs, lagers, hard seltzers, and even non-alcoholic options.

Vinnys Bar and Grill continues to serve homestyle meals that instill nostalgia like its voodoo chili that uses their “special seasoning”. The Hamburger Wagon in Miamisburg has been a staple since 1913, serving delicious burgers to the Miami Valley and has been voted best burger joint in Dayton two years in a row!

For those looking to venture a bit further out of Dayton, Buffalo Jacks in Covington offers exotic meats like alligator and elk, and the historic Golden Lamb in Lebanon, established in 1803, is Ohio’s longest continually operating business, serving as both a restaurant and hotel. 

Coffee lovers will find plenty of options too, which could be the perfect study place off campus! Pettibone offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a diverse menu of coffee staples made from raw green coffee and is definitely a top tier study spot. Winans Coffee and Chocolate are known for its exceptional chocolates and coffee, is just a couple of minutes away from campus and their frozen hot chocolate is a must-try. Ghostlight Coffee, with multiple locations, began in South Park in 2011, is known for its craft espressos and freshly baked goods.

Activities

Beyond the culinary scene, Dayton offers a wealth of activities. The Air Force Museum provides free admission seven days a week, showcasing an extensive collection of aviation history. The Schuster Center Theatre is set to host the hit Broadway show SIX, Chicago – the musical, and various performances by the Dayton Ballet including their version of The Nutcracker 

While Top Golf is just a short drive away for a fun outing for any group, not only do they have golf, you can chill and watch your favorite sports games at the bar, order food straight to your bay and prepare to beat all your friends in the Top Golf version of Angry Birds.

Sports fans can enjoy a night at the ballpark with the Dayton Dragons at DayAir Ballpark, where tickets start at just $12.

Also for all of the art enthusiasts out there, The Dayton Art Institute offers a special admission price of just $5 for students, making it an accessible stop full of cultural and immersive art. 

When it comes to shopping, the Dayton area does not disappoint. The Greene is an open-air mall filled with over 100 stores and restaurants, including popular names like Apple, Lululemon, and Ulta. Austin Landing offers a similar outdoor lifestyle experience with eateries like Chuy’s and Dewey’s Pizza, alongside shops like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sephora, plus a fully operational movie theater. The Fairfield Commons features a variety of stores like Aerie and GNC, alongside restaurants and the immersive dining experience at Black Rock, where you can cook your steak from the comfort of your table.

Just a short drive from Dayton, Downtown Yellow Springs, it’s a perfect destination for those looking to explore outdoor activities during the fall and spring seasons. A hidden gem of Yellow Springs is the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, full of waterfalls and a wetland walkway that you cannot skip over. For a taste of local dairy goodness, Young’s Jersey Dairy located in Yellow Springs is perfect for this time of year, complete with pumpkin patches,corn mazes, and their delicious ice cream–yes, that is the ice cream that University of Dayton serves in Marycrest!

Whether you’re a local or here for the school year, the  Dayton area offers an unforgettable blend of experiences, dining and more that all Flyers must try.