The most sizzling steak. The juiciest burger. The most flavorful tacos. The most decadent desserts.
We know, we know -- you get the idea. Without further ado, here are some of your absolute favorite restaurants and dining establishments, and the winners of the Dayton.com Best of 2017!
>> Best of Dayton 2017 Winners: Outdoors, Lifestyle & Recreation
>> Best of Dayton 2017 Winners: Culture, Music & Entertainment
>> Best of Dayton 2017 Winners: Shopping & Services
>> FOOD DEAL: How to get a FREE bowl at this tasty new eatery
Best Asian Food
WINNER: Ozu852
852 Union Blvd, Clayton | 937-832-3000 | ozu852.com | Facebook
It’s been highly praised as having some of the best sushi in the region, but their Chinese menu is nothing to sniff at, either. Several highly-rated customer reviews rave about the spring rolls, the soft shell crab, and the fried rice.
SECOND PLACE: Sky Asian Cuisine, 4090 Wilmington Pike, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Thai 9, 11 Brown St, Dayton
Best Bakery
WINNER: Ashley’s Pastry Shop
21 Park Ave., Dayton | 937-293-1719 | ashleyspastries.com | Facebook
Maybe you've heard of their apple fritters, which are as big as your head. Or maybe you're a fan of the original 'cronut,' a delicious, flaky, chewy croissant turned into a glazed sweet treat. Or maybe, like Dayton native and recent Golden Globe award-winner Allison Janney, you're a fan of their sand tarts. Either way, we can't recommend this place enough.
>> These cookies are so good that Allison Janney gets them specially delivered on set
>> Allison Janney: “Dayton spawns great people”
SECOND PLACE: ele Cake Co, three locations: 810 East Dixie Dr., West Carrollton; 1279 North Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek; 3680 Rigby Road, Miamisburg
THIRD PLACE: Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
Best BBQ
WINNER: PA's Pork
(937) 508-1308 | Facebook
This year’s winner is the first time a food truck has snagged top honors for Best BBQ, but we’re on board. This truck is still making rounds in the winter at various events, restaurants and brewpubs. Follow their Facebook page to keep tabs on where they’ll be. Specializing in unique BBQ sandwiches, top recommended dishes include pulled pork nachos, sauerkraut balls, The Pig Apple (smoked pork, braised cinnamon apples and sharp white cheddar on a toasted bun), and the schnitzel.
SECOND PLACE: Smokin' Barrels food truck, location details on Facebook
THIRD PLACE: City Barbecue, two locations: 2330 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek; 5 East Franklin St., Centerville;
Best Bloody Mary
WINNER: Mack’s Tavern
381 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Washington Twp. | 937-813-7217 | mackstavern.com | Facebook
Self-described as a “laid-back neighborhood bar and grill,” this spot has made quite a name for itself. Opened in 2015, it has built up a loyal clientele and a highly-reviewed menu, including the Bloody Marys. In fact, Mack’s Tavern’s secret recipe tied for first place in 2017’s Bloody Mary Showdown.
>> PHOTOS: 2018 Bloody Mary Showdown
SECOND PLACE: Pour Haus, 536 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Bunkers Sports Bar & Grill, 893 E. National Rd., Vandalia
Best Breakfast
WINNER: Blueberry Cafe
72 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook | 937-848-5900 | Facebook
“After you find yourself stuffed from the most satisfying brunch of your life, ‘The Muffin Man’ comes around to entice you with warm, homemade muffins you simply can’t resist — no matter how stuffed you are.” That’s from Onlyinyourstate.com, which honored this spot as one of the top restaurants for brunch in the state of Ohio. Dishes of note: the French toast platter, breakfast burrito, and waffles, to name few.
>> 2 local restaurants make 'Top Brunch in Ohio' list
SECOND PLACE: Tank's Bar & Grill, 2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Butter Cafe, 1106 Brown St., Dayton
Best Brunch
WINNER: Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Lily's Bistro, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Meadowlark, 5531 Far Hills Ave., Dayton
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Best Burger
WINNER: Slyder’s Tavern
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton | 937-258-1222 | Website | Facebook
This isn’t the first time Slyder’s topped the list, and it likely won’t be the last. The 65-plus-year business in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood consistently appears on -- and often topping -- ‘best burger’ lists. Heck, we’d put it up against the state’s top burgers, too.
>> Secrets behind Slyder's sinfully juicy burgers
SECOND PLACE: Five Guys, 1143 Brown St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Watermark, 20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg
Best Cheap Eats
WINNER: Hamburger Wagon
12 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg | 937-847-2442 | Website | Facebook
Taking a look at the menu, it’s easy to see why these prices are impossible to beat. Hamburger Wagon offers a single for $1.25, a double for $2.50, chips for $1.25 and a drink for $1.25. Hamburgers are served simply, with pickle, onion, salt and pepper (their website reads: “No stinkin’ cheese or sloppy sauces!). Bonus: it was ranked as one of the top 100 hamburgers in the United States in the book “Hamburger America.”
>> 11 more must-eat sandwiches in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Mack's Tavern, 381 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Washington Twp.
THIRD PLACE: Slyder's Tavern, 836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton
Best Cocktails
WINNER: The Century
10 S. Jefferson St., Dayton | 937-223-3382 | Facebook | Website
One of Dayton’s favorite watering holes, The Century was named one of “America’s 80 Best Bourbon Bars” for the fifth consecutive year by The Bourbon Review. And while bourbon’s certainly its forte, it makes one hell of a cocktail, bourbon or not.
>> Downtown bar makes ‘best of’ national list
>> What’s the oldest bar in Dayton?
SECOND PLACE: Salar, 400 E. 5th St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Watermark, 20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg
>> We’re melting over Ghostlight’s new menu
Best Coffeehouse (chain or local)
WINNER: Ghostlight Coffee
1201 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-985-2633 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Boston Stoker, multiple locations: 34 W. 2nd St., Dayton; 8321 N Main St, Dayton; 10855 Engle Rd, Vandalia
THIRD PLACE: Press, 257 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Best Craft Beer Selection
WINNER: Ollie’s Place
518-20 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville | 937-723-8998 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St., Dayton
Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson
Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson
Best Deli
WINNER: Canal Street Arcade & Deli
308 E. 1st St., Dayton | 937-220-9333 | Facebook | Website
>> 5 sandwiches we love at Canal Street Arcade & Deli
SECOND PLACE: Flyboy's Deli, 2515 Far Hills Ave, Dayton; second location coming soon to 2729 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek
THIRD PLACE: Charlie's Deli, 429 Troy St, Dayton
Best Dessert
WINNER: Chocolate Stout Cupcakes at Ginniebug’s Creations
2182 N. Dayton-Lakeview Rd., New Carlisle | 937-9997878 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Sweet Potato Caramel Cake at Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Highland Stag, 75 N. Main St., Springboro
Best Diner
WINNER: George’s Family Restaurant
5216 N. Dixie Dr., Dayton | 937-275-0705 | Facebook | Website
>> 6 must-try Dayton-area diners
SECOND PLACE: Hasty Tasty Pancake House, 3509 Linden Ave., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: 416 Diner, 416 E. 5th St., Dayton
>> You'll love this cheap late-night eat in Dayton's Oregon District
Best Donuts
WINNER: Bill’s Donut Shop
268 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-0002 | Facebook | Website
>> Bill’s Donut shop named 1 of the 2 ‘Best in America’
SECOND PLACE: Jim's Donuts, 122 E. National Rd., Vandalia
THIRD PLACE: Bear Creek Donuts, 80 S. Main St., Miamisburg
>> 8 of the best Dayton-area donuts
Best Fine Dining
WINNER: Watermark
20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg | 937-802-0891 | Facebook | Website
>> The new Watermark restaurant is open -- and you’ve got to taste their food
SECOND PLACE: The Oakwood Club, 2414 Far Hills Ave., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: The Pine Club, 1926 Brown St., Dayton
Best Food Truck
WINNER: Zombie Dogz
Facebook | Website | Brick-and-mortar store: 1200 Brown St., Dayton
SECOND PLACE: PA's Pork; see scheduled events on Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Greek Street Food Truck; see scheduled events on Facebook
Best French Fries
WINNER: Five Guys
1143 Brown St., Dayton | (937) 222-2325 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Corner Kitchen, 613 E. 5th St., Dayton
>> 6 of the most delicious French fries in Dayton
Best Ice Cream
WINNER: Graeters
Multiple locations: 2412 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood; 2330 N Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek; 2 N. Main St., Centerville
>> 7 great places to get frozen treats in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: JD's Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, 322 Union Blvd #A, Englewood
THIRD PLACE: Young's Dairy, 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs
Best Indian Food
WINNER: Amar India
2751 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton | 937-439-9005 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Jeet India, 2750 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek
THIRD PLACE: Ajanta India, 3063 Woodman Dr., Kettering
Best Italian Food
WINNER: Mamma DiSalvo’s
1375 E. Stroop Rd., Dayton | 937-299-5831 | Facebook | Website
>> Best places to get pasta in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Franco's Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. 5th St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Jimmy's Italian Kitchen, 3002 Woodman Dr., Kettering
Best Late-Night Grub
WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
>> Tanks Bar & Grill has new late-night hours (Oct. 2017)
SECOND PLACE: Mack's Tavern, 381 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Washington Twp.
THIRD PLACE: Waffle House, multiple locations: 4382 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek; 2226 Needmore Rd., Dayton; 9295 N. Main St., Dayton; 7800 Brandt Pike, Dayton; 4912 N. Springboro Pike, Moraine; 1107 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn; 3998 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn
Best Local Brewery
WINNER: Warped Wing Brewing Company
26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Hairless Hare Brewery, 738 W. National Rd., Vandalia
THIRD PLACE: Yellow Springs Brewery, 101 Dayton St., Yellow Springs
Best Locally-Made Spirits
WINNER: Belle of Dayton
122 Van Buren St., Dayton | 937-867-2355 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Buckeye Vodka, 827 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Stillwrights Distillery, 5380 Intrastate Dr., Fairborn
Best Margarita
WINNER: Elsa’s
Multiple locations: 1227 Wilmington Ave., Dayton; 3618 Linden Ave., Dayton; 1216 E. Stroop Rd., Dayton; 6318 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
>> Best places to get margaritas in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: El Meson, 903 E Dixie Dr, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: El Toro Mexican Bar and Grill, multiple locations: 4448 Indian Ripple Rd, Dayton; 2915 Harshman Rd, Dayton; 6770 Miller Ln, Dayton; 2335 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton; 1375 N Fairfield Rd, Dayton; more online
Best Mediterranean/Greek Dining
WINNER: Olive Mediterranean Grill
6129 N Dixie Dr, Dayton | 937-264-1455 | Facebook | Website
>> The amazing lunch platter is just ONE reason to try Olive Mediterranean Grill
SECOND PLACE: Pasha Grill, 72 Plum St, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Gyro Palace, 57 South Springboro Pike, Miamisburg
Credit: File Photo
Credit: File Photo
Best Mexican Food
WINNER: El Toro Mexican Bar & Grill
Multiple Locations: 4448 Indian Ripple Rd, Dayton; 2915 Harshman Rd, Dayton; 6770 Miller Ln, Dayton; 2335 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton; 1375 N Fairfield Rd, Dayton; more online
>> 10 of Dayton’s best Mexican food spots
SECOND PLACE: Taqueria Mixteca, 1609 E. 3rd St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: El Rancho Grande, multiple locations: 1200 Brown St, Dayton; 1450 W Dorothy Ln, Dayton; 4139 Wilmington Pike, Kettering; 2008 S Alex Rd, West Carrollton
Best Patio
WINNER: Little York Tavern
4120 Little York Rd, Dayton | (937) 890-6700 | Facebook | Website
>> Your guide to the best patios in and around Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Trolley Stop, 530 E. 5th St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Bargos Grill & Tap, 588 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Centerville
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Best Pizza (local or chain)
WINNER: Old Scratch Pizza
812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton | (937) 331-5357 | Facebook | Website
>> Your guide to the best pizza in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Kramer's, 1018 Irving Ave, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Joe's Pizzeria, 4313 Airway Rd, Dayton
Best Place for a Business Lunch
WINNER: Flyboys Deli
2515 Far Hills Ave, Dayton | Facebook | Website
>> Take a sneak peek inside the new Flyboy’s Deli location
SECOND PLACE: Table 33, 130 W 2nd St, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Coco's Bistro, 250 Warren St., Dayton
Best Place to Take a Date
WINNER: Watermark
20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg | 937-802-0891 | Facebook | Website
>> The new Watermark restaurant is open -- and you’ve got to taste their food
SECOND PLACE: D20: A Bar With Characters, 2144 E Whipp Rd, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Coldwater Cafe, 19 E Main St, Tipp City
Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
WINNER: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: The Oakwood Club, 2414 Far Hills Ave., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Marion's Piazza, multiple locations: 711 Shroyer Road; 3443 N. Dixie Drive; 8991 Kingsridge Drive; 50 E. Stroop Road; 241 N. Main Street, Centerville; 1320 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek; 404 W. National Road, Englewood; 1270 Experiment Farm Road, Troy; 6176 Soundwave Blvd., Mason
Best Sandwich
WINNER: Mackenzie Reuben, The Highland Stag
75 N. Main St., Springboro | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: The War Pig, Drunken Waffle; follow the food truck on Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Liberty Reuben, Flyboy's Deli; 2515 Far Hills Ave., Dayton
Best Seafood
WINNER: Jay’s Seafood
225 E 6th St, Dayton | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Sweeneys Seafood Bar & Grill, 28 W Franklin St, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Bonefish Grill, 2818 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton
Best Secret Menu Item
WINNER: Ice Cream at Spinoza’s Pizza & Salads
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd, Beavercreek | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Grid Iron Burger at The Highland Stag, 75 N. Main St., Springboro
THIRD PLACE: Cross Sauce at The Growler Pub & Grub, 3808 Wilmington Pike, Dayton
Best Steak
WINNER: The Pine Club
Brown St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
>> Dayton’s Pine Club named one of the nation’s best steakhouses
SECOND PLACE: The Oakwood Club, 2414 Far Hills Ave, Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Longhorn Steakhouse, multiple locations: 6418 Miller Ln, Dayton; 1921 W Dorothy Ln, Moraine
Best Sushi
WINNER: Ozu852
852 Union Blvd, Clayton | 937-832-3000
SECOND PLACE: Kabuki Korean Restaurant and Sushi Bar,
THIRD PLACE: Sky Asian Cuisine, 4090 Wilmington Pike, Dayton
Best Taco
WINNER: Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E. 3rd St., Dayton | Facebook | Website
>> 4 great places to get tacos in Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Victor's Tacos, multiple locations: 1438 N Keowee St, Dayton; 6418 Chambersburg Rd., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: R Taco, 1822 Brown St., Dayton
Best Vegan Dining
WINNER: Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery
520 E. 5th St., Dayton | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Christopher's Restaurant, 2318 E Dorothy Lane, Kettering
THIRD PLACE: Wheat Penny Oven & Bar, 515 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Best Wine Selection (restaurant)
WINNER: Wine Gallery
5 W. Monument Ave., Dayton | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Jay's Seafood, 225 E. 6th St., Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Ray's Wine Spirits Grill, 8268 N Main St, Dayton
Best Wings
WINNER: Bunkers Sports Bar & Grill
893 E National Rd, Vandalia | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Lock 27 Brewing, two locations: 329 E 1st St, Dayton; 1035 S. Main St., Centerville
THIRD PLACE: Hairless Hare Brewery, 738 W National Rd, Vandalia
Friendliest Staff / Best Customer Service
WINNER: MJ’s on Jefferson
20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Mack's Tavern, 381 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Washington Twp.
THIRD PLACE: The Highland Stag, 75 N. Main St., Springboro
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