Best of Dayton 2017 Winners: Food & Dining

The most sizzling steak. The juiciest burger. The most flavorful tacos. The most decadent desserts.

>> This Wahlburgers restaurant is now OPEN -- and it's just a short drive from Dayton

>> FINALLY: Taco Bell’s crispy, cheesy Nacho Fries have landed in Dayton

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!

>> Dayton.com Best of 2017 Winners: Bars & Nightlife

>> 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.comFacebook

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.comFacebook 

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | WebsiteFacebook

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 | WebsiteFacebook

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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

FacebookWebsite | 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 | FacebookWebsite

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

FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite 

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

FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite 

>> 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

FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | WebsiteFacebook

>> 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 

ozu852.com | Facebook

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 | FacebookWebsite

>> 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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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 | FacebookWebsite

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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