Don’t be deterred by the old green stove sitting on the side porch or the small pooch patrolling the balcony (and sometimes roof) above.
Down-home goodness is served with a side of friendliness inside Grips Grill.
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Located at 115 Springfield St. near a few Dayton manufacturing companies, Grips has flown under many people’s radars since opening about two years ago.
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We had to give it a try after hearing Dayton Daily News business reporter Kaitlin Schroeder rave about the Big Gripper.
Kaitlin was not overstating the awesomeness of the $5.99 burger — a creation Grips' waitresses said was pulled out of owner Cheree Dunson-Boykin's mind.
It’s a take on a stuffed burger.
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Mushrooms, green peppers, onions, bacon, jalapeno and cheese — American or Swiss — are stuffed between two hamburger meat patties.
The deliciously juicy and only slightly spicy treat is said to be among Grips’ best-sellers.
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Officially open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Friday, Grips offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items.
The diner is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Credit: Anthony Shoemaker
Credit: Anthony Shoemaker
WHAT TO TRY
My lunch companion ordered the Get-A-Grip breakfast with two eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and meat (he selected bacon).
The portion was hearty and all for $7.15. The biscuit and gravy was the star of the dish.
We were told that Boykin’s chicken Philly ($6.99) and cheese steaks (8.99) are among the must- try items at the eatery that offers a 10 percent discount to city employees and Steel Workers.
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Boykin’s whole, unbattered wings also come highly recommended.
Four wings are $3.25. An order of six is $4.50 and a dozen is $9.
Sauce flavors include mild, hot, BBQ, garlic Parmesan and Grippin’ Hot.
There is an assortment of classic diner items from pancakes and omelettes and crispy breaded okra, to quesadillas and a pork tenderloin sandwich.
Liver and onions and chicken liver are served when available.
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Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Specials during our visit included chicken noodles with mashed potatoes and green beans and a chicken dumpling meal.
THE ATMOSPHERE
Grips’ interior is simple with wood paneled walls, about nine chairs around the main counter and about five booths.
A Cleveland Brown’s pennant is on display, as are a few kitschy cutouts and an old Baja Fresh sign that reads: “Food cannot be made at Microwave speed.”
Despite the warning, the food came out fast, tasty and hot.
WANT TO TRY IT?
What: Grips Grill
Where: 115 Springfield St.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Contact: (937) 938-7574 | Facebook
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
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