There are plenty of ways to eat in the open air in Dayton. Here are a few of our faves.
The Dixie Dreem
4542 S. Dixie Drive, Moraine | 937-293-2479
Photo of Dixie Dairy Dreem (Source / The Dixie Dairy Dreem )
Why you'll love it: The Dayton tradition for more than a half century has more than 25 ice cream flavors in addition to shakes, freezes, malts and those Artic Swirls.
That doesn't even hit on the cheese coneys, thin cut pork tenderloins, onion rings and fries.
Incidentally, Ron Enderle, Dixie Dreem's current owner, says legend has it that the stand's orginal owner intentionally misspelled the words "arctic" and "dream" when the business was opened.
RiverScape MetroPark
237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton | 937-275-7275 | Facebook
Through the spray of water from the Fountain of Lights at RiverScape MetroPark is a view of downtown Dayton. Staff / Connie Post
Why you'll love it: When it comes to outdoor eating opportunities, Five Rivers MetroParks has you more than covered -- like finding a perfect picnic spot, for example.
With the views of downtown, the river and the Fountain of Lights, RiverScape has one of the most unique experiences to picnic and relax.
The park's snack bar is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and there is a program of lunchtime music and food trucks through September.
Voltzy's Root Beer Stand
4668 Springboro Pike, Moraine | 937-299-1440| Facebook
Voltzy’s is another that is better known for their burgers, but when their slaw dogs and coneys are on special, there’s nowhere else you should go. They’re only open for lunch, but man, what a lunch. Photos: Vivienne Machi (left)/Facebook (right)
Why you'll love it: There is nothing better than a root beer and a hamburger with a side of sass.
>> 4 places to cool off with a Root Beer Float
People go to Voltzy's for the delicious burgers and fries.
The floor show in the form of owner Rick Volz's witty commentary is thrown in free of charge.
Vivienne Machi and I swung by Voltzy's Rootbeer Stand today after talking to a creative guy about tattooes. Apparent we ordered the wrong THINGS.Voltzy's Stephie is a big girl.
The Hamburger Wagon
12 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg | 937-847-2442 | Facebook
The Hamburger Wagon knows how to make a burger.
It should. It's been serving the Dayton area for 100 years and has been ranked as one of the top 150 Hamburger Joints in the U.S. by "Hamburger America."
The meat's the star of these burgers. They come with pickles, onions, salt and pepper. Get a single for $1.25 or a double for $2.50.
Pick a Patio
Come on, there are few things better than a patio for a summer meal. Luckily, the Dayton area restaurants, taverns and bars have plenty of patio seating.
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