>> 9 of the best brunch spots in Dayton
No Bloody Mary seems to be made alike, and that’s the beauty. A dash of pepper here, a vodka infusion there, some cayenne pepper or some Worcestershire sauce … you’re not always sure what you’re going to get and that can sometimes be the beauty of it.
We have detailed just a few of our favorites below. If yours is missing from this list, let us know and we’ll start planning a visit.
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Blind Bob's
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937-938-6405
Why it rates: Head to Bob’s for brunch on Sundays and get a serious deal on Bloody Mary’s. The bar’s longtime bartenders know how to deliver a pour that packs a punch, and the mix with a strong olive flavor hits the spot.
Butter Cafe
1106 Brown St., Dayton, 937-985-9917
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Why it rates: One of the best breakfast spots in town also has Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. Head over for brunch and burn it off with a brisk walk at Woodlawn Cemetery and one of the best views of downtown.
Coco's Bistro
250 Warren St., Dayton, 937-228-2626
Why it rates: If only Coco’s did brunch more often …. But when they do, the Bloody Mary puts it right over the top.
Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton, 937-224-7822
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Why it rates: The Dublin Pub’s brunch buffet is outrageously awesome. Their Bloody Mary bar is pretty awesome too. From crisp bacon to a variety of olives and pickles to different sauces and spices they have everything you need to create something tasty.
Lily's Bistro
329 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937-723-7637
Why it rates: The best patio in the Oregon District has a solid Bloody Mary to go with it. The hearty mix can be ordered with vodka or moonshine and the patio out back is the real deal.
Lucky's Taproom & Eatery
520 E. 5th St., Dayton, 937-222-6800
Why it rates: Lucky’s has a modest Bloody Mary bar to dress up your drink, but the restaurant’s Bloody Mary made infused Belle of Dayton vodka combined with Lucky’s brunch is worth a return visit.
Mack's Tavern
369 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville, (937) 813-7217
Why it rates: Last October, Mack’s Tavern took home the gold at the inaugural Bloody Mary Showdown event before it had opened for business. Her BBQ Burger Mary with a small sausage wrapped in caramelized bacon won the crowd over. If a bar takes first place in a Bloody Mary contest, it has to be on a list of the best Bloody Mary’s, so there you have it.
Meadowlark
5531 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, 937-434-4750
Why it rates: This Bloody Mary is a little pricier than some of the others, but it’s beet juice base is refreshing, bright and a nice change of pace.
135 E. 2nd St., Dayton, 937-895-4066
Why it rates: The Bloody Mary mix at this excellent downtown destination is delicious and packed with flavor. Go light on the house made Sriracha — it packs some serious heat. The smooth Belle of Dayton vodka and delicious pickled vegetables tie it up in a perfect package.
Peach's Bar and Grill
104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, 937-767-4850
Why it rates: At $5 a pop, these cocktails made with housemade Bloody Mary mix, vodka and a few items to garnish are a value and a refreshing treat before or after a walk through the Springs.
Rusty Bucket
2812 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton, 937-436-2426
Why it rates: They make a mean Bloody Mary with an equally serious towering garnish at this Dayton Mall tavern. Sundays are the day to get a discount. You can grab a cocktail and then get your shop on.
Tank's Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton, 937-252-2249
Why it rates: Like most of the menu items at Tank’s their Bloody Mary’s are bold, delicious and priced right. They don’t serve hard alcohol on Sundays, but they do serve breakfast throughout the week, which makes six days a week the right time to order a Bloody Mary should the mood hit you.
Trolley Stop
530 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937-461-1101
Why it rates: A huge bar for garnishing both Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s on Saturdays plus the Trolley Stop’s B-Movie Brunch makes this one of our favorite spots in town to grab our favorite crimson cocktail. The vodka pours can sometime vary based on the bartender, but mostly they are generous and the best part is you can tailor your drink to your own taste.
Tumbleweed Connection
454 E. Fifth St., Dayton, 937-228-5500
Why it rates: This is a boozy, no frills, affordable drink. And it tastes even better when sipped from the second floor patio overlooking Fifth Street.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Sunrise Cafe
259 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs, 937-767-7211
Why it rates: We have to get out and try this Bloody Mary. It looks like an entire salad in a glass. It’s impressive and the next stop on our list.
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