Now is the perfect time to celebrate dining or drinking al fresco with good weather slipping through the cracks.
Patio dining has become more important than ever for diners craving the restaurant experience in the safest possible setting.
>> 12 of the BEST restaurants in Dayton
Here is a lengthy list of some of Dayton’s most spectacular patios to consider visiting for dinner, snacks, a beer or cocktails the next time you walk out the door and are happy with the air that greets you.
Please research each of your favorites before you go, as restaurant hours and opening status are rapidly evolving amid the coronavirus pandemic. Click here for a guide to what’s open in downtown Dayton compiled by the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
BARGOS
588 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville | www.bargosgrill.com
Why it rates: The patio features an outside connection to the bar so you can stay outside in the sunshine.
BASIL’S ON MARKET DAYTON
312 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | basilsonmarket.com
Why it rates: Few things are better than beautiful, delicious drinks and food overlooking the Great Miami River and the Riverscape fountains all summer long.
BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE
The Greene, 4459 Cedar Park Drive, Beavercreek | www.brioitalian.com
Why it rates: This is the best patio at The Greene when it comes to a perfect view of Towne Square and the fountains. Sip on some wine and enjoy some bites or a hearty Italian meal while soaking up all of the action.
BLIND BOB’S
430 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.blindbobs.com
Why it rates: This patio is very laid-back and chill and a prime people-watching spot in Dayton’s Oregon District. Enjoy that people watching with a nice cold beer and a famous Bob’s burger.
CARILLON BREWING COMPANY
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton | carillonbrewingco.org
Why it rates: This spacious patio overlooks the gorgeous Carillon Historical Park. It overlooks the park. it’s spacious. Enjoy a peaceful evening with some really old-school brews.
CARMEL’S SOUTHWEST GRILL
1025 Shroyer Road, Dayton | www.carmelsgrill.com
Why it rates: The best part of Carmel’s is its patio, if you ask us. Unwind with a cool refreshing margarita and Tex-Mex eats on this casual patio that makes everyone feel instantly welcome and relaxed.
THE CAROLINE
5 S. Market St., Troy | thecarolineonthesquare.com
Why it rates: Enjoy the perfect view of Troy’s fountain and picturesque public square while sipping a scrumptious craft cocktail or enjoying a fine meal. This patio is small but mighty.
CARVER’S STEAKS & CHOPS
1535 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville | carversdayton.com
Why it rates: A casual place to enjoy a fine meal. Pro tip: Carver’s hosts parking lot and patio parties that are always a huge hit.
CHUY’S (AUSTIN LANDING)
Austin Landing, 10445 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg | www.chuys.com/locations/ohio/dayton
Why it rates: The perfect margarita is best enjoyed on the perfect patio that overlooks the beautiful Park at Austin Landing.
COCO’S BISTRO
250 Warren St., Dayton | www.228coco.com
Why it rates: Those in search of a little romance need not look further than Coco’s cool, inviting covered patio. It’s perfect for date night.
CORNER KITCHEN
613 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.afinerdiner.com
Why it rates: The corner view at Fifth and Wayne offers a spectacular view of Dayton’s nightlife.
DAYTON BEER COMPANY
41 Madison St., Dayton | Website
Why it rates: A variety of games, locally-crafted brews and the buzz of the city make this spot a patio favorite.
DOUBLE 18 LOUNGE
1818 Brown Street above Timothy’s Bar | timothys-bar-grill.myshopify.com/
Why it rates: Timothy’s Bar near UD has a hidden treasure: a rooftop patio that’s part of the Double 18 Lounge located above Timothy’s.
DUBLIN PUB
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | dubpub.com
Why it rates: This is one of the most chill patios in the city. Sit under an umbrella and order a pint and a side of ooey-gooey Pub fries.
EL MESON
903 E. Dixie Drive, Dayton | www.elmeson.net
Why it rates: Escape with a little help from El Meson, its delicious drinks and tapas and its famous patios. Yes, patios plural.
ELE CAKE BISTRO & WINE BAR
3680 Rigby Road, Miamisburg | www.elecakeco.com/category/bistro
Why it rates: This intimate bistro and wine bar at Austin Landing offers the perfect setting for wine al fresco with a perfect view of Austin Landing.
ELSA’S CORNER CANTINA
6204 Wilmington Pike in the Sugarcreek Plaza | elsas.net
Why it rates: This breezy covered patio that also features an outdoor bar includes five TVs perfect for game day. The only thing that will make it better is a Bad Juan.
ELSA’S KETTERING SPORTS GRILL
1216 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | elsas.net
Why it rates: This covered patio is lively, huge and a popular destination on game day, with TVs outside. Again, Bad Juans are required.
FIFTH STREET BREWPUB
1600 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.fifthstreet.coop
Why it rates: Think of this as a beer garden with homegrown brews and tasty eats in a casual, picnic-table setting.
FLYBOYS OAKWOOD
2515 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | flyboysdeli.com
Why it rates: Head up the stairs of the deli and find yourself on a balcony with tables and umbrellas overlooking Far Hills Avenue.
FRANCO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO
824 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.francos-italiano.com
Why it rates: This patio offers great ambiance and is perfect for date night. While you’re there, drink some wine and enjoy some of Franco’s World Famoso Spaghetti.
JIMMIE’S LADDER 11
936 Brown St., Dayton | www.jladder11.com
Why it rates: Potted plants help set the mood on this beautifully decorated and relaxed patio near UD. There is plenty of room for the entire gang.
LA FIESTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
836 W. Main St., Troy | lafiestatroyoh.com
Why it rates: La Fiesta always draws a crowd and one of the reasons why is its adorable rooftop patio. Grab a giant margarita, frozen, and some fajita nachos and you’re set for a fun night with friends.
LILY’S BISTRO
329 E. 5th St., Dayton | lilysbistro.com
Why it rates: Lily’s has three patios with personality, including two that face Fifth Street. The restaurant’s beautifully landscaped back patio is a not-so-secret oasis that can accommodate up to 500 people.
LITTLE YORK TAVERN
4120 Little York Road, Vandalia | www.littleyorktavern.net
Why it rates: The spacious outdoor area features charming archways for you to sit beneath as you enjoy pizza and brews. There’s a reason this patio is usually a Best of Dayton winner.
MUDLICK TAP HOUSE
135 E. Second St., Dayton | mudlicktaphouse.com
Why it rates: This cozy little patio offers a great view of the downtown scene and a nice intimate spot to enjoy a cold fancy brew and a pretzel with bier cheese.
OLD SCRATCH PIZZA
812 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | www.oldscratchpizza.com
Why it rates: Old Scratch has quickly grown a loyal following for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and its communal hall seating. Step outside to the spacious patio and you’ll find your new happy place.
THE OREGON EXPRESS
336 E. Fifth St., Dayton | www.oregonexpressdayton.com
Why it rates: The patio may not no-frills, but you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Oregon District that is best enjoyed with delicious pizza.
PASHA GRILL
The Greene, 72 Plum St., Beavercreek | www.pashagrill.com
Why it rates: This gorgeous covered patio overlooks The Greene. Try some authentic Turkish cuisine including hummus, baba ganoush, falafel and feta cheese rolls.
PEACH’S BAR AND GRILL
104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | www.peachsgrill.com
Why it rates: Chill out with good food, good beer and people watching with a visit to this Yellow Springs covered patio.
RON’S PIZZA TAVERN
1 S. Main St., Miamisburg | ronspizza.com
Why it rates: This patio is a great place to relax with friends with good pizza, good company, good beer and good music on Wednesdays.
SOUTH PARK TAVERN
1301 Wayne Ave., Dayton | southparktavern.com
Why it rates: Some of Dayton’s best pizza should be enjoyed in a cozy, friendly setting.
TABLE 33
130 W. Second St., Dayton | www.table33dayton.com
Why it rates: This is the perfect downtown gathering place for friends to enjoy Dayton craft beer and craft cocktails, delicious coffee and easily shareable small plates.
THAI 9
11 Brown St., Dayton | www.thai9restaurant.com
Why it rates: Sushi and Thai noodles and fried rice are the stars of the menu. But one of the best parts about Thai 9 is that it offers casual outdoor seating and is open for lunch and dinner.
TJ CHUMPS
1100 East Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn
12 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg
559 S. Main St., Englewood
7050 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights
Why it rates: One of the best features of this family-friendly sports restaurant chain is its covered patio and bar, TVs and fans.
THE PUB BEAVERCREEK
The Greene, 39 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek | experiencethepub.com
Why it rates: With two patios to choose from, this is a great spot to hit before the weather cools — or after — for its European-inspired bar and delicious English grub.
THE TROLLEY STOP
530 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.trolleystopdayton.com
Why it rates: It is a hidden garden in the middle of the city where you can read a book over lunch, a chill place to catch up with friends or a place to be seen by anyone who wants to look. It’s the reigning champ for best patio in Best of Dayton for good reason.
RAY’S WINE SPIRITS GRILL
8268 N. Main St., Clayton | www.rayswinespiritsgrill.com
Why it rates: This retail wine shop also doubles as a restaurant with a patio. It’s worth getting on the radar.
RIP RAP ROADHOUSE
6024 Rip Rap Road, Dayton | www.ripraproadhouse.com
Why it rates: This biker bar is a great place to enjoy outdoor live music on a spacious bar/patio.
ROOST MODERN ITALIAN
524 E. 5th St., Dayton | www.roostdayton.com
Why it rates: This patio is more of a four-season dining room with an open-air feel that’s perfect for date night or a night out with friends.
SMITHS’ BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT
439 N. Elm St., Troy | smithsboathouse.com
Why it rates: Seafood is meant to be enjoyed outdoors with a river view. That’s what you get at this restaurant.
WHEAT PENNY OVEN AND BAR
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | www.wheatpennydayton.com
Why it rates: Nothing goes better with vino and pizza than outdoors. The covered patio is great for groups, too.
THE WINDS
215 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | www.windscafe.com
Why it rates: This patio combined with the amazing food will make you feel like you’re at a European bistro.
YE OLDE TRAIL TAVERN
228 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | www.thetrailtavern.com
Why it rates: You get a front-row seat to people watch in the heart of downtown Yellow Springs