What to eat, drink and do if you’re in Dayton for graduation

It’s May, and graduation season is upon us. If you’re in town for the University of Dayton graduation and are looking for tips on what to eat, drink and what to do, we’ve got you covered.

>> BEST OF DAYTON: The best restaurants, bars and entertainment around town as voted by the people 

>> RELATED: 7 foods that scream DAYTON

PLACES TO GRAB A BITE 

 1. Dewey's Pizza  131 Jasper St, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-223-0000

Dewey's menu features loads of specialty pies, seasonal salads and some of the finest craft beers from all over Ohio. Also, check out our guide to the best Dayton-area pizza.

Credit: Mark Fisher

Credit: Mark Fisher

2. Jimmie’s Ladder 11

936 Brown St, Dayton  WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-222-7072

Stop by this renovated firehouse for some of the best sandwiches and appetizers around town. The patio is a must-visit if the weather is right.

3. Zombie Dogz

1200 Brown St #150, Dayton, OH 45409

WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-951-2942

This hot dog shop with a cult-like following started as a food truck and now has its own store conveniently on Brown Street in the heart of UD's "eating" district. Try the Calling In Dead. Trust us. Housemade white truffle mac'n'cheese topped with Parmesan garlic cracker crumbs atop a delicious hot dog.

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo by Amelia Robinson

>> RELATED: Guide to Dayton food trucks

4. Thai 9 11 Brown St., Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-222-3227

This is worth a short drive out of For over a decade, Thai 9 has delighted Oregon District and Dayton visitors to some of the best Asian cuisine in the Gem City. And if you enjoy your food, spicy, Thai 9 is the place to be.

>> RELATED: 9 of the best brunch spots in Dayton 

PLACES TO GRAB A DRINK
Dayton is known for its surplus of local craft breweries. Explore our local craft beer scene with this guide to breweries.

1. Century Bar 10 S. Jefferson St, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-223-3382

If you're a bourbon and whiskey lover, Century Bar is a must-stop location. Its mind-boggling drink menu features over 200 common and rare bottles!

2. The Dublin Pub 300 Wayne Ave, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-224-7822

If you're mentioning Dayton and the month of March in the same sentence, The Dublin Pub is sure to be part of the conversation. With a lengthy list of bottled, draft and imported beers, coupled with an infectious atmosphere, it’s easy to see why "Dub Pub" is a local favorite. Soak it all up with some Pub Fries. Trust us, the Pub Fries are ah-mazing!

3. Warped Wing Brewing Company 26 Wyandot St, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-223-9205

Warped Wing's Industrial-style tasting room packs in thirsty patrons each and every night who can't wait to get a fresh taste of one of the brewery's iconic beers. Here's a VIP look inside Warped Wing. Hungry? You can also grab a bite at their Spent Grain Grill.

4. Toxic Brew Company 431 E 5th St, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-985-3618

Located smack dab in the heart of the Oregon District, Toxic Brew Company offers a flavor of beer that's sure to tempt the taste buds of any beer drinker, young or old. They've also got cocktails on tap.

>> PHOTOS: Must-try Dayton beers

PLACES TO GO FOR SOMETHING TO DO

Dayton is rich in culture — and these 12 area museums prove it.
1. Dayton Art Institute 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-223-4278

A gem of the Gem City for nearly 100 years, the Dayton Art Institute will entertain all levels of art enthusiasts, and is quite a bargain at $8 per adult. While you're there, check out these 6 can't-miss treasures that are part of DAI's permanent collection.

2. Proto Build Bar 534 E 1st St, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-222-6253

Let's face it: you've always had a burning desire to use a 3-D printer for your wildest creations, whilst enjoying a tasty brew and a satisfying bite to eat. Fortunately, Proto Build Bar meshes all three of those activities under one roof.

3. Scene 75 6196 Poe Ave, Dayton WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-619-3200

Seriously, who doesn't love wall-to-wall video games, go-karts, laser tag, food, drinks and classic arcade games under one roof?

4. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force 1100 Spaatz St, Wright Patterson Air Force Base WebsiteFacebook | Call 937-255-3286

Daytonians take great pride in their city's history, especially when it comes to the history of flight. At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, you'll see first-hand why Dayton is known as the "Birthplace of Aviation." While you're there, here are 5 planes you shouldn't miss. You can also grab a quick bite afterwards -- let our best places to eat near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base be your guide.

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