Best of Dayton is back for 2021, and the champions in the returning contests are looking to repeat.
Some of the categories have changed for this year, but here’s a look at the winners and second- and third-place finishers from the 2019-20 contest.
And click the card below to nominate!
Some of Dayton's favorites from past contests:
» Where to find the best BBQ in town
» Diners deliver old-school charm and delicious eats
» The ultimate Dayton chili guide
» 3 Italian restaurants every Daytonian must try
» Best places to go for a fine dining experience
» The 3 best destinations for chicken wings
Arts, Entertainment and Music
BEST ARCADE/GAMING
🥇WINNER: Scene75
6196 Poe Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Canal Street Arcade & Deli
308 E. 1st St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: DK Effect
1600 E. Third St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST ART GALLERY
🥇WINNER: Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Front Street Studio Gallery
1001 E. 2nd St. Bldg 100, Dayton | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Edward A. Dixon Gallery
12 S. Ludlow St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
🥇WINNER: Beaver-Vu Bowl
1238 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Poelking Lanes South
8871 Kingsridge Drive, Centerville | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Poelking Woodman Lanes
3200 Woodman Drive, Kettering | Website | Facebook
BEST COMEDY CLUB
🥇WINNER: Dayton Funny Bone
88 Plum St., Beavercreek | 937-429-5233 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wiley’s Comedy Club
101 Pine St., Dayton | 937-224-5653 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Black Box Improv Theater
518 E. 3rd St., Dayton | 937-369-0747 | Website | Facebook
BEST CONCERT VENUE
🥇WINNER: Rose Music Center at The Heights
6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Fraze Pavilion
695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Schuster Center
1 W. 2nd St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST COUNTY FAIR
🥇WINNER: The Great Darke County Fair
800 Sweitzer St., Greenville | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Montgomery County Fair
645 Infirmary Road, Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Greene County Fair
120 Fairground Road, Xenia | Website | Facebook
BEST DANCE GROUP
🥇WINNER: Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
85 Woodman Drive, Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Dayton Ballet
126 N. Main St., Suite 210, Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
840 Germantown St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST FESTIVAL
🥇WINNER: Dayton Celtic Festival
SECOND PLACE: Troy Strawberry Festival
THIRD PLACE: Yellow Springs Street Fair
BEST FISH FRY
🥇WINNER: Kettering Alter High School
SECOND PLACE: Carroll High School in Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Our Lady of the Rosary
BEST FOOD TRUCK EVENT
🥇WINNER: Yellow Cab Food Truck Rallies
SECOND PLACE: Bites in the Heights at Rose Music Center
THIRD PLACE: Miami County Food Truck Rally
BEST GALA
🥇WINNER: Dayton Art Institute Art Ball
SECOND PLACE: Humane Society of Greater Dayton Pet Afflaire
THIRD PLACE: Wright State ArtsGala
BEST GOLF COURSE
🥇WINNER: Yankee Trace
10000 Yankee St., Centerville | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: NCR Country Club
4435 Dogwood Trail, Kettering | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Beavercreek Golf Club
2800 New Germany Trebein Road, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook
BEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION
🥇WINNER: Land of Illusion
8762 Thomas Road, Middletown | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Lewisburg Haunted Cave
4392 Swishers Mill Road, Lewisburg | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Kings Island Haunt
6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Mill | Website | Facebook
BEST HOLIDAY TRADITION
🥇WINNER: The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill
75 Water St., Clifton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: A Carillon Christmas
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Rike’s Christmas windows at the Schuster Center
1 W. 2nd St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST INTERACTIVE GAMING VENUE
🥇WINNER: Top Golf
9568 Water Front Drive, West Chester | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wild Axe Throwing
3251 Seajay Drive, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Breakout Games Dayton
8120 Washington Village Drive, Washington Twp. | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
🥇WINNER: Leslea Hipp
SECOND PLACE: Tiffany Clark
THIRD PLACE: Michelle Carr
BEST LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN
🥇WINNER: Summer Highway Band
SECOND PLACE: Until Rust
THIRD PLACE: The Fries Band
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
🥇WINNER: Fifth & Ludlow
SECOND PLACE: The Brohio Podcast
THIRD PLACE: Hall Around Town (Scott Hall)
BEST LOCAL THEATER GROUP
🥇WINNER: The Human Race Theatre Company
126 N. Main St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Dayton Playhouse
1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Black Box Improv Theater
513 E. 3rd St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST MOVIE THEATER
🥇WINNER: Cinemark at The Greene
4489 Glengarry Drive, Beavercreek | Website
SECOND PLACE: The Neon
130 E. 5th St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Cinépolis Dayton
10251 Penny Lane, Miamisburg | Website
BEST MURAL
🥇WINNER: Gateway to the Oregon District mural
SECOND PLACE: Love You — Suicide Awareness mural
THIRD PLACE: Dayton Funk mural
BEST MUSEUM
🥇WINNER: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION
🥇WINNER: Dayton Art Institute Oktoberfest
SECOND PLACE: Minster Oktoberfest
THIRD PLACE: Springboro Oktoberfest
BEST PLACE FOR A BACHELOR PARTY
🥇WINNER: Top Golf
9568 Water Front Drive, West Chester | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Diamonds Cabaret
960 Miamisburg- Centerville Road, Miami Twp. | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Wild Axe Throwing
3251 Seajay Drive, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE FOR A BACHELORETTE PARTY
🥇WINNER: Masque
Currently closed and seeking to reopen in new location | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Raise Your Brush
169 N Main St,, Centerville | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Barrel House
417 E. Third St., Dayton | 937-222-4795 | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY
🥇WINNER: Scene75
6196 Poe Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Magic Castle
4990 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN THE KIDS
🥇WINNER: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs | 937-325-0629 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Scene75
6196 Poe Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC
🥇WINNER: Levitt Pavilion Dayton
134 S. Main St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Yellow Cab Tavern
700 E. 4th St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL
🥇WINNER: Kings Table Bar & Grill
2348 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Airway Billiards
2611 Needmore Road, Dayton | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Mack’s Tavern
381 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | 937-813-7217 | Website | Facebook
HONORABLE MENTION: Southern Belle
134 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | Facebook
BEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION
🥇WINNER: Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Flanagan’s Pub
101 E. Stewart St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Harrigan’s Tavern
4070 Marshall Road, Kettering | Website | Facebook
Bars, beer, breweries and nightlife
BEST BARTENDER
🥇WINNER: Matt Ross, The Barrel House
417 E. Third St., Dayton | 937-222-4795 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Randi Hamblin, Kings Point Pub
4660 Wilmington Pike, Dayton | 937-296-1915 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Chad McKanna, Buffalo Wild Wings (Kettering)
262 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-424-3999 | Website | Facebook
BEST BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR SHOP
🥇WINNER: Arrow Wine & Spirits
615 Lyons Road, Centerville | 937 433-6778 | 2950 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-298-1456 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Belmont Party Supply
2621 Smithville Road, Dayton | 937-252-4724 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Barrel House
417 E. Third St., Dayton | 937-222-4795 | Website | Facebook
BEST BLOODY MARY
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Trolley Stop
530 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-461-1101 | Website | Facebook
BEST COCKTAILS
🥇WINNER: The Century Bar
18 S. Jefferson St., Dayton | 937-223-3382 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wheat Penny
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Salar
400 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-203–3999 | Website | Facebook
BEST CRAFT BEER BAR
🥇WINNER: The Barrel House
417 E. Third St., Dayton | 937-222-4795 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Bunkers Sports Bar and Grill
893 E. National Road, Vandalia | 937-890-8899 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Chappys Social House
7880 Washington Village Drive, Washington Twp. | (937) 439-9200 | Website | Facebook
BEST DANCE CLUB
🥇WINNER: Masque
Currently closed and seeking to reopen in new location | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Julia’s Nite Club
8939 Kingsridge Drive, Miami Twp. | 937-439-2422 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Ned Peppers
419 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-224-4888 | Website | Facebook
BEST DIVE BAR
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar and Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Hole in the Wall
423 E. Fifth St., Dayton | (937) 813-2033 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Mack’s Tavern
381 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | 937-813-7217 | Website | Facebook
BEST GAY BAR
🥇WINNER: Masque
Currently closed and seeking to reopen in new location | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: MJ’s on Jefferson
20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton | 937-223-3259 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Stage Door
44 N. Jefferson St., Dayton | 937-223-7418 | Facebook
BEST HAPPY HOUR
🥇WINNER: Trolley Stop
530 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-461-1101 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Mack’s Tavern
381 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | 937-813-7217 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Bennett’s Publical Family Sports Grill
67 S. Main St., Miamisburg | 937-866-4200 | Website | Facebook
BEST KARAOKE
🥇WINNER: Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Soft Rock Cafe
877 E Franklin St., Centerville | 937-438-3093 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Masque
Currently closed and seeking to reopen in new location | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
🥇WINNER: Warped Wing
26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Yellow Springs Brewery
305 N. Walnut St., Yellow Springs | 937-767-0222 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Crooked Handle Brewing Co.
760 N. Main St., Springboro | (937) 790-3450 | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCALLY MADE BEER
🥇WINNER: Warped Wing Trotwood Lager
26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Yellow Springs Brewery Boat Show
305 N. Walnut St., Yellow Springs | 937-767-0222 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Crooked Handle Brewing’s Roadside Peanut Butter Porter
760 N. Main St., Springboro | (937) 790-3450 | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCALLY MADE SPIRITS
🥇WINNER: Belle of Dayton
122 Van Buren St., Dayton | 937-250-1837 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Buckeye Vodka
827 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | 937-287-7076 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Stillwrights
5380 Intrastate Drive, Fairborn | (937) 879-4447 | Website | Facebook
BEST MARGARITA
🥇WINNER: Elsa’s
Elsa’s On the Border, 1227 Wilmington Ave., Dayton | 937-938-7372
Elsa’s East Restaurant & Cantina, 3618 Linden Ave., Dayton | 937-252-9635
Elsa’s Kettering Sports Grill, 1216 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-294-9210
Elsa’s South Restaurant & Cantina, 6318 Far Hills Ave., Centerville | 937-439-3897
Elsa’s Corner Cantina, 6204A Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek Twp. | 937-310-1373
SECOND PLACE: El Meson
903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton | 937-859-8229 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: El Toro Bar & Grill
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Facebook | Website
BEST PLACE TO HOOK UP
🥇WINNER: The Barrel House
417 E. Third St., Dayton | 937-222-4795 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Julia’s Nite Club
8939 Kingsridge Drive, Miami Twp. | 937-439-2422 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Masque
Currently closed and seeking to reopen in new location | Website | Facebook
BEST TRIVIA
🥇WINNER: Bunkers Bar and Grill
893 E. National Road, Vandalia | 937-890-8899 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Mack’s Tavern
381 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | 937-813-7217 | Website | Facebook
BEST WINERY
🥇WINNER: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
5220 Cornerstone North Blvd., Centerville | 937-900-9463 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: The Winery at Versailles
6572 State Route 47, Versailles | 937-526-3232 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Valley Vineyards
2276 US-22 & OH-3, Morrow | 513-899-2485 | Website | Facebook
Fitness, Outdoors, Parks and Recreation
BEST GYM
🥇WINNER: Turbo Zone Fitness
917 S. Suburban Road, Dayton | Website
SECOND PLACE: M-Power Gym
270 N. Dixie Drive, Vandalia | Website
THIRD PLACE: Femme Fatale Fitness
4623 Gateway Circle, Kettering | Website | Facebook
BEST PARK OR PLAYGROUND
🥇WINNER: Cox Arboretum MetroPark
6733 N Springboro Pike, Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE FOR A BIKE RIDE
🥇WINNER: Little Miami Scenic Trail
SECOND PLACE: Great Miami River Trail
THIRD PLACE: Xenia Station
BEST PLACE FOR A PICNIC
🥇WINNER: Cox Arboretum MetroPark
6733 N Springboro Pike, Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Hills & Dales MetroPark
2655 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE FOR A WALK OR RUN
🥇WINNER: Sugarcreek MetroPark
4178 Conference Road, Bellbrook | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: RiverScape MetroPark
237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
118 Woodland Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR DOG
🥇WINNER: Montgomery County Bark Park Dayton
6790 Webster St., Dayton | Website
SECOND PLACE: Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
118 Woodland Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Deeds Point Dog Park
510 Webster St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST YOGA STUDIO
🥇WINNER: Speakeasy Yoga
510 E. Third St., Dayton | Website
SECOND PLACE: Day Yoga Studio
1100 Brown Street, Dayton
1265 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek
519 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia
THIRD PLACE: Hot Yoga and Wellness Center
576 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville | Website
People and Places
BEST DAYTON DRAG KING
🥇WINNER: Johnny Justice
SECOND PLACE: Oliver Dixon
THIRD PLACE: Prinze Valentino
BEST DAYTON DRAG QUEEN
🥇WINNER: Scarlett Moon
SECOND PLACE: Amaya Sexton
THIRD PLACE: Carrie J. Summers
BEST DAYTON HISTORICAL NEIGHBORHOOD
🥇WINNER: Oregon Historic District
SECOND PLACE: St. Anne’s Hill Historic District
THIRD PLACE: South Park Historic District
BEST DAYTON LANDMARK
🥇WINNER: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
SECOND PLACE: Deeds Carillon (Carillon Historical Park)
THIRD PLACE: Dayton Art Institute
BEST HOTEL
🥇WINNER: Marriott at the University of Dayton
SECOND PLACE: Crowne Plaza Dayton
THIRD PLACE: Mills Park Hotel in Yellow Springs
BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY
🥇WINNER: Norm Lilly
SECOND PLACE: The Rev. Cool Carter
THIRD PLACE: Yvette “Diva” Williams
BEST LOCAL COMEDIAN
🥇WINNER: Scotty Mays
SECOND PLACE: Mike Shea
THIRD PLACE: Jessica Graue
BEST MASCOT
🥇WINNER: Heater (Dayton Dragons)
SECOND PLACE: Rudy Flyer (University of Dayton)
THIRD PLACE: Rowdy Raider (Wright State)
BEST REALTOR
🥇WINNER: Mark Ryan Group (RE/MAX)
SECOND PLACE: Andrew Gaydosh (Exp Realty)
THIRD PLACE: Cindy Buckreus (Coldwell Banker)
BEST SPOT TO TAKE A PHOTO FOR INSTAGRAM
🥇WINNER: Cox Arboretum MetroPark
SECOND PLACE: Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum lookout
THIRD PLACE: Oregon District gateway mural
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
🥇WINNER: Caleb Neff, Blacklist Tattoo
SECOND PLACE: Anthony James, Monkey Bones
THIRD PLACE: Robbie Bauer, Rebel Rebel Tattoo
BEST VIEW OF DAYTON
🥇WINNER: Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum
SECOND PLACE: Dayton Art Institute
THIRD PLACE: Carillon Historical Park’s Brethen Tower
FAVORITE CELEBRITY FROM THE DAYTON AREA
🥇WINNER: Dave Chappelle
SECOND PLACE: John Legend
THIRD PLACE: Rob Lowe
FRIENDLIEST RESTAURANT/BAR STAFF
🥇WINNER: Nick’s Restaurant
SECOND PLACE: The Barrel House
THIRD PLACE: The Root Beer Stande
MOST CHARMING SUBURB
🥇WINNER: Yellow Springs
SECOND PLACE: Oakwood
THIRD PLACE: Tipp City
Restaurants, dishes and sweet treats
BEST APPETIZER
🥇WINNER: Thai 9 Crab Rangoon
11 Brown St., Dayton | 937-222-3227 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wheat Penny Oven & Bar Eggplant Fries
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Paisano Pasta Chips
936 Brown St., Dayton | 937-424-1784 | Website | Facebook
BEST ASIAN FOOD
🥇WINNER: Ozu852
852 Union Blvd., Clayton | 937-832-3000 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Thai 9
11 Brown St., Dayton | 937-222-3227 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: China Cottage
6290 Far Hills Ave., Centerville | 937-434-2622
3718 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | 937-294-4724
1983 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood | 937-854-8033
784 N. Main St., Springboro | 937-748-8866
BEST BAKERY
🥇WINNER: ele Cake Co.
810 East Dixie Drive, West Carrollton
1279 North Fairfield Road, Beavercreek
3680 Rigby Road at Austin Landing, Miamisburg
937-384-2253 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Dorothy Lane Market
2710 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-299-3561
6177 Far Hills Ave., Washington Twp. | 937-434-1294
740 N. Main St., Springboro | 937-748-6800
THIRD PLACE: Ashley’s Pastry Shop
21 Park Ave., Dayton | 937-293-1719 | Website | Facebook
BEST BBQ
🥇WINNER: City Barbeque
2330 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-320-0000 |
5 E. Franklin St., Centerville | 937-312-1350 |
SECOND PLACE: Company 7 BBQ
1001 S. Main St., Englewood | 937-836-2777 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Hickory River Smokehouse
135 S. Garber Drive, Tipp City | 937-669-2271 | Website | Facebook
BEST BREAKFAST
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Golden Nugget
2932 S. Dixie Drive, Kettering | 937-298-0138 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: First Watch
4105 W. Town & Country Road, Kettering | 937-643-4077
5245 Cornerstone North Blvd., Centerville | 937-732-9013
2614-A Colonel Glen Highway, Fairborn | 937-431-9150
2824 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp. | 937-435-3127
BEST BRUNCH
🥇WINNER: First Watch
4105 W. Town & Country Road, Kettering | 937-643-4077
5245 Cornerstone North Blvd., Centerville | 937-732-9013
2614-A Colonel Glen Highway, Fairborn | 937-431-9150
2824 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp. | 937-435-3127
SECOND PLACE: Another Broken Egg Cafe
3450 Rigby Road, Austin Landing, Miamisburg | 937-866-4510 | Website | Facebook
2453 Esquire Drive, Beavercreek | (937) 912-5074
THIRD PLACE: Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
BEST BURGER
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Slyder’s Tavern
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton | 937-258-1222 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Hamburger Wagon
12 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg | 937-847-2442 | Website | Facebook
BEST CHEAP EATS
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: The Hamburger Wagon
12 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg | 937-847-2442 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E. 3rd St., Dayton | 937-258-2654 | Facebook | Website
2190 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood | 937-529-7535 | Facebook | Website
BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH
🥇WINNER: Chick-fil-A
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Popeyes
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
HONORABLE MENTION: The Chicken Spot
3261 W. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton | (937) 813-1618 | Facebook
This newly opened destination for chicken came in just a couple votes behind Nick’s Restaurant. This is definitely one to watch and one to try.
BEST CHILI
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Skyline Chili
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
BEST CHINESE FOOD
🥇WINNER: China Cottage
6290 Far Hills Ave., Centerville | 937-434-2622
3718 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | 937-294-4724
1983 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood | 937-854-8033
784 N. Main St., Springboro | 937-748-8866
SECOND PLACE: Ozu852
852 Union Blvd., Clayton | 937-832-3000 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: CJ Chan
2747 W. Alex Bell Road, Moraine | (937) 259-8882 | Website
536 Wilmington Ave., Dayton | (937) 259-9866 | Website
BEST CHIPS
🥇WINNER: Mikesell’s Potato Chip Co.
333 Leo St., Dayton | 937-228-9400 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Blind Bob’s
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
BEST CHOCOLATES
🥇WINNER: Esther Price Fine Chocolates
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Winans Chocolates + Coffees
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Bellbrook Chocolate Shoppe
101 E. Alex Bell Road, Centerville | (937) 436-5066 | Website | Facebook
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
🥇WINNER: Ghostlight Coffee
Midtown: 800 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | South Park: 1201 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-985-2633 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Winans Chocolates + Coffees
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Boston Stoker
34 W. Second St., Dayton | 937-223-1224
8321 N. Main St., Clayton | 937-890-2345
1293 S. Dorset Road, Troy | 937-552-7965
215 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-439-2400
BEST DELI/SANDWICH SHOP
🥇WINNER: DiSalvo’s Deli
1383 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-298-5053 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Canal Street Deli and Arcade
308 E. 1st St., Dayton | 937-220-9333 | Facebook | Website
THIRD PLACE: Flyboy’s Deli
2515 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-723–6135 | Facebook | Website
BEST DINER
🥇WINNER: Mel-O-Dee Restaurant
2350 S. Dayton-Lakeview Road, New Carlisle | 937-849-1378 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Hasty Tasty Pancake House
3509 Linden Ave., Dayton | 937-254-8431 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: George’s Family Restaurant
5216 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton | 937-275-0705 | Facebook | Website
BEST DONUTS
🥇WINNER: Bill’s Donuts
268 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-0002 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Jim’s Donuts
122 E. National Rd., Vandalia | 937-898-4222 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Stan the Donut Man
1441 Wilmington Ave., Dayton | 937-293-1080 | Facebook
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Spaghetti Warehouse
36 W. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-461-3913 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Mamma DiSalvo’s
1375 E. Stroop Road, Dayton | 937-299-5831 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Doubleday’s Grill & Tavern
199 E. Alex Bell Road, Centerville | 937-436-4666 |776 N. Main St., Springboro | 937-514-7755 | Website | Facebook
BEST FINE DINING
🥇WINNER: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | 937-228-7463 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: The Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-293-6973 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Carvers Steaks & Chops
1535 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | (937) 433-7099 | Website | Facebook
BEST FOOD TRUCK
🥇WINNER: Zombie Dogz
Restaurant location: 1200 Brown St., Dayton | Website | See Facebook for food truck appearances
SECOND PLACE: McNasty’s
See Facebook for food truck appearances
THIRD PLACE: Greek Street Food Truck
See Facebook for food truck appearances
BEST FRENCH FRIES
🥇WINNER: Five Guys
1143 Brown St., Dayton | (937) 222-2325
3286 Pentagon Park Blvd., Beavercreek | 937-427-6590
1057 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville | 937-428-4897
10635 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg | 937-865-9199
SECOND PLACE: Penn Station
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
BEST GRILLED CHEESE
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar and Grill My Way Grilled Cheese
2033 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-252-2249 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Melt Bar and Grilled
2733 Fairfield Commons, Unit C, Beavercreek | 937-912-1880 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: McNasty’s food truck
See Facebook for food truck appearances
BEST HIDDEN GEM RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Christopher’s Restaurant
2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering | 937-299-0089 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Florentine
21 W. Market St., Germantown | 937-855-7759 | Website | Facebook
BEST HOT DOG
🥇WINNER: Zombie Dogz
Restaurant location: 1200 Brown St., Dayton | Website | See Facebook for food truck appearances
SECOND PLACE: The Root Beer Stande
1727 Woodman Drive, Dayton | 937-640-1114 | Website | Facebook
Open seasonally
THIRD PLACE: Chicago Gyros and Dogs
3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek | 937-705-6072 | Website | Facebook
BEST ICE CREAM
🥇WINNER: Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs | 937-325-0629 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Graeter’s
2412 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood
2330 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek
2 N. Main St., Centerville
THIRD PLACE: Ritter’s Frozen Custard
2531 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek | 937-320-0772
2226 Wilmington Pike, Kettering | 937-252-3355
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Amar India
2751 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp. | 937-439-9005 | 7070 Miller Lane, Butler Twp. | 937-387-6505 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Jeet India
2750 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-431-8881 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Ajanta India Restaurant
3063 Woodman Drive, Kettering | 937-296-9200 | Website | Facebook
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
WINNER: Mamma DiSalvo’s
1375 E. Stroop Road, Dayton | 937-299-5831 | Facebook | Website
🏆Dayton.com’s Best of 2017 Best Italian Food winner
SECOND PLACE: The Spaghetti Warehouse
36 W. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-461-3913 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Giovanni’s
215 W. Main St., Fairborn | (937) 878-1611 | Website | Facebook
BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS
🥇WINNER: Tank’s Bar & Grill
2033 Wayne Ave, Dayton | (937) 252-2249 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery
520 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-222-6800 | Facebook | Website
THIRD PLACE: 416 Diner
416 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-461-0416 | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCAL CHEF
🥇WINNER: Elizabeth Wiley at Meadowlark
SECOND PLACE: Dane Shipp at Lock 27
THIRD PLACE: Jack Skilliter at Corner Kitchen
BEST MAC & CHEESE
🥇WINNER: Chick-fil-A
1910 W. Main St., Troy, OH
3339 Benchwood Rd., Dayton
2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd. Spc. F225, Beavercreek
2360 N. Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek
480 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering
5301 Cornerstone N. Blvd., Centerville
2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. #212, Dayton
1482 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton
7602 Trailside Dr., West Chester Township
SECOND PLACE: Zombie Dogz
Facebook | Website | Brick-and-mortar store: 1200 Brown St., Dayton | See Facebook for food truck appearances
THIRD PLACE: Corner Kitchen
613 E. 5th St., Dayton | 937-719-0999 | Website | Facebook
BEST MEDITERRANEAN/GREEK DINING
🥇WINNER: Gyro Palace
57 S. Springboro Pike, Miamisburg | 937-436-2770 | Facebook
1124 Brown St., Dayton | 937-813-4004 | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Olive Mediterranean Grill
44 W. 3rd St., Dayton | 937-221-8399 | Facebook | Website
THIRD PLACE: Pasha Grill
72 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek | 937-429-9000 | Website | Facebook
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
🥇WINNER: Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E. 3rd St., Dayton | 937-258-2654 | Facebook | Website
2190 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood | 937-529-7535 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: El Toro
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Facebook | Website
THIRD PLACE: Elsa’s
Elsa’s On the Border, 1227 Wilmington Ave., Dayton | 937-938-7372
Elsa’s East Restaurant & Cantina, 3618 Linden Ave., Dayton | 937-252-9635
Elsa’s Kettering Sports Grill, 1216 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-294-9210
Elsa’s South Restaurant & Cantina, 6318 Far Hills Ave., Centerville | 937-439-3897
Elsa’s Corner Cantina, 6204A Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek Twp. | 937-310-1373
BEST NEW FOOD TRUCK
🥇WINNER: What The Taco?!
See Facebook for food truck appearances
SECOND PLACE: Billie Gold Bubble Tea
See Facebook for food truck appearances
THIRD PLACE: Smokin’ Double D’s
See Facebook for food truck appearances
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Cooper’s Hawk Winery
5220 Cornerstone N. Blvd., Centerville | (937) 900-9463 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Flyby BBQ
2733 Fairfield Commons suite A, Beavercreek | (937) 637-3001 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Black Rock Bar & Grill
2745 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek Township | (937) 988-0026 | Website | Facebook
BEST OLD-SCHOOL RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | 937-228-7463 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Mel-O-Dee
2350 S. Dayton-Lakeview Road, New Carlisle | 937-849-1378 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Hickory Bar-B-Q
1082 Brown St., Dayton | (937) 228-5252 | Website | Facebook
BEST ONION RINGS
🥇WINNER: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | 937-228-7463 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Red Robin
6404 Miller Ln., Dayton | (937) 410-0073
2671 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek | (937) 320-9800
BEST PATIO
🥇WINNER: The Trolley Stop
530 E 5th St., Dayton | (937) 461-1101 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Little York Tavern & Pizza
4120 Little York Rd., Dayton | (937) 890-6700 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Basil’s on Market Dayton
312 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | 937-818-4390 | Website | Facebook
18 N. Market St., Troy | 937-875-2068 | Website | Facebook
BEST PHO
🥇WINNER: Linh’s Bistro
5532 Airway Road, Riverside | 937 252-1857 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: What Da Pho
3464 Pentagon Blvd. C, Beavercreek | (937) 956-6060 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Little Saigon
1718 Woodman Dr., Kettering | (937) 258-8010 | Website | Facebook
BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Marion’s Piazza
South Piazza, 711 Shroyer Road | 937-293-6991
North Piazza, 3443 N. Dixie Drive | 937-277-6553
Dayton Mall Piazza, 8991 Kingsridge Drive | 937-435-3300
Town & Country Piazza, 50 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-296-1177
Centerville Piazza, 241 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-3993
Beavercreek Piazza, 1320 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-429-3393
Englewood Piazza, 404 W. National Road, Englewood | 937-832-0333
Troy Piazza, 1270 Experiment Farm Road, Troy | 937-339-2000
SECOND PLACE: Old Scratch Pizza
812 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | 937-331-5357 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Joe’s Pizzeria
4313 Airway Road, Dayton | 937-253-8154 | Website | Facebook
BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH
🥇WINNER: Coco’s Bistro
250 Warren St., Dayton | 937-228-2626 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Wheat Penny
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Table 33
130 W. 2nd St., Dayton | (937) 999-3070 | Website | Facebook
BEST PUB
🥇WINNER: Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Fifth Street Brewpub
1600 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-443-0919 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Pub at The Greene
39 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek | (937) 320-1199 | Website | Facebook
BEST RESTAURANT AT AUSTIN LANDING
🥇WINNER: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
3500 Rigby Rd., Miamisburg | (937) 865-9355 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: BJ’s Brewhouse
10563 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg | (937) 859-6000 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Dewey’s Pizza
3600 Rigby Road, Miamisburg | 937-859-7777 | Website | Facebook
BEST RESTAURANT AT THE GREENE
🥇WINNER: The Cheesecake Factory
56 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek | 937-320-9901 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: bd’s Mongolian Grill
4488 Glengarry Dr., Beavercreek | (937) 427-1900 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Pies & Pints
52 Plum St., Beavercreek | (937) 429-7437 | Website | Facebook
BEST RESTAURANT FOR A LARGE GROUP
🥇WINNER: Marion’s Piazza
South Piazza, 711 Shroyer Road | 937-293-6991
North Piazza, 3443 N. Dixie Drive | 937-277-6553
Dayton Mall Piazza, 8991 Kingsridge Drive | 937-435-3300
Town & Country Piazza, 50 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-296-1177
Centerville Piazza, 241 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-3993
Beavercreek Piazza, 1320 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-429-3393
Englewood Piazza, 404 W. National Road, Englewood | 937-832-0333
Troy Piazza, 1270 Experiment Farm Road, Troy | 937-339-2000
SECOND PLACE: Old Scratch Pizza
812 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton | 937-331-5357 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: TJ Chumps
7050 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights | (937) 610-3900
559 S. Main St., Englewood | (937) 836-4300
1100 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn | (937) 318-1250
12 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg | (937) 859-4000
BEST RESTAURANT IN THE OREGON DISTRICT
🥇WINNER: The Dublin Pub
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Thai 9
11 Brown St., Dayton | 937-222-3227 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Wheat Penny
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook
BEST RESTAURANT IN YELLOW SPRINGS
🥇WINNER: Winds Cafe
215 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs | (937) 767-1144 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Peach’s Grill
104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | (937) 767-4850 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Ye Olde Trail Tavern
228 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | (937) 767-7448 | Website | Facebook
BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER
WINNER: Marion’s Piazza
South Piazza, 711 Shroyer Road | 937-293-6991
North Piazza, 3443 N. Dixie Drive | 937-277-6553
Dayton Mall Piazza, 8991 Kingsridge Drive | 937-435-3300
Town & Country Piazza, 50 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-296-1177
Centerville Piazza, 241 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-3993
Beavercreek Piazza, 1320 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-429-3393
Englewood Piazza, 404 W. National Road, Englewood | 937-832-0333
Troy Piazza, 1270 Experiment Farm Road, Troy | 937-339-2000
SECOND PLACE: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | 937-228-7463 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-293-6973 | Website | Facebook
BEST SANDWICH
🥇WINNER: Jimmie’s Ladder 11 Ladder 11
936 Brown St., Dayton | 937-424-1784 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Dublin Pub The Ruck
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: DiSalvo’s Deli meatball sub
1383 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-298-5053 | Website | Facebook
BEST SEAFOOD
🥇WINNER: Jay’s Seafood
225 E. Sixth St., Dayton | 937-222-2892 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: Sweeney’s Seafood
28 W. Franklin St., Centerville | 937-291-3474 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Bonefish Grill
2818 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton | (937) 428-0082 | Website | Facebook
BEST SOUP
🥇WINNER: Dublin Pub potato soup
300 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-224-7822 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant Guinness Onion
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | (937) 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Blind Bob’s Pickle Soup
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-938-6405 | Website | Facebook
BEST SQUARE-CUT PIZZA
🥇WINNER: Marion’s Piazza
South Piazza, 711 Shroyer Road | 937-293-6991
North Piazza, 3443 N. Dixie Drive | 937-277-6553
Dayton Mall Piazza, 8991 Kingsridge Drive | 937-435-3300
Town & Country Piazza, 50 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 937-296-1177
Centerville Piazza, 241 N. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-3993
Beavercreek Piazza, 1320 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-429-3393
Englewood Piazza, 404 W. National Road, Englewood | 937-832-0333
Troy Piazza, 1270 Experiment Farm Road, Troy | 937-339-2000
SECOND PLACE: Cassano’s
Multiple locations across the Miami Valley | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Joe’s Pizzeria
4313 Airway Road, Dayton | 937-253-8154 | Website | Facebook
BEST STEAK
🥇WINNER: The Pine Club
1926 Brown St., Dayton | 937-228-7463 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-293-6973 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Texas Roadhouse
5611 Merily Way, Huber Heights
2600 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn
HONORABLE MENTION: The Paragon
797 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton | (937) 433-1234 | Website | Facebook
This decades-old establishment has an old-school charm and serves up some of the best steaks in the area.
BEST SUSHI
🥇WINNER: Ozu852
852 Union Blvd., Clayton | 937-832-3000 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Thai 9
11 Brown St., Dayton | 937-222-3227 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Kabuki
848 S. Main St., Centerville | (937) 435-9500 | Website | Facebook
BEST TACO
🥇WINNER: Taqueria Mixteca
1609 E. 3rd St., Dayton | 937-258-2654 | Facebook | Website
2190 Shiloh Springs Road, Trotwood | 937-529-7535 | Facebook | Website
SECOND PLACE: El Toro
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Facebook | Website
THIRD PLACE: Rusty Taco
1822 Brown St., Dayton | (937) 938-7384 | Website | Facebook
HONORABLE MENTION: Victor’s Tacos
1438 N. Keowee St., Dayton | (937) 224-3293 | Website | Facebook
With locations in Dayton, Springfield and Xenia, this no-frills taco shop has become a local legend.
BEST VEGAN DINING
🥇WINNER: Wheat Penny
515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Christopher’s Restaurant
2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering | 937-299-0089 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Lucky’s Taproom
520 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-222-6800 | Facebook | Website
HONORABLE MENTION: Butter Cafe
1106 Brown St., Dayton | 937 985-9917 | Website | Facebook
For the past several years, locals and outsiders alike have flocked to Butter Cafe for its vegan breakfast-inspired dishes.
BEST WINGS
🥇WINNER: Roosters
5571 Merily Way, Huber Heights | 937-236-9464
3501 N. Main St., Dayton | 937-277-0114
103 N. Springboro Pike, Miamisburg | 937-433-4630
257 W. Central Ave., Springboro | 937-748-3017
400 W. Main St., Xenia | 937-376-4444
SECOND PLACE: Nick’s Restaurant
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia | 937 372-3202 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Lock 27 Brewing
329 E. First St., Dayton | 937-433-2739
1035 S. Main St., Centerville | 937-433-2739
MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
🥇WINNER: Oakwood Club
2414 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | 937-293-6973 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: The Melting Pot
453 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd Dayton | 937-567-8888 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Fleming’s
4432 Walnut St., The Greene, Beavercreek | 937-320-9548 | Website | Facebook
HONORABLE MENTION: Salar
400 E. 5th St., Dayton | (937) 203-3999 | Website | Facebook
Shopping and Services
BEST AUTO DEALER
🥇WINNER: Jeff Schmitt Auto Group
SECOND PLACE: Voss Auto Network
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: White Allen
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
BEST AUTO REPAIR
🥇WINNER: Grismer Tire & Auto Service
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Jeff Schmitt Body Shop
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Kettering-Oakwood Automotive
1018 Shroyer Rd., Dayton | 937-299-2468 | Website | Facebook
BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION
🥇WINNER: Wright-Patt Credit Union
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Day Air Credit Union
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: River Valley Credit Union
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
BEST BARBERSHOP
🥇WINNER: JC’s Barbershop
1282 Wapakoneta Ave., Sidney | 937-489-8067 | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Centerville Barber — A Little Off The Top
162 W. Franklin St., Centerville | 937-260-5103 | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Vandalia Barber Shop
124 E. National Rd. #2102, Vandalia | 937-898-6421 | Website | Facebook
BEST BOOKSTORE
🥇WINNER: Barnes & Noble
2619 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton | 937-433-0750
The Shoppes of, 2720 Towne Dr. # 200, Beavercreek | 937-429-1660
SECOND PLACE: Books & Co.
4453 Walnut Street, Beavercreek | 937-429-2169 | Website
THIRD PLACE: Half Price Books
3310 Pentagon Blvd., Beavercreek | 937-431-1820 | Website | Facebook
BEST BOUTIQUE
🥇WINNER: Heart Mercantile
438 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-250-6020 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Clash Dayton
521 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-259-8986 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Fox Gallery
18 N. Main St., Germantown | 937-855-0456 | Website | Facebook
BEST BRIDAL SHOP
🥇WINNER: David’s Bridal
7-15 Prestige Plaza Dr., Miamisburg | 937-434-8501 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Lillian’s Bridal
5763 Far Hills Ave., Dayton | 937-433-4494 | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Modern on Market
12 S. Market St., Troy | 937-552-7288 | Website | Facebook
BEST CONSIGNMENT/RESALE STORE
🥇WINNER: Valley Thrift
1717 Woodman Drive, Kettering | (513) 657-4887 | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Home 2 Home
THIRD PLACE: Clothes That Work
BEST FARMERS MARKET
🥇WINNER: 2nd Street Market
600 E. Second St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Yellow Springs Farmers’ Market
228 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Yankee Street Market
8487 Yankee St., Dayton
BEST FLORIST
🥇WINNER: Oberer’s Flowers
1448 Troy St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Furst The Florist
1306 Troy St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Flowerman
70A Westpark Road, Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST GARDEN CENTER
🥇WINNER: Knollwood Garden Center
3766 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek | Website
SECOND PLACE: Meadow View Growers
755 N. Dayton-Lakeview Road SR235, New Carlisle | Website
THIRD PLACE: Stockslagers Greenhouse and Garden Center
14037 Dayton Eaton Pike, New Lebanon | Website
BEST HAIR SALON
🥇WINNER: Square One Salon & Spa
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: The Red Salon
5847 Far Hills Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Queen Bee Salon and Spa
82 B Seaman Drive, Jamestown | Website
BEST HARDWARE STORE
🥇WINNER: Ace Hardware
Multiple Dayton-area locations | Website
SECOND PLACE: Greive Hardware
1219 E. Stroop Road, Kettering | 3089 Far Hills Ave., Kettering | Website
THIRD PLACE: Barney’s True Value
3375 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek | Website
BEST JEWELRY STORE
🥇WINNER: James Free Jewelers
3100 Far Hills Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Ohio Silver Co.
245 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Elizabeth Diamond Company
7245 Far Hills Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
BEST LOCAL DJ (WEDDINGS/EVENTS)
🥇WINNER: No Limit Premier
SECOND PLACE: Darren Sawmiller “Now Everybody Dance” Entertainment
THIRD PLACE: Dayton Mobile DJ
BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
🥇WINNER: From Above Aerial
SECOND PLACE: Misty Carr Photography
THIRD PLACE: Penny Collins Photography
BEST NAIL SALON
🥇WINNER: Lounge Nail Spa
SECOND PLACE: Platinum Nails
THIRD PLACE: The Salon on Rahn & Day Spa
BEST PET GROOMING
🥇WINNER: Oregon Tails
502 Wayne Ave., Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Urban Dog Day Spa
40 N. Main St. Suite 101, Miamisburg | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: GroomingDales Pet Salon & Day Spa
3821 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek | Website
BEST PET PRODUCTS STORE
🥇WINNER: PetSmart
SECOND PLACE: Pet Supplies Plus
THIRD PLACE: Pet Valu
BEST PLACE FOR UNIQUE GIFTS
🥇WINNER: Heart Mercantile
SECOND PLACE: 2nd Street Market
THIRD PLACE: This Old Couch
HONORABLE MENTION: The Little Exchange
BEST PLACE TO BUY DAYTON GIFTS
🥇WINNER: Esther Price chocolates
SECOND PLACE: Heart Mercantile
THIRD PLACE: Carillon Historical Park gift shop
BEST SPA
🥇WINNER: Square One Salon & Spa
SECOND PLACE: Woodhouse Day Spa
THIRD PLACE: 252 West Salon & MedSpa
BEST TATTOO SHOP
🥇WINNER: Rebel Rebel Tattoo
SECOND PLACE: Monkey Bones Tattoo
THIRD PLACE: White Anvil Tattoo
BEST THRIFT STORE
🥇WINNER: Valley Thrift
SECOND PLACE: Oregon District Goodwill
THIRD PLACE: TheZe Dealz
BEST TOY STORE
🥇WINNER: Yellow Springs Toy Company
252 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: Learning Express
101 E. Alex-Bell Road, Centerville | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: Blue Turtle Toys
2314 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood | Website | Facebook
BEST VET
🥇WINNER: Bigger Road Veterinary Clinic
SECOND PLACE: Suburban Veterinary Clinic
THIRD PLACE: MedVet Dayton
BEST WEDDING VENUE
🥇WINNER: Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton | Website | Facebook
SECOND PLACE: The Steam Plant
617 E. Third St., Dayton | Website | Facebook
THIRD PLACE: The Grande Hall