There are so many great independent local restaurants around the region, especially downtown… If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, check out some of my favorites below. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Brunch
Olive, an Urban Dive: Saturdays, 10a – 3p in downtown Dayton. From their locally-sourced breakfast scramble to their delectable specials such as french toast medallions stuffed with whipped greek yogurt cheese, toasted walnuts and brown sugar grapefruit, Olive is a foodie’s dream come true! My personal recommendation is the Tuscan Grilled Cheese (san the bacon) or the daily scramble. This is a BYOB establishment, so grab your favorite bottle of bubbly or bring some “zing” for a relaxing way to start your Saturday. olivedive.com
One of Olive’s delicious and FRESH daily scrambles with a cuppa soup, side salad & greek berried yogurt.
Lucky’s Taproom: Saturdays and Sundays, 10a– 2p in downtown Dayton. Love omelets and Bloody Marys? Then Lucky’s is your spot! With a “build your own omelet” menu featuring over 30 toppings to choose from and a “build your own Bloody Mary” bar full of fixins, it feels like I’m in heaven every time I’m there! I always go with a fully loaded veggie omelet topped with feta cheese & avocado. Not into omelets? Check out the delicious breakfast tacos or the daily special featuring options like butter rum pancakes. Yum! luckystaproom.com
Build your own bloody mary & omelet. Brunch has never been better!
Butter Cafe: Saturdays & Sundays from 7a- 3p in downtown Dayton. For you early birds, Butter Cafe is ready and waiting to serve up mouthwatering options such as jelly donut pancakes or chai tea french toast at the crack of dawn! Using only the freshest organic and free-range ingredients, Butter is a choice you’ll never regret. Make sure to save room for one of their house-made desserts that change daily! buttercafe.com
Mouthwatering Almond Joy pancakes at Butter Cafe.
Meadowlark: Saturdays & Sundays from 10a – 3p in Kettering. This chef-owned neighborhood restaurant offers some of the most creative dishes I’ve ever found, with bold flavors that keep me coming back for more. With their everything from scratch menu geared towards an American palate, their everyday contemporary cooking has something for everyone. Their bloody mary features an interesting twist with beet juice added to the traditional ingredients! meadowlarkrestaurant.com
Meadowlark’s creativity shines through this Japanese omelet with fried rice
The Blueberry Cafe: Saturdays & Sundays from 7a – 2p in downtown Bellbrook. This special gem, nestled in downtown Bellbrook, has some of the largest breakfast portions I’ve ever seen! Featuring traditional brunch favorites including pancakes “big as your plate”, you’re guaranteed to never leave hungry. One of the most popular items are their Muffins made by the famous Muffin Man! Featuring unique flavors such as pineapple upside cake, these delicious baked treats go fast, so get there early! blueberrycafe.net
One of the Muffin Man’s famous muffins served warm.
This region touts many wonderful independently owned restaurants offering delicious brunch options. Please comment below to share your favorite brunch hot-spot!
Miss Maha and the City 