By minnesnowta

November 19, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Here is where cincy fans cry Dec.13, In there beer at the Metrodome.

By ed

November 16, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

C’Est Tou has a great chef jb Dominique Fortin.

By JR

November 12, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

glad I stumbled over here, have to spend a few days in dayton on biz next week and this is helpful. One question… I’m a breakfast guy and don’t like the chains… any rec’s?

By Dar

November 10, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

Best steak Grub Steak. Pine Club has been overrated but you know it’s all in what you like.

By Julia

November 5, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Barbie’s Bistro on Dorothy Lane. Great place and great food - family atmosphere and they have great steaks!

By Pat

November 5, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this

The Oakwood Club is the Best! Great food, Good service. A must try, their onion rings are the best,.. not to mention the frog legs when seasonally available.

By fishy

November 5, 2009 5:59 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure what it is, but Jay’s seems over-rated. I actually prefer Sweeney’s Seafood; they always have good specials. El Meson and Coco’s are also up in the top five.

By troyoh

November 5, 2009 1:14 AM | Link to this

Based on these comments I will try Rue Dumaine and Cocos, haven’t been to either. Pine Club is dependable but Oakwood Club better in every respect. Jays is dependable but a bit stale. It is very pricey but the best food is Flemings, never had a bad meal there, and that includes the ones in Baltimore, Denver and Orlando. Most enjoyable dinners though have been at LaPiazza in Troy and Harrisons in Tipp-good not great food, some friends and neighbors usually there, your local dependable joint, which is also Mama’s charm…

By fondofgrub

November 4, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

The new same as the old Grub Steak has the best steaks hands down. Service is absolutely excellent!

By JPM

November 4, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

Rue Domaine is one of my favorites. I also like Kabuki for sushi.

By Dee

November 4, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who can’t get past all the garlic in Mama DeSalvo’s entrees and salads to enjoy them? The desserts are good, though. Dominic’s garlic was really strong, too.

By tjt

November 4, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

Haven’t been Pine Club in years, but the wait used to be so long, that by the time you were seated, it didn’t matter what they served, you were just grateful to be eating, and soak up the alcohol in your system.

By Bill

November 4, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

It is disappointing that no mention was made of restaurants in the northern part of our area — such as Caroline’s in Troy. Their chef just won a local cooking contest.

By Mike

November 4, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

We just celebrated a birthday at Mama DiSalvo’s everything was good except the pizza was a great disappointment. I came out on a cardboard circle and it was pretty bad.

By Dee

November 4, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve had the pleasure of eating in Dayton’s fine - as opposed to mediocre - restaurants my entire adult life. We’re talking a chef here, not a cook. Food is what it’s about at the Pine Club, the atmosphere you either like or not, comes with the territory. Other favorites are Anticoli’s on N. Main St, El Meson for all foods Spanish, Jay’s, Benham’s Restaurant and Catering on Warren St, Wellington Grill. Paragon’s good, too. Remember, Folks, this chef knows fine food.

By Howie

November 4, 2009 5:26 PM | Link to this

CoCo’s! By far my favorite in town.

By TJ

November 4, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

Springfield is in the Maimi Valley, why not go to Casey’s! They have the most wonderful steaks and homemade twice bakes in the state. They even have tableside cooking and offer different specials every weekend!

By Tracey

November 4, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

I now live in Chicago and when I go home to Dayton, I want to eat at the Pine Club, great food.

By GB

November 4, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

Meadowlark?? Good grief are they still in business? They are horrible. I think Mama’s is excellent. Pine Club overated. L’auberge has awesome food but I miss the old manager Chris. Savona in Centerville is great!

By porky spice

November 4, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

The Pine Club is WAY overrated, the Oakwood Club is way better AND they take credit cards for out of towners who don’t have a house account. Also, El Meson is the best restaurant in the Dayton area.

By Kathleen

November 4, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

Pine Club? Massively overrated, unless you like sticky floors, plastic cafeteria salad bowls and the lingering smell of 30-year-old cigarette smoke. Ugh. I went there for my birthday several years ago and will never go back. Huge disappointment. The good news? I’ve never had a bad meal at Coco’s. Just superb flavors, great service. Great cocktails, too. Christopher’s Restaurant has great homemade soups and salad dressings—affordable, homey food in a good atmosphere with good service.

By William

November 4, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

That’s an easy one, the answer is Cincinnati.

By pantry cook

November 4, 2009 6:07 AM | Link to this

REALLY! We had to import a well-klnown chef to come and work on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Serioiusly folks, there are some talented people here in dayton, who do this for a livng. I’ve even cooked for large volume of people. Its not rocket science!

By Mike

November 3, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

If the chef (or anyone else) is in the mood for really good authentic Mexican food, then try Los Reyes in Kettering on dorothy Ln. Hands down the best salsa anywhere. It’s not pico or that jarred stuff you get at other restaurants. Sure the decor may be lacking a bit, but, they are very family oriented and the food is always fresh and delicious. I’ve had Momma D’s and its good but I’d rather have Los Reyes anyday.

By Jaren

November 3, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

The Barnsider has always had very good steaks. They don’t get respect because they are north of town. Service is sometimes questionable.

By null

November 3, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

Who would expect to have such great restaurants in Dayton? But we do! Rue Dumaine and Coco’s are my favorite. However, I really enjoy the Oakwood club. Best Martini in town! I have had two bad dining experiences at Lauberge. Pine Club is good but the service is less than desirable. But if you want the best steak of your life, drive the hour and go to a Ruby restaurant in Cincy.

By Jeff

November 3, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

Go to Barbie’s Bistro, they have the best Lasagna in the area - hands down! Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

By joe

November 3, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Taqueria Mixteca… eat there every week and never had a bad meal. Is it a 4 star resturant? No…is their food good and authentic. Yes!

By adi

November 3, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

I haven’t been for a while, El Meson is great place to go on the weekend if you want a dining experience that is a fun event AND a delicious meal. The Filet Mignon is tasty and unique because you cook it yourself right on your plate (but it’s VERY pricey). A fun place to go with a group and make a meal by ordering their unusual appetizers (tapas), delicious black bean soup and house-made Spanish Sangria. You can easily spend the whole evening there, but plan on a spending some cash!

By null

November 3, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

He should go to Lauberge. The chef is ourstanding and the dining experience is four star.

By What?

November 3, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

OAKWOOD CLUB? Tremendously over-rated. Service is spotty and food is average at best.

By Just me

November 3, 2009 5:20 PM | Link to this

Pine Club. Period. Taken many East Coast & West Coast accounts there over the years and best damn steak in town. El Meson and Jays also highly recommended. Grub Steak? You gotta be kidding me. Horrible

By Tom

November 3, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Art who?

By NoTastebuds

November 3, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

Mamma DiSalvo’s, seriously? The one time I went it was horrible and I never went back. Barbie’s Bistro? La Pergola would win against it. Someone I know told me their food was horrible, so I haven’t been. I suggest Grub Steak for steak and Sima for sushi and/or Korean. Ohioans don’t think anything is good unless it’s deep fried or subpar.

By KevinJ

November 3, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

Pine Club-Overrated. Meadowlark-Don’t Know It. I would suggest in no particular order: The Paragon Rue Dumaine Jays El Mason Oakwood Club Grub Steak

By Kathy

November 3, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

I would suggest Barbie’s Bistro, great food and wonderful atmosphere

By urkidding

November 3, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

Forget the Winds Cafe. We waited over 45 minutes for our food ( the place was not all that busy ) and the waiter came out and served a table that came in after us. We got up to leave and he raced back and got our food. We left and went up & across the street to an outdoor barbeque which was great.

By bonnie

November 3, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

I recommend Jay’s. The best seafood around and service is top shelf. They also have good deals at certain times.

By DowntownDiner

November 3, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Coco’s is an excellent restaurant with a versatile menu. Chef Art would LOVE it!

By Bob S.

November 3, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Slyders on Waterveleit. BEST burgers anywhere.

By Linda

November 3, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

The Winds Cafe? Been there once and will not go back. Too over priced for what you get and service was very, very slow.

By sharla

November 3, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Mamma’s is great! Fresh and tasty. service has always been superb. Pine club good food bad service starting with management.

By Barbie

November 3, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this

GREAT Homemade Lasagna or Fresh Steaks/Pork Chops at Barbie’s Bistro. I would enjoy a visit from the Chef and hear his input!!

By Jack

November 3, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

Pine Club, still the best steak I have ever had, still on the lookout though. Just above Ruth Chris…slightly.

By JP

November 3, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

Savona and the Oakwood Club.

By ADR

November 3, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

MEADOWLARK FOR SURE!!!

By Chris

November 3, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

I agree Taqueria Mixteca is the best mexican in the area!

By null

November 3, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

I like Ed’s suggestion. Unpretentious and real Mexican as opposed to a place people go to for margaritas, chips and salsa. That’s Mexican for most Daytonians.

By gps

November 3, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

Rue Dumaine for sure! Who is advising this guy?!!

By chiefwino

November 3, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this

Coco’s should be in the discussion. I agree with Meadowlark, the Wiley’s version of huevos rancheros last Sunday for Brunch were superb. El Meson should also be on the “must eat” list.

By Harmony

November 3, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this

El Meson! There’s nothing like it in Dayton, and it’s DELICIOUS!

By Ed

November 3, 2009 7:31 AM | Link to this

Taqueria Mixteca on East Third!!!!!!

By it's great in Dayton

November 3, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this

The Pine Club is passe, and rightly so. Rue Dumaine is the place for anyone who knows great food.

By Everyone is slow to catch up with recent times...

November 3, 2009 3:49 AM | Link to this

but.. It’s all about William’s Eatery in Yellow Springs. It’s insanely incredible! Their chef is one quick, and artistic dude!

By bbq

November 3, 2009 2:13 AM | Link to this

old hickory n.main best ever

By Me

November 3, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

I wish he could’ve gone to Dominic’s or the OLD Grub Steak. As it is now, I don’t know where to send him for local meals. Maybe Spaghetti Warehouse? But I do know that somebody better make sure he gets to Young’s for ice cream!

By Nick

November 3, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

Rue Dumaine, most certainly. Chef Smith would appreciate it; mentioning Taco Bell is just silly.

By Rachel D.

November 2, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this

I lived in NYC for over 10 years and can tell you The Pine Club still has better steaks than anything I had on the East Coast.

By LBS

November 2, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

Rue Dumaine?? That place is terrible!!! I would rather eat at Taco Bell.

By John

November 2, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

The Oakwood Club is the winner!

By sjt

November 2, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this

touche….what a great act of kindness by chef art, no wonder he is in the oprah inner circle…mama’s is great, maybe next time he will go to marions…

By david

November 2, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

mama’s is a dayton classic. glad a celebrity like art recognized a authentic dayton landmark rather than a chain like flemmings. shows he is a real guy, and thats what i love about him not some fru fru chef, he is a man of the people…he could be anywhere on thanksgiving and pics Dayton..he is a real hero

By tj

November 2, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

Why not Rue Dumaine? Best place in town, with a chef that won a James Beard Award, even.

By Jim

November 2, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

I’d like to hear what the chef Smith thought or Mama DiSalvo’s?

By ricardo

November 2, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

Pine Club been berry berry good to me…

By Darla

November 2, 2009 5:13 PM | Link to this

The Pine Club? Really???