My new favorite places to eat in Dayton

I’m still lamenting the loss of “Olive Dive” on the corner of Wayne and E. Third Street almost a year after they said adieu. Yes, the prices kept going up, but it was Dayton’s first and best farm-to-table restaurant.

But, no worries, two other Olive’s have popped up (the Green Olive at the Traffic Circle is now closed – Feb 2017) . Both on the same street- but only one that I’ve tried. Olive Mediterranean Grill is on North Dixie just north of Needmore, just before the drive in. It’s run by two brothers who work long hours and cook up some amazing middle Eastern food. It’s open late most nights, till 1:00 am,  now 11am to 11pm Mon-Sat and 3pm to 10pm on Sunday (updated Feb 2017) and you can easily get dinner under $15. They’re Muslims, so no alcohol, and occasionally, they’ll let people smoke a hooka in the dining room- which ticks me off no end, but the kufta is the bomb. For those of you who don’t know what kufta is- it’s a seasoned ground beef kabab. Their kibbe is also amazing- but, more times than not, they are out of it. The place isn’t somewhere you want to take a date for a romantic supper- it’s a former Milano’s- but if you just want good food, friendly service and not spend too much- head on over.

Olive Mediterranean Grill 6129 N Dixie Dr Dayton, OH (937) 264-1455
The Texas Beef and Cattle Company is open in Wright Dunbar. It’s run by my friend James Nunez, a Navy Veteran and proud Texan. I’ve been eating James’ slow-cooked meats for years and if you are looking for some brisket or pulled pork, you’ve come to the right place.
You’ll spend about the same amount as you would at Olive for dinner- but you’ll recognize everything on the menu. They are still working out the kinks since they just opened up, but I had a sample plate of brisket, sausage and pulled pork the other day and all three were amazing. They are open till 10pm.
Texas Beef and Cattle Company 1105 W 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 344-4376 no website, but you can find them on Facebook, where they have a ton of likes. Parking is easy, and they have a nice little fenced in patio on Williams street- and I’m assuming a liquor license is coming soon.
Going upscale, which isn’t something I’m doing a lot of right now- Chef Dana Downs, has finally put something in the old Lincoln Park Grille space worth going to. Park City Club (Feb 17- renaming to Roost American) is a cross between a private club menu and comfort food with panache. You’ll pay double what you’ll pay at either of the above places, but this is somewhere to take a date, especially before you have tickets to a show at the Fraze. Full disclosure, my firm, The Next Wave, did their website and some of their printing, but, I wouldn’t recommend a place I don’t like- it’s not the way I roll. The last few times I’ve been, I’ve seen at least 4 people I know at tables less than 20 feet from me, go figure. Reservations are recommended, or you may have a long wait.
Park City Club, 580 Lincoln Park Blvd, Ste. 105 Kettering, OH 45429 937.949.3048
My other go to places are still Linh’s Bistro, Ginger and Spice, Quincy’s, CJ Chan’s, Sushi Cafe, The Pine Club, Coco’s Bistro, Carmen’s Deli, Chicago Gyro’s and Dogs, Pizza Factory and South Park Tavern, Charlies Imports, Pasha Grill,  The Corner Kitchen and Taqueria Mixteca.
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