Food at Mudlick Tap House in downtown Dayton, Ohio

You are going to want to sink your teeth into Dayton’s newest restaurant.

Trust us.

As part of preparations for its official sneak peeks next week to benefit local causes and its official opening, Mudlick Tap House is holding special preview nights for friends and family.

The restaurant located at 135 E. Second St. will open at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22 to the general public with its regular hours.

>> MORE: Here is how you can eat at downtown Dayton’s newest restaurant before it opens to the public

We stopped by yesterday during the first of two friend and family events.

If the dress rehearsal is any indication, Dayton area diners are in for a treat.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

You wouldn’t know this space last held Club Aquarius.

Mudlick maintains the unpretentious, but cool atmosphere diners found at its original location in Germantown but also kicks up the class with a digital beer menu screen, the vintage Dayton Daily News basket/tray liners some dishes are served on as well as decor that pays tribute to the building’s start as a Ford Model T dealership.

>> MORE: Mudlick Tap House to shut down Germantown location

Most importantly, Mudlick’s food is baller as is its craft drink menu (try “The Larsen” named after our food writer, Alexis Larsen).

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

>> MORE: Alexis Larsen knows Dayton food

Mudlick Tap House co-founder Jennifer Dean said much detail and attention was put into finding the right food.

That care was evident from the homestyle Meatloaf Sammy ($10) to the delicious and and tender Mudlick Medallions( $22).

>> MORE: 6 reasons we love all the construction in downtown Dayton

Our party of four tried the medallions, seriously tender and delicious pork tenderloin in sweet grape compote with charred broccolini and potatoes, and meatloaf after diving into the pork belly and a Dorothy Lane Market’s Bavarian pretzel and bier cheese with a side of Dijon horseradish .

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The thick cut of braised pork belly had that fatty deliciousness that makes the meat so irresistible.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

We also tried the Catfish Po’Boy and The Cuban sandwich.

>> MORE: These photos are going to make you want to eat at Mudlick Tap House now

The cubes of fish in the po’boy had a good kick that reminded us of the Big Easy.

>> MORE: 8 things you’ll love about Canal Street Arcade and Deli

The Cuban — layers of roasted garlic stuffed pork shoulder, in-house made pickles, ham, swiss cheese and dijon mustard on a perfectly grilled hoagie roll— was a scene stealer with fresh cut fries and a side of aioli.

So good.

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

That was a great rehearsal. Boy are we looking forward to opening night.

Following its official opening, Mudlick will be open daily at 11 a.m.

The kitchen will close at 10 p.m. Monday through Friday with the bar remaining open until 11 p.m.

The kitchen will close at 11 p.m. Saturday with the bar remaining open until midnight.

Mudlick will close at 4 p.m. Sundays.

>> MORE: Mudlick Tap House making progress on new downtown Dayton beer bar

The brand new Mudlick has been a long time coming. Dean took us on a tour last week.

🍺🍺Get ready to toasts! Taking inside Mudlick Tap House in Downtown Dayton where nearly everything will be made from scratch. http://on.dayton.com/2sqAOpj
Posted by Dayton.com on Wednesday, July 5, 2017

We are rocking out some Friends & Family events this weekend, but next week you can come out and support some awesome local organizations that make a huge impact on our community! Reservations are required!
Posted by Mudlick Tap House on Wednesday, July 12, 2017