First Four: Places to eat, drink, shop and play in Dayton

🍽️FIRST FOUR PLACES TO EAT

🏆 Best of Dayton 2018 finalist: Best Pizza Restaurant, third place

2. Jimmie’s Ladder 11

3. Rusty Taco

4. Thai 9

11 Brown St., Dayton | website |Facebook | Call 937-222-3227

Dayton’s Thai 9 is having a standout year as far as Dayton-area diners are concerned. The restaurant, located at 11 Brown St. in downtown Dayton’s Oregon District, has won three first-place finishes in this year’s Best of Dayton for Best Asian Food, Best Sushi and Best Thai Food. It also earned second place in Best Restaurant in the Oregon District. In both the 2018 and 2019-2020 Best of Dayton contests, Thai 9 took home the top honor for “Best Appetizer” for its crab rangoon. This year’s sweep is certainly a testament to how the Oregon District staple has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained its reputation as the region’s main go-to for authentic Thai cuisine.

🍺🍹FIRST FOUR PLACES TO GRAB A DRINK

1. Century Bar

18 S. Jefferson St, Dayton | Website | Facebook | Call 937-223-3382

A short drive from the UD campus to downtown, this historic bar features over 200 common and rare bottles of bourbon and whiskey. Its reputation as a go-to bourbon bar extends far beyond Dayton. The Century has been named one of America’s 100 Best Bourbon Bars by The Bourbon Review’s website.

2. Warped Wing

26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Website | Facebook

Dayton has tons of amazing options when it comes to local beer. But if you can only choose one, go with the people’s choice, and that’s Warped Wing. Just a short drive from the UD campus, the downtown Dayton brewery just earned first-place finishes in both Best Craft Beer and Best Local Brewery contests.

This is Warped Wing’s fourth year taking home the top honor for Best Local Brewery. Since debuting in downtown Dayton in 2014, Warped Wing has steadily climbed the ranks of our Best of Dayton contest.

3. Elsa's

There are 5 area Elsa's locations: 1216 E. Stroop Rd.; 6318 Far Hills Ave., 6204 A Wilmington Ave., 3618 Linden Ave., and 1227 Wilmington Ave. Website | Facebook

Elsa’s is known for its classic margarita, The Bad Juan. The potent drink has been served here since 1979 and packs a punch. The drink is so tasty it often ranks high in Best of Dayton contests including taking top prize this year.

The Bad Juan is also sold in supermarkets, local retailers and bars or restaurants in Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

4. Carillon Brewing Company

Just across the river from UD Arena is Carillon Brewing Company, which celebrates Dayton's brewing history. Try an Ale popular in the 1850s or a Sour Porter from 1862 that mixes light and dark malts. Visitors can watch the historic brewing process on site. The brewery also has a two vintage wines made with historical wine grape varieties. The outdoor beer garden is now open.

🎮FIRST FOUR PLACES TO GO FOR FUN

Dayton is rich in culture — and these places prove it. If you have some time to take in some tourist attractions, here are four destinations

1. Dayton Art Institute

456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton | Website | Facebook | Call 937-223-4278

A gem of the Gem City for 100 years, the Dayton Art Institute will entertain all levels of art enthusiasts with its permanent collection, Experiencenter for kids and its current exhibition on American art. Tickets are: $15/adults, $10/military, group or seniors, $5 college students and youth, and free for children ages 6 and younger as well as museum members.

2. Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton | Website | Facebook

Carillon has it all. It is a museum, park, brewery and more, all in one. This landmark is the home of a Wright Brothers Flyer, the Deeds Carillon — the beautiful Dayton bell tower, a carousel and its newest attraction, the Brethren Tower, which offers a breathtaking view.

3. Scene 75

6196 Poe Ave, Dayton | Website | Facebook | Call 937-619-3200

With wall-to-wall video games, go-karts, laser tag, food, drinks and classic arcade games all under one roof, this spot has everything you need for a good time.

4. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

1100 Spaatz St, Wright Patterson Air Force Base | Website | Facebook | Call 937-255-3286

Daytonians take great pride in their city's history, especially when it comes to the history of flight. At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, you'll see first-hand why Dayton is known as the "Birthplace of Aviation."

🛍️FIRST FOUR PLACES TO GO SHOPPING

1. 2nd Street Market

This hub of local produce, artisan breads, meats, jams, skincare, desserts and more is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the wonders of Dayton-owned and operated businesses.

2. Flyer Spirit

1200 Brown St #145, Dayton | shop.udayton.edu/flyer-spirit | (937) 229-3454 | Hours: Sun-W 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., R-Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

In Flyer country, this has to be on your list of places to shop. This place is stocked with apparel, accessories, gifts, and more — all emblazoned with the UD logo and perfect for boasting your UD pride to the world.

3. The Greene

4452 Buckeye Lane, Beavercreek | Website | Facebook

Looking for a bigger shopping experience? Hop on Route 35 to 675 South and one exit south you will find The Greene, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. You will find a little something for everyone here. The Cheesecake Factory, The Pub, Bar Louie, a movie theater, Von Maur department store, Ulta, Nordstrom Rack, Books & Co. and more.

4. Grace Lane Boutique

133 E 4th St., Dayton |Website|

Grace Lane aims to take the guesswork out of shopping for ethical fashion. Their mission is to give back to those in need in the U.S. and around the world.

“We carry a carefully curated selection of ethical, fair trade, and sustainable brands from all over the world. Whether it’s handmade by women in India using the proceeds to pay for education for girls in their country or crafted by a local artisan born and bred in the Dayton area, each garment tells a story,” states Grace Lane website.