Plan the perfect picnic in Dayton: what to eat

It’s the perfect time of year to plan a picnic — whether it’s with your love, your friends or your family.

>> Here's where to go for a picnic in Dayton

Our goal is to make picnic planning simple for you so you can relax and enjoy.

Here are some great places to grab some delicious pre-made food (besides the obvious spots like Dorothy Lane and Kroger) to make your picnic (and taste buds) pop.

WHERE TO GRAB YOUR FOOD

CK Takeaway

613 East Fifth St, Dayton

One of Dayton’s favorite downtown restaurants has stepped up the fresh and local offerings for the city’s lunch scene.  Corner Kitchen owners Natalie and Jack Skilliter also operate CK Take Away, their line of boxed lunches, created in conjunction by the restaurant’s Sous Chef, Riyaza Lutfiyeva. The lunches are made fresh each day, and the menu is set to change seasonally. The Skilliter’s new retail lunch market will also deliver box lunches to businesses and organizations in and close to downtown.

>> Fill your picnic basket with these “classic” Dayton foods

Charlie’s Deli and Catering

429 Troy St, Dayton
Sandwiches, soups, salads and a little taste of Germany. This Old North Dayton location features all of the deli sides you'd expect as well as items like hot German potato salad ($2.75) and cabbage rolls ($3). Sandwiches range from standard to off-the-beaten path and are all priced right from $4.25-$6.95 and can be paired with 10 different soups ($3.75 each). They have one of the best Reuben sandwiches in town made with horseradish mustard for an extra kick. Be sure to ask for your bread toasted twice so it's good and crisp and have them heat the sandwich up just a little bit to make sure it's as ooey and gooey as you like it. While you are there, browse the 150 different import and craft beers and build your own six pack.

>> The best patios in Dayton for your slow intro to eating outdoors

Current Cuisine, Yellow Springs

237 Xenia Ave # A, Yellow Springs
This gourmet deli is just a short walk away from Glen Helen Nature Preserve or short drive to John Bryan State Park and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The wonderful salads and side dishes can be paired with large overstuffed sandwiches made with fresh baked bread or specialty dishes. It's vegetarian friendly with different flavored hummus selections that can be paired with veggies. This is a destination that is as fresh as they come and offers almost anything you could think you would need for a delicious meal in the park.

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DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store

1383 E. Stroop Road, Kettering
Italian salads, subs, soups and sides are all "cuciniamo dal cuore" (made from the heart with love) at DiSalvo's Deli. The Chicken and veal parmigiano subs, prosciutto sub and meatball grinder ($6.95) are wonderful — or get creative and build your own. Antipasto salad ($5.99/lb.), marinated artichoke salad ($6.99/lb.) or the Mediterranean salad ($7.99/lb.) are just a few of the options that await you in the deli case. Wine, desserts, olive oil, breads, pasta and sauces are also available to peruse for potential pantry purchases.

>> Your guide to Dayton’s farmers markets

The Deli at Webster Street & Top of the Market

32 Webster St., Dayton
Located in the building next door to the 2nd Street Public Market (also a great picnic shopping spot) is The Deli at Webster Street. You will find a bevy of soups, salads, burgers and specialty sandwiches including the unbelievably delicious and calorie packed "Railman" ($7.99) made with pastrami, salami, turkey, bacon and cheddar cheese topped with brown mustard on grilled marbled rye bread. The Deli has something for everyone in the group. Treat yourself to some tater tots for the car ride to the park.

>> Where to find the best fried chicken in Dayton

Jerardi’s Little Store

7325 Peters Pike, Dayton
This is a very small place that begs in good weather to have its food enjoyed outdoors. It has all the usual deli items as well as some very healthy, flavorful options like the Mid East Turkey sandwich ($6) made with turkey and cheddar on wheat with hummus, roasted red peppers, Dijon, lettuce and onion. They have a wonderful selection of olives, salads and Mediterranean-inspired dishes if you are looking to go heart healthy. And with an impressive selection of wines and staff that can make recommendations, there's lots more here besides carry-out to like.

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