🍔BURGERS
We Americans like things bigger and better, and that’s certainly the case for some of Dayton’s favorite hamburgers.
>> The burger you’ll want to finish, but shouldn’t
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
• Slyder’s Tavern
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton | 937-258-1222 | Website | Facebook
A repeat winner for best burger in the Best of Dayton poll, the juicy meat in this burger is packed with flavor. This restaurant in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood consistently appears on — often topping — local best burgers list. Simply delicious.
>>Secrets behind Slyder’s sinfully juicy burgers
🌭HOT DOGS
Of course, you have to have hot dogs to go with those burgers, and the Dayton area has some delicious options.
>> 6 of the best hot dogs in Dayton
🥔POTATO SALAD
• Charlie's Deli & Catering
429 Troy St., Dayton | 937-224-3767
>>RELATED: Beloved deli owners have retired, business has a new owner.
We take sides seriously. So, when we're talking about some of the best Dayton has to offer, Charlie's Deli & Catering (429 Troy St.) is a name that is mentioned with some frequency. Customers have called the business "one of the best-kept secrets in Dayton" and "a hidden gem."
Charlie’s was sold in 2018 by longtime owners, Rodney and Becky Vangas, to Chris Raney of Dayton and his mother, Pat Jones of Beavercreek.
>> Our picks: Dayton’s best potato salads
“My wife and I are going to give these people our hard-earned recipes,” Rodney said. So you can expect the famous potato salad to remain just as delicious.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
🥧Pie (specifically apple)
• Partial to Pie
200 Shroyer Road, Dayton | 937-813-8851 | Website| Facebook
Americans didn’t invent dessert, but we practically made it another food group, and it gets no more “U.S.A.!” than good ol’ apple pie.
>>Dayton bakery open less than 5 months named 'Best Pie Shop in Ohio'
A Dayton pie shop that opened just one year ago has rapidly climbed to the top of not just Dayton pie-lovers’ lists, but pie-lovers all around Ohio. Partial to Pie opened in July 2018 has already been recognized by USA Today as “The Best Pie Shop in Ohio”
Partial to Pie sells out almost every day, so if you have a particular flavor in mind that you’ll be lost without, it’s highly recommended to call ahead to place your order.
🍦Ice Cream
• Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs | 937-325-0629 | Website
Credit: Dan Young
Credit: Dan Young
And to go with that pie, a pint from Young’s, of course! Other countries might do a delicious cone, but there is nothing like a few scoops of ice cream on the Fourth of July.
Young’s is a timeless Dayton tradition that every child and child at heart should know about. More than just a dairy shop, Young’s Jersey Dairy Farm has an entire day’s worth of activities available to do while you enjoy cone after cone of fresh ice cream.
🍗Fried Chicken
• Krispy Krunchy
See all locations here | Website | 937-999-4272
Before you become baffled as to why we included a “gas station fried chicken” on this elite menu, know that it’s the perfect option to pick up on your way to a grill out, and it is absolutely delicious.
>>Gas station chicken to go? Here's why it's a must try and where you can get it.
Gas station fried chicken? Yep! And people SWEAR by it. This convenience store fried chicken chain established in 1989 has a basic-yet-delicious menu that will fill you up while you fill your tank. The franchise boasts their Cajun recipe as well as their buttery biscuits. If you’re on the hunt for some fried chicken, don’t rule out this dive!
🥔Potato Chips
• Mikesell’s Potato Chip Co.
333 Leo St., Dayton | 937-228-9400 | Website
In between hot dogs and burgers, you’re going to need some perfectly salty potato chips to munch on. Almost nothing goes better with some Dayton beers than Mikesell’s Potato Chips.
Around the same time Wilbur and Orville Wright were introducing the world to manned flight and Charles Kettering was working on the self-starting automobile ignition, Daniel W. Mikesell was trying to make his way in the business world. Eventually, he found potato chips, and if he didn’t exactly invent them, he had an early hand in perfecting one of the world’s snack food staples. The company has been making chips of all textures and flavors for more than 100 years, and still makes them in Dayton, at 333 Leo St.
🍖BBQ
• City Barbeque
2330 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek | 937-320-0000 | Website
There’s no quicker way to get guests to the picnic table when it’s time to eat than the smell of some sweet, smokey BBQ.
City Barbeque is the reigning Best of Dayton winner for Best Barbecue in the Best of Dayton contest, and for good reason. This restaurant serves up some nationally-recognized barbecue from pulled pork, to beef brisket and some tasty made-from-scratch sides.
The beef brisket is not to be missed. City Barbeque offers dine-in, carryout and catering services and is a family friendly, affordable destination known for giving back to non-profits. Dayton has two local locations in Beavercreek and Centerville. View the menu here.
🍺BEER
• Warped Wing Trotwood Lager
26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Website
While we’re celebrating our independence (and not being at work), we need to wash all the aforementioned deliciousness down with something tasty and refreshing. Dayton breweries have been in a sort of heyday over the past few years, and the Fourth is a perfect time to celebrate Gem City’s cold ones.
Our top pick for this Fourth is the Best of Dayton people's choice favorite Warped Wing Trotwood Lager. Here's a list of retailers that sell Warped Wing beer.