Don’t mind the stove on the porch! Hidden Dayton diner serves up tasty overstuffed burger, down-home grub

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Located at 115 Springfield St. near a few Dayton manufacturing companies, Grips has flown under many people’s radars since opening about two years ago.

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We had to give it a try after hearing Dayton Daily News business reporter Kaitlin Schroeder rave about the Big Gripper. 

Kaitlin was not overstating the awesomeness of the $5.99 burger — a creation Grips' waitresses said was pulled out of owner Cheree Dunson-Boykin's mind.

It’s a take on a stuffed burger.

Mushrooms, green peppers, onions, bacon, jalapeno and cheese — American or Swiss — are stuffed between two hamburger meat patties.

The deliciously juicy and only slightly spicy treat is said to be among Grips’ best-sellers.

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Officially open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Friday, Grips offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

The diner is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

WHAT TO TRY

My lunch companion ordered the Get-A-Grip breakfast with two eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy and meat (he selected bacon).

The portion was hearty and all for $7.15. The biscuit and gravy was the star of the dish.

We were told that Boykin’s chicken Philly ($6.99) and cheese steaks (8.99) are among the must- try items at the eatery that offers a 10 percent discount to city employees and Steel Workers.

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Boykin’s whole, unbattered wings also come highly recommended.

Four wings are $3.25. An order of six is $4.50 and a dozen is $9.

Sauce flavors include mild, hot, BBQ, garlic Parmesan and Grippin’ Hot.

There is an assortment of classic diner items from pancakes and omelettes and crispy breaded okra, to quesadillas and a pork tenderloin sandwich.

Liver and onions and chicken liver are served when available.

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Specials during our visit included chicken noodles with mashed potatoes and green beans and a chicken dumpling  meal.

THE ATMOSPHERE

Grips’ interior is simple with wood paneled walls, about nine chairs around the main counter and about five booths.

A Cleveland Brown’s pennant is on display, as are a few kitschy cutouts and an old Baja Fresh sign that reads: “Food cannot be made at Microwave speed.”

Despite the warning, the food came out fast, tasty and hot.

WANT TO TRY IT?

What: Grips Grill

Where: 115 Springfield St.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Contact: (937) 938-7574 | Facebook