13 Kickass Patios in the Dayton Area
By Amelia Robinson
Staff writer
When the weather turns warm, our thoughts turn to the great outdoors -- and by the great outdoors, we mean patios.
The Dayton area has more than its fair share of bar and restaurant patios.
They are great places to enjoy cocktails or a beer with friends, or relax alone with a good book and even better glass of wine.
Here's a rundown of some of the best patios in the region.
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The Trolley Stop
Why? The Trolley Stop patio is a number of things, depending on the day and time you visit. It is a hidden garden in the middle of the city where you can read a book over lunch, a chill place to catch up with friends or a place to be seen by anyone who wants to look.
 Where is it? 530 E. Fifth St. in Dayton's Oregon DistrictÂ
When is it open? Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Info: Website | Call: 937-461-1101
Photo: Trolley Stop's Facebook pageÂ
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El Meson Restaurant
 Why? Thanks to food and cocktails that transport you to Central America, South America and the Caribbean, festive decorations, heaters and weather panels (they will be down this weekend), it always feels like the tropics on El Meson’s main patio — even in the winter. You are not in the Buckeye State when you are on one of the eatery's patios.
 Where is it? 903 E. Dixie Drive,West Carrollton
When is it open? Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.; dinner 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and dinner 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Info: Website | 937-859-8229
Photo: El Meson's Facebook pageÂ
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Jimmie’s Ladder 11
Why? Potted plants help set the mood on this beautifully decorated and relaxed patio near UD. There is plenty of room for the entire gang.
Where is it? 936 Brown St., Dayton
Photo: Jimmy's Ladder 11's Facebook page
When is it open? Daily 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Info: Website | 937-424-1784Â
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Peach’s Bar & Grill
 Why? Peach’s is a great spot to put back on those pounds you took off on the nearby Greene County bike path. Good food, people watching and beer also help. While you're in the Village, check out the patio at Yellow Springs Brewery at 305 Walnut St.
 Where is it? 104 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs
Photo: Yelp user
When is it open? 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily
Info:Â WebsiteÂ
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Brio Tuscan Grille
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Why: The restaurant’s sophisticated patio is the perfect place to watch entertainment happening in The Greene with munchies on your fork and wine in your glass.
Where is it? 4459 Cedar Park Drive at The Greene in Beavercreek
When is it open?11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and SaturdayÂ
Info: Website | 937-429-7792
Photo: Yelp user photoÂ
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Lily's Bistro
Why? Lily's has three patios with personality, including two that face Fifth Street. The restaurant's beautifully landscaped back patio is a no-so-secret oasis that can accommodate up to 500 people.
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Where is it? 329 E. Fifth St. in Dayton’s Oregon District
When is it open? Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; dinner 5-9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. Dining room hours vary. Saturday and Sunday brunch is 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sunday "family dinner" is 5-9 p.m.Â
Info: Website  | 937-723-7637
Photo: Lily's Bistro's Facebook page -
Dublin Pub
Why? It is one of the chillest patios in town. Sit under an umbrella and order a pint.
Where is it? 300 Wayne Ave. in Dayton's Oregon District
When is it open? 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday;  11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday.
Info: Website | 937-224-7822
Staff photo Connie Post -
Wheat Penny Restaurant
Why? Nothing goes better with vino and pizza than outdoors. Wheat Penny's striking patio is great for groups.
Where is it? 515 Wayne Ave. in Dayton's Oregon District
When is it open? 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Dining hours vary.
Info: Website  | 937-496-5268
Photo: Wheat Penny's Facebook page -
Ye Olde Trail Tavern
Why? You get a front row seat to people watch in the heart of downtown Yellow Springs, plus there's great food and drink. Do a little shopping, then find a seat on the patio of Ohio's second oldest restaurant.
Where is it? 228 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs
When is it open? 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Info: Website | 937-767-7448
Photo: Ye Olde Trail Tavern's Facebook page -
The Caroline on the Square
Why? The Caroline has great food, and you'd get to enjoy it with a view of Troy's charming Public Square.
Where is it? 5 S. Market St., downtown Troy
When is it open? 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 4-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Info: Website | 937-552-7676
Photo: The Caroline's Facebook page -
Coco's Bistro
Why? Those in search of a little romance need not look any farther than Coco's cool and inviting patio.
Where is it? 250 Warren St. in Dayton's South Park
When is it open? Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday; dinner 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Info: Website | 937-228- 2626
Photo: Coco's Facebook page -
Fifth Street Brewpub
Why? Who doesn't like a beer garden with homegrown brew?
Where is it? 1600 E 5th St. in Dayton's St. Anne's Hill
When is it open? 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m Sunday.
Info: Website | 937-443-0919
Photo: Fifth Street Brewpub -
The Oregon Express
Why? The patio at the Oregon Express may not be fancy, but it gives you a bird's eye view of the Oregon District and that can be very, very interesting indeed.
Where is it? 336 E 5th St in Dayton's Oregon DistrictÂ
When is it open? 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Info: Website | 937-223-93205
Photo: Oregon Express' Facebook page