5 Must-Try Dayton Diners

A version of this article was originally published in the Dayton Daily News* on March 11, 2016.

There’s just something about a diner: the counter lined with stools, the smell of cheap coffee, the glow of a neon sign. These old-school restaurants make for the perfect dining experience, whether you experienced the 1950s or not. Here are some of the best diners in the Dayton area that even Fonzie would approve of.

Abner’s

2424 E 3rd St, Dayton
937-252-3318

Known for being one of the most affordable diners in Dayton, Abner’s has a reputation for also being one of the tastiest. There are plenty of great choices on the menu, but don’t forget to check out the specials board behind the counter. People swear by their burgers and are just as thrilled with their breakfast menu of diner staples. One visit to this friendly diner will be enough to get hooked! Just like the old days, this is a cash only establishment.

Bunny’s Hasty Tasty Pancake House

3509 Linden Ave, Dayton
937-254-8431 | Facebook

Whether you call it Bunny’s or just the Hasty Tasty, this diner is the perfect place to enjoy a big breakfast with your family or a hearty lunch or dinner of homemade favorites. Regulars usually take their hash browns extra crispy and don’t mind the waitress sitting down with you to take your order. The coffee cups are small yet seemingly bottomless and a slice of pie is around a couple dollars with a meal. It doesn’t get more American than that.

K’s Hamburger Shop 

117 E Main St, Troy
937-339-3902 | kshamburgershoptroy.com

This authentic 1940s diner hasn’t changed much in the decades since they opened in Troy. They still do things the old fashioned way, which includes preparing their burgers on a “wet grill.” K’s has earned national recognition as well as occasional celebrity visits and it’s easy to see why: Louis P. on Yelp describes it best, saying that eating at K’s is like being inside of a “living, breathing, Norman Rockwell painting.”

George’s Family Restaurant

5216 N. Dixie Dr, Dayton
937-275-0705 | georgesdayton.com | Facebook 

Even if you’ve never been down this stretch of North Dixie Drive, you’ve probably heard of George’s Family Restaurant. They have won accolades all over Dayton media, including (but not limited to) Dayton’s Best Diner in the Dayton.com Best of Dayton poll. With a ton of fans and a full, diverse menu it’s no wonder this popular eatery wins award after award.

Sam & Ethel’s Restaurant

120 E Main St, Tipp City
937-667-0113 | Facebook

If you’re looking for a small town diner oozing with charm, Sam & Ethel’s in Tipp City is the place for you. The food gets great reviews but it’s the staff that often has people coming back again and again. And don’t forget a piece of their popular homemade pie for dessert.

*Fun fact: I found out this article was the center spread in the Life section of the Dayton Daily News because someone happened to leave the newspaper open to this page on a table in a break room where I worked at the time. I was just going in to grab my lunch and was very surprised! Here’s a photo I took of the page from Instagram – I bought a copy and took it with me to Kramer’s to show it off to family and friends that night!