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We come up with our list of nominees for the next poll and you put in your two cents' worth. We'll add and subtract from our list based on your suggestions.
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The votes are in, and it's a 4-way tie. With 8% of the vote each Al's Pizza in Troy, Olde Glory Sweet Shoppe in Huber Heights, Miss Molly's Bakery and Cafe in Farmersville and Wah Fu are the Best Mom & Pop Restaurants in the Dayton area.
If you don't like these results then vote more next time.
Voting in this category ended on April 13.
We have REVISED our official rules »
"Back to the '80s," an area premiere, opens Friday, Nov. 6, for three weekends in Kettering. The retro show is an account of 1989 high school senior class, as recalled by a man in his 30s. Unrequited love, popularity (and its opposite), a debate about CDs replacing cassette tapes, student elections, a stolen speech, new kids in school and an English teacher in a magazine centerfold are among the plot lines. There are 20 songs, including "Footloose," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "You Give Love a Bad Name." Like, totally awesome! » More
Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge must face uncomfortable truths when three Christmas spirits take him on a journey through his past, present and future. More »
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The Miami Valley is blessed with plenty of hidden restaurant gems. These eateries are in out-of-the-way places or sometimes simply tucked into the back of your mind, but are definitely worth checking out. More »
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Comments
By MIKI
May 1, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this
TRONI’s great food
By all
April 18, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
i believe melody in park layne is the best eating in ohio.very know for there chicken and coleslaw abd homemade bread.very good breakfast also/i can’t believe melody wasn’t on here.
By Debbie
April 13, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this
I would like to nominate Boscos on Bigger Rd. They have great food and service. The atmosphere is so friendly. People who go there love it.
By jauhkg cgefoashu
April 13, 2009 2:40 AM | Link to this
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By AMSS
April 12, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
I grew up in Miamisburg…Ron’s Pizza is great - love their fried pickles!!!! I frequent Mama Disalvo’s - love it!! Their deli is great for a quick and delicious lunch! I have gone to the Meadowlark - great lunch. I have lived in the area for many, many years and have never been to KDs - it is now on top of my list - I WILL go there soon. I love BBQ and I can’t believe I haven’t been there yet. As for (fine) dining…COCO’S BISTRO — also open for lunch. COCO’S is great…check it out!
By Larry & Marilyn B.
April 12, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Best of the best from broasted chicken and potato wedges to broiled fish and cabbage rolls! Come hungrey because you get more than what you pay for. You will find you will return aften to sample a wide and wonderful menu.
By MICHAELSSCOTTJR
April 12, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
OK….I EAT OUT ALOT. Deweys has the best pie in town for the chain resturant (multiple stores). The Green Lantern pie rocks.
Mama Disalvo’s gets a head nod for just being great all around.
KD’s has great barbeque and service.
We frequent Gyro’s on Dorothy Lane (very underrated and unknown greek food) very fresh-very good.
And unquestionably Golden Nugget is theeee place to be for breakfast/brunch …if you can get in////or are willing to wait.
By jkyut flmre
April 12, 2009 3:06 AM | Link to this
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By CAROL U
April 10, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
TO STACY BERNAS…..ROSATIS CHICAGO STYLE PIZZA IS LOCATED AT 40 EAST CENTRAL IN SPRINGBORO, AT THE CORNER OF SR 73 AND SR 741 NEXT TO THE SUNOCO GAS STATION…TRY IT OUT FOR YOURSELF AND YOU WILL AGREE THAT IT IS THE BEST…BEST FAMILY RUN PIZZA RESTAURANT AND ITALIAN CATERING IN THE MIAMI VALLEY. VOTE FOR BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT NEXT WEEK..
By Jessica
April 10, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this
Starlite Diner in Kettering hasn’t been worth going to since Sami left. She was the one that made that place. That day manager has ruined that place. She is rude to customers. Her daughter works there too and she is just as bad. I won’t go back
By Matt
April 10, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
Just wondering why Gregory’s Piano Bar wasn’t included in “Best of Dayton” list of restaurants to vote on since we are a Father-Son restaurant right in Downtown Dayton. We are open all day and serve lunch and dinner as well as offer live piano music on the weekends. You can find on menus and events on our website. Come, check us out and hopefully next time we can be included in the vote.
By Dan Beck
April 10, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
K D ‘s bbq mmmmmm what else can i say? they even make there own meat balls! and there cheeses sticks wow!!! these guys belong it the buisness, they really know what they are diong.
By Judy
April 10, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen on Woodman Drive in front of Woodlane Shopping Plaza is the best. Best italian food I have ever tasted. Give it a try and you will agree!!
By from the olde english D
April 10, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
GEEZ is by far one of the most overrated bar/restaurants in the area. The service is substandard at best. The food is okay but the waitstaff is beyond slow. If you don’t know the owners or the family your experience will be bad to say the least.
By
April 10, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
planking requirement spectacularly chaired adroit?involvement
By barbarasweeney
April 10, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
My favorite mom and pop restaurant isn’t on the list. I would have liked to vote for GEEZ family restaurant. Great food. Great atmosphere. Great service.
By BJ
April 10, 2009 4:57 AM | Link to this
My vote goes for KD’s Kettering BBQ. Its by far the best food I have ever ate!
By Shari Lewis
April 9, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
KD BBQ in Kettering is one of Dayton’s best kept secrets. Not just the bbc chicken in Dayton, but cabbage roles to die for! And the smoked prime rib — truly the best without paying a small fortune. What can I say — everything on the menu is GOOD!
By Sarah
April 9, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
TICKETS by far is the best family owned restaurant in Dayton. No matter what you’re craving there’s something to hit the spot. They have amazing specials on the weekends including BBQ ribs that melt in your mouth with a delicious sauce that puts Montgomery Inn ribs to shame. If you like steaks, John’s House Steak is excellent. It’s always tender and seasoned so well there is no need for A1. They have the BEST GYRO AROUND! Make your way to TICKETS and you will not be disappointed.
By PFN
April 9, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this
My vote goes to Favors in Centerville on E. Franklin. Dynamic and accessible food that manages to blend their in-house prepared foods into unique meals that still appeal to the mainstream. In other words, if you like burgers and fries as well as coastal fair, this is a great place to go.
Plus who doesn’t like to see their autographed guitars.
Flavors Eatery! In Centerville!
By matt goeller
April 9, 2009 3:14 PM | Link to this
Jimmy and Mary Ann Kady have the best locallly owned restaurant that i have found. KD”s kettering BBQ. The food is great, the service outstanding and the prices are right. I do not ever recall going in there when I wasn’t met with a smile and an excellent meal.
By Lori
April 9, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this
I would like to vote for Los Reyes Mexican restaurant in Kettering. Great food and great service!
By Chet
April 9, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this
Starlite Diner on Wilmington Pike iis Dayton’s best kept secret and should have been on this list! Huge portions, delicious food, friendly and fast service and a fabulous variety from which to choose. They are mine and my family’s top choice!
By northdaytonfan
April 9, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
There’s a great little place near Hara Arena that should qualify in this mom & pop contest. Burkee’s on Shiloh Springs. They have a wide selection of entrees, great broasted chicken and a fantastic breakfast buffet on Sunday mornings. That’s my vote. Pop’s off Miller Lane isn’t bad either.
By Rosati
April 9, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
No chain restaurants should be here, and my name is Rosati. Rosati’s is all right for a chain but it’s not Jimmy’s or Corleone’s. Rosati’s does not touch them. Two places that are missing ar Bunny’s Hasty Tasty in Dayton and Tipp of the Town in Tipp City
By amy
April 9, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this
I love Tickets! Best Gyros -ever- and the people are so much fun
By Fan of Ks
April 9, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
K’s having expanded has diluted their voter base thereby ruining their chances of winning this poll…..
By Big Eater
April 9, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this
This is a very non-scientific popularity contest… obviously the mom & pop that is situated in a high population area is going to win, by sheer volume of votes. The best mom & pop should be determined by the Lead Belly Boys, who will test out each menu, and make an informed opinion, instead of voting for their local eatery. This is already being seen in that a few places with almost no market appeal are getting 6-8% of votes, while a mainstay in a smaller community can barely muster 3%
By Kathy
April 9, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this
I vote for Christopher’s in Kettering. It has a variety of great food, has good prices, and is casual and has friendly service.
By Terry
April 9, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this
I enjoy eating at Mama DiSalvo’s Restorante. It has delicious Italian food and I enjoy the atmosphere.
By Sabrina
April 9, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
I love the Blueberry Cafe in Bellbrook. It has great food, nice people, and has a casual and quaint atmosphere.
By nick_domcor
April 9, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
http://www.message_letoacbasvib.com/
By Max
April 9, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
Ron’s Pizza in Miamisburg has the best food around here that I have ever had, Their Pizz’a and sandswiches are great.They also have great dinners such as their Rib Dinner and Shrimp Dinner. Ron’s Pizza in Miamisburg! TRY IT!
By I Love Food
April 9, 2009 8:01 AM | Link to this
Hickory Bar-B-Que is the best! I’ve been going there regularly for dinner since the early 80s. Best steaks and best prices in town!
By Niki J.
April 9, 2009 1:29 AM | Link to this
Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant in Kettering has the most AMAZING Italian food I’ve ever had!! They are beyond just a pizza place…everything on the menu is to die for! I even held my “rehearsal dinner” before my wedding there…everyone had something different and everyone just fell in love with it! Whatever you order, you simply can’t go wrong! The staff is super friendly… give them a try!
By Kelly P
April 9, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this
Could you Rosati’s people be any more obvious. You should at least spread your posts out a little to make them more convincing. And no, I do not consider Rosati’s a mom and pop place.
By stacy bernas
April 8, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this
Where is Rosati’s? I moved to the Dayton area and it took me a whole year to find the best Mom and Pop shop in the area. The pizza is great.
By Rhonda Warner
April 8, 2009 10:52 PM | Link to this
thanks
By Jodie F
April 8, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
Our vote is for Rosati’s Pizza in Springboro. We were very dissapointed to find that they were not included in the Mom & Pop restaurant category. Although they are a chain… they are independently owned and operated. And, they exemplify the term “Mom & Pop”!!! Not only do they treat you like family, they provide fabulous food and a great family friendly environment! Our vote is for Rosati’s Pizza HANDS DOWN!!!
By Jeff
April 7, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this
If you want great food and service, go to Barbie’s Bistro in Kettering. A wide variety of delicious food on the menu and they serve great drinks. Can’t wait for the large deck to open up! Barbie’s Bistro - Hands Down
By Carol Urbanik
April 7, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
I vote for Rosati”s Chicago Style Pizza in Springboro. Since your own definition of MOM & PoP Restaurant is Family owned and operated, and treating all their customers like FAMILY . Every one there makes us feel at home, like we are at a relative’s home. A game room that is truly KID friendly, with blocks for the little ones and checker games on the tables. There is even a chess game. The “MOM” & “POP” always seem to be there, and know your name… ROSATI’S , PIZZA, ITALIAN & MOM & POP
By julie b
April 7, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this
I want to vote for Rosati’s Pizza in Springboro as best Mom and Pop restaurant… the food is great and I happen to know its made with love!
By Ann M
April 7, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
In response to ActiveDayton.com’s blog re: Rosati’s Pizza, we would like to also nominate Rosati’s Pizza to the Best Family Restuarant category next week? Our kids love it!…it’s the only place they want to go for dinner! They have a dining room for about 60 with checker boards on the table, a small game room, and they love kids!!!!
By Amy
April 7, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
I vote for Barbies Bistro. They have the best food in town. Also the best service i have had at any restaurant. You will leave with your belly’s full and very satisfied. Barbies Bistro is a must try for everyone.
By Tracy M
April 7, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
I wish to argue your decision about Rosati’s pizza as best mom & pop stop.Although Rosatis is a chain, each is independently owned and operated. Also, the menus are vastly different and their pizzas are customized at each location, which means that they all have different variations of whatever pizzas they which to create. There is no “set menu”. Rosatis of Springboro is truly a FAMILY runned business that caters to its customers individually and adds that personal touch.
By Dan T
April 7, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
My vote is for Rosati’s in Springboro, OH
By ActiveDayton.com
April 7, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Rosati’s is a chain, so didn’t fall under this category for mom and pop.
http://www.myrosatis.com/home/
But we have it down for the pizza and Italian lists. Italian is up for vote later this month beginning April 27 through May 4; pizza this summer, from July 13-20. Thanks for all of the nominations!
By Jeremy S.
April 7, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
Rosati’s is not only the best “mom & pop” restaurant, it is the best restaurant PERIOD!
By Beth F
April 7, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
I want to vote for Rosati’s in Springboro as THE BEST “mom & pop” restaurant. Their food rocks and the people there are great! It’s so good that it’s worth it for me to drive all the way there from Englewood!!
By Rick P
April 7, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this
Where is Rosatis - we wish to vote for them
By NancyT
April 7, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
Why isn’t Rosatis on this list? I’m a transplanted Chicagoan who KNOWS her pizza and they’re the best in town!
By Monica
April 7, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Get Rosati’s on the list. You are missing the boat if you haven’t stopped in yet. Whether you eat in or carry out, it’s the best pizza in town!
By Dale A
April 7, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
That’s funny, I saw this article last week and my first thought was Rosati’s also. So I nominated them too. We either go there or order out at least a couple of times a week. They have some of the best pizza I have ever had not to mention the other items on their menu. In fact, I had their pizza last night, and if I could, I would have it for lunch today, but it is all gone. Why aren’t they on here? Please put them on and if you doubt how good they are, just try them once and you’ll be hooked.
By Tracy M
April 7, 2009 6:43 AM | Link to this
I agree 100%…….Rosati’s rocks! Why is it not on the list. I nominated them too? Please update it ASAP so the list is a FAIR and accurate reflection of the nominations of best Mom and Pop restaurants!
By Ann M
April 6, 2009 11:20 PM | Link to this
We agree with Ms Richards. We nominated Rosati’s of Springboro but donlt see htem on the list.,.. what gives? It’s our favorite pizzeria/restaurant! Small, personal and always great food!
By Cynthia Richards
April 6, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this
I vote for Rosati’s Pizza in Springboro, OH