The dinner-only Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar does red meats and wines as well as anybody. But you'll pay for it.

The Greene has crashed the Dayton-area dining scene like a meteorite with its high-profile, high-volume restaurants, nearly all of them national chains. 2007's frenetic pace of restaurant openings at the shopping-and-entertainment complex seems to have slowed — but the crowds haven't. Here are some favorites and insider tips.

1. Brio Tuscan Grille

• Basics: 4459 Cedar Park Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 429-7792
• Why it rates: This restaurant earns high marks for consistency, and great grilled and roasted meat dishes. Start with the Mushroom Ravioli and Brown Butter ($8.95) and move to the meats, such as Roasted Lamb Chops ($24.95) or Prosciutto & Fontina-stuffed Chicken Breast ($17.50) The pasta dishes are for those who love lots of cheesy sauce, and large portions. Fun list of Italian wines to explore, too.
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2. Mimi's Café

• Basics: 4402 Walnut St., Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 426-9153
• Why it rates: Mimi's is part of the same chain that owns Bob Evans restaurants, and its breakfasts rock the house — try the Cajun chicken sausage to put some zip into your morning. This place ranks highly because it consistently exceeds expectations, right down to the seasonal dishes it adds to its menu — and because prices are extremely reasonable.
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3. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant

• Basics: 4429 Cedar Park Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 431-9200
• Why it rates: McCormick & Schmick's menu features 30 varieties of fresh seafood from around the globe, but the real draw for bargain hunters here is Happy Hour, available from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays (and Monday through Thursday, they bring happy hour back from 9 to 10 p.m.). There are no discounts on drinks, but deep discounts on the bar menu, with a rotating selection of $1.95 items that may include fish tacos or a half-pound burger, and a similar selection of $3.95 specials that may include Steamed Mussels, or Crab, Shrimp and Artichoke dip. The catch is you must buy two drinks — but they don't have to be alcoholic. All of the cocktails boast fresh-squeezed ingredients, and the restaurant does a fabulous job with fresh fish.
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4. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

• Basics: 4432 Walnut St., Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 320-9548 or visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com
• Why it rates: The dinner-only restaurant does red meats and wines as well as anybody. But you'll pay for it. And pay for it. There's a way to experience the restaurant without the a la carte price pain, however. Fleming's "Wine Wednesdays" are a relative bargain: $15 buys you samples of four good wines and small bites of four different appetizers to complement the vino. The wine list includes 100 different offerings by the glass, but the restaurant mixes some delicious cocktails, too.
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5. Cheesecake Factory

• Basics: 56 Greene Boulevard, Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 320-9901
• Why it rates: Mammoth portions, lovely interior, and a 200-item menu that borrows from every cuisine, including Italian, Asian, Mexican and points in between. I'm partial to the Crispy Chicken Costoletta ($14.95); some other dishes are less inspired. Still, can anyone explain to me why folks stand in line for hours to eat here? It is one of the great mysteries for the ages.
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Honorable mentions

• bd's Mongolian Grill
  4488 Glengarry Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 427-1900: There's something I love about being able to eat out and STILL pick every morsel of food that will go on my plate …
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• The Pub
  39 Greene Blvd., Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 320-1199: The traditional British pub fare such as Bangers & Mash put down a fine base for sampling the many ales, lagers and stouts.
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• Potbelly Sandwich Works
  48 Plum St., Beavercreek, OH 45440 [Map]
  Call (937) 426-5012: If the lines are long at The Greene's other eateries, count on Potbelly to fill your, well, belly, and for a very reasonable price.
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Compiled by Mark Fisher, staff writer