Active Dayton - Entertainment, events, movies, restaurants and dining, music and more to do in Dayton and Southwest Ohio

Cedarland Bakery & Restaurant

The basics: 4515 Linden Ave., Dayton (across from Carroll High School) [Map]. (937) 610-2888. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Why it's a gem: A no-frills place to eat delicious Lebanese food, freshly prepared. Check out the olives and homemade desserts while you're there.

Dishes to try: Creamy, addictive Hummus ($2.99); Shawarma Chicken Sandwich ($4.99); Tabouli Salad ($2.99). But don't overlook the daily specials.

Christopher's Restaurant

The basics: 2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering [Map]. (937) 299-0089. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Why it's a gem: A welcoming atmosphere, a very large menu of comfort-food dishes as well as several vegetarian options, plus daily specials.

Dishes to try: Consider the daily special first or look to the tangy and flavorful lasagna ($8.50) or the Grilled Portabella Sandwich ($6.50)

Web site: www.christophers.biz

Culp's Café

The basics: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton [Map]. (937) 299-2277. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Why it's a gem: Nestled in Carillon Historical Park, this is the perfect place to grab lunch and get a taste of history while you're at it. Culp's — named after Culp's Cafeteria, once located in Dayton's downtown Arcade Building — has a modest menu of soups, salads and sandwiches, but the desserts, retro atmosphere, summer patio and location within the park (an admission fee is not required to eat there) elevate it to new heights.

Dishes to try: Go for the comfort food with the meatloaf hot shot ($7.95) or cool down for summer with the tri-salad plate ($6.95) featuring a scoop of chicken, tuna and egg salad. For dessert try the Culp's Original Cake (3.25), a devil's food cake with caramel icing made from a recipe the original Culp's used during the 1930s. And if you're really looking to take a time-warp to the soda fountains and ice cream parlors of the past, try a phosphate ($1.95) or nectar soda ($3.95).

Web site: http://carillonpark.org/culpscafe.html

DiSalvo's Deli & Italian Store

The basics: 1383 East Stroop Road, Kettering [Map]. (937) 298-5053. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Why it's a gem: Rinaldo (Ronnie) DiSalvo and his wife, Mindy, prepare every morsel with the passion of true foodies, from the region's best submarine-style sandwiches to a wide array of daily specials that may include Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Tortellini or Fresh Made Cavatelli in a Vodka Cream Sauce. Jump-start your appetite by signing up for the "Deli Daily" to be sent to your e-mail.

Dishes to try: You can't go wrong with Ronnie's daily special, but try the Italian submarine sandwich on a soft-sub or crusty-sub roll (a generous half-sub for $5.55).

Web site: www.disalvosdeli.com

Evan's Café

The basics: 1939 N. Main St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 276-2556. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Why it's a gem: A charming bistro tucked away in the Santa Clara Arts District, Evan's is a wonderful spot to relax and grab lunch with a menu that doesn't disappoint and a small staff that's both attentive and helpful.

Dishes to try: Jamaican Chicken Salad ($5.95) made with tender rotisserie baked chicken breast, curry, grapes, raisins, mayonnaise and celery; the Turkey Reuben ($6.95), pan seared Atlantic salmon ($8.95) and the peach cobbler with ice cream ($2.95). Double check the specials board before putting your order in. The restaurant also runs a catering business — Erica's Catering. For more info on catering, call (937) 854-4359.

Jimmie's Cornerstone Bar & Grille

The basics: 1001 Brown St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 424-1784. Bar is open Monday through Sunday; the kitchen is closed on Sundays.

Why it's a gem: A great bar with a mixed bag of patrons ranging from urban hipsters to suburban line-workers, Jimmie's serves up big portions with fresh ingredients at reasonable prices. And that's just the food — the drinks aren't too shabby either.

Dishes to try: Family time-tested recipes like owner Jimmie Brandell's wife's Italian grandmother's meatballs ($5.95) and the heaping helping of Paisano Pasta Chips ($6.95) from his cousin's restaurant in Buffalo, N.Y., are winners. The My Big Fat Greek Chicken Quesadilla ($6.95) is one of the most memorable adaptations on the traditional favorite in recent memory.

Web site: www.thecornerstonebar.com

Linh's Restaurant

The basics: 4770 Airway Road, Dayton [Map]. Call (937) 252-1857. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays.

Why it's a gem: Big, steaming pots of Vietnamese soups, filled with noodles (your choice of rice noodles or egg noodles) and soul-warming broth, and accompanied by plates full of the freshest produce (bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, fresh hot peppers, lime wedges) around to stir into the soups. A full Chinese menu is also available.

Dishes to try: Pho Ga (Sliced Chicken Soup) with Rice Noodles ($6.25); Mi Tom Heo Sate (spicy shrimp and pork soup) with egg noodles ($6.75); Chicken with Lemongrass ($8.20).

Nelly's Chicken

The basics: 37 Alexandersville Road in Miamisburg (Rand Plaza, visible from Ohio 725, west of I-75) [Map]. (937) 859-5555. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Why it's a gem: The Bolivian-style Rotisserie Chicken, the moistest, tastiest chicken you'll find in the Miami Valley. It's rubbed with a blend of spices, then cooked on a rotisserie over charcoal. The result is smoky, piquant and delicious.

Dishes to try: It's all about the chicken: Quarter-Chicken ($3.99 chicken only, $5.99 dinner with salad and fries or rice), Whole Chicken ($10.99, $12.99 dinner). Or try the Bolivian dishes such as Salpicon, a Bolivian Tortilla Salad, and desserts such as Tres Leches salad or Sweet Plantains.

Web site: www.nellyschicken.com

The Oregon Express Tavern and Restaurant

The basics: 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 223-9205. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open for dinner Saturday, closed Sundays.

Why it's a gem: Located in the Oregon District don't be fooled — this is much more than just a bar. With a great patio on the second floor and live music happening most nights throughout the week, there's plenty to occupy you while you dine on some of the best pizza served up in town.

Dishes to try: Although they offer a variety of menu items including soups, salads and sandwiches, the real stars on the Oregon Express menu are the specialty pizzas. The Reuben Pizza, O.E. Special (basically a supreme) and the Artichoke Pizza ($10.49 for a small 10-inch, $16.99 for a large 14-inch and $19.99 for a jumbo 16-inch pie) in particular are outstanding choices. For many this destination has been pigeon-holed as a bar, but the food proves this is much, much more — a diamond in the rough.

Taqueria Mixteca

The basics: 1609 E. Third St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 258-2654. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Why it's a gem: Authentic, tasty food at an incredible value. The guacamole is the best in town and at $2.25, it's also the best deal. The one and only downfall to this place is the lack of liquor license and therefore, lack of chilled beer. Good thing you can get your food to go if you wish.

Dishes to try: Ceviche tostada ($2.75), seafood cocktail ($7.99 for the small, $11.99 for the large), tortas (a Mexican sandwich, $5.50), enchiladas ($7.50). While everything here is good, the tacos (served up on two warmed tortillas and garnished simply with chopped cilantro, onion and a lime to squeeze on top) are standouts. The pork ($1.95), chorizo ($1.95) and Carne Asada ($2) tacos are particularly satisfying. And if we weren't clear, the guacamole ($2.25) is an absolute must. Before you commit to a menu item, be sure to ask about the daily specials.