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Whether we need a caffeine boost, a place to meet up with friends, a place for a business meeting or a place to go to escape, Dayton has no shortage of options.
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Below are a handful of coffee shops that all offer something a little different that make them worth a visit.
1. Lot No. 1
Rustic, chic and historic
9 E. Main St., Lebanon
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Website: Facebook
As the oldest building in Lebanon, the 200-year-old structure includes a chic retail shop, outdoor patio, along with an upstairs seating space inspired by wooden furniture and rustic décor. The coffee shop is owned by a mother and daughter pair.
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“I think we have a fun and inviting atmosphere. It’s relaxed,” said owner Kristen Ponchot, daughter of Dee Alexander, who both have renovated a block of businesses in Lebanon.
Lot No. 1 is faith-based and offers an organic bean by a local roaster.
What to try: The most popular drinks are the caramel macchiato and vanilla latte. Drinks range from $1.85 to $4.65. The pastry pocket is similar to a Pop-Tart but has unique fillings such as a pineapple and rosemary. The most popular flavor is blackberry thyme.
2. Curious Styles and Coffee Shop
Stylish, peculiar and vintage
16 S. Main St., Miamisburg
Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Website: Facebook
More than just a coffee shop, Curious Styles and Coffee Shop also includes a wine collection and a boutique.
“I just wanted to do something a little different,” said Melanie Wild, business owner.
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Different is just that. With a variety of Wild’s favorite styles, Curious Styles and Coffee Shop sells clothing, jewelry, bags, tables and chairs and more. Her bag collection is U.S.-made and made from repurposed military canvas and tents.
What to try: One of their most popular drinks is the Iceberg, a blended espresso with the customer's choice of flavor. The Red Eye includes a blend of coffee and two shots of espresso. Unique flavors include toasted marshmallow, gingerbread, butter rum and English toffee. The price of drinks range from $1 to $5. Beans are from a local roaster.
3. Dino's Cappuccinos
Italian, colorful and music-inspired
225 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs
Hours: Friday & Saturday 7 a.m.- 10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Monday- Thursday 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Website: Facebook
Owned by a musician, Dino Pallotta, Dino’s Cappuccinos is rooted in Italian and music décor, an inviting environment with bright colors and black-and-white musician-inspired art.
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Dino’s has more than 30 coffee flavors to choose from for frozen, iced or hot coffee drinks.
“It’s a good place to make new friends and connect with new people,” said Kelsey Wallen, a barista at Dino’s who started as a regular customer describing the atmosphere of Dino’s.
“Everyone here knows your name, and if they don’t, they will,” said Paul DeLaVergne, a loyal customer of Dino’s Cappuccino’s for 17 years since its opening. DeLaVergne enjoys the coffee and music.
On a good day, rumor has it that customers may see actor Dave Chappelle stop in for a visit.
What to try: Popular coffees include their Caramel Snowstorm, mixed with caramel and white chocolate, and their Milky Way, an espresso with caramel and chocolate. Other drinks include the Buckeye mocha and Chocolate Buddha. Drink prices range from $1.75 to $6.50. The buttermilk donut is their most popular pastry.
4. Warehouse 4 Coffee
Artistic, bright and contemporary
335 S. Dixie Drive, Vandalia
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday- Sunday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Website: warehouse4coffee.com
With bright white walls and shiny, silver kitchenware, Warehouse 4 Coffee captures a modern twist to the common “welcoming” feel of a coffee house.
Professional photos from local photographers of young and old are arranged throughout the walls. Warehouse 4 Coffee focuses on the community and supports local entrepreneurs. They also purchase their coffee beans and bread from local businesses.
Warehouse 4 Coffee was previously run as a candy shop. Now, the shop promotes using the best brands available for their food and drinks including transitioning to Boar’s Head for premium meat and cheese.
What to try: Their most popular drinks include an iced coffee cold brew and their lattes. Their price of coffee ranges from $1 to $4.25.
“I think we have one of the best cold brews I’ve ever had,” said barista Travis Tarter. He recommends trying their buttermilk biscuits and the Counter-Cultural and Wood Burl coffee, the latter roasted in Dayton.
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5. Grounds for Pleasure
Cozy, welcoming and expressive
115 E. Main St., Tipp City
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday
Website: Facebook
Grounds for Pleasure is adorned with leather chairs and couches, Van Gogh paintings and cozy décor making it feel like a home away from home.
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Since opening four years ago, it draws many regular customers for its friendly staff and warm environment. Their most popular coffees are their raspberry truffle and Snickers latte. Other drinks include their banana cream pie and chocolate monkey house specialties. In addition to coffee, they sell smoothies, pastry and breakfast sandwiches.
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