5 places to get soul food in Dayton

Half slab of baby back rib finished on the grill with a mild Memphis-style sauce. Pictured with collard greens and macaroni and cheese, $16.99. (Staff photo by Amelia Robinson)

Half slab of baby back rib finished on the grill with a mild Memphis-style sauce. Pictured with collard greens and macaroni and cheese, $16.99. (Staff photo by Amelia Robinson)

There’s nothing on this earth quite like a soul food dinner.

We're not talking traditional biscuits and gravy—we're cooking with chicken grease now.

Soul food — or southern-style cuisine — is created, not cooked.

It’s meticulously crafted such that your soul takes flight but your physical body can’t do anything else except turn over and ask for more.

In short, it makes a bad day good again. Here’s where you can get it in Dayton.

1. Taste Creative Cuisine

Taste

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Photo / Facebook

What more could you ask for in a Soul Food experience? Not only do they have a superb menu, but throughout the week patrons can enjoy live jazz music and handmade specialty cocktails. Executive Chef Phil Morgan offers visitors Cajun and Creole cuisine with a touch of Southern flair for an added punch to the Soul Food experience.


Want to go? 
WHAT: 

Taste Creative Cuisine


WHERE: 

2555 Shiloh Springs Road, Dayton


HOURS: 

4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday


INFO: 

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| 937-854-7060

2. Marilyn’s Grill

Marilyn’s Grill

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KAMRON TAYLOR / Staff 

Located in downtown Dayton, Marilyn's Grill is the Soul Food restaurant

and is now open for full breakfast and lunch.

When you check out the

Facebook page,

 you’ll see mouthwatering menu items from savory ribs and loaded cheesesteaks to delicious fish sandwiches.
Daytonians can also look forward to a live karaoke night every Friday from 7-11 p.m., where a special Friday menu is featured.

Want to go? 

WHAT:

Marilyn’s Grill

WHERE:

143 North Main St., Dayton

HOURS

: Sunday through Friday, breakfast is served from 7-10:30 a.m.; lunch is served starting at 11 a.m. Closed Saturday. Additional hours will be added later this month.

INFO:

3. Burger Master

Burger Master

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The chopped steak is one of the daily specials. It’s delicious and hearty enough to satisfy a large appetite. CONNIE POST/ Staff

After nearly 35 years in business, Benjamin’s The Burger Master

where John Riley first opened his delicious Soul Food restaurant. The restaurant offers

chicken and barbecue options and southern sides that include fried okra and greens -- and according to one restaurant reviewer, it has "the best" cheeseburger she's ever tasted.


Want to go?
WHAT:

Benjamin's the Burger Master


WHERE:

1000 N Main St., Dayton


HOURS:

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday


INFO:

937-223-8702

4. De’Lish Cafe

Delish

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Photo / Facebook

We’d say De’Lish has the perfect combination of good food, ambiance and soul. Every Saturday, visit the restaurant for Neo-Soul night and enjoy their delectable menu items that are sure to please your tastebuds. As the name implies, all menu items really are delicious.



Want to go?
WHAT:

De’Lish Cafe


WHERE:

139 North Main Street, Dayton


HOURS

: 4-10 p.m. Tuesday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Wednesday, 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (Every first Sunday only)


INFO:

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| 937-461-2233

5. Diamond Dee’s Diner

Diamond Dee’s

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Damond D’s Diner owner Barbara holds a Diamond D’s Burger. The beef burger comes with caramelized onions, three slices of bacon and pepper jack cheese on a sliced donut for $6.75. Photo / Amelia Robinson)

When you venture over to Diamond D's restaurant, look forward to boneless, center cut pork chops that come fried and smothered in gravy, peach cobbler and the thick sweet, salty and slightly spicy Diamond D's Burger. Make sure you clear your schedule after dining, as side effects of Diamond D's include a food coma—but it's totally worth it.

Want to go?
WHAT:
Diamond D's Diner
WHERE:
2301 Germantown Street, Dayton
HOURS:
12-8 p.m. Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
INFO:
Website | 937-268-3000

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