Patio of the week: The Foundry rooftop gives the fresh air and the views our city deserves

The Foundry rooftop

Credit: Alexis Larsen

Credit: Alexis Larsen

The Foundry rooftop

Now is the time to seek out a terrace, court, enclosure, piazza, deck or patio. Each week between now and Labor Day, we highlight a worthy patio stop that is worth seeking out to soak up some sumptuous outdoor dining this summer.

The Dayton Dragons kicked off its 24th season on April 5 — the first of 66 home games and 132 total games. The season wraps up Sept. 1 against the Michigan Whitecaps. With many games yet to be played, if you aren’t in the stadium watching, you should consider a trip to the new seventh floor rooftop restaurant and bar in the new AC Hotel in downtown Dayton.

The Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

The entire seventh floor of the hotel has been dedicated to food and drink with The Foundry restaurant perched high up offering views perfect for watching a Dragons game on the outdoor patio while you eat.

The Foundry rooftop

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

Dayton is begging for more rooftops to be activated to take full advantage of skylines, sunsets and views, but if you’re going to have just one this is a terrific one to have.

The relaxed gastropub, which opened last summer, has a menu of wood oven cooked dishes and seasonal cuisine.

The rooftop terrace at the Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

The decor features exposed ceilings, copper finishes, custom millwork, and stained concrete floors softened by modern furnishings. The outdoor area features seating around fire pits and glass railings. The bar on the first floor is also open for business, featuring a nice wine list, solid cocktails and some apps with European inspired flair.

The bar at the Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton opens up to the terrace in good weather.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

On good weather days the wrap-around terrace is where it’s at with views overlooking not only the ballpark, but the city itself. The restaurant’s main bar opens up to the outside with seating so a drink is never far away if you are not seated at a table.

A pizza from the woodfire oven at The Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

The menu is equipped for a solid happy hour with charcuterie ($19), smoked burrata toast ($16) and crispy cornmeal calamari ($14) or a casual sandwich with a house smoked pastrami Reuben ($19), chicken cheesesteak ($17) or a forged burger ($20).

The Reuben at the Foundry rooftop at the AC Hotel can be enjoyed with views of the Dayton Dragons field.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

They also have woodfired pizzas including a cousin Vinni ($20) with pepperoni, spicy arrabbiata and goat cheese, a vegan nutty mushroom made with cashew alfredo sauce and a loaded potato pizza made with roasted garlic, rosemary, Yukon potato, bacon, smoked mozzarella, sour cream, chives and potato chips ($18).

Brussels sprout Caesar salad dusted with pecorino and served with optional white anchovies served at the Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

Entrees include a 24-hour brined chicken that is roasted and served with mushroom risotto, peas and carrots ($29), an 8 oz. steak poutine ($48), a lemon-herb salmon Caesar salad ($34) and a wonderful Brussels sprout Caesar salad dusted with pecorino ($15). A charred meatball pappardelle ($25) and smoked cherry pork belly ($32) and shrimp and grits ($27) seemed to offer the most vibrant flavors.

A charred meatball pappardelle ($25)  is served at the Foundry restaurant at the AC Hotel in downtown Dayton .

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

Desserts include a maple carrot cake ($9), dark chocolate terrine ($8) and a summery lemon thyme crème brulée topped with a blueberry compote. There is plenty of seating, but get there early on game days as the competition for a table is likely to be fierce.

Desserts at The Foundry include a maple carrot cake ($9), dark chocolate terrine ($8) and a summery lemon thyme crème brulée topped with a blueberry compote (pictured).

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

The food is good and so is the service. On a recent visit the kitchen had an issue with our order. Jan Williams, the manager of the restaurant, acted quickly and did a great job handling it giving great customer service. It was an exchange that was pitch perfect and so appreciated.

The Foundry rooftop

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

For so many reasons — food, drink, views, atmosphere, service — it’s so exciting to have a rooftop like this in our city. I’m just hoping this is one of many more to come.

Contact this writer at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.


How to go

What: The Foundry

Where: 124 Madison St., Dayton on the seventh floor of the AC Hotel

Parking: Find parking on the street or you can valet at the hotel

More information: (937) 965-7500 or thefoundryrooftop.co

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