Here are some highlights of our 2023 winners:
1. Archer’s Tavern
Credit: Alexis Larsen
Credit: Alexis Larsen
For the first time, Archer’s Tavern took home first place in Best Wings. In the previous three contests, Roosters has dominated the competition.
This win came after Archer’s Tavern won the People’s Choice Award for “Best Damn Wing” at the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest in Kettering. In 2022, the restaurant placed in three categories at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in New York.
Archer’s Tavern is located at 9496 Dayton-Lebanon Pike in Centerville and 2030 E. Dorothy Lane in Kettering.
2. Bill’s Donut Shop
Bill’s Donut Shop, located at 268 N. Main St. in Centerville, has won Best Donut Shop all eight years of this contest.
The donut shop has been a tradition since 1960. It was originally located in downtown Dayton and has been in its current location since 1979.
3. China Cottage
Credit: Chris Stewart
Credit: Chris Stewart
China Cottage, established in 1987, has won Best Chinese Food since the category was added in 2019.
The restaurant has locations at 6290 Far Hills Ave. in Centerville, 3718 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, 1983 Shiloh Springs Road in Trotwood and 784 N. Main St. in Springboro.
4. Dorothy Lane Market
Credit: FILE
Credit: FILE
Dorothy Lane Market placed in seven matchups last year with first place wins in Best Bakery, Best Desserts, Best Grocery Store and Best Nature Food Store.
The market received second place in Best Place to Buy Meats and Best Health Food Store, in addition to fourth place in Best Chocolates.
Dorothy Lane Market has three locations throughout the Dayton region including Oakwood, Washington Twp. and Springboro. The market is continuing construction on a fourth store in Mason.
5. El Meson
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
El Meson once again received first place in Best Appetizer. It was the second year in a row El Meson has received this honor.
El Meson started as a three table, one employee restaurant and has since grown into five dining rooms, 450 seats, a fleet of food trucks, culinary excursions, catering operations and more.
The restaurant, located at 903 E. Dixie Drive, also won second place for Best Mexican Food.
6. Marion’s Piazza
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Marion’s Piazza was recognized as the restaurant that has the Best Square-Cut Pizza in last year’s contest. The Dayton favorite has taken home first place every year since the category was added in 2018.
Just like last year, Marion’s also won first place in Best Pizza Restaurant and Best Restaurant to Take an Out-of-Towner.
Today the business has restaurants in north and south Dayton, the Dayton Mall area, Centerville, Beavercreek, Kettering, Englewood, Troy and Mason.
7. The Pine Club
Credit: Mark Fisher
Credit: Mark Fisher
The Pine Club, located at 1926 Brown St. in Dayton, won Best Fine Dining in last year’s contest. It was the fifth contest in a row that the iconic steakhouse won this category.
Since 1947, The Pine Club has been serving mouth-watering filets garnished with onion rings and a classic side of stewed tomatoes.
8. Slyder’s Tavern
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Slyder’s Tavern, a Belmont tradition since 1948, won Best Hamburger in last year’s contest. The neighborhood restaurant received this distinction in six out of eight of our contests.
The restaurant is located at 836 Watervliet Ave. in Dayton. Slyder’s Tavern also received second place for Best Neighborhood Bar.
9. The Blue Berry Cafe
The Blue Berry Cafe received first place in Best Breakfast and Best Brunch for the third consecutive year.
The popular breakfast destination in Bellbrook is known for its massive pancakes, homemade omelets and Tony Darden a.k.a. the “Muffin Man.”
The Blue Berry Cafe just this year has opened a new location in Kettering at the site of the former Golden Nugget and relocated its Bellbrook location to 129 W. Franklin St.
10. Warped Wing Brewing Company
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Warped Wing Brewing Company with four locations across the Miami Valley including Dayton, Springboro, Mason and Huber Heights won Best Brewery in last year’s contest.
The brewery’s Springboro location also won second place in Best Pet Friendly Restaurant.
Warped Wing Brewing Company celebrated 10 years in the craft brewing industry in January 2024.
View all the winners from 2023: