Dayton Nightlife

4 more images

The Oregon District is a great place for dining, dancing, drinking, and just watching people. Several places have live bands on weekends. This is where it's all happening in Dayton.

Dress Code: Come as you are. Most places are not very dressy.

The Oregon District is where you want to be if you want to throw down a few drinks. They have a little something for everyone. There are several different bars, a tattoo shop, a comedy club, a cafe, even a few adult bookstores. This is probably the most happening place in Dayton. Sure there are several other clubs and bars around the city and suburbs, but these are all in the same 2 block area. On Halloween they have the best party around.

Dress Code: About the only dress code is no jerseys. I tried to wear a jersey one night and no one would let me in.

This bar is a great place to spend a night out when you are looking for some new music. It is very dark and brick inside and there are a variety of tables, chairs, and pews to sit on. Order a pitcher of beer and relax, or get up in front of the stage and dance away. I really liked the sound system in here. The music sounded great but wasn't too loud so you could still visit with your group. They also have band playoffs which are pretty cool. Cover varies.

Dress Code: Super casual.

The Oregon District in downtown Dayton has a strip of bars and dance clubs that are pretty fun on Friday and Saturday nites geared to the 21 year olds mainly if you're into rowdy loud atmospheres that is. There is a nice restaurant and Jazz bar which has an adult atmosphere on this strip with a great saxaphone player. As I remember it's called Palazio or starts with a P if that's helpful. Food and drinks there are pricey and it is hard to get seating so get there early. Also this is an "upscale" club so dress appropriately.

The crowd here is really diverse, and really fun. The live music tends to be very good, with some of Dayton's best local blues acts through on a regular basis, and also good reggae, rock, and bluegrass occassionally. I've heard great things about open mic, but have never been due to my work schedule. Often there are people dancing. The bathrooms are clean and well-stocked, there's a pool table upstairs and darts downstairs, with a patio during the warm months. Also, the food (lunch or early dinner) is good...I've had it twice and wasn't disappointed. Oh yes...and $3 Long Islands on Fridays! Various drink specials throughout the week too.

Dress Code: Dress however you like...there are stairs and an old wood floor though...so don't get stupid with short skirts and ultra-high heels. Asking for trouble!

Blue Moon An American Bistro
524 E. Fifth St
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 225-3855
http://www.bluemoonbistro.com

Café Boulevard
329 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 824-2722
http://www.cafeboulevard.com/

China Buffet
816 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-3868

Elbo's The Bar
200 S. Jefferson St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 461-0111
http://www.elbosandchins.com/elbos.asp

Franco's Restorante Italian
824 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-0204
Fax: (937) 222-1380
traditional Italian dishes

Jay's Seafood Restaurant
225 E. Sixth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-7547
http://www.jays.com

Ned Pepper's Game Room
419 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 461-0548
Sports bar eatery with 3 pool tables, 11 TV's, darts.

Newcom's Tavern
418 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-2470
bar with D,J, on Wed., Fri. and Sat. Open Tues-Fri. at 4pm-2:30am, Sat open 8pm-2:30am

Nite Owl
430 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-0540
live entertainment 7 nights a week. Bar and kitchen open until 1:30am. Hours 8pm-2:30am
niteowlnet@aol.com

Oregon Express
336 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 223-9205
live entertainment. Specialties are pizza (voted Dayton's best)

Pacchia
410 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 341-5050
Stone Hearth Pizzas, pasta and salads with a bar.
http://www.pacchia.com/

Pacchia's Jazz Room
406 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
Dayton's only Jazz room.

Sloopy's
613 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 228-8060
DJ every night. Open Tues-Sat 4pm-2:30am, Ladies Nights on Wed & Thurs.

Thai Nine
11 Brown St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 222-3227

Trolley Stop 530
E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 461-1101
N'awlins style courtyard.

Tumbleweed Connection
454 E. Fifth St.
Dayton, OH 45402
bar with live entertainment Tues-Sat. Open everyday 2pm-2:30am.

Jokers is my favorite Comedy club in Dayton. I actually worked there from time to time back in the days. It has since changed management is is better than ever. The talent is great, service great, and very friendly. Plus, there is parking and it is in a very safe place. There is a police station no more than a block away. Check out the website for prices, upcoming shows, directions, and menu. And as always, don't forget to tip your waitress....

Dress Code: I think clothing is all that is required, and that has been known to go by the wayside from time to time too.

The other theatre in Dayton has kind of lost its luster due to the opening of the Schuster Center. But, there are still a lot of things going on at the place, and from wht I have been told, there are plans to keep both of them open.

In fact, this weekend (May 14, 2004) it's Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple", staring.... some guys I have never heard of... Oh, here we go. Lord of the dance, that guy is everywhere! I think there must be multiple kingdoms, each with their own lord of the dance. I am soon hoping to get appointed lord of the home for wayward Australian fashion models named Elle. Yeah, I am not holding my breath either.

But seriously, the place still has some cool things to do there, and did I mention that it is haunted?

Dress Code: It's a theatre, a place for fine arts. If you have been there you probably already know how to dress. If not, I'll give you a hint, less than a tux, more than dockers and a sports jacket.