5 GREAT LOCAL CARRYOUT BURGERS
The Miami Valley Restaurant Association will be creating monthly themed dining promotions, kicking things off June 21-28 with a cheeseburger week. This news has us thinking about those delicious grilled beefy patties.
In honor of Cheeseburger in Paradise Week, here are six delicious beefy burgers and a vegetarian option worth leaving the house for or to pick up to go.
BLIND BOB’S
430 E. Fifth St., Dayton 937-938-6405 http://blindbobs.com
Blind Bob’s build-your-own burger program is on point. The list of cheese choices, add-ons, extra goodies and sauces are some of the most comprehensive out there or you can go with a style already conceived for you. The Italian burger with provolone cheese, basil, sautéed green pepper, sautéed onions, marinara and lettuce ($11.50) is a favorite.
COCO’S BISTRO
250 Warren St., Dayton 937-228-2626 https://228coco.com
Coco’s Bistro Burger ($18) is a savory, creamy dream. The 7-ounce angus beef patty is topped with Boursin cheese, caramelized onion, applewood bacon, roasted garlic aioli delivered in a challah bun with house-cut fries.
LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY
520 E. Fifth St., Dayton 937-222-6800 www.luckystaproom.com/ index.html
Lucky’s has 10 signature burgers to choose from, as well as a build-your-own model. The burgers made with Keener grass-fed beef use some of the best ingredients around. My personal favorite is The Cobra ($14.5) slathered in a Thaistyle marinade, with peanut butter, fresh cilantro, cucumbers, pickled carrots, jalapeños and sriracha sauce.
NICK’S RESTAURANT
1443 N. Detroit St., Xenia 937-372-3202 https://gotonicks.com
Located off the bike path along U.S. 68 in Xenia, the restaurant’s Big Nick half-pound burgers ($8.99) are a staple — add bacon and cheese and Nick’s special sauce for the full effect. There are other burger options featured on the menu, but this is definitely the one to start with.
SLYDER’S TAVERN
836 Watervliet Ave., Dayton 937-258-1222 www.slyderstavern.com
If you want to talk about the best burger in Dayton, this is definitely one of them. Don’t take our word for it. This won first place for Best Burger in the Dayton.com Best of Dayton competition in 2018, 2017 and 2016, was best burger runner-up in 2015 and took second place for 2019. Not only is it one of the tastiest burgers in town. It’s also one of the most affordable. A 7-ounce hamburger is just $6.05. This is a modest little neighborhood bar that puts out really great food and has been one of my go-to spots for years.
WATERMARK
20 S. 1st St., Miamisburg 937-802-0891 https://eatdrinkwatermark.com
Watermark’s signature (Great) Miami Burger ($14.95) is an all-prime grilled burger, topped with house-made bacon and Bourbon jam, dill pickles, pickled red onion and your choice of blue cheese or cheddar, on a brioche bun. Served with your choice of house-cut fries or dressed greens. It’s as good as it sounds.
VEGETARIAN BURGER MUDLICK TAP HOUSE
135 E. Second St., Dayton 937-895-4066 https://mudlicktaphouse.com
The white bean tabbouleh burger from Mudlick hits all the right notes for vegetarians or those looking to cut down on their meat consumption. The white bean and quinoa tabbouleh patty is slathered with hummus and topped with a sliced tomato, field greens, and red onions on brioche. Bonus: It’s a vegan-friendly dish.