If you’ve ever wandered the tree-lined streets of Bexley Hills in Dayton, OH, you know the neighborhood has a unique blend of charm, community, and—most importantly—some incredible food. From cozy breakfast spots and hipster coffeehouses to low-key food trucks and family-run bakeries, Bexley Hills has quietly built a reputation as one of Dayton’s go-to areas for an amazing dining experience. Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to Dayton, or just exploring for the day, here’s your ultimate guide to the absolute best food destinations nestled in this friendly, flavor-packed neighborhood.
Café Culture and Breakfast Staples
One of the best ways to start your Bexley Hills food adventure is by grabbing a morning bite at one of the neighborhood’s beloved cafés.
- Bluebird Coffee & Kitchen (Maple Ave & 5th St)
Bluebird is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger. Locals love their house-made pastries—try the almond croissant or a muffin bursting with seasonal berries. Their breakfast sandwich, stuffed with egg, local cheddar, and bacon, is legendary. Prices range from $3 for a pastry to $10 for a full breakfast plate.
- The Common Plate Café (Lincoln Blvd near the library)
This café is all about community, with a breakfast menu focusing on healthy options like avocado toast, hand-poured lattes, and vegan oatmeal bowls. The modern, sunny atmosphere (complete with local artwork on the walls) makes it perfect for remote work or meeting friends.
Standout Lunch and Dinner Spots
Lunch and dinner in Bexley Hills are anything but boring. The neighborhood’s food scene packs both crowd-pleasing classics and unexpected surprises, serviced by everything from local institutions to inspired newcomers.
- Union Table Bistro (Franklin St & Bexley Rd intersection)
Dubbed the "heart of Bexley Hills dining," Union Table is a favorite for both lunch and dinner, with an approachable menu and mid-range prices ($10-$26 entrées). Try their blackened salmon salad or pulled pork sandwich—comfort food with a culinary twist. The candle-lit dinner service makes this spot perfect for date night.
- La Esquina Taqueria (Bexley Rd, just east of Main)
What started as a humble food cart at the farmers’ market now draws crowds nightly. La Esquina serves up street tacos, tortas, and homemade aguas frescas, with bold flavors and fresh salsas (the pork al pastor taco is a must!). Two tacos and a drink run about $8, making it a great value.
- Bexley Brick Oven Pizza (5th St strip)
Pizza night is practically a tradition here. Choose from crispy-thin or chewy Neapolitan crusts, then watch your pie bake in their signature wood-fired oven. The prosciutto and arugula pizza is a local favorite, but their veggie pie—with house-roasted peppers, mushrooms, and onions—is just as popular.
Sweet Treats & Bakeries
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Bexley Hills has you covered beyond just your basic cookies and cupcakes.
- Hazel’s Bakehouse (corner of Bexley Rd & Lincoln Blvd)
This family-run bakery has become famous throughout Dayton for their cinnamon-swirl bread and extra-gooey pecan sticky buns. Stop by on weekends for their rotating case of cakes and perfectly flaky fruit hand-pies (under $5 each).
- Scoops and Sprinkles (Franklin St near the park)
An old-school ice cream parlor with a modern twist. Hand-churned flavors change weekly (look for bourbon pecan or Ohio strawberry in summer), and their house-made waffle cones can be smelled from a block away. Don’t skip the sundae bar after dinner!
Food Trucks and Street Eats
Bexley Hills might surprise you with its robust food truck scene—especially on weekends or during the neighborhood’s famous block parties along Maple Ave.
- Dayton Dumpling Express
This truck is known for its handmade dumplings (pork, chicken, and veggie) and house chili oil. You’ll find them outside Common Plate Café on Friday nights and at the Sunday farmer’s market along 5th Street. Three dumplings cost about $6, making this one of the tastiest bargains in town.
- Vegan Vibes
Parked near Bexley Rd and Lincoln on most Saturdays, Vegan Vibes blends global flavors—think BBQ jackfruit sliders and Thai peanut noodles. Even meat-eaters line up for their vegan “cheese” fries!
Neighborhood Food Traditions
What really sets Bexley Hills apart is the way food brings people together. The annual Taste of Bexley Hills (held on Franklin St in mid-June) is a can’t-miss event where local restaurants and food trucks serve sample plates, and neighbors hang out under strings of lights. Several cafés and eateries also participate in the Bexley Hills Cookbook Exchange—a creative way to swap recipes and food-related stories.
On weekends, don’t be surprised to spot pop-up bake sales, BBQ block parties (especially around Maple Ave and the park), or the monthly “Friday Night Bites”—a rotating happy hour event with food and drink specials up and down Franklin and Bexley Rd.
Hidden Gems Worth Discovering
Some of the best flavors in Bexley Hills are quietly tucked away—but so worth seeking out.
- Tandoor & Chaat House (Cedar Ave, just off 5th St)
This tiny spot doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the aromas will draw you inside. Locals rave about their chicken tikka wraps and fresh naan, and the family often throws in a free sample of chaat for first-timers.
- Old Town Deli (Franklin St, across from the school playground)
Stop by for legendary pastrami sandwiches, homemade pickles, and a soup of the day that’s always comforting. Regulars say the Reuben here is the best in Dayton!
Final Foodie Tips for Bexley Hills
- The lunch rush on Franklin St and Bexley Rd is real—aim for an early or late lunch for quicker seating.
- Many local bakeries and cafés offer seasonal specials, so keep an eye on their chalkboard menus.
- Don't skip the neighborhood’s Sunday farmer’s market, where local food trucks and bakers debut new treats.
Whether you’re searching for creative cuisine, old-school comfort, or the next trendy new spot, Bexley Hills is much more than a sleepy suburb—it’s a culinary destination. Bring your appetite and make a day of exploring local flavors that truly make Dayton proud!