5 Best Burger Spots in Dayton, Ohio that Locals Rave About

Dayton has a classic Midwest pub scene and a growing roster of chef‑driven kitchens. Burgers are everywhere—but these five places are the names that keep getting dropped.

1. Slyder’s Tavern

Slyder’s is the definition of a neighborhood bar with a legendary burger. Small, unpretentious, and often packed, it’s where a lot of locals will tell you to go first if you want a real Dayton burger.

The burger situation:

• Hand‑pattied, thick, and griddled hard for a nice crust
• Simple toppings—cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles—no nonsense
• Served with big, old‑school fries and a cold beer

It’s comfort food in its purest form and feels like Dayton in a basket.

2. Tank’s Bar & Grill

Tank’s is another old‑school institution—dark, cozy, full of regulars—where the burger is a star.

Locals love:

• Big, juicy patties with that “backyard cookout, but better” flavor
• Tons of topping options, especially bacon, mushrooms, grilled onions, and jalapeños
• The way it pairs with their chili, fries, and beer selection

If you want a dive‑bar atmosphere with a genuinely great burger, Tank’s is a mandatory stop.

3. The Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse

Quirky, brick‑walled, and fun, The Troll Pub does pub grub with a bit of flair. Burgers here are stacked and photogenic but still taste like “real food,” not just Instagram bait.

Expect:

• Thick patties cooked to temp
• Generous cheese and bacon
• Creative combos like BBQ burgers with onion straws or spicy pepper‑jack setups

It’s a good pick for groups—everyone can get what they want, but the burger people stay very happy.

4. Smashburger (Dayton‑area locations)

For a lot of Dayton locals, when the smashburger craving hits, the actual Smashburger chain still delivers.

You get:

• Crispy‑edged, thinner patties
• Plenty of cheese
• Toppings like grilled onions, avocado, bacon, and various sauces
• Shoestring fries that hit the salty crunch note just right

Not unique to Dayton, but it absolutely has its local defenders.

5. Two Social / Local bar burger pop‑ups

Dayton’s downtown bar scene hosts a rotating cast of pop‑ups and limited‑time burger menus—Two Social being one spot where locals regularly shout out “surprisingly great burgers.” The vibe is games, drinks, and casual food, but the burgers lean legit: well‑seasoned patties, melty cheese, and thoughtful toppings.