Buckhorn is a local staple in the Little York area of Dayton. Nestled in an upscale wooded neighborhood, it's a favorite spot for motorcycle riders and locals alike. It is dark inside with wood paneling and stained glass lamps. An antler light gives the down home vibe. Service was fairly slow but friendly which is to be expected here especially on a busy weekend. I ordered the 10oz filet medium which came out medium well. I actually didn't mind because I also like medium well, however I read another review that said the same. It was juicy and tender. The potatoes were pretty dry and the vegetables were good just sliced a little thin. Overall I give it four stars because it was still a solid decent meal. Very friendly and attentive service. read more

This was always one of the places that was widely-known as a go-to for a nice but not-too-expensive meal out when I was growing up in the northern suburbs of Dayton. But having not lived in the area for more than forty years, even though we visit family here periodically, I had not been to Buckhorn in quite some time. It obviously does a lot of things right as, from what I can tell, it's been around since 1943. It's reputation when I was growing up was already well-solidified as it had been doing what it does for 30-plus years by that time. Now that it is over 80 years in business amd working toward the century mark in the not-too-distant future, I was reminded from this visit why it is enduring. Its appeal starts with the timelessly homey ambiance. It goes for a rustic theme, something like what I remember where we often ate when traveling through parts of the American West with my parents as a kid. The exterior certainly presents as a vintage off-the-beaten-path eatery. When you walk in, you can see that they pull off the rustic vibe pretty well. The wood paneling and attractive bar area give a saloon-cum-supper-club-style feel which is topped off with the deer-antler chandelier to connote rusticity. But in the bigger picture, the point is that they present a very comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy a meal. Their second, less obvious key to endurance, in my opinion, is the location. It's not close to anything but the homes of those who like living a little out of the way amongst the woods. That's tricky because it ostensibly limits the addressable market. It means that a place like this has to be a destination itself and largely rely on reputation and a loyal customer base, because they won't get much in the way of synergistic, passer-by business. But this means they have achieved something sustainable of that sort which provides a degree of insulation from factors beyond their control. That probably would not work well today unless you have a lot of capital and a lot of patience. The startup costs and the extensive runway required would likely not make a place like this appealing to most investors who want to see piles of money from their inputs much quicker. That's a shame, but the character that only comes with time makes a place like this even more interesting and enjoyable. It certainly adds to, and indeed is what is largely responsible for, its throwback persona. I had read reviews for this establishment that suggested that the service is a little choppy. During our visit, however, we saw no issues. There were three in our party and we were there on a moderately busy Thursday night. We were seated right away and our server Lou-Ann did a very good job of taking care of us. The food took a tad long to come out, but not beyond reason. In effect, the service was solid and we had no real complaints. Their menu reflected the vibe they have maintained for decades. It is a classic Midwest American collection of offerings designed to resonate with their fans. They specialize in Burgers and other traditional favorites that appeal to Midwestern tastes. The bread basket at the beginning was a nice starting touch. Between the three of us for our mains, we tried the Beef Hot Shot, the 10 oz. Sirloin with Cowboy Butter and the Turkey Avocado Salad (which may have been one of the more adventurous choices). The salad was mine and I supplemented it with a cup of Chili. It was all great. My sister-in-law said she had forgotten how good hot shots were. My wife enjoyed her steak and had some to take home. My chili was excellent and I could easily see how a bowl of it could be a meal. The salad was also very tasty and satisfying. The fare gets a solid A-grade from us. The value here is still pretty decent for what it is. With food, drinks, tax and tip, our bill was $80. At just shy of $27 per person, that's a reasonable value these days. It is good to see that this place still lives up to its legacy. It's a 4.5 to 5-star place for me. I'll hope to return for another meal soon. read more

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Food was good. Ribs were excellent. Service was slow but they are under staffed. Our waitress was watching the bar and 3 other tables. She was hustling. The ambiance was dark and the seats could use some padding. read more

What a delightful little gem just outside Dayton. I was there on a work trip and no one could decide where to go. Yelp pointed us there and wow! The server did a great job keeping our drinks full and recommended meals. The pecan chicken was huge! Everything was delicious, and the place had a tavern vibe that was really welcoming. read more

Service was awful. Waited 45 mins for food. Waitress was clearing table even though we hadn't even been served a meal. 3 items we wanted were not available. We have been here before sad to see this happen. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - New York Strip - Steakhouses Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Chain, chain chain...it's a chain. And a lackluster one at that. American food, and there is a bar. But I just can't get excited. It does look like a hunting lodge. But just a little shabby. And service was slow. I won't be back. read more

Tonight was our third visit to the Buckhorn Tavern - and quite likely our last! Sadly, there is little positive that can be said tonight. The service was terrible, the food was merely acceptable at best (except for the chicken fingers that our 8 yo thought were exceptional), multiple items were out of stock, the bill (slow in arriving, of course) was inaccurate. The facility is old and dirty. All in all it was just blah! My daughter termed it a "ridiculous dining experience" Fine dining this was NOT! It seems this establishment is going down fast! "Run Forest! Run!" read more

This restaurant has been around for a very long time and is an institution for the area. The staff are friendly & helpful. The overall ambiance is that of the 1960's when dark paneling was the in thing. The place is clean but I would rate the food as average. I had the 1/2 rack of ribs with Cole slaw and French onion soup. The slaw & soup were very good (flavorful) as were the ribs but the ribs were not very warm. The price for adult beverages is very reasonable but the vodka tonic I had didn't have much vodka. I have been here in the past but think this will be my last time as I went with family and many of the things they wanted (seafood bandit & liver & onions) were not available and the food was meh. read more

Ribeye is amazing, ask for the Rocky Mountain seasoning when you go. The French onion soup is amazing as well. Service is good, very friendly and good with kids, they make you feel very welcome even when they are busy. The business opened up in 1943 and the ambiance of the place still matches as it did all those years ago Which is amazing! read more

Final got our food. Ordered my steak medium. It was medium well. The furnishings our very dated. The carpet in the dining room badly needs to be replaced. It took 30 minutes to get the check after we done eating. read more

My friend and I often come here for a decently priced steak. Service is always great and the food is always cooked to perfection. read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Steakhouses Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

This has been our Anniversary celebration for many years. It has not once disappointed. Went several times when I lived up there but since we moved 40 min south, we at least do our Anniversary. The ribs are the best. The filet is amazing. The cabbage rolls are an added delight. So yes, when I go, I get take home of one or more of those to have dinner the next day. Have sent many people to try and have had nothing but great responses. Service was always great and the atmosphere is the same which I like. It is definitely a hidden gem. If you would like a special dinner to go on a date or just with friends, this is your place. Prices for a filet were cheaper than bullwinkles a so much better quality in my opinion. Enjoy! read more

Very nice place. Your typical old steakhouse, amazing onion soup, and the prime rib was great. Our service and waitress were great. Definitely would go back. Keep up the good work Girls. read more

Loved this place! We bellied up to the bar for dinner one weekday night and loved the whole experience. The interior of the bar felt a little like Cheers. I personally loved the vinyl bar top, dark interior and classic design. The menu had a lot of great classics like cabbage rolls, liver, seafood and - my personal favorite - a whole page devoted to steak! Ordered the 10 oz. filet and was really pleased with the quality of the meat. Medium rare cooked perfect. Food was hot and high quality. Portions large! Service was top-notch! The bartender was attentive, prompt and thorough. We loved chatting with her and learning about the area. Sinatra dirty blue martini was fantastic! Overall, this place had a rustic, nostalgic vibe that's hard to replicate. This has a classic supper club feeling that's unique and quite special. Would definitely dine here again! read more

Buckhorn Tavern - Filet Mignon with onions and mushrooms. Stuffed potato. - Steakhouses Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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My family and I dined at Buckhorn Tavern on 14 June 2025. When we arrived it was right at 1600-hrs when they opened. We didn't have a reservation and did not have to wait to be seat. The crowd was much older (50s +), lighting was darker with old wooden booths and deer decor. Old carpet as the main flooring throughout the entry and dining area. The Bathroom is run down and smells of smoke. Regarding the food, we had the 12oz NY strip ($26) and the 16oz Angus Strip ($31). Our orders were cooked as requested but the steaks were not seasoned well. A bit on the salty side. read more

Been here twice, the staff is great but the food is not. I was hoping the first night was an off night so I gave them another chance and the second time was equally as bad for me and the party I was with. Salads were wilted and looked like they had been frozen, steak was not cooked properly, other food was cold. Overall, everything just wasn't good. read more

Not consistent on quality of food very over rated one meal maybe very good the next not so good.

The food was good and the band was great. There was a snafu with my wife's pizza and had to send it back to the kitchen. My burger was good for a bar/restaurant. The bathrooms were gross and hopefully the kitchen is not the same but usually it is a reflection of the restaurant as a whole. The band was great and that is why I gave this place 4 stars otherwise I would have gave it a weak 2. read more

This was a disappointment. My husband ordered the ribs and said they were good, but not as good other places. I ordered the ribeye which comes with soup or salad and a side. I ordered the soup and they forgot to bring it out with the salads so it was brought out with my entry. The ribeye was just okay. I didn't even eat half of it. They ran out of the side I ordered, hash browns, as well as green beans which another person in our party ordered. Both were recommended to our group as being really good so we were looking forward to them. On the bright side, the server was awesome (even though she forgot my soup) and she comped one of my beers to make up for the missing side. The other bright side is the prices aren't bad. But neither of the positives would make me want to go back. read more

Excellent! This looks like the lounge of a hunting lodge - rustic, baby. Well worn wood and a big square bar with loads of leather back seats, plenty of booths all around. As we were leaving I discovered a gorgeous big dining room too (rustic) but currently they don't have it open. I hope that changes soon 'cause I'd love to eat a steak dinner in there sometime. Friendly greeting, polite and knowledgeable waitress who was able to answer questions and make good recommendations. Service was prompt, caring and attentive. Nice cocktail list and I loved my Manhattan, strong and tasty and they had one of those little sword-picks for the cherry which is so old school and classic. They were having a problem with their beer taps, but have plenty of canned and bottled options so my husband went for the Gamma Bomb IPA and was happy. I got adventurous and went for the stuffed cabbage and so glad I did. Delicious and hearty comfort food. My husband enjoyed the ribs and I must say, the half slab portion was super generous. I chose the sweet potato casserole for my side which was out of this world. Just enough marshmallow sweetness and hint of spice that was a perfect harmony with the potato. The potato was cut into small slices rather than mashed which made for a great texture. Before the meal they bring out nice warm bread, sliced from a round loaf. We also each had a cup of beef noodle soup as our second entree add-on. This was really good homemade soup with plenty of both beef and noodles and a very flavorful broth. We bopped to a great playlist of 80s pop and dance club tunes during dinner. We were comfy as far as the inside temperature, too. We topped off the experience with a slice of limoncello cake to go, which was moist, sweet, lemony, fresh and so obviously homemade. Looking forward to coming back soon and trying a steak! read more

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steak fries were barely warm :( the prime rib sandwich was superb :) the waitress acted mad when we had to hunt her down to get the bill :(

Best cabbage rolls anywhere!!!!!! I have ordered them all over the country! none could ever compare! I wish you would send some to Florida ! Montgomery inn/ Cincinnati sends us ribs! I can expose them to some happy southerners!! read more

Food was good. Came here through recommendation. Service could definitely have been better. There was a waitress who was working very hard for all of her tables! (was not ours sadly -wish we had her) All the other tables got their appetizers or meals before we got our appetizers. Refills weren't there either but it's ok. We were seated in the restaurant area but our waitress was a bar tender. She was very nice but I don't think it was right for her to have us as a table when she was focused on the bar. Oh boy ... the food. I was reading the menu & wanted a burger with a salad & soup as my sides. NOPE. Burgers are only sold by themselves. How does this make sense? I do not know. Because I could spend $12 on ONE burger & nothing else, but spend $10 more & get 4 ribs, a pork chop AND 2 sides?! Doesn't make sense. I cannot tell you how much salt & pepper I added to ALL my food too. I just ended up getting soup & salad. I ate the saltines with my soup as a crunch, but I could only eat 2/8 packets. 6/8 were STALE. Anyways moving on.... Their bread is DELICIOUS!!! (if you get any). We did not receive bread until we got our meals. Which was okay since it was fresh, but it just sucked when everyone else around you had their bread. Our final 1/2 loaf before we left had just came out, but it was cold on the inside as if it just came out of the fridge... which was fine because I had enough & bread is bread at that point. In the end I do not think I will be returning. The food had good flavor, it just is not worth it. Once again our waitress was very nice, just didn't need a table when working the bar. The menu needs another looking at. This place is definitely worth going to try. Returning is up to you .... read more

Food was good as always. Service was excellent. Got there at opening at 4:00 PM. I had 6 oz Filet and my wife had shrimp. I ordered it medium but I think it was a little more cooked than that. read more

Ambience is old school. Food is great. Service is good. Classic Dayton restaurant. Worth the trip north of town.

A very highly recommended place in a super low key location. I just had it for the first time ever even though I have passed by it my entire life and always wanted to go. We had some ribs that were top notch. The bones came clean off of the meat with absolute ease. One of my coworkers reported to me that this is the only place worth going to Englewood for. I would say that the green beans for a side is a good choice. The mashed potato's in gravy is elite and the fries are not what you should be buying here. The environment is very diner night out low lighting vibes. It had a surprisingly large crowd for a Tuesday night, but you couldn't even tell from the inside. The bar and walls are decorated with a classy aesthetic. The service was great, they do not rush their customers by any means and let you enjoy your time. read more

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When I went there weigh my family we were glad we came there. The food was very good nice and hot well cooked just right. The service staff were very polite and gor us seated rather quickly read more

Still the best steaks in the Dayton area. Yes, I know about that other place. Stellar food. Great staff. read more

Very rustic. Great atmosphere. No prime rib. Onion straws were cold. NY strip cooked to perfection. Ribs falling off bone ( I prefer to chew mine off). Waitress was extremely busy, she did the best she could! read more

Food was delicious! Ordered a side salad as a side... it was a meal in itself! Ribs were so tender, and rib eye steak with blue cheese mushroom butter was superb! read more

Great food and service, had ribeyes and sides. Probably the best steak I've had in years. Neat old ambience as well. Highly recommended!

Food may be great , but I wouldn't know as the hostess told us 15-20 min and we waited for over a half an hour watched about 20 people leave and couldn't even find the hostess to ask how much longer . So I will probably never return here due above reasons. read more

The Buckhorn has always been one of our favorite places to eat until Covid hit and we did carry out, it definitely was not that great. We decided to give them another try last night for carryout and was blown away. It was Delicious, we had ribs, seafood bandit and pecan chicken and the prices are amazing for a great meal. I know with the loss of previous owners (so sorry for the family), it would possibly be different But believe me it was just as outstanding as it's always been. Thank you for another amazing Buckhorn meal!! read more

Went yesterday with friends, ordered the Filet, medium. it came over cooked and was no more than 3/8 of an inch thick and no way was it 10 oz. tried to eat it and was so chewy it made my jaw tired. I told the wait staff and she said it didn't even look like a filet.... by the time she returned with my plate the rest of the party had finished, she asked if I wanted another one, I declined and said just take the $29 off the bill. She took the plate back and when she came back and said the best the manager will do is $10 off, in disbelief I asked where is my plate and she said she tossed it! Nice, discount me $10 and take all my food. Never to return read more

This was our first time eating here and oh my goodness. The food was phenomenal! I ordered a 6 oz filet and my husband ordered a 12oz ribeye. It took a little while to come out but the bread was so yummy to munch on. The steaks came out and they both were over done. Barbara, our waitress, scooped them up and said I'm gonna have this fixed. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait!! She brought us some fried apples on the house and they were delicious!! Thank you Barbara for such a great experience! Highly recommend this place!! read more

3 couples went to eat on Thursday evening May 29. we made reservations for 6 pm. we were seated at about 6:45, my medium ribeye was medium well close to.well done. my friend ordered a strip medium well, it was well past well done and dry, four of us got baked potatoes that were small and barely warm. the other 4 dinners were just ok. this was truly a disappointment for a restaurant known for its steaks read more

Get here early because this place gets jammed quickly. The shrimp cocktail is just typical frozen small to medium size Kroger stuff with store tasting cocktail sauce. Ribs are just bland with a heavy coating of a KC style BBQ sauce. A drafty gross hallway to a dirty men's non-touchless restroom. Others in the party liked it. I would give it a stretch 3, since I've include their opinions a 4. read more

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Sat at the bar on September 6. Was told that the restaurant was full. The restaurant was half empty. My wife and I orders drinks, salads, and entrees. My wife got her salad first, mine came 15 minutes later - Caesar Salad. My wife order a Gnocchi dish. Instead of being "pillow like" it was hard in the middle. Also, not enough sauce. I order the shrimp scampi. I got my entree 10 minutes after my wifes's meal arrived. I was told that it would be" worth the wait - it wasn't. It was not shrimp scampi. The shrimp were good although small and few, the pasta was cooked right , but the sauce was a cream sauce with no flavor. Scampi - simple - butter, garlic, lemon juice, shrimp, pasta, and a dose of fresh ground Romano cheese and sprinkled with fresh Italian parsley. This was like shrimp alfredo. I wanted a glass of wine with my pasta, but after an hour and a half I canceled the wine. Where I was seated at the bar, I could see the kitchen line. No one was wearing gloves, no one was wearing a hat, they were handling raw product and then plating burgers and entrees without washing their hands. They were wiping their hand on towels that they then used to clean up the edges of plates that they were serving. That is why I only ate my cooked shrimp. We did not get sick - we only ate what was cooked. Who I suppose was the chef, bald headed guy, kept waling into the walk in cooler and several minutes later he came out with nothing in his hands. Don't know what was happening in there. The cooks on the line were drinking out of glasses on the line - touching lips to the glass, touching there hands to the glass, then touching customers food. NOT GOOD read more

Great food and private location for a Dayton Only. Would recommend! This is a unique place to go!

Ribeye steak is great the bartender tells stories the friendly people are great. Very clean and the drinks are better The Bar is great to have dinner at. Not a cookie cutter place by no means read more