It is currently a crisp and cold early mid spring afternoon. My buddy Patrick and I have been working on trying interesting places in Dayton for a while now. Today's adventure brought us to Chef Danes first restaurant, a global comfort food diner called Culture. Culture is a pleasant, if a bit noisy at times, visceral experience of its namesake. The menu full of unique yet familiar dishes and ideas Invites one's culinary curiosity yet doesn't become unapproachable. On a different day I would have tried their Louisiana catfish, but today Patrick and I were on a mission. The specials were calling. Patrick and I have been trying to slowly become part of the Dayton community and Patrick's new job at Little Fish (a nearby bar and restaurant) has propelled us to dive further into our exploration. Patrick was made aware of Cultures new specials, a Thai cheesesteak and chicken tikka masala fries. We had to try them. So on this crisp and cold mid spring afternoon we decided to become cultured. First off we got the Chicken Tikka Masala Fries and we were quite impressed. I'm not the most familar with British Indian food (maybe a bit more than the average midwesterner but not by much) and the fries definitely brought a pleasant experience that Patrick an I enjoyed...but we didn't finish all of it at once. We saw a glimpse of what was to come and we didn't want to eat to fast and fill up to much. The picture I took does not do the Thai cheesesteak justice. It just had a certain presence coming off of the kitchen. We were sitting at the bar watching it all unfold for the most part and the smell was subtle yet hypnotizing. we finished maybe 3/5ths of the fries and waited for the sandwich. Once it got to use I cut it in half, Took as good of a pic as I could, Gave Patrick his half, And dug in. It might have been a bit too hot resulting in me burning my tongue but the flavor was encompassing. I could taste all the elements coming together in such a unique groove. Could be chalked up to just a damn good cheesesteak, they tend to illicit similar responses, but still. The first words out of my mouth after finishing that first bite were "holy shit". I then maybe finished the sandwich a bit fast but I couldn't help my self, i had to have it. It was so damn good. Well worth trying while they have it. To say anymore would spoil the experience. Anyway, I've rambled enough. I encourage you try Culture for yourself! Thank you. Drew, from Dayton read more

Culture - Thai Cheesesteak with fries - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Decided to try this place before going to the Dayton Funny Bone. I love the inside, they have it decked out with famous black musicians. They had some good music playing to set the vibe. Prices are a little high, but the food was pretty tasty. I ordered the Birria Grilled Cheese with fries. My wife got the Shrimp and Grits. I had no complaints, the dipping sauce for the grilled cheese was really good. The fries were excellent! No ketchup needed, they were seasoned with what appeared to be a semi sweet dust. My wife enjoyed her meal, but she said she wished her grits were a bit hotter. She said they were just slightly warm. Customer service was decent. We will be back to try something different. Birria Grilled Cheese 1-5=4 Fries 1-5=4.6 Customer Service 1-5=3.5 read more

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The Pan-Seared Meatloaf was phenomenal! I would highly recommend CULTURE for the food, service, and the vibes. Next time, I want to try either the Wonton Nachos or the Trippin' on Shrooms sandwich which is an actual fried Lion's Mane mushroom. The wait time was 12-15 minutes. read more

Culture - Pan-Seared Meatloaf with green beans and Boursin mashed potatoes - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Hands down the best place to eat in Dayton and the best restaurant I've eaten at in Ohio. Staff are super chill and friendly, they'll help recommend some food for you if you can't decide, seasonal menus so some things may change. Food portions are huge so I recommend sharing to try out most of their menu. Got their Wonton Nachos , bulgogi was seasoned great and chips were light and crispy! Jerk Chicken Mac n Cheese, super delicious; creamy Mac n cheese and the chicken was right on point! Out of all the things I'd highly recommend the Pan Seared Meatloaf! One of the best things on the menu in my opinion, perfect for 2 but meatloaf was tender and seasoned to perfection as well as the mashed potato's and green beans. Best comfort food around! And love the decor and culture in the restaurant, was a great vibe. read more

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If you're curious, just do it! Culture brings a unique twist to traditionally recognized comfort foods. My partner ordered Rasta pasta and I the drip burger, substituted with fries. The fries were crunchy and deliciously coated in a smokey, sweet sort of bbq rub. The burger melted in my mouth with a symphony of flavors. The pasta melded beautifully with no one spice demanding to be heard over the next, but all spices creating a euphoric mouth watering experience. Both dishes were shear perfection. The cafe style restaurant was retro, but in a cool way, with a nod to some of the best soulful musicians. If comfort soul food has a flavor, this is it. The food was delivered quickly and the service was excellent. We will absolutely be back to try other mainstays and seasonal offerings. read more

Culture - Rasta Pasta - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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Very very tasty food and filling portions. The staff was awesome. You could tell they enjoy cheffing it up read more

Culture - Salmon and grits - light yet filling! - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Awesome experience from start to finish. The kitchen is impressively fast, and they definitely don't skimp on the portion sizes. The wonton nachos are absolutely incredible and the star of the show. While the wings were just a little dry, the flavor profile was so good it completely made up for it. I was a bit heartbroken to see the brisket mac 'n' cheese is off the menu, but it gives me an excuse to try new things. The grilled cheese caught my eye at a neighboring table and looked spectacular, so I will absolutely be back for that. Highly recommend! read more

Culture - Wonton Nachos - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

The food was phenomenal! Seasoning was on point and the flavor was in every bite. The staff friendly. Place was clean and very welcoming. Absolutely amazing experience, told us the new menus going out soon and we can't wait to go back!!! read more

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The set up is pretty convenient and they are quick with the service. The nachos were okay but the sandwich was delicious and fries were crispy! No free water though.. If it wasn't so expensive, it would be a great go-to spot! read more

Culture - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

My friend and I visited this Black owned vegan restaurant while visiting Dayton. She's more of a veggie lover than I am, but I was in the mood to try something new. I tried the trippin on shrooms burger and it was surprisingly good! I was nervous about having a mushroom as my "meat" but it was flavorful and juicy. We also tried the wonton nachos. I'm not a fan of vegan cheese, so I picked around it but my friend was a fan. The Asian pear slaw sealed the deal for me though, that was really unique. They also sell popsicles but we were too full to try one this time. read more

Im going to start with the ambience first because yall are that 9 out of 10. From the visuals to the layouts yall ate that really bad!!! Unfortunately that's where it ends, because yall LOOK GOOD that's it. The food trash trash. I definitely gave my food to the homeless man at the end of yalls street because I would never eat that twice. Yall definitely have potential and is being hyped up but in my opinion fall very shot. That mac and cheese tasted just like the roux yall use to make it. No cheese taste at all. There wasn't even a cheese pull in the mac and cheese. if y'all would have cooked the pasta noodles in chicken broth that would have given it more of a flavor. The jerk chicken was to good to be on that mess off a pasta. The salmon and grits was ok just a bit boring. Like not flavor because the salmon and grits was bussin I was just over eating the grits after a few bites. Definitely liked that sauce just wish I had more of it on my salmon. Yall chicken wings was OVER hyped just tasted like chicken with grippo seasoning on them the ranch and jerk sauce was nasty. I didn't get a picture of the banana pudding because I was too excited to eat it but after the first bite instantly t'd off. BANANA PUDDING NEEDS BANANAS or else it's vanilla pudding with cookies. That's just what it tasted like. Also drink selections Also stop using all that decoration on the food, let the fools speak for itself. All the works were nice. read more

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If you want some delicious food definitely come here! We've been eyeing this place since we moved a few months ago and it didn't disappoint. Everything we ordered was good and now have my second round picks next time we go. Let's start off with how it's done... they have menu on the left when you come in and by the cash register you select and pay there and find seating then you wait for your food. The people were helpful when picking out what you wanted. It is a bit small but they have a few tables inside and out plus bar seating. Its was a great place nice vibe everyone truly enjoying their food. Again, we're coming back to try the rest of the menu at a later date. Thank you! read more

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Food was AMAZING! Service was friendly! And the decor was fun! There were a handful of artisan, fusion and cultually staple menu items, it was hard to choose. P.S. Don't skip dessert, even if you don't eat it there or right away, take it to go. I got the banana pudding and it was FABULOUS! NOTE: Get there early, as in, at opening, if you a pick of the full menu offered & a seat. read more

Culture - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and bacon-bacon-bacon!!! And a cucumber lemonade! - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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The food was extremely salty. I couldn't even eat it. I got the nachos that are popular. I tried my friends who got the meatloaf also salty. I don't know if it is the Cajun seasoning they use but I did not like it at all. I was really looking forward to trying it and trying Chef Dane's food but unfortunately it was not good and I will not be back. read more

This was an unexpected pleasure. Cute little place, and the food was amazing! Just nonalcoholic drinks, but that was fine with us. Highly recommend! read more

This is a great spot in downtown Dayton. I came here for brunch and had the birria benedict. Every bite of this was out of this world good. It was a well balanced plate and I was sad when it was all gone. I also had the banana pudding and it was delicious! The perfect end to a meal. read more

Culture - Birria Benedict - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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From walking in until we left, what a welcoming establishment. We had sent a message before making the adventure from Cbus to Dayton. The chef had just gotten to our message as we walked in. Apologized and took the time to tell us what wasn't available on the menu today. Alyssa was super friendly and helped with taking our order and then the rest of the time we were there. We ordered the Birria Grilled Cheese, Drip Burger, Wonton Nachos, Jerk Chicken Mac-N-Cheese, Bourbon Glazed Wings, Bang Bang Srimp Tacos and assorted Lemonades. We were seated immediately, everyone in the place was super friendly. Bathrooms, clean and tidy. Chef came and checked on us and was gracious and will to take a pic with our son. Definitely a place to come back too, bring your family and friends!! Absolutely a place to come back to. read more

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The catfish was salty. I did not like the catfish with the dirty rice. The dirty rice had too much sausage in it where you couldn't eat the rice. read more

Culture has such a good vibe -- it feels like an urban diner with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating is super spacious, perfect for hanging out when the weather's nice. The menu is full of tempting options -- seriously, it was hard to choose just one thing. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing. They definitely don't hold back on flavor, and you can tell a lot of care goes into each dish. If you're looking for a chill spot with great food and good energy, Culture is it. Can't wait to go back and try more! Service was great too!!!! read more

Culture - Drip Burger!! - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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I ordered the lions mane mushroom sandwich. Holy smokes. Excellent! It was very filling, and I was unable to finish my meal. Service was great too - the nice man working assured me he could help haul me to my car if I ate so much I couldn't walk. read more

Culture - Lions mane sammie - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

The food is wonderful. Real Italian favors. Excellent service and cozy atmosphere. I would definitely recommend; a great experience in dining. read more

I went to Culture for the first time today. I got there drip burger. I would highly recommend this burger, it was so delicious! I would definitely get it again. For my beverage, I got a gustos pineapple lemonade which was delicious as well! The staff was so friendly and had many great recommendations to try in the future! The atmosphere was welcoming and alive! Would definitely recommend this place to eat! read more

Culture - Drip Burger - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

What can I say, absolutely totally hooked on this place! The food, the people everything rocks! read more

Culture - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Incredible! Fantastic menu! We had the blackened catfish (weekly special), Wonton nachos and the Dayton Cheese steak. We will definitely be back. read more

I was in Dayton for business and found this hidden gem! The food was so good the first night (I had the Birria grilled cheese with fries and my friend had the shrimp tacos), that I went back the next evening before flying home! On my 2nd visit I had the wonton nachos and they were really good. Lots of flavor and the homemade wonton chips were light and crispy. I also had the banana pudding - it was perfect. I plan to try the drip burger next time I'm in town! read more

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I was in Dayton for work and went out of my way to stop by this newer spot. I had been following Chef Dane on Instagram for quite a while and could not wait to try his creations. I arrived and was able to find parking in a paid lot right across the street. The building is absolutely charming with a large patio for warmer months. Inside there is countertop seating or tables. You order and then find a place to sit where it will be brought out to you. The music was great and the staff was super friendly and helpful. I had a hard time deciding what to order because everything looked so good. I fully intend to come back and work my way through the entire thing. The gentleman waiting on me recommended starting with the Meatloaf since it is seasonal. He certainly did not steer me wrong. This was the best meatloaf I have ever had. It had many complex flavors with a little spicy zing to it. The boursin mashed potatoes and garlic green beans were an awesome accompaniment. I had been hearing about some killer lemonade and the recommendations were not wrong... Gustos Blueberry was my first choice. I also got a cucumber one to take home. For dessert there was delicious banana cream pie, and some cookies and cream gourmet marshmallows. Checkout their social media for daily deals Mon-Thurs and brunch pop ups on weekends! Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of the food! read more

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A great local business in the Oregon district. The staff were friendly and polite. The service was quick. The flavors are bold and authentic. Pros: I am not a big fan of mushrooms and have never ordered a mushroom dish. But I highly recommend the Trippin on Shrooms. Great flavor and doesn't taste like mushrooms. The thiccc chick with hot honey was also delicious. The sweet potato hush puppies were also good. The lemonade was excellent. Good ambience. Couple of cons: 1. The fries needs to be a bit crunchy. 2. The items are a bit pricey.($5 for a lemonade). I would highly recommend this place. read more

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All the food is delicious?m!! There are no bad choices, but I love the fish with the rice and beans. Also the gravy on top has the right amount of spice. read more

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Great add to the Oregon District! Chef Dane recently opened up this restaurant and I'm glad to see him bringing his ideas to life! PARKING I lucked up and got free parking right in front. If you don't snag a spot in front, there is a paid parking lot at the edge of the Oregon by the music shop. Or you can drive around to see what's available. SERVICE Everyone there was really nice and welcoming. They were knowledgeable about the menu and were able to answer any questions we had. The staff checked on us to make sure we had all that we needed while we were there. FOOD The food was great! I had the drop burger and a side of fries. I was nervous the peppers would be too spicy for me but they're very similar to a banana pepper if you're a fan of those. The peppers and onions were sautéed perfectly and the sauce was so good! The fries were thick but still had a crunch on the outside and seasoned very well. To drink, I tried the locally made raspberry lemonade. I hope this place gets a lot of business because the food and service is well wor AMBIANCE It's a very casual spot and they make great use of the space they have. Not good for large groups but lots of 4 top tables and a bar table near the window. read more

Culture - Sidewalk sign - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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My son searched for "best food in Dayton," Culture was on the list, and it did not disappoint! We got the wonton nachos, drip burger, and jerk chicken cheesesteak for carry out. It was ready fast, tasted amazing, and we will definitely come back to try the east coast blt and trippin' on shrooms. The girl at the front desk was super nice, too. We loved it! read more

Nothing short of AMAZING! Chef Dane did an incredible job taking over this old diner. It looks great and feels so comfortable. They also have excellent music playing in the background. Their thing is food and vibes and I was definitely feeling it. My favorite part, besides the food, is the wide open kitchen. You get to watch the action. Actually, I saw Chef pull a pot of greens off the stove and I commented on it. He gave me a small sample. YUM! So much flavor. He could bottle that pot liquor! I wanted to try everything but went with the Drip burger. It's smash burger style on an awesome brioche bun. It has caramelized onions, pickled cherry peppers, and their Mack sauce. This thing was a flavor bomb! Easily the best burger I've had in Dayton. I may even include Cincinnati! It includes chips but I upgraded to fries. I'm glad I did because they were crispy and well seasoned. These guys are not afraid of flavor! I'm excited to come back and try more of the menu. They are also offering brunch every other Sunday. I'm definitely in on that! read more

Culture - a man sitting at a counter in a commercial kitchen - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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The burger and fries were amazing. Staff was helpful and made for a nice relaxing date.

If i end up on d3ath row id like jerk chicken mac n cheese from culture as my last meal pls. Service and music 10/10 absolutely incredible

Went to Culture before a Dayton Dragon's game...it was amazing! Friendly and helpful service. We sat inside because it was so hot, very clean but the outdoor space looked nice too. We had a party of 4 and we all loved our food. It looked so good we forgot to take pictures! Fresh ingredients and amazing flavors, we will be back! read more

Loved our first time visiting. Had amazing vegan options. The thick chicc was really good with the Lion's Mane mushrooms deep fried. The salad was great and they have a refreshing cucumber lemonade. They are super friendly and very appreciative. I already can't wait to go back. read more

Delicious delicious food!!! Highly recommend the Jalapeño Cream Crab Cake Pasta!!! Was a total hit and ate every bite, will be eating again

My coworker took a group of us to Culture for dinner, and everything was fantastic, fresh and made to order. It is a smaller dining area where you order at the counter and seat yourself. I ordered the Wonton Nachos, which were to DIE for, especially the bulgogi ribeye on top. So flavorful. I put in a second order of the nachos as takeout so my husband could try them. My friends got the Smoked Brisket Mac and Cheese and the Snapper Buca Verde. Everything was excellent. This spot is a welcome addition to the Oregon District - don't miss it. read more

Culture - Wonton Nachos - American Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

Everything about this place is great! Just genuinely one of the best places to eat in Dayton, especially for the price. I've never had anything quite like the wonton nachos. The meatloaf meal was delicious, the potatoes were insane. My husband said the bang bang shrimp tacos were great! Great birthday meal! The vibe was immaculate. The service was amazing as well! read more

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The Dayton Chopped Cheese is Magnifico! Tell your photographer friends and grab a bite to eat Great Staff and the vibe is on point

My favorite place to carry-out from or pick-up something when I am doing DORA downtown. Smash burgers and mac and cheese are my fav!!