Lily's Dayton

New American restaurant · Dayton

Lily's Dayton

New American restaurant · Dayton

1

329 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

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Lily's Dayton by null
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Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
Lily's Dayton by null
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Highlights

At Lily's, you'll savor eclectic global dishes and tiki-inspired cocktails in a charmingly laid-back vibe that makes every meal feel special.  

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329 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 Get directions

lilysdayton.com
@lilysdayton

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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329 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 Get directions

+1 937 723 7637
lilysdayton.com
@lilysdayton

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"Lily's Dayton is the 2020, Covid-era re-imagining of independent restaurant Lily's Bistro (2013-2020). We are a tropical-inspired, budget conscious, inclusive, warm, and welcoming eatery & drinkery in the Oregon District in Dayton, Ohio."

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Vivek Babbar

Google
I was an amazing little restaurant in Dayton downtown. The whole decor ambience was really cool. Really loved it. The service was super quick limited menu amazing food. We ordered deviled eggs, breakfast burrito, veggie and mushroom veggie burger along with coffee. Everything was made to perfection the fries that came with the burrito and the burger were too salty, but other than that, everything was really good. The whole decor was amazing. especially in dining area restroom bar area everywhere. Everything was super clean. I recommend this place if you’re in the Dayton, Ohio area.

Jodi Allen

Google
This local joint is a great find. We went for brunch and wow was it fantastic. The atmosphere is cozy and cute. The cocktails were tasty. We stated with the deviled egg special which was a curry mix. Amazing! Then we split a hangover bowl with Cajun sausage and white gravy. We topped off our meal with the beignets. We will be back!!

Heather Hughes

Google
Great restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options! The staff is amazing and friendly, and the style of restaurant inside is delightfully colorful and unique. Their menu is diverse and varied. They have an extensive alcohol and cocktail menu. All in all, a great experience, and I will definitely be back!

Darshawn Romine

Google
Review of Lily's in Dayton, Ohio (Oregon District) I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lily's in Dayton's vibrant Oregon District, and it was a fantastic experience. One of the standout features of Lily's is their impressive wine selection. They offer a diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, ensuring there's something to suit every palate. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal or mood. Now, let's talk about their chicken sandwiches — they are absolutely delicious! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, these sandwiches are a must-try. The buns are fresh, and the toppings add just the right touch of flavor without overpowering the main event. It's clear that a lot of care and attention to detail goes into each dish. Overall, Lily's is a great spot for a laid-back, enjoyable meal with a fantastic wine selection to complement the food. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink or a quick bite, it's definitely worth a visit in Dayton's lively Oregon District.

Misty Bankhead

Google
I can't believe I've never reviewed Lily's ... My husband and I have eaten here on several occasions and have never been disappointed. We've also done curbside pick up, which was also wonderful when my husband was craving thier fried chicken. The atmosphere is great, the people are fantastic. Superb hospitality. The food. Well, it speaks for itself. You could throw a dart at the menu and be delighted with whatever it lands on. For reference I'm going to include my photos from back in February during oyster fest. Of course that was a temporary special menu, but there's always something special at Lily's!

Audrey

Google
tldr; good food and i would go back to try something different on the menu, but it is pricey. Really delicious meal. The biscuits and gravy and the chicken and waffles were both excellent and i would recommend for brunch. Sometimes chicken and waffles can disappoint, but I liked the seasoning on the chicken and the crunch of it. I will say the amount of chicken to waffle is disproportionate, I would like some more chicken. And the potatoes were too lemon-y to enjoy. Also, I asked for additional syrup (they have it in little cups) and it was a dollar? I have never seen that. The cocktails were good, I had the pear-sephone and tried the grapefruit mimosa. The pear cocktail was excellent, but a little heavy with the meal I got, so I just recommend pairing it with something a little lighter on the menu. The staff were very polite, but our waitress didn't really come to the table much. Other staff came and did things that our waitress should've done, it was a bit odd, even if they're busy, that she only came to the table twice. Really cute place though and I overall enjoyed going here. I would come back to try different foods and cocktails:)

cherie conley

Google
Vermicelli noodles super greasy for a dish that's usually light flavorful and herbaceous...more like a Asian fusion spaghetti. Yuck - I couldn't finish...for 21$ I expected better taste quality and portion. And fyi...fish tacos are actually rather meh fried shrimp tacos...service was good which I appreciate.

Ravae Powell

Google
“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” – Anthony Bourdain 🙌🏾 Listen, food is my love language! For me, it’s more than just eating—I’m a self-proclaimed foodie 😋 who believes every dish has a story to tell. And when it’s made with love, you can taste the difference. That’s exactly what I experienced today at Lily’s in downtown Dayton 🥘✨. The flavors, the vibes, the love in every bite—it was everything! And let’s be real, nothing compares to sharing a meal like that with good friends. It’s those moments around the table that bring us closer and remind us how special connection really is. If you haven’t been to Lily’s yet, run, don’t walk! It’s worth every bite, I promise.

David J.

Yelp
I made a reservation for five people during their annual January oyster festival. It was our first time at Lily's, but after our experience, we will be back next time in Dayton. We arrived a few minutes early and were seated. The restaurant is a lot bigger than it appears from the outside. Lily's has a full bar and a creative cocktail menu. The hostess was excellent and checked in on us, and our server was personable and friendly. I started the night off with the Figgy-Espresso martini. It didn't disappoint and the fig syrup added something extra. The table ordered deviled eggs, Which was delicious and Aloo Tiki Potato 'Croquettes' which had an amazing Indian twist. We then ordered raw oysters with all the fixings - the Oysters were fresh and ready to slam back, and we did. We also ordered Lilys version of New Orleans Rockefeller oysters, altho these were a miss, it didn't dampen the experience. For dinner I ordered the Bahn Mi Wagyu Smash Burger - so freaking good. I did have to ask for more mayo, but that was a personal choice.

L S.

Yelp
We decided to try Lily's for brunch based on the menu, which had a lot of interesting options. I had the SLT&E and my husband opted for the omelet of the day. Unfortunately, we were both left feeling underwhelmed. The portions were smaller than expected for the price, and neither dish stood out as impressive. The service was lacking--our server was either over-taxed or inattentive. I had to get up and walk to the bar to grab a coffee refill for my husband. Also, a heads-up for anyone using a credit card: there's an additional 3% surcharge to help offset processing costs. It's not the biggest deal, but it's something to keep in mind. The atmosphere and menu have potential, but we won't be coming back. There are better brunch spots in the area that offer both great food and more attentive service.

Kim S.

Yelp
I made reservations for Lily's as soon as I saw a photo of their figgy pudding on instagram. I've never had figgy pudding before but I am now a huge fan! Basically it's gingerbread with caramel sauce. Absolutely divine! Before dessert my husband and I shared three of their appetizers. The bao buns and pork gyoza which are both favorites of ours and then we tried their rumaki which was delicious as well. Our server, Megan, was fantastic. She was friendly and attentive without hovering. I like cocktails on the sweeter side and when I asked if a specific drink was sweet, she ended up bringing a little extra simple syrup on the side in case I wanted to add it. We have been to Lily's many times throughout the years and have always had fantastic meals and very friendly and efficient service. One of our favorite restaurants in Dayton!

Allyson B.

Yelp
Stopped in for brunch. Reservations are recommended too btw. We had some beignets which ended up being dessert. I had the hangover with Cajun sausage gravy (there are 2 other options) and my companion had an Eggs Benedict with Salmon. Our food was served promptly, hot and delicious. Our server was attentive without being over present. All in all, it was very relaxed and enjoyable. The decor is inviting and calming.

Adam G.

Yelp
We tried Lily's on a Sunday before heading downtown for a show, mainly because it was one of the few restaurants open on Sunday for dinner with pretty good reviews. The inside is small and eclectic -- main entrance opens to a small bar area with a few high tables. The main dining area is adjacent to this in a separate room. The menu is quite diverse in a good way. Think Asian and American fusion with options like fried chicken, mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, poke bowls, stir fry, banh mi burger, bao bun sliders, and kung pao nachos. I was pretty torn with what to order, but opted to go with the 'double sticky country ribs and jumeokbap' at the recommendation of our server who said it was one of the best sellers. After one bite, I greatly regretted my decision. The ribs were so dry I could barely cut through them with a knife. It was as if they were cooked first thing in the morning, then sat under a warmer that evaporated all of the moisture. The chilled jumeokbap (Korean rice ball) had a weird flavor, but maybe I'm just not a fan of chilled rice. As someone who's not a huge veggie person, it's sad when the best thing on the plate was the sautéed bok choy. In hindsight, I shouldn't have ordered ribs at a non-BBQ restaurant. Oh well, lesson learned. Our server was nice, but the service was pretty slow and it took almost as much time to get our check as it did for the food to come out. Overall, it could've been better.

Wendy K.

Yelp
Perhaps my most favorite restaurant in this area. I love the unique cuisine and people that provide outstanding food and service. Everything is fun and delicious when I dine here. The only critique I have is that I would like the servers to proactively share about the quantity of the food items I order. My meal portion was small and I would have ordered something else had I known. Loved that we had the choice of dining inside or on the beautiful patio. We chose the patio and it was perfect for us. Look forward to our next visit.

Montana W.

Yelp
Had brunch with a friend a couple weekends ago. We had called ahead for reservations. The menu was pretty impressive and everything was very tasty. I had the biscuits and gravy and my friend had the chicken and waffles. We also tried the beignets and deviled eggs. The staff was very friendly but didn't hover. Loved the vibe and decor.

Brocha E.

Yelp
Looking for brunch in the Dayton area? This place is a fantastic choice. Convenient parking across the street with a fun, funky and vibrant energy that will definitely keep you coming back for more. I started with the light and fluffy beignets, covered in powderes sugar and a side of strawberry jam. It's a must try! I tried the shrimp and grits and the vegetarian hangover bowl. Both were so savory and tasty. The shrimp and grits were very flavorful with slight kick from the andouille sausage. The hangover bowl was hearty and sage forward which I loved. Tons of options for vegetarians which is really awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back. It fills up fast, so call ahead if you want to avoid the wait! The service was friendly and made great suggestions on the food.

Ted S.

Yelp
We popped into Lily's Bistro for a late lunch on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Situated in the Oregon District, the location offered convenient parking and a vibrant atmosphere. Arriving later in the day allowed us to be seated and served quickly with refreshments and beignets. My wife enjoyed a Bourbon Sunset, which truly tasted like a resort cocktail, while I enjoyed a classic Old Fashioned made with New Riff Rye. The beignets, dusted with sugar and served with raspberry jam, provided a good start For our main dishes, we chose the Lox Bagel and a Poke Bowl with salmon-- a tasty alternative to the unavailable Ahi Tuna. The salmon was seared, remaining tender inside, and paired with avocados, jalapeños, pickled onions, and savory sauce. The Lox Bagel was a hit too, with smoked salmon, boiled egg, pickled red onions, and a smooth whipped herb cream cheese topping. The bistro also impressed us with their smashed potatoes, which were crunchy outside and smooth on the inside I highly recommend Lily's Bistro in the OD for anyone looking for a city brunch spot. The eclectic ambiance and excellent service, especially if Chuck is your server, are sure to enhance your experience!

Serge C.

Yelp
Despite plentiful and motivated staff, service was very slow, almost certainly held up by kitchen workflow, with the chef often choosing to serve customers himself and perseverate on menu details. Menu was disorganized far beyond even the expected eclectic vibe, with dishes from all culture in no particular theme, but in the end over-stating the dish. The "Karaage sandwich" just being a standard fried chicken sandwich; neither prepared as karaage nor spiced as such. The etouffee was extremely overseasoned. Could also benefit from another bathroom since, for the size of the establishment, a single unisex room is insufficient. For what it's worth, the service staff and doing their best and the bar service and mixed drinks were really good. Just seems like a lot of systems level/broad workflow issues with the place as a whole.

Valerie W.

Yelp
WONDERFUL late (8:30-ish) quick bite here on a Friday evening. Just shared a few apps., but MUST get back here SOON to try more of their WONDERFULLY creative, super-tempting, Asian-inspired menu... Wish I had discovered this gem YEARS ago, but glad it's on my radar now!! YUM!!!

Dan S.

Yelp
Beautiful day for brunch. The food was very good as expected. We started with the beignets. Followed by a SPAM extravaganza. I had the SLT with egg (Spam BLT). My wife had the SPAM Benedict. It was a campy fun take on both and very flavorful. We ate outside on the patio and enjoyed the fun waiter and a bonus there was a car show on the closed off street!

Courty B.

Yelp
I've been coming to Lily's for about 4 years. Typically, I sit at the bar and enjoy the company of their friendly and interesting staff, happy hour bites and delicious drinks. In the past year, I started going to their brunch. I had given up on brunch in recent years in other venues because, I felt like it was overpriced for eggs. In comes Lily's They have a truly unique selection on the weekends. I particularly enjoy the smoked salmon and bagel dish. Sometimes I order it with potatoes and other times with dressed greens. It comes with a delicious cream cheese and fried capers. Truly one of the best I've had anywhere. The building is also the coolest. The front bar and dining room are great for people watching. The back room is beautiful when the sun is coming in. There is a patio out front and I recently learned an even larger patio out back. There are a lot of options in the Oregon district, but I believe Lily's is a special place because it's a unique space for members of the community and is consistently serving innovative and varied new dishes. Special dinners, desserts, themed drinks based on events going on in the area. I hope to visit for many years to come!!

Eddie N.

Yelp
Lilly's is a staple in our brunch circuit. Fun twist on deviled eggs several great veagan options for the wife. Dog friendly patio that our well behaved boxer loves. My favorite is by far the chicken and sugar pearl waffle. The bowls are great and the breakfast burrito is just as tasty. Chuck is our favorite, but everyone is great.

Nikki N.

Yelp
First time visit for anniversary dinner and we loved every dish we tried. Creative menu and venue yielded fun new experiences for our tastebuds. Will definitely be back!

Amanda S.

Yelp
Cool, creative concept. Food is mediocre and portions are small for the price. Chicken was odd. Would come back for the cocktails but maybe skip the food.

Norm C.

Yelp
This was such a cool place. Decorated with local art and included big tables with benches in our room. The main dining area was regular tables and seating. Sadly it was raining but the outdoor area in back east lovely. The food was really tasty. I had a reuben and it was solid. The fries were awesome. Our server was friendly and very efficient. The bar area was small but cozy. There is paid parking and some free street parking nearby. Great spot. Give it a try.

Ailin J.

Yelp
There isn't much available in this area but I do love that lily's offers a big breakfast menu that everyone can find something they will enjoy! I love that the smoked salmon came with so many options that it wouldn't be anything I can make at home. It was very filling just after 1/2 a bagel.

Josiah M.

Yelp
We love every time we've been to Lily's. We've been for dinner and Sunday brunch. Last night we had dinner on the patio. They always have great cocktails and the vegan options are amazing. The staff is always amazing and absolutely one of our highlights of going. They celebrate a relaxed environment with tons of diversity. Our waitress last night was so incredibly sweet and friendly. We chatted awhile as she helped me with learning about other restaurants in the area that have great vegan options. We can't wait until the next time we go back.

Tania B.

Yelp
Had a very polarizing experience there. Invited some friends over for drinks and apps before a comedy show. The food and drinks were really great. However the service was lackluster at best. We thought maybe it was because we were sitting in the patio, or maybe it was an odd hour (too late for lunch, too early for dinner)... so maybe they were not yet fully staffed, maybe. Based on this, we then made the decision to return after the show for dinner and as soon as we walked in we absolutely could tell we were not welcome. The place was almost empty so you would think they would be happy to have some costumers. Again the food was really great... still dream of their Mac and cheese... but with so many other options I'd rather go where I am appreciated and can get good service. My husband for one refuses to ever go back.

Christy C.

Yelp
Lily's is such a gem! This is one of my favorite brunch spots in Dayton, but their dinner is top notch as well. They do a special Tiki Taco Tuesday menu that we loved! We started with the vegetarian nachos to share and didn't leave a single wanton chip on the plate. You do have to get three of the same tacos, but between our group, we tried the carne asada (my favorite!), pulled pork, and salmon tacos (the group's favorite). We also each got a sangria because your first one is only $1 when you dine in! Our server was great about telling us all about the specials that night. Also love the space! It's bright, colorful, and filled with plants inside. They also have 3 lovely patios for days you want to soak up more sunshine while you dine.

Nanci P.

Yelp
The food was okay, thats where the star comes from. I ordered the chorizo breakfast burrito which was fairly tasty. However, food was overshadowed by their service. Walked in and got put on the waitlist as party of 2 with no problems there. Host said it'd be 15 minutes but maybe shorter because others were cashing out. So there's not a great place to wait for your reservation and it was cold outside, so we stood next to the two black tables by the window. As someone comes over to clean those tables they don't say excuse me as they invade my space to get around (where is the simple etiquette?) so we head over towards the bar area where there are two open seats. We are then immediately yelled at by the lady bartender that "those seats are reserved" even though on their site it says they are a casual eatery and don't prioritize reservations. In hindsight we only would have sat for 5 minutes (and the seats were still open when we finished our food and left). So we go back to standing near the bar and the bar lady again on our case points to us and talks loudly with a coworker about us needing to get on the waitlist instead of standing around. I loudly replied that we already were and just was standing around because there was no where to sit (and I tried to match the attitude she was throwing because I'm not usually mean to service workers but respect works both ways). That interaction left a bad taste in my mouth the whole time and ruined the mood for both of us. Honestly don't waist your time here, better off paying $20 per person for a subpar brunch somewhere anywhere else. I honestly don't care if she had a rough morning, or a rough life, some people are not fit for the service industry. To the lady behind the bar who i hope reads this: Don't bring your attitude to the customers because then the establishment will suffer. Take a breather or smoke outside idc, there's a way to be polite. Honestly we should have walked right back out after that interaction and told everyone heading in to not waste their time, money, or patience, food be damned. Hope they close they deserve it

Emilly G.

Yelp
I love the ambiance and location. I love the quirkiness of the food. The nachos are so good. The drinks are good. Service isn't the fastest, but staff are friendly and fun. My kids like sitting outside and watching the trains go by. This is a nice place to go for a casual dinner, when you don't need fast service and want something unique.

Jill D.

Yelp
Go for the food and the best patios in the region. While there are always creative new beverages to try, it's the delicious food and the dependable service we go there for. That back patio is the best, but the bar is charming and cozy in inclement weather. The public paid parking lot is very close, too. For downtowners, its walkable/bikable.

Lindsey S.

Yelp
Th food and ambiance, theme of the place were good, but the service was not great to start out, but as the night went on it became better.

Alex B.

Yelp
Great place for lunch. For the weekend brunch experience, get there early because seating is limited for groups of 5 or larger. For lunch, I had the shrimp and grits because I saw a photo of the dish and it looks decent. My first bite was like a hug from the south (that's where I'm from)! The dish was Delicious and packed with FLAVOR! I'd order it again.

Kathleen C.

Yelp
One of our kids wanted to come for a birthday brunch so we headed up on a Saturday morning. First piece of advice, put in a reservation if you are going. The menu looked interesting and I was excited to try some of the items. Outside patio in the back is beautiful and calming. Unfortunately, at the start, the service made us realize we were in for a long morning. We ordered drinks and 4 beignets, since there were four of us. Server said this was no problem. Drinks took at least 15 minutes. Nothing special, coffee and juice. Beignets, no where to be found. Finally 3 arrived. Asked about the fourth and in 2 minutes the other one arrived. At this point, our server was still nowhere to be found. The other servers were delivering items. We were told that they had a lot of Dora orders and things are backed up. Beignets are not like the famous place in New Orleans. They are hollow, over fried, over sugared pastries. We gave them to the kids. Not worth the calories. Food came out. It was fine. I got the pork belly Benedict which was interesting but not something I would get again. We pretty much sat without drink's consistently throughout the meal. Finally we got the bill and paid. As we headed out, there was NO ONE at the bar getting drinks and no crowd so unsure about the comment earlier about the Dora drinks and the slow staff. We most likely won't be back.

Kaitlynn M.

Yelp
Came here on Valentine's Day and was able to snatch a table right away (granted we were on the later side, but I know places can be busy so I was grateful for this!). The service was great. Despite it being busy and a holiday, our server was polite and made us feel very welcomed. She let us know about the different specials they had available and both my colleague and I opted for some of those. One thing I found really cool was that although there was a prixe fixe menu for the holiday, you could order anything on that menu a la carte as well. I happily did! The beef dish (on special) was amazing. So flavorful and not too rich (they subbed veggie noodles instead of real pasta). My colleague was raving about the mac n cheese (I feel like I need to go back and get it myself!) but she also had the fish tacos of the night. Everything was reasonably priced but I would say the star of the show for me was the dessert. I ordered the special red velvet cupcake and it might be one of the best red velvet desserts I've had ever. It was so gorgeous in how it was decorated and so tasty. This place is super intimate and cool. Highly recommend if you're in the area.

Jim S.

Yelp
First time I've been here and wish I had gone earlier, food was excellent with a different style compared to other places. Service was very quick and pleasant. Would recommend that everyone should go here and I hope they have a successful business.

Christine K.

Yelp
The Bahn Mi Burger was delicious. The fries were a little cold. Prices were on point. The menu was unique...fusion of American comfort, Asian, and tropical flavors. The decor was eclectic and fun but the restaurant could use a deep clean. Also the chair I was sitting on was duct-taped. Didn't feel great. Service was fine, food came out at a reasonable time, especially with the larger group I was with. Everyone's food looked tasty. Update: brunch was so good! The chicken and waffles were amazing!

Porscha C.

Yelp
Chuck and Megan are amazing. They are knowledgeable about the menu. I had Chuck surprise me with my entree and he did NOT disappoint. They gave so many great recommendations it was so hard to decide. The decor and vibe in the restaurant is super cute and cozy. I had the shrimp & grits, Always Money in the Banana Stand Shot, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot. Absolutely nothing disappointed. Chuck is a fairly new bartender but he already has the skill down.

Eowyn K.

Yelp
Lily's is upbeat and friendly, cafe vibe, and fits in well with its location in the Oregon district. The only issue with the location is that parking can be annoying. We went for brunch, based on our experience, I would go back for dinner. We got there at opening and they became reasonably busy. The brunch menu is nice, options without being overwhelming (which also tends to result in poor quality). My friend had the biscuits and gravy, I had the breakfast sandwich. Mine came with a choice of greens or smashed potatoes. I applaud anyone being healthy with greens, but don't do it here, the potatoes are fantastic! The sandwich was an expected good, definitely no complaints, the potatoes, wow! they managed to have a soft interior and then really crisp exterior. And incredibly buttery and garlicky (if you hate garlic or on a date, then maybe you should order the greens, these would kill a vampire). Service was relaxed and friendly, everything came out in a reasonable amount of time.

Carolynne P.

Yelp
One of my favorite spots in the Oregon District! Great breakfast, brunch, cocktails, small plates, entrees and more. Wonderful and eclectic flavors and such a welcoming, bright atmosphere. Service is impeccable.

Miss J.

Yelp
I found this little Gem in the Oregon District by googling the best fried chicken in Dayton. The food here is amazing and customer service was on point. I purchased a chicken dinner and chose mashed potatoes w/ garlic confit, and macaroni as sides and I was pleasantly surprised! Not only was the chicken well seasoned, juicy, and cooked to perfection but the macaroni was delish and I am a total macaroni snob! You get generous portions and the leftovers were just as good the next day. The staff is great! My server, Jamie, was a sweetie.. she was very attentive and offered good advice on her fave dishes/sides to choose. Also Chef Don is so serious about his craft and went out of his way to make sure the meal was cooked to perfection. The cocktails were tasty and the ambience was welcoming!! Lily's is a hidden gem that is worth taking the trip to experience. Highly Reccommend you stop by if you've never been here.

Tamiko T.

Yelp
I loved Lily's when I lived in Dayton and try to stop in whenever I'm in town. The food, service, and ambiance are top tier!

Information P.

Yelp
A perfect intimate neighborhood experience! The Oregon District is one of those hidden gems and Lily's 100% compliments the character, flavors & colors of downtown Dayton. Highly recommend the oysters/& their side shots during season, and weekly/blue plates! And brunch menu bruuuuuuh people wait in line for hours for those pretty yums! And their cocktails.....And the staff. The staff is what emulates Dayton. Nothing but love & price. If you've read this far, I love pretty much everything & everyone there. I can't wait to visit again & see the kitty mural

Johanna G.

Yelp
It's been awhile since we visited Lily's, so let's go! A week into November and it was 70* at 6pm, so you know we ate outside. The beautiful courtyard in the back was closed for the season, which was a shame. The cocktails were fantastic! I ordered "Saturn", which was fragrant and light. Wednesday's they offer a variety of bottles of wine half price, we'll take two please! I ordered the short ribs, but unfortunately shortly after the waitress let us know they were out. Quick change up and I ordered the fried rice with chicken, which was tasty, very fresh and most importantly, gluten free. Everyone at the table was pleased as punch!

Dawn M.

Yelp
I heard really good things about Lily's- and they are still hear say at this point. We stopped in for a drink and sat at the bar. The bartender was overwhelmed with 3 sets of couples. We were first to sit and last to order. We never got a chance to eat because they asked us to leave after about 20 minutes, as they were having a private event in the bar area. Okay. Moving to a table for dinner didn't happen either- we scooted out the door and grab dinner across the street. The Kentucky Coast was just okay- too much lime and couldn't taste the bourbon.

April W.

Yelp
Our visit can be summarized into one word... fantastic! We started with the best Beignets I've ever eaten. They were light, soft and tasty pillows of yummy. Hubby had the lox bagel and said it was superb salmon and the pickled onions were amazing. I had the fried chicken and waffle. It comes with syrup and a compound butter with hot sauce. The waffle was light and had the pearl sugar, which I love. You get this crunch of sweetness and when combined with the butter, your tongue is in nirvana. I would eat this daily because the chicken is crispy outside, juicy spice inside. Hubby said the Bloody Mary was a solid recipe that hit all the notes with perfect spice. Our service was tops with Lonnie checking us regularly and ensuring we even had local recommendations for shops. This place is located in the Oregon area and fits with it funky, yet relaxing atmosphere. When back in Dayton, this will be a staple.

Bob D.

Yelp
Felt kind of like eating in some kind of communal party house the morning after a raging bash. The staff looked rough and at times very unhygienic. I guess we call that "earthy" these days; bits and bobs flopping hither and thither, free from the bonds of undergarments; hair that screamed for shampoo, and hands you didn't really want bringing you water especially while doing so holding the top of the rim. Musty orange décor set the scene, providing a backdrop for framed fake plots of grass, random hanging plants, and all the latest political mantras to let you know it's a safe space for free-love and goodness, unless, of course, you aren't up enough on the latest and hottest social justice warriorisms or "kool-aid hair kid" speak to care for a selfie with the slogan in the background. Now, the food was decent. Had far worse. The potatoes were grease bombs and my BLT + E looked somehow unusually brownish; the kind of brown food-type creation you've come to know being a home cook. My wife's fruit, especially the raspberries looked old. The waiter forgot my drink until I was done eating. By then, I politely said no. Overall, not my type of establishment. We are not an overly-political couple but this vibe made us feel slightly unwelcomed for fear of not caring for a staff that looked extremely untidy and unkept.

Klaudia B.

Yelp
Was in town visiting a friend and we stopped by Lily's for dinner--it's such a cute little restaurant! The Saturn cocktail is so delicious--fruity but not too sweet, very refreshing. I ordered the Short Rib Po' Boy and subbed the Smoked Gouda Mac n cheese instead of the fries. The sandwich was yummy and very filling. Loved the mac n cheese. Also tried the brussel sprouts with sweet potatoes and onions, great side! My friend has the Bao Buns which were good but a tad spicy. The service was seriously excellent, everyone was super friendly and attentive.

Elizabeth H.

Yelp
Great dinner last night @lilysdayton The design of the restaurant is tropical and so tastefully done. The plants warm up the room and the wall papers define the spaces. Cocktails are good. Many are rum based which fits the theme of the restaurant. We had the Gin and tonic and the Kentucky Coast. Both were not over sweet but had a great island flare with juice. Food we got the pork belly bahn mi (pork belly was perfectly cooked and the bread held together) and the grillades & grits (short ribs were tender and the grit creamy). Finished with the peanut butter pie - peanut butter and chocolate - yes. Taylor was a great server, welcoming and kind. The negative of the meal was the portion of the 4 piece fried chicken. We got a wing, drumstick, and 2 small thighs. It was delicious but other tables got much larger portions.

Rachel S.

Yelp
Cute place. Won't go back though. We were just there for brunch. They asked if we wanted inside or outside. We chose outside but when they wanted to seat us in direct sun, we asked for a table in shade- there were several available. They immediately acted put out and after some discussion, seated us at one of the available shady tables (they seated other people in that area too so it wasn't like there was no server for that section). And then we waited. And waited. Were they punishing us for asking for a different table? Got our drink orders. (The iced coffee was delicious) Waited some more. We waited about 45 minutes before they took our order. Waited about another 40 minutes for our food to arrive. The beignets were pretty tasty. Glad we got those to hold us over while we waited. My cheese grits were actually really good. The brunch potatoes were yucky. Their meat omelette special of the day was bbq chicken and was weird... and my friend almost broke her tooth on a bone in hers. So disappointed. This place has potential but it just does not get there. Too bad.

Alexis R.

Yelp
Lily's helped host a surprise party for a friend's engagement on their "tiki taco Tuesday," and was super helpful with organizing their space and allowing us to stay a bit after their close to celebrate.

Lindsey W.

Yelp
Cute place! There is a parking lot nearby but it is pay-for-parking. We were seated quickly. Lots of lovely outdoor seating. The space inside has a nice vibe as well. They had lots of vegetarian options! I got a cauliflower burger. The cauliflower was delicious and leaves you wanting me. Overall I would return! Great spot in the Oregon district!

Kevin B.

Yelp
Aside from the menu being confused in the direction it is going, the food was lackluster to say the least. Also when they featured a blackened fish taco... it was neither blackened nor fish, it was shrimp. Would never visit here again.

Nancy L.

Yelp
Delicious food! Creative menu! Super cool vibe! I love the fried chicken, the vegetarian nachos, and of course when they have their oyster fest!

Rebecca M.

Yelp
Made reservations for a Sunday brunch and got seated right away. I ordered the BLT-E with mixed greens. The sandwich was fantastic but the mixed greens were just ok, the dressing was spicy! I tried my mom's potatoes and I recommended that side instead. We sat on the patio which was nice but the music they played was more like a Saturday at the club than a Sunday brunch.

Scott C.

Yelp
One of the most awkward and disappointing experiences I've had at a restaurant in Dayton. Tonight my partner and I had dinner at Lily's. The food was awesome so I don't want to take away from the kitchen. I had the burger (pictured) and it was perfect. It was well seasoned, the Gouda cheese was delicious and the fries are so good. They're more like a thick Jo-Jo type fry. However, the service was absolutely appalling! We sat at the bar and the bartender was so incredibly rude, unfriendly and unacceptable that we will never return. Clearly he was in a terrible mood. At one point as he was changing a beer tap it fired back some beer on patrons and instead of apologizing or buying them a drink he threw a tantrum, which included throwing his hoodie. He didn't say a word. With us, he treated us as if we were a burden for him to serve. One example, My partner ordered a beer which was the last of the tap. His glass was barely half full of beer with half the glass of head and the bartender didn't say anything, just sat it down in front of him. Kegs tap all the time, no big deal. But every other bar in the world will either ask if you want something else or just give you the beer. Not this guy. This type of service is not ok and will not be tolerated. I get that everyone has their days but I can't say enough about how appalling this was. Its truly sad as the food was truly wonderful but I won't stand for this type of service. I can't recommend an establishment with such terrible service and we will not be back.