- Attraction: Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
- Location: 515 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.wheatpennydayton.com
Walking into Wheat Penny feels like discovering a secret California hideaway right in the heart of Dayton’s Oregon District.
This family-owned pizzeria goes far beyond typical pizza joints by crafting California-style pies and Italian fare with carefully sourced ingredients and an impressive commitment to accommodating every dietary need.
Owners Liz and Wiley created something special here—a place where gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diners sit alongside traditional pizza lovers, everyone equally satisfied.
Signature Dishes
Eggplant Fries: These are hands-down the most sought-after appetizer for good reason. You’ll discover perfectly crispy eggplant strips that change how you think about this vegetable. They’re addictive and pair beautifully with the house marinara made from Liz’s mother’s family recipe.
Taylor Street Pizza: This popular pie represents their California-meets-Chicago inspiration beautifully. The crust achieves that perfect balance between crispy edges and chewy center that defines great California-style pizza.
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Keep Exploring →Smoked Brisket Sandwich: The kitchen smokes brisket over hickory wood for 12 hours total, resulting in incredibly tender meat piled high on a soft Wheat Penny hoagie roll with melted smoked provolone and signature sauces.
House-Cured Gravlax: This sophisticated dish showcases the kitchen’s technical skills with locally-sourced sauerkraut, Meadowlark Russian dressing, and DLM New York rye bread.
Spinach and Avocado Pizza: You’ll love how the fresh spinach stays vibrant and flavorful while the creamy avocado adds richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Meatball Hoagie: A hearty favorite that piles tender, house-made meatballs onto a fresh roll with melted cheese and marinara, delivering classic Italian comfort with elevated execution.
Roasted Cauliflower Steak: A vegetarian standout that gets the same care as their meat dishes, with perfectly roasted cauliflower served alongside creative sauces and sides that make it feel like a true entrée.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Specials: The kitchen rotates dishes based on what’s fresh and available, such as summer heirloom tomato salads or winter root vegetable plates, showing their commitment to local sourcing and creativity.
Craft Cocktails & Wine
Natural Wine Selection: The wine list features interesting natural, funky, and fresh selections that pair perfectly with the food. You’ll find options like the “Tomato Ramato” with notes of bright cherry and tart rhubarb.
Creative Cocktails: The bar program showcases sophisticated drinks using quality spirits like Belle of Dayton Vodka and carefully crafted syrups and cordials.
Local Partnerships: You’ll taste the commitment to local sourcing through partnerships with nearby distilleries and suppliers.
Atmosphere & Design
Exposed Ceiling Style: The trendy exposed ceiling design creates an urban loft feeling that’s both industrial and warm. Large tomato cans serve as unique decorative elements throughout the space.
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Keep Exploring →Pizza Philosophy: The wall quote “Stress does not exist in the presence of pizza” perfectly captures the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere they’ve created.
California Vibes: You’ll feel transported to a chic California eatery through the warm lighting, rustic-modern décor, and overall aesthetic choices.
Oregon District Energy: The location puts you right in Dayton’s most vibrant neighborhood, perfect for making it part of a larger evening out.
Other Considerations
Allergy-Friendly Excellence: You’ll be amazed by how many dietary restrictions they accommodate without compromising flavor. This is rare—a place where allergen-conscious diners feel truly welcome rather than tolerated.
Pricing: Expect mid-tier pricing that reflects the quality ingredients and careful preparation. You’ll pay more than typical pizza joints but receive restaurant-quality food in return.
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Discover MoreService Fees: Be aware that larger parties may encounter automatic service charges, and there are credit card processing fees. However, the quality of food and service generally justifies the total cost.
Reservation System: You can book tables online through Tock, with 2-hour time limits for dining. This helps manage busy periods but ensures you’ll get seated.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm, with lunch specials available 11am-3pm. Plan accordingly as they’re closed Sundays and Mondays.
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
📍 515 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
