- Attraction: Old Scratch Pizza
- Location: 812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.oldscratchpizza.com
When a pizza joint transforms an abandoned 1960s auto parts store into a bustling beer hall, you know they’re serious about creating something special.
Old Scratch Pizza, established in 2016, pioneered what they call “Midwesternly Neapolitan” pizza—taking the best of traditional Neapolitan techniques and adapting them with Midwest sensibilities and local preferences.
Their wood-fired ovens crank out artisan pies in a communal atmosphere that’s part beer hall, part neighborhood gathering place, all while serving up creative dishes that go way beyond typical pizza joint fare.
The concept has proven so successful that they’ve expanded to four locations throughout the Greater Dayton area, each maintaining the same commitment to quality ingredients and community-focused atmosphere that made the original location a downtown destination.
Signature Pizzas
Angry Beekeeper: This bestseller showcases what makes Old Scratch special—soppressata and housemade hot honey create the perfect balance of spicy and sweet that has become their signature flavor combination. The combination sounds unusual but works brilliantly on their light, crispy-edged crust, with the hot honey providing heat that builds gradually while the soppressata adds savory depth.
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Keep Exploring →The Dayton: You’ll love this local tribute loaded with crispy cupped pepperonis that curl up perfectly in the wood-fired oven, creating little cups that hold the rendered fat and intensify the flavor. It’s their take on classic American pizza done with Neapolitan technique, bridging traditional and modern approaches.
Margherita: While simple, this pizza demonstrates their technique—fresh basil, quality tomato sauce, and proper cheese proportions on a crust that achieves that perfect Neapolitan char and chew. The simplicity allows the quality of each component to shine through.
Vegan Options: They take plant-based dining seriously with house-made vegan cheese and creative vegetable combinations that don’t feel like afterthoughts, ensuring that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Sophie Mae: This white pizza showcases their ability to work without tomato sauce while maintaining perfect flavor balance through cheese selection and herb combinations.
Mushroom Varieties: The seasonal mushroom pizzas highlight their commitment to using quality ingredients and changing offerings based on availability and seasons.
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Discover MoreBeyond Pizza
Wood-Fired Cauliflower: This side dish has gained a cult following among customers who return specifically for it. The high heat of the wood ovens transforms ordinary cauliflower into something extraordinary with perfect caramelization and smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate in conventional ovens.
Creative Salads: These aren’t your typical pizza joint salads—expect interesting ingredients and thoughtful preparation that complement the pizza perfectly. The salads receive the same attention to ingredient quality and preparation technique as the pizzas.
Rotating Seasonal Dishes: The menu changes with seasons, keeping things fresh and showcasing local ingredients when possible. This commitment to seasonal cooking sets them apart from restaurants that offer the same menu year-round.
Appetizer Selection: The small plates program offers creative options that pair well with beer and provide lighter alternatives to full pizzas.
Craft Beer Program
20 Taps: You’ll find an impressive selection of regional and local craft beers, carefully curated to pair with the pizza flavors and represent the best of Midwest brewing traditions.
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Keep Exploring →Happy Hour: Weekday 4-6pm features drink discounts and specially-priced pizzas, making this an excellent value and perfect for after-work gatherings or early dinners.
Beer Hall Atmosphere: The large communal space encourages socializing and creates that authentic beer hall experience where strangers become friends over shared tables and great food.
Rotating Selection: The tap list changes regularly, ensuring return visits always offer something new to discover and reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing different breweries.
Atmosphere & Design
Industrial Chic: The converted auto parts store retains its warehouse feel with high ceilings and open spaces, creating an urban loft atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
Open Kitchen: You can watch the pizza-making process, adding energy and authenticity to the dining experience while showcasing the skill required to work with wood-fired ovens and hand-stretched dough.
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Discover MoreCommunal Seating: The large tables and open layout encourage conversation and create that neighborhood gathering spot feeling they were aiming for, where dining becomes a social experience rather than just a meal.
Family-Friendly: Despite the beer hall setting, it remains welcoming to families and diverse crowds, proving that sophisticated food and casual atmosphere can coexist successfully.
Acoustic Design: The space manages to maintain conversational comfort despite its size and hard surfaces, showing attention to details that enhance the overall experience.
Other Considerations
Counter Service: You order at the counter, which keeps things casual and prices reasonable while maintaining efficiency during busy periods. This approach allows for more affordable pricing while still delivering quality food.
Multiple Locations: Success has led to expansion with four locations around Greater Dayton, making their unique style more accessible while maintaining quality standards across all locations.
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Keep Exploring →Consistency Challenges: As with any rapidly growing concept, some locations may have consistency issues with preparation timing or crust texture, though the original location maintains the highest standards.
Parking Considerations: Downtown location means parking can be challenging during busy periods, but the quality of food and experience generally justifies any inconvenience.
Old Scratch Pizza
📍 812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
