Boston's Bistro & Pub

Boston's Bistro & PubBoston's Bistro & Pub
Boston's Bistro & PubBoston's Bistro & Pub
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

7500 N Main St
Dayton, Ohio, 45415-2546
United States

(937) 461-1002 | map
bostonsbistro.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.13
Reviews:
26
Ratings:
31
pDev:
11.86%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.2 by bhwk from Ohio

Aug 07, 2015
 
 
Rated: 3.75 by BuckeyeSlim from Ohio

May 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Providence55 from Louisiana

Jan 01, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Lipsntoes from Ohio

Dec 29, 2013
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Reviewed by metter98 from New York

4.13/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.75
Vibe: This place is located at the corner of North a Main Street and Dog Leg Road. It is on the top floor of a two story structure that somewhat resembles an European mountain chalet. The main entrance is in the back of the building by the parking lot, which leads to a room with a bar, some high tables with stools with backs on them and booths by the windows. Further to the back is a pool table, dart boards, and more booth and tables to sit down at. The décor seems like it is from the 1970s.

Quality: Beers were served at the proper temperatures using a variety of glassware (i.e., pint glasses for most beers and snifter glasses for beers with high alcohol contents such as Russian Imperial Stouts).

Service: I went on a Tuesday afternoon so there were only a few people sitting at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and knew a lot about the beers, offering advice about which ones to choose. I also got to meet the owner, who explained how he has been providing craft beers to the Dayton area for a number of years.

Selection: The place had 16 beers on-tap, which were listed on a board on the wall. A sheet of paper also listed the draught beers and gave details such as the alcohol content and BA score. The bottle/can list was equally impressive, with offerings from breweries such as Finche's, North Peak and Jackie O's.

Food: The place has a lot of Hungarian dishes. I tried a Hungarian-themed pizza that was topped with pork kraut. It was cut into small diamond-shaped slices that were perfect for sharing and munching on while drinking beers. Panninis were served in a basket with a choice of ?homemade slaw or a choice of four different types of potato chips.

Value: Prices seemed reasonable compared to other places in the area. I pwould definitely go back again to this place because it had a nice family feel and the staff were very friendly.
Oct 29, 2013
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Reviewed by SudsTerkel from Colorado

4.7/5  rDev +13.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I consider uncovering an establishment like BB&P - thanks to BA - a triumph. I travel for work and found myself in Dayton in search of good beer. BB&P addressed that admirably with their 17 taps, which were comprised of thoughtfully selected offerings. I started with a Tri-PA from Full Pint, then a Hoppus Maximum Amber from Thirsty Dog and the crowning achievement, a freshly tapped Great Lakes' Monster. A unique added attraction is the proprietors have added Hungarian dishes to the menu, which offer an ideal accompaniment to the beer. I had a stellar Panini called the 'Hot Arrogant Kolbasz' that was excellent. Also be sure to check out the richly garlic and paprika laced mashed potatoes. The atmosphere is friendly, laid back and populated by locals. The staff are friendly and welcoming as well and are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the beer they pour. Dayton's fortunate to have a place like this in its midst; I will always return on future trips to Dayton.
May 22, 2013
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Reviewed by LittleDon from Texas

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
Pros: A great local place with good beer and good people. A great value
Cons: You're in Western Ohio

Should reviews be relative or absolute? Should I expect a 5 out of 5 to mean the same in New York or LA as Cedar Rapids or Ogden? If so, relatively few places outside of large metropolitan areas or beer meccas, will every rate better than mediocre. But is this fair to places which may never be as good as a Publick House or O’Briens or Beachwood BBQ but are better than what could be expected for the town size or location? This is the dilemma I have with Boston Bistro and Pub. Compared to what could be found in Boston, San Diego, or LA, it’s probably only slightly better than average. Given that it is in West Central Ohio, a place not known for craft beer, what it offers is far more than can be expected.

I flew into Dayton on a recent business trip and decided to stay close to the airport since it was convenient and close Boston’s, one of the few places with a 4+ rating and more than a few reviews. I was a bit apprehensive since there were only 2 reviews over the last three years, one of them being less than glowing. It was a Monday night. I was warmly greeted by not only the bartender, but some of the patrons at the bar. A good start. While the tap list was not extensive, it was good enough to have more than a few beers worth trying. The atmosphere is what I’d expect from a suburban neighborhood beer bar in middle-America. Bar immediately as you walked in, a number of TVs, pool tables, etc. The bartender, while professing to be relatively new to craft beer, had a good understanding of what she liked. The patrons were welcoming; I even had a great conversation with someone who brought me a basket of popcorn from the popcorn machine (“Best popcorn in the area … “).

The food, like the beer selection, was limited but good. Many Hungarian flavored dishes. I opted for a Zwack infused chicken Panini. Good, but a bit on the dry side. But why would I complain? Prices were very inexpensive and it was half price pint night (a pint of Flying Dog Gonzo for under $4). All in all, a very pleasurable evening.

In the end, if you find yourself in Dayton and need a place to drink and eat, Boston’s is an exceptional choice. Thanks to the locals who made it an extraordinary experience for me. I will most certainly stop in the next time I'm in town.
Mar 31, 2013
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Reviewed by speedvagen from Ohio

2.63/5  rDev -36.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2.5 | service: 1.5 | selection: 3.75
so, i may not be the best to review this place, seeing as how our waitress didn't even come around a second time, but overall i was very disappointed in this place. after being talked up in the dayton area as one of the classic places to go for expansive selection...we were left wanting....

after repeated attempts to flag down our waitress for round two, we simply threw some cash on the bar and left, vowing never to return.

craig.
Feb 25, 2013
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Reviewed by damndirtyape from Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
While this place is quite a way to drive to get to, I'm glad I visited and I will be coming again.

Atmosphere: From the outside it's not much to look at. It's a very odd building with a split level and a defunct wine store and another bar (not affiliated as far as I can tell) on that lower level as well. Inside though, it's a simple cozy place. Plenty of booths and tables.

Quality: All high quality beers and imports on tap here. Constantly rotating with the majority of what was on tap being Oktoberfest, but plenty of stouts and a few pale ales as well. I had a Bell's Two Hearted and a Great Lakes Oktoberfest. Bottle list was 100 bottles long with just about every major style covered in both import and US craft category.

Service: Quick and attentive, but not intrusive. Very knowledgeable about the tap list when those who joined me had questions about what beers were available that night in style that they may like.

Selection: See quality comment above. Very hand in hand here. With a constantly changing tap lineup and lots and lots of bottles, you'll have plenty of selection for whatever beer mood you may be in. Well, at least I see it that way for my tastes.

Food: Didn't have a lot here, but I will say the free pizza and popcorn was very very good. If the simple free stuff is this good and this well done, that bodes quite well for the rest of the menu next time I stop by.

Very reasonable prices. Myself and 3 others over a game of cards had 8 beers total on tap for $38.50 - and again these were all US craft 16oz pours.

I will definitely be visiting again.
Sep 29, 2012
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Reviewed by MaxSpang from Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I live near Boston's, and it's a great place to try out some amazing beers! They have a great selection of beer that is always changing with the seasons. Most other bars in the area serve your basic selection of beers, but Boston's always has a nice wide variety. They were also named The Most Arrogant Bar in America 2 years in a row (maybe even three!).

If you can, stop in and grab one of their crazy pizzas (mashed potato pizza is delicious), ask about the beer selection, and have a few pints with your friends!
Mar 01, 2011
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Reviewed by FtownThrowDown from Ohio

3.4/5  rDev -17.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Finally got the chance to get up to Dayton and hit a few places.

Boston's is a bit out of the way and on it's own. Fairly big place with plenty of space inside and a outdoor patio as well. Plenty of taps at the bar, but I must have visited at a bad time. Of all the taps they have, there was nothing inspire me to pull up a stool and stay awhile. They are supposed to have really good pizza, but I didn't have a chance to order. Perhaps on my next visit.
Friendly and knowledgeable help. I'll have to revisit and hope that the taplist has improved vastly. To be honest, a bit of a disappointment.
Sep 06, 2009
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Reviewed by projectflam86 from Ohio

4.13/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Went for the first time because I saw a flyer advertising a 'Firkin Fest' with cask ales of some old favorites of mine. I was pleasantly surprised with the large selection of craft on tap and in bottles. They seemed to specialize in pizzas which were very tasty.

The fest itself had 10 cask ales which included Hopslam, Two hearted, Ruination, Hopdevil and others. The whole fest ended up costing 7$ for a tasting glass that was mine to keep and a sample of each of the 10 brews. A really cool event and a fun place to visit.
Jul 06, 2009
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Reviewed by lured2fish from Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I was turned on to Boston's by the reviews found on this website and wanted to give it a try. Myself and four friends visited about a week ago during and found a very nice bar with a good atmosphere and very knowledgeable/friendly servers. The juke box had a great selection and there were two pool tables, two dart boards, and free popcorn ... what more do you need?

The bar seemed to have about 14 different beers on tap and I was told they are rotated frequently. The notable beers during my visit were Arrogant Bastard, Bell's Expedition Stout, St Louis Framboise, Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat, Kronenbourg 1664, Troug's Dream Weaver Wheat,
Southern Tier Double Choklat Stout, Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale, Dogfish Head 90 min, and Piraat Triple Belgian White.

Our group tried several of these beers, but the notables were definitely the Piraat (10% ABV and outstanding) and the DFH 90 min. Both were exceptional quality and not a bad price at all.

In addition to the beers on tap there was an exceptionally well-stoked beer fridge with a wide range of craft beers to choose from. This place is sure to please even the most finicky beer geek as well as the guy who just wants a good bar.
Dec 22, 2008
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Reviewed by pwoods from Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
THIS is the kind of place I wish we had in Cincinnati. It's mix between beer bar, sports bar, biker bar, dive and Hungarian eatery. Pool tables and dart board(fuck yeah!), big blackboard with taps/bottles/events. Decent sized bar with a gathering room type sitting area and more dining booths around the corner. Sounds much weirder than it is. A good number of taps that get rotated often. One main stay is Lindemans Framboise. They also had, to name a short few, ST Hopsun, Lagunitas Gnarleywine, Stone AB/IPA, a Two Brothers, and more. The waitress seemed a bit preoccupied by tip hunting from regulars but it didn't take too long to get my beer. Both tenders knew what they had and had at least a general knowledge about each one. It didn't get a good look at the bottles but saw some goodies. As for the food, I can't remember what all they had except for the pizzas.... which is 100% completely fine. The menu has a Hungarian twist as I hear the owner is Hungarian. I had a pizza with some kind of Hungarian sausage and bbq sauce with other tasty toppings. The pizzas are cut into tiny biased pieces for easy sharing and eating. I've definitely had my fair share of quality pizzas from throughout the midwest and east and it's definitely one of the best I've had. I really love this place and might have to start making trips up north to 'visit friends' :)
Oct 09, 2008
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Reviewed by MrTaco from Illinois

4.58/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
My wife's UD reunion was this past week, so we thought we'd hit this place up after the stellar reviews. We arrived at noon (I didn't check the website for time), and were met in the parking lot by a gentleman. He told us they we're closed until happy hour at three, but inquired as why we were here. We explained that we drove from IL to get some Stone. He paused, looked at us, and invited us in.

Three hours later, Dave (the owner and subsequently the gentleman in the parking lot), had given us a tour of the place, filled us with Stone, and made us feel right at home, all the while preparing to open the place at three.

The selection is great, the prices were very reasonable, and from what we saw on the menu, the food looked great, mostly with typical bar fare with a Hungarian twist (Dave's Hungarian).

This place is must see, if you're in town. Dave is friendly, knowledgable, and loves to tell stories.
Jun 24, 2008
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Reviewed by jrothaway from Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Remarkable that a city the size of Dayton has such a great place for beer. The selection is not huge (12 drafts, 90 bottles), but very well selected. Examples on draft tonight are Ommegang Three Philosopher, Hop Rod Rye, DH 90 Minute IPA, Arrogant Bastard. Food is mostly pizza. Bottles include a few Belgians and Germans, as well as American craft brews.

Prices are very good. Example: 16 oz Hop Rod Rye for $4.75 during happy hour and 10 oz. of Three Philosophers (9.8%) for $6.25 after happy hour - and this is during the 2008 skyrocketing of barley and hops prices.

The owner stopped by and was delightful to chat with. He really tries, and it shows. He made an excellent recommendation on an unusual pizza that went very well with Three Philosophers.

They also have some excellent sounding special events. I've never been in town for one, but I wish I would be.
May 29, 2008
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Reviewed by beachbum1975 from Ohio

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Went here last night on travel. I was shocked by their great pizza, SUPER friendly staff and fine selections of beer.

They had the following on tap, to name a few:
Lindemans Framboise (YES, ON TAP)
Arrogant Bastard
Victory Hopdevil
3 x wheat beers (forget them now)
Bells Porter (seasonal)

And bottled, again to name a few:

FFF Alpha King
Southern Tier Hop Sun
Languita's Censored
Sierra Navada Pale Ale
Old Peculiar
Hoppin' Frog Brewery's - B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher Oatmeal-Imperial Stout
LOTS more

Great place with a passionate and super friendly owner named Dave.

If you are traveling (like I was), it was definitely worth the stop. A real hidden gem in a semi-rural area.

Check it out!
Jul 13, 2007
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Reviewed by Braudog from Virginia

3.51/5  rDev -15%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Visited Oct 06 -- Kind of a dive in that down-homey midwestern fashion. This place includes a pretty expansive tavern upstairs and a small wine/beer retail area downstairs (and curiously another non-related bar, too). The retail side has a small collection of decent micros. Upstairs in the tavern the night I was there the taps included Victory Hop Devil, Urquell, Sweatty Betty, Hoster Gold top, Flying Dog Gonzo, New Holland Pumpkin, Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin, Franziskaner, Lindemann’s Framboise and A/B’s Bareknuckle and Bud Light. Not even close to the listed 100 bottles, they only had about 20-30 in their cooler, none of which were that unusual. At 6 pm on a Wednesday I was the only guy in the bar for a bit and when I left there was 2 other dudes. Bartender was friendly enough and very importantly poured the beer correctly into a glass that wasn’t frozen. Worth a visit in Dayton ... best I could find for a beer bar.
Feb 24, 2007
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Reviewed by KevBrews from Ohio

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Boston's is a local treasure. It's nice to have a place so focused on bringing so many types of beer to the Dayton area. And, to brag, Boston's just won the title of Most Arrogant Bar in the US, a competition held by Stone Brewery to sell the most AB within a week (which is why the last review was able to pick up AB at $7 a growler--that's not the standard rate!).

Dave has also added a tasting room and hosts tastings every third Thursday of the month. I went to a pumpkin ale tasting that was well run and very informative. I think the next one up (Dec. 21) is Stouts of all sorts.

Boston's is very visible on the local beer scene, from a big table of cask ales at AleFest to the pub crawls to Cincy, Columbus, and Indy.
Yes, the decor is "unique," but it's comfortable. And the food is pretty simple, but most of us don't come for the food. My only real complaint is that it's tucked away north of the city. They used to be located downtown, which was much more convenient. Perhaps Dave could open a second branch?
Nov 29, 2006
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Reviewed by kirok1999 from Ohio

2.98/5  rDev -27.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 1.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Now that I've visited several times I am ready to review. The service is at the bar only. If you expect to be waited on for food or beer you're going to wait a long time. Stupid policy as the place could easily do a ton more business if they cared at all about customer service. They don't.
The pizzas are excellent and take an average of 45 minutes to get to your table. The cook is also a part time "waitress" so if she gets around to it you're lucky.
Nice selection of brews on tap and bottled in the cooler.
Warning!!! Ask about the price of everything!!!
I bought a bomber of Boulder GABF and paid $15.99!!! It's sold in the store below the bistro for $5.99. What a rip off. Went in last night and saw a growler of Stone AB for $7. Bought a growler of Hopdevil instead for a mind numbing $28. WTF?! I assumed it'd be at least in the same ballpark. Guy said they only made $0.25 profit on AB growlers, guess that means they made about $20 profit on my Hopdevil.
No one pays any attention to you till you walk out the door, when the staff has obviously been instructed to give a loud "goodbye". They should turn that around and say "hello, what can I get you" when you walk in.
Edit as of 10-08.
Went to buy a growler for the Growlin at the Moon BIF. Price of Commodore Perry, beer only, I had the growler, $20!!! Went to Peaches and got Lagunitas Cap Stout for $10. What's wrong here? Desperate grab for cash? I guess my problem is with how great this place could be, and isn't. I have a problem when the waitress drops off your pizza, looks at 4 empty beer glasses and just walks off without asking if anyone wants a refill. With proper service and management this place could be huge and make a ton of money.
Oct 26, 2006
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Reviewed by olacub from Ohio

3.81/5  rDev -7.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Stopped in here after spending the afternoon dodging thunderstorms at the Dayton Alefest. I'll get the only negative out of the way: the atmosphere sucked (IMO) - a cross between a bad 70's golf clubhouse bar, and a good old fashioned dive. Too smoky to really enjoy the beer, but the place also has a lot going for it.

A very good tap selection (in craft beer-starved Dayton), and my friends and I started out with some pints of Beamish. I was shocked to see it there, knowing that it hasn't been shipped to the U.S. in months, but these guys must have been sitting on a keg or two. And, it was delicious. Next, I had a pint of Two Brothers Cain and Abel (very hoppy red ale) that was great, and I finished up with some Harpoon UFO. They had pretty much the full line of Harpoon beers on tap, and a handful of others that I didn't try.

The Hungarian pizzas looked interesting, but we had dinner plans elsewhere - I'd like to try some on a return visit though. The service was very good; the bartenders knew how to properly pour the beer, and we even got a story about the shot of unicum (sp?) that we passed around (it's a Hungarian liquor). All in all, a good stop.
Aug 27, 2006
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Reviewed by mcallister from Ohio

4.75/5  rDev +15%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
This is the best bar in the Dayton area for specialty brews. Unfortunately they must think they are in New York City with the prices they charge. Yet I still love going. Drinking some wonderful brews and going home feeling good. They've recently added pizza and soft pretzels to the repitoire. The soft pretzels may be the best I've ever had, and the pizzas look very intriguing although I try to stay away from the fatty foods. All my calories are consumed in alcohol :) Definitley worth a visit or two.
Mar 09, 2006
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Reviewed by pixel from Ohio

4.18/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I started frequenting the Boston Bistro quite often when it changed locations from downtown to Main Street, at first because it is only a few miles from my home, then I realized what a gem the place is. On my last visit I tried and sampled quite a few goodies: He'Brew Jewbelation 9, Victory Hope Devil, Bell's Rye Stout, and Southern Tier Coffee Stout. Boston's has the best selection of beers on tap in the Dayton area. I wish there were more places that would follow his lead. I like the dim lighting in the evening and the comfortable atmosphere. The décor has been described as having somewhat of a seventies feel (I'd say mainly because of the floral carpet with bursts of orange and browns in it), but I'm rather fond of it for that same very reason. Boston's has just recently started serving pizzas. While I haven't tried any of them yet, they do sound unique and delicious. A few of the toppings you can choose from are feta cheese and artichoke hearts; which happen to be two of my personal favorite pizza toppings. The only downside I find with the Boston's is that everything is a tad overpriced and SOMETIMES the tap selection is lackluster (for a beer geek at least). Sorry Mr. Boston, but it's true.

*update on 03.19.08*
Tried the pizzas many a times. Very delicious! Takes a while to arrive after ordering so make sure you are prepared to just relax and drink a few fine brews while waiting.
Feb 28, 2006
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Reviewed by granger10 from Wisconsin

4.01/5  rDev -2.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I went to this place after doing a little shopping downstairs at the Boston Wine Market. It was a midday Saturday and there was litterally only one other person in the bar. I know they just moved and it wasn't night but I was still surprised.

This place had potential though. A few pool tables, some other bar games, and lots of open area. Service was nice and friendly.

Selection really stood out. Trois Pistoles, Hobglobin, Lindemans, Arrogant Bastard, and about 5 other high quality taps. Bottle selection was high quality as well. I think the food menu is out now but it wasn't when I went there.

Definitely a place worth checking out, esp because of the selection but also if you want a more chill atmosphere.
Dec 02, 2005
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Reviewed by Dogbrick from Ohio

4.14/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Boston's is located a couple miles off I-75 and has plenty of parking. It looks like a house from the outside, and in the lower rear is the Boston Wine Cellar and another completely different bar.

The decor inside is very interesting - it looks kind of like a cheap hotel or bowling alley lounge with pool tables, cheap-looking booths and lots of bar stool tables. The bar itself is pretty small and there is also a bier garten in the back.

Nice selection of draught beers here, about 10 total including Flying Dog Wild Dog, Old Rasputin, Oberon and other goodies. Loads of bottled choices too from GLBC, Bell's, Thirsty Dog, Sam Smith's etc. They also feature a cask beer periodically. Plus they have a beer club and organize pub crawls to Indy, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton - interesting idea!

The service here is really good - while they did not appear to have service in the seating area, the bartender went out of his way to bring popcorn over and ask how the beers were after I ordered our drinks and sat back down.

No food is available aside from the popcorn.

I am really glad to have visited this spot - it wasn't too crowded or loud (aside from someone monopolizing the jukebox with Dave Matthews) and they obviously care about the beer they offer - their menu board lists both staff and customer picks for beers every week. A great stop for anyone visiting the area.
Jul 03, 2005
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Reviewed by mblakele from California

4.16/5  rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5
The new location is 7500 N Main St, Dayton OH. (re-opened 2004-12-02), above Boston's Wine Cellar. This is a nice setting, with large windows and lots of natural light.

There were just five taps in the new bar when I visited, but they're planning to add more. I had Bell Harbor's blueberry ale, and Stone's Arrogant Bastard. The only mass-market tap was Bud Light. I noticed a large variety of beer in bottles, too, but didn't try any.

There's still no kitchen, but there are a few restaurants in the vicinity.
Dec 09, 2004
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Reviewed by truthbrew from Minnesota

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Visited twice the week of November 17th. Great selection of beers, including a draft selection including SN Bigfoot, Rogue Old Crusty, Stone Double Bastard, and GLBC Edmund Fitzgerald Porter! All were served in PINTS (!), though they accomodated my request for a smaller glass of Bigfoot barleywine. Back wall show cased a large selection of good bottled beers. Quality of offerings and selections was impressive. Also offered "to-go" growlers of ANY (Guiness was the only exception) of their beers for $8. Hell of a deal if you were to get one of the above selections.

Service was friendly, prompt, and accomodating.

Atmosphere was lacking. Bar seemed 70's-like, smoke was heavy, music was quite loud and switched from hard rock/metal to Top 40 at times. Most patrons seemed to be the college-aged, bud lite, smoker crowd mixed loosly with some real beer fans.

All in all, I would visit again for a good beer or if I wanted to play darts and party. If you want to enjoy a conversation with someone, this place can be a bit of a challenge.
Nov 24, 2003
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Reviewed by RxforBeer from Ohio

4.01/5  rDev -2.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
We visited this bar after attending Alefest in Dayton. The bar was offering cask-conditioned Bell's Two-Hearted Ale at the Alefest, so we were sure we would not be disappointed. They had about 8 high-quality micros and imports on tap. The bartender said he would not mention the last beer on tap (it was Bud Light.) That is when I knew we were in good hands. The cooler was stocked with a wide selection of imports also. The service was great, and the bartender was quite informative about what beers they had to offer. The atmosphere was a little lacking and we came out smelling like an ashtray. Overall, it is worth your while to stop in and sample the selection. Note - they have a website with their tap selections but it is not always current. But it is nice to see what they may have to offer.
Sep 01, 2003
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Reviewed by Bierguy5 from Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I find this to be the best beer bar in the Miami Valley. Near 100 beers in the cooler, while there are usually 7 or 8 rotating taps. Currently there is always a beer by Great Lakes, Victory or Stone. Now featuring monthly cask tappings, the most recent being Bell's 2 Hearted. Service is very good, and the servers have good beer knowledge. Owner is very friendly, and often cruises around to chat with patrons. Can get smoky when crowded, but when the weather is nice, all of the windows open.

Not only is this a great beer bar, but they host great events for St. Patrick's Day, Octoberfest, etc... Best of all they organize pub crawls several times a year to Cincinnati, Columbus, or Indianapolis.

All around, a great place to have a few beers.

**Edit**
New location above Boston WIne Cellar. Lacks some of the downtown atmosphere, but still has the nice feeling of a friendly neighborhood place. Currently 5 beers on tap, with plans of expansion. Smaller selection of bottles than before, but also plans for expansion. No food, but can get carry-out delivered from a local place. Pub Crawls, festivals, etc. still planned to be held. Not a bad change, and in reality only 10 miles or so from the previous location.
May 15, 2003
Photo of AtLagerHeads
Reviewed by AtLagerHeads from Ohio

4.08/5  rDev -1.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Well this a great place for beer. The young woman at the bar said they had a lot to offer and they sure did. I'm not used to finding a combination of GLBC, Rogue, Stone's, and Bell's on tap in this area, but they have it. Plus a whole lot more like monthly cask-conditioned openings and tasting nights. Growler refills and a whole slew of foreign and domestic craft bottled beer. This place has selection in spades and a willingness to let you sample the tap choices. Comes at a price in pint charges, but I think most serious beer tasters would likely bear the freight. Knowledgeable staff, a bit smokey when it gets a crowd, but a nice place for a serious brewskie or two.
Apr 12, 2003
Boston's Bistro & Pub in Dayton, OH
Place rating: 4.13 out of 5 with 31 ratings