Olive, an urban dive bar in Dayton, OH

Half way through the leaks.

French press coffee, fried leaks, and beef meatballs on top of pesto mashed potatoes that kind of meal kind only be had at a place that cares about food. Olive does exactly that. With a local menu put together by hard work they deliver a dining experience that is different from any other dive in Dayton. The menu is small but the flavors are strong. The tender beef paired with the lemon sauce and balsamic glaze nicely, and the potatoes were a good match with the whole dish. 

 It was comfort food on a cold day, but with a twist of sophistication.  

Not only was the entre delicious so was the often over looked side salad. The unwillingness to compromise and serve up a plate of iceberg in the middle of winter should indicate how hard working this group really is. Over all it looks simple enough, a plate of greens with a light dressing and a crouton. It is far more than that. The mix of greens is coated in a wonderful sweet, acidic house sauce. Not to look over the greens themselves which were as fresh as they just picked them out of their garden in late spring. Delicately, peppery, crisp, and refreshing it lightened the home-style lunch into something that allows you to finish the rest of your day and still feel full.

Olive’s doesn’t just promote good eating, they promote a better state. Taking profits from daily specials and donating five percent to environmental watch groups. They deliver on the promise of great food without sacrifice. The only thing you might have to sacrifice is ten minutes of your time to wait on a table, or you can call in a reservation and let the crew at Olive make your afternoon that much better.