Ready for a pizza experience that will blow your mind?
Old Scratch Pizza & Beer in Dayton, Ohio, serves up wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas that are pure perfection!
Let’s talk about that sign, shall we? It’s not every day you see a giant, illuminated pizza slice pointing the way to culinary bliss.
But there it is, a beacon of hope for the hungry masses, guiding weary travelers and local foodies alike to their cheesy destiny.
It’s like the North Star, if the North Star was made of neon and had pepperoni on it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another pizza joint? In Ohio? What’s next, corn on a cob in Iowa?”
But hold your horses, my skeptical friend.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, cardboard-crust, sauce-from-a-can kind of place.
Old Scratch Pizza & Beer is to pizza what LeBron James is to basketball – a game-changer that makes you question everything you thought you knew about Ohio.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by an industrial-chic interior that screams “I’m cool, but I don’t try too hard.”
The exposed ceiling, the globe lights dangling like oversized Christmas ornaments, the wooden communal tables – it’s all so hip.
But fear not, dear reader.
This place isn’t just for the hipster elite.
It’s a melting pot of pizza lovers from all walks of life.
You’ve got families with kids, couples on dates, solo diners engrossed in their phones, and groups of friends laughing over shared pies and pints.
It’s like a United Nations of pizza enthusiasts, if the UN served craft beer and had better lighting.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the pizza.
Old Scratch doesn’t mess around when it comes to their pies.
They’re slinging Neapolitan-style pizzas that would make an Italian nonna weep with joy.
These aren’t your typical Ohio pizzas that require two hands and a forklift to eat.
No, sir.
These are thin, crispy, slightly charred works of art that practically float off the plate.
The secret?
It’s all in the oven, baby.
Old Scratch uses wood-fired ovens that reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun.
These bad boys cook the pizzas in mere minutes, resulting in a crust that’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and downright addictive all over.
It’s like the pizza equivalent of a perfectly toasted marshmallow, minus the sticky fingers and campfire smell.
But what good is a great crust if the toppings are subpar?
Fear not, my pizza-loving friends.
Old Scratch has got you covered.
Their menu reads like a who’s who of pizza royalty, with options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Take the Margherita, for instance.
It’s the pizza equivalent of the little black dress – classic, elegant, and always in style.
With its simple combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, it’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less really is more.
Unless we’re talking about cheese.
Then more is definitely more.
For those who like their pizza with a bit of a kick, there’s the Angry Beekeeper.
Now, before you start picturing a pizza topped with angry bees (which, let’s be honest, would be a terrible idea), let me explain.
This pie comes with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, spicy salami, and house-made hot honey.
It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s everything nice-y.
It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
But wait, there’s more.
For the veggie lovers out there, Old Scratch offers the Shroomin’.
This fungi-tastic creation comes topped with roasted mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic, thyme, and white truffle oil.
It’s so earthy and delicious, you’ll feel like you’re hugging a tree with your taste buds.
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And let’s not forget about the Brussels Crow.
No, it’s not a new species of bird discovered in Belgium.
It’s a pizza topped with Brussels sprouts, mixed shallots, taleggio, bacon, and apple cider reduction.
It’s like fall decided to throw a party on a pizza crust, and everyone showed up wearing their tastiest outfits.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “But what if I’m gluten-free? Am I doomed to watch my friends enjoy these heavenly pies while I nibble on a sad salad?”
Fear not, my gluten-averse amigo. Old Scratch has got your back.
They offer a gluten-free crust option that’s so good, you’ll forget you’re eating something “free” of anything.
It’s like the Houdini of pizza crusts – magically delicious and mysteriously gluten-free.
But let’s not forget the “Beer” part of Old Scratch Pizza & Beer.
Their beer selection is like a liquid tour of Ohio’s finest breweries, with a few out-of-state guests making appearances.
From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, there’s a brew for every palate.
It’s like a beer festival decided to set up permanent residence next to a pizza oven. In other words, it’s paradise.
And for those who prefer their drinks grape-based, Old Scratch also offers a selection of wines.
Because nothing says “I’m adulting” quite like sipping a glass of Pinot Noir with your wood-fired pizza.
It’s like a sophisticated pizza party where your taste buds get to wear tiny monocles and discuss the finer points of crust-to-sauce ratios.
The wine list isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a passport to flavor town, with each selection carefully chosen to complement the pizzas.
You might start the evening thinking you’re just grabbing a quick bite, but before you know it, you’re swirling your glass like a sommelier and using words like “bouquet” and “terroir.”
It’s the kind of place where you can impress your date with your pizza-and-wine pairing skills, even if you secretly learned everything from a YouTube video five minutes before arriving.
Who knew that becoming a wine connoisseur was just a pizza order away?
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere. Old Scratch isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience.
The open kitchen layout means you can watch the pizza maestros at work, tossing dough and sliding pies into the fiery maw of the oven.
It’s like dinner and a show, minus the cheesy singing waiters (thank goodness).
The communal tables encourage conversation and sharing.
Who knows? You might sit down as strangers and leave as friends, bonded by your shared love of perfectly charred crust and gooey cheese.
It’s like a social experiment, but with better food.
And let’s not forget about the staff.
The folks at Old Scratch are friendlier than a golden retriever at a dog park.
They’re knowledgeable about the menu, quick with recommendations, and always ready with a smile.
It’s like they’ve been infused with the spirit of Midwestern hospitality, but with a cool, pizza-slinging twist.
But Old Scratch isn’t just about great food and atmosphere.
They’re also committed to being good neighbors.
They source ingredients locally whenever possible, supporting Ohio farmers and producers.
It’s like they’re giving the local economy a big, cheesy hug.
They also participate in community events and fundraisers, proving that they’re not just in it for the dough (pizza pun intended).
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but surely there must be a catch. Is it expensive? Do I need to sell a kidney to afford a pizza?”
Rest easy, my budget-conscious friend.
Old Scratch’s prices are as reasonable as their pizzas are delicious.
You can get a whole pizza for about the same price as a fancy coffee drink with a name longer than this sentence.
It’s like they’ve found the sweet spot between quality and affordability, and decided to set up shop right there.
But don’t just take my word for it. Old Scratch has become something of a local legend in Dayton.
On any given night, you’ll find the place buzzing with energy, filled with locals and visitors alike.
It’s become a go-to spot for first dates, family dinners, and “I don’t feel like cooking” nights.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if “Let’s go to Old Scratch” has replaced “How about pizza?” in the local lexicon.
And here’s a pro tip: if you’re visiting Dayton and want to blend in with the locals, just casually mention Old Scratch in conversation.
You’ll instantly gain street cred faster than you can say “wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza.”
It’s like a secret handshake, but tastier.
So, there you have it, folks. Old Scratch Pizza & Beer isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Dayton institution.
It’s a place where the pizza is hot, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is always just right.
It’s where dough becomes art, toppings become poetry, and dinner becomes an experience.
In a world of cookie-cutter chain restaurants, Old Scratch stands out like a perfectly charred pizza crust in a sea of soggy ones.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are simple: good food, good drinks, and good company.
And if those good things happen to come with a side of wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza perfection, well, that’s just the cheese on top.
So, the next time you find yourself in Dayton, do yourself a favor and scratch that pizza itch at Old Scratch.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram followers will envy you, and you’ll finally understand why Ohioans get that dreamy look in their eyes when they talk about pizza.
Just remember to save room for seconds.
Trust me, you’re going to want them.
For more information about Old Scratch Pizza & Beer, including their full menu and hours of operation, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your pizza pilgrimage, use this map to guide you to cheesy nirvana. Your taste buds are already packing their bags.
Where: 812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of pizza has made me hungry.