Embellished with ferns and ficus, Lily’s is one of the Oregon District’s more notable offerings
Walking down 5th Street in Dayton, one is sure to find numerous locally owned establishments: bakeries, cafes and more. One place, though, may stick out more than the others. Embellished with ferns and ficus and featuring multiple patios for al-fresco dining, Lily’s is one of the more notable offerings of Dayton’s Oregon District.
A fusion restaurant of sorts, Lily’s combines classics of the South like grits and deviled eggs with flavors of Asia and the Pacific. For example, a classic po’boy gets a Vietnamese twist with the addition of pickled vegetables and gochujang aioli. Likewise, they spin a bahn mi into something that feels distinctly more American: a smash burger.
Born out of the pandemic, Lily’s Dayton is reimagination of a prior restaurant that bore the same name. Perhaps a time stamp of its covid-era inception, Lily’s features three patios for guests to take advantage of when the weather permits. This emphasis on dining al-fresco, along with the greenery scattered throughout helps Lily’s achieve its goal “to transport people out of their daily lives to somewhere else, to escape the struggles around us all and instead to kick back and relax,” according to the bistro’s website.
As such, those looking to kick back can rely on the bistro’s drink offerings. Over at the bar, Lily’s embraces a Polynesian theme. Comparing itself to a tiki bar, offerings include numerous original cocktails, mocktails, beers and more—regularly served in a tiki glass. Keeping with the emphasis on originality, Lily’s offers a specialty Thursday punch, which changes every week. Additionally, Lily’s house draft beer is always $3, for those looking for a deal.
Lily’s Dayton, 329 E. 5th St., Dayton. lilysdayton.com.
