How to Live Like a Local in Dayton, OH

Nathan Lambrecht

Amanda Bergmann is a senior manager of business programming at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, where she is deeply engaged in her hometown and loves living in Dayton, Ohio. Bergmann grew up in Centerville, a southern suburb of Dayton, and attended the University of Dayton for college. “My family joked that it was maybe three stop lights from our house,” she says, “but I toured it, and I loved it.” 

With a major in political science, she moved to Columbus after graduation and worked for Mike DeWine, the governor of Ohio. After seeing how downtown Dayton was being revitalized, she wanted to be closer to home and be a part of the change. She found her job at the chamber, where she enjoys being active in the community and networking with leaders. 

Courtesy of Amanda Bergmann

What’s your favorite local restaurant and what dish do you order? 
I love Mamma DiSalvo’s, an Italian restaurant in Kettering. They have an adjacent deli that serves subs, pasta salads and amazing desserts. If I’m not at the actual restaurant ordering gnocchi, which is my favorite pasta, I’ll typically be at their deli for an Italian sub. 

I love their orzo and tortellini pasta salads, and for dessert, I order a cannoli. You feel like you’re in someone’s living room; the family who runs it are always having lively conversations. 

Is there a hidden gem of a coffee shop or bar? 
Socialite Cafe just opened in Kettering just last year. They’re so good at creating a cozy vibe. It really doesn’t feel like you’re in Dayton, it feels like you’re at a European cafe. I order a mocha on my way from my house before I head downtown. 

For a bar, I love Joui Wine. It’s on Third Street right by my office, and they have a great wine selection, so you can peruse the aisles. They also have a wonderful bar, with a great cocktail list and some bites. I’m a big olive and pickle lover, and they have this fantastic dip called the dirty martini dip, which is cream cheese, olives and blue cheese. 

Where do you go for live music or entertainment? 
We have a fantastic arts and culture community in Dayton. We have so many organizations dedicated to uplifting artists, whether they’re local or national. I am a musical theater girl through and through. We have the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and they bring in amazing musicians and acts but usually I’m there for the Broadway series. 

I am a huge supporter of an organization called the Muse Machine, which is for students to put on their own musical productions. If I’m not seeing professional-level musicals at the Schuster, I’m usually supporting the middle and high school students who are putting on incredible productions. 

Are there dog-friendly hiking trails or parks you recommend? 
We have wonderful parks in Dayton. We have Five Rivers MetroParks. I go to the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Parks, which are vast and amazing. I live near Sweet Arrow Reserve, and there are wonderful paths there. Everyone’s friendly on the trails, and I feel safe. 

What’s a lesser-known spot that you think deserves more attention? 
I want to acknowledge our bakeries. At Andie’s Cakery, you have to order ahead of time, so I’m not sure people are aware of their variety of cakes and desserts. Boosalis Baking and Café in Centerville has fantastic pastries, and they introduced me to this pastry called a Queen Aman.