Old Scratch Pizza - Dayton's Wood-Fired Favorite
There is a spot in Dayton that has truly captured the hearts, and the appetites, of many local folks looking for something special to eat. It is a place where the scent of warm, fresh dough and smoky toppings fills the air, pulling you right in from the street. This isn't just any pizza place; it's a community gathering spot, a place where good food and good times seem to just happen naturally, pretty much every time you visit. It's a spot that many people call their go-to for a really satisfying meal, and for good reason, too.
You see, this particular establishment, Old Scratch Pizza & Beer, has built up quite a reputation, especially at its Centerville location. People have been very vocal about how much they enjoy their visits, giving it a rather impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru. That kind of feedback comes from a lot of happy customers, with over 1,800 different reviews from visitors, along with more than 200 photos and a handful of videos showing off the tasty creations and the friendly surroundings. It truly shows how much people appreciate what they do there, and it’s actually pretty cool to see all that genuine excitement.
What makes this place so special, you might ask? Well, it is often said that the secret lies in their approach to making food. They focus on pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives each pie a distinct, slightly smoky taste and a wonderfully crispy crust. They also make sure to use ingredients that are fresh and, whenever possible, sourced from nearby. This dedication to quality and taste means that, as a matter of fact, when you take a bite, you can really tell the difference, and families, in particular, seem to be consistently pleased with what lands on their table.
Table of Contents
- Where Can You Find Old Scratch Pizza - Dayton's Original Spot?
- What Makes Old Scratch Pizza's Menu So Popular?
- How Does Old Scratch Pizza Ensure Freshness?
- Getting Your Old Scratch Pizza Fix - Conveniently
- Beyond the Pie - What Else Does Old Scratch Pizza Offer?
- A Look at the Drinks at Old Scratch Pizza
- What Are the Future Plans for Old Scratch Pizza?
- What Do People Say About Old Scratch Pizza?
Where Can You Find Old Scratch Pizza - Dayton's Original Spot?
If you are wondering where this beloved pizza spot first began, its roots are pretty firmly planted in the heart of Midtown Dayton. The very first location, the one that started it all, has been a favorite gathering place for folks in the downtown area since the year 2016. It's almost like it's become a fixture, a well-known place where people often go for a good meal and a relaxed atmosphere. This original spot, you know, has seen countless happy faces and shared meals over the years, really cementing its place in the community. It’s a bit of a landmark for anyone who enjoys a truly good pizza experience, and it has definitely set the standard for the other spots that came after it, too.
What Makes Old Scratch Pizza's Menu So Popular?
When you take a look at the offerings, it is clear that Old Scratch Pizza has a knack for creating dishes that people really talk about. For instance, a big hit among those who visit is something called the "Angry Beekeeper" pizza. It's a pie that, apparently, brings together a mix of tastes that are both exciting and comforting, making it a very popular pick for many. Then, for those who prefer plant-based options, there is the "Follow Your Heart" vegan cheese pizza, which lets everyone enjoy a slice without missing out on the goodness. It’s pretty inclusive, in a way, offering something for different dietary choices, which is something a lot of places don't always manage to do so well.
But it is not just about the pizzas, you know. They also have a selection of sandwiches, which are quite unique. These come wrapped in a 12-inch tortilla, and then they are cut in half, making them easy to handle. You can pick from four different kinds, including a chopped BLT, an Italian version, a hummus veggie option, and their very own signature house creation. These give you a nice break from the pizza, offering something different but just as satisfying. It’s good to have choices, really, especially when you are trying to please a whole group of people with different cravings.
And if you are looking for things to share with your tablemates, or maybe something green to go along with your main meal, they have those too. Their menu includes a range of "shareables" – perfect for starting off your meal or just picking at while you chat. There are also fresh "greens" if you want something a bit lighter. A notable item that people often enjoy is the whole roasted cauliflower. This dish, which costs ten dollars, is prepared with olive oil and a romesco sauce, made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. It’s a very tasty way to get some vegetables in, and it pairs really well with the other things on the menu, too.
How Does Old Scratch Pizza Ensure Freshness?
A lot of the praise for Old Scratch Pizza comes from their dedication to the ingredients they use. People often mention that the reason their pizza tastes so good is because they use ingredients that are truly fresh. This commitment means that, typically, when you bite into a piece, you can really taste the quality of what they put on top. It’s not just about cooking it well; it’s about starting with the best possible components, which, honestly, makes a huge difference in the final flavor. They seem to understand that the foundation of a great meal is always the quality of what goes into it, and that's pretty clear in every bite, too.
Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on using local ingredients whenever they can. This practice not only supports the community around them but also means that the items they use are often at their peak freshness, having traveled only a short distance. It is a philosophy that, in some respects, adds another layer of goodness to their food, making it feel more connected to the place where it is served. This focus on local sourcing is something that many diners appreciate, knowing that their meal is not just delicious but also supports nearby producers, which is a nice touch, really.
The fact that they use a wood-fired oven also plays a big part in the taste and texture of their pizzas. This method of cooking gives the crust a delightful crispness and a slightly smoky flavor that you just cannot get from a regular oven. It is a traditional way of making pizza that, you know, brings out the best in the dough and toppings, giving each pie a unique character. This attention to how the food is prepared, from the fresh local ingredients to the special cooking method, is what makes their pizzas stand out so much, and it's something people really seem to enjoy.
Getting Your Old Scratch Pizza Fix - Conveniently
For those days when you prefer to enjoy your meal at home, Old Scratch Pizza makes it very simple to get your hands on their delicious food. You can easily get delivery or pick up your order directly from their location at 812 South Patterson Boulevard in Dayton. The whole process is set up to be pretty straightforward, allowing you to order what you want online and even keep an eye on your order as it makes its way to you. It is a really convenient way to get a great meal without having to leave your house, which is something many people appreciate.
And here is something else that is pretty cool: if it is your very first time ordering delivery from them, you will not have to pay any delivery fee. This is a nice little bonus that, you know, makes trying them out for the first time even more appealing. It removes one of those small barriers that sometimes stop people from trying a new place, making it even easier to give their tasty pizzas a try. It is a thoughtful touch that, honestly, shows they care about making their food accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy it.
Beyond the Pie - What Else Does Old Scratch Pizza Offer?
While their pizzas are clearly a main draw, Old Scratch Pizza offers a range of other items that help round out the dining experience. As mentioned, their sandwiches provide a good alternative for those who might not be in the mood for pizza, or who just want something different. These come in a few different varieties, like the classic chopped BLT, a hearty Italian option, a fresh hummus veggie choice, and their very own special house sandwich. They are all wrapped in a twelve-inch tortilla and then cut in half, making them easy to manage and, you know, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Then there are the "shareables," which are just perfect for kicking off your meal or for a lighter bite with friends. These are dishes that are meant to be passed around, encouraging a communal eating experience. And for those who like to balance their meal with something fresh, they have a selection of "greens," offering a lighter, crisp counterpoint to the richer flavors of the pizza and sandwiches. It’s nice to have these sorts of options, really, because it means there is something for almost every kind of craving or preference, which is pretty thoughtful.
One particular shareable that has gained quite a following is their whole roasted cauliflower. This dish, priced at ten dollars, is prepared with a simple yet flavorful combination of cauliflower, olive oil, and a rich romesco sauce. The sauce itself is made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic, giving it a depth of flavor that is truly appealing. It is a good example of how they take simple ingredients and, you know, turn them into something really special, proving that delicious food does not always have to be complicated.
A Look at the Drinks at Old Scratch Pizza
To go along with all the tasty food, Old Scratch Pizza also offers a good selection of drinks. For those who enjoy a cold one with their meal, they have a variety of craft beers available. These are often from local or smaller breweries, giving you a chance to try something different and, you know, support independent makers. It is a nice touch for beer lovers, offering more than just the usual choices you might find elsewhere.
If wine is more your style, they have that too. Their wine selection is chosen to pair well with their menu items, so you can find something that complements your pizza or sandwich perfectly. And for something a bit more unique, they also mix up their own "old scratch original cocktails." These are special drinks created by them, offering a fresh and interesting way to quench your thirst. It is pretty cool to have these kinds of options, really, making the whole dining experience feel a bit more complete and enjoyable.
What Are the Future Plans for Old Scratch Pizza?
It seems that the popularity of Old Scratch Pizza is continuing to grow, as they have plans to open yet another location. The restaurant is actually looking to set up their fourth spot in the building that used to be the Troy fire station. This expansion shows that, you know, they are doing something right and that more and more people are eager to experience their food. It is pretty exciting news for fans of their pizza, as it means even more opportunities to enjoy what they offer in a new part of the area.
This move to a new spot, particularly one with a bit of history like a former fire station, suggests that they are not just expanding but also looking for interesting places to become part of the community. It is a sign of their continued success and, arguably, their commitment to bringing their particular brand of wood-fired goodness to more people. This growth is a really positive sign for the business and for anyone who loves a good pizza, too.
What Do People Say About Old Scratch Pizza?
When you talk to people who have visited Old Scratch Pizza, a common sentiment you hear is that it is, quite simply, the best pizza in Dayton. This is especially true for those who appreciate wood-fired pizza, made with fresh ingredients and, as a matter of fact, local components. The flavors, people say, are consistently spot-on, meaning that every bite delivers a really satisfying taste experience. It seems they have truly mastered the art of making a pie that hits all the right notes for a lot of people.
Families, in particular, seem to be very happy with their visits. Many folks mention that their family is never disappointed when they eat here, which is a pretty strong endorsement. It suggests that the restaurant offers something that appeals to a wide range of tastes and ages, making it a reliable choice for a family outing. This consistent satisfaction, you know, really speaks volumes about the quality of the food and the overall experience they provide, making it a truly cherished spot for many.
So, we have talked about Old Scratch Pizza, from its beginnings as a favorite downtown spot in Midtown Dayton since 2016 to its highly-rated Centerville location. We covered some of the popular menu items, like the "Angry Beekeeper" pizza and their unique sandwiches, along with how they focus on fresh, local ingredients and wood-fired cooking. We also touched on the ease of getting delivery or takeout, their drink options including craft beer and original cocktails, and their plans for a fourth spot in Troy. It is clear that this place has made a real impression on people who love good pizza and a friendly atmosphere.
Online Menu of Old Scratch Pizza & Beer Restaurant, Centerville, Ohio
Old Scratch Pizza has ‘Midwesternly Neapolitan’ philosophy | Pizza
OLD SCRATCH PIZZA - Updated May 2025 - 35 Photos & 43 Reviews - 19 E
