The Foundry is a hot ticket for Restaurant Week, Valentine's Day
By Alexis Larsen, Dine Out Dayton Correspondent
January 31, 2025
Summer isn’t the only time that The Foundry shines.
Sure, Dayton’s best rooftop bar and restaurant begs for warmer weather, but there’s no bad time to plan a trip to the hip gastropub overlooking Day Air Ballpark, even when a chill is in the air.
The industrial space on the seventh floor of the downtown AC Hotel pays homage in title and vibe to the Foundry that originally occupied the building. With exposed ceilings, copper finishes, custom millwork, and stained concrete floors softened by modern furnishings, it’s a stylish space with great views that only improves as the weather warms.
With three large lushly furnished outdoor igloos that can be reserved for dining, they are ready to serve groups throughout winter that want the outdoors without risking a chill (thefoundryrooftop.com/igloos).
The restaurant is participating in its first Winter Restaurant Week promotion and has brought its A-game both with food and service.
The three course meal has three options for the entree with a price tag of $45.25. A simple salad course is the starter with the choice of a garden salad or Caesar. The main course options are a vegan risotto with a medley of vegetables including asparagus, peas, carrots, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, oven-roasted tomatoes and truffle oil.
For seafood lovers there is a fabulous salmon dish glazed with a cherry chipotle sauce that pleasantly zings and zips on the palate. Accompanied by creamy garlic mashed potatoes and wood grilled asparagus with a lemon herb butter, it was a lovely dish to celebrate Winter Restaurant Week with. A 6 oz. beef tenderloin served with mashed potatoes and roasted broccolini is a classic steakhouse staple that was cooked perfectly.
Dessert offers the choice of a chocolate bundt cake with bourbon caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an Irish coffee tiramisu made with Jameson, coffee and finished with a whipped cream enhanced with a pour of Bailey’s for good measure.
The restaurant and bar area were packed with people on a Thursday evening and the air was humming with conversation.
Whether it’s restaurant week or a casual happy hour or dinner before a show, the restaurant’s menu offers whatever you are looking for, from charcuterie ($19), smoked burrata toast ($16) and crispy cornmeal calamari ($14) to split with friends over a drink or two, to a large stuffed sandwiches big enough to split like the house smoked pastrami Reuben ($21), chicken cheesesteak ($20) or a forged burger ($22). They also have woodfired pizzas including a cousin Vinni ($20) with pepperoni, spicy arrabbiata and goat cheese, a vegan nutty mushroom made with cashew alfredo sauce and a loaded potato pizza made with roasted garlic, rosemary, Yukon potato, bacon, smoked mozzarella, sour cream, chives and potato chips ($18).
Entrees include a 24-hour brined chicken that is roasted and served with mushroom risotto, peas and carrots ($29), BBQ Wagyu short ribs ($33), pan seared scallops ($34), a wonderful and large-portioned shrimp and grits ($27) and the previously mentioned cherry chipotle salmon ($38).
For dessert choose from a strawberry lemon pound cake ($8), panna cotta trio ($9), chocolate bundt cake ($10) and Irish coffee tiramisu ($9) among other options.
There is plenty of seating, but get there early on game days as the weather warms up and the patio seating comes into play as the competition for a table is likely to be fierce.
Right now the restaurant is booking for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 and 15 with a four-course prix fixe menu for $80 a person. They are almost sold out, which is a good reminder to call now and lock in your reservation regardless of where you opt to celebrate.
There are big plans in the works for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and March 25.
March 25? You heard it here first: The restaurant has got something in the works in conjunction with the Dayton Dragons celebrating their 25th season. The Dragons, and their Major League affiliate, the Cincinnati Reds, will say thank you to Dragons fans when the Reds close out their spring training schedule with a game at Day Air Ballpark at 6:10 p.m. If you are not at a seat at the stadium, the next best thing is a seat at the Foundry’s rooftop patio and there are plans at the restaurant to make the most of the view for those who decide to take in the game that day. Call and reserve your spot now if that’s of interest.
This restaurant has been such a welcome addition to the region’s dining scene. With so much in the works for special events this year and to capitalize on the 2025 Dayton Dragon’s season, we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2025 has in store.
The Foundry: 124 Madison St., Dayton on the seventh floor of the AC Hotel; (937) 965-7500 or www.thefoundryrooftop.com
With two decades dedicated to covering the culinary world, Dine Out Dayton Correspondent Alexis Larsen brings an unmatched passion for dining, storytelling, and connecting food lovers with the vibrant chefs, flavors, and trends that define our community’s dining scene. Join her as she shines a spotlight on the region’s restaurants, celebrating their rich culture, latest menu updates, special dinners and events, talented new chefs, creative dishes, breaking news, and unique culinary adventures. Have a story to share? E-mail alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com to reach out. Bon appétit!