Trish's Red Bird Cafe — Restaurant in Dayton

Have you ever been to Trish’s Red Bird Cafe? Well you should! We were but 2 weary travelers, unsupervised and alone in a sea of semi trailers and mid priced SUV’s. Stuck behind one of Indiana’s finest law enforcement officers, for what seemed a biblical eternity, we longed for respite...sustenance...dare we say it...?..for something deep fried! We scrolled endlessly through the fast food wasteland offered to us via our Lords at Google but NAY! we were not satisfied. We hungered for something different, unique, special, transcendent, translucent! Something with exposed weathered steel-truss ceiling girders and black and white photos on the wall...but where could we find such a place? Dayton Indiana!

WHY-O-WHY can I not give this wonderful oasis 6 Stars! Curse you google! I shake my fist at you!

We entered the front door alive with anticipation but wary, oh so wary, we’d been hurt before. Immediately put at easy by Barb a friendly smile and a “y’all can sit wherever” So friendly. She could tell with a glance we were parched and offered to bring us liquid refreshment of our choosing. Layla was assisting Barb this day, we’ve met many Layla’s and each one has told us today’s specials. Gently she guided us through the concentrated and still comprehensive array of culinary offerings until we landed on what would be this outing’s gastronomical adventures.

Eager to provide nourishment for we beaten and tired travelers, beignets were provided with swiftness rarely experienced outside the finest cafes of Western Europe. Delicious and supple, as though a doughnut and French Toast had done something so sweet yet unspeakable together and this warm, wonderful, sugar coated, deep fried, perfectly formed, love muffin was borne. Was that too far? I don’t care, I’ve said it and I meant it!

With a gentle nudge Layla had guided me to the tenderloin sandwich and I waited anxiously to sample such a delicacy. As it approached my eyes grew larger and so tenderly she set the sandwhich down. I gazed upon it in wonder, what did I do to deserve such a feast? The bun struggled valiantly to contain the mighty meat laid within, but it was vain as no bun was ever produced as to hide such a mighty cut of pork. Made tender with skilled hands and heavy mallet before being dipped, dressed, and boiled in oil (but not of the peanut variety, where not barbarians Steve!) Melted pepper jack cheese. Juicy, thick red ripe tomato. Tender Romain lettuce. The bun, though unable to contain the meat within was buttered and toasted giving the tenderloin a firm yet loving embrace.

Eagerly I bit into my meal and was rewarded with a little bite of the sky. Tender and warm it was not some over-fried, under-loved, dried out, jilted ovine! This sandwich made me see colors anew, gave me hope, and has given pause to my mild to moderate Restless Leg Syndrome.

Thank you. Thank you Trish’s Red Bird Cafe. We enjoyed your establishment. We enjoyed your friendly, helpful, professional, talented staff. The meal was sublime. With our bodies restored and our faith renewed we bid a sorrowful farewell saying not “goodbye” but “until we meet again!”

P.S. We also ordered a buffalo chicken wrap and it was...

The Red Bird Cafe in Dayton (that's Indiana, not Ohio) is a new eating establishment. This was my first visit there, though we live just a few miles away. I was very pleasantly pleased. The cafe parking was close to the front door. The interior is very clean and bright. We were greeted promptly and seated at a table (my preference, though boothee were available). Service was great. As soon as seeted the waitress brought menus and took our drink orders. When she returned with drinks she took our food orders. I ordered The Rodney Burger (a half pound hamburger stuffed with bacon and cheese and has another slice of cheese added - very very good by the way). The waitress advised that stuffed burgers took a little longer to cook and wanted to be sure that was ok. It was . I also ordered onion rings side ($1.00 additional - clearly marked on the menu). The food was great. Cooked as ordered. The onion rings come with a dipping sauce. The food was perfect, the service too notch. You definitely need to try this place. There are so many other great choices on the menu, I have to go back and try some other things. They also have a Sunday breakfast buffet that looks very inviting. I definitely plan to return to The Red Bird Cafe. By the way the name is very appropriate for Indiana, with the Cardinal being the state bird. Check it out. You will not be...

We’ve been wanting to visit Trish’s for a while, and we’re so glad we finally made it last Saturday. My family and I came for breakfast and tried a variety of items from the menu, and everything was fantastic. The hostesses were so sweet and welcoming, and even though there was a short wait for a table (about five minutes), we enjoyed browsing the cute little shopping area filled with local vendor items.

Peggy was an absolute delight, checking in on us and chatting throughout our visit—she truly made us feel at home. But the real star of our experience was Kelli! Despite having three tables sat in her section at once, she handled everything effortlessly. She greeted us right away, got our drinks and orders in quickly, and was so knowledgeable about the menu, making great recommendations and answering our questions about ingredients. She was attentive without being intrusive and made sure our special requests were taken care of perfectly.

And the food was Incredible! The omelets were fire, the biscuits and gravy were delicious, and honestly, I wish I could’ve tried everything. It just gives me a reason to come back!

If you’re looking for great food, a warm atmosphere, and top-notch service, Trish’s is the place to go. And if you’re lucky enough to have Kelli as your server, you’re in for an even...