Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse is a restaurant in Dayton, OH, located at 216 Wayne Ave in the historic Oregon District east of downtown. The venue offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring appetizers, burgers, chicken tenders, and signature dishes like the hot brown, all served in a space rich with industrial heritage. Guests enjoy a lively atmosphere with extended hours, open Sunday through Saturday from 11 AM to midnight, with extended weekend hours until 2 AM. The restaurant serves the local community and visitors drawn to the area’s vibrant cultural scene. Known for its distinctive ambiance and quality food, it has earned positive feedback from patrons who praise the atmosphere, service, and well-prepared meals.
The building at 216 Wayne Ave has a storied past, originally constructed in 1868 as the Weustoff & Getz factory. It later served as the Farmer’s Friend manufacturing company, a major agricultural implement producer in the 1870s, and evolved into the Stoddard Bicycle Company, which sold thousands of bicycles in its early years. The site also hosted Dayton’s first automobile manufacturer in 1904 and several other industrial enterprises before being used for furniture and plumbing businesses. In 2017, the property was acquired by local investors who transformed it into a mixed-use space, preserving its history through design elements like reclaimed ceiling wood for tables, early 1900s lighting, and custom chandeliers made from old wagon wheels, honoring the building’s legacy as the Wheelhouse.
The restaurant sits on Wayne Ave, just a short walk from Trolley Plaza, a public park, and within a quarter-mile of East 4th Street, East 5th Street, and the Ohio EPA Southwest District Office. The nearby Orville the Troll public artwork adds to the area’s charm, making the location easily identifiable and accessible.
Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse stands out for its deeply rooted connection to Dayton’s industrial past, reflected in both its architecture and storytelling. Its well-documented history, clean online presence, and consistent business information enhance its credibility and reputation. Patrons consistently highlight the authenticity of the experience, from the space’s design to the quality of food and service.
This historic venue blends Dayton’s legacy with modern hospitality, offering a distinctive dining destination where the city’s past comes alive with every bite.