Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County

Growing up in Tipp City, I made frequent trips to our neighboring town and had always spotted Dunaways, but I’d never entered the quaint little pub just off the highway. I noticed that the sign and theme of the exterior had changed, and since their reopening and rebranding, I decided to give the place a shot.

I entered expecting a loud pub vibe, and although that was partially delivered, the restaurant also had a modern twist that I appreciated. The pub atmosphere is kept up with Irish nods surrounding the interior, as well as an active nightlife with open mics, live music, and other exciting events. On the contrary, the pub was fairly quiet for an early afternoon lunch and a great little spot to grab a bite to eat.

As a former Celtic dancer, I am no stranger to the inside of an Irish bar. I spent Saint Patrick's Day each year bouncing from pub to pub, and much of my childhood was spent performing in a bumping bar full of rowdy Guinness drinkers. Although I visited Dunaways fairly early in the day, I was still surprised at how mellow the atmosphere was compared to the series of Irish-themed pubs and restaurants I had visited in my dancing years. I was comforted by the nostalgic nod to Celtic culture, but I also enjoyed that I could have a conversation while grabbing a bite to eat. I also really liked the menu setup. There are only about four to five options for each category, so your choices in sandwiches, salads, soups, and appetizers are slim. Some might prefer a lengthy menu with eight spins on a classic cheeseburger, but I loved that the menu was short and sweet.

The Reuben looked enticing, as usual, and after all, corned beef is an Irish staple. On this particular lunchbreak adventure, I was feeling a bit on the healthier side. I landed on the Caesar salad with a side of mac and cheese. I was skeptical of the salad upon its arrival because the dressing had more of a thin texture than the Cesars I'd had before. Upon my first bite, though, I thought this dressing was perfectly made. Each piece of lettuce was smothered in the almost vinaigrette-like sauce and complimented with savory parmesan flakes and crunchy croutons. I also ordered an appetizer of cheese curds. The gooey cheddar cheese bites were tossed in parmesan and then fried to make a delicious cheese-on-cheese masterpiece without the usual soggy breading that other restaurant cheese curds have to offer.

As if I couldn’t get enough cheese, the side of mac completely stole the show. I have never had a mac and cheese so flavorful in my life. I don't know if I’ll ever stop talking about it. The noodles were coated in a creamy and savory cheese sauce that tasted like beer cheese, which you can only get with soft pretzels. The creamy mixture was also topped with crispy breadcrumbs and more croutons.

The Irish roots and menu, combined with the unforgettable macaroni and other delectable bites, made Dunaways a perfect stop for a quick and tasty lunch break meal. Dunaways is located at 508 W Main St. in Troy