In 2016, a couple-owned pizzeria transformed an abandoned 1960s auto parts store on South Patterson Boulevard into a thriving Neapolitan pizza and beer hall that now spreads artisan pies across the Midwest.
Old Scratch Pizza fires their best-selling pizzas to perfection in two 800+ degree wood-burning ovens, featuring hand-stretched dough and fresh, quality ingredients that honor Italian tradition while celebrating Midwest flavors.
The restaurant uses traditional Italian-designed ovens that burn through about a cord per week of local Ash wood, creating that distinctive wood-fired flavor customers crave.
How Old Scratch Pizza Won Dayton’s Hearts
Old Scratch Pizza captured Dayton’s heart by doing Neapolitan pizza without fear of breaking the rules, creating innovative combinations inspired by both Italian tradition and Midwest sensibilities.
Diners appreciate that not just pizza lovers can find something to love, with wood-fired cauliflower, creative salads, and rotating seasonal cocktails expanding the menu.
The restaurant’s Angry Beekeeper pizza with soppressata and housemade hot honey became an instant fan favorite, showing locals that traditional pizza could evolve into something extraordinary 🔥
The casual, counter-service walk-in-only format creates an efficient, relaxed vibe where guests order easily and enjoy artisan pizza without pretension.
Food Highlights
- Prosciutto Arugula Pizza: A refined choice with fresh mozzarella, lemon-dressed arugula, Romano, and prosciutto — the bright lemon cuts through rich cheese and salty prosciutto beautifully.
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The Dayton Pizza: Named after the city, this local favorite comes loaded with crispy cupped pepperonis that create little grease cups of flavor.
- Angry Beekeeper Pizza: This best-selling signature tops the pizza with soppressata and housemade hot honey.
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Mr. Scratch Pizza: This popular specialty features tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, housemade sausage, caramelized onions, and Calabrian chilies.
- Birdie Pizza: A unique offering featuring housemade chicken sausage, oven-roasted tomatoes, taleggio cheese, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, and thyme.
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Brooklyn Pizza: A meat lover’s dream, combining tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, housemade meatball, and sausage.
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Shroom Pizza: This gourmet white pizza features forest mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic, thyme, and white truffle oil.
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Sophie Mae Pizza: This creative white pizza combines red onion jam, applewood-smoked bacon, fresh mozzarella, and Romano — the sweet onion jam provides unexpected depth.
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a transformed 1960s auto parts store that retains industrial charm while creating a welcoming pizza and beer hall environment.
The casual, counter-service format keeps things relaxed and efficient, perfect for families, groups, and casual dining experiences.
Guests can watch pizzas fire in the wood-burning ovens that reach over 800 degrees, creating an engaging visual element to the dining experience.
The space emphasizes creating the best environment to enjoy their menu with friends and family while giving back to the community through various initiatives.
Bottom Line 💯
Visit Old Scratch Pizza for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas cooked in 800+ degree traditional Italian ovens using local Ash wood, innovative creations like Angry Beekeeper with housemade hot honey, twenty craft beers on tap for perfect pairings, and supporting a locally-owned business that transformed an abandoned auto parts store into Dayton’s pizza destination.
Address:
812 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
📞 (937) 331-5357
🕔 Mon-Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 12 PM–9 PM