A black and white photo of a city street scene with vintage cars and pedestrians, including a group of people walking on the sidewalk. Buildings with signage line the street, including a large sign for Merchants National Bank and a smaller sign pointing to Century.

OUR STORY

Black and white street scene with mid-rise brick buildings, parked cars, street signs, traffic lights, and snow on the ground.

The Century Bar first came to life in 1942 on Wayne Avenue, opening its doors in the space many Dayton locals remember as the old Tank’s Bar & Grill. For about five years it thrived there, building a reputation as a warm neighborhood hangout before moving downtown. After about 5 years, The Century found its lasting home at 10 South Jefferson Street, where ornate plaster ceilings, original woodwork, and vintage charm set the stage for decades of camaraderie.

Neon sign for Century Food Bar Liquor hanging outside a building at dusk.

NEW LEADERSHIP

In 1996, Diane Spitzig took the helm and began shaping a new era for The Century. She removed the kitchen and leaned into the idea of a bar-first experience—cool, laid-back, and beloved as a late-night last-call spot. Under her direction, The Century cemented its reputation as a place where Dayton came to unwind without pretense.

A woman with long gray hair smiling while sitting at a bar enjoying a drink in a dimly-lit restaurant or pub.

A BOURBON HOUSE

By 2011, The Century was ready for another evolution. The team shifted focus to bourbon and whiskey, carefully curating an impressive selection that highlighted both classic distilleries and emerging craft producers. With thoughtful cocktails, private barrel picks, and a deep respect for America’s native spirit, The Century transformed into a refined destination that honored tradition while elevating the experience. That move not only reshaped its place in Dayton’s nightlife but also secured its recognition among the nation’s premier whiskey bars.

Exterior of a bourbon house named The Century, with a glass window reflecting a building and street scene, a wooden door, and signage indicating whiskey.

TODAY

In 2020, The Century expanded once more—this time into a larger space just next door at 18 South Jefferson. The move allowed the bar to grow while preserving the historic character and warm hospitality that have always defined it.