07/31/2026
Thirty years ago this weekend, a new chapter began.
On July 31, 1996, we received our official operating license at The Mariemont Strand. Then, on August 1, we opened our doors, never imagining the incredible journey that lay ahead.
While Dilly Deli first opened in 1982, these past 30 years at The Strand have truly shaped who we are today.
We've grown. We've evolved. We've adapted. Most importantly, we've built something special together with this incredible community.
Along the way...
• We became one of Cincinnati's original craft beer destinations, thanks to James Kahles, better known to many of you as "Peanut," long before craft beer became the phenomenon it is today.
• Our Bottle Shop grew into one of Cincinnati's premier independent wine shops.
• Our beautiful courtyard patio became a favorite gathering place for summer evenings in Mariemont.
• Live music became part of our identity, creating countless unforgettable nights with talented local musicians.
• As our restaurant evolved beyond a traditional deli, so did our name. We expanded our bar from 15 seats to 60 in 2016 and embraced who we had become:
Dilly. Bistro, Bar & Bottle Shop.
Three pillars. One home.
For more than a decade we've proudly hosted the Xavier Basketball Coaches Show, welcomed generations of families, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, reunions, and so many of life's moments around our tables.
Then came 2020.
Like so many restaurants, we faced the greatest challenge in our history. During those uncertain months, this community rallied around us in ways we'll never forget. You ordered carryout. You bought gift cards. Many of you left unbelievably generous tips that we were able to share with our staff when they needed it most.
Simply put...
You helped us survive.
The restaurant business has never been more challenging than it has been in the years since COVID. Yet here we are, 30 years later at The Strand, because of the loyalty of our customers and the incredible people who have worn a Dilly shirt over the years.
Many of our current team members have been with us for years, even decades, and countless former employees helped build the restaurant you know and love today. We are grateful to every single one of them.
Now it's time to celebrate.
30th Anniversary Weekend
Friday, July 31
• Steve Barone performs live from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, continuing a musical tradition that spans decades.
• Austin from Simple Times will be here from 5:00 to 7:00 PM offering samples of his popular boozy lemonades and cocktail mixers.
Saturday, August 1
• Ashalee from Queen'z Elixir will be sampling her fan-favorite Bloody Mary mix throughout the afternoon.
Anniversary Specials
To celebrate our beginnings, we're bringing back a little nostalgia.
• Regular Beer Cheese Orders for just $6, the same price a Beer Cheese Basket cost back in 1996.
• The return of an old favorite... The Italian Sub.
And We're Not Finished Yet...
The celebration continues all next week with more memories, special features, and one reunion we've been looking forward to for years.
Wednesday Night Wing Night will feature a special performance by Love Train from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
It will be the first time Ben, Joe, and Billy have performed together as Love Train since before COVID, and we have a feeling it's going to be one of those unforgettable Dilly nights.
As we celebrate this milestone, our greatest hope is simple.
We'd love to see familiar faces, new faces, and the faces we've had the privilege of seeing week after week for years. We'd especially love to welcome back former employees who helped shape Dilly into what it is today. You will always be part of our story.
From the bottom of our hearts...
Thank you for believing in us.
Thank you for choosing us for dinner with your family, drinks with your friends, date nights, celebrations, and ordinary Tuesday nights that somehow became lifelong memories.
Here's to the first 30 years at The Strand...
..and to many more still to come.
We can't wait to celebrate with you.
Cheers to 30 Years!
The Dilly Family
