Ray’s Place

Best Drink Selection is one of six first-place finishes for Ray’s Place. Click here to read the full profile.

101 Bottles

A place called 101 Bottles should have an outstanding drink selection and, sure enough, is one of Kent’s best when looking for something new.

In addition to a huge selection of beers and wines to buy, both imported and domestic, the bar at Bottles features plenty of local breweries hard to find anywhere else. Bottles employee and Kent State student Elizabeth Fox says that, in her personal opinion, 101 Bottles is different because of their commitment to local flavors.

“What makes 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall unique is their commitment to bring a wide collection of craft beer to the forefront,” she says. Go to Bottles and try brews from the likes of Hoppin’ Frog and Cellar Rats for an interesting change.

Venice Café

Venice Café bartender Jesika says the newly reopened bar is going to be Kent’s craft beer stop – and it’s well on its way by offering a wide selection of beer, including throwbacks and brands like Chicago’s Old Style.

Owner Mike Beder also promises the drink selection will only improve as Venice begins brewing beer “that’s only for Venice.” And, in addition to the growing beer selection, Venice will continue offering plenty of what Beder refers to as “classic cocktails,” like Old Fashioneds, in copper mugs.

Contact Katy Coduto at [email protected].