Kent Bar and Food Guide
August 22, 2010
From traditional American fare to more exotic foods, Kent restaurants have something for everyone. And the bars are just as diverse. If you’re 21+, this bar guide will come in handy. If you’re a freshman, there are only a few bars you can get into at night. But read about them all and consider them something to look forward to.
BARS
The Brewhouse
Self-proclaimed the “Cheapest College Bar Ever,” the Brewhouse does have quite a few impressive drink specials. Home of the 75-cent mug and $2.99 pitcher (of Keystone), the bar also has daily drink specials. It is also one of the only 18-and-over bars in the downtown area. If taste can be foregone because of budgetary issues, this is the place to go.
“Glory Days” is known as a college bar, but owner Mike Beder tries to attract patrons from both campus and community. What’s the draw? The tavern has a $2 happy hour that runs seven days a week from open to 9 p.m., and live music is featured on Wednesday and Friday nights. Have a fishbowl, grab some Cajun Dave’s and sit on the rooftop.
Though this hipster hotspot was closed for the summer, it will surely be packed after its re-opening in the fall. Grab a beer from the graduate cooler, take a seat under the Jeff Buckley poster, and let the elitists run the jukebox. You just might learn something.
Zephyr Pub
The Zephyr’s best quality, besides its laid-back atmosphere, is its spacious patio. Accessible from all three floors, it’s the perfect place to combine good beer with nice weather. Taco Tonto’s is also available with a carryout window to the patio.
It’s no wonder that Ray’s was voted best beer selection by the Akron-Canton HOT LIST. The long-time Kent establishment has 60 taps between its two floors and about twice that number in bottled beer.
Though it may look like it was a strip club in a past life, the Outpost is a great place to catch local music. Mike Lenz takes the stage every Wednesday, jam band Aliver Hall plays on Mondays, and there is a collection of bands every Friday and Saturday.
Other Kent bars to check out:
• Mugs Brew Pub and Sports Grill
• The Venice Cafe
• The Pub
• The Loft
• Dominick’s
• Main Street Tavern
• Digger’s Bar and Grill
Party smart. Read these safe drinking tips.
RESTAURANTS
Eclectic is the word to describe
Mike’s Place. If the atmosphere
doesn’t attract attention, the menu
certainly will. Enjoy a meal in the
bus, or the brand new boat, and
don’t forget to read the placemat
for Mike’s favorite proverbs, news
and specials. They also feature a
Man vs. Food caliber event in the
Stu-anator challenge. What is the
Stu-anator? It’s the true behemoth
of subs, featuring six half-pound
burger patties, two kinds of french
fries and 20 pieces of cheese. Pile
the whole sandwich in 30 minutes
and join the ranks of only two
food fighters to complete the challenge.
Salsitas Mexican Restaurant
The prices are cheap and the
portions are filling. Students even
get a 10 percent discount when
they show their college ID. The
staff says that the Brimfield Special
is a popular dish. Try is with a
monster margarita.
Other Mexican restaurants:
Guacamoles Mexican Restaurant
and Cantina, Taco Tonto’s
Ray’s also features a diverse
menu with varying specials during
the week and weekends. Stop
in for one of their signature gourmet
burgers or one of Chef Bob’s
delicious in-house prepared desserts.
Try their Mo-Fo Burger, Iron
Chef Michael Symon recommends
it.
Other Kent Favorites:
Wild
Goats Cafe, Franklin Square Deli,
The Pufferbelly LTD.
A nicer place that still knows it
is part of a college town, the Bistro
on Main hosts the “Original Cheap
Date Night.” Every Wednesday,
couples can choose a beverage,
salad, entree and dessert. Options
are limited, but there are no complaints
for the $30 cost. Flashcards
are accepted.
Other Upscale restaurants:
Take your hot date for a night on
the town to Cleveland.
For greasy goodness that will
certainly satisfy anyone’s hunger
after a night of partying, try the
pizza and fried fare from EuroGyro.
It can get pretty messy, but it’s
delicious. Grab some napkins and
get ready for that stomachache.
Other Pizza Places:
Hungry
Howie’s, Papa John’s, Guys Pizza,
Little Caesar’s Pizza
Voted Kent’s Most Ethnic
Restaurant, the Continental Grill
offers a mix of Mediterranean cuisine
and American favorites. Vegetarian
friendly, it offers a variety
of meatless options. Try the falafel,
hummus, tabouli or veggie chili. If
meat is not a problem, eat a chilidog
or a kafta kabob.
Evergreen Chinese Restaurant and Buffet
Visit the buffet while you dine
in or get all your favorites to go.
The Evergreen Buffet is sure to fill
hungry, broke college students for
at least an hour. Then you can just
walk right back up and get another
plate.
Other Chinese restaurants:
China
City, Ming Cheng Restaurant.
–Dawn Einsel
