All true Kent residents know what college-town dining means. Enduring endless pizza joints while secretly craving something that doesn’t taste like late-night regret? That, maybe. But more importantly: these sixteen spots prove this town’s culinary scene has graduated with honors.
Erie Street Kitchen
$ | (330) 593-5928 | WEBSITE
Erie Street Kitchen serves some of Kent’s better Southern seafood. At other seafood spots, you might find yourself wondering how many days ago those shrimp were actually cooked, or why that bisque tastes like it came from a can. But that’s not the case at Erie Street Kitchen – everything’s actually fresh here. Just know that there’s fairly limited seating inside the historic Venice Cafe.
The Cleveland Bagel Cafe
$ | (330) 548-9012 | WEBSITE
For a more extensive bagel experience (despite the name, this place is a cafe, not just a bakery), head to The Cleveland Bagel Cafe. For the maximum experience, convince some of your fellow breakfast companions into joining and order for the group. Get the Rosemary sea salt bagel with egg, sausage, and tomato, the everything bagel with walnut honey cream cheese, a vegan bagel with the spicy vegan spread and vegan sausage, an iced mocha, and a plain black coffee.
The bagels have an amazing texture, though some may find them a bit salty, and the iced mocha is fabulous, while the plain black coffee had an odd flavor for some. The shop has a nice atmosphere, with architecture that reminds some of German Bavaria, although some customers felt chilly due to cold air vents. The staff is friendly, and the environment is clean and comfortable.
Beckwith Orchards Cider Mill
$$ | (330) 673-6433 | WEBSITE
Apple pie: you’re going to want it after a long morning (probably not really that long) of browsing fall decorations and picking out pumpkins. If you’re looking for fresh-baked, flaky, apple-filled pie, your first stop should be at Beckwith Orchards Cider Mill. It’s among the best you’ll find in Kent, there’s plenty of room to picnic, and it’s very close to the orchard tour.
Fifth Flavor Kent
$ | (234) 282-1792 | WEBSITE
Yes, this place serves vegetarian dumplings. Delicious ones, in a tucked-away location in Kent, a hidden and wonderful little spot in the area. The Spicy Dumplings are good, but the eggplant unagi don is actually even better. Get a plate of them fresh from Chef Prem.
La Terraza Mexican Bar & Grill Brimfield-Tallmadge
$ | (330) 677-5500 | WEBSITE
If it’s one of those days where you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors (this ends up being every other day for a lot of us), La Terraza Mexican Bar & Grill in Brimfield-Tallmadge is your best bet for a vibrant, satisfying meal. This location is the full-service restaurant by La Terraza, not to be confused with more casual taquerias, and it’s a lively and pleasant place to sit.
You can get a generous Burrito California or a loaded chicken fajitas plate, and there’s also a very good burrito diablo that can be customized with steak instead of chicken.
The River Merchant
$$ | (330) 968-6376 | WEBSITE
Want to enjoy a meal in a place that feels like a cozy riverside lodge but also works for a casual lunch? Come to The River Merchant, another great spot in the area, which has plenty of seating on the deck. The food here is kind of fancy: your plate might feature crispy goat cheese that’s savory and sweet, or Kobe Meatloaf with pierogis that are absolutely sublime.
The atmosphere by the small river makes it perfect for a special occasion, and the staff provides amazing service that keeps you coming back.
GRAZERS Restaurant
$ | (330) 968-6612 | WEBSITE
A fresh, easy spot for healthy eats in Kent. Come for the customizable vegetarian wraps and daily kombucha, stay for the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. The buffalo wrap is a popular choice, made with fresh ingredients that leave you satisfied without feeling heavy. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, GRAZERS delivers consistent quality in a clean, awesome environment every time.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (330) 673-2406 | WEBSITE
This chain restaurant feels like it belongs in a suburban strip mall, rather than on a list of Kent’s best dining spots. The Fiesta Lime Chicken is surprisingly good, and the Spinach Artichoke Dip and 4 Cheese Macaroni & Cheese are sleeper hits.
North Water Brewing Company
$ | (330) 778-4677 | WEBSITE
For a reliable pint of craft beer in close proximity to Kent’s best spots, pop into North Water Brewing Company. In a town full of breweries, this one’s our favorite for atmosphere. We particularly like the Tuesday Tap Talks.
China City
$ | (330) 673-6566 | WEBSITE
Head to China City when you’re craving something authentic. They do Szechuan and classic Chinese dishes here, and there’s also a vegetarian tofu stir-fry that’s one of Kent’s great comfort foods. Fortunately, it’s available all day. You order at the counter here, but the kind owners bring the food to you on real plates, and they keep the recently remodeled space tidy. You’ll feel extremely welcomed, without breaking the bank.
Bar Lucci
$ | WEBSITE
At some point soon, every last college town in Ohio is going to have a classic neighborhood bar. This one has a great Manhattan, shockingly good cheese bread, and solid pizza. There’s karaoke, stand up comedy, and live music too, but you should know by now that a chill bar with good energy isn’t where you want to be getting a quiet, intimate dinner. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a great drink and watch a game, if you want to enjoy some welcoming vibes and never leave to pass the time.
Stoddard’s Frozen Custard
$ | (330) 673-2991 | WEBSITE
Stoddard’s is a quirky, kind of delightful old school frozen custard spot that’s popular with students during the afternoon. If you want the real deal, college town sweet tooth experience, this is where you want to be. Probably not every day, but definitely once.
101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
$ | (330) 677-9444 | WEBSITE
This one will take you on a walk through the heart of Kent, and it’s where you want to come for an excellent beer selection. Also, it’s located next to a pizza place, and our regulars once saw the owner perfecting the free popcorn here.
Bent Tree Coffee Roasters
$ | (330) 474-7255 | WEBSITE
Bent Tree Coffee Roasters makes Kent’s best Himalayan salt honey latte, and you owe it to yourself to try it, if only to realize how comparably mediocre your chain coffee shop is. They also have really good breakfast blend, and the rest of the menu is very solid as well.
Joe’s Barbecue
$ | (330) 552-8295 | WEBSITE
Joe’s Barbecue has quietly become a local institution, and there’s a spot right here in Kent. The tender brisket and smoked mac and cheese are about as good a comforting meal as you can find.
Beware of the Leopard
$$ | (330) 593-5003 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’ve found your new favorite watering hole, or discovered the perfect spot for a first date that doesn’t feel like an interview. We can picture ourselves telling friends about this place over brunch, recommending it with genuine enthusiasm. But most likely, you’re just looking for somewhere to unwind after work without the usual bar scene pressure. While you’re in Kent, you should check out a cocktail bar one evening, and when flying solo, Beware of the Leopard is the place to do it.
They have a cheese and meat plate that lets you sample a variety of fancy options, and there’s also pickles for snacking.