24 Casual Restaurants in Downtown Akron

Do you feel like you always go to the same few restaurants? Are you constantly struggling to think of somewhere new to eat? Discover 24 casual restaurants in downtown Akron to help you answer the age-old question: “where should we go to eat?”

1. Diamond Deli

Diamond Deli has been around since 1997 and has everything from the best corned beef in Akron to box lunches, salads, soups, desserts, and deli trays. Try a classic Reuben or pastrami sandwich, or order one of their overstuffed specialty sandwiches with funky names, such as "Old Bald Guy," "CLAY'S AN EAGLE SCOUT," and "Billie's Belly Pleaser." Get a side of matzo ball soup and a slice of their famous carrot cake with it. They're open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

2. Boiling House Seafood Restaurant

You don’t have to go far for fresh seafood and sushi. Visit the Boiling House Seafood Restaurant for everything from Japanese squid salad to fried shrimp sandwiches to specialty sushi rolls. But what Boiling House is most known for is their namesake seafood boil, a Cajun-style meal featuring the seafood of your choice, corn, and potatoes boiled in a delicious, flavorful broth. Order carry-out online or make a reservation to dine in.

3. The Lockview

There’s no better pairing than gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and craft beer. Luckily you can find both at The Lockview. In fact, they serve fifteen different types of grilled cheese and have an ever-expanding craft and imported beer list, classic and seasonal cocktail selections, and an eclectic wine menu. But that’s not all The Lockview has to offer. You can also get awesome appetizers, great salads, comforting soups, signature sandwiches, and more. The Lockview is an Akron staple that’s truly one of a kind. Where else can you get Gold’n Krisp potato chips and French onion dip as an appetizer or Goldfish crackers as a side dish? Order online or stop into their cozy restaurant for lunch or dinner today.

4. Twisted Tomato Pizzeria & Beerwall

If you’re looking for pizza, you’ve got to check out Twisted Tomato Pizzeria. They claim they’re the most twisted pizza shop in Northeast Ohio, and they have the menu to prove it. Satisfy your cravings with a huge selection of calzones, appetizers, garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta, wings, fried chicken, salads, and desserts. You can even pour your own beer from their beerwall. Choose from a variety of on-tap local and seasonal beers, ciders, seltzers, and IPAs. Dine in for delicious food and great service or enjoy Twisted Tomato at home by ordering online.

5. Perfect Pour

Located on Main Street and veteran owned, Perfect Pour specializes in martinis, bourbon, and burgers. They opened in early 2022 and are the perfect destination when you're looking for classic American comfort food with a modern, flavorful twist. Stop by for a wide array of craft cocktails and beers, and be sure to try their unique specialty burgers (including vegan options), mouthwatering appetizers, salads, and more. 

6. Evelyn's Coffee & Banh Mi

Evelyn's is a Vietnamese coffee shop located on Exchange St. They serve up a variety of fare, including banh mi, salads, smoothies, dumplings, egg rolls, kimbap, bibimbap, and pho. Try a Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk, and settle into their bright, airy shop to enjoy your lunch. Online ordering is available.

7. Totally Baked Pizza

There’s no such thing as too much pizza. Started by two good friends John Taylor and Ari Vandendriessche, Totally Baked Pizza is serving up some delicious pie, in this case, inspired by late-night cravings. In addition to pizzas with crazy flavor combinations, their menu features sub sandwiches and other delicious dishes like garlic knots, stuffed Hungarian peppers, and cannoli. Not only do Taylor and Vandendriessche sling pizzas at Totally Baked, but they also give free meals to those in need and help local schools care for their families with Feed Your Neighbors, a nonprofit organization started by Taylor. Now that’s pizza with a purpose. Order for pickup online or stop by to enjoy your meal in their groovy restaurant space.

8. Heera Indian Cuisine

You don't have to go far to find authentic Indian food when you're downtown. Newly opened on East Market Street is Heera Indian Cuisine, a dine-in and take-out quick service restaurant. They've got tons of North Indian options, as well as South Indian and Indochinese cooking, all sure to satisfy your cravings. Order for pickup online, or stop in for a quick, delicious meal.

9. Jilly's Music Room

Think Jilly’s Music Room is just a great place for live music? Think again. Everything on their menu is 100% gluten-free and made from scratch to order. Enjoy deviled eggs, chicken wings, taquitos, or a flatbread while you listen to your favorite band. Or go for brunch and dine on sweet potato toast, chicken and waffles, huevos enchiladas lasagna, or a grilled wafflewich. Jilly’s also has a wide selection of more than 100 beers, wine, and signature cocktails. Even their popcorn is gourmet—freshly popped and sprinkled with applewood smoked bacon and dusted with Pecorino Romano cheese and seasonings. Next time you visit Jilly’s, go for the music, stay for the food. Or you can even order carryout online.

10. Barley House

Located in the historic O'Neil’s building in downtown Akron, Barley House serves up great food, over 30 craft beers on tap, and over 30 televisions to watch the big game. Get classics like chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, or salads, or try their more unique offerings like Reuben egg rolls, gyros, or their Honolulu chicken sandwich. Barley House is the perfect place to grab a drink before a RubberDucks game, to get dinner after a concert at the Civic Theatre, or to enjoy a meal on your lunch break. Stop in today or order online for delivery.

11. Luigi's

Luigi’s is an Akron institution, operating on North Main Street since 1949. They’re open seven days a week for lunch or dinner and serve award-winning pizzas, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and of course, their famous cheese salads. Plan ahead: Luigi’s only accepts cash and checks as payment. An ATM is available on the premises if you need it.

12. NOMZ

Located inside the Northside Marketplace, NOMZ provides fresh, local eats for brunch and lunch. They have a unique selection of menu items (vegan and vegetarian options included) that rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to try. Enjoy vegan and classic egg’wiches, seasonal pancakes, salads loaded with delicious toppings, flavor-packed sandwiches, and so much more. Need a caffeine boost? They also have a coffee bar that serves cappuccinos, lattes, cold brews, smoothies, and more. Or maybe you’re craving a drink. Not to worry, they also have cocktails, beer, and wine. Order from their galley kitchen window and enjoy your one-of-a-kind meal in the Northside Marketplace dining area. Or order online for pickup or delivery.

13. United States Potato Service

United States Potato Service, launched in late 2023 across the street from Lock 3, is your downtown Akron destination for everything potato. Enjoy simple French fries in a variety of shapes, with a variety of sauces, or take it up a notch with their disco fries, poutine, waffle chili fries, or classic loaded fries. If fried food isn't your thing, cozy up with a baked potato, mashed potato bowl, or some loaded baked potato soup. Stop in Sunday through Thursday evenings, or order online for pickup.

14. Missing Falls Brewery

Missing Falls Brewery offers a variety of finely crafted beers brewed with locally sourced ingredients. Their goal is to support the local economy and create partnerships with other businesses to help meet the growing needs of craft beer consumers. Quench your thirst with an IPA, stout, malt liquor, red ale, or one of their other refreshing beer varieties. And you better come hungry; Missing Falls is serving up burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and more. They also host events like trivia and paint and sips. Visit their unique taproom Tuesday through Sunday for great beer, tasty food, and a fun time.

15. Spaghetti Warehouse

Spaghetti Warehouse serves freshly prepared Italian food in a festive atmosphere with a large seating capacity, perfect for family celebrations and group gatherings. Dine on hearty, scratch-made dishes like 15-layer lasagna, spaghetti with beer chili, chicken parmigiana sandwiches, and so much more. You can even enjoy your meal in a train car! Visit the Spaghetti Warehouse or order takeout or delivery today.

16. Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks and Grille

Get fresh off the griddle, award-winning cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, Italian sausage, and more at Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks and Grille. Eddies is committed to creating quality food made with the best available ingredients and served with excellent customer service. Their menu also features fresh-cut steak fries, gyros, pitas, and an Italian-inspired vegetarian sandwich called the “Vegetaliano.” Eddies is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for both dine-in and carryout.

17. D.P. Dough

D.P. Dough is your late-night destination for custom calzones. Located on Exchange St., they offer countless calzone options with funky names, such as Danger Zone, Maui Wowi Zone, and Twilight Zone. They also serve wings, tater tots, breadsticks, and dessert. Order online, or visit them between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. any day of the week.

18. Akronym Brewing

Not only does Akronym Brewing boast award-winning craft beer. They also offer a menu of signature sandwiches and snacks that are sure to satiate. Try their unique house salad, which features mixed greens, apples, craisins, sunflower seeds, and a balsamic reduction, or opt for something a little heavier, like their turkey and sweet bacon sandwich, or their hot honey ham and swiss sandwich. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they even serve tacos (along with margaritas, of course). See their full menu here.

19. DaVinci's

DaVinci’s has been operating as a late-night favorite for students and other downtown residents since 1992. The pies are hot, delicious, affordable, and topped to perfection. They’re even sold by the slice at lunchtime. Be sure to try their jojos, chicken, hot subs, salads, cheesecake, and cinna-rolis, too.

20. The Daily Pressed

The Daily Pressed is bringing a taste of Europe right here to downtown Akron, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverage specials. Visit them on Main Street for one of their signature paninis, wraps, quesadillas, or flatbreads. They also have salads and a variety of grab and go items, as well as a drive-thru, for when you’re really in a hurry. Online ordering is available.

21. Stray Dog Café

Stray Dog Café is here to make Akron more Akrony. They’ve got a few locations throughout the neighborhood, but their main one is connected to the library at 75 S. Main St. They are perhaps best known for their hot dogs, which are available in beef and veggie varieties, and also have a number of wraps, salads, sandwiches, and quesadillas. Order online, or stop into one of their downtown locations for a lunch you’ll love.

22. The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar & Café

You don’t have to be into Dungeons & Dragons to dig this medieval castle–themed board game bar and café on the second floor of its building on East Market Street. Choose from their selection of 750+ board games available to play, and order up some flatbread pizza, soft pretzels, sandwiches with all-homemade sauces, or other munchy snacks and dips. Bonus: They’ve got a great menu of themed cocktails and mocktails.

23. Urban Gourmet

Urban Gourmet is located on the bottom level of the City of Akron Municipal Building and serves made-to-order breakfast and lunch. Try one of their wraps, salads, quesadillas, or hotdogs for a quick, tasty bite to eat.

24. The Plannerz Place Eatery

The Plannerz Place was established as a home catering business just months before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and is now open for dining inside Northside Marketplace. The Plannerz Place Eatery offers an incredible rotating menu of southern style soul food, including whole wings, pulled pork, roast beef, BBQ pig feet, salmon croquettes, and sides like macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, corn souffle, hopping johns, and soul rolls. Learn more, and check out their menu on their website.

See our updated traffic advisories and parking information to navigate and park downtown with ease.

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