17 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 17 casual restaurants in downtown Akron to help you answer the age-old question: “where should we go to eat?”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 also 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 for a slice.

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.

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, a grilled wafflewiche, or friend bologna sliders. 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.

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.

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.

R. Shea Brewing

Ron Shea has been brewing since the age of 21 and today uses his background in Biology and Chemistry to craft the perfect beer. He started R. Shea Brewing in 2015 and has been consistently creating new and exciting beer in Akron ever since. R. Shea Brewing opened a 55,000 square foot downtown location in 2019 with a mezzanine that overlooks the beer production floor, so you can enjoy beer and fresh pizza, burgers, wings, and more, all while watching the beer brew. R. Shea also hosts events like trivia and game-day specials. What are you waiting for? Go grab a cold one and a satisfying meal today.

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, paint and sips, euchre leagues, and English premier league watch parties. Visit their unique taproom Tuesday through Sunday for great beer, tasty food, and a fun time.

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.

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.

Baxter’s Bar

Located across the street from Lock 3 and appropriately marked with glowing letters that spell “BAR,” Baxter’s Bar has a wide and delicious selection of cocktails, beer, and food. Expect friendly bartenders, happy hour specials, and a welcoming atmosphere. Baxter’s is the perfect place to grab a drink after work, before a movie at The Nightlight, or even during a concert at Lock 3 – you can hear the music from their patio! Enjoy refreshing libations and delightful cuisine at Baxter’s Tuesday through Saturday.

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.

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