19 reasons to hit downtown Akron ASAP
Here's some of the great places to go and things to do in downtown Akron right now.
photos by John Aylward, Tim FItzwater, Jeffrey Klaum and Shane Wynn
EAT
Chameleon Cafe | 23 S. Main St. | 234-334-3603 | chameleoncafeakron.com
Indulge in a crispy Smasher at this weekday eatery: a Gouda and provolone panini stuffed with your choice of fillings from meatballs to roasted mushrooms.
Cilantro | 326 S. Main St. | 330-434-2876 | cilantrothai.com
Meet here for happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and sip a half-price martini, like a Sake Grand Cosmo made with sake and Grand Marnier. Then stay for a dinner of uber-fresh sushi or authentic Thai dishes, with lots of vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
Crave | 57 E. Market St. | 330-253-1234 | eatdrinkcrave.com
If you’re looking for a taste of fancy, this chic and colorful spot is fit for special occasions. Try the gourmet mac ‘n cheese crafted with Gouda, roasted garlic butter, Sriracha and more.
Diamond Deli | 378 S. Main St. | 330-762-5877 | diamonddeli.us
Fill your belly with a freshly made and creatively named overstuffed sandwich, like “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Our Brother Marc,” featuring corned beef and pastrami topped with coleslaw and thousand island dressing. Pair it with a salad or bowl of house-made soup, and save room for a thick slice of carrot cake.
El Gato Taqueria | 209 S. Main St. | 330-253-4323 | elgatotaqueria.com
Create your own taco, burrito, bowl and more at this authentic Mexican fast-casual restaurant. Feeling adventurous? Try chihuahua cheese or bite into some grilled cactus.
Hamad’s on Main | 121 S. Main St. | 330-615-7544 | hamadsonmain.com
From Greek Gyro salads with Kalamata olives and feta cheese to hot pastrami sandwiches, it can be difficult to decide on one menu item at this breakfast and lunch spot — so don’t! Order a combo featuring a half sandwich and side salad.
Luigi’s Restaurant | 105 N. Main St. | 330-253-2999 | luigisrestaurant.com
We’ve all had the famous pepperoni pizza and salads stacked high with mozzarella at this local institution, so switch up your next visit with an order of pasta. A good choice is the baked ravioli Florentine with a mouthwatering combo of spinach and ricotta cheese.
Western Fruit Basket | 115 E. Market St. | 330-376-3917 | wfbasket.com
This authentic Greek restaurant specializes in unique pita wraps, like the Crunchy Gyro that includes ranch dressing and Doritos, and the Dirty Gyro that features fries, tzatziki sauce and mustard.
Wholly Joe Coffee House & Bakery | 11 E. Exchange St. | 330-201-4014 | whollyjoecoffee.com
Delight in a steaming beverage crafted from organic, fair trade beans grown around the world and roasted in house while munching on an Ultimate Grilled Cheese that features sausage, basil, Asiago and white cheddar.
PLAY
Akron Art Museum | 1 S. High St. | 330-376-9185 | akronartmuseum.org
Art lovers should mark Thursdays in their calendar — admission is free. See the exhibit “Dread & Delight: Fairy Tales in an Anxious World” from June 29 to Sept. 22, which highlights surprising and sometimes dark takes on the classics we grew up on.
Akron Children’s Museum | 216 S. Main St. | 330-396-6103 | akronkids.org
Whether your little one is into racing cars, dressing up, building things or a bit of everything, this museum makes for a fun getaway. With themed areas such as Curtain Call Theater and Excavation Station, play-based stations let your child’s imagination soar.
The Great Escape Room | 323 S. Main St., Suite 201 | 234-281-2877 | thegreatescaperoom.com
Channel your inner detective in this fun, challenging experience that immerses you in Sherlock Holmes’ Library or other puzzles to solve. If you have a group of six or more, make a reservation for a private party, or host your group of 40 or more with the On The Run off-site scavenger hunt.
The Nightlight | 30 N. High St. | 330-252-5782 | nightlightcinema.com
Skip the summer blockbusters and catch an artful independent film at this nonprofit movie theater and settle down with friends in the homey cinema with a cocktail in hand.
Summit Artspace | 140 E. Market St. | 330-376-8480 | summitartspace.org
Grab a shopping bag and venture here on the first Saturday of the month for artwalks that take you through galleries of painter Darlene Heiss, wood carver Tom Baldwin and more. Also come Thursday to Saturday to catch rotating exhibits that mostly have a local spin.
Summit Bike Share | 47 W. Exchange St. | 330-374-5657 | summitshare.org
Construction and traffic are a breeze when you can rent a bike from one of nine available stations spanning downtown Akron to Barberton to discover green spaces like the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
SHOP
Full Grip Games | 121 E. Market St. | 234-312-9806 | fullgripgames.com
Take advantage of the hype around the “Detective Pikachu” movie and Pokemon Go, and bring your Pokemon cards here to sell, trade or buy more for your collection. Come on open gaming nights to partake in Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: the Gathering and more with like-minded warriors.
Northside Cellar | 106 N. Main St. | 330-777-0557 | northsidecellar.com
Discover your inner fashionista while shopping for clothing, art, accessories and other items at this new trend-setting boutique run by two best friends who often bring in an adorable dog. Browse through collections from Judy Blue and Magnolia Pearl or look through the consignment selection.
Northside Marketplace | 21 Furnace St. | 234-542-6627 | northsidemarketplace.com
With a local-centric bar, cafe and a surplus of artisan sellers like Madly Bath & Body and Jimmy’s Jam, this retail incubator is a hub for socializing and showing your 330 love.
Sweet Modern Shop | 2 N. Summit St., Second Floor | 330-923-9230 | sweetmodern.com
Retro reigns at this new vintage midcentury modern furniture and decor store. Shop timeless reupholstered and restored finds, like a white egg chair with black cushions, speakers and a footstool.