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Akron has a way of feeding people well without making a big fuss about it. This list covers 13 restaurants across the city, from a downtown grilled cheese spot with a rooftop patio to a drive-in that still brings food right to your car.
Some are perfect for a cheap lunch, while others are worth saving for a birthday or anniversary dinner. If you are driving in from Cleveland, Columbus, or Canton, these are the places that make the trip pay off.
1. The Lockview Restaurant, Akron, OH
Deep fried pepperoni is not something most menus attempt, but this downtown Akron spot serves it right alongside its famous gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. That mix of playful and comforting sums up the place pretty well.
The Lockview sits at 207 S Main St inside a historic building, and it has a rooftop patio for warmer days. Grilled cheese is the headliner, with options like the housemade tomato soup making an obvious partner.
The menu goes further than you might expect. There is housemade hummus, a panko crusted chicken sandwich, steak on ciabatta, sweet potato fries, a caprese salad, and even poptarts for dessert.
A full vegetarian menu makes it an easy pick for mixed groups.
Most people spend around $10 to $20, which keeps it friendly for families and lunch breaks. High chairs are available.
Plan around the schedule, since it is closed Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. Wednesday through Friday it opens at 11 AM, and Saturday starts at 2 PM.
Street parking downtown can take a little patience.
2. Crave, Akron, OH
Alligator as an appetizer tells you right away that Crave is not interested in playing it safe. This Bowery District restaurant at 156 S Main St serves eclectic American fusion plates in a colorful, art-filled room.
Chicken and waffles is one of the dishes people associate most with the place. The menu also includes calamari, steak skewers, pierogies, pork tenderloin, brisket, and a smoked gouda mac and cheese.
Spice shows up often here, so it suits diners who like a little heat. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody at the table gets stuck with a side salad.
Expect to spend about $20 to $40 per person. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when it gets busiest.
Crave is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday until 11 PM, and Saturday from 4 to 11 PM. It is closed Sunday.
Valet and garage parking help in a busy downtown block.
3. Ken Stewart’s Grille, Akron, OH
Special occasions in Akron have a go-to address, and it is 1970 W Market St on the city’s west side. Ken Stewart’s Grille is a polished steakhouse with a long wine list, a fireplace, and a quiet, upscale dining room.
The menu leans traditional steakhouse, but the starters show some creativity. Lobster deviled eggs and crispy calamari are popular picks, and buffalo cauliflower gives plant-based diners a real option.
A seasonal creme brulee rounds things out on the dessert side.
This is a splurge, with most guests spending $50 to $100 per person. Reservations are recommended for lunch, dinner, and brunch alike.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM and closed Sunday. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot on site.
A kids’ menu is also available, which is handy for family celebrations.
4. Luigi’s Restaurant, Akron, OH
Late-night pizza cravings in Akron usually end at one place. Luigi’s Restaurant at 105 N Main St stays open until midnight most nights and until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
This down-home Italian institution is known for hearty pies and classic dishes. Twice baked lasagna, baked ravioli, antipasto salad, and Italian subs fill out the menu, and bread and butter come along too.
Prices stay friendly at about $10 to $20 per person. That makes it a regular stop for college students, families, and anyone who wants a filling meal without a big bill.
The room has an old-school, historic character that many Akron folks grew up with. Expect a wait during busy weekend evenings.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 11 AM, while Saturday and Sunday open at 3 PM. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it easy to bring the whole crew.
5. Barrelhouse, Akron, OH
Build your own burger is the big draw at Barrelhouse, and it gives picky eaters and adventurous ones equal footing. This rustic gastropub at 1682 W Market St pairs upscale comfort food with a strong beverage program.
The menu gets creative beyond burgers. Fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, pork belly, pierogies, chicken and waffles, and Old Bay fries all have a place here.
A full vegetarian menu adds flexibility for groups. Brunch is also on offer.
Most meals land between $20 and $30 per person. Parking is generally simple, with a free lot.
Barrelhouse opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 10 PM every day except Tuesday, when it is closed. It sits just down West Market Street from Ken Stewart’s, so the west side makes a nice two-stop dining neighborhood for repeat visits.
6. Stirling, Akron, OH
Nobody eats the same meal twice at Stirling, at least not month to month. This upscale fine dining restaurant changes its menu every month, which gives regulars a reason to keep coming back.
You will find it at 1288 Weathervane Ln in Akron. The room is quiet and romantic, and handcrafted drinks, desserts, and coffee all get serious attention.
Because the menu rotates, it is best to check the website before you go. That is part of the fun.
Plan on $50 to $100 per person, and make a dinner reservation. Stirling is a dinner-only spot, open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4 to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 PM.
It is closed Wednesday and Sunday. A free lot keeps parking easy for a date night.
7. Akron Family Restaurant, Akron, OH
Breakfast starts at 5:30 AM on weekdays at Akron Family Restaurant, and it never really stops. This old-fashioned neighborhood mainstay at 250 W Market St serves breakfast all day.
Biscuits and gravy, smoked sausage with two eggs, and an eggs, hash browns, and waffle plate cover the classics. Chicken and waffles and pumpkin pancakes add a little extra fun, and the hot chocolate is a nice cool-weather pick.
It is family-owned, clean, and recently remodeled, with plenty of Akron pride on display. Most people spend $10 to $20.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Weekend mornings are the busiest time, so arrive early on Sunday.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday until 3 PM, and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM.
8. Gasoline Alley, Akron, OH
Reuben pizza is the kind of menu item that makes you read the rest of the menu twice. Gasoline Alley at 870 N Cleveland Massillon Rd is an old-school spot with a nostalgic feel and a truly massive menu.
Bacon fat boy burgers, a catfish sandwich, pastrami, Philly cheesesteak, turkey Reuben, onion rings, and fried zucchini all share the page. Pizza and salads round it out.
It sits on the Bath side of Akron, which makes it a handy stop after a hike in the area. It also works for watching a game.
Meals usually cost $10 to $20 per person. Reservations are not accepted, so Friday and Saturday evenings can get busy.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday until 11 PM. It is closed Sunday.
9. Diamond Deli, Akron, OH
Weekday lunch only, and that is part of what makes Diamond Deli feel like an insider spot. This family-owned downtown deli at 378 S Main St is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The sandwiches are big and built the traditional way. Pastrami with Swiss, corned beef, and a classic Reuben are the stars, with a turkey Reuben and chicken wraps for variety.
Homemade matzo ball soup is a comfort pick on a chilly day. Save room for the homemade carrot cake or a chocolate frosted brownie.
Most lunches cost $10 to $20. Midday crowds pick up from Tuesday through Friday, so arriving a little early can help.
It is closed on weekends, so plan a weekday visit if you are passing through downtown.
10. Swensons Drive-In, Akron, OH
Ask anyone from Northeast Ohio about drive-ins, and Swensons will come up fast. The Akron location at 658 E Cuyahoga Falls Ave keeps the old-school curbside style alive.
Servers bring burgers, fried entrees, sides, and shakes straight to your car. Onion rings and fried mushrooms are popular sides, and the Swensons Whip is a sweet finish.
Root beer floats add to the throwback fun. Dogs are welcome too, which is a bonus for road trips.
Meals run about $10 to $20 per person. It is a natural pick for families and college students alike.
Late hours make it easy to fit in. It is open daily from 11 AM until 1 AM, and until 1:30 AM on Friday and Saturday.
11. Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant, Akron, OH
Pad Thai and a King Dragon roll can land on the same table here, and that is the whole idea. Cilantro Thai and Sushi at 326 S Main St blends Thai classics with Japanese sushi in a sleek downtown room.
On the Thai side, look for panang curry, pad khee mao, and Thai garlic wings. The sushi list includes a volcano roll, a cilantro roll, and a sashimi platter.
Spice levels can be adjusted, which helps cautious eaters. Fried cheesecake with ice cream makes a fun dessert.
Plan on $20 to $30 per person. Lunch runs weekdays from 11 AM to 2 PM, dinner from 5 PM, and Saturday opens at 4:30 PM.
It is closed Sunday. Dinner reservations are recommended, and downtown parking may take a few minutes to find.
12. Lock 15 Brewing Company, Akron, OH
The Ohio and Erie Canal corridor gives Akron plenty of history, and Lock 15 Brewing Company sits right along it at 21 W North St. The space has a laid-back, industrial-chic look.
Elevated American comfort food fills the menu. Shrimp and grits, fish and chips, smoked chicken wings, and Bavarian pretzels are all here.
Burger fans have choices too, including the Lock 15 Smash Burger and the Black and Blue Burger. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it workable for families.
Expect about $20 to $30 per person. It is closed Monday, open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday until 11 PM, and Sunday until 9 PM.
A free lot and valet help with parking.
13. Waterloo Restaurant & Catering, Akron, OH
Sauerkraut balls and white French dressing are about as Northeast Ohio as a menu can get, and Waterloo Restaurant serves both. This Akron landmark at 423 E Waterloo Rd is a brick-lined spot with a patio and an events center.
Home-style comfort food is the focus. Pot roast, onion rings, French onion soup, bison burgers, fried chicken, and salmon all appear, along with pasta, steak, and sandwiches.
Breakfast fans can try the sweet potato pancakes. The Waterloo Salad is a house favorite too.
Most meals cost $10 to $20, which is a solid value for the portions and variety. A kids’ menu makes it easy for families.
It opens at 9 AM most days and 8 AM on Saturday, closing between 7 and 9 PM. Sunday mornings are the busiest stretch.
