FIRST: The River Merchant 

Just outside of downtown Kent, located at 911 N. Mantua Street, The River Merchant, a small high-end restaurant, sits as the perfect place for a dinner date. 

Cameron Thomas, owner of the restaurant, said he believes the ambiance, food quality and upscale atmosphere contributes to the popularity of the restaurant. Throughout their five years of being open they have seen a variety of customers for many different occasions. 

“From the high school proms all the way up to the older couples on their anniversaries, we definitely get everything in between,” Thomas said. 

He noticed the popularity of the restaurant within the university especially around Valentine’s Day. 

“Valentine’s Day was especially very popular with the college students,” he said. “We had quite a few college students from Kent State coming in for Valentine’s dates.” 

Despite the popularity among many sports bars in Kent, The River Merchant strives to aim for a more personal environment for customers. 

“We are intentionally kind of a smaller upscale restaurant here in Kent,” he said. “That’s a big part of what we do, small birthday, anniversary or date night celebrations, we’re not the rowdy sports bars.” 

The different atmosphere has drawn in a variety of people from the community. 

“[The crowd] has definitely diversified, when we first opened I think we were really attracting more of the towny crowd … the people who live locally in Kent,” he said. “Now we are seeing more influence from the university.” 

Some of this new crowd was organic with more people finding out about the restaurant on their own, but some was intentional with efforts to get the word out that they are here in Kent.

“We’re seeing people coming from a wider area to come and check us out, we’re definitely seeing more, not just students, but also faculty and parents coming in and visiting,” he said. 

For anyone interested in eating at The River Merchant, Thomas recommends the Szechuan short rib entree with wonton strips and sesame seeds on top, or the prime rib cheesesteak sandwich. The fire roasted feta dip, one of their original menu items, is an appetizer made shareable, perfect for a date.

Thomas is looking forward to the weather getting warmer and getting more people into the restaurant. 

“We’re here, we’re getting ready for summer; the patio’s going to be open soon, so getting excited for that coming up,” he said.

SECOND: Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse 

With books, music and coffee, Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse has many options for a date that is sure to be interesting. 

Cassady Schnippel, manager of Last Exit, said it’s a perfect place to meet with people and provides a variety of conversation starters. 

She has seen many different date dynamics during her time at the shop, especially first dates.

“I actually get to witness a lot of first dates here, they will often get some coffee and sit down and talk for a little bit,” she said. “Then they get up and walk around and talk about books and music and get to know each other that way … So I think it just provides a unique dynamic for dates.” 

Schnippel has noticed the younger generations’ more likely to check out the records than the books, to connect about the music they like. 

“I’ll often see them sifting through the records and pulling out ones that they like and showing each other,” she said. 

The open and accepting environment along with the unique aspects of the shop provides people the chance to explore a variety of their interests while getting to know another person, unlike a normal coffee shop or book store. 

“It’s just different than going to any other coffee shop, and [people] have more opportunities while coming here on a first date rather than to just a shop or to just a coffee shop,” she said. 

THIRD: Over Easy at the Depot 

Located in the Kent Train Depot, Over Easy at the Depot is a family owned and operated breakfast spot ideal for couples. 

Shannon Zemba, owner and head chef of the restaurant, works to provide the comfort of a breakfast meal at home.

“We provide a welcoming atmosphere where people can come in and connect and enjoy the feel of a home cooked meal,” she said. 

Zemba has heard about the popularity of people coming in for first dates or couples who come back to celebrate their anniversaries after having their first date there. She takes pride in being a place where people can experience memorable moments. 

“First dates are special and it makes me feel good knowing that I created something special where people feel comfortable enough to meet, sometimes an unknown person, or a blind date here,” 

She especially appreciates being able to give back to the Kent community. 

“Being able to provide that comfort space for them is amazing … for the community and for the KSU students,” she said. 

Savana Capp is the planning editor. Contact her at [email protected].