FIRST: Bell Tower Brewing Co.

A wide variety of on-tap beer, wine, craft cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and tasty food can be found at Bell Tower Brewing Co., located at 310 Park Ave. in Kent.

Co-founders Jennifer Hermann, Ryan Tipton and Bridget Tipton opened the brewery in October 2021 because they love the Kent community and wanted to add to it.

“Because myself and my assistant brewer were raised in Kent, we already had felt such a strong affiliation with not only the building and its location but also in just nostalgia in growing up around this area,” Hermann, who is the head brewer in addition to co-founder, said.

She said the community voting Bell Tower Brewing Co. as the best brewery recognizes the true quality and craftsmanship of the establishment.

“I think that other aspects of our business complement our quality of our beers quite nicely with service and the food that comes out of our kitchen,” she said.

One of the brewery’s best-selling beers is their Regenbogen, a German-style Hefeweizen. Regenbogen means rainbow in German, and Hermann said they first brewed it for Pride Day in 2022. It has remained one of their most popular beers and is always on tap.

“​​I think that the espresso martini on the spirit side is extremely popular,” she added. “I also think that our chicken sandwich out of the kitchen remains in the top three of food stuff that people want to order.”

As far as her personal favorite, Hermann typically opts for the brewery’s Geist der Glocke, a German word meaning the “spirit of the bell.”

“And that is a German-style pilsner. It’s a 5%, 37 IBU [international bitterness scale], a really lovely, bitter lager,” she said. “Carl, my assistant brewer, and I can’t drink enough of it.”

SECOND: North Water Brewing Co.

On the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, people will come across an industrial structure near the Cuyahoga River, belonging to North Water Brewing Co., located at 101 East Crain Ave.

In November 2020, Owner Don Schjeldahl opened North Water Brewing Co. in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Living in Kent himself, it was the perfect place for the brewery. 

“I’ve been a long supporter of craft breweries, both because I like beer and also because I think craft breweries do a lot for a community,” he said. “They’re a place that people can gather and share stories and have a good time, and I think Kent, at the time, didn’t have a brewery downtown, and we thought we needed to fill that void.”

With best-selling seasonal Moscow Mules, slushies in a variety of flavors, gin fizzes and plenty of beer, North Water Brewing Co. is a popular spot for people to hang out and grab a drink.

Schjeldahl said he is flattered that the Kent community voted them as a top three brewery, and shared what makes North Water so special. 

“​​I think we have the best patio in town,” he said. “It’s very open air. It’s on the street. You know, you’re not tucked behind the building or something. You get to watch the city, hear the trains and the river.”

Schjeldahl and Hannah Mazur, the assistant manager, shared their love for the community, as well as how they support it. Through fundraising for charities, supporting the Kent State athletic department, involvement in the Community Connect program and being a meeting space for local organizations, they try to continue the idea of a strong community.

“And, we’re really, really nice people, friendly. We don’t frown at anybody, except for each other. Just kidding!” they joked.

THIRD: MadCap Brew Co.

MadCap Brew Co. became a community favorite due to its on-tap beer, Lee Angelo’s pizza, arcade games and overall engaging environment.

Located at 1422 Mogadore Road, the former 1940s machine shop offers a cool, friendly environment, according to Kent residents Alisa Zulandt and Chris Jones. 

Britney Mullen, MadCap Brew’s marketing and event coordinator, said they were driven to open the brewery by a burning desire to craft beers with that “gnarly” flavor that hits just right.

“I love the cool vibe,” Zulandt said. “The bartender was super friendly and made us feel welcome. I want to go back and try another pizza and play some arcade games!”

The brewery has a spacious taproom, a patio and a game room, home to the Black Squirrel Pinball League. They are also open to having large parties and events.

“Our brewery is a place where everyone’s welcome, kids included,” Mullen said. “Guests can enjoy our diverse tap list, featuring popular picks like the Bullet IPA and the smooth Dropping Anchor Hazy IPA, alongside an exceptional ESB.”

The brewery also caters to gluten-free needs with its own hard seltzer.

“Music and games and staff are all cool,” Jones said. “Beers have names referring to some great old punk music and bands.” 

Audrey Trevarthan is managing editor. Contact her at [email protected].