FIRST: Mike’s Place 

Sitting on the intersection of South Water Street and Ohio Route 261 lies a lifesize replica of an X-wing starfighter, an old ice cream truck and a castle. 

On the inside, things get even crazier with themed dining areas, bright-colored signs, countless collectibles, props and a bus. 

This tells you all you need to know about Mike’s Place, which was voted as the best restaurant in Kent. Besides the food, the restaurant has made a name for itself by putting wacky and unique decor all over the establishment. 

This lively and funky atmosphere has turned the restaurant into one of the premier spots in the city. Tobin Rogers, a co-owner, said the restaurant has come a long way since it opened with a country diner-like theme in 1987. 

“People will come in and check out the new stuff on the walls, what we’ve moved and what we’ve changed,” he said. “We put all kinds of stuff in the restaurant, but we try to keep things changing.” 

The menu also brings in the customers with its dozens of items. From barbeque to pasta to breakfast, Mike’s Place offers “something for everyone,” according to Rogers. 

“People can come here and get a meal they’re happy with no matter what they’re looking for,” Rogers said. “Over the years, the menu has grown and grown, and we try to keep that changing just like the restaurant to try and make sure everybody can find something when they come in.” 

Some uniquely-named menu items include “Jedi Jan’s Sandwich of Meta Perversion,” “Sponge Bob’s Crabby Patties” and “The Dirk Diggler.” As far as the most popular dishes, Rogers said the “Hog Wild Horseshoe” and “The Mother Clucker” sell “amazingly well.”

When it comes to Mike’s Place’s lively atmosphere and large array of offerings, Rogers believes that’s what separates the restaurant from others. 

“We’re always changing something,” he said. “Anybody that comes in can definitely find something they’re looking for.” 

Mike’s Place can be found at 1700 S Water St, or reached at 330-673-6501. 

SECOND: Ray’s Place

Since its establishment in 1937, Ray’s Place has long been a staple in the city of Kent. It has dominated the Best of Kent for years and has once again found itself on the list for best restaurant. 

Ray’s Place has served generations of Kent students and locals, and the restaurant shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Mike D’Alessandro, a manager, believes its long history and willingness to improve is what’s made the establishment so successful. 

“We have a lot of experience in this town and industry,” he said. “You have to know that your clientele is what makes up everything, so we strive. We don’t become complacent, and we don’t take it for granted.” 

Of course, Ray’s Place’s food has also contributed to the restaurant’s success. The menu is quite extensive, with various burgers, sandwiches and salads. 

D’Alessandro said most menu items are made in house and charged at reasonable prices. 

“When you get something here, it doesn’t taste like it came out of a box,” he said. “You have to be conscious of the students, and we’re not a big city, so we don’t charge big city prices.” 

According to D’Alessandro, the most popular menu items are smoked meats such as pastrami, ribs, wings and burgers. He added the burgers are the “biggest staple” of the restaurant. 

Ray’s Place’s friendly and family-like atmosphere has also been an anchor for the restaurant. D’Alessandro said the restaurant serves all kinds of customers from families to college students. 

“Depending on what time you walk through that door, you get a little bit of everything,” he said. “We are kind of a melting pot. I wouldn’t say there’s anybody who’s not our customer.” 

Ray’s Place can be found at 135 Franklin Ave, or reached at 330-673-2233. 

THIRD: Erie Street Kitchen

Rounding out the list is the Erie Street Kitchen, a southern-themed restaurant located within the Venice Cafe, which prides itself on serving food with local and fresh ingredients. 

Audrea Cunningham, the kitchen manager, said the restaurant buys from many local places, such as sellers who attend the Haymakers Farmer Market. 

“Our burgers are locally sourced and our honey and syrups as much as possible,” Cunningham said. “I know a lot of our local customers enjoy that, because they can also purchase items we offer here.”

The restaurant’s menu offers various kinds of southern cuisine, ranging from po boys and banh mi sandwiches to seafood and chicken tenders. The menu also offers numerous gluten-free options to account for customer diets. 

The uniqueness of the menu attracts “quite a few” customers, according to Cunnigham. She added that many customers came in to celebrate Fat Tuesday and order gumbo and jambalaya. 

“Customers thought we were offering it because it was Fat Tuesday, but they didn’t know that we offer it on a daily basis,” she said. “There’s not a lot of places up here that offer southern food.” 

As for the most popular menu items, Cunningham said the chicken tenders, dinners and perch items sell the best. 

Cunningham believes the restaurant’s southern-themed menu and gluten-free options help make it such a special place to visit and enjoy.

“We have a lot of out-of-towners that come in and want to try something different,” she said. “Customers can come and sit and have a good meal and feel good about it.” 

Erie Street Kitchen can be found at 163 W Erie Street, or reached at 330-593-5928. 

John Engoglia is a beat reporter. Contact him at [email protected].