FIRST: Taco Tontos
Although Taco Tontos may be small in size, its colorful decor and diverse menu have made it a staple in the Kent community.
Established in 1972, Taco Tontos began as a food truck and grew into a brick-and-mortar favorite located at 123 Franklin Ave. The owners, Kevin and Emily Yohn, bought the restaurant 15 years ago after working there for nearly a decade.
“We both fell in love with Taco Tontos from our first bite of food when we were in college at [Kent State],” Kevin Yohn said. “We love being able to support our family working for ourselves, being creative in the kitchen, having fun at work and completely loving what we do.”
Along with rotating daily specials, Taco Tontos offers a range of items including burritos, tacos, margaritas and more. Pete McKenzie, a prep cook and server at Taco Tontos, believes the variety in the menu and sense of community keep customers hooked.
“I love working with the people that I do because everyone cares for each other so much,” McKenzie said. “It’s always been evident that the whole crew [is] talented, driven [and] caring.”
Kelsey Schmitt, a sophomore studio art major at Kent State, agreed that the staff at Taco Tontos makes the restaurant stand out.
“The workers are always very nice,” Schmitt said. “They really like to help, and there is so much more life in here compared to the chains. It makes you feel more connected with the workers and environment.”
Taco Tontos is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, check their social media pages, visit their website or call at 330-677-0223.
SECOND: Battleground
Battleground Taproom and Mexican Kitchen, nestled about a mile away from Kent State’s campus, boasts traditional Mexican food and a wide drink selection.
The restaurant’s founder, Rosi Peruyero-Noden, established the Battleground in 2020 to bring the culture of Mexico, her birthplace, to Kent.
“The Battleground is one of the best spots in Kent if you’re into … something beyond the usual Tex-Mex,” said Marc Kirby, a high school teacher at Normandy High School. “I always build a taco combo — usually shrimp, fish and birria.”
Beyond its expansive menu, the restaurant features four murals by Mexican muralist and painter Pepe Martinez. Battleground also collaborates with Drink Your Values, a social justice beer project, which brews alcohol locally to “support racial, social and economic justice.”
“It’s a great place to meet up with friends for dinner or brunch,” Kirby said. “The tortillas are handmade, the salsas are legit … [and] there’s always something new to try.”
The Battleground, located at 425 Cherry St., is open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 330-548-9019 or visit their website.
THIRD: Barrio
Between its bold wall art and customizable menu, Barrio has made a lasting impression on Kent.
“It’s a fast-paced environment, which is nice for a lot of people,” said Megan Hennessey, a shift lead and server at Barrio. “Our food is really good, and our drinks as well — I always come in here and grab a drink at the bar when I’m not on shift.”
The restaurant arrived in Kent in 2019 and has since become a favorite for students and locals alike.
Amanda Burns, assistant manager at Barrio, has worked at multiple of the restaurant’s locations but prefers the environment of downtown Kent.
“I really love this store specifically [because] I think the college students have a big impact on the atmosphere,” Burns said. “Especially on days like Fake Patty’s, I love that you can see what’s going on … through all the big windows.”
Burns and Hennessey both enjoy the range in Barrio’s menu, including vegan and vegetarian options.
“I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but I still use a lot of those options because I feel like we do them really well,” Hennessey said. “We have a large variety of food that a lot of different people can enjoy, and we also take food allergies very seriously, so people feel safe coming to eat here.”
Barrio is open 3 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Monday through Friday. For more information, call 330-968-6118.
Grace Claxon is a campus editor. Contact her at [email protected].
