First: Over Easy at the Depot

Over Easy at the Depot was voted the best breakfast restaurant in the area. 

The restaurant, a laid-back breakfast and lunch spot, offers an imaginative take on classics.

“We provide a welcoming atmosphere where [customers] can connect with friends or family and enjoy a home-cooked, hearty, delicious meal,” said owner Shannon Zemba. 

Zemba, who is from Streetsboro, Ohio, grew up in the area and said she always had a love for food. An old train station was soon renovated into the lunch and breakfast spot that allows students and residents of Kent to get together and enjoy what may feel like a home-cooked meal. 

“As a family-owned and operated business, we wanted a sense of warmth and belonging where regulars feel like family and newcomers are welcomed with open arms,” she said.

Meals are made with fresh ingredients, which Zemba said brings people together.

“The most popular meal every year is the ‘Classic Breakfast.’ We added breakfast bowls last year, and they have been very popular,” she said.

The menu consists of anything from a classic American breakfast to classic burgers and sandwiches. The location allows Kent State students to dine out at an affordable price.

“Our restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s a cornerstone of the community,” Zemba said. “It provides a welcoming space where people gather to celebrate and connect with great fresh food. We also add jobs and support local suppliers and other local businesses.”

Over Easy also has merchandise for sale in the restaurant with items such as beanies, hooded sweatshirts, stickers and more. 

Private events are available, including weddings, birthdays, baby showers and happy hours.

The local Kent breakfast and lunch spot is open all year round from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. Not only do they invite the community to dine in, but dogs or puppies are welcome on their dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Second: Mike’s Place

An independent, family-owned restaurant, Mike’s Place was voted the second best breakfast spot in Kent. 

The local restaurant prepares all of the food in-house. While the homemade food may not look the same every time you order, it will surely taste the same, and you will get your money’s worth. 

Restaurant Manager Cody Kostensky emphasized why breakfast is the most important part of your day. 

“We serve a lot of homemade stuff,” he said. “We try to serve larger quantities because we know we are feeding a lot of the Kent State students. It’s a great place to come in and talk to the friends and family you love … having a little bit of social interaction is my personal favorite part of the day.”

One of the business’s biggest beliefs is giving back to the community.

“I’m Mike’s son, so this restaurant obviously means a lot to me,” Kostensky said.  It’s all about getting people in here and making them forget about the outside world — giving them an hour or two of a stress-free environment. We couldn’t have asked for a better community to be a part of. Kent is amazing.”

Mike’s Place has a large number of food options, with one of the biggest menus in Kent. They serve breakfast throughout the whole day as well as a multitude of sandwiches, pastas, wraps, soups and more. 

“We’ve been here for over 40 years now,” Kostensky said. It’s our home, and we are here to stay. We love giving back as much as we can to schools and the community.”

The restaurant is located on South Water Street and is open all week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Third: Wild Goats Cafe 

Wild Goats Cafe is the community’s third favorite breakfast spot in the area. 

The early bird cafe has everything from coffee and breakfast to burgers and sodas.

Jacoby Flynn, a junior marketing major, said she enjoys stopping by the local cafe in her free time. 

“My favorite thing to get there is the classic breakfast because it has scrambled eggs, sausage and wheat toast,” Flynn said. “I am a protein fanatic, so this is the perfect meal for me to start my day.”

The cafe also has special events every Wednesday night where owners Justin and Betsy Rogers host guests for a culinary journey of their own creation. Each week, they prepare a three-course menu from their own recipes. 

“They are open very early, and I am an early bird, so I enjoy that about them,” Flynn said. “They also have a very versatile menu.”

The restaurant is affordable with prices as low as $2 fries and $3 snacks, including chicken tenders, pretzel bites, fried pickles, onion rings and cheese fries. 

“As a college student, it is difficult to find restaurants that can fit my budget,” Flynn said. It is definitely on the cheaper side, and the staff is always so friendly to my friends and I when we go there.”

The restaurant is located at 319 W. Main St. They are open Monday through Friday from  7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emma Campbell is a reporter. Contact her [email protected].