First Place: The River Merchant

Sat right along the Cuyahoga River, The River Merchant offers the perfect date spot for anyone looking for an evening night out.

The restaurant stands out amongst the typical bars of the downtown area for its high-end yet cozy atmosphere.

“We’re a little bit higher end than a lot of downtown bars and restaurants,” Owner and General Manager Cameron Thomas said. “We’ve got a great welcoming staff as well as a prime location on the river during the summer months, with the deck overlooking.”

He shared that throughout the restaurant’s past six years, the staff has continued to aim to create a warm, welcoming environment for their guests.

“I think the biggest thing is the staff, really bringing in the right people that are welcoming, they’re hospitable, they are attentive to the guests,” Thomas said. “Making sure the food comes out correctly, the beverages are delicious and the ambiance stays warm.”

The restaurant attracts couples from a multitude of age groups, whether it’s college kids, older couples or newlyweds. Thomas said that the staff always makes sure couples leave with “that warm fuzzy feeling.”

“We try to leave them happy, especially if they’re coming in celebrating a birthday or anniversary, we’ll send them [home] with a complimentary crème brûlée and that usually puts a smile on their face,” he said.

Thomas highlighted that one of their busiest times is Valentine’s Day, where they like to make the ambiance extra special.

“Valentine’s Day, one of our biggest days of the year, that’s always the day we’re trying to be extra romantic,” he said. “Keeping that ambiance, whether it’s the lighting, whether it’s the temperature, whether it’s the food, so that everybody’s comfortable.”

Thomas said that the staff can usually tell when someone is on a first date based on the “certain awkwardness” that lingers in the air, but the staff always finds a way to ease the tension.

“I mean in terms of just having fun with the guests, that’s a big component of it as well when we talk about the friendly event service,” Thomas said.

For anyone looking to try the River Merchant, Thomas recommends ordering his personal favorite, the Szechuan short rib entree, served over mashed red skin potatoes and Szechuan green beans. For an appetizer, he recommends the fire roasted feta dip served with toasted pita.

The River Merchant is open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It’s located at 911 N. Mantua St., and it’s reachable at 330-968-6376.

Second Place: Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse

Last Exit is located along the heart of Main Street and gives couples a diverse dating experience, whether that be by purchasing coffee or browsing through the many books and records.

Manager Cassady Schnippel believes that Last Exit makes for a unique date spot because it allows couples to do more than just drink coffee.

“It also helps with nerves of being able to focus on something else other than your partner, especially getting to know somebody and being able to pick up a record and look at it,” Schnippel said. “I’ve noticed being able to utilize the things in front of you rather than the mug of coffee in front of you.”

Schnippel also believes that the store’s welcoming atmosphere makes the customers feel “safe.”

“We try to have something for everyone here and just try to cultivate a safe space for people to come and be able to just relax and not feel pressure from the outside world,” she said.

Schnippel shared that the store has gotten to be a part of more than just first dates, but engagements as well. One occurred in the back of the bookstore, and sometimes regulars come in to share their own happy news.

“We also had regulars who got engaged down on the bridge, and then they immediately came here and got their regular coffee,” Schnippel said. “They were like ‘Oh my gosh, look at my ring!’”

Last Exit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s located on 142 E. Main St.

Third Place: Over Easy At The Depot

Located in Kent’s train depot on Franklin Avenue, family-owned restaurant Over Easy offers couples the perfect early morning date spot.

Owner Shannon Zemba and her friendly staff work hard to create a warm and family-friendly environment.

“I definitely want people to come in and feel comfortable to be able to just share stories, even with us,” Zemba said. “And we have such a friendly staff, I feel like that just makes it even warmer and more welcoming from the first cup of warm coffee to a nice sugary pancake.”

Zemba shares that she didn’t realize how big of a date spot Over Easy had become, but takes honor in being a place where couples can create memories together.

“I’m honored, especially for a first date, that a lot of people feel comfortable to start their memories here and celebrate memories or anniversaries or first dates,” she said. “I think that’s a big honor and I’m excited about that.”

Zemba takes pride in being involved with the Kent community and is looking to further that with the opening of a train museum in the upstairs of the restaurant. 

“We’re getting ready to open a train museum upstairs, so we’re probably going to bring more creative members here to connect, to see all the great stuff that Kent has to offer,” she said.

For anyone looking to try Over Easy, Zemba highly recommends the pancake flights, or her personal favorite, the bacon avocado Benedict.

Over Easy At The Depot is open every day, except Tuesdays, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It’s located at 152 Franklin Ave., and it’s reachable at 330-678-8800.

Ava Drozd is a digital producer. Contact her at [email protected].