First Place: Scribbles Coffee

Scribbles Coffee, nestled at 237 N Water St. downtown, is the 2026 winner for best coffee.

The shop has been in Kent since 2007 and has since offered a cozy, homey feel that makes it a staple study-date spot and mid-afternoon pick-me-up for many.

Scott Budzar, master roaster at Scribbles, said they pride themselves on “really [caring] about the city of Kent and everybody that comes through that door.”

Scribbles is a family-owned business that supports others like it; their beans are sourced from family and community-run farms. 

“I think everybody can kind of rally next to…a Mom and Pop shop or locally-owned business,” Budzar said. “It’s not necessarily something trying to grow bigger, but trying to meet people with something better.”

Their menu features a wide variety of drinks, from coffee and espresso to teas and matchas. In addition to drinks, a glass case of pastries and treats are on display for all to try.

They also have a rotation of unique specials. 

For example, for Women’s History Month in March, baristas whipped up several drinks inspired by influential women. From a raspberry coconut latte celebrating Dolly Parton to a mocha inspired by Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu’s striped hair, their drinks are sure to stun.

Budzar says he likes his coffee as classic as it gets, but baristas—or their regulars—are always ready to make recommendations. 

Repeat customer Malia Pittsenberger, a senior economics student at Kent State, orders an iced chai latte with vanilla and says she loves the calming space for a study session. 

“It’s cared for, it’s attended to daily. And it’s a craft that we love,” Budzar said. 

Scribbles appreciates being a part of the Kent community and all who come through because it’s not just about being a shop. 

“It’s a broader span of what we call community—it’s really more about being involved in everybody’s lives,” he said. 

Second Place: Bent Tree Coffee Roasters

The second place winner, Bent Tree Coffee Roasters, is located at 313 N. Water St. and offers a unique, behind-the-scenes view for customers. 

Upon entering, shoppers can watch—and smell—as coffee beans are roasted right in front of them. 

Store Manager Jonah Onuska said it’s an honor to be voted into the top three coffee shops. “We’re always so proud of what we do and to hear that the community at large recognizes that is always such a great feeling.”

Bent Tree has been established in Kent for nearly 15 years and many of the workers are community members, which helps them stay grounded in the community. In addition to this, they have partnerships with Kent State and Kent Athletics. 

Onuska said the staff has been working on unique, house-made syrups that vary based on the season. The involved crafting process of these syrups is all worth it, he said, because it gives their products an edge no other shops can recreate.

“Pretty recently we had a ‘buttered-date latte’ that went pretty—I don’t know if I can say viral but—it gained a lot of traction online through some local content creators,” Onsuka said. 

Roasting is at the forefront of their business in more ways than just physical.

“It’s kind of a quintessential part of a coffee shop,” Onuska said.

Putting the coffee roasting on display allows the staff at Bent Tree to show customers the hard work that goes into their morning ritual. 

The staff strives to provide top-notch service to all that come through their doors.

“We’re very welcoming to people of all walks of life,” Onsuka said.

While stopping into the actual store is a must, their coffee beans are stocked in markets on and outside of campus, so students have plenty of opportunities to grab a taste. 

Third Place: Tree City Coffee & Pastry

Third place winner Tree City Coffee & Pastry sits at 135 E. Erie St. downtown and always has fantastic window art. 

Bright colors and cute, seasonal paintings are always on view from the street at Tree City. 

But the inside is equally as bright and lively—the open seating and proximity to campus make it a popular spot for students doing homework.

Being voted into the top three for best coffee means a lot to General Manager Shelby Maag.

“It means a lot because we’re a small business, so being recognized like that is amazing,” Maag said. “It’s so amazing that people are able to come here and spread the word about our coffee.”

The menu, like other shops, rotates seasonally, but there are some favorites that stay for longer periods of time. According to Maag, their bagels and avocado toast are some of their most popular items. 

“Our iced latte buckets have been pretty popular, but the flavors change every month,” she said. 

Tree City collaborates with Kent State in a number of ways, as well as churches and community groups. 

Maag said every aspect of the business is women-owned, which is something they’re very proud of. “This is a woman-owned business and all our pastries and everything come from other women-owned businesses.”

Customers should look out for a new event they’re starting: a vendor weekend once a month. Maag said artists and businesses will set up inside the shop, encouraging customers to stop in and support other locals.

This reveals part of what makes Tree City unique: its dedication to support, whether that’s supporting local or supporting each other. 

Ari Collins is the beat editor. Contact her at [email protected].

Talia Scassa is a reporter for KSTV. Contact her at [email protected].