Skip to Main Content
The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

Barbara and Curt Van Blarcum enjoy dinner at Ray’s Place in downtown Kent on Monday, April 18, 2016.

Best of Kent: Best Restaurant

Alex Delaney-Gesing April 18, 2016

1st: Ray’s PlaceOpen since 1937, Ray’s Place is a favorite among Kent State students and the Kent community. The signature “Ray’s Famous French Fries” are just one of the plethora of delectable...

Evan Paul, dressed in a full green suit, gets in a selfie with two girls outside of the Venice Cafe in downtown Kent on Patrick's Day on March 17, 2015.

Downtown bars celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Anne-Marie Colant March 15, 2016

Bars throughout Kent will begin St. Patrick's Day early with some opening as early as 5:30 a.m. Here is our guide to St. Patty’s Day in Kent.Brewhouse Pub on North Water street will open it’s doors...

Kent to host Reggae festival Friday

Bailey Purpura Downtown Reporter November 9, 2015

Downtown Kent is set to host Kent’s reggae, Island and Jam Band Music Festival this Friday at various locations in the area.Hosted by Main Street Kent and Crooked River Arts Council, 15 participating...

Bartender and senior finance major Madeleine Harster makes a shot at Brewhouse on Saturday April 4, 2015. Brewhouse won best place to go if you are under 21.

Best place to have fun under 21: Brewhouse

Payton Moore April 7, 2015

BrewhouseBrewhouse brings in the most fun under 21 with its $5 cover charge for those underage.With a DJ, pool tables and room to dance, the bar gives a taste of college nightlife to those who can’t...

Ray's bartender Angelo Cataldo, then junior exercise science major, pours a draft in Downtown Kent, Tuesday April 8, 2014.

Best Drink Selection: Ray’s Place

Mark Oprea April 7, 2015

Ray’s PlaceIt’s no secret to Kent bar-hoppers that Ray’s Place is a hub for a beer lover’s palate with 64 beers on tap that cycle daily, along with standard domestics and imported ales.Yet what...

Don and Lola Treadwell talk before ordering dinner at Bricco on Monday, April 6, 2015. The Treadwell’s have been happily married for 25 years and the have had many dates at Bricco.

Best Restaurant: Bricco

Madeleine Winer April 7, 2015

BriccoWith its upscale Italian dishes and an extensive list of cocktails and craft beers, Bricco edged out last year’s winner, Ray’s Place, as the top restaurant in Kent this year.From its chorizo...

The Hulk cocktail prepared by the Loft on April 6, 2015. The Loft's signature Hulk was voted as the best cocktail in Kent, Ohio. 

Best Cocktail: The Loft’s “Hulk”

Mark Oprea April 7, 2015

The Loft’s ‘Hulk’Newcomers to Kent’s bar scene often are initiated via a handful of drinks from local bars. This undeniably includes The Loft’s notorious “Hulk,” a two-glass concoction with...

The Zephyr on April 6, 2015. The Zephyr was voted as the best bar in Kent, Ohio. 

Best Bar: Zephyr Pub

Mark Oprea April 7, 2015

Zephyr PubShedding its niche, cultish image in recent years, Zephyr Pub has grown into a hotspot outside of any Hipster classifications.After 14 years in business as a bar, the “Zeph” is bigger than...

Kent State alumni Kat Kasee, Erika Knopsnider and Erin Duffy enjoy the $2 happy hour in Water Street Tavern on April 9, 2014.

Best Happy Hour: Water Street Tavern

Mark Oprea April 7, 2015

Water Street TavernIt’s hard to think of Happy Hour at the Water Street Tavern without a big number two in front of it — as the Tavern runs a seven-days-a-week special on liquor, bottled and draft...

Insomnia Cookies. April 6. 2015.

Best Dessert: Insomnia Cookies

Payton Moore April 7, 2015

Insomnia CookiesFor those with an insatiable craving of M&M cookies at 2 a.m., fear not, for Insomnia Cookies will deliver. Literally. The top dessert in Kent goes to Insomnia for its hot, gooey and...

A burger crafted by Bar 145 chef Molly Wednt. Bar 145, the burger and bourbon bar on E. Erie Street, won best burger in Kent.

Best Burger: Bar 145

Jamie Brian April 7, 2015

Bar 145Skimming through a Bar 145 menu offers a moment of confusion at first, with options, such as the Apple Pie Burger, challenging every expectation you’ve had of the classic American burger.Once...

Don and Lola Treadwell talk before ordering dinner at Bricco on Monday, April 6, 2015. The Treadwells have been happily married for 25 years, and the two have had many dates at Bricco.

Best Place for a First Date: Bricco

McKenzie Jean-Philippe April 7, 2015

BriccoBricco is Downtown Kent’s premier Italian restaurant and has been named this year’s number one choice to bring a first date.Seated on the corner of South Depeyster Street, Bricco is the place...