The best bars & nightlife in Akron

“RJ's Sports Pub & Grill nails the sweet spot between serious sports watching and seriously good grub, with craft beers, specialty cocktails, and high-def game coverage. Think crispy wings, loaded nachos, lively trivia nights, and a chill, neighborly vibe that works just as well for coworkers as your fantasy league.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 14, 2026

“South Point Tavern is the kind of spot where bourbon clearly runs the show, with a deep whiskey list, proper cocktails, and enough rotating taps to keep your beer friend happy. Create your own tasting flight and settle in for unpretentious, hangout vibes.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Upper Deck Bar & Grill is the Portage Lakes’ longest-running lakefront bar, with a vintage lounge vibe, a spacious patio right on the water, and the kind of burgers, wings, and cocktails that make weeknights feel like a mini vacation for Akron locals.”

“Kent State fans gather here for pregame drinks & stay for the 20 TVs, live music & rooftop patio.”

“A convivial draft beer specialist serving burgers, salads & other familiar fare.”

“, friendly regulars, and that neighborhood-pub comfort that keeps you lingering for one more round. A no-fuss bar and grill that actually feels like your spot.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 13, 2026

“North Water Brewing Company anchors Kent’s Mill District with world class craft beer, from approachable lagers to boundary pushing ales.”

From the Kent newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop is that cozy spot when you want a relaxed glass and a bottle for the couch later. Solid lineup of wines to drink in or take away, plus pizza, flatbreads, and other eats that make lingering with friends dangerously easy.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whether you’re craving scratch-made comfort food or a specialty martini that actually earns the word specialty, Divine Restaurant keeps it cozy with a local-first menu and walls full of area art. Add their live music and it becomes the easy go-to spot when Stow nights need a lift.”

From the Stow newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Founded by two chemists who brew with brains and heart, Two Friends Brewing keeps 12 taps rotating with everything from crisp German pilsners to seasonal one-offs. Collinwood locals, bring a friend or make one... Wayne's Wicked Rye, East 185th IPA, or a limited-edition stout await.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Millie's Cocktails brings the Waterloo Arts District a tight list of creative pours like the Tzatziki 'Tini and Lake Erie Elixir, plus nostalgic Hungarian-inspired plates from paprikash and spaetzle to cabbage rolls. Perfect for a low-key night that feels Cleveland-close and Euclid-easy.”

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Missing Mountain Brewing Co. keeps Stow sipping with house-brewed beers, plus a legit food menu when pretzels just won't cut it, and if beer isn't your thing, they pour wine, liquor, and cocktails, with a Sunday brunch that might become your new weekend habit.”

From the Stow newsletter, September 13, 2026

“HiHO Brewing Co. pours a rotating mix of classic and seasonal ales and lagers in a roomy downtown Cuyahoga Falls taproom overlooking the river, from Gorge’s Blonde and Bossy Lady IPA to Touchdown Brown, a 2022 World Beer Cup silver winner, plus a legit food menu and plenty of community energy.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 8, 2026

“McArthur's Brew House pours a thoughtful lineup in its Cuyahoga Falls tasting room, from crisp Czech Yes pilsner and Lemon Shandy to Hazy Craze IPA and a dessert-y White Chocolate Mocha stout.”

From the Stow newsletter, September 8, 2026

“From the folks behind Cashmere Cricket, Vacancy is turning the page on cocktails with a story-driven, chaptered menu that makes even a simple marg feel like a plot twist. Perfect for date night or catch-ups when you want drinks that feel curated, not cookie-cutter.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Tiki Underground is a locally owned tiki bar in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls mixing classic and creative cocktails with tasty small plates since 2017. Grab the Midwest Surfer (rye, falernum, apricot, honey, lime), catch a DJ night, or book their tropical lounge for your next get-together.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Stand-alone & airport wine bars offering lunch, dinner & small plates with custom-paired wines.”

“The Brothers Lounge keeps your week humming with a lineup of live bands, jazz, comedy, and sing-alongs across its Concert Hall and cozy Wine Bar. Grab a seat on the patio, pair Chef Wyn’s seasonal American fare with something sippable, then stay to dance.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Need a no-fuss spot that nails the classics this week? Wagon Wheel Pub is your neighborhood go-to for juicy burgers, crispy wings, and pizzas with Parma’s 2020 Best Pizza Crust, plus a deep beer lineup that makes weeknights with friends feel like a mini victory lap.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Porco Lounge & Tiki Room is your midweek mini-vacation, with award-winning tiki cocktails built on fresh-squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and a ridiculous 300-plus spirits lineup.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Perfect Pour Akron is veteran owned and proudly calls itself Home of The Flights, so grab a bourbon or martini flight and settle in with a craft cocktail, whiskey or cold beer. Pair it with a burger and that friendly downtown vibe you keep meaning to enjoy this week.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Formerly Secret Society Comedy, Henceforth Comedy keeps the city laughing with curated lineups that pop up at cool spots around town. Keep an eye on their rotating calendar for showcases like One More Joke at The Winchester Music Tavern on August 4, then go discover your new favorite local comic.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 23, 2026

“If your group text needs a reliable rally point, Johnny J's Pub & Grille, Springfield has the games you actually want to watch, a menu stacked with burgers, wings, and guilty-pleasure apps, plus the Hops & Shots club to explore 120+ beers and 130+ spirits with friends. And yes, they do brunch.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 12, 2026

“With an actual tree over the bar and a pint of Guinness poured the way it should be, The Treehouse nails the cozy-meets-rowdy pub vibe. Expect shareable wings, sliders, pizzas, and brunch favorites, live music some nights, and TVs for the game... an easy Youngstown weeknight or weekend plan.”

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Named after a 19th-century Cleveland Irish neighborhood, Old Angle Tavern nails the neighborhood-pub sweet spot with stone-and-wood coziness, proper pints, and hearty pub grub. Live music pops up some nights, soccer gets its due, and the crowd lands comfortably between hip and beer-swilling... which is exactly the fun.”

From the Lorain newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Cozy bar for beer, wine, and cocktails, plus live music, trivia nights, and karaoke.”

“Sarah's Vineyard blends a working vineyard and art gallery with a cozy tasting vibe, pouring reds and whites from nine grape varieties they grow like Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin. Go for a glass, stay for the kitchen's menu and wood-fired pizzas on select days, or plan a small celebration.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Craving a low-key spot where the menu surprises in the best way, head to Darby's on 59 for mix-and-match sliders (yes, even filet mignon), tacos, and burgers like the Ohio Beer Burger, plus rotating drafts and proper cocktails from pear mules to a black Manhattan.”

From the Stow newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Classic-meets-creative cocktails and elevated bar bites are the move at Bad Medicine. Think a cucumber-bright Archangel or bourbon-kissed Golden Tooth with rosemary fries and a Fried Chicken Sandwich, plus Tiki Tuesday and weekly events... perfect excuse to slip out this week and feel fancy without trying.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Johnny's Little Bar is a hidden Cleveland gem with thick, juicy burgers and freshly made fries in a cozy dive vibe that wins over regulars fast. Friendly, no-frills service, a solid craft beer lineup, and that satisfying burger and fries combo make it a clutch pick when you want simple done right.”

From the Lorain newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Laid-back cafe-bar featuring a menu of dishes from classics to specialties, plus 700+ board games to play.”

“From their NE Ohio orchard to your glass, The Brownhoist Cider Company LLC makes crisp, dry ciders with non-GMO, pesticide-free apples and handles everything in-house. Hit their Cider Bunker tasting room to sample unique, not-sweet flavors, or find them on tap around Cleveland when you're out.”

From the North Ridgeville newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Hilarities 4th Street Theatre keeps national stand-up rolling through, and you can make it a full night with cocktails at Kevin's Martini Bar, dinner at Pickwick The Restaurant, then head downstairs for the show or a themed Frolic Cabaret. Consider this your midweek reset.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 25, 2026

“When your week needs a mood lift, Cent'Anni brings Cleveland’s Little Italy to life with a cozy cocktail bar vibe, Italian drinking culture, and wood-fired Roman style pizza that pairs suspiciously well with another round. Treat yourself to a laid-back night that feels like a quick escape.”

From the Euclid newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Rowley Inn is that food-driven neighborhood bar pouring local brews and turning out Cleveland-twist plates that actually hit the spot, and they even snagged a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives feature. A short hop from Parma, when you want unfussy brunch or a low-key hang that still feels special, this is the move.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 22, 2026

“If you’re into chef-inspired plates and cocktails that actually earn the word hand-crafted, The Industry Kitchen & Bar nails that "big city" feel without leaving town. Creative gastropub energy, stylish setting, and a brunch you’ll actually wake up for... a solid move for date night or catching up with friends.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Craft beer on tap & elevated American comfort food offered in laid-back, industrial-chic surrounds.”

“Whether you're wine-curious or a card-carrying grape nerd, Wyne Tasting & Cocktail Bar lets you sample by the sip with self-serve dispensers and wine on tap, pair it with a tidy charcuterie board, and keep things fresh with a monthly featured wine. They even host classes and private hangs.”

From the Lorain newsletter, September 1, 2026

“With more than 200 boutique wines, 300 whiskeys/bourbons, and 30 signature crafted cocktails, Vinifera | Wine to Whiskey is where Cuyahoga Falls folks go when they want to upgrade date night or catch Live Music Thursdays. Pair it with something from the pairing menu or craft your own Manhattan, then settle in.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Feeling wine-curious this week? Flight Cleveland in Gordon Square keeps things adventurous and approachable with pre-selected flights, short pours, and a shop stacked with bottles you’ll actually want to drink.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a casual bar packed with coin-operated pinball machines from several decades plus a few video games. Order a drink, chase high scores, and when the bug bites, jump into league nights or book a party so the crew has bragging rights for weeks.”

From the Lorain newsletter, September 13, 2026

“In the mood to upgrade Tuesday night? 750ml Wines Akron is a cozy wine bar and boutique where the team curates pours to your taste, there’s a quick Wine Matchmaker to guide you, and a Wine Club plus regular events if you’re feeling committed to the sip.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Butcher and the Brewer pairs housemade beers with carefully sourced American fare in an industrial-chic setting that feels equal parts lively and laid-back. When you're craving a local pint and food that goes beyond the usual, this is your easy win for weeknight plans.”

From the Parma newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Casual jazz club with exposed brick & rafters showcasing live performances & signature cocktails.”

“Great Lakes Brewing Company keeps the pints interesting with a dialed-in tap list, a lively brewpub for pairing beer with bites, and patio hangs plus events like Emo Night and History Happy Hour. Rally some friends this week and make it your meetup spot.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 14, 2026

“La Cave du Vin is a cozy wine bar and shop with a deep bottle list, craft beers for the hop-inclined, and plenty of cheese to match. Voted Best Wine Bar in Cleveland in 2025, it has that warm, linger-all-night vibe, plus a low-key wine club if you like surprises.”

From the North Ridgeville newsletter, September 11, 2026

“House smoked meats, hand pattied burgers, hand cut steaks, smoked and fried wings, and those award-winning sauerkraut balls, plus fun cocktails... Main Street Saloon has been serving Akron since 1985, with the kind of cozy, no-nonsense vibe that makes weeknights feel like a small victory.”

From the Akron newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Cozy bar serving an impressive array of bourbon and whiskey, plus craft beer and cocktails.”

“Welcome To The Farm brings live country at a proper volume plus big-game energy, with smoky BBQ and cold drinks to match. It’s Chase Rice’s Cleveland spot with Forward Hospitality, and it nails the rowdy but friendly vibe when you just want to sing along, eat brisket, and unwind.”

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Characters Sports Bar & Grill has been serving Parma for over 20 years, and their awesome wings are the kind you start craving before lunch. Grab a seat on the all-season, full-service patio, bring your fun self, and let their crew keep the good vibes rolling this week.”

From the Parma newsletter, September 23, 2026