The best bars & nightlife in Summit County

“Neighborhood joint with Irish flair featuring beer, sandwiches, sports on TV & daily happy hour.”

“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.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 25, 2026

“If you want a lively spot to watch all your favorite sports, Johnny J's Pub & Grille, Portage Lakes delivers with big pub flavors and weekly specials. Think wings, a legit burger, and shareable apps like mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, mac & cheese bites, and Reuben rolls... plus catering when you need it.”

From the Akron newsletter, October 3, 2026

“If you hang around Portage Lakes, you already know Dano’s Lakeside Pub is where classic pub grub, live music, and unfussy good times come standard. Grab a burger or tacos, catch a set, and yes, you can literally pull up by boat.”

From the Akron newsletter, September 29, 2026

“, 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 Stow newsletter, October 6, 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 Stow newsletter, September 27, 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 Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, October 2, 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 Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, October 9, 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 29, 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 29, 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 Stow newsletter, October 1, 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 Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, October 8, 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, October 13, 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

“High St. Hop House keeps things cozy in Downtown Akron’s Historic Arts District, with a deep bourbon list, flights for the curious, ever-rotating craft taps, and classic or seasonal cocktails. Swing by for live music, trivia, or karaoke when you want a low-key night that still feels like a win.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, October 3, 2026

“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, October 10, 2026

“The Green Dragon Inn in Akron is a medieval themed board game bar and cafe with over 750 titles, a rotating cocktail menu, 9 drafts and 100+ bottles and cans. Grab friends, book a private room like the bookcase-hidden Library or the Dungeon, then settle in for serious fun.”

From the Akron newsletter, October 10, 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

“Lock 15 Brewing Company pairs a seven-barrel brewhouse behind glass with an open kitchen, so you can watch both the pour and the sizzle. Expect year-round staples, seasonal and experimental beers, plus familiar, local-leaning dishes given a fresh twist, right by Cascade Locks Park for an easygoing Akron hang.”

From the Akron newsletter, October 11, 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, October 10, 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

“If you miss that intimate NYC club vibe, BLU Jazz+ nails it with a retro, mid-century room, state-of-the-art sound, and a legit scratch kitchen plus signature cocktails. Downtown sets the mood, the photography gallery seals it, and the lineup keeps Akron nights interesting.”

From the Cuyahoga Falls newsletter, October 4, 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

“Whether you're chasing a new bourbon, a trusty rye, or just a well-made cocktail, South Point Tavern keeps the shelves deep and the vibe cozy. Expect craft beer, thoughtful cocktails, and the kind of conversation you only get at a real neighborhood spot that takes whiskey seriously.”

From the Akron newsletter, October 5, 2026