“Our next DIS Local Spotlight takes us right into the heart of Downtown Akron to DeJuan's Downtown AkronDeJuans is located at 1 W Exchange St Ste 100 in Akron Ohio and is occupying the building that formally housed Bricco. There is also a Valet service available for $7.DeJuan’s was realized in a time of need, a need for a turkey pepperoni pizza. Founder and Owner, De’Juan Kelker was in search of a turkey pepperoni pizza and to his disbelief, local pizza shops did not offer turkey pepperoni. He was stirred to open a restaurant that would serve those with selective palates and diets and offer ALL TURKEY EVERYTHING. The unique concept made way for him to acquire the Downtown property, once frequented by many locals, and continue his personal preference of fine dining.DeJuan's is also making history with becoming Akrons very first black-owned fine-dining restaurant. To say I was excited to try this restaurant was an understatement. Let's get into it.First off the decor, aesthetic and atmosphere are breathtaking. Large glass windows look out onto the city while inside you're surrounded by brick and open industrial ceiling. The space gives vibes of upscale yet accessible without ever being pretentious. The color scheme is black and white which is just elegant enough. The space is also lit very well which I appreciate.The staff is out of this world. DeJuans may just have some of the best service in the country and that's not hyperbole. From greeting us at the front door, to our server Diamond who was world class, the experience was perfect. Our drinks never got less than half empty and Diamond gave excellent recommendations and made sure our experience was one of a kind. There was also a party of maybe 12 people behind us and he gave them the same kind of service. Very impressive.For starters we got the Turkey Chop Bites and the Southern Fried Green Tomatoes.Turkey Chop Bites are pieces of turkey breast that are cut up and then lightly battered and fried. When I tell you my mouth is STILL watering from these things. So insanely juicy and crunchy. They would be good as a Po Boy or in a wrap but they were great by themselves.The Fried Green Tomatoes were also perfectly fried and topped with a shrimp salad that was really tasty. Diamond recommended we try it with hot sauce and that was the right move.For Mains we got the NY Strip and the Turkey Burger.The steak was cooked perfectly and was seasoned so well with salt, pepper and garlic butter. It was so tender and cut like butter. The taste from the grill was also extremely flavorful. There's not much more to say because it was literally perfect.The Turkey Burger was a surprise. Given the size of the patty I expected it to be on the dry side. I was pleasantly surprised it was not dry at all. Beautifully seasoned and complimented by the garlic Aioli and the sweetness of the caramelized onions, this burger was DELICIOUS. I could definitely see myself ordering this again.For dessert I got a slice of cheese cake and figured it would just be a normal slice you get anywhere.Guys... It's not. They take a slice of delicious cheesecake and then they blow-torch the outside so it creates like this crust on the exterior. That process kind of softens the cheesecake and makes it almost melty and creamy. LORD HAVE MERCY. I almost ordered another one. So simple yet so amazing.Folks.. if you haven't noticed by now, I don't know what else to say. DeJuans lives up to the hype. It's worth every penny and more.This is one of those places that I'm truly hoping you make reservations and try as soon as you can. Not only is it important for us to support black owned businesses, but it's important we support GOOD businesses as well. Trust me. I won't steer you wrong.“
“Everything was great except we got a build your own cheeseburger with ketchup,mustard, pickle, and tomato. But the burger came with ketchup, mustard pickle and mayo. My wife is very highly allergic to eggs so the mayo could have been a serious issue. Luckily we checked the burger before she ate it. Please in the future just double triple check the ticket!“
“You will never have a bad meal or bad service at Lala's. Once again, the food was incredible, and the service was top notch. I recommend blue cheese on it if you're getting a steak, but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Keep up the great work Lala's! We'll definitely be back.“
“This is the spot. This is where Cheers in Akron would be filmed. The servers/tenders all love each other and love the customers. All the regulars are welcoming and loving to other less-frequent visitors. There’s plenty of decoration demonstrating this bar’s love for the community; there’s enough TVs for 3 sports games in 1 night; there’s touchtunes and immensely underrated food. The wings are a great bet. The burgers are top-notch. Personally, I like the hot Italian sausage balls. Fried sausage filled with cheese??? Come on. A+. Also, prices are still really fair. They’ve worked hard to try to keep this place afloat despite inflation. Call me a lifelong visitor.“
“Stopped in Arnie's for brunch this past Sunday and it was amazing! The breakfast burger was the best burger we've ever had, seriously. The croissant sandwich and potatoes were amazing and the kids loved their fruit loop pancakes. If you haven't been to Arnie's lately, I highly recommend giving it a try. New menu, new chef, same warm hospitality.“
“First time here. Completely and utterly impressed. I'd heard rumors of how good the food was. It beat expectations. The bartenders and clientele also were amazing. Didn't meet a single person who wasn't completely respectful and friendly.First time won't be the last time. I'll be back and recommend this place to all my friends.“
“I was in Akron Ohio, with my and I stopped in , where I used to work. The Mgn staff Jennifer Detroit was there ,we spoke and she was very nice as always. They are Magnetic Burgers and Homemade mushrooms, cheese sticks and O Rings.Parking: Plenty of Parking SpacesKid-friendliness: The Employee s Are Truly Miraculous, friendly etcWheelchair accessibility: Great ?“
“First time ordering from Big Star thanks to a pizza group I’m in on FB. Expansive menu including pastas, salads, burgers yes burgers, some Greek options and other Italian options. I can’t wait to order from here again. The person taking my order was super friendly. Pizza came out amazing. Ordered the New York style with all veggies and a side of garlic dipping sauce. Also Not greasy either. Crispy and balanced. So so yummy. Ordered the breaded mixed veggies as well. Delish breading. Recommend.“
“Always very good. A classic akron food staple. Just dbl verify your order. Once in a while I think they're in such a hurry taking orders, things get a lil mixed up once in a while. I applaud them for not being greedy like the other big fast food clowns are these days. Honestly their prices have remained very fair, but the taste.. is top notch! Been eating here for over 30 years and it always pleases! Half lb cheeseburger is killer.“
“Great, and I mean great employees. Dano himself regularly greets customers and checks on their satisfaction. Lakeside is accurate as it is nestled on the Portage Lakes waterfront. Good drink selection, and great daily specials. The burgers are great, but the buns fall apart as soon as you pick them up. Warm weather is all about the patio and picnic tables. They do have an interior bar as well and they have flat screens everywhere. They also boast the best boat docks of all of the restaurants on PLX. Dano is the most involved owner I've ever encountered. The parking lot is cramped and situated on narrow or one way streets. Can be difficult to navigate on crowded days or after dark. When you get there, park with the intention to get out easily. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Definitely a great place on a nice day or to watch a game.“
“Rikie is so awesome her personality and hospitality are superb. Everytime I go to Freddy's she has her staff on point and the service is great. She shows such a good example of what a manager should be. Always willing to help others and make the team work together to execute great customer service.“
“We had a wonderful meal at Winking Lizard in Copley. Suzanne was very nice, patient and sweet. My husband loves to talk. She was so sweet to him. We will back. The food was perfectly cooked. We will be back next time we are in town. They have ALL the beer too so.... that's fun!“
“I'd say over the last 6 months the quality of the food and the cleanliness has improved dramatically. Most certainly the new management has taken the responsibility of this place serious and you can tell with your friendly attitude. I for one like the pre-order my things so I try to order ahead and it's always ready on time and fresh and hot. Another important factor is a bathrooms are clean and so is the dining facility. Definitely a good spot to take your family too. Or border online to be delivered or pick up.“
“Good food friendly service in the clean atmosphere. Oh what you look for in a restaurant experience or going out to eat with a friend. A great place to go and after hearing the owner story even better started from scratch just like his meals are.“
“We had such a good time visiting this place before a concert at the Goodyear Theater. We could tell everything was made in-house with love, and were quite pleased with our decision to eat there. One friend commented that it just felt clean – not tainted with extra ingredients. Even the pre-dinner bread was clearly made in house. Super fresh and not a perfect shape. Don’t EVEN get me started about the strudel and a new-to-me dessert, Krem Pita. It was AMAZING.Yes. Go here. It's freaking REAL.(The break pealed away in strips)“
“Food was excellent and honest patrons go there. I dropped my change purse in the parking lot and a very nice gentleman came in and asked around about the car type in the parking lot next to him and I said it was mine asked if I had dropped the change purse and yes it was mine!!! Everything was in it along with all the money as well!! Both my husband and i thanked him multiple times cause there was stuff in it that had sentimental value to me and noone else!!! Thank you again to the kind and honest gentleman!!! We will definitely go back to try more food it was again excellent tasting and was served hot!!!❤️“
“Great food..great service..a little more expensive, but I have never had a bad meal at the Ido!Parking: They have a parking lot, and you can park behind the building across Ido..street parking also available. Many times it is hard to find a spot!!“
“Good mood everyone!!!!! Passed by and decided to eat at this establishment. There is free parking near the facility. When I got inside, I realized that this is a long-term and family business (you can correct me if I'm wrong). Very nice atmosphere in the middle, there are seats behind the bar from where you have a great view of a man preparing hamburgers and cheeseburgers and the pleasant smell of cooking wafts around your nose ? A very big plus is the preparation of first courses, there were 2 of them to choose from that day. Broccoli soup and onion soup (Vegetarians - just that?) I ordered broccoli soup - it was prepared from fresh products and the soup itself - was very tasty. And for the second, I took a cheeseburger with bacon, which was also very tasty!!! One bad thing is that it is not very big ? So my advice to everyone: if you like freshly prepared food and you like a small room and a cozy atmosphere with natural plants and you like to watch the process of preparing food - come here, you won't regret it. Peaceful heaven to all. PS I forgot to add - the prices are moderate. Everyone has a good mood!!!!! Was passing by and decided to eat at this establishment. There is free parking near the facility. when I got inside, I realized that this is a long-term and family business (you can correct me if I'm wrong). Very nice atmosphere in the middle, there are seats behind the bar from where you can see a man cooking hamburgers and cheeseburgers and a pleasant smell of cooking wafts around your nose ? a very big plus is the preparation of the first courses, there were 2 of them to choose from that day. Broccoli soup and onion soup (for vegetarians - just that?) I ordered broccoli soup - it was prepared from fresh products, and the soup itself - was very tasty. and for the second, I took a cheeseburger with bacon, which was also very tasty!!! one bad thing - it is not very big ?. So my advice to everyone: if you like freshly prepared dishes and you like a small room and a cozy atmosphere with natural plants and you like to watch the process of cooking - come here, you won't regret it. Peaceful heaven to all. PS I forgot to add - the prices are moderate.“
“Hamburger Station is iconic. I grew up with this, my dad grew up with this, and so did my grandfather. Nothing beats those juicy burgers and fries and onion rings in that satisfying box. If Hamburger Station were to ever close its doors, I'm not sure what I would do. This is something that my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren must experience.“
“My first time to any Mr. Hero. I chose the Canton Rd location. Absolutely great. The food was fresh and very nicely made. The girl who took our order was super pleasant. And the cook did an awesome job. I'll be a returning customer for sure.“
“Chris and his staff absolutely crushed it !!!! My friends and I were all first timers. We all agreed that it was some of the best food we had ever eaten. The chicken, pizza, and appetizers were all out of this world. Kudos to everyone at Italian Garden. You cats are Rock Stars.???“
“This is the place to be if you want some good barbecue or Fried Chicken catfish or whatever your home cooking that you might likeParking: It's kind of on a busy street but you can park in the front or along the sides it's got places you can sit at the tables while you order your food I'm not sure if you can eat there or not but they have window there you can order you can sit there while you wait all your food most people take it out but really good food and good service prices are great“
“Drove passed this place and turned around to try it. Glad we did. Food was great. Got the skyscraper burger, fries, grilled chicken sandwich, mushrooms and a kids mini corn dog meal. Everything was perfect. Service was great and food was out fast. Prices are awesome too. If you're near here stop by. You won't regret it.“
“Hidden Gem. Great name, but it is off the main street, 224, a tad. Not to worry, you'll enjoy great food served by a wonderful staff. I'm working through the menu and everything so far is top shelf. Very enjoyable experience to dine here. Enjoy.“
“We were eagerly greeted as soon as we walked in the door! We were asked if we wanted single or double hamburgers we were asked what we wanted on our burgers cheese or bacon? And anything else? Our food was cooked fresh handmade! Our french fries were made from scratch! We were given our drink cups refills are free! Our food was called out to us by our number when it was ready. The food was hot, tasty and very filling!Wheelchair accessibility: There is wheelchair accessibility. There's also wheelchair seating. Being disabled myself I found it quite beneficial and useful and helpful.“
“I have been to a Swensons in Canton, Cincy, CBus, CLE, and Akron and I have loved each and every time I've been to one. Their food is literally one of my favorite things about Ohio and more specifically NE Ohio thanks to a large grouping of them. I moved out of state for a few years and I missed the retro vibes the drive in has and the wonderful service I always experienced. I recommend Swensons to literally anyone I can, I've been going since I was a kid.“
“Good food for it's price. On a day that you are looking for something simple (burger or chili-dog), but you don't want something chained (McD or BK), this is the place for you.Prices are not bad. The food and milkshakes are quite satisfying. The location is a little rough and the surrounding buildings need improvement (Not the greatest atmosphere but average for Akron).“
“I drove 1135 miles from Florida and I had to stop at Swensons before I saw my family. I got the Galley Boy and onion rings. Before I even had a chance to put the car in park an employee was right there to take my order. It was ready in just a few minutes and brought right out. The 2 sauces on the burger are a perfect combination. I don’t get too many chances to get into Ohio but I always stop at Swensons.“