Northside Marketplace — Local services in Akron

This is a hang-out with a bunch of shops centered around a seating area with a chic coffeehouse atmosphere. There is a coffee shop, a bar, an Alron clothes store, a creamery, a candy shop (that also sells flavored sodas in glad bottles), some gift stores, and just a general collection of ouposts of shops local to Akron. All share a common checkout (which has yet to figure out which direction the line should go to be efficient and out of the way of people coming in).

Parking isn't greatly available either.

There isn't really a restaurant or any hearty food here at all. The bar sells street tacos (3 for $7) that are at best just okay, as well as salsa and chips. The coffee shop sells delicious pretzel pastries, either cinnamon or chocolate. Then of course the tiny candy shop and the creamery. No meals.

I saw some college students pick up Luigi's pizza from across the road and eat that in here... which makes sense if you don't want to wait in the typically long line at Luigi's for their great pizza, or want to drink and eat pizza, or want to...

Our group chose this restaurant for our last meeting of the year and it wasn't a disappointment. We found vegan options as well as non plant based options. I would have loved to have a quinoa or rice bowl version of the broccoli sub sandwich I chose. It was delicious, although a little heavy on the vegan cheese and bread. Would have been so much better with more roasted veggies (maybe cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes...,hint, hint 😉) My husband had a burger which he said was delicious as well. We were able to get inside easily for anyone who needs a handicap accessible entrance. Parking is free either right outside the building or in the center parking lot right across the street. My husband has a small travel electric wheelchair and we had to be careful navigating the sidewalk which, for the most part, was pretty flat. Crossing the street was the trickiest part and it's doable - just be watchful and you'll be fine. BTW, we did ask about adding quinoa or rice bowls and the owner said they were working on more vegan options to add...

I love this place because I can wonder around here and feel as bougie as I want! I can't quite pull off the hipster thing, but knowing who I'm better than, well, I've been an expert at that most of my life! My vanity aside, let me mention a few of the things I like most. (Forgive me for not remembering the names, but, come on, they're all in the same place. Wander around and find them... I can't do everything for you!) Turkish coffee is a must (if you like coffee). The ice cream shop is right beside it, so try that, too! Be sure to walk through the whole place. I'm sure you'll find something you really need/want in your life! If you're into honey, try Akron Honey Company's products! My favorite honey! Truly raw, in a way that I've not had anywhere else. And all 100% locally sourced! And that's really the best part of this place. Small, local vendors doing their thing and making the world a bit brighter for it. Go, eat, shop,...