I grew up in the Summit County area — born and raised in Northeast Ohio, which means I've spent my whole life getting asked why I haven't moved somewhere else yet. My answer is always the same: why would I?
Akron is one of those cities that doesn't try too hard. It doesn't have to. The bones are good, the people are real, and if you know where to look, the food and bar scene is genuinely excellent. I've spent years getting to know this city from the inside out — not as a tourist, not as a critic with a notepad, but as someone who just lives here and pays attention.
My Kind of Saturday Night
I've always had a soft spot for a great neighborhood bar. Not a flashy spot with a cocktail menu the size of a novel — just a place that knows what it is, pours a good drink, and makes you feel like a regular after your second visit. The Town Tavern is one of my favorites. It's a genuinely great bar in the way that matters: comfortable, unpretentious, and full of people who actually live here. That's the kind of place I write about.
Over time I've built up a pretty thorough mental map of where to eat and drink in Northeast Ohio. I know which spots are worth the drive, which ones are better on a Tuesday than a Friday, and which neighborhood joints punch well above their weight. I find that stuff genuinely interesting, which is probably why I ended up writing about it.
Why I Started Writing
Honestly, it started with my phone. Friends and coworkers kept texting me — "where should we go for dinner," "any good bars near downtown," "is that new place worth it." I was happy to help, but I kept giving the same answers over and over. At some point it made more sense to put it all somewhere permanent so I could just send people a link.
That's still basically the idea. I write about the things I know — bars, restaurants, neighborhoods, local sports, what's worth your time around here. No agenda, no brand deals, no pretense. Just a guy from Akron writing about what he loves.
Beyond the Bar Scene
I'm a Northeast Ohio sports fan through and through, which means I've developed a high tolerance for heartbreak and an even higher appreciation for the moments that make it worthwhile. I follow the Browns, the Guardians, the Cavs — and I care about them the way you care about things when they're genuinely yours, not just entertainment.
I also love the community side of this region. There's a lot happening in Akron and the surrounding area that doesn't always get attention from the outside — interesting people doing interesting things, neighborhoods that are quietly coming into their own, local events that are worth showing up for. I try to write about that too when something catches my eye.
If you want to talk Northeast Ohio — bars, food, sports, neighborhoods, whatever — feel free to reach out. I'm always up for it.