Our 2026 “Best of the City” contest will showcase something all Akronites crave: Eats!

We’re setting out to discover what makes Akron authentically Akron, at least on the food and dining front. 

In the city that claims the first hamburg(er), blimps, Devo, Chrissie Hynde and devil strips — don’t forget tires — we want to hear about your favorites.

Help us span Akron’s neighborhoods to find the many historic, trendy and undiscovered bars, breweries and restaurants, along with the best burger joints, cafes and brunch spots.

We can’t wait to see your choices!

Signal Akron's Best of the City banner.

Ready. Set. Vote.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Restaurant*

Fine dining

Best new food outlet*

Includes trucks, pop-ups, take-out only, as of May 2025.
Coffee / Tea*

Bar or brewery

Breakfast / brunch

Food truck

Burger*

Pizza

Bakery

Best ethnic and international food

Mac and cheese, plain spaghetti anyone?
Where do you go in Akron to have the most enjoyable outdoor dining or food experience?

Editor-in-Chief (she/her)
Zake has deep roots in Northeast Ohio journalism. She was the managing editor for multimedia and special projects at the Akron Beacon Journal, where she began work as a staff photographer in 1986. Over a 20-year career, Zake worked in a variety of roles across departments that all help inform her current role as Signal Akron's editor in chief. Most recently, she was a journalism professor and student media adviser at Kent State University, where she worked with the next generation of journalists to understand public policy, environmental reporting, data and solutions reporting. Among her accomplishments was the launch of the Kent State NewsLab, an experiential and collaborative news commons that connects student reporters with outside professional partners.