Date Night at The Industry Kitchen & Bar – Is This Akron’s Best Hidden Gem?
Looking for the perfect date night spot in Akron?
My husband and I recently visited The Industry Kitchen & Bar, a trendy, chef-driven restaurant serving American-inspired plates and handcrafted cocktails.
From a cozy ambiance to standout dishes, here’s a full breakdown of our experience—what to order, what to skip, and whether it’s worth a visit!
The Industry Kitchen & Bar: Location & Vibe
📍 Where: 3044 W Market St, Akron, OH
✨ Vibe: Romantic, trendy, and intimate with a modern design.
The moment we walked in, we were greeted with dim lighting, stylish décor, and a welcoming atmosphere—perfect for a cozy date night.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to impress a first date or just a relaxing evening out with the girls, this place sets the right mood.
Drinks: Are the Cocktails Worth It?
🍸 What We Ordered:
Spicy Margarita 🌶️
Lemon Drop Martini 🍋
Old Fashioned 🍊
Both cocktails were strong, flavorful, and well-balanced—definitely a highlight of the night. If you’re a cocktail lover, The Industry Kitchen & Bar does not disappoint.
⭐ Rating: 10/10
💡 Pro Tip: If you love spicy drinks, the Spicy Margarita is a must-try!
Appetizer: Lobster Poutine – A Unique Twist
🥘 What We Ordered: Lobster Poutine ($18)
📝 Menu Description: Butter-poached lobster, fingerling potatoes, lobster bisque, elote corn ribs, cotija cheese.
Originally, we wanted to try the Crispy Onigiri, but it was sold out. So, we went for the Lobster Poutine—a creative twist on the classic dish.
While not a traditional poutine, it had good flavors and a rich, creamy texture. I have to be honest though — I definitely missed the cheese curds that come with a traditional poutine.
⭐ Rating: 7/10
Would we order it again? Maybe, but we’d probably try something else next time.
Main Course: Flank Steak – Worth the $28?
🥩 What We Ordered: Flank Steak ($28)
📝 Menu Description: Flank steak, roasted tomato chimichurri, wild mushroom risotto.
The flavors were on point, but the risotto was slightly undercooked, which took away from the overall experience. The chimichurri added a nice brightness, but for the price, we expected a bit more refinement in execution.
⭐ Rating: 7/10
Good, but not a must-order — unless you’re a steak lover. I’m a seafood lover at heart, but this was a compromise for date night since we decided to split the main course —my husband’s a steak guy.
The Surprise Favorite: Beet Caesar Salad
🥗 What We Ordered: Beet Caesar Salad (Half – $8)📝 Menu Description: Roasted beets, romaine, goat cheese, candied walnuts, balsamic Caesar dressing.
Unexpectedly, this was the star of the meal!
The combination of sweet roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts made for a perfectly balanced salad. If you visit, don’t sleep on this one (even if you’re not a fan of beets)
⭐ Rating: 10/10
Absolutely delicious and totally worth ordering!
Dessert: Pistachio Tiramisu – Hit or Miss?
🍰 What We Ordered: Pistachio Tiramisu ($10)
📝 Menu Description: Pistachio cream, espresso, ladyfingers, crumbled pistachio.
This was a creative twist on a classic dessert. While it had great flavors, it didn’t quite blow us away — although I did end up finishing the whole thing 🫣.
Still, if you love pistachios, you might enjoy it more!
⭐ Rating: 7/10
A good way to end the meal, but only if you love coffee/espresso flavors. My husband doesn’t.(I know — crazy, right?).
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
✅ Go if you’re looking for:
✔️ A trendy, romantic date night spot
✔️ High-quality craft cocktails
✔️ Unique menu items with bold flavors
❌ Skip if you’re expecting:
❌ Classic comfort food without a twist
❌ Large portion sizes for every dish
Overall Rating: 7/10
The Industry Kitchen & Bar is a great option for date night, especially if you’re a fan of unique flavors and a stylish ambiance.
📌 Would you try it? If yes, bookmark or pin this for later.
Planning a Date Night in Akron?
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💬 Have you been to The Industry Kitchen & Bar? Let me know your favorite menu item in the comments below!
