Downtown Akron: Shop Small

Our Downtown Akron businesses have seen a year like never before. Beginning with orange cones and ending with empty streets for longer than expected. But regardless of each situation, our local businesses keep evolving, staying nimble amid obstacles of the pandemic. 

And now? As we close out 2020 (we see you smiling at that!), we turn the spotlight to the businesses and creatives that give to our city so freely. These businesses and organizations make Akron, Akron. And they need us. 

This holiday season, as you’re making your list and checking it twice, we’re passing along a few ideas on how to shop small—and make a big impact. 

Here are ideas to help you share the magic and spirit of the holidays by shopping with Downtown Akron businesses and buying in new, creative ways. (And please send more ideas for this list our way. We will get them added and shared!) 

Join in as Rubber City Comics hosts a live-streaming sale on Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 pm, on their Facebook page, here.

Get inspiration from our friends at Zeber-Martell Gallery, where you can buy directly from their pictures on their Facebook posts, here.

And support your favorite local restaurants, by buying gift cards, ordering directly from them, or shopping their merchandise, at places like NOMZ.

Kassandra Morrison, co-owner of NOMZ, shared with us, “This holiday season is one of the most important one for small businesses. It's the opportunity to make enough to survive the slow season, normally January-March. It’s imperative to shop local. We are the ones that rely on our customers to keep us afloat.”

Places to eat or buy gift cards in Downtown Akron: 

The 1: Food and Spirits - dine in or carry out, Thurs. - Sat. 4 - 9 p.m., Now offering curbside pick up Thurs. - Sat. 5 - 8 p.m., view their menu, Happy Hour Thurs. - Sat., 5 - 7:30 p.m. 
330-983-4905

69 Taps Pub and Eatery - (Call for updated hours) All week 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Monday night is $5 Steak night starting at 6 p.m., Taco Tuesdays, Football Sundays starting at noon 
330-253-4554 

Akron Coffee Roasters - carry out, online ordering - Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Sun.; Featuring Costa Rica Yellow Honey (coffee) with artwork created by Burrito Breath in their online store
330-208-0516

Akronym Brewing - pick up, delivery, online ordering - Mon. - Thurs. 3:30 - 10 p.m., Fri. 3:30 - midnight, Sat. noon - midnight, Sun. 1 - 7 p.m. 
330-805-4081

Barley House - dine-in and carry out; Sun. - Thurs. noon - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. noon - 10 p.m., Thurs. $8, one-topping pizzas, Mon. - Fri. 3 - 6 p.m. $3 happy hour burgers
330-374-0925

Boiling House - carry out, dine-in; Tues. 1/2 off regular sushi rolls; Mon. - Wed. 3 - 9:30 p.m., Thurs. noon - 9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. noon - 10:30 p.m., Sun. noon - 9:30 p.m.
234-571-9692

Bricco - carry out and delivery, online ordering now available, Tues. - Thurs. 4 - 9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 4 - 10 p.m., Closed Sun. & Mon.; Write a review of your favorite Bricco dish and you'll be entered to win $500 on 12/1. Top reviewed meal (so far): Cajun Chicken Pasta
330-475-1600

Cafe 388 - delivery, Friday Dinner Deals; Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Closed Sat. & Sun.
330-594-5392

Chameleon Cafe - carry out, delivery to downtown, curbside pick up, patio seating, online ordering available, Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Get breakfast sandwiches and great coffee. Order online and they'll bring it to your car.
234-334-3603

Chick Fil A (UA Polsky Building) - carry out, delivery, Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
330-972-2076

Chill Ice Cream (High St.) - carry out, 32 flavor; vegan and sorbet options available; Closed Mon., Tues. - Thurs. 4 - 8 p.m. Fri. 4 - 9 p.m., Sat. 3 - 9 p.m., Sun., 2 - 7 p.m.

Chill and Indulge (Main St.) - carry out, Tues. - Fri. 12 - 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 1 - 5 p.m. Their Chocolate Order Website is now taking holiday orders. Free shipping over $50

Cilantro Thai and Sushi - carry out, delivery, dine-in, Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 5 - 9:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 5 - 10 p.m., Sat. 4:30 - 10 p.m., Closed Sun.
330-434-2876

Crave - carry out, delivery, dine-in and expanded patio seating; full menu of specialty cocktails; Mon. - Sat., 4 - 9 p.m., Closed Sun. New specials every weekend, Tremendous cocktail selection, Celebrating 15 years in Akron's Historic Arts District
330-253-1234

DaVinci's Pizza - carry out, curbside pick up available, Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Dollar slices daily, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Now you can follow them on Facebook
330-253-5555

dba (Dante Bocuzzi Akron) - carry out, curbside pickup, delivery, dine-in, order online; Closed Sun. and Mon., Tues. - Thurs. 5 - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5 - 10 p.m.; curbside pick up available. Write a review of your favorite dba dish to be entered to win $500 on 12/1.
330-375-5050

Diamond Deli - carry out, online ordering available, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Closed Sun., New Diamond Deli t-shirts have hit the shelves $20
330-762-5877

Eddie's Famous Cheesesteaks - coming soon to 147 S. Main St. Follow them on Facebook for updates. Join their Founder's Club for exclusive Eddie's apparel and other cool offers.

Essential Dipped Delights - carry out, delivery, text the number below for menu, Tues. - Sat. 1 - 6:30 p.m., Closed Sun. and Mon., but available for special orders.
330-459-9688

Evelyn's Coffee and Banh Mi - carry out, curbside pick up, online ordering, Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Recently featured in the Devil Strip
330-849-5080

Hamad's On Main - carry out, curbside pick up available, Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, catering options. Wraps, salads, sandwiches, snacks: all fresh and delicious
330-615-7544

High St. Hop House - patio open, Wed. - Fri. 4 - 10 p.m., Sat. 2 - 10 p.m. Happy hour all night long, from 4 - 10 p.m., physically distant seating available inside, carry out specials on growlers and 6-packs
330-794-5685

Insomnia Cookies - delivery, Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 12 a.m., Fri. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.,
877-632-6654

Jasmine Home Cooking - carry out, delivery, Tues. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., closed Mon.; online ordering available, outstanding boba tea & drinks selection, now serving vegan / vegetarian katsudon rice bowls
330-687-2271

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches - delivery, Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
330-374-7827

The Lockview - dine-in, carry out, delivery, rooftop patio open; Tues. - Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Undeniably great gourmet grilled cheese, great margaritas, wildly irreverent social media presence
330-252-5128

Luigi's - carry out, dine-in, Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 12 a.m., Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Sat., 3 p.m. - 2 a.m., Sun., 3 p.m. - 12 a.m. Download their menu and keep it close to your heart
330-253-2999

Missing Falls Brewery - Dine-in service and carry out - Closed Mon., Tues. - Sat. noon - 10 p.m., Sun. noon- 6 p.m.; Sporcle Live Trivia every Tues. at 7 p.m., 2-year anniversary coming on November 20
234-231-1000

NOMZ - order online, carry out, delivery, dine-in, patio, includes Bar NOMZ - Tue. - Thurs., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Closed Mon. New Fall Cocktails at the Bar, featured in the Greater Akron Chamber's November #Choosegrowth330 Story
330-286-1315

Northside Speakeasy - Mon. - Thurs. 6 - 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 5 - 10 p.m., Closed Mon. and Sun.; Amazing hand-crafted cocktails, Opening at 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 14
330-375-5050

Pad Thai - carry out and dine-in, Mon. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Happy Hour discount drinks and sushi Mon. - Fri., 3 - 6 p.m., Sat - Sun., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
330-434-1888

The Peanut Shoppe - carry out - Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. of A. Over 30 different kinds of nuts, candies, soft drinks and Akron awesomeness, Gift certificates also available in any dollar amount
330-376-7020 

PigOut Pizza - carry out, dine-in, Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.; amazing BBQ, uniquely delicious pizza, salads and coffee, Oven-baked sandwiches: buffalo, hot honey, sriracha, Cajun and smoked chicken, Check out their new profile on DAP's website
330-400-4814

P.O.D. Express (UA Polsky Building) - grab and go options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
330-972-5069 

R. Shea Brewery (Canal Place) - Dine-in and carry out - Closed Mon. & Tues.; Wed. - Thurs., 3 - 9 p.m., Fri. 3 - 11 p.m., Sat. 1 - 11 p.m., Sun. 1 - 8 p.m.; Celebrating their 1-year anniversary in Canal Place Nov. 18 - 22
330-794-5654

Smack Yo Mamma Wings - Carry out, Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mon. - Thurs. 5 - 9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5 - 10 p.m. Follow them on Facebook for daily updates
234-788-8626

Spaghetti Warehouse - carry out, delivery, dine-in; Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Happy Hour 3:30-6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close, Mon. - Fri., 
330-374-0025

Starbucks (UA Polsky Building) - Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
330-972-2113

Stray Dog - Drive-Through BBQ, Thurs., 3 - 7 p.m., call-ahead ordering, Fri. dinner deals, 4 - 8 p.m.
330-594-5392

Street Treats Grill - carry out, Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., They are also the creators of Ya Ya's salad dressings (white balsamic, Greek, Italian, white French, traditional balsamic)
330-379-9996

Subway North Main - carry out, dine-in, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
330-374-5101

Subway South Main - carry out, dine-in, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
330-375-5080

Tear-EZ - carry out available, Mon. - Sun. call for hours, serving a variety of drink options at this downtown institution
330-376-0011

The Treatery - Tues. - Thurs., 2 - 8 p.m., Fri. - Sat., 2 - 10 p.m., Sun. 2 - 6 p.m.; Now serving the Cruff: a North Hill Donut stuffed with toppings, Treatery ice cream and drizzle. A must.
330-203-3422

Woody's Bar - carry out, delivery, curbside carry out, GrubHub, Doordash and Uber Eats available during extended hours, Mon. - Wed., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. - midnight, Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 2:30 a.m., Closed Sun. Legendary burgers, wings, Greek food and more. Write a review of your fav Woody's dish and be entered to win $500 on 12/1
330-495-0561

Places to shop online or support with a donation (from the comfort of your pajamas!): 
Akron Art Museum Store
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online Shop Akron Art Museum merchandise on Shopify and Ebay.

Akron Children's Museum
Entertainment • Arts & Culture • Non-profit Organizations
order online
To support the Akron Children's Museum with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Akron Civic Theatre
Entertainment • Arts & Entertainment • Non-profit Organizations • Completed • Meeting/Event Space
order online
To support the Akron Civic Theatre with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Akron RubberDucks Team Shop
Retail & Specialty Shops
order online
Free shipping for orders in the state of Ohio.

Akron Soul Train
Arts & Entertainment
order online
Pick-Up Available: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Akron Symphony Orchestra
Arts & Entertainment • Non-profit Organizations
order online
To support the Akron Symphony with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Akron Zoo
Arts & Entertainment • Non-profit Organizations • Sports & Recreation • MLK Day
order online
To support the Akron Zoo with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Art By Design
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

ArtsNow
Community
support online
To support Arts Now with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Bizzy Beads Boutique, LLC
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online
Free shipping on orders over $75.

The Blonde Italian
Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online
All natural vegetarian and vegan cooking sauces.

BLU Jazz+
Entertainment • Arts & Entertainment • 3rd Thursday
shop online

blue: A Goodwill Boutique
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online

Corrina's Candles
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online
Currently offering free shipping on all orders.

Curated Storefront
Arts & Culture • 3rd Thursday
order online
To support Curated Storefront with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Akron Northside Station
Arts & Entertainment • Completed • Sports & Recreation
order online
To support the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Dirty River Bicycle Works
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • Fitness • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online
Pick-Up Available

Fit Fudge USA
Eat & Drink • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

Full Grip Games
Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online
Store is open: Sun. - Sat., 12 - 8 p.m., Closed Wednesdays

Goods Studio
Beauty, Health & Fitness
order online

The Great Escape Room Akron
Entertainment
order online
25% off gift certificates available at this time

Grismer's Christian Gifts
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops
Staff is glad to assist you in getting items you need while helping you maintain social distance. Please call: 330-253-6559 or email grismers.akron@gmail.com.

Hope Soap
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

Indulge Chocolates
Coffee & Snacks • Carry Out • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online

Jennifer Worden Studio
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online
Free shipping on all orders.

Jilly's Music Room
Late Night • Happy Hour • Bars & Clubs • Late Night • Arts & Entertainment • 3rd Thursday • Eat Downtown • Meeting/Event Space
order online

JW Cooper Photography
Photographers • 3rd Thursday
order online

Katina Pastis Radwanski Studio/Gallery
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online

Mint Hair Collective
Salons
visit website

The Nightlight
Entertainment • Arts & Culture • Arts & Entertainment • 3rd Thursday
order online

Noble Theory LLC
Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

Northside Cellar
Arts & Culture • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online

Northside Marketplace
Coffee & Snacks • Patio Dining • Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace • Meeting/Event Space
visit website

Shops: CLOSED Mon., Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 
NOMZ: CLOSED Mon., Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bar NOMZ: Mon. CLOSED, Tues.-Thurs.,11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Treatery: Mon. CLOSED, Tues.-Thurs. 2-8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 2-10 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m.
Jasmine's: Sun. and Mon. CLOSED, Tues. - Sat. 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition at Howe House
Non-profit Organizations
order online
To support the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Arts & Entertainment • Non-profit Organizations
order online
To support the Ohio Shakespeare Festival with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Peaceful Fruits
Coffee & Snacks • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

The Peanut Shoppe
Eat & Drink • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Eat Downtown
visit website

Ronald McDonald House of Akron
Social Service Organizations
order online
To support the Ronald McDonald House Akron with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

Rubber City Clothing
Arts & Entertainment • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

Rubber City Comics
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • Bookstores & Newsstands
order online

Smile Inside
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
21 Furnace St

Social Dept
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online

Song of Wood
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online

Street Treats Grill
Breakfast • Lunch • Delivery • Carry Out • Catering
order online

Summit Artspace
Arts & Entertainment • Government • Non-profit Organizations • 3rd Thursday • Meeting/Event Space
order online

Summit Choral Society
Arts & Entertainment
order online
Online sponsorship opportunities to support programming

Sweet Bean
Coffee & Snacks • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • Northside Marketplace
order online

Sweet Modern
Shop & Services
visit website
We now offer free pick-up and delivery in Northeast Ohio for upholstery projects. These can be done on the porch or in the garage to reduce in-person interaction. We can send fabric samples for free by mail. Full details: https://sweetmodern.com/covid-19/

SYLC Consulting
Other
order online

Tea Dude
Eat & Drink • Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • Northside Marketplace
order online

The Tea Lady
Retail & Specialty Shops • General Services
Gift Cards Available
Electronic gift cards available

TinyCircuits
Shop & Services • Technology • Northside Marketplace
order online

United Way of Summit and Medina
Community
order online
To support the Akron and Summit County community with a donation to United Way of Summit County, click the "order online" link above.

University of Akron Press
Shop & Services • Retail & Specialty Shops • Bookstores & Newsstands • 3rd Thursday • Northside Marketplace
order online
Use the code STAYHOME to get 40% off ANY of our titles, including ebooks.

The University of Akron: The National Museum of Psychology
Education
order online
The Cummings Center is supported primarily through gifts from visitors, foundations, and other donors. To support the center with a donation, click the "order online" link above.

We Care Tees
Retail & Specialty Shops
visit website

Zeber-Martell Clay Studio and Gallery
Arts & Entertainment • Retail & Specialty Shops • 3rd Thursday
order online
Updated shopping site, Free standard shipping on all orders, Gift cards are available

Here are some a few other helpful pages from our website as well:
https://www.downtownakron.com/explore/downtown-akron-dora
https://www.downtownakron.com/explore/dining-update
https://www.downtownakron.com/explore/shopping-update

Where are you shopping local this holiday season? Share with us on social, @downtownakronpartnership!