I counted no less than five birthday celebrations on our visit to A1 Japan Steakhouse. They’re kind of hard to miss. A procession of staff marches to the table led by a famous cartoon mouse banging a drum. Every performance was met with cheers and laughter.
My husband, Dave, and I are big fans of local craft beer, so we were eager to try out one of Stark County’s newest breweries. UnHitched Brewing Co. in Louisville opened at the end of October. We heard great things from friends and coworkers who’d visited and had high hopes for our own stop in mid-December.
Jessica Holbrook taste-tests the Belgian waffle, Eggs over easy, Scrambled eggs with hot cakes, A side of bacon, A side of sausage, Rye toast, A French Dip sandwich, A hot roast beef sandwich, A Rueben, A breakfast muffin and Texas sheet cake at Lindsey’s Restaurant.
Jessica Holbrook taste-tests the Deluxe pizza, Margherita pizza, Garlic knots, a Meatball Calzone, the Cobb salad and German Chocolate Cheesecake at Old School Pizza.
I assume that Sparta Steak House & Lounge has—with the exception of new televisions—looked exactly the same since about 1975. It’s the definition of old school with well-worn vinyl booths, carved wood fixtures and hanging greenery.
I assume that before becoming a true resident of Massillon, you’re required to eat at the Cameo Grill. The bar and restaurant, which has been locally owned and operated since 1944, just has that authentic hometown feeling. The walls are covered in vintage photographs and Massillon Tigers memorabilia—you can grab a football schedule at the bar—and the wait staff seemed to know most customers by name.
Sometimes, looks can be deceiving. I’ve driven past Willow Bistro easily hundreds of times but, put off by its location in a shabby shopping plaza on 30th Street NW, never thought to check it out. That’s on me. Willow was a pleasant surprise and a place I’d be more than happy to revisit.
As I walked in the door with an armful of pizza from Baja West Coast Kitchen, I was greeted with some confusion. “I thought we were reviewing a taco place?” It’s a fair question. The fast-casual restaurant formerly known as Baja Pizza Fish is either a pizza place with decent tacos or a taco place with excellent pizza.
When someone mentions grabbing dinner in downtown Canton, my first suggestion is usually George’s Lounge. The Canton mainstay dates back to 1959 and is the second-oldest continually operating bar in downtown Canton. Its current iteration in the downtown Arts District is known for its inexpensive drinks and uniquely delicious bar food.
Upscale dinners are great and all, but there’s something to be said for getting down and dirty with simple, delicious, inexpensive food. This was easily one of the messiest dinners I’ve ever had. Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ is worth a visit, but I’d avoid wearing white.
