With everything from craft beers and cocktails to mouthwatering martinis and locally produced wines, there’s always a good time to be had in Canton, Ohio. Take a tour of it best bars with our guide, and experience brand new brew pubs, intimate wine bars, and some of the best live music venues in the region.
Part of the award-winning Gervasi Vineyard, The Crush House – a vibrant, hip restaurant and bar serving casual, Venetian-style fare – boasts one of the best wine lists in the area. In addition to its fine wines, The Crush House also serves martinis, cocktails, and two unique craft beers – Farmhouse Ale and Jabberwocky Pale Ale – brewed exclusively for the vineyard. There’s also outdoor seating with beautiful views over the surrounding vineyards, live music and weekly theme nights.
Inspired by its owners’ time living in the UK, Royal Docks Brewing Co is a brewery and taproom mixing traditional British pub culture with modern American style. Sample British- and European-style ales, which include the popular German-style Alaska 67 ale. There’s a simple, tempting menu featuring small plates, not-so-small plates, and flatbreads and a great beer garden that’s perfect when the weather is warm.
A legendary Canton watering hole, Bender’s Tavern has been welcoming guests since opening its doors over 100 years ago. Alongside its seafood-focused American cuisines, Bender’s also offers an award-winning wine list of over 100 hundred varieties specially selected by owner and wine connoisseur Jerry Jacobs and a number of beers on tap that change weekly, featuring the wares of some of the USA’s best craft breweries.
Located in the heart of Canton’s vibrant arts district, The Auricle is one of the city’s premier cultural venues and best-loved bars. The Auricle has welcomed a host of local and nationally touring bands and stand-up comedians, and regular themed events. There’s also ping pong, pool, and darts, and a huge beer list featuring domestic and imported beers plus a wide selection of craft beers from across the USA.
Grapes in a Glass is an upscale, urban wine bar nestled in downtown Canton that boasts 65 carefully selected wines from across the globe. Its wines, ranging from inexpensive to high end, are available by the glass, and cheeses, meats, bread, and olives are available to accompany the drinks. Budding wine connoisseurs can take advantage of Grapes in a Glass’s regular wine classes and wine tastings. Art fans won’t be disappointed either – the wine bar doubles as an art gallery and features the works of local artists.
Canton Brewing Company boasts a first-floor restaurant and bar serving American pub grub, while its basement is home to a speakeasy-style bar. True to its history its beers are based on the historical brewing styles, with expert brew master John McGroarty at the helm brewing varieties like the flagship ale, the Tuscora Pilsner, and the popular Tiny Tusc Kolsch.
George’s Lounge is a go-to for handcrafted, gourmet-casual eats and affordable drinks. Alongside liquors and wines, George’s Lounge boasts the biggest $2 beer menu in the area and serves a number of craft beers, including some locally brewed Ohio ales. George’s Lounge hosts regular live music acts each week and is a regular participant in Canton First Friday – a monthly party taking place downtown, featuring music, performance, and visual art.
Dubbing itself a ‘sports bistro,’ TD’s Tailgate Grill is more than your average, run-of-the-mill sports bar. Grab one of the juicy, hand-formed burgers, heart sandwiches, or inventive mac ‘n’ cheese dishes and wash them down with a selection from TD’s extensive beer list, featuring domestic, imports, craft brews, and a number of seasonal ales.
The Barrel Room is a wine and beer bar with over 150 wines available by the bottle and 25 wines by the glass. It includes varieties from top wine-producing regions in the USA, South America, Europe, and Australia. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music acts, and at The Barrel Room’s regular Retail Wine Nights, guests can enjoy their favorite bottles at retail price.
A live music venue, record store, and occasional art gallery all rolled into one, it’s no wonder that Buzzbin Art & Music Shop is at the forefront of arty downtown Canton’s cultural scene. Live music acts play at Buzzbin on an almost nightly basis alongside regular stand-up comedy evenings. The venue hosts a popular ‘Geeks Who Drink’ pub quiz and there’s a dedicated arcade area features pinball machines, skee-ball, and a bowling machine. There are over 200 beers available at the Buzzbin Shop and new beers are added regularly.
