Eclectic menu draws college crowd to new hot spot in historic district

The historic district of downtown Akron is being sculpted into a focal point for University of Akron art students and art lovers.

Students who congregate at Mocha Maiden for the coffee and art displays are beginning to migrate next door to get a bite to eat at Crave.

Crave, which opened last fall on E. Market Street, features a quirky menu including items like Bloody Mary ketchup and fried pickle chips.

Co-owners DeAnna Akers and Aaron Hervey said the restaurant draws a diverse crowd ranging in age from 20 to 50. They said they are attracting a growing college crowd.

Graphic design major Persa Zula said the interior design is her favorite part of Crave.

"It is very well done," she said. "In that aspect, they will attract a lot of students."

In addition to being next door to Mocha Maiden, Crave used to be a catering business located next to Northside, a N. Main Street jazz bar.

"Young people found out about us there and followed us," Akers said.

They expect to attract even more students when the new art museum is completed and they open their outdoor patio. Crave has a variety of eclectic lunch and dinner items. Complete with valet parking, the restaurant has an upscale feel but its menu items will satisfy both the appetites and the budgets of students.

"It's a good place to go on a date because it is nice, but not so stuffy that you feel like you can't make noise," Hervey said.

Their goal was to create a contemporary dining environment that matched their unique receipts.

"The menu consists of globally inspired fusion cuisine," Hervey said.

Sandwiches range from $6 to $9. Main entrees are $9 to $26.

If you just want to stop in for lunch, try an appetizer like the pan-fried, buttermilk-dipped green tomatoes with tomatillo salsa, crab meat and chili sour cream. Priced at $5, you won't miss Taco Bell.

For dinner, Hervey recommends the smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese with blackened chicken and roasted garlic butter, priced at $12. There will probably be enough left over to take home. Hervey said you cannot get the unique ingredients or atmosphere anywhere else for that price.

"We are welcoming, warm, contemporary and timeless," he said.

Crave is a nice alternative for students tired of the downtown club scene, Akers said. "Weeknights are a great opportunity to hang out at the bar," she said. "We have the best prices in town for martinis."

Currently on display at Crave is the artwork of two local artists. Akers and Hervey said they plan on rotating the artwork of local artists every year.

"Students are more than welcome to bring by their portfolio for consideration," Akers said.