Urban Eats Cafe located in downtown Akron, connected to Musica, is a quirky little cafe decorated with a lot of different things that just seems to work together. They’re only open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday so it has taken me a while to try it out. I’m kicking myself because I really should have tried it sooner.

It’s a small place with a lot of character and their food matches that theme (think green curry tilapia wrap and zucchini pizza pie). You order and pay at the counter and they have an array of drinks you can choose from in their cooler or you can grab a handcrafted coffee.

There prices aren’t bad at all and it has a very causal, hip atmosphere. Music plays in the background and art (that you can buy) hangs on the wall.

Many of the items on their menu seem to be organic and/or healthy. I got the Ninja Chicken Panini and their Kale, Ham, White bean soup. It was perfect for the cold afternoon.

The Ninja Chicken Panini is filled with grilled chicken coated in a spicy Asian plum glaze, onions, cheddar, and fresh spinach. It had a little bit of a kick, but also a little sweet. The flavors melded well together which surprised me. I wouldn’t think an Asian plum glaze would do well with cheddar cheese. The bread was soft and overall it was quite filling. I didn’t really need the soup.

But the soup was great. The flavors were more quiet than the panini so it paired well together. I would have hated it if they both were very strong flavors. The soup had a thinner broth than I expected. I’m not a fan of creamy broths so I was slightly worried about the consistency. But because I like to get two or more items for reviews, I went with it. The beans dominated the taste of the soup and the ham added a little bit of heartiness to it. The kale reminded me of the flavor of Glory Greens. I’m not sure why though. It was a really good soup that wasn’t really heavy.

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that is in the area and wants a quick lunch. They also have pretty good coffee if that’s what you’re into. I had a latte the day before I came there to do the review.

Also, a little side note. If you ever want to get tickets to one of Musica’s concerts, you can get them there if you pay with cash.

Urban Eats Cafe

51 E. Market St.

Akron, OH 44308

330.310.7135

Thanks for reading.