The Heart and Soul of Youngstown Restaurants

Youngstown is better known for local food options and new ideas than an abundance of chain restaurants. We have discussed pizza before because local pizza in Youngstown is a staple and a controversy among the city. There are steps to growing the local presence and respect. Us Northeast, Ohio people are passionate about our pizza. The Youngstown Foodies though we'd give you a slice of how we think pizza should be rated. Here is your step by step guide to victory.

In the fast-paced world we live in; it's easy to eat in a grab and go fashion. We all do it, it's timely and tastes delicious to our tastebuds. Every once in a while we need the greasy cheeseburger, slice of pizza and some chicken wings. So far I'm sure everyone is aware of the endless craving options that exist in Youngstown, Ohio, but sometimes your body yearns for something different. Yanno, food that's actually good for your insides that's not simply appealing to your tastebuds? Youngstown food only gets better because we found some hot spots that you'll love and your body will too. This is motivation for a health kick right here.. 1.  Flaming Ice Cube Originally opening as an aromatherapy shop in 1997, Flaming Ice Cube has been peace and meaning to Boardman by catering to your stomach and your state of mind. In 2002 they have prioritized serving made from scratch items ranging from essential oils to vegan smoothies. It is a true experience both spiritu...

One of my local favorites where all the bartenders know my name and I have my own personal booth is none other than Inner Circle YSU. Many students including myself call Inner Circle a second home.  Join me as I dive on in a student favorite. As always if you missed my last post last week you can  catch it here . Enjoy! Atmosphere: Walking into Inner Circle Pizza on YSU campus is a great example of a college watering hole. The restaurant is split into 2 separate sections. The sit down dining room is on the left with tables and booths, on the right is a beautiful bar surrounded by booths and tables. When you walk into Inner Circle you will be greeted by a smile and hopefully a cold glass of your favorite drink. Play a game of pool or put some dollars into the jukebox, because this is the place to be if you're on campus. Food: Alright now the moment you've been waiting for the food.  We start off again with the appetizers, the chips at Inner C...

The mission of Birdfish is t o bring the local  community   together to enjoy fresh craft beer and create unforgettable memories with the people we love and the people they love. This location is open and in brewing operation focusing on 1bbl (31 gallons) experimental beers. The taproom UP TOP is open on Friday & Saturday where you can find 5 experimental beers on tap and in constant rotation. Customer feedback on new beer releases is so important. You can sample and have your review considered at this location before the beer is moved to brew in larger batches at the production facility. When you visit Birdfish, you will find live music from local and traveling musicians UP TOP every Friday and Saturday evening from 7-10 PM. When there’s not live music UP TOP, they're spinning vinyl on the turntable for your enjoyment. https://www.birdfishbrew.com/ https://www.birdfishbrew.com/food-trucks Something that really sets Birdfish apart from other breweries ...

Sitting in a coffeehouse and enjoying a small snack, sipping on a hot cup of coffee, and using your time to relax is every cafe lover's dream. Throw college students into the equation, and now you have a hot spot for hang outs and studying. Just down the road from Youngstown State University, located at 818 Elm St., a new coffeehouse opened last winter: Culturehouse Coffee Company . Shall we dive into what this beautiful coffeehouse offers? Let's go! Photo courtesy of Culturehouse Instagram page First thing's first, the coffeehouse looks old on the outside, but once you walk inside you enter a beautiful, light, and welcoming atmosphere. The smell of coffee and pastries instantly take over your nose and makes your mouth water for every little thing you smell.  The best of the coffee though? That would have to be their "Batch Brew". Simple, original, and tasty. You can never go wrong with an original brew. Photo courtesy of Culturehouse Instagr...

Recently I journeyed to a local favorite just behind Youngstown State University. Cassese's MVR is a historic bar and restaurant that many YSU students go to get a nice sit down meal or perhaps a quick pint. Join me as I dive on in a student favorite. As always if you missed my last post last week you can catch it here . Enjoy! Atmosphere: Walking into MVR you are introduced to some local sports memorabilia that sets the mood for a down to earth experience. Walking into the lobby you see the historic bar that has stood the test of time. One can imagine the stories the bar could tell if it could talk. The restaurant is quite small on the inside so if you plan to go here during peak hours you may have to wait. Although I can assure you the wait will be worth it. The over all atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming it is a nice place to spend hours with friends and catch up, you may even find a few YSU alumni dining inside. Below is a picture of what the original MVR bar lo...

Are you looking to get out of the day to day normalities of going to work or school, ordering takeout, going home and binge-watching your favorite Netflix series while chilling on your couch in your PJs? Youngstown has you covered! Downtown Youngstown offers some of the best places to get out and spread your wings. To start our journey of getting off the couch, our first stop is V2 Wine Bar and Trattoria.  The menu at V2 features many different choices for everyone to enjoy, such as meatball salad, calamari, and fabulous hot peppers and oil. How can we forget that V2 also offers many craft beers on tap, including Magic Hat, Yuengling, Rust Belt, and Kentucky Bourbon Ale. They have 21 other craft brews available, along with 18 imports, a near-full slate of domestics and 11 specialty martinis. How perfect? Get some delicious food and an awesome beer, you're set! The second stop on this stroll through Youngstown, The Federal!   The Federal features over 13 ...

Okay, by now if you're not from Youngstown you're probably feeling a little jealous. I don't blame you but unfortunately, we're even more privileged than you thought. Not only can Youngstown satisfy your hunger, but we also cure intense caffeine cravings. 1. Pressed Coffee Bar & Eatery First on our list of morning grabs lies in the heart of downtown Youngstown. Located on Youngstown State University's campus, Pressed as we call it has been the local hot spot for breaks and lunch dates. This two-story coffee shop was once a home transformed into a private but modern cafe. Pressed prioritizes serving coffee from around the world with individual twists inspired by campus life like the Penguin Mocha. Pressed is known for their homemade waffles and salads if you're not here for a quick fix of caffeine. If you're into creative drinks with bold flavors, Pressed is the place for you. Check them out at 215 Lincoln Avenue. 2. Stone Fruit Coffee Company Als...

Youngstown and small business go hand and hand. Beyond its industrial past comes a new passion in entrepreneurship, food. Youngstown's oldest restaurants are still shining with legacy and serving up the same comfort goods since the day they opened. Trying to cover the map is hard, but we did our best... 1. Scarsella's Italian Restuarant Located on 4151 Market Street,  Scarsella's  has been feeding local pasta lovers with traditional styles meals since the early 1900's. As they moved from their original location on the South Side, to across Midlothian Blvd, they began to scale their business. Scarsella's is unique because of the generations that they serve. For many families in the area, it's a Friday Lenten fish spot and every other day is great for Homemade cavatelli or spaghetti. Some of their most popular dishes consist of chicken parm sandwiches, Italian eggplant, cavatelli, and wedding soup of course.  2. Charlie Staples Barbeque  A mouth-watering sme...

Do you believe in magic? Well the people down at the Magic Tree Pub & Eatery sure do! Join me as I dive on in this local Youngstown pub that will have you clicking your heels calling it home. As always if you missed my last post last week you can catch it here . Enjoy! Atmosphere: Walking into Magic Tree you will be greeted by friendly staff who will show you to a booth or one of there custom tabletops made out of vintage barrels. If those options are not enough to satisfy you can always sit at the bar or out on the patio. Magic Tree does a magical job in combining the feel of a sports bar with the hip vibe of an artsy bar. Looking around the restaurant you can find just about any sport that tickles your fancy on one of the many televisions posted around. On some nights they have music trivia which I personally tested out and will have you know I held my own. Some nights they have bands come in and play live music which in itself is a treat. On the other side of the restauran...

Youngstown has a history of being a hard-nosed blue-collared town. What the Yo has lacked since Renner Brewery chained its doors and after the steel mills shuttered operations along the Mahoning River, has been a beer to shift a new generation of Valley beer drinkers. 1. Having 5.4% abv, Penguin City has ended that search with this drinkable “end of shift” beer. Somewhere between a Pale Ale and a pilsner. However, not quite either, this golden ale shares qualities of both. Clean and crisp... Pilsner bitterness on the palate at first sip and drinks and finishes smooth, both semi-sweet and dry. Penguin City Beer is a Perfect bridge beer to bring domestic traditionalists over the craft beer world, but is flavorful enough to give craft beer enthusiasts something light, refreshing and full of flavor something to enjoy. It truly is a beer that epitomizes Youngstown. http://jackieos.com/ 2. A caramel centered stout accentuated by Athens’ Own Dawn Chorus French Roast. Star...