Downtown Canton, Ohio
Over the past decade, downtown Canton, Ohio has experienced a remarkable transformation. We invite you to take a virtual tour of the Arts District, and all the wonderfully unique bars, restaurants, and shops within a short stroll of Canton Comedy Boom’s main stage at Patina Arts Centre!
Don’t forget to grab yourself a Dora beverage from a nearby bar before heading down to our main stage at Patina!
View a Map of Canton’s Arts District!
First, some of CCB’s favorites…
Join us for our monthly First Friday Comedy Night at Patina Arts Centre!
This show is free of charge thanks to our sponsor Deli Ohio. Each month we feature a diverse group of comedic talents by booking seasoned comics from all over northeast Ohio and beyond.
Canton’s First Fridays are a walk-able celebration of the arts, incorporating galleries, shopping, dining, and live entertainment in the heart of downtown. We encourage guests to make a night out of it and invite you to visit some of the unique bars, restaurants and more within an easy stroll of Canton Comedy Boom’s main stage.
Patina Arts Centre
324 Cleveland Ave NW Canton OH 44702
Doors at 7:30pm
Show starts at 8pm
No cover charge
DORA drinks from nearby bars are permitted
Arcadia Grille Downtown is a long-standing establishment with a historic ambiance and a welcoming, attentive staff. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features classic Italian dishes, including soup, salads, subs, and pastas in addition to mouthwatering chops, steaks, and salmon. Arcadia features a full-service bar with cold beers on tap and a creative cocktail menu. Located in Centennial Plaza, and conveniently right behind CCB’s main stage at Patina Arts Centre, Arcadia is the perfect place to visit during your trip downtown, and the quickest place to grab a DORA beverage before a comedy show!
Canton Comedy Boom would like to give a special shout out to the new owner of Arcadia, Kyle Stead. Kyle has been a boon to the comedy boom in Canton and a great friend to the CCB crew. He was instrumental in the Shish and Giggles Comedy Show at The Desert Inn, which ran from 2023 until 2024 when Kyle and his wife purchased Arcadia. There are currently plans to revive the comedy show at Arcadia, and we are thrilled to add this amazing venue to our little comedy community. This great little neighborhood bar and restaurant serves delicious food (try the meatball subs!) and offers a cozy outdoor patio where our comics and friends can often be found busting chops after their shows.
Updates on Arcadia comedy events coming soon!
George's Lounge has a rich history dating back to 1959. Originally a neighborhood bar, it quickly became a local institution known for its welcoming atmosphere and signature burgers. Over the years, George's has evolved into a beloved downtown gathering place, retaining its classic charm and evolving with the city of Canton.
Located just across the street from Patina Arts Centre, our comics and audiences alike often head there after shows for unforgettable burgers, live music, friendly staff and affordable drinks. George's is a piece of Canton's history and a testament to its vibrant community spirit!
Milestone Boardgame Bar is a newer addition to the downtown scene, but has quickly become a favorite for all ages. With over 1,400 board games available to play, and a one-of-a-kind gourmet hot dog menu (and veggie dogs!), Milestone is a great place to hang with friends after a comedy show.
Milestone is located just a few doors south of Patina Arts Centre, and features a full service bar, complete with creative craft beers on tap and fun house cocktails. Monday night is industry night, when service industry workers can play board games for free. And with three private game rooms, Milestone can accommodate groups of all sizes.
Visit 2 Scoopz for ice cream so good, you'll need to order at least two scoops! Located just one block from Canton Comedy Boom’s main stage, this is the place to find on a hot summer day. Cool down with a variety of ice cream flavors, boozy shakes and slushies for the adults, and cool Canton-inspired dessert creations.
Canton Comedy Boom would like to give a special shout out to the owner of 2 Scoopz, Dave Beck. He was one of our earliest supporters and he has sponsored several CCB shows and allowed us to host The Dad Joke Pun-Off during one of Canton’s many downtown summer celebrations. Dave is a stand up guy and a devoted member of the downtown community. We heartily recommend you show Dave and 2 Scoopz some love next time you come to a comedy show.
Cantonology is home to all things Canton. If you’re looking for a Canton (or Ohio) themed gift, this is definitely the place to visit. From the nostalgic to the modern, browse in-shop for photos, art pieces, glassware, jewelry and more. Cantonology also offers art and crafts workshops for individuals and for groups in a fun and friendly setting.
Canton Comedy Boom would like to give a special shout out to the owner of Cantonology, Barb Resch. Barb’s efforts to help promote downtown businesses have been crucial in the revitalization of downtown Canton. Her maps of First Friday events have helped so many visitors make the most out of their trip downtown. The creativity and love with which she approaches her work is inspiring, and we are grateful for her support. Please help us pay that support forward and stop by Cantonology to meet Barb and browse her one-of-a-kind shop.
Fronimo’s is one of CCB’s favorites! Hands-down one of the best restaurants in the city, and possibly the best pork chops in the city. Don’t let its small size fool you, this place packs a punch. Fronimo’s offers an upscale but relaxing and friendly atmosphere. It has a big city feel with a small town staff that will treat you right. Their menu offers seasonal specials and locally sourced ingredients, served with a delightful presentation by an attentive and knowledgeable staff. With a full service bar and a cozy feel, Fronimo’s is a great choice for a date night.
The 4th Street Collective
Three friends. Three businesses. One building. The 4th St Collective is one of Canton’s newest collaborations and includes Deli Ohio, Mike’s Pizza, and The Woodshop (opening Spring 2024).
Deli Ohio is a local, community-focused, family-owned sandwich shop that strives to source fresh, high-quality ingredients right here in Ohio. Canton Comedy Boom would like to give a special shout out to Deli Ohio’s owner, Ryan Miller, who donated all of the chairs in Patina’s Underground Performace Space. Ryan is a stand up guy and a friend of CCB’s. Help us pay that support forward and grab a sandwich next time you’re downtown.
Mike’s Pizza makes the best New York style pies in Canton.
The Woodshop brews barrel-aged craft beers with a focus on saisons and sours.
Be sure to check out their muraled wall while you’re there!
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Fromage du Monde
Fromage du Monde is definitely one of downtown Canton’s more unique offerings. They offer cheeses sourced from all over the world, served by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff who love to talk all things cheese. From artisan, cut-to-order cheese and wine, to dine-in cheese flights, catering boards and deli service, and grazing tables for larger parties, Fromage is a cheese lovers paradise.
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Lucca Downtown
The perfect place to bring a date, this Tuscan inspired restaurant is a Canton gem. Lucca serves only fresh, locally sourced ingredients with seasonal preparations and boasts ten years of award-winning dishes. Complete with a full bar and an excellent wine and beer list, their thoughtful and attentive staff will help you find the best pairing for your meal. From chops and steaks to seafood and pasta, Lucca is one of Canton’s finest dining experiences.
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Jerzees Sports Bar
Jerzees’ high-def TVs are a great way to catch the game and their heated outdoor patio will keep you warm in the colder months. They make some of the city’s best wings (be sure to try their award-winning Erie Island Rub), as well as sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers. In addition to great food and affordable drinks, Jerzees hosts live music and DJ’s and their proximity to Centennial Plaza puts them at the center of most downtown celebrations.
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The Auricle
For over a decade now The Auricle has been a staple in the local music scene. With room for hundreds of guests and a state-of-the-art light and sound system, The Auricle is the ideal place to grab a drink and listen to live music. You’ll find some of Canton’s friendliest bar tenders waiting to serve affordable drinks. The Auricle hosts trivia nights, local bands and open mics, burlesque, and drag shows. This is truly one of downtown Canton’s best venues.
more food and drink…
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Rae’s on Court is Canton’s neighborhood speakeasy tucked beneath Samantha’s on Court Ave. They specialize in craft cocktails and keep over 100 different bourbons on the shelf. Rae’s throws one hell of a karaoke party every Friday night, and they host live music every First Friday. This cozy little bar is an intimate venue and a great place to see a local band or meet up with friends after a comedy show.
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The Conestoga is one of Canton’s many hidden gems. Located next to the stunning Historic Onesto Lofts, this quaint little pub has retained a timeless atmosphere with its muraled walls, and wooden booths and ceiling beams. Conestoga offers a tasteful array of sandwiches, entrees, salads, and more!
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The Culture Cigar Lounge is one of the newer additions to our little downtown community and already they’ve set the bar high with a beautiful interior design, a custom bar, and great live entertainment. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to light a cigar after a show or just a great place to network and build relationships, The Culture Lounge will impress. Be sure to check out their humidor before you leave!
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The Imperial Room has been a staple downtown Canton bar since 2003. It's a local favorite to grab a drink, shoot some pool, and find some friendly conversation.
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The Triple Nickel is an American Veterans Establishment. Their bar and restaurant have an excellent menu, along with great drink prices. They are open for lunch and dinner to the public without memberships. With their vintage setting and home-cooked food, The Triple Nickel/Amvets 555 is ideal for a meal with the family before a comedy show.
more shops…
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From t-shirts and shoes to wine glasses, water bottles and rolling trays, if you can think of it, Cookie can customize it. There really isn’t any design she can’t recreate. Stop by this quirky little shop for all your customized printing needs.
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Gator’s Joint is one of downtown Canton’s coolest little shops. Their friendly staff love to make customers laugh, and you’re sure to have a good time while browsing Canton’s only custom gifts and smoke shop.
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Miss Larana’s is dedicated to those who care about their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With a large variety of small batch, home-made organic products at reasonable prices, Miss Larana’s caters to both your inner and outer beauty.
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Since 2013, Modern Ritual has been downtown Canton’s only state of the art piercing and jewelry studio. Their staff are dedicated to a safe and pleasant piercing experience and they also offer an array of unique, non-pierced jewelry. The customer service at Modern Ritual is unrivaled and we encourage you to check them out next time you’re in town for a show.
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Boomdyada is another one of Canton’s unique shops where you can go to create small worlds within a terrarium. Find a container of your own or purchase one there and let the lovely staff teach you how to build your own little living landscape. Or stop by the shop to check out some of their homemade jewelry and ready-made terrariums.
more CCB favorites…
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Explore City Tours was founded by Barb Abbott and was developed to highlight the unique eateries, amazing artists, and rich history of Canton and the surrounding region. Originally operating in Canton, Barb has recently expanded the concept to include Akron and Wooster. Her dedication to and love of local culture and cuisine has made Explore City Tours one of the most exciting things downtown Canton has to offer. From food tours to pub crawls and motorcoach tours, there’s something for groups of all sizes. Canton Comedy Boom would like to thank Barb for her support and we heartily recommend you visit their website to learn more!
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The Hub is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization founded by Canton artist, Tim Carmany. Serving as both a gallery and a studio space, The Hub is a staple in the local art scene. In addition to showcasing Canton artists, the gallery is often taken over by featured artists from many other places. Located at 336 6th St., you can’t miss its muraled walls. Help us support the creative community in Canton and stop by The Hub to view the gallery next time you come to a comedy show.
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Silo Arts and Meadow Studio is a gallery and studio space for outsider artists to express themselves and to be seen. Located within the Canton Arts District, they offer a program tailored to individuals seeking to further explore their artistic talents and showcase their abilities to the community and the art world.
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Basil offers fantastic Asian dishes in large portions at generous prices. The menu items are inspired by Pacific and Southeastern Asian cuisine and feature gourmet offerings such as spicy Szechuan, Thai curries, Pad Thai and fresh sushi. Owner, Tony Ly, is one of Canton’s most well-respected restaurateurs and a trip to Basil Asian Bistro will leave no doubts as to why.
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The Muskellunge brewery features a bistro styled taproom and outdoor patio, musical entertainment and visual artists, and they offer a relaxed and comfortable beer drinking experience for all. Bring your take-out, play one of their board games and have a great time!