Clevelanders may have the West Side Market, but Akronites head to West Point Market to find specialty foods, imported cheeses and fine wines. Since its opening in 1936, the family-owned grocery store has gone through many transitions — most recently relocating to Fairlawn. After its previous location was bought to make room for a Whole Foods store, the historic business reopened in a brand-new 10,000-square-foot space in December. “It’s a smaller footprint,” says wine director Bill Krauss. “This is more of the best of West Point Market that was located in Akron.”
Great Indoors
About half the size of its previous space, the interior has a rustic yet modern vibe with instrumental jazz playing softly in the background. Low-hanging incandescent lights from the black ceiling illuminate the space, making shopping feel like you’re in a Victorian-style tavern. “The bar and shop have a rustic, industrial feel,” says Krauss. “The market side is more contemporary.”
Drink Up
Once the market side of the building closes at 7 p.m., the wine bar remains open for those looking for fine wine or top-tier beer. For frugal spenders, head to the 90<20 wine section, which has options rated 90 points or better by Wine Spectator and are never priced more than $20. Six rotating taps offer craft beers such as Jackie O’s Grave, a citrusy India pale ale, and Omnipollo’s Selassie, an imperial stout rich in coffee and vanilla flavors. “We’re hoping that our craft beer selection will attract a younger crowd,” says Krauss.
Food Network
Shoppers will find a bakery filled with favorites such as killer brownies and thumbprint cookies and a deli offering options such as pot stickers and meatloaf. You’ll also find local favorites such as Sugar Shack Kettle Corn and Gold N Krisp Potato Chips on shelves along with imported goods such as pasta and sauces. “We’re a market like no other,” Krauss says. “We carry stuff that other places don’t have such as German chocolates and panettone bread from Italy.”
