If at first you don’t succeed, brew and brew again. For Ohio Brewing Co. owner Chris Verich, that philosophy has served him well. After failed attempts at a Niles location in 1997 and another on Akron’s Main Street in 2008, he never gave up, continuing to brew and distribute his Ohio Brewing Co. beers at local festivals and events. Staying fresh on beer drinker’s minds paid off with the 2016 opening of his brewpub in Akron’s Highland Square. “We wanted people to not forget about us,” says Verich. “I wanted to give the neighborhood a nice pub and brewery setting so they could enjoy our brews.” With his seven-barrel brewhouse, Verich concocts an array of classic and exotic beers such as a nutty Cardinal Ale ($5 for 16 ounces) or the deliciously seasonal Maple Porter ($5 for 16 ounces) made with local maple syrup. Our Pick: The bold malty flavor of the Steel Valley Stout ($5 for 16 ounces) is balanced by crisp hops and a dry finish. 804 W. Market St., Akron, 234-208-6797, ohiobrewing.com
Beer Guide: Ohio Brewing Co.
The third time's a charm for Chris Verich who kept brewing through his two failed brewery attempts.
