The History 111 North Main St

Boy if these walls could talk! Take the Tour

The tavern at 111 North Main Street flourished. Built in 1914, 111 North Main Street is the sight of one of the longest running saloons in the Akron history. It was built as a Saloon and has ever Since been a Saloon. It was originally owned by the Burkhart Consolidate Company (Burkhardt Brewery) who made it a practice to develop and manage corner taverns where Burkhardt Beer could be sold as the house brew The building originally housed a bar on the first floor and sleeping rooms upstairs - probably frequented by rubber factory workers on eight hour shifts - we imagine those who came in search of prosperity leaving families behind.

During the 20’s a vigorous program of street paving and bridge building was begun and in 1922, the North Hill Viaduct, providing an easy connection between downtown and North Hill was completed allowing the area to grow. It carried two traffic lanes trolley tracks and a pedestrian walkway 135 feet above the valley of Little Cuyahoga

In 1924 an addition was built more than doubling the size of the building. Later, gambling in the basement, a Saloon on the first floor and a house of ill-repute (which operated for more than 35 years upstairs If those walls could talk!

For many years the building operated as Cavanaugh's where live music could be heard and enjoyed.

Fast forward to 1995 when Michael Owen and Rockne Becker become owners of then Cavanaugh's, and decide to return the old building to its glory. Using the original plans from 1914, Mike and Rockne incorporated some of the old charm along with more windows to let in light. With the best live entertainment, Studer's wine side, and the delicious crave menu, Northside has grown to become one of Akron's best blues clubs

Take the Tour