R. Shea Brewing - Merriman Valley, Akron OH

Leaving a bad review for this spot feels bad man, like really bad.

This has been a frequent stop for me to meet up with friends and colleagues since I started working in Akron a couple years back and a couple of years ago I would have given them a 4/5.

The Valley location feels like an afterthought since the Canal Place location went in. The other location has better food, better beer, and it seems like most of the friendly faces that were down here have been shipped off to work at the new location. The service down here has seemed frantic and confused lately, even when there isn't a crowd.

Came down on Thursday with some friends for the anniversary week shenanigans, and I was very disappointed. The event beers are being released a few at a time for each day, but they are still taking up tap handles and none of the event beers that were available on Thursday were good.

I paid for a flight that I sent back to be poured out. The cherry/lemon fruit dance party and the birthday cake beers all have a strange chemical/medicinal quality to them. Both of the Bourbon Barrel Carbon Blacks are rough, they taste like you poured a shot of cheap whiskey into regular Carbon Black, and they just smell offensive.

I really hope that the quality down here stops sliding.

Had a great first time here. Good beers, nice casual atmosphere.

The Italian quesadilla was to die for 5/5

Just wondering why your posted hours list a closing time of 10 pm. I stopped tonight (Thursday) at 9: 50 to get some to go beers, but the doors were locked. Maybe change the posted hours to reflect the actual closing time.

5 beers 5 home runs, to be clear I did not like every one but I knew they were all good. Also the soft pretzels and cheese were yum.

Very cool place! First time there. Went there with my brother and two of my old college buddies from over 40 years ago-my brother secretly arranged this "reunion" as a surprise to me. Being a dark beer lover, I had their Polymer Espresso Stout. Magnificent beer! What a great afternoon!

One of my favorite breweries in Akron, especially if you love stouts or imaginative brews. The sandwiches here are also good and reasonable, and the cozy space is a great place to try their beers, especially on Wednesdays when their lab rats come out.

R Shea’s creativity for beer stands out. From the popular hazys & stouts to quirky weekly lab rats and refreshing classics. Always a plethora to choose from.

It's a local brewery, so of course you come for the beers, but their food is phenomenal! They have an excellent selection of sandwiches and appetizers. On weds they have a limited production beer-get there early - and a new sandwich. Some beers are always found, while there is an excellent selection of rotating taps. Great food, tremendous beers, and excellent service! Make a stop here and support local brewers/business owners. You won't be disappointed!

Delicious beers and wonderful staff and management. Very likeable and professional. Would easily go back and hangout again.

I LOVE R. Shea Brewing. Best brewery in Akron, and there are a lot of great breweries. There's something for everyone. The Valley location has a deli-style menu that is incredible, you won't be disappointed. There are even vegetarian options. The $5 sandwich of the week is a great deal and always delicious.

A must stop if you are in the area. The beer was right on point. Great hops, flavors and selections for any beer enthusiast. The food was excellent. I went with the Italian sandwich and honestly could have order a second it was so good. Traveling from out of town, I was wondering how they were dealing with all the safety precautions for the pandemic. They were beyond meeting my expectations. Social distancing tables and a very conscious staff concerned about everyone’s safety but not taking away from the reason to go, day drinking and lunch! Can’t wait to come back! My recommendation: check this place out so that it will be around for a long while to come.

Great beers! Great snacks too! We had the nachos and the chips were fantastic, they had just the right amount of cheese and fresh pico and fresh jalepenos that were actually spicy. Awesome!

Very disappointing. The flight of beer comes in plastic cups and the pours are not 5 oz, but 3.2 oz. Next door was much better.

Food is OK at best but the beers are fantastic. I am a big stout fan and R. Shea has my favorite selection of stouts out of all the Akron breweries that I have tried.

Fantastic beer and service, mediocre sandwiches. The beer cheese and pretzels were good. I dipped my chips in the leftover beer cheese. The hazelnut beer is damn close to my favorite hazelnut by Untitled Art. I took home a bunch of 4 pks and they offer growlers. Some beer was clearance priced.