Woman-owned restaurant brings authentic Mexican food, social justice to Kent | Local Flavor

Trying out a new Mexican restaurant for the first time can always seem a bit risky. Most people find one Mexican restaurant they like and stick to it. Fair enough. It's comfortable, and you know you like it! However, every now and then it's good to step out of your comfort zone, and that's just what my friend Chloe and I did on a hazy Wednesday night on the hunt for some grub.

The Battleground Taproom and Mexican Kitchen in Kent was a new experience for both of us. Discovering the restaurant is woman-owned as well as actively having a socially conscious beer menu were the highlights of my experience, along with the food, of course.

An authentic social taproom where you can drink for a cause

Rosi Peruyero-Noden, owner of The Battleground and an immigrant from Papantla, Mexico, has two simple goals: Make great authentic Mexican dishes and do it with a purpose. All the food is made from scratch, on-site. Peruyero-Noden wanted to bring traditional recipes from different regions of Mexico to the historic end of Kent.

"The goal of the Mexican cuisine I brought to this area is more about bringing the real flavors of Mexico," she explained. "I feel like as a Mexican, our representation of food around here is not accurate."

Along with authenticity, being socially conscious and giving back to the community is a top priority for The Battleground.

With the help of her husband, Kirk Noden, they created a "Drink Your Values" menu where profits from the beers go to an array of social justice causes.

"At The Battleground, it is our goal to create a space where a community can gather to share their passion for delicious food – and social justice," the website details.

I ended up ordering the Cherry St. Cream Ale, which uses proceeds for the revitalization efforts for the Historic South End of Kent. I'll admit, I'm not a huge beer girl on any account, but if it's for a good cause, I'm always down to try!

Battleground has something for everyone with various authentic dishes

To start off our meal, we decided on the Queso Fundido, a thick and rich spinoff of any regular queso dip. Served with tortilla chips and a large, warm tortilla, I was diving back in for more. If you're not afraid of things getting a little messy, I highly recommend this appetizer — it's something you can't get anywhere else in Kent.

Other appetizers available are some classics like salsa and guacamole, which I can't eat because I'm allergic to avocados (weird, I know).

For my main course, I tried out the carnitas. It came with a side of warm corn tortillas, black beans, guacamole and salsa borracha. To say the least, I was very impressed as the carnitas practically melted in my mouth.

My friend Chloe ordered an array of the many tacos they have to offer at The Battleground. Her top three choices ended up being the asada, pollo tinga and the al pastor tacos. From sweet to spicy, they have something for everyone here.

Artistry and elegance throughout

Immediately, I was impressed with the beautiful artistry of the restaurant. On the outside, a large painting of a tree garnished the white brick building, but it didn't stop there. The interior brought a warm and inviting feel as the walls were canvased in four large paintings with an exposed brick wall behind the bar. The two patios are also perfect for whenever the summer weather finally decides to stick around.

A true girl-boss

Peruyero-Noden takes great pride in the fact that The Battleground is a woman-owned business, especially coming from her background of being an immigrant coming to America.

"It feels great to be a woman business owner; in many ways it's an accomplishment that I wish more many immigrants that come to this country can have," she said. "I think I show it can be done and everything is possible with a lot of work."

Although most days feel like a success, there are times when Peruyero-Noden finds herself in the midst of misogyny.

"There are a few times when it feels like being a woman is a minority as a business owner. It's like they look down on me or don't believe that I can do this, especially men," she said. "Of course not every man, but some of them can somewhat diminish your accomplishments."

With the fierce business owner she is, these sorts of comments do not deter her from continuing to lead a successful restaurant featuring the best authentic Mexican dishes around town. So, next time you're craving Mexican food, consider trying something local and delicious.

Details

Restaurant: The Battleground Taproom and Mexican Kitchen

Where: 425 Cherry St., Kent, OH 44240

Hours: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with lunch hours 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Information: (330) 548-9019, battlegroundbar.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: The Battleground Mexican restaurant brings flavor and justice to Kent