YUM! We drove by last weekend and the cute patio lights caught my eye so I decided we needed to check this place out next weekend. Mexican is my favorite type of cuisine so I was so excited to find a new place in kent that I didn't know of. I try to stay up to date on new restaurants so idk how I missed this one (they opened in January) but I'm so glad I found them! ATMOSPHERE: Feels very welcoming and authentic here. I love love love the outdoor patio with the string lights as well as the backyard area filled with socially distant tables, trees, and more string lights. They also had awesome music playing in the background. The inside looked very nice as well however the outdoor seating was what drew me in. FOOD: AMAZING!! I eat a lot of tacos and these were insane. First off they are stuffed to the brim so you get your moneys worth which I fully appreciate. The tacos taste so authentic on the fresh corn tortillas and I appreciate the double corn tortilla to hold it together. I got the Baja fish taco and the al pastor. I don't think I could pick a favorite. The meat in the al pastor was so tender and flavorful and it had the perfect ratio of pineapple. The Baja fish was so fresh!! My boyfriend got the Barbacoa and the asada and loved them both. The asada was the favorite of his because the steak was cooked to perfection and the cilantro and toppings gave it such a light fresh flavor. We started with the Rojas salsa and chips which definitely has a kick but it wasn't too spicy. I was worried that it wasn't unlimited chips but the portion they give you is plenty. DRINKS: the drinks were good. I'm picky when it comes to margaritas but I got the judge and enjoyed it, not to sweet or sour (which I find happens with the sour mix). My boyfriend got the battleground margarita which was definitely much sweeter than mine but he liked it. I wish they had a lighter margarita with just lime juice, triple sec, club soda & tequila for those that don't like the sour mix. SERVICE: we came late on a Friday and they were super busy. We didn't make reservations but the hostess was super great and offered to seat us at a coffee table in the backyard seating area. Immediately water was brought out and we ordered drinks. Our drinks and chips and salsa took really long to get out to us but again they were super busy so we understood. The service was amazing though multiple people checked that we had been helped. Also halfway through our meal the hostess offered to move us to an actual table next to us that had cleared up because she saw we were struggling to eat at the coffee table. So thoughtful & kind! read more

The Battleground - Battleground margarita, judge margarita (less sweet), Chips and Salsa Roja (definitely spicy) - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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I've eaten here maybe three or four times, and it's always been good, but my husband and I had dinner with friends there last night, and we were very disappointed. The food was fine (though honestly nothing special), but our problem was with the service. We sat down and were immediately accosted by our server demanding our drink order even though we hadn't had time to look at the menu. We ordered drinks and apps, and both were brought out about five minutes later. That's fine, but we were definitely feeling rushed already. We hadn't seen our friends for several months, so we wanted a leisurely dinner where we could catch up. Too bad! Our dinner came out within 15 minutes of the appetizers. We weren't even finished with our dinners when the server returned with the check, practically insisting on payment. It all sort of ruined the evening as we felt pressured to turn over the table, and we hadn't even been there for an hour. The food is fine, but the experience left a bad taste in our mouths, and we probably won't return for a while. read more

Had a great first experience at The Battleground. We had a party of 8, so called ahead to make a reservation. Good thing we did, the place was absolutely jumping. It's really cool to have a restaurant outside of the downtown area like this in Kent, especially in an often forgot about part of town. Props. They did an awesome job with the space. I felt like I was in a swanky spot in Chicago or NYC, not a stones throw from Plum Creek. The mural outside is really cool too. Even the bathroom had loads of character. Checkout the urinal! Despite the crowd, they had a large table ready to go for us. Everybody that ordered margaritas loved them. A bit on the pricey side, but they're high quality. They had a decent beer list. Many of the craft beers are part of a social justice beer program. The beers are named after things like immigration reform and election rights, and part of the proceeds go to those projects. That is so Kent. Love it. For apps, a bunch of people tried the different guacamoles, and liked the sliced radishes on top. The pineapple guacamole was really good. I enjoyed the elote as well. The rest of the menu is mostly tacos. I'm a fan of restaurants that don't have too big of menus. I'm a firm believer in keeping it simple and sticking to what you do well. They nail that concept here. The tacos are on the smaller end, but not tiny. Most people got between 3 or 4 of them. My two favorites were the Baja fish and the Asada. The chimichurri on the steak was to die for. These two tacos were both fantastic. There are two pulled pork style tacos, one has pineapples, the other is on the spicier side with habanero. Both were solid. I didn't try the barbacoa, but people seemed to really like it. The chicken was probably my least favorite, but it wasn't bad, just didn't knock my socks off like some of the others. Personal preference probably. I'll give them a slight pass on service considering they've only been open a couple weeks and it was packed on a Saturday night. Our food didn't come out at the same time. 3 orders came out, and we started eating and finished before the next 3 or 4 orders came out. And then those people ate, finished, and one person in our party still didn't have their food. It was a good 15-20 minutes after 7 of us had already finished eating that the last persons food came out. However, when we mentioned to our server, she took control of the situation. She walked back to the kitchen and didn't come back until that last person got her food. And she gave her a free churro desert without us even asking for it or complaining. They recovered the situation well, and it showed that they cared. I also really liked how the owner seemed to be really involved and immersed in everything going on. read more

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The restaurant is very inviting and comfortable, although I'd have preferred to sit outside if the weather had cooperated. Service was pretty slow and inattentive, but the food made up for it. The selections are vast and each dish looked appetizing. read more

Ordered Carne Asada and Shrimp Tacos. Shrimp was room temperature; Steak was tough and over cooked. Employees hung around the bar with one male playing hand drums on the bar several times. Will not return. read more

Very poor service from a young and confused waiter. One of the specials for the evening was a cauliflower taco. The cauliflower was deep fried to into little cauliflower crisps. So disappointed. The rest of the food was very ordinary. read more

Came here tonight for dinner. We started off with their grilled pineapple guacamole and the basic red salsa. They were fine, a little plain. I thought the red salsa was a pretty tiny portion. We tried the chicken, Barbacoa, beer battered fish, and the Steak tacos. They were pretty decent. Their homemade corn tortillas were delicious. I was really impressed with the amount of gluten free options. That was awesome! Everything I saw was gluten free besides the beer battered shrimp tacos. We had the tamarind margarita, it was good, honestly it just tasted like a regular margarita to me. I wish the salt had gone all the way around because the salt was a nice addition. I saw a few things that looked delicious that passed our table - one being the corn and the other being the Michelada. We decided we would come back and give it another go - service was good and food was decent. read more

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We went there because my husband found an IPA beer he actually likes there. It also has a high alcohol content. I had a beautiful and delicious mimosa. We went during a really quiet period at noon on a Saturday. It rained last night so the patio was still dripping but it's a really cute patio behind the building. We ate inside. The building has very little signage so you really have to look for the building. We went with another couple. We took our time and it felt like we were on vacation. So relaxing the waiter was great and the owner came by to chat. Really friendly place. The chips were homemade and fresh. We ordered guacamole too. You are not given given salsa and chips automatically when you come. We all ordered two tacos which was plenty. I had the fish and the shrimp. The topping slaw was very spicy but good. Very fresh and plentiful. I'd like to go back to try the brunch menu. read more

Food and service was great! The prices are a little much but I'd say it's worth the price. I would say the food is way better than the others in Kent. read more

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Very cool new place in Kent! Everything is homemade, down to the tortillas. I loved my Mint Mezcal Martini-fruity yet smoky. And my husbands cider was really good too. We split the queso, I had an al pastor taco, and he had the Barbacoa. They were fabulous but the star was the pozole. Spicy, smoky hominy and pork-it's perfect for cold winter nights. And the churros were the best I've ever had. It was really nice to meet one of the owners too. One thing I will say is I hope you bring your mole back, that's my favorite Mexican sauce and I'm sure it would be delicious. read more

It was good but not great but I still recommend it because it's just really Good ps try read more

Finally! I don't give 5 stars very often, but this little gem deserves every one. I know it's not Jean George, or Roisters, or the Grey, but as far as Mexican cuisine, it's the best around. Don't look for the same old 'six ingredients in different shapes'. Yes, the outside seating is great, the live music was very nice, but it's all about the food (and the social awareness behind it). The menu is extensive and the food was excellent. We'll seasoned but not overpowering. Instantly took me back to Mexico. Take a ride out to Kent and check out this outstanding restaurant. You will not be disappointed. read more

Delicious tacos. Great beer and wonderful atmosphere on the outdoor porch. 12 beers on tap. read more

The Battleground - Two tacos and esquites. - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

Amazing food. Authentic flavor with fresh ingredients. Loved the grilled fish with plantains My kid thought the steak quesadilla was great. The place was packed but they fit us in to their small dining room. Servers were great with answers to questions about the menu. Wonderful atmosphere with fantastic artwork on walls . Cocktails with flair. Tequilas and local beers to choose from. Patio looks great but it was a cold rainy day in Kent. We will be back. read more

Fantastic establishment. Delicious food with a very nice menu. Margaritas and beers are all wonderful. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. One of the best restaurants in the area and solid stop for Mexican food. The carnitas are a must! read more

The Battleground - Some tasty German style wheat beer - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

The worst service we've ever had anywhere. We waited forever for our appetizer, and when it never came, the waiter ARGUED with us, saying we hadn't ordered it. We won't be back. read more

Absolutely love this place. Not only is the food delicious but the staff is wonderful. The owner served us our food and checked in on us. And the bartender stopped over to give us samples of margaritas he was testing out for the holidays. Carnitas entree and tacos were a hit. read more

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Delicious food, Nuevo style Mexican! Very comfortable and indoor and outdoor seating!

Highly recommend! Ordered the tequila flight and spicy margaritas for drinks. Chips and salsa for app, my personal favorite was the verde. Salsa is more of a puree style for those that haven't been. Loved the chicken and steak tacos. We will definitely be back! Service was great too! Also here here before 5:15 (or make reservations) because they fill up fast! read more

You have to try their refried beans. They will take you there. Also, it's wonderful that we can enjoy regional dishes from Mexico instead of strictly Tex Mex. The service is hit or miss. Ambiance is good, particularly on the patio during warm months. The only thing is that it's not in my weekly budget. However, It's a good place to take family and friends for special occasions. read more

Strongly recommend. We are from FL, in town for family - tried for drinks and app's outside. Good ambience, nice service, real Mexican food including several types of guacamole. We even had excellent conversation with owner. Excellent place for dinner, very fun outside, and live music on Fri night. Do not hesitate to come here. John read more

This is the real deal folks! Sammie is a great server. They also have a beautiful outdoor lighted patio. The tacos were delicious, very authentic. Give them a shot, you won't be disappointed. Make reservations! read more

Great atmoshphere and beer/wine/cocktails menu. Service was very attentive. Food was really, really good. The drawbacks: fairly limited menu (a la carte tacos and a few apps and entrees) and pretty expensive. I personally don't think it's possible to create a street-style taco worth $6. You'll need 3 to make a meal ($18). If you don't want a la carte, entrees range from $24-$28, which is unexpectedly pricy for a Mexican restaurant in Kent (more like what you'd expect @ Momocho in CLE). The place was less than 1/2 full the weekday evening we were there @ prime dinner hour. If they expanded the menu a bit with some less expensive entrees, I'd bet they'd consistently draw more guests. But, if I'm too cheap and prices really don't phase you, I'd definitely recommend you go. read more

A friend and I decided to check this place out one night to switch it up from our usual taco spots. The food was really delicious and the restaurant has a great outdoor seating area for when it's warm out. My personal favorite was the coconut shrimp taco. The shrimp were massive and tasted super good. I personally wasn't a huge fan of the tortillas, but I'll ask them if there's an alternative next time I visit. Queso was delicious! read more

The Battleground - Queso Fundido - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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What's not to love about The Battleground? The food and drinks were delicious, the outdoor dining and entertainment was relaxing, the service was excellent. I had two tacos, a margarita, and corn all for about $20.00. I will be visiting again very soon. read more

The Battleground - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

THE BEST margaritas and tacos! The beautiful patio and great service always make our delicious dinner even better.

Very nice ambiance, authentic Mexican food and great service. The restaurant also has a nice patio with heat lamps and lights. The manager was also very attentive and friendly. Will definitely be coming back! :) read more

The Battleground - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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Great food, great ambiance inside and outside on the patios, great and engaged owner, make a reservation if you can. Downside- some portions are pretty small and you have to pay for things like chips (but imagine the waste at the typical Mexican restaurant that gives out free chips and salsa?). read more

The food was great (shrimp tacos & Pescado Veracruzana), the service was terrific and the atmosphere was fun.

Ok, it was cold on a Friday night, so I wasn't sure about the patio! But I didn't wanna be inside during covid....no worries! Huge heaters key Pt is SO WARM I had to strip off my jacket! But that was just a starter - the food and service is what Battleground offers. Mole chicken Tamal was a treat, served in a husk with attention to looks and taste (I licked the corn husk!) second was grilled pineapple guacamole that packed some heat with some peppery seeds on top. Then a portobello mushroom taco on their signature hand pressed corn taco with just the right mix of veggies and heat. This is THE place for Real Mexican food. Rosie and her staff take care to make your night special - with heat! read more

Food is great...Owner is also super nice and stopped by our table to tell us how she started the restaurant. The molcajete was crazy good.

I took my two kids there, one who lives in Vegas and the other from San Francisco. They both said the food was top notch, like you get in the "hip" cities where they live. We sat outside. It was great. read more

Simply the best authentic Mexican food we have ever had. There are a few negative reviews from others regarding prices and my opinion is they hire top quality help (a good chef for one) and fresh top quality ingredients. I'm willing to pay for that! The food is amazing and the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is super cozy........indoors and out and we will be back, over and over again. We also support the social issues the owner is passionate about. We had signed up for classes but my mother had a massive stroke and we had to cancel. I am hoping they will offer more of these type of private events........what a fun, great idea. read more

Their steak tacos are definitely my favorite. But the chicken tacos and tamals are also pretty damn good. The drinks are always on point as well. read more

The Battleground - Pork tamal, chicken taco, and steak taco. - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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Everything was lovely! Service and food were fantastic across the board! Also, the coffee is fantastic!

Top of the line cuisine. Why travel to Cleveland when you've authentic Mexican cuisine in Kent? Yeah, Mexican food is much, much more than burritos. Battleground is a testament to that! read more

Correct the beans did not have Cumin. They tasted like a sticky paste. Gross at best. The Spanish rice may as well have come out of a box. Cumin overload. Again gross. Wouldn't pay four dollars for that crappy shit at chipotle. However, some people's taste buds are shot and they will eat shit on a plate if served to them. Keep feeding them those tequila shots that will help with that overpriced garbage. read more

Walking in, the space welcomes you with beautiful neutral colors and amazing wood flooring. The upholstered couches flanking the walls are not only gorgeous and unique, but super comfy. My favorite taco (I had 3) was the Barbacoa. And I loved the Si Se Puede lager! Overall, this was a fun and unique dining experience and we'll be back! read more

Have been many times. Amazing food and appetizers. Delicious cocktails. Love the ambiance in their patio. Don't miss the specials- always something good to try . read more

Food, atmosphere and Waitress were amazing!! Can't wait to come back here again next week! read more

The Battleground - Tacos- Shrimp-Fish-Asada - Mexican Near Me - Kent, Ohio

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