Fuel 12:55 a.m.

We step out of posh and cross the street. I have to blink. For a second, I think I am in Manhattan. Headsets keep the employees in close contact, and a deejay named Lee is spinning records. I am shocked—a real dj? Usually someone just plays songs from a computer.

Lee Brooks spins deep house at Fuel. Lee's set is the first night of live music at the martini bar. {larger}

They don’t have any Coors Light, but they have $8 martinis. I am hesitant to try one at first, but I have to sample Fuel’s speciality.

My taste buds are rocketed to some subliminal heaven. I can’t keep the glass away from my lips. My mouth wants that natural, sweet flavor only found at Fuel where all juices and drink mixes are organic.

Everyone reclines in a puffy seat or leans against the padded walls sipping on whatever, talking over the day.

“This place reminds me of a Bud commercial,” 26-year-old Tony Nicholson says, proudly displaying his bottle of Bud.

“This place reminds me of a Bud commercial.”

Most of the patrons are trying to hold their wide-mouthed glasses to keep their drinks from spilling. Tony dares to be different.

$8 martinis are a highlight at Fuel, located at 348 S. Main St. in Akron. {larger}

“Someone’s walking through all these martinis with a Bud in their hand. I dig that.”

Most people are here because they are sick of the clubs or sports bars and need a change. Danny Kooy was transferred from the Netherlands to work for an automotive company in Akron. He says he’s gotten used to hanging around the bar scene in Akron, and Fuel gives him a chance to sit and get to know people.

“If you wanted to chill in the Netherlands, you’d have to go out dancing to a club,” he says. “This is nice. You can sit down, have a drink and relax your mind.”

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