Urban Tap is officially open in downtown Warren. The restaurant and bar has been three years in the making for owners, and Warren natives, Matt and Jesse MacGregor who want to be a part of the city's rebound. 

“We’re going to bring these people in and that negative connotation of Warren, we're going to break that,” Matt said.  

The restaurant has an extensive food menu made with fresh ingredients and a specialty drink menu with cocktails you can only get at the restaurant. 

Urban Tap is another addition to the fast growing downtown area.

“Now, there's probably four, five, maybe six restaurants in the downtown area … we’ve seen that continuous growth. Not only are we seeing it centered in the downtown area, we're starting to see that growth spiral out,” Eddie Colbert, Warren Director of Public Safety and Service said. 

“I’ve been following Warren, coming downtown for years and so I’ve seen the progress that’s gone on and it’s amazing and I’m very happy for the area and to see this doing so well,” Dave Karr, Bartender at Urban Tap said.

The growth the city has seen over the past ten years with restaurants and entertainment is something many hope will keep people in the area and attract more. 

“I think some of the people that still reside in the city remember the hustle and bustle of downtown Warren and I think you're starting to see that,” Colbert said. 

Urban Tap owners said they want to help build up Warren by bringing the community back.

“We have a huge seating area outside to host events … we have 5,000 square feet inside but we also have tons and tons of space outside,” Matt said. 

The owners also plan to support other small businesses by having flea markets, night markets, pints and paws events and more. 

“That’s how you keep the community rolling,” Matt said.

Urban Tap is located at 439 E Market St, Warren, OH and is open Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 9p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 10p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

“(I) can’t wait for everyone to come in and see all the great things,” Karr said. “It’s unlike anything else down here.”