Shakespeare's Pub

Shakespeare's PubShakespeare's Pub
Shakespeare's PubShakespeare's Pub
Bar, Eatery

241 E Kalamazoo Ave
Ste 100
Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007-3869
United States

(269) 488-7782 | map
shakespearespub.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.81
Reviews:
21
Ratings:
42
pDev:
14.96%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by SteveSly:
Photo of SteveSly
Reviewed by SteveSly from Michigan

3.45/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
Shakespeares has one of the largest beer selections in town, so if you like a variety, this is a cool place to go. They have at least 30 or more beers on tap at any given time, and most of them microbrews. It is also only about a block away from Bell’s which a bonus is. It tends to attract a college age crowd (especially later in the evening), but I am over 50 and don’t really feel out of place. The atmosphere is just ok. The food is just ok as well, although I do like their pizza. They have a live performance space in the basement (used to be a comedy club), and two outdoor patios which are great in nice weather.
May 12, 2014
More User Ratings:
Photo of elNopalero
Reviewed by elNopalero from Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +7.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 3
They’re celebrating their 20th anniversary this year (2023), which is something of a milestone. At one time they had the widest draft selection in town, with something like 40 tap handles, although there’s a mix of faux craft and macros along with some indy favorites. The popcorn is always a treat. Expect the crowd to be heavily skewed towards the college scene.
Jul 28, 2023
 
Rated: 2.85 by BlueTomorrow from Michigan

Apr 24, 2018
 
Rated: 4.45 by Robdiesel21 from Michigan

Sep 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by cards22 from Michigan

Sep 20, 2015
 
Rated: 3.81 by deakin from Michigan

Jul 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4.19 by steelegirl1234 from Michigan

May 15, 2015
 
Rated: 3.76 by MSEGUIN from Michigan

Mar 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4.06 by Inglewood from Illinois

Jan 12, 2015
 
 
Rated: 3.5 by JackNip from Delaware

Oct 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by BriaCloette from Indiana

Sep 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by swtchuck from Michigan

Aug 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by styleisking from Michigan

Jul 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by BBlov

Jul 28, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by boogs from Iowa

Jun 27, 2014
 
Rated: 4.08 by BigTuna1066 from Michigan

Jun 13, 2014
Photo of Fargrow
Rated by Fargrow from Michigan

2.73/5  rDev -28.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Good beer, good food, consistently terrible service.
Jun 09, 2014
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -8.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
Shakespeare's Pub was the last stop on our Kalamazoo beer crawl, and we were (or at least I was!) drunk at this point.

Shakespeare’s is a very busy joint located only a block from Bell's and filled with what appeared to be twenty-somethings drinking bad beer and cheap liquor, despite the 44 taps they have here. Or maybe because of it, considering they have Heineken, Bud Light, Strongbow, Newcastle and other macro garbage brews on tap… If you check out their draft offerings online (their menu is posted on their website) you'll see. Some good Michigan stuff like Bell's, Founders, Short's, Dark Horse, Hideout, Greenbush; also stuff from Southern Tier and other major breweries from around the US. But this is not the place to find crazy-good brews.

Not sure I would come back, even though I had a lot of fun here.
May 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Beerthoven from District of Columbia

Mar 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Sparky44 from Illinois

Dec 15, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by Danielr26 from Michigan

Nov 25, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by Zaphog from Michigan

Nov 12, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by Bung from Michigan

Oct 14, 2013
Photo of Fatdenny
Reviewed by Fatdenny from Michigan

3.58/5  rDev -6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 2.5
went there for a company christmas gathering. very pleasant atmosphere but the crowd was a little loud. the beer selection is enormous. I tried two or three different beers. I always worry about the beer lines where the taps number greater than 30 or so, but I did not taste anything to indicate the lines are not properly maintained.
Sep 20, 2013
Photo of Randydetman
Reviewed by Randydetman from Michigan

2.46/5  rDev -35.4%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3 | service: 1 | selection: 3.5
Very, very poor customer service.

I was in kzoo on vacation from DC so we decided to check this bar out. Unfortunately I was immediately harassed by a bouncer at the door because I had an out of state ID. Then at 1:50 am they announced last call. So we purchased one last beer and about 1 min after the bartender handed us our Oberons two bouncers came up to us and told us we had to "finish our beers" now or they would take them away. Even though we just bought them. I asked the bouncers if they could give us a couple of minutes...they rudely responded "no" and moved in closer to us and put began to reach over toward the beers in our hands. At this point it's about 1:53 am, not 2 am! We were forced to slam our nice beers instead of enjoying a great Michigan beer on a Friday night.

This type of harassment was completely unprofessional and intimidating. I will never come back to this bar! They need to teach their bouncers how to respect their customers before they can earn my future business.
Jul 06, 2013
Photo of adamdd
Reviewed by adamdd from Michigan

3.23/5  rDev -15.2%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2.5
Shakespeare's is a great place to go for a beer when in Kalamazoo. They have the largest selection in town, and are up to 44+ taps. Half of the taps are rotating, and they seem to get first crack at anything new that comes to town. Their draft prices are very low, and are usually between $4 and $5 per pint. They also provide ample free popcorn, which is always a bonus.

One of the worst things about Shakespeare's is that it is not clean. It has a "college bar" atmosphere and the look of a frat house. They recently had their 9th anniversary, and the carpeting (yes, a bar that has carpeting) has been there the whole time and is filthy. The crowd definitely changes as the night goes on, so if you want to avoid hanging out with some of the less desirable patrons make sure you go earlier in the evening. The service is typically quite bad, unless you sit at the bar. The food is average to below average, and will definitely take a while to arrive, no matter how busy (or not) they are.

Overall, expect some great draft beer at reasonable prices. Just don't expect much else! It is still one of the four places I recommend stopping at when in Kalamazoo, especially if you are in town to visit Bell's.

*Edit/Update* Shake's thankfully decided to replace the carpeting in the bar with a wood-look vinyl floor. It looks great, and really improves the aesthetics.
Oct 02, 2012
Photo of wellestone
Reviewed by wellestone from Minnesota

4.9/5  rDev +28.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Great beer list with 44 taps of national and Michigan craft beers (6-8 macros). Specials on the weekends are $3 taps with great food specials as well. Food is awesome..bar food but awesome bar food. Service is friendly, fast. Ownership is also friendly. Highly recommended. Great beer list with 44 taps of national and Michigan craft beers (6-8 macros). Specials on the weekends are $3 taps with great food specials as well. Food is awesome..bar food but awesome bar food. Service is friendly, fast. Ownership is also friendly. Highly recommended.
Mar 17, 2012
Photo of b3shine
Reviewed by b3shine from Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +16.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
As someone from Kalamazoo, I LOVE SHAKESPEARE'S! The pub has good food and the best selection of draft beers in Kalamazoo, if not SW Michigan. Tons of great drafts that rotate regularly. Atmosphere is excellent. Phenomenal food and beer specials, especially on the weekends. It's cheaper to drink Bell's Beer at Shakespeare's than it is two blocks away at Bell's Brewery. This place is home base for my wife and I, along with all of our friends. We even had our rehearsal dinner there. The bottle list is the only complaint, but it's minor because of all the esoteric beers they have on draft. A must-visit if you're in the Kalamazoo area!
Mar 29, 2011
Photo of sweett3k
Reviewed by sweett3k from Michigan

4/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Take an old fishing pole factory and turn it into a pub what not to love about this place. They have a great Saturday and Sunday afternoon special. Cheap draft beers with great selection. This bar is come as you are style. A verity of people are always there and everyone seems to fit just right in, so put on you people watching glasses. I have been going to this establishment for over 8 years know. Great place to play Golden Tee or throw darts. Great food (Pizza, wings, nachos) and local beer selection as well with all over the globe. The new place Kalamazoo Beer exchange is too trendy and too busy. Cross the street, stop in and check it out. You'll fit right in without the head aches.
Mar 07, 2011
Photo of Spiekerbox
Reviewed by Spiekerbox from Michigan

2.55/5  rDev -33.1%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3.5
This place is a louder, college style bar. The place itself seems pretty nice but had never been able to impress me. The prices on drinks are relatively normal and I am not very familiar with their specials, but they seem to be alright from what I hear.

The main thing that I have noticed about this place is that they think that they are the best place in town. I have seen and know many people who got kicked out of the place for things that most normal college bars would not care about. From small arguments (not physical fights, like what people should be booted for), to "looking" sick, to puking discreetly in the bathroom. Also the "bouncers" seem to not even be 21 and some look like high school kids.

This is not a rant either because I myself had a bad time there, it is just an observation I have made after being there multiple times. My suggestion is if you are looking for either a nicer college style bar or a bar downtown to look elsewhere, there is definitely many better places to be.
Jun 08, 2010
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Reviewed by TheBear11D from Michigan

2.86/5  rDev -24.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2
This is usually a noisier place. You can find a rather large college crowd with a small mix of the thirty to forty age range. They have a kareoke night which can feature some decent singers along with some who are awful (of course to be expected), however, that is always a popular night.

The servers are pretty good. I tend to find the servers who are distracted by a friend or relative and get poor service, but my friends seem to find good service when they go here.

The selection is nothing to get excited for. They have beer which is about all I can say for them. Pretty much your average bar stuff here.

I haven't tried the food.
Dec 24, 2008
Photo of sloppymoose
Reviewed by sloppymoose from Michigan

3.56/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
The best thing about this place is when you find a brewery special or a day when micro's are on special. hella beers on tap, but only 5 to 6 ever worth trying, the rest are macro or fake ass micro. love the length of the bar and the quality of the booths, the pool tables, and if you dig on butter, the free popcorn could be a plus. one of my favorite places to go during the afternoon and have a beer, it's just hard to go here when it's literally a block away from bells tap room. make sure you don't go on a weekend night or you will be bombarded by fraternity humans.
Dec 10, 2008
Photo of Magpie14
Reviewed by Magpie14 from Michigan

3.95/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This was my main hangout when going to WMU. Large rectangular bar and bustling atmosphere. Typical bar feel, nothing really stands out. But in any event, I always try to get to this place when in town.

I always found the draft beer selection great and accommodating. The patio, although somewhat prefabricated, is a nice feature in the summer. Good quality all around!
Service is always pretty good, it can have its lapses and mishaps on busy nights. I like the nice row of taps and they always have some special whether beer, food, or cocktails on every night.

I regularly enjoyed the hummus with a cold one in hand.
I must say, for Kalamazoo, they have a nice large selection of drafts overall.
The only quarrel I have is the smokiness in the place
Dec 05, 2008
Photo of MICAMD
Reviewed by MICAMD from Maryland

3.83/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I visited Shakespeare's recently with BMoney575 and was not expecting much. The establishment is very unique and surprisingly large. The beer selection was pretty good which included Rogue, Sierra Nevada, Bell's, Founders, etc. I am not sure of everything they had because there was no list of what was available in the menu or at the table. The service was about what you would expect at a sports bar-ish place. The best thing about when we were there was all pints of micro brew was $2.50- which was quite a steal. The food was very enjoyable and they had some unique offerings. I was impressed.
Feb 09, 2008
Photo of BMoney575
Reviewed by BMoney575 from Texas

3.7/5  rDev -2.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I visited Shakespeare's for the first time recently, and was impressed. The interior is very sports bar, which is a good thing if you're watching the game. The place is quite large, with tables lining the exterior walls. It was noisy, but most bars like this are. The beer selection was good, but they don't do a very good job of displaying what the have. I had a Rogue Shakespeare, because it was the easy choice. The service was decent, our waitress seemed friendly, but very busy. The selection of food was very good, and what I had was very tasty. As far as value goes, this place is great. On Saturday, pints are only $2.50, and they have all kinds of other deals. Definitely worth a try, I'll be going there often.
Feb 09, 2008
Photo of aforbes10
Reviewed by aforbes10 from Iowa

3.38/5  rDev -11.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4
Went with the wife and shivtim (and many others) to Shakespeare's last night after a hockey game. Its right down the street from Bell's and Kraftbrau and appears to be a good place to go if those places are not open or are charging a cover. They have 20-25 taps, a lot of them good (Rogue Shakepeare Stout, Arrogant Bastard, Hacker-Pshorr, 3 Bells, etc.) They also have two beers brewed especially for them. The first is Ironic Ale, brewed by Michigan Brewing Co. and the other is Aloha Ale brewed by Arcadia. Both of these were $2.50 for a pint on Fridays and you could buy sixers of the Ironic (which was a nice hopped-up beer). They also had bottles of other things, including some Weihenstaphen (sp?) and seasonals from Dark Horse like Tres Blueberry Stout. So that's all good. Biggest problem is probably their atmosphere, which might turn some off. It's loud and crowded and almost meat-market-like. So, yeah, its a regular college bar in that respect. However, i will say that i would like to see all college bars have such an impressive tap lineup and bottle selection and be giving nice deals on the craft brews like these guys are. So, to sum up, it's a college bar with good beer but probably the third or fourth place i'd choose to go in K-Zoo.
Jan 20, 2007
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Reviewed by shivtim from Georgia

3.64/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Just a block or so from Bells and Kraftbrau, this is one of the better "college bars" in Kzoo. If you're over 35 you might feel a little out of place. There's nothing too special about Shakespeare's, but it's still a fun hangout. Selection is pretty decent- nothing earth shattering, but they tend to have several Bells and Arcadia on tap, and usually one from Rogue (Shakespeare Stout... what'd you expect?) and some from Michigan Brewing and New Holland. Plus they have a large selection of import macros on tap (Stella, Harp, Boddingtons and the like). Overall it's not a bar that you'd visit just for the beer, but it's a great bar for a friday night when you don't have to drive. If you're only in Kzoo for a day, stick with Bells/Kraftbrau/Olde Penninsula, but if you have a little more time and a late night, hit up Shakespeare's.
Nov 25, 2006
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Reviewed by granger10 from Wisconsin

3.84/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4
I'm surprised I haven't yet reviewed this place. It's a typical college sports bar right next to Bell's with a nice tap selection. A fairly popular place on the weekends, this place has a couple pool tables, hand shuffleboard, golden tee and a few other bar games. Small porch out back. Tap selection is impressive with a couple Kraftbrau, a couple Bell's, a Short's is there, some Michigan Brewing Co, Bar Harbor, and Rogue have been seen before. Really not too bad. Service has been decent to good, and always friendly every time I'm there. I've only had nachos here so no food rating. A decent place to go to watch a game, maybe before hitting up Bell's.
Jul 25, 2006
Photo of hoppymeal
Reviewed by hoppymeal from Michigan

3.75/5  rDev -1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
From the looks of it, this is your average bar with pool tables, games, tv screens with sports and trivia games going on, however the main difference is of the large amount of beers on tap, they do devote a handful to some nice craft selections. There are stools at the bar, taller pub tables and regular dining tables in this long, fairly spacious bar. There is also outdoor seating available. Our server was unfortunately not very knowledgeable on the craft selections. Of the two Bell's taps, one was Oberon, the other she described as a "darker one", which turned out to be Two Hearted. Her description of the Arcadia taps was also broken down into a lighter and a darker one. These turned out to be Whitsun and Arcadia's Amber, which they call Aloha Ale here, not sure exactly why this name, but it is a nitrogen tap. Fortunately, the owner was nearby and had all the info we needed. Their menu was pretty good with some nice vegetarian selections and also some special pizzas that looked good. Our lunch was quite good. Beerwise I had a Short's Huma-Lupa IPA and a Two Hearted, my wife had a Whitsun and a Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale. The four beers, our two meals, and my son's meal totaled $25, very reasonable.
May 07, 2006
Shakespeare's Pub in Kalamazoo, MI
Place rating: 3.81 out of 5 with 42 ratings