Heading up to Kalamazoo from Chicago for a Saturday (10/28) next month to check out the beer scene. I've seen a couple posts with recommendations within, but figured I would start up a new thread. Outside of Bells, which breweries are the best to hit? Have been to Grand Rapids (and stopped in Bridgman) several times and loved it but this is the first trip up to Kalamazoo. Thanks!
Latitude 42 which is about 7-8 miles south of Bell's in Portage. While at Bell's, it's worth walking across the street to HopCat with their tap list of 100+ beers. Next to HopCat is Old Dog Tavern which can be an interesting place. About two blocks west of HopCat on Water Street is Kalamazoo Beer Exchange. It is most interesting to go there after 5 pm (maybe it's 6 pm) when the market goes active and the beer prices fluctuate like a stock market depending on demand for the various beers. Occasionally a market 'crash' will get you some cheap beers of notable quality.
A few years ago I visited there during Hopslam season. The market would crash and stuff would be 50% off. Even if you weren’t ready for a beer the bartender would just ring it in and give it to you when you were ready. I drank 1/2 price Hopslam all night.
I have a buddy going to GR/Kalamazoo area this weekend. Any chance there's a place around (hopcat or otherwise) that might do crowlers and have something interesting on?
I don't get into these places that I mentioned frequently enough to know if any of them (or other good beer bars in town) have added crowler-filling equipment since I visited any of them. I don't recall seeing any on my last visits to these places which were months ago. Maybe some of the Kzoo locals can chime in with better info. Sorry I can't be of better help.
They closed their Battle Creek location where I live, so I'm still pissed at them and won't mention them for a while. However, it is a good place to visit with good food and beers. (Just a half mile east of Bell's.)
Not far from the Beer Exchange is Shakespeare’s, lots of taps, younger crowd. I also like Central City TapHouse, good beer list, really good food.
Arcadia sucks. I have NEVER had an even decent beer from them. Their spoiled 2016 Shipwreck Porter tasted like a damn sour and they still kept them on the shelves, offering no refunds. Not to mention, I can finish a PBR, but I couldn’t finish their Coconut Porter. Disgusting. Don’t get me started with them
When you want lunch, consider going to Bilbo's Pizza on Stadium Drive. They are a micro-brewery and their beer is fine, tho not exceptional. But their pizza is outstanding.
