Kalamazoo "Beer" Day

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by MikeJet32, Sep 27, 2017.

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  1. MikeJet32

    MikeJet32 Aspirant (237) Apr 14, 2017 Illinois
    Trader

    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!
     
  2. ColonelHopslam

    ColonelHopslam Initiate (0) Jan 22, 2014 Michigan

  3. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    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.
     
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  4. Mattmc1973

    Mattmc1973 Initiate (0) Jun 4, 2008 Michigan

    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.
     
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  5. Beer_Economicus

    Beer_Economicus Pooh-Bah (2,472) Apr 8, 2017 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    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?
     
  6. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    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.
     
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  7. Beer_Economicus

    Beer_Economicus Pooh-Bah (2,472) Apr 8, 2017 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    No worries - I appreciate the effort!
     
  8. jmosborn

    jmosborn Initiate (0) Jul 30, 2011 Michigan

    How about Arcadia?
     
  9. Vitacca

    Vitacca Pooh-Bah (2,226) Sep 15, 2010 Montana
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Be sure to walk the train tracks on your way back across the river and sing stand by me.
     
  10. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    They closed their Battle Creek location where I live, so I'm still pissed at them and won't mention them for a while. :grin: However, it is a good place to visit with good food and beers. (Just a half mile east of Bell's.)
     
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  11. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,611) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Society

    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.
     
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  12. Hrodebert

    Hrodebert Savant (1,000) Sep 2, 2013 Michigan
    Trader

    Gonzo's and Tibbs are both worth visiting downtown.
     
  13. craigo19

    craigo19 Zealot (673) Oct 12, 2009 Michigan

    Ruppert's is a pretty cool place to visit also and it isn't too far from downtown.
     
  14. aclockworkchris

    aclockworkchris Initiate (0) Sep 17, 2017 Michigan

    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
     
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  15. limako

    limako Initiate (0) Mar 23, 2016 Massachusetts

    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.
     
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