I searched for this but could not find anything, apologies in advance if I'm missing old threads. My sister just moved to Kalamazoo for grad school (go broncos), and she's interested in finding a good beer store. She's been to Bell's already and enjoyed it, definitely going to be a regular spot. However she's looking for a solid bottle shop (specifically hoping to try founders Rubaeus). Any info would be much appreciated. If this is not available easily on the shelves, let me know and I'll set up a trade for her, but I'm really hoping this can be done in the area. Also, if any k-zoo locals want to throw out good restaurant/bar recommendations for the area, that would also be very awesome. I'm hoping to visit in a couple months and could repay any helpful tips with some west coast goodies.
As far as beer stores.... Drakes and MegaBev are the best, in my opinion. You also have Tiffany's. As far as food, try Food Dance, Central City Cafe, Rustica, Martells, martini's, Websters. Also, for bars, try Beer Exchange, central city cafe, and Shakespeare's. Hope this helps!
Drakes and Megabev lead the pack in terms of selection, both competitive when it comes to price as well. Stores such as Beer and Skittles, Bacchus and Salut are worthwhile stops depending on your sisters location in town. Bars suggestions are dependant on timing and the crowd you want to run into. Shakespeare's and the Beer Exchange are both great choices for beer but the later at night you go the more likely you run into a college crowd. Central City Taphouse is my downtown choice, atmosphere is much more relaxed in comparison. Moving away from downtown slightly I really like O'Duffys. You won't find the vast selection that others offer but it is one of the best places in town to enjoy a beer.
Tell your sister to check places like Harding's or D&W (both smallish grocery store chains). They actually get most of the special Founder's and Short's releases. As the distinguished kzoobrew mentioned, MegaBev and Drake Party Center lead the pack. There is a small store near campus called Bottom's Up that has a surprising selection. One missing food spot from Kevin's list is Martini's Pizza. They always have a nice selection of craft beer and the pizza is excellent. Depending on when you visit, there may be 4 to 5 more breweries open in town. Stay tuned for that.
Sorry to hi jack but is Olde Peninsula still around? I remember that place having real good food and decent beers? Also I thought "the den" on the west side of campus has a good selection. Tiffanys was always a good place. My fav bar was shakespears good tap list and walking distance to bells.
Olde Peninsula is still around. A nice place to grab some food on occasion but not somewhere I hang out often. The Den is around, may have moved since you have last visited. I cannot comment on the selection as of late, I assume the selection is still decent but not competing with the better stores in town.
If you like cask ale, O'duffy's and Central City both have hand pulls. I think that Bell's has a permanent hand pull as well now. Dan at Old Peninsula has brewed his medal winning barrel aged barley wine for the second time. It's been in Buffalo Trace barrels since last August and should be released soon.
I could be wrong, but I think Bell's only taps one handpull each Friday, and it's then on for however long it lasts. Kalamazoo Beer Exchange often has a hand pull on as well.
I got lunch at Olde Peninsula last weekend before going to the Beer Exchange and Bell's at night. This was my first time there but it did seem more like a dinner spot than a "hang out" joint. I was very impressed with the food, beer and service at Olde Peninsula.
