Kalamazoo weekend tips

The beer exchange and Shakespeare's are bars within walking distance of the Eccentric Cafe, both have good brews on tap though Shakespeare's does have carpeted floors which grosses me out.

 

Just be sure to try Bell's Saturn on draft

 

not sure Bell's would have any bottles left by the weekend but I'm sure megabev, Tiffany's, and other bottle shops would have them. Just hope the dickhead retailers don't mark the price up too much(like KBS)

 

Not anymore.

 

I highly recommend Latitude 42 Brewing in Portage, about 6-7 miles south of downtown Kzoo. Great beers and food. Central City Taphouse on the Kalamazoo Mall (downtown) is always a treat for me when I go there food and beer selection. The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is a couple blocks from Bell's, and they have a good beer selection and pretty good food. After 6 pm the price of their beer fluctuated with the demand (like a stock market) that you can watch on an electronic message board, and an occasional market collapse can produce some great prices on some normally-pricey beers. So it's something different to do that has a fun twist to it.

 

Our group of friends always liked a Food Dance for breakfast the next morning. Close to Bells.

 

There are several small brewpubs establishing a solid reputation. I'm partial to Tibbs, the aforementioned Latitude 42 is solid, and I've heard good things about One Well Brewery. There are a handful within walking distance of Bells and Arcadia. If you get a downtown hotel and a nice night, an epic brewery/pub crawl could be had!

 

Just don't get lost and head north.. like I did once after a drunken college night ending with me leaving Monaco thinking I knew where my friends lived.. realizing real quick I was in the wrong neighborhood

 

There are some newer small pubs that are definitely worth checking out. Since it sounds like you'll be downtown, I would highly recommend Tibbs and Gonzo's, you can walk from one to the other. Boatyard is also solid, but a further walk, and maybe not on quite the same 'can't miss' level of the first two.

There are a bunch of bars downtown too serving good beer, most of these have pretty extensive lists, Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, Shakespeare's Pub, Central City Tap House, Old Burdicks. If you're going to eat downtown, I'd recommend one of the latter two.

I definitely agree with other posters too, if you're up for a short drive Latitude 42 is great beer and food too.

 

Ted got rid of the carpet a little over two years ago.

 

Not a fan of Latitude myself at all, but I would hit up the "Big 3" beer bars near Bell's: Shakes, KBE, and (a little further away but still easy walking distance) Central City. One Well has been the most impressive newer brewery in Kalamazoo for me by far. And if you're out late and want a great breakfast at 2am, I have two words for you: Crow's Nest.

 

this is excellent news, I was there about 3 years ago and had a blast, just a weird pet peeve.

 

I'll agree that Lat 42 has food ranging from good to excellent, but not a big fan of the beer or atmosphere. To me, it's a restaurant that happens to serve beer, and the building is all concrete/steel, so it can get surprising loud without having a huge crowd. Besides the big guys that've already been mentionded (Bell's, Arcadia, etc), I agree with the suggestions for One Well. Small place without much in the way of food, but some pretty good beers. Lat 42 is the place you schedule for the company Christmas party, One Well is the neighborhood place you stop in to have a beverage after work. Also, if you're in that area and want food, you can always get a burrito at El Gallo Blanco, or the best Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich in SW MI at Ray Ray's.

 

If you're a fan of breakfast, Crow's Nest is a must visit.

 

strongly, STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY reiterate Crow's Nest and Food Dance. Take your pick but for the money I'd opt for Crow's Nest. Just personal preference. Go early as both spots will be jacked by 10am.

 

Great place. I could pretty much see it from where I lived on vine & westnedge.

 

Crow's Nest is the single thing that I miss most about Kalamazoo... Their food was the cure for hangovers. Glad I didn't have to stumble far (Wheaton & Westnedge).

 

For a weekend trip, I'll strongly second a stop at Arcadia if you love BBQ. It's the best BBQ in West Michigan, made fresh daily. The beers ok too.
I would definitely pass on Latitude 42, not worth your time. It's a mediocre restraunt with mediocre beer.
-Bells for Beer
-Arcadia for Food
-KBE to get smashed on craft beer cheap.