The city is still opening breweries. They opened six new breweries in 2013. There are so many breweries and tap houses in the area, they’ve begun spilling into other neighboring towns. The list has become so extensive, Kalamazoo had its very own Kalamazoo Brewery Map made.
While there are plenty of breweries and unique bars like the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, these are the best breweries where you’ll find good food, great company, and amazing craft beer,
Arcadia Ales
701 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI
One of Kalamazoo’s newest breweries, Arcadia Ales is a little more than a year old in the area. Arcadia Brewing Company produces its beer in small quantities using a 25 Barrel Peter Austin Brewery, a brewing method that originated in England. You can expect to find every kind of beer on the list, from classic and specialty to seasonal and reserve. In the 1998 World Beer Championships, Arcadia’s India Pale Ale won it all.
The original Arcadia brewery is located just outside the city, in Battle Creek, Mich.
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI
The oldest microbrewery in Michigan, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe was the first to open an onsite pub and serve beer by the glass publicly. Along with live entertainment, good food, and special events from time to time, Bell’s is a hot spot in Kalamazoo. They even have a Live Tap Cam updated with the available brews happening now.
Last year alone, according to awards from RateBeer.com, Bell’s Brewery, Inc. was named the Top Brewer in Michigan and its Two Hearted Ale was name Top India Pale Ale in the world, with many of their other IPAs winning awards.
Guests can take guided brewery tours and shop at the Bell’s General Store next door.
Latitude 42 Brewing Company
7842 Portage Road, Portage, MI
This is the first brewery to open in Portage, Mich. (within Kalamazoo County) Guests can enjoy some craft beer while they watch through the observation windows as the brewing company brews the next batch. Or, guests can tour the brewery for a closer look.
In the Indiana Brewers Cup, Latitude 42 took home a total of 20 medals. They are also no stranger to winning gold for many of their craft beers.
This brewing company also serves up delicious bar-style food–burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Want a beer or Michigan wine to go from their small shop? Latitude 42 has you covered.