cover image: Nonla Burger
Where’s the Beef in Kalamazoo?
While a staple of many restaurants in the United States, hamburgers come in many varieties.
Beyond the basic building blocks of a beef patty and bun, burger components can include traditional toppings like tomatoes and lettuce and more creative elements like coleslaw, eggs, or peanut butter (yes, really).
No matter how you like your patty sandwich, readers cast over 5700 votes for their favorite restaurants in Kalamazoo, including the best burger; we have their top picks below.
In this article
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Who Has the Best Burger in Kalamazoo?
Here are the top burger restaurants in Kalamazoo, as voted by our readers:
1 – Nonla Burger
2 – Niskers Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar
3 – NEDS on Gull Lake (Tie)
3 – RJ’s Sports Bar & Grill (Tie)
3 – The Backyard of Kalamazoo (Tie)
Directory: Best Burger Restaurants
Big list of restaurants to grab a burger in Southwest Michigan, starting with the top-voted by KZOOKIDS readers:
🍔 Voted # 1 Best Burger
1700 S Drake Rd Ste A, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 · Map It
Nonla Burger
The NB Double is the most popular burger here- featuring double meat and double cheese. Nonla Burger fans know to order it "The Nonla Way" which includes grilled onions, jalapeno, cilantro, and cucumbers.
Not a beef eater? Beyond veggie burgers are also available and can be made vegan as well.
Add a side of Nonla spread for dipping your hand cut fries and try the shake of the day (flavors rotate daily).
Not a beef eater? Beyond veggie burgers are also available and can be made vegan as well.
Add a side of Nonla spread for dipping your hand cut fries and try the shake of the day (flavors rotate daily).
Where to Find Nonla Burger
Nonla Burger has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo:
• Burdick: 2103 S Burdick Street (just south of Alcott)
• Drake: 1700 South Drake Road (near Costco)
Nonla Burger has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo:
• Burdick: 2103 S Burdick Street (just south of Alcott)
• Drake: 1700 South Drake Road (near Costco)
🍔 Voted # 2 Best Burger
Niskers Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar
As the only hockey bar in Kalamazoo, Niskers is fully stocked with sports themed memorabilia and TVs to catch all of the action on the ice.
They are also packed with tasty food: at Niskers, you choose how you'd like your beef, chicken, fish, turkey, beefalo and veggie burgers cooked - all to your liking. All protein is char grilled over real lava rocks!
Delicious meats are never frozen and are picked up daily from a local butcher. All buns are baked fresh daily.
They are also packed with tasty food: at Niskers, you choose how you'd like your beef, chicken, fish, turkey, beefalo and veggie burgers cooked - all to your liking. All protein is char grilled over real lava rocks!
Delicious meats are never frozen and are picked up daily from a local butcher. All buns are baked fresh daily.
Where to Find Niskers Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar
At the corner of Drake and W. Main in Kalamazoo, in the same plaza with Lowe's.
At the corner of Drake and W. Main in Kalamazoo, in the same plaza with Lowe's.
🍔 Voted # 3 Best Burger
NEDS on Gull Lake
Olive burger fans can add NEDS to their list of favorite restaurants: NEDS' version includes s 1/2-pound of Angus beef, topped with green olives and mayonnaise. Find it among their six burgers on the menu.
Dine in and carry-out are both available. If your boat it docked nearby, they even deliver boatside!
Dine in and carry-out are both available. If your boat it docked nearby, they even deliver boatside!
Where to Find NEDS on Gull Lake
NEDS is located at 15450 M-43, just east of Gull Lake Market in Hickory Corners.
NEDS is located at 15450 M-43, just east of Gull Lake Market in Hickory Corners.
🍔 Voted # 3 Best Burger
RJ's Sports Bar & Grill
We are fans of a hidden gem, and RJ's fits the bill: with no website or Facebook page, this hometown bar only exists online as a (rarely updated) Instagram page.
Despite its quiet online presence, its fans are not shy about their love for RJ's food: voted third for burgers in Kalamazoo, this place is worth the visit.
On a nice day, grab a seat on their patio with cornhole and live music.
Despite its quiet online presence, its fans are not shy about their love for RJ's food: voted third for burgers in Kalamazoo, this place is worth the visit.
On a nice day, grab a seat on their patio with cornhole and live music.
Where to Find RJ's Sports Bar & Grill
Find RJs at 8118 Portage Rd, just south of Centre.
Find RJs at 8118 Portage Rd, just south of Centre.
🍔 Voted # 3 Best Burger
The Backyard of Kalamazoo
The Backyard of Kalamazoo's combines restaurant dining with outdoor fun in its "backyard" full of games and activities.
Voted #1 best new restaurant in 2024, The Backyard's sophomore year has established themselves as one of the favorites for food, including their smashburgers.
The smashburgers at The Backyard of Kalamazoo are made with all Angus beef and served with fries. Add-ons are available, as well as gluten-free buns.
Voted #1 best new restaurant in 2024, The Backyard's sophomore year has established themselves as one of the favorites for food, including their smashburgers.
The smashburgers at The Backyard of Kalamazoo are made with all Angus beef and served with fries. Add-ons are available, as well as gluten-free buns.
Where to Find The Backyard of Kalamazoo
The Backyard of Kalamazoo is located in Texas Township, at the corner of Stadium Drive and South 1st Street.
The Backyard of Kalamazoo is located in Texas Township, at the corner of Stadium Drive and South 1st Street.
Bell's Eccentric Cafe
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe opened in June 1993 as the first Michigan brewery to open an onsite pub.
While known for its beer, Bell's also delivers a tasty menu with rotating features.
Burgers are served smashburger style, most on brioche buns. Try a trusted favorite like the Cherry Bomb or ask your server about the weekly burger special.
While known for its beer, Bell's also delivers a tasty menu with rotating features.
Burgers are served smashburger style, most on brioche buns. Try a trusted favorite like the Cherry Bomb or ask your server about the weekly burger special.
Where to Find Bell's Eccentric Cafe
Bell's is located at 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave and Porter Street.
Bell's is located at 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, at the corner of Kalamazoo Ave and Porter Street.
Centre Street Tap House
Millenium's Centre Street Tap House serves up many bar food favorites including burgers and nachos.
However, their menu also offers less obvious gems like Gochujang fried ribs, brisket macaroni and cheese and build your own ramen.
For burger options, you can't go wrong with their classic Tap House burger. If you want something a little outside the norm, try the All-Day Breakfast: half pound burger, fried egg, thick-cut bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion.
However, their menu also offers less obvious gems like Gochujang fried ribs, brisket macaroni and cheese and build your own ramen.
For burger options, you can't go wrong with their classic Tap House burger. If you want something a little outside the norm, try the All-Day Breakfast: half pound burger, fried egg, thick-cut bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and onion.
Where to Find Centre Street Tap House
As the name suggests, Centre Street Tap House is located on Centre in Portage.
Find the restaurant just east of 131, in the same complex as Breakfast at Tiffiny's and Biggby.
As the name suggests, Centre Street Tap House is located on Centre in Portage.
Find the restaurant just east of 131, in the same complex as Breakfast at Tiffiny's and Biggby.
Lake Burger
Lake Burger prides itself on its local pasture-raised beef & farm fresh produce, crisp-cut fries, and hand-spun milkshakes.
All burgers are served on brioche buns, with gluten-free options available.
All burgers are served on brioche buns, with gluten-free options available.
Where to Find Lake Burger
Lake Burgers sits just east of Drake Road on W. Main, close to Frays Park.
Lake Burgers sits just east of Drake Road on W. Main, close to Frays Park.
Lake Burger Tavern
Over a dozen burger options fill the menu at Lake Burger Tavern in Portage.
Wondering what a "Lake Burger" is? According to the menu, a lake burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, American cheese, burger sauce and ketchup.
Wondering what a "Lake Burger" is? According to the menu, a lake burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, American cheese, burger sauce and ketchup.
Where to Find Lake Burger Tavern
Lake Burger Tavern is located at 6800 S Westnedge in Portage, across the street from Target.
Lake Burger Tavern is located at 6800 S Westnedge in Portage, across the street from Target.
7842 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 · Map It
Latitude 42 Brewing Company
Locally owned and operated distillery, brewery and full kitchen, serving up favorites including juicy burgers, fresh salads & sandwiches, pizza and so much more.
Polish off your burger and then play an outdoor game in their beer garden.
Polish off your burger and then play an outdoor game in their beer garden.
Where to Find Latitude 42 Brewing Company
Latitude 42 has two locations:
• Kalamazoo: intersection of W. Main and US-131
• Portage: intersection of Portage Road and Centre Ave (across from McDonalds)
Latitude 42 has two locations:
• Kalamazoo: intersection of W. Main and US-131
• Portage: intersection of Portage Road and Centre Ave (across from McDonalds)
LFG Gaming Bar
This retro video game and arcade bar offers guests Liquor, Food and Gaming (ie, LFG) in Downtown Kalamazoo.
This family friendly spot has one of the coolest theme menus in town, offering Halo Rings, Knuckles Poppers and Mario's Mozz, just to name a few.
Their burger game is strong with multiple options. One of the most unique is Boo's Breakfast Burger, featuring Muenster, Bacon, Fried Egg, and Jam.
This family friendly spot has one of the coolest theme menus in town, offering Halo Rings, Knuckles Poppers and Mario's Mozz, just to name a few.
Their burger game is strong with multiple options. One of the most unique is Boo's Breakfast Burger, featuring Muenster, Bacon, Fried Egg, and Jam.
Where to Find LFG Gaming Bar
Parking is easy for LFG: find them next door to the Kalamazoo Mall parking ramp on Portage Street.
Parking is easy for LFG: find them next door to the Kalamazoo Mall parking ramp on Portage Street.
7177 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · Map It
Louie's Trophy House/Corner Bar
If you're looking for bar food, burgers are likely at the top of your list and both of Louie's locations deliver.
Hungry? Try the Beast Burger (pictured): 8 ounces of wild game burger made with elk, venison, wild boar and wagyu beef grilled to order. The burger is also smothered in bacon jam and topped with haystack onions
As the oldest bar in Kalamazoo, Louie's Trophy House opened its doors in 1918. Their second location, Louie's Corner Bar, opened in 2020 in Texas Corners.
Hungry? Try the Beast Burger (pictured): 8 ounces of wild game burger made with elk, venison, wild boar and wagyu beef grilled to order. The burger is also smothered in bacon jam and topped with haystack onions
As the oldest bar in Kalamazoo, Louie's Trophy House opened its doors in 1918. Their second location, Louie's Corner Bar, opened in 2020 in Texas Corners.
Where to Find Louie's Trophy House/Corner Bar
Louie's currently operates two locations, with a third in the works:
• Texas Corners: Louie's Corner Bar is on West Q Avenue, in the same plaza as Hunan Gardens
• Downtown Kzoo: Louie's Trophy House is at 629 Walbridge Street (corner of E North Street & Walbridge)
Louie's announced a third location opening in Portage in 2025.
Louie's currently operates two locations, with a third in the works:
• Texas Corners: Louie's Corner Bar is on West Q Avenue, in the same plaza as Hunan Gardens
• Downtown Kzoo: Louie's Trophy House is at 629 Walbridge Street (corner of E North Street & Walbridge)
Louie's announced a third location opening in Portage in 2025.
Main Street Pub
Main Street Pub has something for everyone on their traditional pub grub menu, from burgers & salads, to salmon & sandwiches.
Where to Find Main Street Pub
Main Street Pub offers 5 locations in SWMI:
• Portage: 7509 S Westnedge Ave (near Jimmy John's and Biggby)
• Kalamazoo: 4514 W Main St (just east of Drake Road)
• Gull Road: 5462 Gull Rd (next to Menards at Sprinkle)
• Downtown Vicksburg: 208 E Prairie St
• Mattawan: 52887 N Main St (next to Chinn Chinn)
Main Street Pub offers 5 locations in SWMI:
• Portage: 7509 S Westnedge Ave (near Jimmy John's and Biggby)
• Kalamazoo: 4514 W Main St (just east of Drake Road)
• Gull Road: 5462 Gull Rd (next to Menards at Sprinkle)
• Downtown Vicksburg: 208 E Prairie St
• Mattawan: 52887 N Main St (next to Chinn Chinn)
Old Mill Brewpub & Grill
This local favorite in Plainwell brews their own beer and makes some pretty great burgers.
Try the smoked cheese and mushroom burger (pictured): includes cream cheese from their smoker, sauteed mushrooms, and scallions.
Try the smoked cheese and mushroom burger (pictured): includes cream cheese from their smoker, sauteed mushrooms, and scallions.
Where to Find Old Mill Brewpub & Grill
Old Mill is located in Plainwell's historic grain mill, at 717 East Bridge Street.
Old Mill is located in Plainwell's historic grain mill, at 717 East Bridge Street.
Turbo Chicken
Chicken may be in the name, but don't sleep on Turbo Chicken's burgers.
While you can't go wrong with the Turbo Burger Classic (pictured), we recommend exploring outside your burger comfort zone with the Seoul Burger: double cheese patties, chili paste, house kimchi slaw, Seoul sauce, fried egg and green onions.
While you can't go wrong with the Turbo Burger Classic (pictured), we recommend exploring outside your burger comfort zone with the Seoul Burger: double cheese patties, chili paste, house kimchi slaw, Seoul sauce, fried egg and green onions.
Where to Find Turbo Chicken
Turbo Chicken is located at 5252 Portage Road, across the street from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Turbo Chicken is located at 5252 Portage Road, across the street from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Village Hide-A-Way
If burger variety is what you're seeking, stop by Village Hide-A-Way. Boasting a dozen burgers on the menu, there is likely something for every tastebud, including PB enthusiasts.
The jiffy burger features a 1/2-pound burger with American cheese, mayo and peanut butter.
The jiffy burger features a 1/2-pound burger with American cheese, mayo and peanut butter.
Where to Find Village Hide-A-Way
Village Hide-A-Way is located in Downtown Vicksburg, on East Prairie Street. When you've finished your meal, stop by next door for baked goods at Mackenzies.
Village Hide-A-Way is located in Downtown Vicksburg, on East Prairie Street. When you've finished your meal, stop by next door for baked goods at Mackenzies.
Burger FAQs
Was the Hamburger Invented in the United States?
The short answer is maybe (?).
While there are references to meat sandwiches in German and American history dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, there is no definitive answer on their origin. Even their connection to the city of Hamburg, Germany, is unproven.
Regardless of how it started, the burger isn’t going anywhere. The popular sandwich is a favorite in the USA and a staple of many dine-in and fast-food restaurants.
What is a Smashburger?
A Smashburger is a hamburger made with a thin beef patty cooked on a hot griddle. The thin beef is pressed down to increase browning and create a crispy crust.
Did we miss your favorite burger spot?
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