cover image: The Backyard of Kalamazoo
Find a Favorite New Restaurant in Kalamazoo
We are lucky to live in Kalamazoo with so many culinary masterpieces nearby.
While we LOVE our restaurants (10,600+ votes for the best restaurants in Kalamazoo support that notion), we never settle for good enough when it comes to our food.
And neither do our local restaurant owners: they continue to innovate and open new dining spots for Southwest Michigan to enjoy.
We polled our readers and found the best new places* to eat in our area.
*Note: to qualify as nominees on our 2024 ballot, a “new” Kalamazoo restaurant must have opened in 2023 or early 2024.
Where Are the Best New Restaurants in Kalamazoo?
Here are the top 5 favorite new restaurants that opened in 2023 or early 2024 in SWMI:
1 – The Backyard of Kalamazoo
2 – HighDive Kitchen + Bar
3 – Z&W Chinese Cuisine
4 – Blue Kitchella
5 – Casa Tequila
Directory: Best New Restaurants
The Backyard of Kalamazoo
The Backyard of Kalamazoo's concept is unique: combine a restaurant with outdoor play.
The restaurant serves upscale pub fare (burgers, pizza, flatbreads and appetizers) with table service both indoors and outside on the patio. Adults will enjoy having a mixologist on staff, who crafts up some creative cocktails.
And when you're ready for some corn hole, ping pong and other outdoor fun, head to the Backyard. This mega fenced yard provides acres of space for friends and families to gather with games and activities.
The restaurant serves upscale pub fare (burgers, pizza, flatbreads and appetizers) with table service both indoors and outside on the patio. Adults will enjoy having a mixologist on staff, who crafts up some creative cocktails.
And when you're ready for some corn hole, ping pong and other outdoor fun, head to the Backyard. This mega fenced yard provides acres of space for friends and families to gather with games and activities.
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.
HighDive Kitchen + Bar
Where to Find HighDive Kitchen + Bar
HighDive is located at the corner of Portage Street and East Michigan Avenue in Downtown Kalamazoo. Find them next door to LFG Gaming Bar and Stamped Robin.
HighDive is located at the corner of Portage Street and East Michigan Avenue in Downtown Kalamazoo. Find them next door to LFG Gaming Bar and Stamped Robin.
Z&W Chinese Cuisine
Where to Find Z&W Chinese Cuisine
Z&W is located on 12th Street in Texas Township, near the Milham/12th roundabout. Find them in the same strip mall as Maestro's Pizza.
Z&W is located on 12th Street in Texas Township, near the Milham/12th roundabout. Find them in the same strip mall as Maestro's Pizza.
Blue Kitchella
Where to Find Blue Kitchella
Blue Kitchella is located on Portage Road, just south of Centre in Portage.
Blue Kitchella is located on Portage Road, just south of Centre in Portage.
Casa Tequila
Where to Find Casa Tequila
Find Casa Tequila on City Center Circle in Mattawan, across the street from Taco Bob's.
Find Casa Tequila on City Center Circle in Mattawan, across the street from Taco Bob's.
Butler's Breakfast and Lunch
After working at the Michelle's Sprinkle Rd restaurant for 13 years, William Butler took over this location with a new brand and energy, reopening under the Butler name in January of 2024.
In addition to tasty dining options for both breakfast and lunch, Butler's is also available for catering.
In addition to tasty dining options for both breakfast and lunch, Butler's is also available for catering.
Tell Us: What is Your Favorite New Dining Spot in Kalamazoo?
Leave us a comment with your fave new spot to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner in SW Michigan.
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