Finding the Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo
If you tell someone you’re from Kalamazoo, they may ask about Gibson guitars, Pfizer, Western Michigan, or a Bob Seger song.
While we are known for all of those things and more, the city of Kalamazoo is also known as a foodie town.
And when we aren’t eating our delicious meals, we like talking about them: check Reddit, Kalamazoo Menu or Support Kalamazoo, and you’ll find locals who regularly share photos and recommendations of our latest dining experiences.
To celebrate our extensive culinary scene, we asked readers to vote for their favorites, and boy, did you show up:
With nearly 8,000 votes cast across 14 categories, it’s clear we have strong opinions about who makes the best food in Kalamazoo.
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Showcasing SWMI’s Best Local Food
We’ve listed the top five restaurants in each category. Check whether your picks made the list, and make plans to try some new places ASAP.
Southwest Michigan is brimming with culinary masterpieces; we are confident that ALL the spots listed below are worth a visit (and a social media share).
Top-Voted Kalamazoo Restaurants
Bakery
From-scratch baking is no small feat. To stock their shelves with bread, pastries, and cakes when they open their doors, bakers often start their days while the rest of us are still asleep.
And for Southwest Michigan customers, local bakers do not make our purchase decisions easy: with their cases piled high with mouth-watering treats, it’s hard not to bring home one (or two) of everything.
In our best restaurants of Kalamazoo voting, bakeries were among our tightest races: proof that all of them are mega-talented and delicious.
Top 5 Bakeries
#1 · 13 Cookies LLC
6794 S Westnedge Ave Ste F, Portage, MI 49002 · Map It
Find artisan, small-batch masterpieces at this bakery in Portage, with new recipes offered regularly.
From classic chocolate chip to oatmeal cream pies and s'mores (complete with Teddy Graham topper), your hardest decision will be which ones NOT to order.
Visit the 13 Cookies shop on Westnedge or find them at local farmers markets.
From classic chocolate chip to oatmeal cream pies and s'mores (complete with Teddy Graham topper), your hardest decision will be which ones NOT to order.
Visit the 13 Cookies shop on Westnedge or find them at local farmers markets.
Where to Find 13 Cookies LLC
13 Cookies is located at 6794 S Westnedge Avenue, in a strip mall across the street from Target in Portage.
The shop is behind Penn Station, a couple of doors down from Second Childhood.
13 Cookies is located at 6794 S Westnedge Avenue, in a strip mall across the street from Target in Portage.
The shop is behind Penn Station, a couple of doors down from Second Childhood.
WEBSITE
Top 5 Shops for Boba Tea
#1 · Cravings
8107 Vineyard Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · Map It
229 W Kilgore Rd, Portage, MI 49002 · Map It
From the same owners as Pacific Rim grocery store, Cravings brings ramen, boba and other delicious Asian fare to Southwest Michigan.
With locations within Pacific Rim (Cravings Deli) and in Texas Corners (Cravings Corners), locals are lucky to have two spots in town for some of the best boba tea.
Dine inside either location or grab your boba to go.
With locations within Pacific Rim (Cravings Deli) and in Texas Corners (Cravings Corners), locals are lucky to have two spots in town for some of the best boba tea.
Dine inside either location or grab your boba to go.
Where to Find Cravings
Cravings has two locations:
• Cravings Deli: 229 W Kilgore Rd (within Pacific Rim Foods)
• Cravings Corners: 8107 Vineyard Pkwy (off West Q Avenue, behind Biggby)
Cravings has two locations:
• Cravings Deli: 229 W Kilgore Rd (within Pacific Rim Foods)
• Cravings Corners: 8107 Vineyard Pkwy (off West Q Avenue, behind Biggby)
WEBSITE
Breakfast
Breakfast is big in Kalamazoo. With cereal giant Kellogg’s in nearby Battle Creek, locals recognize the value of the most important meal of the day.
When SWMI diners are ready to level up their cornflakes, Kalamazoo-area restaurants offer some pretty decadent choices: crepes, waffle flights, stuffed French toast, and omelets are just a few.
Read on for the best breakfast restaurants in Kalamazoo:
Top 5 Spots for Breakfast
#1 · Greenhouse Cafe
505 E North St Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Map It
This new restaurant has made its mark on Kalamazoo, serving fresh, organic, farm-to-table breakfast fare.
Be sure to try the chilaquiles: this traditional Mexican morning dish includes a tortilla with several breakfast toppings from eggs to black beans.
Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Be sure to try the chilaquiles: this traditional Mexican morning dish includes a tortilla with several breakfast toppings from eggs to black beans.
Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
Where to Find Greenhouse Cafe
Find Greenhouse Cafe at the corner of East North Street and Walbridge in Kalamazoo, in the former Elysium space.
Find Greenhouse Cafe at the corner of East North Street and Walbridge in Kalamazoo, in the former Elysium space.
WEBSITE
Brewery
Stated simply, a brewery makes beer. And while Southwest Michigan’s breweries make some fantastic, hoppy beverages, they offer much more.
These top five Kalamazoo-area breweries offer full dining experiences with yummy food, mug clubs, game nights, family-friendly environments, and fun outdoor spaces for patio season.
Top 5 Breweries
#1 · One Well Brewing
4213 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 · Map It
Microbrewery One Well Brewing strives to provide Kalamazoo with a quality, craft-brewed selection of beers and tasty food.
With pinball machines, arcades, dart boards, pool tables, air hockey and more, it is truly a unique spot for both adults and families.
Their offerings go well beyond beer: pizza, nachos and sandwiches are some of the local favorites and many include gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Join their Lifetime Mug Club once a year on Black Friday (limited availability). Annual Mug Club memberships are available year-round.
With pinball machines, arcades, dart boards, pool tables, air hockey and more, it is truly a unique spot for both adults and families.
Their offerings go well beyond beer: pizza, nachos and sandwiches are some of the local favorites and many include gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Join their Lifetime Mug Club once a year on Black Friday (limited availability). Annual Mug Club memberships are available year-round.
Where to Find One Well Brewing
One Well is located at 4213 Portage Street in Kalamazoo. Find them just north of El Ranchero and Rocket Comics.
One Well is located at 4213 Portage Street in Kalamazoo. Find them just north of El Ranchero and Rocket Comics.
WEBSITE
Burger
Known for its popularity at fast-food restaurants, the burger is getting a major upgrade at Kalamazoo restaurants. It features high-quality beef cooked to perfection, often with locally sourced buns and vegetables.
Order your next burger from one of the best restaurants in Kalamazoo below:
Top 5 Burger Restaurants
#1 · Nonla Burger
2103 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 · Map It
1700 S Drake Rd Ste A, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 · Map It
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 fries and try the milkshake 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 fries and try the milkshake 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)
WEBSITE
Top 5 Chicken Sandwiches
#1 · Turbo Chicken
Turbo Chicken specializes in fresh food with bold combinations. Be sure to try the sauces here- they are all made from scratch, in-house.
In addition to their signature fried chicken, their menu includes burgers, tots, malts and hand-crafted sides.
The restaurant also has two dedicated fryers for gluten-free fried chicken.
In addition to their signature fried chicken, their menu includes burgers, tots, malts and hand-crafted sides.
The restaurant also has two dedicated fryers for gluten-free fried chicken.
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.
WEBSITE
Coffee Shop
Best Coffee Shop
Biggby Coffee
Coffee shops provide more than just a caffeinated start to your day: some diners relish an extended stay with a good book and a cup of joe.
For others, coffee shops may be a convenient stop for a favorite beverage on the way to work.
Whether you sit down or drive through, these coffee shops were voted the best in Southwest Michigan:
Top 5 Coffee Spots
#1 · Biggby Coffee
Multiple Locations, SWMI, MI · Map It
Started in East Lansing MI, Biggby now has locations throughout the country offering coffee, tea, smoothies, bragels, bagels, muffins and donut holes.
Each season also brings new flavors including peppermint mochas in the winter, pumpkin spice for the fall, and Irish cream specials for St. Patrick's Day.
Younger visitors can also get into the Biggby fun with Magic Milk and Kids Steamers.
Each season also brings new flavors including peppermint mochas in the winter, pumpkin spice for the fall, and Irish cream specials for St. Patrick's Day.
Younger visitors can also get into the Biggby fun with Magic Milk and Kids Steamers.
Where to Find Biggby Coffee
In SWMI, you'll find 15+ Biggby locations scattered throughout the region. Most have drive-thrus and all are locally owned and operated.
In SWMI, you'll find 15+ Biggby locations scattered throughout the region. Most have drive-thrus and all are locally owned and operated.
WEBSITE
Date Night Restaurant
Date nights are a rarity for local parents. So when they get a chance for a night out, they pick the best places with unique food and outstanding service.
All of the top-voted date night restaurants fit the bill; make reservations at one of these spots for your next date night in Kalamazoo.
Top 5 Date Night Dining Spots
#1 · Brick and Brine
100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Map It
If you want five-star service, Brick and Brine should be on your list. Located in the old Zazio's location, this restaurant prides itself on both its quality of food and atmosphere.
When the weather is nice, enjoy the open-air dining with sliding glass windows to bring the outdoors in.
Reservations are recommended and can be booked online.
When the weather is nice, enjoy the open-air dining with sliding glass windows to bring the outdoors in.
Reservations are recommended and can be booked online.
Where to Find Brick and Brine
Find Brick and Brine in the lobby level of the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.
Find Brick and Brine in the lobby level of the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo.
WEBSITE
Ice Cream Shop
While very popular in the warmer months, ice cream can be enjoyed year-round in Kalamazoo.
Whether scooped or soft-serve, yogurt, custard, or ice cream, there are plenty of frosty options in Southwest Michigan.
Our readers picked these five shops as their favorite spots to enjoy frozen treats:
Top 5 Ice Cream Shops
#1 · Plainwell Ice Cream Co.
621 E Bridge St, Plainwell, MI 49080 · Map It
Open since 1978 by Art and Judy Gaylord, this now third-generation family-owned shop makes their own ice cream in house and offers over 60 varieties of dairy deliciousness.
Can't make it to Plainwell? Their ice cream is also sold in retailers and served in local restaurants, including Bilbo's, Erbelli's and Lake Burger.
Plainwell Ice Cream Co. is open seasonally, from March through October and closed on Mondays.
Can't make it to Plainwell? Their ice cream is also sold in retailers and served in local restaurants, including Bilbo's, Erbelli's and Lake Burger.
Plainwell Ice Cream Co. is open seasonally, from March through October and closed on Mondays.
Where to Find Plainwell Ice Cream Co.
Plainwell Ice Cream is located at the corner of Broad Street and Bridge Street in Plainwell, across the street from Old Mill Brewpub.
Plainwell Ice Cream is located at the corner of Broad Street and Bridge Street in Plainwell, across the street from Old Mill Brewpub.
WEBSITE
Kids Menu
Let’s face it: many restaurants do not offer great options for feeding kids. When you find one with multiple options your child enjoys, it feels a bit like winning the restaurant lottery.
Next time you head out to eat with the family, consider these suggestions from our readers (and maybe stop for some scratch-off tickets on the way home).
Top 5 Kids Menus
#1 · The Backyard of Kalamazoo
10441 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · Map It
The Backyard of Kalamazoo's combines restaurant dining with outdoor fun in its "backyard" full of games and activities.
This restaurant is the definition of kid friendly, with both an extensive kids menu and activities to keep them busy. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the indoor kids' room (pictured) is another option for imaginative play.
Kids Meals Include:
• The Beloved Go-To PB&J
• Hot Diggity Dog
• Tough Cluck Chicken Tenders
• Say Mac & Cheese
• Ooey Gooey Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla
• Pig in a Blanket
This restaurant is the definition of kid friendly, with both an extensive kids menu and activities to keep them busy. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the indoor kids' room (pictured) is another option for imaginative play.
Kids Meals Include:
• The Beloved Go-To PB&J
• Hot Diggity Dog
• Tough Cluck Chicken Tenders
• Say Mac & Cheese
• Ooey Gooey Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla
• Pig in a Blanket
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.
WEBSITE
Top 5 Nacho Restaurants
#1 · Shakespeare's Pub
241 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Map It
Many local places have a story, and Shakespeare's Pub is no different. Shakes, as affectionately known locally, opened in 2003 in the old building of the Shakespeare Rod and Reel Company.
While the building was in massive disrepair (it had suffered damage from a fire), co-owners Ted and Scott knew this was the right spot to start their business.
Shakespeare's casual gathering space offers billiards, darts, over 50 tvs, karaoke nights and a legendary St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Shakes' famous nachos feature golden tortillas, diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, queso dip and shredded cheddar cheese. For a twist, try the nacho fries (with your choice of waffle or steak fries).
While the building was in massive disrepair (it had suffered damage from a fire), co-owners Ted and Scott knew this was the right spot to start their business.
Shakespeare's casual gathering space offers billiards, darts, over 50 tvs, karaoke nights and a legendary St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Shakes' famous nachos feature golden tortillas, diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, queso dip and shredded cheddar cheese. For a twist, try the nacho fries (with your choice of waffle or steak fries).
Where to Find Shakespeare's Pub
Shakespeare's Pub is located at 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, just west of Bell's.
Shakespeare's Pub is located at 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, just west of Bell's.
WEBSITE
New Restaurant
Best New Restaurant
Greenhouse Cafe
Opening a new restaurant is BIG leap of faith. And yet, local owners have stepped up to the plate, opening their doors in Kalamazoo time and time again.
Our readers cast their votes for their favorite new spots in town; to qualify as “new” for our ballot, a restaurant either opened in 2025 or the first quarter of 2026 and was not on the ballot last year.
Here are the top five new restaurants to share their fantastic food and atmosphere with SWMI diners:
Top 5 New Restaurants
#1 · Greenhouse Cafe
505 E North St Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Map It
Opening in 2025, Greenhouse Cafe's farm-to-table fresh food has made a delicious impact on Kalamazoo.
The new favorite spot serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, staying open until 3 PM daily.
This restaurant is also allergen-friendly, offering vegan and gluten-free options.
The new favorite spot serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, staying open until 3 PM daily.
This restaurant is also allergen-friendly, offering vegan and gluten-free options.
Where to Find Greenhouse Cafe
Find Greenhouse Cafe at the corner of East North Street and Walbridge in Kalamazoo, in the former Elysium space.
Find Greenhouse Cafe at the corner of East North Street and Walbridge in Kalamazoo, in the former Elysium space.
WEBSITE
Pizza
You’ll likely get 10 different answers if you ask 10 people for the best pizza toppings.
Add in crusts (thin, hand-tossed, deep-dish, New York-style, and Detroit-style, to name a few), and your pizza options grow exponentially.
While you will unlikely find anyone who agrees on the best toppings and crust combination, you will find many who love the same pizza restaurants.
These spots were voted the best restaurants in Kalamazoo for pizza:
Top 5 Pizza Places
#1 · Kazoopy's Pizza & Grinders
1908 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006 · Map It
8126 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · Map It
5030 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 · Map It
Kazoopy's delivers as advertised with both pizza and grinders. Beyond their pies and oven-baked subs, you'll also find wings, calzone, salads, wraps and desserts.
There is no shortage of signature pizzas here: chicken pesto, Palermo pineapple (pictured), cheeseburger deluxe, Philly steak, Tuscany and Mediterranean are just some of their offerings. You can also build your own creations. Gluten free options are available as well.
At their Gull Road shop, expand your menu options with Frosty Boy at the same location.
There is no shortage of signature pizzas here: chicken pesto, Palermo pineapple (pictured), cheeseburger deluxe, Philly steak, Tuscany and Mediterranean are just some of their offerings. You can also build your own creations. Gluten free options are available as well.
At their Gull Road shop, expand your menu options with Frosty Boy at the same location.
Where to Find Kazoopy's Pizza & Grinders
Kazoopy's has three locations in SWMI, plus one in the works:
• Oshtemo: 8126 West Main Street (just west of Oshtemo Township Park)
• Westwood: 1908 West Main Street (West Main & Clarendon)
• East: 5030 Gull Road (between Nazareth and Sprinkle)- this location is shared with Frosty Boy
Opening in 2026:
6040 S 12th Street (In the Milham/12th roundabout, by Wedels)
Kazoopy's has three locations in SWMI, plus one in the works:
• Oshtemo: 8126 West Main Street (just west of Oshtemo Township Park)
• Westwood: 1908 West Main Street (West Main & Clarendon)
• East: 5030 Gull Road (between Nazareth and Sprinkle)- this location is shared with Frosty Boy
Opening in 2026:
6040 S 12th Street (In the Milham/12th roundabout, by Wedels)
WEBSITE
Taco
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to enjoy a taco in Kalamazoo.
Whether crunchy or soft, chicken, beef, vegetarian, authentic, or American-style, there are tacos for all taste buds in Southwest Michigan.
Readers voted these spots as the best restaurants in Kalamazoo to grab a taco:
Top 5 Taco Restaurants
#1 · Casa Tequila
23901 City Center Circle, Mattawan, MI 49071 · Map It
At Casa Tequila, tacos are available with your choice of protein: ground beef, steak, grilled/shredded chicken or shrimp, accompanied by flour or corn tortillas.
The kid's menu includes both Mexican fare and American staples like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.
Be sure to finish off your meal with fried ice cream, flan, or another delicious dessert.
The kid's menu includes both Mexican fare and American staples like mac and cheese and chicken tenders.
Be sure to finish off your meal with fried ice cream, flan, or another delicious dessert.
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.
WEBSITE
Did Your Favorites Make the List?
Let us know if the best restaurants in Kalamazoo include some of your top choices in SW Michigan.
Are you planning to try somewhere new? We want to hear about it: leave us a comment with your upcoming dining plans.
More to Explore
