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 Buy Local Kalamazoo and you’ll find locals who regularly share photos and recommendations of our latest dining experiences.
To celebrate our extensive cuisine in Kalamazoo, we asked readers to vote for their favorites, and boy, did you show up: with over 5,700 votes cast in 13 categories, it’s clear that we have some strong opinions on who makes the best food.
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Mattawan Mechanical Services delivers top-notch customer service and workmanship to home and building owners for heating and cooling services.
Although they are HVAC experts and not restauranteurs, this Comfort Crew takes pride in supporting fellow locally-owned businesses since 1992. 
Showcasing SWMI’s Best Local Food
We’ve listed the top five restaurants in each category. Check to see if 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 one of our tightest races: proof that all of these are mega-talented and delicious.
Top 5 Bakeries
#1 · Bert's Bakery
4419 S Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Map It
309 River St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 · Map It
Known for its extensive skills with cake decorating, Bert's Bakery also offers pies, cookies, cheesecakes, and a large variety of holiday-specific baked goods.
Bert's cakes can fulfill almost any request: vegan, gluten free, wedding and all occasion cakes are all offered here, plus fruit and Bavarian filling and edible images.
Bert's cakes can fulfill almost any request: vegan, gluten free, wedding and all occasion cakes are all offered here, plus fruit and Bavarian filling and edible images.
Where to Find Bert's Bakery
Bert's has 2 locations in SWMI:
• Kalamazoo: 4419 S Westnedge (just north of Kilgore)
• Comstock: 309 River Street (just south of King Highway, next door to Valentina's)
Bert's has 2 locations in SWMI:
• Kalamazoo: 4419 S Westnedge (just north of Kilgore)
• Comstock: 309 River Street (just south of King Highway, next door to Valentina's)
WEBSITE
Breakfast
Breakfast is big in Kalamazoo. With cereal giant Kellogg 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 · Butler's Breakfast and Lunch
3610 S Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 · Map It
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.
Where to Find Butler's Breakfast and Lunch
Find Butler's off South Sprinkle Road, next door to Jimmy John's in the former Michelle's location.
Find Butler's off South Sprinkle Road, next door to Jimmy John's in the former Michelle's location.
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 provide 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 50 pinball machines, 20 arcades, 10 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.
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 among fast-food restaurants, the burger is given a major upgrade in Kalamazoo restaurants. It features high-quality beef cooked to perfection and often 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 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)
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.
In addition to their signature fried chicken, their menu includes burgers, tots, malts and hand-crafted sides.
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 (Tie)
Biggby & Water Street 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
#1 · Water Street Coffee
Multiple Locations, SWMI, MI · Map It
A name synonymous with Kalamazoo's best coffee places, Water Street coffee has multiple café locations offering locally roasted coffee crafted with local and in-season ingredients, made from scratch in their in-house kitchens.
Four of their cafes offer convenient drive-thru options for coffee on the go.
Four of their cafes offer convenient drive-thru options for coffee on the go.
Where to Find Water Street Coffee
Find Water Street at 6 locations locally: Downtown, Portage, Oakland, Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson Hospital and Sprinkle.
Find Water Street at 6 locations locally: Downtown, Portage, Oakland, Ascension Borgess Hospital, Bronson Hospital and Sprinkle.
WEBSITE
Date Night Restaurant
Although date nights are not a common occurrence for local parents, they are a cherished one. When moms and dads can go out for dinner, they often request somewhere special 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 · Four Roses Cafe
663 10th St, Plainwell, MI 49080 · Map It
Owned and operated by Tom and Jan Rose, Four Roses is a casual, fine dining cafe with a focus on fresh, flavorful dishes and outstanding service.
Entrees are made fresh daily and locally sourced. Some favorites include the whitefish Grenoble, maple mustard baby back ribs and Bell's braised beef (braised in Bell's Kalamazoo Stout).
Four Roses offers 14 rotating taps that are all Michigan craft beers, in addition to seasonal, local beers and ciders in bottles. They also serve a number of Michigan wines.
Make a Date Night or Date Lunch here: they are open from 11AM - 3PM and 5 - 9PM on weekdays (Tuesday - Friday). Saturday evenings, they serve dinner from 4 - 9PM.
Entrees are made fresh daily and locally sourced. Some favorites include the whitefish Grenoble, maple mustard baby back ribs and Bell's braised beef (braised in Bell's Kalamazoo Stout).
Four Roses offers 14 rotating taps that are all Michigan craft beers, in addition to seasonal, local beers and ciders in bottles. They also serve a number of Michigan wines.
Make a Date Night or Date Lunch here: they are open from 11AM - 3PM and 5 - 9PM on weekdays (Tuesday - Friday). Saturday evenings, they serve dinner from 4 - 9PM.
Where to Find Four Roses Cafe
Find Four Roses at 663 N 10th St in Plainwell, just north of the Plainwell Municipal Airport.
Find Four Roses at 663 N 10th St in Plainwell, just north of the Plainwell Municipal Airport.
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 that has multiple choices that 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
Kalako Pizza
Opening a new restaurant is BIG leap of faith. And yet, local owners have stepped up to the plate to open 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 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.
Here are the top five new restaurants to share their fantastic food and atmosphere with SWMI diners:
Top 5 New Restaurants
#1 · Kalako Pizza
10420 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002 · Map It
Opening in December 2024, Kalako Pizza delivers Chicago style pizza to Portage.
The location also offers traditional style pies, sandwiches, salads and appetizers.
Build your custom creation, or try one of their fun features, including Chef Kody's favorite (pictured): fresh Italian sausage, mushrooms, Calabrian chilis (Hot), fresh basil, red sauce and extra virgin olive oil.
The location also offers traditional style pies, sandwiches, salads and appetizers.
Build your custom creation, or try one of their fun features, including Chef Kody's favorite (pictured): fresh Italian sausage, mushrooms, Calabrian chilis (Hot), fresh basil, red sauce and extra virgin olive oil.
Where to Find Kalako Pizza
Find Kalako just north of Osterhout, on Portage Road (next door to Great Skate).
Find Kalako just north of Osterhout, on Portage Road (next door to Great Skate).
WEBSITE
Pizza
You’ll likely receive ten different answers if you ask ten people for the best pizza toppings. Add in crusts (thin, hand-tossed, deep dish, gluten-free, New York Style, and Detroit style, to name a few), and your pizza options grow exponentially.
While you will unlikely find anyone to agree upon 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:
• 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
Kazoopy's has three locations in SWMI:
• 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
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 tastebuds in Southwest Michigan.
Readers voted these spots as the best restaurants in Kalamazoo to grab a taco:
Top 5 Taco Restaurants
#1 · Taco Bob's
Multiple Locations, SWMI, MI · Map It
Taco Bob's has been in the Kalamazoo area for over 30 years, expanding from their original location downtown to 5 additional spots in SWMI.
They promise to offer great, healthy, fast food. Meals include vegetarian and vegan friendly pinto beans and Spanish rice.
The Taco Bob Foundation was started in 2021 to honor the legacy of their founder and help those that face a difficult path. They are a proud partner of the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.
They promise to offer great, healthy, fast food. Meals include vegetarian and vegan friendly pinto beans and Spanish rice.
The Taco Bob Foundation was started in 2021 to honor the legacy of their founder and help those that face a difficult path. They are a proud partner of the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation.
Where to Find Taco Bob's
Taco Bob's is easy to find, with 6 convenient locations in SWMI:
• Downtown: 248 S Kalamazoo Mall (near Principle)
• Mattawan: 23890 City Center Circle (near Happy Days Cafe)
• Portage Street: 4121 Portage St (near One Well)
• Portage: 126 Centre Ave (near PCHS)
• Crosstown Westnedge: 1502 S Westnedge (near Happy's Pizza)
• Vicksburg: 108 W Washington (corner of Washington & Main Street)
Taco Bob's is easy to find, with 6 convenient locations in SWMI:
• Downtown: 248 S Kalamazoo Mall (near Principle)
• Mattawan: 23890 City Center Circle (near Happy Days Cafe)
• Portage Street: 4121 Portage St (near One Well)
• Portage: 126 Centre Ave (near PCHS)
• Crosstown Westnedge: 1502 S Westnedge (near Happy's Pizza)
• Vicksburg: 108 W Washington (corner of Washington & Main Street)
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
