2022 Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Top-Voted Food in SWMI

Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo

Finding the Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo

Tell someone you’re from Kalamazoo, and 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, Kalamazoo is also known for being a foodie town.

And when we aren’t eating our delicious meals, we like talking about them: with Facebook groups like Kalamazoo Menu and The Kalamazoo Foodie, we 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 6,600 votes cast in 17 categories, it’s clear that we have some strong opinions on who makes the best 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 of the spots listed below are worth a visit (and a social media share).

Top-Voted Kalamazoo Restaurants

Bakery

Best Bakery

Boonzaaijer Bakery

Best of KZOO

From scratch baking is no small feat. In order to have their shelves stocked when they open their doors with bread, pastries and cakes, bakers often start their days while the rest of us are still sleeping.

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 · Boonzaaijer Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Bakery


126 E Cork St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

In Kalamazoo since 1961, family owned and operated Boonzaaijer Bakery is known for its custom cakes, fruit shells and chocolate mocha tortes.

Their offerings are not limited to round desserts: Boonzaaijers also crafts pastries, rolls, almond sticks and macaroons in addition to seasonal offerings like yule logs at Christmas.

Where to Find Boonzaaijer Bakery
Boonzaaijer is located just east of the corner of Burdick and Cork Streets in Kalamazoo.

WEBSITE

#2 · The Victorian Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Bakery

512 North Park St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Sarkozy Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Bakery

350 E Michigan Ave, Ste 100 Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#4 · Rykse & Co.

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Bakery

7141 West Q Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009

#5 · Bert's Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Bakery

4419 South Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49007

309 River St Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Breakfast

Best Breakfast

Crow’s Nest Restaurant

Best of KZOO

Breakfast is big in Kalamazoo. With cereal giant Kellogg in nearby Battle Creek, local residents recognize the value of the most important meal of the day.

When locals are ready to level up their corn flakes, SWMI restaurants serve up some pretty decadent choices: crepes, waffle flights, stuffed French toast and omelets are just a few of their offerings. Read on for the best breakfast restaurants in Kalamazoo:

Top 5 Breakfast Restaurants

#1 · Crow's Nest Restaurant

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Breakfast


816 S Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Crow’s Nest serves breakfast all day and features coffee and pastries from Fourth Coast Cafe (located downstairs).

This upscale diner is known for its variety of egg specialty dishes, French toast flavors, and extensive vegan options.

Tables are limited at this quaint restaurant; while worth the wait, expect some delays in snagging a table during peak meal hours.

Where to Find Crow's Nest Restaurant
Located in the Vine Neighborhood, you'll find Crow's Nest next door to Bagel Beanery on Westnedge.

WEBSITE

#2 · Breakfast at Tiffiny's

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Breakfast

3271 W Centre St Portage, MI 49024

5222 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

#3 · Roxie's Breakfast and Lunch

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Breakfast

4010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

343 W Prairie St Vicksburg, MI 49047

#4 · Antique Kitchen Restaurant

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Breakfast

6215 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#5 · Studio Grill

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Breakfast

312 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Boba Tea

Best Boba Tea

Chocolatea

Best of KZOO

While relatively new in the United States, bubble tea or “Boba” tea dates back to the 1980s in Taiwan. In its most common form, this cold tea is served with ice and chewy tapioca balls but can include other flavors or toppings.

Boba’s popularity has been steadily growing in SWMI. See the top five favorite spots for this fun beverage:

Top 5 Boba Tea Spots

#1 · Chocolatea

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Boba Tea


7642 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

Featuring 15+ flavors of Boba tea, Chocolatea pairs them with black tapioca pearls, poppers, rainbow jellies, or crystals.

Beyond Boba, their shop sells over 200 loose leaf tea blends, macarons, cocoa bombs, coffee, sandwiches and a massive display case full of delectable desserts and chocolates.

Grab your drink to go or enjoy your beverage and treats inside. During warm weather, take a seat outside on their cozy deck, overlooking Portage Creek.

Where to Find Chocolatea
Chocolatea is located in Portage on South Westnedge, north of Centre. Look for the giant green teacup next door to Jac's.

WEBSITE

#2 · Cravings Deli (Pacific Rims Foods)

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Boba Tea

229 West Kilgore Rd Portage, MI 49002

#3 · MI Boba

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Boba Tea

1750 S Drake Rd Suite B Kalamazoo, MI 49006

#4 · Rollup Ice Cream & Tea

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Boba Tea

8340 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

5907 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

#5 · Kung Fu Tea Kalamazoo

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Boba Tea

5043 West Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Brewery

Best Brewery

One Well Brewing

Best of KZOO

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 spaces and fun, outdoor spaces for patio season.

Top 5 Breweries

#1 · One Well Brewing

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Brewery


4213 Portage St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Microbrewery One Well Brewing strives to provide Kalamazoo with a quality, craft-brewed selection of beers and tasty food. With picnic tables for seating, pinball machines, dart boards and board games galore, 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 mug club once a year (spots opened on Black Friday in 2021).

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.

WEBSITE

#2 · Bell's Eccentric Cafe

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Brewery

355 E Kalamazoo Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Latitude 42 Brewing Company

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Brewery

6101 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7842 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

#4 · Gull Lake Distilling Company

âś© Best Restaurants in Galesburg: Brewery

92 East Michigan Ave Galesburg, MI 49053

#5 · Presidential Brewing Company

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Brewery

8302 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

Burger

Best Burger

Nonla Burger

Best of KZOO

Known for its popularity among fast food restaurants, the burger takes a major upgrade in Kalamazoo restaurants with high quality beef cooked to perfection and often locally sourced buns and vegetables.

Order your next burger from one of the five locations below:

Top 5 Burger Spots

#1 · Nonla Burger

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Burger


2103 S Burdick St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

1700 S Drake Rd Ste A Kalamazoo, MI 49006

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).

Where to Find Nonla Burger
Nonla Burger has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo and a Mattawan location:

• Burdick: 2103 S Burdick Street (just south of Alcott)
• Drake: 1700 South Drake Road (near Costco)
• Mattawan: 24050 Front Avenue (across the street from Mattawan Park)

WEBSITE

#2 · Studio Grill

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Burger

312 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Latitude 42 Brewing Company

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Burger

6101 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7842 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

#4 · Niskers Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Burger

5051 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

#5 · Lake Burger

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Burger

4404 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49006

#5 · Main Street Pub

âś© Best Restaurants in : Burger

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

Cheesecake

Best Cheesecake

Four Roses Cafe

Best of KZOO

As decadent desserts go, cheesecake is one of the best. The creamy, cream cheese-based treat can be served plain with a graham cracker curst, or made even more indulgent with fruit, ganache or peanut butter.

Whether you’re a traditional New York style fan or looking for something more extravagant, Kalamazoo bakers have you covered.

Try these five spots for the best in town:

Top 5 Cheesecake Spots

#1 · Four Roses Cafe

âś© Best Restaurants in Plainwell: Cheesecake


663 10th St Plainwell, MI 49080

Four Roses features an in-house pastry chef, whose creations are legendary.

You'll find new desserts daily here including decadent cheesecake offerings. From raspberry brownie cheesecake to chai cheesecake (pictured) to keto cheesecake, their innovation knows no bounds.

Where to Find Four Roses Cafe
Find Four Roses Cafe at 663 N 10th St in Plainwell, just north of the Plainwell Municipal Airport.

WEBSITE

#2 · Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company

âś© Best Restaurants in : Cheesecake

#3 · Huey D's Goodies

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Cheesecake

315 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#4 · The Victorian Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Cheesecake

512 North Park St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#5 · Bert's Bakery

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Cheesecake

4419 South Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49007

309 River St Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Chicken Sandwich

Best Chicken Sandwich

Nonla Burger

Best of KZOO

While a fried chicken sandwich sounds like a pretty easy entree, don’t underestimate the skill to craft one.

These restaurants in Kalamazoo have nailed the perfect blend of a crispy exterior paired with a tender and juicy center:

Top 5 Chicken Sandwiches

#1 · Nonla Burger

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Chicken Sandwich


2103 S Burdick St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

1700 S Drake Rd Ste A Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Nonla may have 'burger' in the name, but their chicken sandwich game is strong.

Nonla's Crispy Chicken Sando is served with pickled veggies and spicy ranch sauce on a toasted bun.

For more heat, try the Hot Chicken Sando (pictured, at left): it's dipped in chili oil and served with house-made pickles and mayo.

Young diners will like the nugget meal for kids, which includes small fries and a drink.

Where to Find Nonla Burger
Nonla Burger has 2 restaurants in Kalamazoo and a Mattawan location:

• Burdick: 2103 S Burdick Street (just south of Alcott)
• Drake: 1700 South Drake Road (near Costco)
• Mattawan: 24050 Front Avenue (across the street from Mattawan Park)

WEBSITE

#2 · Rollup Ice Cream & Tea

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Chicken Sandwich

8340 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

5907 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

#3 · Turbo Chicken

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Chicken Sandwich

5234 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

#4 · Chicken House

âś© Best Restaurants in Richland: Chicken Sandwich

12443 E. D Ave Richland, MI 49083

#5 · Old Burdick's

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Chicken Sandwich

100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Coffee Shop

Best Coffee Shop

Great Grounds Coffee Cafe

Best of KZOO

Coffee shops provide more than just a caffeinated start to your day: some diners cherish an extended stay with a good book and a cup of joe.

For others, coffee shops may simply 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 · Great Grounds Coffee Cafe (closed)

âś© Best Restaurants in Richland: Coffee Shop


9010 East D Ave Richland, MI 49083

Great Grounds Coffee Cafe is a gourmet coffee house serving high end espresso drinks, teas and smoothies with a cafe menu of soups, salads and panini grilled sandwiches.

Guests are invited to dine inside their comfy space or swing by the convenient drive thru.

The menu at Great Grounds changes with input from its staff: each member of the Brew Crew is encouraged to develop new drinks, baked goods and sandwiches.

Where to Find Great Grounds Coffee Cafe (closed)
Unfortunately, Great Grounds closed their business in 2022.

WEBSITE

#2 · Water Street Coffee

âś© Best Restaurants in : Coffee Shop

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

#3 · Matchhead Coffee

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Coffee Shop

209 S Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#4 · Biggby Coffee

âś© Best Restaurants in : Coffee Shop

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

#5 · Chocolatea

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Coffee Shop

7642 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

Date Night Restaurant

Best Date Night Restaurant

Four Roses Cafe

Best of KZOO

Although date nights are not a common occurrence for local parents, they are a cherished one. When moms and dads have the opportunity to 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 Restaurants

#1 · Four Roses Cafe

âś© Best Restaurants in Plainwell: Date Night Restaurant


663 10th St Plainwell, MI 49080

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 12 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.

WEBSITE

#2 · Bird Dog

âś© Best Restaurants in Mattawan: Date Night Restaurant

57649 Murray St Mattawan, MI 49071

#3 · Cove Lakeside Bistro

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Date Night Restaurant

9110 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

#4 · Brick and Brine

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Date Night Restaurant

100 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#5 · The Grazing Table

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Date Night Restaurant

402 S Burdick St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop

Best Ice Cream Shop

Plainwell Ice Cream Co.

Best of KZOO

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 Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream Shops

#1 · Plainwell Ice Cream Co.

âś© Best Restaurants in Plainwell: Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop


621 E Bridge St Plainwell, MI 49080

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.

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.

WEBSITE

#2 · Schultz's Treat Street

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop

3023 Oakland Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49008

#3 · Rollup Ice Cream & Tea

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop

8340 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

5907 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

#4 · Bella Creamery

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop

10098 Shaver Rd Portage, MI 49024

#5 · Ritter's Frozen Custard

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop

217 Romence Rd Portage, MI 49024

Kids Menu

Best Kids Menu

Main Street Pub

Best of KZOO

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 actually 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 · Main Street Pub

âś© Best Restaurants in : Kids Menu


Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

Main Street Pub's menu is known for its depth and variety, and its menu for kids is no exception. With 9 kid-friendly entree options and Kids Eat Free on Sunday and Mondays, this spot is definitely welcoming to families.

Kids can dine on PB&J, pizza, macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, hamburgers and more. Be sure to check their appetizers for more delicious options: the pretzel bites and dingers (boneless chicken wings) are also kid approved.

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)

WEBSITE

#2 · Latitude 42 Brewing Company

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Kids Menu

6101 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7842 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002

#3 · One Well Brewing

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Kids Menu

4213 Portage St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

#4 · Monelli's Italian Grill and Sports Bar

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Kids Menu

7141 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#5 · Jac's

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Kids Menu

3112 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7638 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

Nachos

Best Nachos

Shakespeares’s Pub

Best of KZOO

Once considered a snack or side dish, nachos have found their time to shine in recent years, elevating its status to main course.

These restaurants in Kalamazoo are the best of the best when it comes to full plates of entree-sized nachos:

Top 5 Nacho Restaurants

#1 · Shakespeare's Pub

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Nachos


241 E Kalamazoo Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

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).

Where to Find Shakespeare's Pub
Shakespeare's Pub is located at 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, just west of Bell's.

WEBSITE

#2 · One Well Brewing

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Nachos

4213 Portage St Kalamazoo, MI 49001

#3 · Main Street Pub

âś© Best Restaurants in : Nachos

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

#4 · Jac's

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Nachos

3112 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7638 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#5 · Louie's Trophy House/Corner Bar

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Nachos

629 Walbridge St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

7177 W Q Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009

New Restaurant

Best New Restaurant

Skinny Kenny’s BBQ

Best of KZOO

Opening a new restaurant is BIG leap of faith. And yet, local owners have stepped up to the plate (in a pandemic nonetheless), to open their doors in Kalamazoo.

Our readers cast their votes for their favorite new spots in town; to qualify as “new” for our ballot, a restaurant either opened in 2021 or the first quarter of 2022.

Here are the top five new restaurants to share their amazing food and atmosphere with SWMI diners:

Top 5 New Restaurants

#1 · Skinny Kenny's BBQ

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: New Restaurant


6005 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

7000 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Known for its food truck, Skinny Kenny's expanded into two local restaurant spaces in Portage (2021) and Oshtemo (2022).

Skinny Kenny's BBQ offers pulled pork, pulled chicken & brisket, slow smoked with offset smokers using oak, cherry, hickory and apple woods.

Paired with their "skinny beans," cornbread and macaroni and cheese, diners can enjoy variety of dishes including Monster Bowls, nachos, fiesta salads and street tacos.

The Oshtemo location is also the only restaurant in Michigan to serve Ice Cream Club ice cream.

Where to Find Skinny Kenny's BBQ
Skinny Kenny's Portage restaurant is located at the corner of Westnedge & Milham, next door to Little Caesar's Pizza.

Find their Oshtemo location at the corner of 8th and Stadium (next to Anytime Fitness).

WEBSITE

#2 · The Grazing Table

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: New Restaurant

402 S Burdick St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Elysium

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: New Restaurant

505 E North St Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#4 · Dog & the Bank

âś© Best Restaurants in Plainwell: New Restaurant

200 E Bridge St Plainwell, MI 49080

#5 · Roxie's Breakfast and Lunch

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: New Restaurant

4010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

343 W Prairie St Vicksburg, MI 49047

Pizza

Best Pizza

Erbelli’s

Best of KZOO

If you ask ten people for the best pizza toppings, you’ll likely receive ten different answers. 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 it’s unlikely you will 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 · Erbelli's

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Pizza


8342 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49024

6214 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Opened in 1995 in Portage, Erbelli's success led them to add a second location on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. Both restaurants serve as pizzerias, Italian bistros, and full-service pubs all rolled into one unique dining experience.

Over 25 gourmet pizzas are offered at Erbelli's in multiple crusts: original hand tossed, pan style, Chicago style and gluten free. Diners also have the option to build their own pizza masterpieces.

Pizza dough is made fresh every morning at 8AM, using yeast from an Italian bakery and is stretched by hand.

In addition to their award-winning pizza, Erbelli's makes calzones, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and desserts baked in house.

Where to Find Erbelli's
The Portage Erbelli's location is located at 8342 Portage Road, just north of Zylman. They are next door to Rollup Ice Cream & Tea and just south of Presidential Brewing Company.

The Kalamazoo restaurant is east of 9th Street at 6214 Stadium Drive. Find them near the Speedway station.

WEBSITE

#2 · Bimbo's Pizza

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Pizza

338 E Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Bilbo's Pizza

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Pizza

3307 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49008

#4 · Martini's

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Pizza

832 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008

#5 · Jac's

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Pizza

3112 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

7638 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#5 · Shakespeare's Pub

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Pizza

241 E Kalamazoo Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Sandwich Shop

Best Sandwich Shop

Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders

Best of KZOO

There’s a difference between restaurants that simply serve sandwiches and true sandwich shops. All of these spots bake their own bread and offer high quality meats and fresh toppings, often with sauces made from scratch.

The next time you need a Reuben, BLT or traditional ham and cheese, try these top five spots for a sandwich crafted by the experts:

Top 5 Sandwich Shops

#1 · Mancino's Pizza and Grinders

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Sandwich Shop


10100 Shaver Rd Portage, MI 49024

Locally owned and operated for over thirty years, Mancino's grinders' offerings are extensive. With over 30 choices, these sandwiches are served hot on freshly baked white or wheat bread.

You can top off your meal with an ice cream treat from Bella Creamery: milkshakes, malts and sundaes are all available for dine in or carryout.

In addition to their grinders, Mancino's sells pizza, salads, nachos, pasta and offers a kids menu. Pizza is also available on gluten free crust.

Where to Find Mancino's Pizza and Grinders
Mancino's is on Shaver, just south of Beethoven Avenue. Find them next door to their sister shop, Bella Creamery.

WEBSITE

#2 · Artisan Sandwich Co

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Sandwich Shop

348 S Kalamazoo Mall Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Wally's Subs

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Sandwich Shop

6477 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009

#4 · Jersey Giant Subs

âś© Best Restaurants in : Sandwich Shop

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

#5 · Kazoopy's Pizza and Grinders

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Sandwich Shop

8126 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49009

1908 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Sushi

Best Sushi

Maru

Best of KZOO

With its origins in Japan, sushi has become an increasingly popular dish in the United States. While the ingredients vary, traditional sushi includes vinegared rice and raw fish wrapped in seaweed.

For local sushi fans, these restaurants offer the best in Kalamazoo:

Top 5 Sushi Restaurants

#1 · Maru

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Sushi


427 E Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Japanese fusion restaurant Maru offers a big selection of signature rolls in addition to hibachi, nigiri and sashimi.

Some local favorites are the Madagascar and Crouching Tiger Rolls; pair them with the edamame or firecracker shrimp appetizers.

Maru is only open for dinner from 4 - 9PM and hosts Happy Hour from 4 - 5PM. You can book reservations online at this popular spot to reserve a table.

Where to Find Maru
Maru is located at 427 E Michigan Ave, near HopCat and Water Street Coffee.

WEBSITE

#2 · Kumo Hibachi & Sushi

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Sushi

6396 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#3 · Sakura 2

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Sushi

6749 S Westnedge Ave Portage, MI 49002

#4 · Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Sushi

4604 W Main St Kalamazoo, MI 49006

#5 · Ziki Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse

âś© Best Restaurants in Portage: Sushi

279 W Centre Ave Portage, MI 49024

Taco

Best Taco

Taco Bob’s

Best of KZOO

It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to enjoy a taco in Kalamazoo. Whether crunchy or soft, chicken, beef or 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

âś© Best Restaurants in : Taco


Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

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.

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)

WEBSITE

#2 · La Familia Cafe

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Taco

224 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007

#3 · Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant

âś© Best Restaurants in Kalamazoo: Taco

3420 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048

#4 · Los Amigos

âś© Best Restaurants in : Taco

Multiple SWMI Locations , MI

#5 · Pure Mex Tacos & Tequila

âś© Best Restaurants in Richland: Taco

8880 N 32nd St Richland, MI 49083


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