Kalamazoo Area Breweries

First and foremost: Bell's Brewery!

So it's worth noting that Bell's is no longer a microbrewery and it's no longer brewed in Kalamazoo.  It is actually brewed and bottled in Galesburg (about 15 miles west of Kalamazoo).  However, Bell's Eccentric Cafe is still in Kalamazoo, and is actually expanding.  I heart Bell's (but Jeff sees Bell's as a definite second compared to Founders...more on that later).  I like that it's kinda funky.  The entrance is in back, it's all wooden and old inside, I pretty much never get carded, and you see all types at Bell's.  The ONLY downside in my mind is their CASH only policy (if you forget this policy, they have an ATM conveniently located inside - just be wary of the fees) - oh yeah, and you have to drink out of plastic cups if you go in the beergarten.  Anyways, despite Bell's no longer being a microbrewery, the Eccentric Cafe often features small batches that you can only try at the Cafe.  In fact, the last few times I've been there, their staples like Amber and Two Hearted (IPA) have been conspicuously absent from the menu.  But I kind of like that.  I mean, you can get those on draft at a lot of bars in West Michigan (and beyond for that matter).  I'd rather try something unique.  We went there after K College's graduation on June 12th and I had a special Wheat brew (tasted like a hefeweizen) and Jeff had their Double IPA (I think that's what it was called), which wasn't quite as in your face as their Hopslam (which is their Imperial IPA), but still one heck of a strong, hoppy ale.  Bell's also has food - yummy sandwiches and assorted appetizers.  I'm glad their renovating because it's a popular place and lacking some seating, so be prepared to stand if you go during, say, happy hour time.

Bilbo's Pizza and Brewing:

While Bilbo's is a brewery, and their beer isn't awful, it is a pizza joint.  And their pizza is damn tasty.  I recommend the deep dish (probably because its the only kind I've had).  Anyways, located close to Western, it's a hang out for students as well as local families.  Plenty of tables available, pool tables and video games for entertainment, pizza and beer.  The owners are obvious fans of J.R.R. Tolkien (that suspicion confirmed by our friend Todd, who worked their in high school), which has nothing to do with pizza and beer, but whatever.  Their beer list is ok, but they are always out of like half their beers at a given time, which is a big minus in my book.  And none of the beers that we've tried have been particularly memorable.  But I could go for a big piece of that pizza right now...

Olde Peninsula Brewpub

Jeff actually had the audacity to say to me that he might prefer to go to OP over Bell's.  What?!  No comparison.  BUT - he then said, beer not withstanding, there's seating at OP, they take credit cards, and they have a better menu.  That's because they're a restaurant/brewery.  Very family friendly - lots of food on the menu.  We're not talking gourmet food here, just your basic little bit of everything kind of menu.  Their  beer is fine - their rootbeer is great!  Every once in a while their seasonal beer will be surprisingly tasty (like the chocolate stout last winter).  Parking can a bit of a pain though, since it's on this weird corner right downtown.  And actually, you could go to both Bell's and OP to compare for yourself since they're within walking distance of each other.

Arcadia Brewing Company (Battle Creek)

It's been quite a while since I've actually been to Arcadia.  What I remember of the actual brewpub is that it's in downtown Battle Creek (you know, Kellogg's, Cereal City) which is about 25 miles east of Kalamazoo.  I know they've got a decent bar menu.  And the beers are pretty darn tasty.  Even though we haven't been to Arcadia in some time, we've been drinking Arcadia quite a bit recently.  They have a variety twelve pack that comes with their Pale, IPA and Wheat plus either their anniversary Rye or their double IPA.  They're good strong beers.  The Whitsun is an American wheat - crisp, slightly sweet, a tad citrusy.  The Pale, IPA, and Double IPA all have nice hoppiness.  I really like the Rye.  It's nice and hoppy, but the rye makes it, I don't know how to describe it, a little less floral.  It's not sharper but it's got a bit of a bite.  Anyways, if you live in Michigan, pick yourself up a twelve pack at Meijer - it's quite frequently on price drop.  You won't be disappointed.  And they've just redone all their packaging and I really like their labels.  :)