Kalamazoo is a city of energetic and buzzed-about neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Walk their storied streets, appreciate the independent shops, indulge in locally-owned restaurants and cozy up in their coffee shops and craft beer bars. Below we've highlighted four neighborhoods with different points of interest for you to get out and explore!
Edison and South side Neighborhoods
Nonla Burger
Cheeseburgers, hand-cut fries and milk shakes! What more could you ask for? Pro Tip: Order a Crispy Chicken Sando and ask for it done the "Nonla Way": a fried chicken sandwich with American cheese, grilled onions, pickled veggies, jalapeños, cucumbers, cilantro and spicy ranch dressing!
Confections With Convictions
Before he was a chocolatier, Confections with Convictions founder Dale Anderson, worked as a counselor with young people in the court system for several years. Through this work it became clear that talk therapy—while helpful—was often not enough to overcome the many barriers that they faced. Dale considered starting a business to employ and train these youth on the job, as a way to help them become successful members of society. Confections with Convictions has been serving the Kalamazoo community with handmade, artisanal chocolates since 2010. Stop by to see Dale’s inspiration put into action producing fine artisanal chocolates and fine young citizens.
Twine Urban Winery
Founder of the Roche Collection, Nicole Triplett opened a new tasting room in the Washington Square neighborhood of Kalamazoo in spring 2021 that features private tastings, open air outdoor seating, personal virtual sommelier service, custom wine cocktails, and slushies.
River's Edge Neighborhood
Factory Coffee
600 Kitchen & Bar
Located in a former gray-iron foundry and steel fabrication facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, 600 Kitchen & Bar features a diverse menu and full bar, all with a Michigan-sourced and inspired theme!
Louie's Trophy House Bar & Grill
Today, Louie’s is the oldest bar in Kalamazoo. The bar acts as an escape from the the busy city. When patrons walk in, the first thing they notice is the taxidermy lined walls. It features a cabin on the lake feel. Louie’s has drink specials every night of the week, a free comedy show every Tuesday, open mic night every Wednesday, and live entertainment in the Back Room every Friday and Saturday. Louie’s is a a home away from home for the regulars, and for every new customer that walks in, they walk out feeling like they just spent an evening with old friends.
Vine Neighborhood
Crow's Nest
Located in the heart of the Vine Neighborhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan and perched atop the Fourth Coast Cafe, Crow’s Nest has been the go-to restaurant for the surrounding neighborhood and travelers near and far for nearly a decade.
O'Duffy's Pub
A place to meet friends, both old and new, share stories, all without the distraction of television. O’Duffy’s is Kalamazoo’s only real Irish pub, family owned, real food, real beer, and really wonderful people. It was one of the very first non smoking bars in Kalamazoo. O’Duffy’s opened in the Summer of 1999.
Walnut & Park
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A cafe with great coffee and an even greater cause. The men and women who prepare the lattes, cinnamon rolls, sandwiches and salads are students or graduates of the KPEP culinary arts program.
Kzoo Swift
Kzoo Swift is an awesome, grassroots-style shop. They offer a range of vintage and used bikes and accessories, and everyone can find something to suit their needs. A shop to buy, sell, trade, repair and even customize your ride.
Satellite Records
A paradise for casual collectors and crate diggers alike, they specialize in new and used LPs, 45s, 12”s and cassettes. Most any local will tell you that Satellite Records is a treasure trove and hidden gem of Kalamazoo.
