Kalamazoo County has a vibrant arts scene just waiting for you to explore. Why not make a day out of it and enjoy a meal that is perfectly paired with your show? We recommend that you choose your own adventure and dine at these amazing locations for fantastic fine arts experience in Kalamazoo County!
Center Stage Theatre & Bangkok Flavor
With a commitment to encouraging everyone to discover the love of live theatre, Center Stage Theatre (performing at the Comstock Community Auditorium) has extraordinary performances often featuring 50 to 100 cast and crew members. From large summer musicals to joyful winter cabarets and more, visitors will enjoy the wonderful community productions of Center Stage Theatre.
Visitors can continue to support the community at Bangkok Flavor! Bangkok Flavor is a family-owned restaurant serving traditional Thai cuisine in a quaint, homey space. Visitors will enjoy the authentic flavors of a multitude of Thai dishes in addition to the cozy ambience that has been created at the restaurant.
Chenery Auditorium & Louie’s Trophy House
Home to performances by The Gilmore Piano Festival, the Kalamazoo Concert Band, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, the Chenery Auditorium has been home to the Kalamazoo Arts scene since 1924. This gorgeous concert hall boasts an impressive history filled with over a century of memories.
Continue your historic tour by dining at Louie’s Trophy House, Kalamazoo’s oldest bar! Since 1918, Louie’s has operated as an escape from the busy city, serving elevated American bar food with a twist alongside their weekly drink specials. At Louie’s, you will experience a perfect blend of history and community.
*Bonus Pairing: If you are looking for a short walk to dinner, head to Martini’s. At Martini’s, you’ll find fantastic pizza, pasta, salads, and Italian entrees in addition to wonderful cocktails.
Crawlspace Comedy Theatre & HUB Tavern + Grill
If you are looking for the spontaneous, the hilarious, and the odd, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre is the place for you. Since 2003, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre has been entertaining Kalamazoo with numerous improv acts, sketch-comedy acts, and local artists.
After you have laughed your heart out, head over to HUB Tavern + Grill for great drinks, amazing food, and a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo, HUB Tavern + Grill has an extensive menu featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas to classic burgers on top of their wide selection of whiskey, bourbon, and craft cocktails.
Dormouse Theatre & Alley Cat
With a relaxed setting and eclectic seating options, the Dormouse Theatre specializes in its own unique brand of sketch comedy as well as original, non-traditional works. Visitors will experience various acts ranging from comedy to drama in this intimate, 100 seat venue.
To continue relaxing and gathering in an intimate space, head to Alley Cat in Downtown Kalamazoo for exceptional cocktails and mocktails, delicious eats, and live music. Alley Cat is a vibrant space that encourages people to come together and enjoy the space.
Face Off Theatre Company & Dabney & Co. – Cocktail Bar and Lounge
Performing at venues around the county, Face Off Theatre Company dedicates their performances to celebrating and supporting community members across racial, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic lines. Each performance is powerful, memorable, and dedicated to their mission.
After seeing an astounding performance by Face Off Theatre Company, enjoy a pleasant blend of handcrafted cocktails and southern contemporary cuisine at Dabney & Co. – Cocktail Bar and Lounge. Dabney & Co. honors the legacy of Black mixologists by creating a space that celebrates culture, craft, and community in Downtown Kalamazoo.
Farmers Alley Theatre & HighDive Kitchen + Bar
Dedicated to producing professional theatre of the highest caliber, Farmers Alley Theatre strives to entertain while inspiring, educating, and communicating with audiences to reflect on the diverse human experience. Whether it is a musical, a play, or a special performance, you will be blown away by the talent and execution of each production at Farmers Alley Theatre.
There’s no need to debate on where to go to dine after a show at Farmers Alley Theatre when you have so many options at HighDive Kitchen + Bar! Serving everything from hearty burgers and fried fish to steaks and seafood, this laid-back, friendly environment makes for a great place to dine with friends and family.
Festival Playhouse of Kalamazoo College & Zooroona Restaurant
With three mainstage shows a year and many additional productions featuring talented student works, the Festival Playhouse of Kalamazoo College is not only a hub of entertainment, but also a historical marker. In the mid-1970s, The Playhouse became Michigan’s first thrust stage theatre – a theatre designed to place the audience on three sides of the stage.
Before or after a show at The Playhouse, dine at Zooroona Restaurant, a Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar located a few minutes away from the theatre. Bringing the flavors of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea onto your plate, Zooroona is happy to bring the flavors of the world right here to Kalamazoo.
Gilmore Theatre Complex & Brick and Brine
The Gilmore Theatre Complex on Western Michigan University’s campus is home to the theater department’s stage plays, musicals, and live events. With amazing creativity and an accommodating space, shows at the Gilmore Theatre Complex are always a joy to experience.
After experiencing a show at the Gilmore Theatre Complex, you will want a dinner just as eye-catching as the show scenery. Utilizing a brick-fired oven, Brick and Brine creates beautiful dishes with savory, brined proteins designed to impart flavor and tenderness in every bite.
Kalamazoo Civic Theatre & ROCA
Embarking on a mission to provide theatre for all, the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is dedicated to creating and delivering engaging, inspirational theatrical productions and educational experiences for the community. With three different theatre and studio settings within one building, the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is a hub for community entertainment at any time of year.
Take a little walk after your show and enjoy the fusion of Southwestern to South American flavors at ROCA, located on the Kalamazoo Mall. With so many indulgent options to choose from, visitors will savor every bite from ROCA.
Miller Auditorium & University Roadhouse
Miller Auditorium’s versatile line of entertainment includes touring Broadway productions, live concerts, comedy events, family shows, and more. Located on Western Michigan University’s campus, Miller Auditorium is a premier performing arts center for Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan.
Why not enjoy the college life while at Western Michigan University? Standing as a campus and Kalamazoo landmark, University Roadhouse is a warm gathering place serving contemporary American dishes that catch the eye and taste delicious.
New Vic Theatre & O’Duffy’s Pub
The New Vic Theatre has entertained community members and visitors for over fifty years. With an intimate space, the New Vic Theatre is proud to produce ensemble-focused theatre of the highest quality, including their annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”
Immerse yourself further in the community of Kalamazoo by dining at O’Duffy’s Pub. As a local favorite, O’Duffy’s Pub is a great, homey gathering place proudly serving American and Irish pub favorites. Dine-in to experience the hearty, welcoming atmosphere!
Queer Theatre Kalamazoo & Papa Pete’s/Club Vortex
Utilizing theatre as a catalyst for social change, Queer Theatre Kalamazoo believes in using the performing arts to stimulate and normalize conversation of LGBTQIA+ voices through positive exposure in a safe space. Queer Theatre Kalamazoo performs at venues throughout Kalamazoo with each performance simultaneously entertaining audiences while sharing their mission.
After a show, you’ll want to continue your live entertainment experience at Papa Pete’s. Known as Kalamazoo’s Best “Dive” Bar, Papa Pete’s encourages dancing all night long with live music, Chaos Nights, and more events. You can enjoy specialty pizzas as well as an After Dark Menu featuring gyros, wraps, burgers, and more. On Saturdays, the bar transforms into Club Vortex, an LGBTQ+ night club where you can dance all night long.
If you are looking to sit down and dine before partying at Papa Pete’s, stop in Blue Dolphin, located right next door, for a delicious dining experience of Greek American cuisine.
The Barn Theatre & Blue Stem
As one of the oldest summer stock theatres in the United States and the oldest one in Michigan, The Barn Theatre continually puts on exemplary productions leaving audiences enlightened and impressed by the versatility of the starring actors.
Open seasonally just like The Barn Theatre, Blue Stem features scenic views and an elevated American dining experience – literally! Blue Stem is located on the highest point in Kalamazoo County, so while you enjoy savory burgers, steaks, and pork chops, you will also take in the gorgeous views of Gull Lake View Golf Resort.
