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The Best Michigan Breweries in Downtown Kalamazoo

Are there two things that go together better than a cold pint of beer from the best Michigan breweries and the hot summer sun? No, we didn’t think so either!  This summer is your best chance to get out and experience all of the top Michigan breweries located right here in downtown Kalamazoo – not to mention all of the other exciting attractions as well!

As you probably know, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Kalamazoo year-round, but we can’t argue with the long and warm summer days.  Whether your entire is spent sampling beer at the top Michigan breweries, or whether a cold pint simply caps off a great day hiking, biking, and exploring this wonderful town, one thing is for sure: Summer is heating up, and it’s time you get here to join us at our #1-rated Kalamazoo Bed and Breakfast!

Having a lot of activities at your disposal while on vacation is essential, but so is having great accommodations. That’s precisely what you’ll find at The Kalamazoo House, the city’s #1-rated Bed and Breakfast near downtown Kalamazoo. We offer the perfect blend of luxurious accommodations, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality. If you’re ready for a fun summer vacation, it’s time to book your room at our Kalamazoo Bed and Breakfast today.

It’s no secret that Kalamazoo is a pretty great craft beer town – but if you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the fabulous Michigan breweries that call downtown Kalamazoo home, this summer is the perfect opportunity! Michigan breweries are known around the country for their depth of flavor and unique variety. There are actually somewhere around 350 Michigan breweries spread across the state, with 12 (and growing) of them right here in downtown Kalamazoo.

Whether you sample your way from one of these great Michigan breweries to the next or take a deeper dive on a beer tour, we know you’ll have a great time exploring the beer scene in downtown Kalamazoo with us this summer. Here are 6 of the Best Michigan Breweries in Kalamazoo to try this summer:

• Bell’s Brewing is not just one of the oldest but also one of the most popular Michigan breweries calling downtown Kalamazoo home.  They’ve been serving up delicious craft brews since the 1980s, well before the craft brew scene exploded across the country.
• If you’re looking for creativity in your craft brews, stop for a cold pint at One Well Brewing . It also happens to be a fantastic place for the community to gather, meaning you’ll find an authentic slice of Kalamazoo sharing a cold pint here.
• Saugatuck Brewing Company’s lineup features a delicious range of beer, cider, and wine. Their beers run the gamut from traditional to experimental, which lands this brewery on the top of our list of great Michigan breweries to visit in downtown Kalamazoo.
• Final Gravity Brewing Co . is located on the Pedestrian portion of the Kalamazoo Mall – a great place to drink a beer and enjoy some people watching. Not only is it one of the best Michigan breweries, but it puts you in the heart of one of the best attractions in downtown Kalamazoo!
• Brite Eyes Brewing Company , located in the Southtown neighborhood of downtown Kalamazoo, features a great menu and huge windows that offer tons of natural light and great views.
• Apoptosis Brewing Company , located down on Westnedge Ave, live music in the warmer season, food and all around great atmosphere.
• New member to the downtown brew hub, Brewery Outre . What makes their beer so unique, the terroir—the distinct flavors that a region’s soil, water, and air lend to each ingredient as it grows.

Don’t miss a chance to drink and eat at the famous Kalamazoo Beer Exchange . It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting places in Michigan to play the market of beers, truly an unforgettable experience for beer-lovers.

Beer isn’t the only excellent adult beverage to imbibe while in Kalamazoo! We also recommend heading to Crafted Copper , The Kalamazoo Stillhouse , and Green Door Distilling.

The Best Place to Stay Near Downtown Kalamazoo

We love these Michigan breweries just as much as the next person, but they are only a tiny part of the many great things waiting for you in downtown Kalamazoo.  There are so many great things to do here – and we’d love to be your host for a few days.  We offer guests the ultimate in comfort, convenience, location, and hospitality. What more could you ask for?.

Our Kalamazoo Bed and Breakfast offers ten well-appointed guest rooms , each of which comes standard with a broad range of high-end amenities.  In the morning, wake up to the delicious aromas of a freshly made breakfast , prepared fresh each morning in our kitchen. It’s just one of the many perks of choosing a boutique property like ours over more traditional hotel experiences.

Whether you’re in town visiting friends or family or are just looking for a bit of adventure, we hope you take the time to enjoy a bit of downtown Kalamazoo with us this summer. Book your room at our Kalamazoo Bed and Breakfast today!

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Captivating and flavorful, these expressive brews are genuine heart-throbs infused with hop aromas, hazy fruit flavors, and pine bitters.

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Downtown Kalamazoo Brewery Tour

Come see where it all started in downtown Kalamazoo.

  This is where the first batch of beer was brewed in 1985 in a 15-gallon soup pot. On the same campus as the Eccentric Café and General Store, this 15-barrel system saw the first batches of Two Hearted and Oberon and is still in use today.

Tours last about 45-minutes and include samples of our work.

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355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (269) 382-2332

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8938 Krum Ave. Comstock, MI 49053 (269) 382-2338

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Bell’s Brewery | 11 Great Things to Know & Do When You Visit

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Noted American craft brewing company Bell’s Brewery is a staple in Kalamazoo Michigan. Among the more than a handful of breweries in the area, it’s easily one of the more recognized locations.

Whether you’re visiting for the first or fifth time, Bell’s Brewery is a must to put on your itinerary. Here’s everything that you need to know about the brewery before you go!

About Bell’s Brewery

For those planning a visit to Bell’s Brewery , getting to know the company behind popular names like Hopslam Ale and Two Hearted Ale is helpful. The brewpub and store selling homebrewing supplies and lots of merchandise are fun destinations.

A Homebrew Supplier

The brewery started not in a warehouse or facility but in a basement. Specifically, a soup pot. In 1983, Larry Bell founded The Kalamazoo Brewing Company, Inc.

At that time, the business was zeroed in on providing people with access to homebrewing supplies they needed to create their own craft brews from home. The popularity of the store was strong from the start.

Expanded Offerings

Just two years later, the company started to sell its beer. That beer was brewed in nothing more than a 15-gallon soup kettle, certainly meant for the production of soup in a large-scale residential center, not in a brewhouse.

Nevertheless, the beer was brewed in the pot and fermented in open fermenters covered by nothing more than plastic wrap. That first year, the company produced 135 barrels, a promising start.

Eccentric Cafe & Second Location

In 1993, the location opened a brewpub next door and called it the Eccentric Café. In 2003, the company opened a second brewing facility — one that was a bit more advanced — in Comstock, Michigan.

It changed its name to Bell’s Brewery, Inc. in 2006, which is what the company was primarily known as by locals.

Success & Changed Ownership

By 2012, the business was brewing at a much higher rate, going from 180,000 barrels to about 500,000 barrels each year. With ample success, the company bought back all the stock it had issued to grow from private investors.

It maintained this family ownership through 2021, at which point Larry Bell sold his controlling shares in the company to Lion Little World Beverages. Lion is based in Australia and is recognized as an alcoholic beverage producer.

Unique Beer Offerings at Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery makes a wide range of beers, including American amber ale, IPAs, stouts, Pilsners, low-cal options, and porters.

Its Two-Hearted Ale has been ranked one of the best in the country by the American Homebrewers Association. It also produces Hopslam, a popular double IPA among those who love true craft beers.

Iconic Brews

Over its history, Bell’s Brewery has worked to develop numerous unique craft beers . It currently produces eight packaged beers that are available throughout the year. These iconic and year-round brews are some of the most well recognized by patrons:

• Ambler Ale, an American amber ale with 5.8% ABV
• Hopsolution Ale, a Double IPA with 8% ABV
• Kalamazoo Stout, an American Stout with 6% ABV
• Lager of the Lakes, a Bohemian-style Pilsner with 5% ABV
• Light Hearted Ale, a low-calorie American IPA with 3.7% ABV
• Official, a hazy IPA with 6.4% ABV
• Porter, a robust porter with 5.6% ABV
• Two Hearted Ale, an American IPA with 7% ABV

In addition to these, Bell’s Brewery has a wide range of seasonal and limited-production products that are certainly a must-try for craft brew lovers. That includes the Christmas Ale — a true Scotch Ale — and the Best Brown Ale — an American brown ale that’s sold around the holidays.

The limited-production beers are commonly found only at the Kalamazoo location.

Bell’s Brewery Tours

There’s something fun about touring a brewery, and Bell’s Brewery is an excellent choice for doing that. We recommend booking your tour in advance, or you’ll have to try your luck on it being available when you arrive.

These brewery tours are free and have been since 1983. They are available at both locations for those who are at least 21 years of age.

Barrel-Aged Tour

The brewery often offers specially themed tours, like a Barrel-aged tour that provides a look at the company’s state-of-the-art facility, which uses the same craftsmanship that has been used for centuries. Free samples of barrel-aged beers are provided right from the barrels.

Downtown Kzoo Tour

The Downtown Kzoo tour is another option and is typically available on Sundays. It provides a more refined look at not just the brewing facility but also a bit more about the local history in the area.

It takes guests on a tour of three areas — the Café, Backroom, and General store. It’s a good way to learn about the homebrewing supplies that the company sells if you want to try your luck at home.

Comstock Brewery Tours

The Comstock brewery is also available for tours and offers an impressive experience. This is one of the most modern breweries in the region with a 36-foot mural that depicts the company’s history. You can even see the soup pot that started it all.

Things to Know Before Visiting Bell’s Brewery

Before you plan your trip to Bell’s Brewery, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• You have to be 21 years of age or older – with a valid ID – to get into the brewery.
• You can buy a variety pack of beers. If you’ve found more than one that you love, check out the variety pack options.
• If you have fallen in love with a beer that the brewery no longer makes, you can still learn about it on the company’s website. However, the brewery cannot produce more.
• Some beers are well-sought-after but have limited availability. That includes the Consecrator Doppelbock, released just once a year, and the Expedition Stout, released in the autumn.
• Book your tours in advance if possible. Though they are available throughout the year, they fill up quickly by those who love the location.
• Store hours change based on the time of the year, so call or check the brewery’s website before you go.
• Check out the café when visiting because it offers a wide range of foods worth enjoying with a good beer.

Bell’s Brewery Events

During the year, Bell’s Brewery hosts a wide range of events, including everything from music to comedy. Check its events page to see what’s happening, but here are some annual activities that are worth attending.

Oberon Day is all about fresh food and beer. There’s often entertainment available and lots of fun to be had. It typically occurs in March each year with a DJ, live entertainment, a photo booth, ice cream, and much more.

Eccentric Day

Eccentric Day is a popular December event that lasts all day long at the Eccentric Café and General Store. The event is free to those who are over the age of 21 (limited availability can occur). The latest ales are released, and there’s often entertainment to keep everyone busy and enjoying some fun.

Concerts & More

Bell’s Brewery often hosts concerts in a wide range of styles. These are often local bands and groups who are well known in the area or even some just breaking through. There’s nearly always something fun happening.

FAQs About Bell’s Brewery

Can you host a private event at bell’s brewery.

You can! Bell’s Brewery is a popular destination for private gatherings, corporate events, weddings, and more, offering over 20 beers on tap, wine, in-house catering, and on-site event support.

The Bell’s Back Room can host 30 to 150 guests, with some configurations allowing for as many as 370 people with standing room only.

How can I learn more about the home brewing options at Bell’s Brewery?

Bell’s Brewery was founded on the ability to purchase all of the supplies that people need to create fantastic brews right at home. When you visit the General Store, you’ll find all of the kits and tools that you need to get started.

The team is always willing to provide insight into the process or offer guidance too. Also, its Homebrew Central offers insights to help you.

Can I buy beer closer to home from Bell’s Brewery?

It’s easy to love this beer, and as a result, you may want to take some with you. You can purchase cases of it at the General Store. The company also distributes its products in 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

Get Ready to Enjoy Some Beer at Bell’s Brewery

If you have yet to sample Bell’s Brewery’s products, make the trip to the Kalamazoo Michigan location to give it a try. You may become a fan for life when you do.

However, Bell’s Brewery isn’t the only brewer in the area that you can explore. Consider taking a downtown Kalamazoo craft brewery tour , which includes stops at several area breweries.

Tiffany Betts is a staff writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and playing board and video games — often combining the two.

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Brewery Outré

Visit Our Downtown Kalamazoo Brewery & Taproom

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Southwest Michigan is a craft beer destination. What better way to celebrate than with a beer trail? The Give a Craft Beer Trail is a fun way to experience the beer scene around the 269 area code!  

The 2024 Give a Craft Beer Trail passport is now live!

The program is free to participate in and gathering "check-ins" at the listed breweries will earn you points that can be put towards prizes of your choice like a Give a Craft bottle opener, beanie hat, and sweatshirt. Passports are limited to one per person per year and no purchase is necessary to participate.

2024 Prizes:

Each brewery check in is worth 1 point. Collect your points and spend them on the prizes of your choice!

Check ins can be earned through December 31, 2024 and prizes can be redeemed through January 30, 2025.

Craft Beverage Week

Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is a weeklong series of events that celebrate the craft beverage industry. This celebration is for anyone who shares a passion and an affinity for…

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Kalamazoo City is a city rich in culture and recreational activities. Locals nick-name it as “Kzoo” also known as Michigan’s craft beer capital. Their love for brewing beer dates as far back as 1830s, and they have a dedicated week celebrating their love of beer. Kalamazoo is home to some of the best breweries in the state and this industry has come a long way since Larry Bell founded his brewery 30 years ago, brewing in a 15-gallon soup kettle. The folks in Kalamazoo take their beer seriously, in fact, West Michigan University offers a unique field of study that combines science with the art of brewing which is what they call the Sustainable Brewing Program. Kalamazoo has indeed created a buzz in the craft beer industry, it was ranked the No. 3 Beer Town in America  as cited in the Business Insider 2013. They also received recognition from U.S. World & News Report in 2014 for being one of the eight Underrated Beer Cities in the World. 

The craft beer craze has smitten so many as its been exquisitely designed and handcrafted using countless varieties of styles and tastes that beer enthusiasts intentionally visit these microbreweries and brewpubs in Kalamazoo. Take a journey through some of Kalamazoo’s finest beer trails, enjoy local beer festivals and get a first-hand experience of Michigan’s famous craft beer.  

Are you ready to find out and take that perfect sip of Kalamazoo’s finest?

Old Mill Brewpub & Grill

Address: 717 e bridge st, plainwell, mi 49080, hours: mon-sat, 11am-10pm (sunday closed)..

The Distant Whistle Brewhouse

Address: 118 s main st, vicksburg, mi 49097, hours: mon-sun, 12pm-6pm (weather permitting)..

Paw Paw Brewing Company Taproom

Address: 780 s gremps st, paw paw, mi 49079.

Latitude 42 Brewing Company

Address: 7842 portage rd, portage, mi 49002.

Brite Eyes Brewing Company

Address: 1156 s burdick st a, kalamazoo, mi 49001, hours: mon-thu: 11am-9pm, fri-sat: 11am-11pm, sun: 12pm-9pm.

Schaendorf Brewing Company

Address: 412 water st, allegan, mi 49010.

Tantrick Brewing Co

Address: 633 114th ave #3, allegan, mi 49010.

Barn Brewers Brewery

Address: 114 main st, lawton, mi 49065, hours: mon-sun, 12pm-11pm (tuesday closed)..

Bell’s Brewery

Address: 355 e kalamazoo ave, kalamazoo, mi 49007, hours: sun-thu: 11am-12am, fri-sat: 11am-2am.

Saugatuck Brewing Co. – Kalamazoo

Address: 140 s westnedge ave, kalamazoo, mi 49007, hours: mon-thu: 11:30am-10pm, fri-sat: 11:30am-11pm, sun: 12pm-10pm.

One Well Brewing

Address: 4213 portage street, kalamazoo, mi 49001, hours: mon-thu: 3pm-12pm, fri-sat: 11am-1am, sun: 12pm-11pm.

Presidential Brewing Company

Address: 8302 portage rd, portage, mi 49024, hours: mon-thu: 11:30am-10:00pm, fri: 7am-11pm, sat: 11am-11pm, sun: 11:30am-9pm, using our site, kalamazoo information.

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