Food & Drink

Happy hour in Kalamazoo: 6 places to hit up for sips and savings

Feeling thirsty? Visit these hotspots for happy hour in Kalamazoo to enjoy a drink and a bite without breaking the bank.

Happy hour in Kalamazoo
Cheers to happy hour in the ‘Zoo. (Negley Stockman/Unsplash)

After a long day of work or a stressful week of parenting, there’s something uniquely rejuvenating about grabbing a drink—with or without alcohol—and unwinding next to a friend or partner (or just yourself, of course!).

Deals for happy hour in Kalamazoo offer the perfect combination of downtime, delicious drinks, and delectable small plates to round it all out. 

It would be so easy to spend the entire day here. (The Backyard of Kalamazoo/Facebook)

Here are six of our favorite spots to enjoy happy hour in Kalamazoo. 

1. The Backyard of Kalamazoo

Address: 10441 Stadium Drive

Happy hour: Tues.-Thurs., 4-5 p.m.

It’s not every day that we include “family-friendly” and “happy hour” in the same sentence, but The Backyard truly offers a family-friendly experience alongside a fantastic happy hour menu.

This is so much more than a restaurant, bar, or play spot: it’s a full seven acres of space that features a playground, games for every age, and—of course—plenty of craft cocktails and food. Whether you keep it simple with a burger and beer or try a $7 mojito and an order of nachos for 10% off, you’ll appreciate discounts and deliciousness when you drop by for happy hour. 

2. Brick + Brine 

Address: 100 W. Michigan Avenue, inside the Radisson Plaza Hotel

Happy hour: Mon.-Fri., 4-5:30 p.m.

When the weather outside is chilly (and even when it’s not), Brick + Brine’s cozy, welcoming atmosphere is worth checking out. 

During happy hour, which happens every weeknight, patrons can sip cocktails and dig into mouthwatering food selections while appreciating the warmth of a lounge fireplace. Favorites on the happy hour menu include an array of mules, a bright and refreshing daiquiri, and brick-fired meatballs, which are just as magnificent as they sound. 

Do you have a favorite item on the menu at HopCat? (HopCat Kalamazoo/Facebook)

3. HopCat

Address: 300 E. Water Street

Happy hour: Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m.

HopCat is a chain restaurant, but don’t confuse that with low quality. In addition to a menu full of juicy burgers and other favorites, HopCat hosts a happy hour every weeknight complete with discounted drinks and half-off appetizers. 

Want to fully embrace the HopCat spirit? You simply must try a Meowgarita (bonus points if you really emphasize the “meow” as you order). 

If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music at Louie’s. (Louie’s Trophy House)

4. Louie’s Trophy House

Address: 629 Walbridge Street

Happy hour: Daily, 2:30-5:30 p.m. (and all day on Tuesdays!)

If down-to-earth, rustic vibes are your thing, it’s hard to go wrong at Louie’s Trophy House. Billed as the oldest bar in Kalamazoo (it was founded in 1918!), Louie’s—which operates three locations in the area—offers a no-frills experience and a warm atmosphere that’s easy to love. 

At its downtown location, happy hour means $5 margaritas and mules, ½-off pizzas, drink discounts, and more, depending on which day you visit. On Tuesdays, snag an $8 Taco Tuesday basket and enjoy “all-day happy hour!” 

5. WL Social House

Address: 161 E Michigan Ave

Happy hour: Tues.-Sat., 3-6 p.m. 

For a slightly more upscale experience, venture to WL Social House for their daily happy hour. The restaurant is known for its menu of fine wine and cocktails, which can be expertly paired with an impressive selection of fare. 

Diners rave about the steak and crusted salmon, but we’re partial to smaller (happy hour-friendlier!) plates, like customizable charcuterie boards and crispy polenta fries. Don’t forget to try a banana pancake cocktail before you go. 

Cheers to happy hour in the ‘Zoo. (Negley Stockman/Unsplash)

6. The Old Goat Tavern

Address: 2731 W. Michigan Avenue

Happy hour: Mon.-Fri., 3-6 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for a date night spot, searching for a place to watch the big game, or just in the mood for an after-work drink, it’s hard to go wrong at The Old Goat. 

The restaurant offers multiple specials throughout the week, including late-night food and drink specials—but if you’re looking for a traditional happy hour, you’ll find it from 3-6 p.m. throughout the week. Snag a $5 mule, enjoy budget-friendly beer, and stick around for dancing or trivia if you’re feeling extra adventurous. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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  • Sophie Boudreau is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience covering lifestyle, culture, and political topics. She previously served as senior editor at eHow and produced Michigan and Detroit content for Only In Your State.