Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI Offers Something for Everyone

In the summertime, the Bell's Brewery beer garden is the place to be in Kalamazoo, MI. Whether you are drinking (plastic cup) pints at tables, or stretched out in the lush grass, the beer garden is a marvelous and relaxing oasis from the pressures of the rest of the world. During the afternoons and early evenings, many families come to the beer garden for snacks or a meal, or just for a play treat for parents and children alike. After 8 p.m. no one under the age of 21 is allowed in the pub, however, before then supervised children are welcome.

The Bell's pub atmosphere is inviting and friendly, without being over handed. The long wooden tables can be moved together for large groups or kept scattered. Additionally, the large stage draws attention whether it is in use by one of the many local (or otherwise talented) bands, by children playing on the benches, or people congregating together. Its small loft is both comfortable and more private than the downstairs.

Whenever music is playing at the Eccentric Cafe - its stage - or in the beer garden, Bell's has a cover charge ranging from $4-20. The more expensive shows are for better-known groups, and occasionally tickets will be available before the shows. Most bands are bluegrass, acoustic, or rock; however, you can't pigeon-hole all music to these genres as the bookers occasionally throw in something completely different. All shows are ages 21 and over.

Bell's brews seven beers year-round, including the Kalamazoo Stout and Third Coast Beer. Additionally, Bell's brews 13 seasonal beers, each of which has a passionate following, particularly Oberon and Winter White. As Bell's wheat beer, Oberon is an integral signal that summer and warm weather have arrived and is available late April through early September (or whenever the stock runs out). The Winter White is another wheat beer that is a blend of the hefe and Belgian styles, and is available November through late February. Both of these beers are on the lighter end of the spectrum, but Bell's offers a beer for every taste including the Java Stout (a flavor marriage of coffee and beer), and the Two Hearted Ale in an I.P.A. (India Pale Ale) style.

Beer is king at Bell's Brewery, but it does offer a "red wine" and "white wine" option but no hard alcohol. At any given time, the majority of its beers are available on tap for 12 oz or 20 oz sizes. The non-drinking crowd can have soft drinks, juice, and water. Bell's offers a pub menu as well.

In addition to its pub and music, Bell's runs a general store with Bell's merchandise (a bumper sticker is a must-have), microbrew supplies, and, of course, beer. The beer is available both chilled and not, and comes straight from the Galesburg brewery. Tours have been available of the brewery in the past, however, due to renovations are not currently available. Limited brewing is done on-site at the pub.

Keep in mind that Bell's is a cash-only bar, but has an on-site ATM machine. For more information, check out the website at www.bellsbeer.com or give them at call at (269) 382-2332 (pub) or (269) 382-5712 (general store). Bell's is open seven days a week.