The Green Top Tavern

Love Duck Inn, food is great staff is even better. Always have a great time. Keno is always…read morerunning, drinks are priced well and someone is always available for conversation.

Everything you want and need in a dive bar. Upon entering my husband was immediately offered a…read moreman's half drunk beer and then told fuck you when he declined:) Friendly locals, friendly bartender, cold beer and keno wrapped up inside a tin trailer. Don't be shy stop in!

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Sugarbowl Bar & Grill

4.5(21 reviews)

1.1 mi

I love this bar! Everything a neighborhood bar should be. Great burgers - I mean great burgers!…read more Wide selection of old school beer in bottles and Hamms on tap - does it get any better than that! Live bands, karaoke and a dedicated staff. Say hello to Abby if she's there .

People in other reviews are classifying the Sugarbowl as a "Dive Bar". It may feel like a "Dive…read moreBar" upon entering based on a homey, friendly, safe atmosphere, but it's also the cleanest bar I've visited along with offering delicious food served by an incredible staff In a long time. Regular "Specials" will blow you away, like Hamms beer night (a pickle in your Hamms if you so do !) to everything from Bands to Bingo nights make this place a Hoot ! Don't miss the opportunity to decompress and get a big bang for your buck at this milestone of a "Dive Bar" ! Whether you're a local or visiting the area, go now to the historic Sugarbowl!

Amazing Dive Bar and food!

They say The Sugarbowl has been at this location for 60+ years.

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Louie's Trophy House

4.1(132 reviews)

0.4 mi

Dyngus Day menu. All food was purchased from distributors. Cabbage rolls were bland, not served…read morehot, very little sauce, potatoes were on menu as red skins. They were deep fried, so they were at least hot($16). Kielbasa was sliced( small portion), same potatoes as with cabbage rolls, menu said cabbage and onion, not enough on plate to even be listed on menu($14). The food here is generally always served with pride. Not sure what is going on in kitchen. These meals were overpriced, for what came out of their kitchen.

Friday fish fry is a must! Great service and food. Hey it's been around since just after…read moreWW1.....Enough said!

Bar view

Cubano pizza 16"

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Enjoying scenery and pizza x

The Old Goat Tavern

3.4(124 reviews)

2.3 mi

Restaurant Name: The Old goat tavern…read more Dish: pickle chips, BELT, The forty eighty Date Visited:3/15/26 First Impressions: The atmosphere is wonderful it has pick your seat seating a very lovely bar where you can see them make your food multiple TVs to watch the games and a front and back entrance. It's a pretty peaceful college bar next to a really nice coffee shop. Presentation - 10/10 Taste & Flavor - 10/10 When getting food here you can get a good variety of spicy and savory especially when it comes to their burgers their drinks are made with much care. Nothing is too overpowering Portion Size - 10/10 I have a very small stomach so things tend to fill me up regardless however my husband is an endless pit and the burger seemed to fill him up for the time being. Value for your money? I would say you get a good value and a full meal for the price you're going to pay You get good service especially on a Sunday when there's only a very few people in there and you're just trying to relax. ‍ Service - 10/10 The service in overall 10 out of 10 The bartender was extremely friendly kept a decent conversation going & greeted us when we entered, most of the staff is college students so you know they're working hard when it comes to both school and being servers. Overall Rating: 10/10 Final Verdict: The Old goat tavern is by far place I would return to especially for a quick bite and something that's going to kill me up for a cheap price. It's good for a night out on the town or just drinks with friends they have a wide variety of drinks and drafts and a good burger. I highly recommend giving this place a try if you haven't already they live up to the hype.

Service wasn't the best. The server took forever to grab our order because he was so busy talking…read moreto the other workers behind the bar. I added our total up and it should've been 42.98 based off of their menu prices but they add a 4% operating surcharge. Insane in my opinion. Lost our business for sure. It's not the customers responsibility to pay your employees.

American burger with onion rings

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Bomb Pop drink

The Tin Can

3.8(6 reviews)

0.2 mi

No food but good music good service and large space for plenty of room. This is a decent place to…read morehang with friends and they also have some games.

Went to the the tin can on st pattys night. All I've heard about is their faygo shots, and I love…read morefaygo, so I had to get one. The name that caught my eye was the Sour Patch Kid and it was soo good! It tasted just like candy! Definitely recommend going in and trying one! They even have like a checklist that you can do there to try every shot they have, and if you do you get a free t shirt! I loved the atmosphere in there as well, spread out, music playing, chill people.

Menu

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Menu

Old Dog Tavern

3.7(144 reviews)

0.2 mi

TOP 5 BEST DIVE BARS IN KALAMAZOO! *********…read moreA YOOPER bar without the 6-hour drive. They even have pasties! The rest is worth the money bar food. Dive beer to a wide selection of micro beers. My lady who enjoys nice wine can even get by with ODT's selection. *********** You never know what will show up for open mic. We witnessed a four-man trombone band; this nailed a song by Kansas! The train tracks have an easement right through the property and go by 10 feet from you table; It is spectacular to watch! ******** Best souvenir is to leave with a flannel shirt. ******* You can expect the owner or one of fabulous daughters to great you at the bar. Family owned and run.

The worst dining experience I have ever had in Kalamazoo. Went there for the Moose Soir'eh. Waited…read moreover 90 minutes for some poutine. The wait staff told us multiple stories as to why it was late before it came. They offered to refund the food but guess what they did not. And I got sick after eating it. Trash.

Beers!

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Old Dog Tavern

McGonigles Irish Pub

3.6(30 reviews)

2.4 mi

We recently celebrated my girlfriend's 50th birthday, and it did not disappoint! We hosted the…read moreparty with approximately 60 guests at McGonigle's Irish Pub in Kalamazoo, and they were the most accommodating and helpful team to work with--from the manager to our assigned server and caterer. They allowed our party planning group to completely transform the space with linens, a DJ, and even a photo booth complete with a couch. They also noticed our boujee party décor and thoughtfully went out and purchased serving plates that matched the theme. We truly appreciated that level of attention to detail and the extra effort they made to help bring our vision to life. The food was delicious and exactly as expected. Our server and caterer were attentive, efficient, and always one step ahead--no one ever had to wait for a drink. They also did a fantastic job keeping tables cleared and tidy so everyone could relax and enjoy the celebration. Working with the McGonigle's team was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. If I could give them 100 stars, I would! They are truly a hidden gem in Kalamazoo, and I would highly recommend them for any special event or gathering.

Wow! A huge menu (with giant burgers) very friendly staff and patrons. We had fabulous potato…read moreskins (enough for two) and roger dublin hot dogs with sauer kraut and fries. Everything was hot and delicious and fairly priced. There is a bar side and a dining side, so you choose your preferred ambiance. We really enjoyed this place and will be returning soon!

Beautiful, friendly Ashton. Great server!!

Potato skins..with ranch

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Black Knight (Guinness and Killian's)

Papa Pete's

3.4(28 reviews)

0.4 mi

Goth Night is apt, well done, safe af, very cool crowd.. The drinks weren't watered down, the music…read moreflowed and it was a great evening because of how it was presented.

Hands down best pizza in Kalamazoo. I have ordered from here for years and nothing ever changes,…read morepizza is always fantastic.

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Kalamazoo delivery: Sausage, black olives & shrooms pizza

Cjs Pub

3.8(19 reviews)

1.6 mi

These were quite literally the best wings I have ever had…read more This will be one of my normal weekend spots now.

Slowly becoming a cjs reg, come see Lindsey for the best service! Great little dive bar.read more

Wings 45 cents (Thursdays)

Tacos, whiskey, and keno

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Dollar tacos!!!!!

Stamped Robin

4.7(71 reviews)

0.1 mi

We visited again on this last trip to Kalamazoo. I do still wish there were more gin and vodka…read moreoptions. I feel like they all were kind of similar? I wish that the lime and orange came through more, they both leaned very heavy on the bitter end which I wasn't expecting for both (one, sure, but not the other) I hope I find some brighter, citrus flavors on the next visit. We will always come back. It doesn't stay open super late so we gor kicked out lol but we always have a good time.

Top spot in Kalamazoo! Creative drinks, knowledgeable and friendly bartenders, and a fantastic…read moreamaro selection. The meat and cheese board is perfect with cocktails. The team make the experience fun without any arrogance highly recommend!

Old fashioned

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Brian D.

0

2

0

15 years ago

you really gotta be bored, lonely or plain stoooooopid to go here. i thought i was on the set list for a remake of "deliverance".....i come from a small town, but not "that kinda small town" when i brought another girl from facebook on a speeddate to this dirtywater-hole i thought i could find some sort of cool place....it sucked....the old lady (at least they don't discriminate) apologized when her dentures fell in my "OLD STYLE" pitcher of donkey pee (i prayed that donkey chugged tequila before filling up the keg)....only to have some retard knock my beer out of my hand and call me a f**in' f**er....kinda redundant! this place SUCKS!!!! i have been treated better in a carjacking! read more

Terry A.

0

1

0

4 years ago

The owner is biggest POS in Kalamazoo.I was told I wasn't allowed in because I had a backpack,implying in his pea brain that I was homeless regardless of the $1000 I had in my pocket. If you also practice DISCRIMINATION BY ALL MEANS DROP IN AND PUT MONEY IN THE SOBS POCKET. This woman who used to own this bar NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH A Customer.Fk this POS.Funny that they don't threat people rudely at the obviously higher classier Old Burdicks at the Radisson hotel. read more

Fatt D.

0

3

1

9 years ago

What happened to the Green Top Tavern, use to be one of the coolest, best kept secrets in kalamazoo...new owners and THE BOUNCER WAS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST @$$ I HAVE EVER MET, somebody owes me an apology. I prefer to write positive Yelp reviews but not tonight...as of 09/16/17 the Green Top Tavern officially sucks, it was a fun run but I won't be back. read more

Anthony M.

4

2

0

12 years ago

Not a dive bar anymore, working class crowd gone, dicey characters gone, regulars that used to almost live in the place gone. What is left is a campus and hipster haunt, the spirit has fled the body. RIP Green Top. I feel privileged to have experienced it at its best. read more

Ben A.

5

0

11 years ago

I have never thought that I was would be satisfied with the work.This wash is not so far from my staying but I did not come here before.The wash was so decent and praiseworthy. The charge is not high here. read more

Amby C.

0

94

0

14 years ago

This is the only REAL bar in Kzoo. It doesn't attempt to be trendy in the least, and isn't filled with 99% college kids. Good location too, as it is the oldest bar in Kzoo. Please keep it a secret. read more

Robert M.

32

2

0

10 years ago

Exceptionally rude staff, underage drinkers --- I will spend my $$ elsewhere.

Don P.

0

8

0

17 years ago

Last stand for the great Kalamazoo dive Bars

Allison S.

0

2

0

5 years ago

Randy is an asshole, bigot and racist.

The Green Top Tavern - divebars - Updated September 2026

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Dabney

4.4

(47 reviews)

This place continues to be a winner for me. For those of who are like me and need to "wine" down…read moreafter work, they open at 4 :-). I went with a friend and when I tell you that I love when you know what I want when you see me...I do. The service particularly at opening is top notch, The music is always beautiful matching the vibe of the place. By now you know I am addicted to the black eye pea hummus. It's so so good. The no more drama is newly added into my rotation of drinks.

Great to have a place like this in Kzoo! Great food . Casual . Great music . Great vibe !read more

Whiskey Thief

4.5

(8 reviews)

Came here with my wife and we had such a great time! The vibe was warm and welcoming, and the young…read morestaff had so much energy -- you could tell they really cared about making guests feel at home. The first thing that catches your eye is the wall of spirits (seriously impressive). Add in a super comfortable, roomy dining area, and you've got a spot that just feels good to hang out in. Food-wise, we went with the sweet potato tots (crispy perfection), the crispy chicken sandwich (big portion, packed with flavor), and closed it out with bourbon bread pudding (a must-try if you've got a sweet tooth). Everything was tasty and priced right. We'll be back for sure -- and next time, I'm diving deeper into that cocktail list!

From a selection of whiskeys and bourbons and cocktails, definitely five stars. The staff was…read moresuper friendly and chatted while it wasn't busy. The food was fine. I would t say you come for the dinner but more for the drinks and to sit and sip and chat. But we got the nachos and the fries and they were good to nibble on while we drank. The bourbon bread pudding was very yummy.

Waldo's Campus Tavern

3.3

(47 reviews)

Normally go here weekly. Like every week. I get the same thing. Now apparently the manager told the…read moreserver they don't do modifications. In this case no pickle. So subtracting something that would save them money is not something they will no longer do.

The night desk clerk recommended this place which was perfect because we wanted a dive bar feel and…read moreit was perfect. We just missed the ability to order food but there's a big spirits collection and pool to play.

Nob Hill Bar & Grill

3.6

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Came back to Kzoo for a week and decided to stop by. Great food and plenty of pool tables. Chris is…read morean awesome bartender and deserves a raise. Will definitely come back if I'm ever in town again.

I love all the local bands and that they play a lot of 80s music. It brings the community together…read moreto dance and socialize and the bar food is good too.

Rj's Sports Bar & Grill

3.7

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Just had the BEST burger! Wow! Sat outside on their patio very pleasant, great service and yummy…read morefood! Will definitely eat here again!

Rj's has everything you'd ever want out of your favorite sports bars. There are ample TVs, cold…read morebeers, a pool table, and no windows. The business is family owned and operated. They have a solid menu if you get hungry, and the price is right for both drinks and food. You haven't fully experienced the local bar scene if you haven't stopped in.

Richland Pub

3.5

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Food was great. Didn't get pics as it was gone too soon! Pizza, burgers, fried food was good! Place…read more was packed. Service was friendly and reasonable given how busy it was. Cozy, small town vibes.

Terrible service. We had to wait quite awhile before the waitress took our order and we wanted…read morerefills of our cokes when our entrees came but didn't get them until the very end when we got our boxes and bill. When we looked at the bill we noticed we were charged for the refills that we barely touched. Ridiculous, a quarter of our bill was drinks. Needless to say we won't be going back.

The Cricket

3.9

(36 reviews)

Beautiful place to come for lunch, dinner and snacks. Service is awesome! Their craft cocktails are…read moreamazing try a smoked old fashioned. Super good! Tons of beers to choose from. Also they have comedy shows, darts, and golden tee. Fun for all. Come check it out if you haven't been in a while!

Ordered the loaded steak fries and they were actually chili cheese fries. Pizza was good just a…read morebit well done. Service was average. Cool decor.

SkyDeck

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If you're looking for a swanky place to go in Kalamazoo, SkyDeck is your place. I always feel like…read morethe drinks are a good $2 more than the other bars in the Entertainment District, and there's only the 1 bar so you may have to wait if it's busy. Oh, but it's never been busy when I've gone. Background music was playing, and yes you can get a view of the city, but there's a lot of cranes and building going on now, and you're only really 7 stories up. I wish they'd move the smoking section (or get rid of it altogether) since you have to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the bathrooms...

Upon moving to Kalamazoo, Skydeck took somewhat of a mythical status in my mind. Who wouldn't want…read moreto live it up on the tallest bar in Kzoo? The fact that you can't see it's layout from the ground floor lends to the allure. All this is to say that I created a legend in my head that sadly wasn't true. Skydeck was interesting, fun for a night, and not much more. Perhaps it's for this reason that I gave it an average rating. But I also think that there were a few flaws regarding the space and I'll lay them out here. First and foremost, you pay a premium to be in this space, both in the form of a cover ($10, nothing insane) and an apparent tariff on the drinks (maybe it's handling fees for hauling it all up so high?). Either way, you should expect to be a bit gouged for cash. Not all of the drinks are insane, but mixed drinks are pricey, and some of their "signature" drinks top $12. Now, initially, this might seem like a fair trade: a bit extra for high quality drinks and a higher quality view. But here's the rub: it's a small space, it's packed, and the edge seats go first. For me and my group to enjoy the breathtaking view of Kalamazoo, we would have to stand or share tables. It's difficult to blame them for being popular. That being said, I don't really feel like we received the main feature of the venue. A friend of mine put it sagely: it's a great date spot, or celebration, but you don't go their to drink. You go there for the experience. Therefore, this won't become one of my "regular spots." Here are some positives to end on: -Amazing view of the city -Great ambiance, especially at night -Wonderful service -Elevator!

Principle Food & Drink

4.5

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This place was fantastic from start to finish. The drinks were creative and delicious, the food was…read moreexquisite and beautifully plated, and the service was absolutely impeccable. I cannot say enough good things about Principle. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and the indoor space was perfectly lit, warm, and cozy. My only regret is that this place isn't closer to home, because we would absolutely be regulars! If my son ends up going to Western Michigan, we will surely be making an appearance every time we're in town. Such a wonderful find in Kalamazoo!

Our server was great but I didn't catch his name. Lighting in the rest was dim and intimate, great…read morefor a special occasion. I went for a friend's birthday and we had a large group that they were able to accommodate. The grilled zucchini was phenomenal and I had the swordfish for dinner was loved it. Peanut butter banana split was a great way to end the night. Some people had wine, mocktails, and cocktails and everyone enjoyed their drink. Overall great experience and would go here again for a meal! This spot is right downtown so parking wasn't ideal, but downtown Kalamazoo parking isn't bad, so we only had about a 5 minute walk to dinner.

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