K is for Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

Ok so we finally made it to K in May!  Kobe had actually been drawn but John vetoed it, based on the fact that it broke the rule because it was a chain restaurant.  SO we went back to Kalamazoo Beer Exchange in downtown Kalamazoo.  If you follow the blog you know that we were here once before after eating at the Epic Bistro.  We only had drinks and had decided we wanted to return, so none of us fought John on the veto.

We were there on a Friday night and WMU had graduation celebrations going on so it was very busy.  I think we had a 1.5 hour wait.  It was ok they take your cell number and call you so we just walked around downtown and went to a little brewery called Tibbs.  It is really great beer and the staff and guests are fun.  We didn't mind the wait at all.  We returned to the KBE and were seated upstairs.  If you are not familiar with KBE the beer list is listed on giant screens all over the bar.  The prices are market value based on supply and demand.  The prices go up, down, or stay the same every 30 minutes.  There is also a CRASH several times a night when beer prices drop DRASTICALLY for 5 minutes.  It is a lot of fun and people watching is spectacular!

We ordered beers of course and our waitress was very nice although she looked exhausted.  She was great about checking in and was quick to stop by during the crash!  We ordered nachos and fried pickles for appetizers.  Delish!

Amy and I split a burger which was huge!  I don't honestly remember what all was on it, but it was amazing.  Good thing I took a picture!  Greg ordered Mac and Cheese and was very pleased.  John had a burger that had bacon and egg on it and loved it.

We would definitel recommend stopping here if you are in Kalamazoo and need a break from Bells.  It si literally a 2 minute walk from Bells.  Downtown Kalamazoo is very nice for walking and the park area is beautiful.

J is for JD Reardons

Oh dear I am WAY behind!   I am really glad that I take notes when we go to the restaurants!  We went to JD Reardon's on FEB 28!  The restaurant is located just north of downtown GR on Monroe in the Boardwalk Building.  It was pretty quiet when we arrived and had a nice cozy feel.  There are booths and tables but also compy couches and areas to play games or cards.

They have a decent selection of beer on tap, cocktails, and a limited but decent wine selection.

We were greeted promptly by our waitress, Ashley.  We ordered drinks then appetizers.  We chose the Loaded tater tots which were as good as they sounded.  Great for a cold winter snack!  We also had the pulled pork crostini which we all liked.

For dinner, Greg ordered the Blackened Chicken Sandwich which he said had really good flavor and the aioli was great!  Amy had the Angry Reardon with Chicken which was a bit spicy but she liked the zip.  I had the Hangover burger but substituted a veggie burger.  It was excellent and very filling.
John had the Gatsby which was basically a club sandwich but as John said, "a good club sandwich".

We would recommend JD Reardons for a quick drink and meal after work or before a concert.  Nice place to hang out with friends.  It is off the beaten path a bit so maybe a great place when everything else is crowded.