Kalamazoo’s newest brewery is defying convention with unique yet highly drinkable beers.

When the sun comes out to play, so do we. The moment it’s not too wet or cold to be outside — and sometimes even when it is — us Michiganders head to the nearest patio for eats and drinks. And thanks to the pandemic, there are more patios than ever before.

Owner Angel Gonzalez has designed every aspect of Taco Borracho, from the food to the paint, to reflect and honor the many Hispanic and Latino cultures of his family’s diverse heritage. 

Swiftly approaching Grove’s 10-year anniversary, Essence Restaurant Group had a lot to celebrate and look forward to in the spring of 2020. 

Distilleries have become some of the best cocktail lounges and restaurants in West Michigan, and that’s no accident.

Every spirit holds the potential to shine — all it needs is the right cocktail. Lucky for us, West Michigan is full of distilleries, cocktail bars, and restaurants with master mixologists at the helm.

If wine is an art, sommeliers are the critics, collectors and aficionados all rolled into one. 

Café Mamo feels like home. With just 32 seats, an open kitchen and endless personal touches, the Creston restaurant is cozy and inviting, but not at all cramped or exclusive. Between the atmosphere and consistently outstanding meals, Mamo has developed a devoted following in less than a year. 

Bartenders see it all, for better or worse. They see sober people, completely drunk people, nice people, rude people, picky people, knowledgeable people, cluess people, and everything in between.

Over the past year, some incredible restaurants and breweries have opened that we hope are here to stay, forever. Sadly, we’ve also lost a few beloved West Michigan establishments due to pandemic struggles and staffing issues.