Bell's / Kalamzoo Brewing

[Bruno_78]

My girlfriend and I took a motorcycle trip to Kalamazoo, Michigan today anticipating a great day of beer appreciation at Bell's brewpub. I warn you in advance that I may cause a little controversy here, as I know that Larry Bell, his beers, and brewery are held on a high pedistal. Overall, the day was good, and very enjoyable, however significantly disapointing.

First off, I got the address from their web site, which I thought was the address for the pub. However, it was the address of the actual brewery instead. This was half my fault, half K-zoo brewing's fault for not listing both addresses. After returning home, I searched through their site and found my mistake. Again I take responsibility for not being thorough, but I feel that they could have made it a little more obvious.

We got directions to the pub from the secretary at the brewery, she was more than helpful with that. Ten minutes later, we found the building, we then circled the block twice to figure out if this was a pub, or an abandoned warehouse. It is very deceiving from the street.

Upon walking in, I was immediately dissapointed that they were not serving the Two Hearted Ale on tap. Once again, I had built myself up for that one, only to be let down. I thought they could have forgone one of the stouts to serve the Two Hearted. I mean, come on, how many stouts can one brewery brew?

The food was excellent, though the menu was limited, it had some unique options. The service however left much to be desired. Our bartender, I think they were calling her "T", was not very polite, and showed little interest in us "out of towners" (about a two hour trip). Everyone was wearing either a Bell's shirt or ball cap, and knew everyone else's name, and it very much had the atmosphere of the "good ol' boys club". If the bartender knew you, she was polite, if not, sorry for your luck. Then when we tried to make conversation with her, she only graced us with one word answers and quickly moved on to chatting with other patrons.


The real kick came when we tried to pay, and found out that they didn't take credit cards. We rarely carry cash on the motorcycle and this was no exception. Luckily they had an ATM which conveniently charged a $2 convenience charge for using it.

We then walked directly across the street to the Kraftbrau brewery. This was much more the atmosphere we were looking for, and spent the rest of the afternoon there.

Most of my dissapointment was my own fault, I had an image of walking up to some pearly gates, and having beer angels greet me with a pint of Two Hearted Ale, finding polite, social microbrew enthusiasts, and making great memories. The taller they are, the harder they fall, I guess. Don't get me wrong, Bell's has some of the greatest beers, and I'll continue to drink them, I think I'll just continue to drink them at home.

[fretlessman71]

It's such a shame to find that your preconceived notions are far and away better than reality, isn't it? It's also too bad that a brewery like Kalamazoo wouldn't realize that their product is held in such high reverence, and treat visitors like guests.

I was going to surprise brewmonkey when we were travelling back and forth from Tenn. to CO and drop in at his brewpub about a year ago. When we got there, we found out that he was still recuperating, so we missed him, but we were also treated pretty rudely by the lady behind the bar. She was talking to someone already sitting there, and we were given the distinct impression that we were interrupting their Very Important Conversation. Brewmonkey told me that there were enough patrons that came in to see her that firing her would be counterproductive to his business (brewmonkey, if I misunderstood, please correct and forgive me), but I can just see this person driving away business. Damn shame...

The three main breweries in town here are all generally friendly, but there is a certain server at one of them who always seems to have a strange attitude towards me when I wish to sample what tastes the best that day before I buy my growler. Her body language says to me, "Stop wasting my time and BUY something, ok?" Well, of COURSE I intend to buy something... see this glass jug in my hands?

You know, I ought to go to the owner and complain, and tell them that I'd gladly take her job... heck, I'm the friendliest guy I know! :)

[Bruno_78]

You know, Fret, you touch on a good point there. Being in a semi-management position, I rely on customer feedback to know if I and my fellow employees are doing all we can to make our customers happy. I feel like I should let Larry Bell know of my experience today, so that it may be corrected, or else he may never know how many patrons, like myself, are leaving and going across the street. If I knew how to get in touch with him directly, I probably would.

Maybe I'm over examining the situation, but then I think, No, I was so uncomfortable there that I felt I needed to leave. That's pretty serious to a business owner.

[fretlessman71]

Here's your chance: http://www.bellsbeer.com/contact.asp

[Beaver]

Originally posted by fretlessman71

The three main breweries in town here are all generally friendly, but there is a certain server at one of them who always seems to have a strange attitude towards me when I wish to sample what tastes the best that day before I buy my growler. Her body language says to me, "Stop wasting my time and BUY something, ok?" Well, of COURSE I intend to buy something... see this glass jug in my hands?


Which one?

I'll be heading through K-zoo in a couple of weeks. I'd like to try and stop by Bell's, but not sure if that'll work out or not.

[fretlessman71]

My favorite, of course... :(

[Beaver]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
My favorite, of course... :(

I've never gotten bad service there that I can recall. I can remember it not being overly-enthusiastic, but not bad.

[fretlessman71]

It wasn't really bad, just irritated...

[Beaver]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
It wasn't really bad, just irritated...

I can understand people getting bored by working long hours, but they're working at a brewery! They should have smiles on their faces 24x7! :D

[steveh]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
You know, Fret, you touch on a good point there. Being in a semi-management position, I rely on customer feedback to know if I and my fellow employees are doing all we can to make our customers happy. I feel like I should let Larry Bell know of my experience today, so that it may be corrected, or else he may never know how many patrons, like myself, are leaving and going across the street. If I knew how to get in touch with him directly, I probably would.

I was going to suggest this same idea. A polite letter of disappointment, maybe addressed to the pub manager with a Cc to Larry -- and I might mention that you have the ear of a pretty big community.

Here's a question though, is the "Eccentric Cafe & Beergarden actually owned by Larry Bell or Kalamazoo Brewing? That might be the gap that turns it into a pretentious townie bar, dunno.

AFA your disappointment at not finding 2 Hearted, I'd be surprised if you couldn't have walked into another bar on the street (obviously not another brew pub) and found it. After all, if a T.G.I. Fridays had Oberon on tap...

S.

[Bruno_78]

I'm pretty sure it's all owned by the same, in the cafe, there was a sign that said "Larry Bell", then underneath, "owner", or "proprietor", or something like that. The letters were too small to read, and my vision is far from perfect.

[chazwicke]

Hmmmm...................... I rarely have had this sort of thing happen to me anywhere. Even on my many visits to France I have never experienced such rudeness. ( I think it is a myth about the French being rude). I think the suggestion of a polite letter is a good one. My business is dependant on clients and other businesses and I believe that curtesy is essential. My employees understand that as well.

[hops99]

Here's a question though, is the "Eccentric Cafe & Beergarden actually owned by Larry Bell or Kalamazoo Brewing?

Yes, it is. I remember the first time I visited Bell's about three years ago, I too, had a hell of a time finding the place. It's located around back of what looks like a small, abandoned warehouse. The gift shop is actually across the back parking lot from the bar as well, adding to the confusion (nothing is signed very well). I've been there three of four times in all, and my experiences have varied quite a bit. One time, the service was absolutely deplorable, and yet two other times it was great. I guess it's hit-or-miss at Bell's.

Also, I usually call a brewpub/brewery first to see what's on tap/what's available to purchase before I make the trek. Still, I feel your pain about Bell's...

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
My girlfriend and I took a motorcycle trip to Kalamazoo, Michigan today anticipating a great day of beer appreciation at Bell's brewpub. ...We then walked directly across the street to the Kraftbrau brewery. This was much more the atmosphere we were looking for, and spent the rest of the afternoon there.



Hey Bruno...as a fellow cyclist, I hope you were careful not to overindulge before climbing back on your ride...gotta ride safe, brother!

Sorry if I sound like someone's mom...;)

What do you ride??

[Bruno_78]

funny you should mention that. We both thought we were fine, until we stood up to walk out, and as we were helmeting up (michigan's a helmet state), we realized we were a bit tipsy, not overloaded, just tipsy.

I'm a bit of a collector
'03 H-D FXST (primary ride)
'73 Honda CL 350 Scrambler
'69 Triumph T100 R Daytona
'69 Honda SS125
'81 Kawasaki 250 LTD
80's Suzuki GT 80 (for my nephew)

[unkle bik]

Thanx, Bruno, for the head's up. My family & I are planning a trip up to Michigan next month. Our original plans included a possible stop in Kal. to stop at Bell's. We would thought a stop there for lunch would be a good idea, as Bell's is one our favorite brews. I will be pressed for time, so I guess that Bell's won't be on our agenda. A stop at Ludington's Smithport Brewpub is probably where we will be headed. (their pear cidre is awesome)

Anybody know of any other brewerys/brewpubs worth the visit in Michigan? We will be staying in Ludington & Port Austin for a week.

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by Bruno_78

I'm a bit of a collector
'03 H-D FXST (primary ride)
'73 Honda CL 350 Scrambler
'69 Triumph T100 R Daytona
'69 Honda SS125
'81 Kawasaki 250 LTD
80's Suzuki GT 80 (for my nephew)

Quite a mix...I have to settle for my '03 H-D FXD, I guess:D ; used to have an'86 Honda 700 Nighthawk S .

[fretlessman71]

Hey Bruno... did you write to Larry Bell? Any response yet?

[Bruno_78]

I haven't sent anything yet, I've been composing a message, taking my time to not be aggressive, but yet get my point across. I'll post any reply that I receive.

[Caffinehog]

You gotta remember... these places are run by brewers, not businessmen. OK, so the ones with terrible businessmen fail, but great beer and somewhat decent business can keep a place alive.
I have my own experience with a brewpub:
The Thirsty Dog. They have great beer, some of the best food I've tasted, and a good atmosphere. Sadly, the service is slow. On a slow day with no other customers, it takes a half hour. On a busy day, it can take over an hour. Since I don't have a ton of time most of the time, they are losing a lot of my business.

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by Caffinehog
The Thirsty Dog. They have great beer, some of the best food I've tasted, and a good atmosphere. Sadly, the service is slow. On a slow day with no other customers, it takes a half hour. On a busy day, it can take over an hour. Since I don't have a ton of time most of the time, they are losing a lot of my business.

I take it you went to the one over by Fairlawn?
I'll agree they have some great beer, (California Crisp is great for this time of year), however, I will disagree with you about the food. I find it to be K-Mart quality at best. I have tried many of their fare at 3 of their pubs, and have yet to find anything noteworthy. Their food is what gets me with a bad taste in my mouth. (pun intended) I would hate to see this establishment with great beer go away due to sub-par food & bad service.

[Doug123]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Anybody know of any other brewerys/brewpubs worth the visit in Michigan? We will be staying in Ludington & Port Austin for a week.

Unkle Bik, I take it you're going to be on the west side of the state mainly? I recommend the New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, Michigan. Great beer. I haven't been to their new brewpub, though, so I can't tell you anything about the atmosphere. The old brewpub was a converted warehouse. Very casual, but friendly (good pizza too).

[unkle bik]

Thanx much, doug!
We will be going to the west side of the state for a day or two. Holland is on our way up to Ludington (Smithport Brewing). The family & I will take your advice and head on up to New Holland for a lunch at least. I sampled their lager a couple of weeks ago here at home and thought it was pretty good.
http://www.newhollandbrew.com/nhhome.aspx

From what I understand, their is a brewery in Bay City. Can someone verify that for me?

[Doug123]

Personally, I have not heard of a new brewpub in Bay City (which doesn't necessarily mean it's not there). I do know that the Hereford & Hops Restaurant & Brewpub, which I believed was the only brewpub in Bay City, closed recently.

[unkle bik]

Bummer. That's the one I was thinking of. I was under the impression that H & H were doing quite well. I heard they have several pubs throughout the state.
I guess I will have look elsewhere.
Anyone know of any in the middle of the state?

saginaw, Midland,perhaps?

[Doug123]

This is only one other (now the only one that I know of) Hereford & Hops Restaurant & Brewpub in Michigan. It's located in Escanaba (in the Upper Peninsula).

Up toward Saginaw and Midland, I would recommend the Redwood Lodge in Flint. It has pretty good beer (though not as good as New Holland), including at least one cask conditioned, and good food (which is a more upscale than your usual bar food). The interior of the place is pretty cool too, going for that "woodsy-lodge" look.

[Moondoggy]

Bruno,

Did Larry Bell ever respond to the letter?

As a local guy I am interested.

By the way, I have had good and bad experiences everywhere I go.

Drop me a line and I'll meet you at the corner bar in K-Zoo.

Many taps, many beers, many ribs and great folks. I'll buy the first round.

[YamahaXS]

I think they should make 2 hearted ale a mainstay.

hope you get a decent reply from the management.

[longarm]

While I can't speak from personal experience, a good friend made a 3 hour pilgramage to Bell's and raved about how well the staff treated him and appreciated his out-of-town business.