Just wow! Had the Mediterranean flatbread and the fish and chips with their version of a dark and stormy cocktail and I have been dreaming about this meal ever since! Love the vibe of the restaurant overlooking the grocery store. It is so pleasant and just fresh. Also our waiter Adam was phenomenal. Very attentive but not overly in our biz and just very friendly. Can't wait to go back! This is such an asset to our neighborhood. read more

Excellent food and service. Sat at the bar and Andrew took great care of us. Amazing food, cocktails and service! We will be back! read more

Café 36 - Scallops and rice tots - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

This place never ceases to impress me. I wasn't ready for the menu change tho. I went and anticipated getting my usual which was not an option. However, change can be the spice of life. The service was still impeccable. The ambiance is still a chill upscale feel. It's a win. They will keep getting my money lol. read more

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Okay, I've seen this place described as a hidden gem in other reviews, but honestly, that's a great description for this place. It's on the second floor of a health food grocery store, and so if you don't know what you're looking for, you'll completely miss it. But it's worth finding. The ambience is wonderfully suited for fine dining, and the staff friendly, prompt, and helpful. I came here with a group of ten because I was going with colleagues from an academic conference. The reservation went seamlessly and was ready when we arrived. Waitstaff were helpful and quick without being officious. I ordered the 21-day aged Angus, and it was absolutely amazing. Had the flavor of aged steak, was well-cooked -- medium rare is the minimum, since it's cooked sous-vide -- and came with excellent greens and potatoes. The steak had green peppercorn sauce of which there was just enough not to overwhelm the flavor of the meat, but rather bring it out. The cabernet I ordered, the Educated Guess, was out, but I was informed, had a substitute suggested, and the replacement went off without a hitch. Sometimes when I order a wine to come with the steak, I end up waiting on the drink from the bar, but not so here. I asked for the red wine with the steak, and they came out pretty much simultaneously. There's an excellent selection of beers, wines, and signature cocktails to go with some really first-rate food. If you're ever in Kalamazoo, MI, this is *definitely* the place to eat. read more

Café 36 - 21-day aged steak - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

I'm 68 years old and must say, this was the best meal I've ever eaten. I ordered the halibut with ginger scented rice, wilted spinach and a sweet/sour garnish. It was amazing -- full stop. My wife wasn't very hungry, so she ordered the flatbread. This treat was also amazing. In fact, it worked perfectly as an accent with my halibut; so I helped her eat it!! For desert, I ordered a slice of cheesecake that was to-die-for, drizzled with caramel and garnished with sugar crystals. My wife ordered the spearmint gelato that was fresh, crisp and very tasty. Situated above a health food store, the atmosphere was upscale, clean and very welcoming. If I had any criticism it would be because the server had no idea how my halibut was prepared. She tried hard to explain the preparation, but in the end, she failed. But I would not let this distraction keep me from visiting this restaurant again. Very-very nice. read more

Our server was amazing and the food was even better. The drinks were on point and better yet, that to go liquor was a value! Job well done!!!!! read more

The food was pretty good, I went a couple weeks ago with a friend on a slow night and our server; a guy with grey spiked hair was very happy to be helping us and was all around amazing. Some of the best service I've gotten. The ambiance was very class and had a great time, it's a little pricy but the food and service was worth it. The portions are good as well. Definitely recommend getting the brussel sprouts they were the bomb. read more

5 stars for the staff! Everyone was very attentive and friendly! I gotta say these were probably the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in! Unless you were very small, you couldn't lean back on them because of the design. There was a very nice drink selection, including a good amount of mocktails, but I just don't understand why a mocktail is $10? The food was ok, but pricey. I had the 3 cauliflower. The cauliflower steak was a bit tough and tasted like it had too much soy. The fried cauliflower and the cauliflower rice was just ok. I also had the buratta caprese which had tomato slices marinated in a dark balsamic. Soaking them in the vinegar was just too much and made them inedible IMO. The cheese was on top of a bed of arugula which was sitting in a puddle of a white balsamic reduction. I'm a big fan of balsamic but this was just too much. Overall I'd give it a 3.5 and not really sure if I would return read more

When I say this little ditty is a Hidden Gem! I fell in love at first sight; the atmosphere, service, and food are outstanding! I went with my high school girlfriends to celebrate my 61st birthday! Wonderful time! Thanks Café '36 for a warm welcome and great time! read more

Great food and service . Try it u will like it try the pizza it will surprise you. My son in law said he had the best steak ever here also.

A hidden gem in Kalamazoo! As someone who is up on the food scene (at least I thought so) I was surprised I never knew this place existed until this week. Made reservations for Valentine's Day after failing to get in anywhere else. The food was nothing short of fantastic. Large portions and simple yet sophisticated flavors. (The burrata is a MUST try! Order it with the flat bread) The restaurant itself is cozy and elegant and offers unique views of the store below! Seating is comfortable and sturdy. Service is attentive, knowledgeable and very very friendly. This has instantly become my new favorite in town. read more

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Refreshing to find an above-average café attached to my favorite health food store. The burrata salad appetizer was exceptional --delicious soft cheese, stone fruit, prosciutto and delicious dressing on arugula( a standout. My Black Manhattan cocktail was also well-prepared and delicious. The real star was the Bolognese pasta ---which is so easy to get wrong. This was utterly delicious ! and probably the best I've ever had. Bravo, Café 36. read more

We ate outside on a very pleasant night! The food was very delicious! We both had a drink and split the short ribs and salad. The waitress was very professional! Best meal at a restaurant ! It was a touch expensive read more

We are SO EXCITED that y'all are back open. This was the best meal and service that we have had in Kalamazoo since pre-Covid. Absolutely incredible. Our server was attentive and personable. The food was beyond delicious. There is a a HUGE mocktail menu which makes me so happy. 100/10! If you aren't already calling to make a reservation while reading this idk what you are doing! read more

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Second visit was underwhelming. Tried 3 new dishes on the new menu, one was good the other two were bland and over priced for what they were. Gnocchi was great but you can keep the beef stroganoff-bland. read more

I've been excited to try the Cafe 36 for quite some time now and finally had my chance to dine here. I was in a group of 7 people. The restaurant is very interesting. It is perched above Sawall's Health food store and overlooks the aisles of goods while shoppers browse. It is not a huge area but a cozy area to dine and visit with friends. We started with drinks and the charcuterie board. I highly recommend this as it was plentiful and varied with cheeses, fruits, meats, olives, etc. Very tasty. The bread was a rosemary seasoned pita-like bread that was warm and quite delicious. We also had shrimp sticks which are fried spring rolls with a sauce that is to die for! I ordered the short ribs. Large portion of meat atop mashed potatoes accompanied by sauteed root vegetables and garnished with some type of sprouts. The flavor was magnificent and the meat was not too fatty as can often occur with short ribs. My colleague ordered the Chicken pot pie. This dish came out and its preparation was finished table side. The server poured steaming gravy from a boat over the bowl and then added a large piece of puff pastry and then finished off the rest of the gravy over that. It looked amazing. Other guests ordered the Mussels, Wild caught sockeye salmon, Atlantic Char and Filet mignon. All the entrees looked outstanding and not one complaint was heard from this writer as we dined. The dessert menu looked great and they also had a selection of Tawney Port wines to choose from as well. We did not order dessert as we were stuffed from the dinner. My only complaint is the noise level. The area is open and with high ceilings, the floor is concrete and there is a lot of echos of other diners voices, chairs moving across the floor etc, etc. It made it hard for all of us to talk and hear each other during our visit. read more

Café 36 - Short ribs - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Who knew a restaurant in a grocery store could be such a cool experience! The food was amazing and the vibe is cozy and lively with plenty of people watching at the grocery store below. The staff was friendly and offered great recommendations! read more

Right now, this is the first restaurant I suggest to people in Kalamazoo. I believe Café 36 is the top restaurant when considering service and food. The ambiance is wonderful. The mix of black booths and white chairs makes the room look clean and modern. The place settings are white mats and black napkins. The ying yang of simple contesting colors is soothing and elegant. The neatness calms you has soon as you walk in. It might be the low ceiling or other insulation, but this restaurant is more quiet than other restaurants in Kalamazoo--you can interact with your dining partners without fear of losing your voice the next day. But there is one potential downside to being above a grocery store and you experience can be different depending on your mood and where you sit. We sat over looking the grocery store which places you just above the commercial neon lighting. On a bad day this could easily give someone a migraine. Fortunately, our party of four adjusted quickly and we enjoyed overlooking the isles and making jokes about the isle marker for local honey and wondering which isle is stocked with honey from Vermont. Another note about the atmosphere The gently manner of the of the setting is mirror in the friendless and grace of its staff. Everyone we interacted with is welcoming and excited about what they do. On my first visit the chef walking through the restaurant was easily pulled aside by a server to explain the intricacies shrimp sticks and their dipping sauce (which are fantastic btw). The food we had at Café 36 was wonderful. I have a special for the week, a beef tenderloin with blue cheese sauce, garlic potatoes, and asparagus. The meat was cooked to a perfect pink medium rare and the blue cheese on top added a salty tang. The grilled asparagus gave the dish a smoky element and was cooked to the point where it still had an al dente snap. My wife and mother in-law had the other weekly special: beef cheeks with pasta and a cream sauce. I don't remember all the components, but I ate of their plates as much as I tried to keep them from eating mine. My father in-law had the hanger steak with fries. Again, the steak was cooked perfectly, and the Moroccan spices paired well with this flavorful cut of meat. Overall, Café 36 is a great fine dining experience and one you can have while still being casual. The staff is dressed up, but I don't think I say one customer with a jacket and only a few with a button up shirt. The food and the staff aren't pretentious. They just seem to love what they do and that means I love what they do. And I will be back to share in the enthusiasm. read more

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First time here. We (5 of us) each had something different--and loved the variety and fresh, interesting flavors and selections. The staff were very accommodating and friendly. Loved the relaxed , but intimate atmosphere, plus the unique atmosphere of overlooking the market store. read more

The food here is incredible! Hands down, best dinner we've had in Kalamazoo in the last year. We had the hangar steak and the beef short ribs. Every bite of both melted in your mouth like butter. We will definitely be back soon. read more

Best cocktails, food and service! I have been there probably a dozen times and have never had any complaints about anything. Odd location but it works and it works well! Enter through Sawall's and look for the staircase (or elevator) to dining heaven! Tell hostess Sammy and server Drew we said hello! I do recommend making reservations. read more

This upscale cafe is on the second floor of Sawall's natural food store, so you know all the ingredients are fresh from down below! We were seated right away on a Weds night. Our waitress was great! I really enjoyed the sole meunière with toasted almonds and paired with perfectly prepared braised fingerling potatoes and green beans. My husband had the Japanese sweet potato bisque and root vegetable risotto. There is a children's menu and our grands had pizza. There are several other dishes on the menu I would like to try, so will return! read more

Café 36 - Delicious sole meunière - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

So, so happy to see 36 open again! Shared an excellent meal with family overlooking the iconic Sawall aisles. We ordered burrata for the table, and I personally ordered the aglio e olio with grilled chicken. Both were delicious! Please check this place out, a solid dinner spot in Kzoo. read more

This place will be a total shock if you've never been here. Think Rustica or Principle in quality, but located right above a health-food/grocery store, cafe-style. The menu is exquisite and the preparation of each dish exemplary. Pizzas are a popular choice, but if you're doing dinner, you have to try an entree and at least a starter or two. For starters, the shrimp sticks w/burnt honey (similar to an Indian tamarind sauce), polenta "tots", and fried cauliflower w//broccoli rabe are mind-blowinf good. The flavors pop, spices are perfect, and textures of everything are on-point. Even better, to me, is the Maryland crab cake w/New England clam chowder (prepared as kind of reduction underneath the cake) - this is one of the single best dishes I've eaten in Kzoo, ever. Our friends' seafood dishes - tuna and cod - were also delicious. The only thing that was underwhelming - still decent, but not special in any way - was the pasta carbonara. Cocktails deserve special mention - they're outstanding across the board, and you can't go wrong. Between the 4 of us we tried about 6 different options, and all were genuinely fantastic. Top choice: either the Elder Manhattan or Corpse Reviver. Service was polite, efficient, and thoroughly knowledgeable, including impressive details about specific preparation of dishes. Ambiance is stylish and mostly allows you to forget that you're dining while overlooking the grocery aisles (but depending on your seat, you will be, so bear that in mind). For two of us, with several drinks apiece and apps + entrees, 100 tab seemed reasonable for the outstanding quality of this meal. It was literally so good we're tempted to return for brunch in about 12 hours. read more

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Café 36 is a hidden in gem in the KZoo food scene, which can be interpreted quite literally because it's located in an upstairs/overhang area of Sawall Health Foods store. I was a bit skeptical when the website touted New York culinary innovation meets the Kalamazoo dining scene, but I love when I'm proved wrong. Came with a large party, so I had the opportunity to try alllll the things! Shout out to awesome dining companions who love to eat. Note that in addition to their base menu, Café 36 has some unique specials on deck like kombucha fried fish & chips! I'm also impressed by their drinks menu. I opted out this time but French wines & tasty looking mixed drinks. Am I still in Michigan?! We shared the following: *CRISPY POLENTA TOTS (Roasted Garlic Broccoli Rabe/Chili Oil) - I can't say I've had polenta tots before this! They basically came in squares that reminded me of tofu but had a luscious, fluffy texture like tater tots. It was generously sprinkled with parm. Eat these hot because they're not as good room temp! *FRIED CAULIFLOWER (Rum Raisins/Curried Yogurt/Chili Oil) - I generally enjoy cauliflower & this version was no exception. The rum raisins were a nice sweet contrast to the bit of heat the chili oil. *MESCLUN GREENS (Candied Beets/Goat Cheese/Pistachios/Balsamic Honey) - We were all intrigued by the candied beets but they seemed just like cubed beets! But hey it's a salad - would get this again (and topped with protein for a main!) *WILD MUSHROOM CAVATELLI (Black Truffle/Crème Fraîche) - I'm glad we shared this because it was incredibly rich but I love love love truffs and shrooms. I really liked the mushroom 2 ways approach with the shrooms in the sauce but also crispy shrooms on top! I've had things that are more black truffle forward but for a $24 price point, you can't expect fresh shaved black truffle on top like at Mabel Gray or something. I had the: * BRAISED BIRKSHIRE PORK SHORT RIBS (Cranberry Quinoa/Roasted Wild Mushroom/ Pork Rinds) - this was a HUGE portion. Very savory and well-seasoned tender AF pork. It was, however, very saucy and a bit on the oily side though. But, what can you expect! pork is not a lean meat haha. I applaud the thoughtfulness with textures (chicharrónnes on top to balance out the tender goodness of the pork which was on top of silky quinoa) and flavors (bit of sweetness from the cranberry & umami from the roasted wild msurhoom). I only got through a 1/3 of it. I'm bummed that I asked our server to pack it & she just never showed up with it! My dining companions had the following for their entrees. The portion sizes were massive - no one finished their entrée! *Tri color salad w/ added chicken protein - he said the chicken was good but was not a fan of the lemon vinaigrette *ROOT VEGETABLE RISOTTO (Taro Chips/Snipped Chives) - apparently this was super flavorful! I was surprised to hear because veggie dishes AND risottos are typically not as flavor-forward. * CAST-IRON ATLANTIC COD (Wild Salmon Risotto/ Sautéed Spinach/Sriracha Vinaigrette) - I didn't get to ask about how the salmon risotto was but I thought that was interesting/unique - a fish on fish dish! We ended with the following dessert -- *Cookies & Cream (Fresh Baked Assortment of Cookies served with cold milk & whipped cream with dipping) - it's exactly what it sounds like. No frills. No milk & cookie shot like Dominique Ansel. But there's something about how simple & homey this is that you can't help but appreciate it. We asked for all 3 chocolate chip cookies & they were warm & fresh out of the oven. Definitely didn't taste like a tollhouse or Mrs Fields cookie or anything! read more

One of my favorite spots in town! Went for a girls night and we all couldn't stop talking about how good our drinks and food were. Highly recommend making a reservation! DRINKS: Grapefruit Rose - pretty good! Definitely liked my friends better DINNER: I had the grilled citrus tuna. It was delicious. Great portion size. I had leftovers. Friends had Sole, Scallops and Risotto. All said they loved theirs! read more

Café 36 - Tuna Entree - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Great food, friendly staff, quirky atmosphere (inside a grocery store). Cafe 36 really cares about the food they serve, and it shows.

My husband and I made reservations on a Thursday evening at 7pm. It wasn't too busy. For a restaurant above a grocery store, it's very impressive: elegant, nice lighting, clean, staff were very professional and friendly (if you're not sitting right next to the area that overlooks the store, you'd prob forget that you're in that store). We didn't know this place existed as we don't shop at Sewall so it was recommended to us by a friend. Service was excellent. We were greeted by the hostess and got seated right away. Our waitress was very attentive. Food: Scallops for a starter, entrees: Bolognese (They hire a guy who makes their pasta for them, per waitress), Short Ribs, dessert: chocolate mousse. They provide a thin bread with garlic and rosemary before your meal. I thought the sauce on the scallops was a little too salty but my husband thought it was just right. Overall, everything was really yummy; Short ribs was extremely tender. They have a few small tables set up on their deck, which I'm looking forward to sitting at during the summer, we'll def return. read more

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I've been eyeballing this new restaurant for a few months now and finally found a perfect night to try it out. We had tickets to the symphony and made reservations ( yes they take reservations even for 2) for 6pm. I had read previous reviews so I knew we better plan on 1 1/2 hours. When we arrived it was fairly empty but by the time left at 7:15pm all the tables were full. I didn't find it to be noisy at all. In fact, I didn't realize how busy it was until I got up to leave and turned around. When you walk into Sawall's the stairs and an elevator are immediately to the left. The interior of the restaurant is very hip with wood covered walls, dark covered and nicely appointed booths, white chairs, and dark tables. Our seating was next to the glass wall so we could view the store. The hostess also offered to take my coat as they have a coat check past the bar area (another star in the "they know how to do things rights" column). Our waitress Chloe was very friendly and knowledgeable. We both ordered a glass of wine, which we enjoyed with their house made flat bread. I ordered the Bacon on the Bone. This pork chop had a lovely smoky taste and it was served with polenta and Swiss chard. It was delicious. D had the Turkey Pot Pie, which had an amazing puff pastry served over top. When they brought his dish out, they actually built it on the spot adding the gravy and puff pastry. We both commented we will be back and might sit at the bar next time to just relax with a glass of wine and try one of their pizzas. Kalamazoo has another wonderful restaurant in town. read more

Café 36 - Bacon on the Bone - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

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Great food and drinks. Friendly staff. Excellent service. Nice ambiance except for overlooking the grocery store. That's a bit of a downside, but otherwise first-rate. read more

We came here for lunch on a Saturday, so everything mentioned here was off the lunch menu. The seafood chowder was peppery with a beautifully balanced flavor of clammy Umami wonder. The broth was light and further lifted by the delightful use of aromatics like celery and fennel. The seafood was there in perfect proportion. Sorry folks. This was a soup de jour. The Vegan burger is juicy and flavor packed. There is a astringent hint of heat on the underside of the patty above large cut pickle slices in the form of a sweet homemade mustard. It is topped with a simple slice of tomato and lettuce. On the side is some smoked salt, ketchup, and a chickpea salad. The ketchup it should be said has more vinegar in it and also some worsteshire(?). The choice of English muffins is an interesting one and provides a stout response to the meaty density of the vegan patty. The vegan pizza was good, but not great. The veggie sausage was excellent. The crust and sauce were both very good. As with all vegan pizza's the vegan cheese is always a bit problemat read more

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We decided on an impromptu visit because we had heard some good things and the reviews were pretty good. We almost felt underdressed in our jeans and nice shirts but no big deal. There were a lot of tables reserved but we got one no problem...looking down at the grocery store. This is kind of why we took one star off. I get that this is where they are but I think I would have done some frosted glass or something. It was neat to people watch but the bright florescent lights and tops of isles was just an odd view to have. Now the food...we started with the complimentary "crack bread" as I have now named it. It was just some nann type bread with some herby oil on it but it was yummy. Could have eaten a basket or two. My kiddo got the Bambini pizza (sausage, pepperoni and bacon) and it as quite tasty. They make it downstairs in the store's pizza oven so you could get I'd down there anytime I think. Hubby got the pasta bologenese (with short ribs) which he polished off. I got the short ribs and they were good too. Nice wine list and we polished it all off with a creme brulee which could go up against any restaurant in town. Did experience the head chef coming around to each table which didn't bother me at all but then did hear the yelling at the staff by him that other reviews mentioned when we went down to the grocery store. Overall a very good meal. It was pricey as far as our atmosphere was watching the grocery store the whole time but the food was equal to the price. read more

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Great food, especially the vegan Ruben. But the service was very slow, though friendly. If you go have a European attitude of long slow meals. read more

Located in Sawall supermarket, this place is great for dinner night out or even late lunch! It has various options from pizza to pasta to salmon to fillet. Their blueberry salad is a must!! I have never tried blueberry salad before but it was amazing! Must try. The portion is sharable. We also tried the pesto pizza which contains chicken and basil on top. Fresh and crunchy, the pizza is also a must. The ambiance is kind of romantic although it is in a supermarket. Recommended :) read more

Café 36 - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Had a superb first meal at Cafe 36 this weekend. Had heard of it, but never been. It was eVerything we hoped for. Food was superb: from our appetizer (roasted cauliflower in a chili pepper sauce), to the entrees: beef stroganoff for my companion, (a creamy, delicious take on an old favorite comfort food), and the whitefish special for me (superbly cooked, tender, with a crispy sear, on a bed of corn and mushroom; a bright dish, with a hint of lemon in the sauce; really, really good.) Cocktails were very good, and the desserts were perfect. Really nice meal, and delighted by the intimate restaurant. In short, an impressive meal all around: our first visit, but it won't be the last. read more

Being brunch obsessed as I am it's surprising I just got around to trying Cafe 36. It looked a bit spendy for a restaurant above a grocery store. I have to say I was very impressed. Well done cocktails. Great Bloody Mary. Well rounded brunch menu. I had the breakfast burger with a duck egg. The acoutrements were great, but what really sold me was the burger itself. High quality meat perfectly seasoned and cooked. Also I didn't finish it. This never happens so great portions. Rachel had a short rib Benedict which was also flavorful and delicious. read more

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My favorite restaurant in Kalamazoo hands down. The food is inventive, delicious and locally sourced. The cocktail list is amazing. Top favorite is the pink panther and whatever they have on special for the day. Top appetizers are the fried cauliflower, polenta tots and tuna tartare. For entrees you can't go wrong with the mushroom pasta, bacon on the bone , scallops or one of their pizzas. read more

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One of the best meals I've had since moving back to the Kalamazoo area. Located upstairs of Sawall's health foods, it's a quiet and unassuming location. Comfortable booths! Nice atmosphere for lunch. And while I only had the one item (kombucha battered fish with cauliflower salad) it was incredible. Can't wait to try more of the menu! (Or maybe I'll just get the fish again...) read more

Café 36 - Kombucha battered fish - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

New favorite! I expected the food would be healthy but it was also creative and DELICIOUS! Great spot for people with special diets, too. Nicely decorated, clean, great service. You forget you're in a health food store (albeit an awesome health food store). Can't wait to return and looking forward to trying their cocktails! PS-kombucha on tap! read more

I have ate here twice, and both meals have been memorable. Today we came in for brunch, everything on the menu looked amazing. Don't let the location, in the mezzanine of a health food store deter you from this restaurant! Full bar and fresh, organic, locally sourced food. Service is attentive without hovering. Will definitely be back. read more

Café 36 - Eggs Benedict - New American Near Me - Kalamazoo, Michigan

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