For those in the know, the Kalamazoo area is a burgeoning hotspot for exciting new dining experiences, especially when it comes to craft beer and innovative restaurants. While we pride ourselves at streetsounds.net on staying ahead of the curve, we’re a little red-faced to admit that it took us longer than usual to explore Millennium Restaurant Group’s latest offering: Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan.
As long-time devotees of Central City Tap House – we were there on opening day! – and admirers of the entire Millennium family of restaurants, the announcement of a new tap house in Portage was met with considerable anticipation. We eagerly followed the early buzz and waited for the perfect opportunity to visit Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan.
Located conveniently on Centre Street, a stone’s throw from US-131, Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan has been serving patrons for a few months now. Our slight hesitation in visiting sooner stemmed from the usual parental considerations: would bringing a toddler be a comfortable experience? Our memories of pre-child visits to Central City Tap House left us uncertain about the atmosphere’s suitability for little ones.
However, a recent dinner outing to Central City Tap House with our daughter, L, after her music class at the Epic Center downtown, completely changed our perspective. Inspired by that positive experience, we felt confident and excited to finally explore its sister establishment, Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan.
Our visit to Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan occurred on a Saturday around lunchtime. With family in town for a pre-Christmas celebration, and a free afternoon on my hands, it was the perfect occasion for a relaxed lunch outing with the in-laws.
Upon entering Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan, we noted the predominantly pub-style seating arrangement, although a few traditional lower tables were available. The friendly hostess initially guided us towards one of these standard tables, but we opted for a booth, even though it was also a high-top pub style.
We were led to a booth tucked away in the back corner of Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan. It was a slightly quirky spot, a booth wrapping around most of the table with a single chair at the booth’s entrance. Maneuvering into the space was a bit tight, particularly while juggling our toddler, L, and her beloved “Sully” doll.
Cozy booth seating area at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan
Once settled, our server promptly arrived to take drink orders. Our group was in a celebratory mood, and everyone opted for alcoholic beverages. J started with a cider, initially spotting only the familiar Woodchuck Cider. However, both the waiter and I were quick to point out the Vander Mill Totally Roasted. This local gem from Spring Lake, MI, is a semi-sweet cider infused with candied pecans. J enjoyed her glass, though remained undecided if it surpassed her usual cider preference.
For my part, I was intrigued by the Tapistry Brewing selection on the Firkin: Hoponacci w/Palisade. Another beer enthusiast present at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan that afternoon succinctly described this brew as “Dry. Bitter. Good.” I wholeheartedly concur.
My mother-in-law chose her reliable favorite, a Bell’s Amber, while my father-in-law remained loyal to mainstream beers with a couple of Miller Lites. Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan clearly caters to a diverse range of drink preferences.
With drinks in hand, we turned our attention to the lunch menu. I was torn between several enticing burger options but ultimately decided on the Tap House Bleu Burger. This standout offering features a prime steak burger adorned with creamy Maytag Bleu Cheese, a fresh spring lettuce mix, ripe tomato, and sliced onion, all served on a perfectly toasted pretzel bun. To elevate it further, I added a couple of strips of crispy bacon, enhancing the already delightful blend of juicy, tangy, and salty flavors.
My relationship with pretzel buns is complex – sometimes I love them, sometimes not so much. However, in this instance, the sturdy pretzel bun proved to be an excellent choice. Its robust texture held up beautifully against the burger’s juiciness, creating a harmonious bite. It was a perfect pairing that truly worked.
As an upgrade to my side, I chose the truffle fries. These were a slight departure from the truffle fries I recalled from Central City Tap House, but equally impressive. The thin, fresh-cut fries achieved that ideal balance of a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Generously drizzled with truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, they were undeniably among the best fries in the Kalamazoo area – far surpassing the fast-food variety favored by some Kalamazoo Gazette readers.
Delicious Tap House Blue Burger with Truffle Fries at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan
J opted for the Tap House Mac & Cheese. This generous bowl of pasta was a far cry from the standard yellow mac and cheese. Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan elevates this comfort food classic with a blend of Swiss, white cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with a crunchy brioche crumb crust. Though I only managed a few bites, it was exceptionally flavorful. L wasn’t interested in sampling it, so I happily assisted J in finishing it. J praised the dish, particularly enjoying the textural contrast of the crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Creamy Tap House Mac & Cheese at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan
We tried to tempt L with the grilled cheese from the Kids’ Menu, but her focus remained firmly on the French fries. It was a shame, as the grilled cheese itself was surprisingly good. Served panini-style with white cheddar, it came with fries (L’s favorite) and a cup of Jell-O.
Kids Grilled Cheese Meal with French Fries at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan
Both of J’s parents chose the Mahi Tacos. These featured three soft corn tortillas filled with grilled Mahi Mahi, vibrant red cabbage slaw, creamy avocado crema, and fresh pico de gallo, accompanied by tortilla chips. However, my father-in-law’s order arrived a few minutes after everyone else’s. The kitchen had identified a minor error before it left the kitchen, and promptly remade it. A manager personally delivered the corrected dish and offered a sincere apology. The delay was minimal, but the gesture was appreciated.
While both enjoyed the tacos, they felt something was slightly missing. My mother-in-law suggested the avocado crema could have used an extra element to elevate the overall flavor profile.
Our total bill came to just over $70, a significant portion of which was covered by a gift card J had received from a colleague. The payment process was a tad unusual, as our server didn’t return to confirm that the gift card had been successfully processed. To cover the remaining balance and the tip, my in-laws paid in cash, eliminating the need for a signature. However, the server didn’t explicitly confirm everything was settled until we were getting ready to leave, at which point he thanked us for visiting. We assumed all was well and departed Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan.
Selection of craft beers on tap at Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan
Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan is undoubtedly another excellent addition to the Millennium Restaurant Group’s impressive portfolio in the Kalamazoo Metro area. We are thrilled we finally made it in for lunch. With its ever-evolving tap list and consistently delicious food, Center Street Tap House Portage Michigan is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a quality dining experience in Portage.
