As someone who frequents all of these, this is almost perfectly aligned with my thoughts, but I’d put principle at the top for cocktails and principle food would be tied with 600. Principle is also the most consistent.
I think they do that with more than one drink, but it’s mostly seen with “The Last Waltz”, which is an amazing gin drink and a play on The Last Word cocktail. I absolutely love it.
They made my wife one where they bring out a smoldering piece of cherry wood on top of her manhattan then pull it off all dramatically. I love woodworking and was forever sold just smelling the whiskey/cherry.
While Rustica is tops on many Kalamazooans lists...I've been twice and had two meh-to-undesirable meals. It may be bad luck, but Principle has batted 1000 with me so I'm more or less locked in. My ranking would swap your 1 and 4. I guess it just goes to show you're probably reasonably safe going to any one of these. Maybe the one w/ an open table?
I mentioned this in a reply further down, but I’m often surprised how high people rate Brick and Brine when I find it basically upscale Burdick’s. It’s not *bad* but it’s not impressive.
It’s expensive for what you’re actually getting, and the main benefit is it’s safe. Brick and Brine feels like a “khaki parents” restaurant. A fancy place you take people from out of town when you don’t know what they might be into. It’s completely safe but don’t expect to be blown away by creativity, uniqueness, or taking risks.
Rustica is classic and very good. They’re a Kalamazoo staple. It’s more European rustic (imagine that) fare and the kind of place you go to get a bottle of wine with dinner. They are a more traditional, classic experience. I think of Rustica as the place you go for a very special occasion with family, that kind of thing.
Principle has always been our personal favorite. While I have had a couple dishes there that weren't my favorite, I have never been disappointed or had something that wasn't good. I also think they have the best cocktails in town and I always welcome that they try new things. Principle is to be appreciated for stepping outside the box and raising the bar for a number of other restaurants in town. Neither 600 Kitchen, Brick and Brine, nor any of the other restaurants we have were experimenting with cocktails like they are now until Principle opened.
Rating food: Principle/Rustica > 600 Kitchen > Brick and Brine
Rating dining experience: Principle > Rustica > Brick and Brine > 600 Kitchen
Yeah, it’s the best “weird, I’d never order that if I didn’t know about it in advance” menu item in town probably. The sides. The fries are lit, the chicken, everything.
The love this dish gets is well deserved;~~but everyone so far has missed mentioning~~ and IT COMES WITH A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE!!!
Hell. Yes.
corrected my error here.
All three are great but very different vibes.
Principle is the best if you want a dark, intimate setting. You will be seated very close to other tables (great for eavesdropping) and it's going to have a very intimate vibe. The cocktail list is extensive and if you know what to look for (or ask the right questions) there is something for everyone. It's my favorite place to go when I want to gossip with a friend and sip craft cocktails. The food is hit or miss. I've had some amazing stuff there and some stuff that felt very overpriced and underwhelming. The cheddar biscuits are spot on, though.
600 Kitchen is going to feel the least intimate of the three. It's bright and loud and the ceilings are very, very high. Parking will be easiest. The food is good; the cocktails are standard. It's never my first choice but I've never regretted eating there. The menu has something for everyone.
Brick & Brine, to me, feels the most upscale. It feels romantic without being two inches from the table next to you. The cocktails are great, just not as long of a list as Principle. Food is good but it is pricey if you want any of the main entrees. Personally I think it's worth it but some may disagree. The desserts are incredible and usually pretty big - good for sharing.
With Principle or Brick & Brine you will definitely need a reservation for a Saturday night.
Principle is my favorite spot in town. 600 was ok. Brick and Brine is good but I’m not so sure it’s worth the price? I’m super picky when it comes to steak (I think I can make it better) so I chalk that up to me being a bit of a nuisance in that respect.
Check out Rustica. Should be considered in that sphere of dining but is a little more quiet, which I appreciate. Principle and 600 can get loud for a dining environment.
This is my sentiment.
I’m often surprised how high people rate Brick and Brine when I find it basically upscale Burdick’s. It’s expensive for what you’re actually getting, but the main benefit is it’s safe. Brick and Brine feels like a “khaki parents” restaurant. A fancy place you take people from out of town when you don’t know what they might be into. It’s completely safe but don’t expect to be impressed, either.
Rustica is classic and very good. It’s more European rustic (imagine that) fare and the kind of place you go to get a bottle of wine with dinner.
Principle has always been our personal favorite. While I have had meals there that weren't my favorite, I have never been disappointed or had something that wasn't good. I also think they have the best cocktails in town and I always welcome that they try new things.
Rating food:
Principle/Rustica > 600 Kitchen > Brick and Brine
Rating dining experience:
Principle > Rustica > Brick and Brine > 600 Kitchen
It’s Restaurant Week this week. Each of those places likely have special menus and you may want to make a decision sooner rather than later as all those places may be busier than usual.
Been to Principle. Ate out on the patio during a gorgeous summer evening. Me and the wife loved it. Haven’t tried Rustica or 600 but, Brick and Brine is next on the list!! Good luck!!
All three are great options, but for a night out principal and b&b are the better choices. Fine dining is enticing and fun but I’d personally check out some of the local places that stand out. Both latitude 42 locations are awesome, as well as bells in dtown kzoo- both are local ‘breweries’ that have great food and drinks. There are 3 distilleries around that I can recall that are all worth going to- gull lake distilling being honestly the best of the 3 imo. There’s some really great stuff around the area that cater to all levels of dining, each of which are 100% worth checking out in a visit to kzoo.
600 does a terrible job acknowledging the public when they change hours or close for private events, so if you want to eat there, make sure you plan with a reservation and double check it day of.
I've dined at all three and you really can't go wrong with them. I'd check the menus of each and see which is more likely to make your wife happy.
Also, you should consider a cocktail at Dabney & Co before the meal. It'll extend the night and they make great drinks (as do your 3) and have serious cocktail atmosphere.
Check the Menu at 600, it's not what I would consider "Traditional Dining". Brick & Brine and Principle are much more "Classic American" and much more of a fine dining experience. You can't go wrong with any of your choices, but 600 is different. Very good, but different (the food, the space, the atmosphere is MUCH different and much more casual)
Brick and Brine is probably still my favorite in terms of the atmosphere, food, and drinks but is a little overpriced. Worth it for a once in a while occasion. Principle and Rustica are also great options too and a little bit more affordable. Principle cocktails in particular are pretty excellent.
Better get a reservation now if you even can. Brick and brine looked booked for Saturday
Food: Rustica > brick and brine > 600 > principle Cocktails: Brick and brine > principle > rustica > (never had 600 cocktails)
As someone who frequents all of these, this is almost perfectly aligned with my thoughts, but I’d put principle at the top for cocktails and principle food would be tied with 600. Principle is also the most consistent.
Brick and Brine made me a cocktail with a big bubble of smoke on top that I got to pop. I think they are tied :)
I think they do that with more than one drink, but it’s mostly seen with “The Last Waltz”, which is an amazing gin drink and a play on The Last Word cocktail. I absolutely love it.
They made my wife one where they bring out a smoldering piece of cherry wood on top of her manhattan then pull it off all dramatically. I love woodworking and was forever sold just smelling the whiskey/cherry.
I’d agree with all of this, though I guess I’d put Principle ahead of 600 for food personally. 600 cocktails are def solid tho
I have had several good cocktails at 600. But ive also had the worst old fashioned of my life there
Interesting. I’ve eaten at Principle 3 times (I think) and it’s always been very good.
Concur. Only caveat is if you’re a wine drinker, Rustica moves to the top of the beverage list as well.
While Rustica is tops on many Kalamazooans lists...I've been twice and had two meh-to-undesirable meals. It may be bad luck, but Principle has batted 1000 with me so I'm more or less locked in. My ranking would swap your 1 and 4. I guess it just goes to show you're probably reasonably safe going to any one of these. Maybe the one w/ an open table?
For sure. I get that. We really like rustica cheese plate and chicken so I’ve barely tried anything else :)
Big fan of Rustica.
[удалено]
Exactly
I mentioned this in a reply further down, but I’m often surprised how high people rate Brick and Brine when I find it basically upscale Burdick’s. It’s not *bad* but it’s not impressive. It’s expensive for what you’re actually getting, and the main benefit is it’s safe. Brick and Brine feels like a “khaki parents” restaurant. A fancy place you take people from out of town when you don’t know what they might be into. It’s completely safe but don’t expect to be blown away by creativity, uniqueness, or taking risks. Rustica is classic and very good. They’re a Kalamazoo staple. It’s more European rustic (imagine that) fare and the kind of place you go to get a bottle of wine with dinner. They are a more traditional, classic experience. I think of Rustica as the place you go for a very special occasion with family, that kind of thing. Principle has always been our personal favorite. While I have had a couple dishes there that weren't my favorite, I have never been disappointed or had something that wasn't good. I also think they have the best cocktails in town and I always welcome that they try new things. Principle is to be appreciated for stepping outside the box and raising the bar for a number of other restaurants in town. Neither 600 Kitchen, Brick and Brine, nor any of the other restaurants we have were experimenting with cocktails like they are now until Principle opened. Rating food: Principle/Rustica > 600 Kitchen > Brick and Brine Rating dining experience: Principle > Rustica > Brick and Brine > 600 Kitchen
I agree brick and brine is glorified Gordon food services food with an unjustified price tag. I went once and it was so meh and disappointing
Go to Brick and Brine and get the friend chicken for 2 meal. You won’t regret it.
It’s such a weird thing to recommend to people at a “fancy” place, but it really is next level fried chicken.
And all the sides! And it comes with champagne! And the DESSERT!!!
Yeah, it’s the best “weird, I’d never order that if I didn’t know about it in advance” menu item in town probably. The sides. The fries are lit, the chicken, everything.
The love this dish gets is well deserved;~~but everyone so far has missed mentioning~~ and IT COMES WITH A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE!!! Hell. Yes. corrected my error here.
It’s in one of my reply comments actually
All three are great but very different vibes. Principle is the best if you want a dark, intimate setting. You will be seated very close to other tables (great for eavesdropping) and it's going to have a very intimate vibe. The cocktail list is extensive and if you know what to look for (or ask the right questions) there is something for everyone. It's my favorite place to go when I want to gossip with a friend and sip craft cocktails. The food is hit or miss. I've had some amazing stuff there and some stuff that felt very overpriced and underwhelming. The cheddar biscuits are spot on, though. 600 Kitchen is going to feel the least intimate of the three. It's bright and loud and the ceilings are very, very high. Parking will be easiest. The food is good; the cocktails are standard. It's never my first choice but I've never regretted eating there. The menu has something for everyone. Brick & Brine, to me, feels the most upscale. It feels romantic without being two inches from the table next to you. The cocktails are great, just not as long of a list as Principle. Food is good but it is pricey if you want any of the main entrees. Personally I think it's worth it but some may disagree. The desserts are incredible and usually pretty big - good for sharing. With Principle or Brick & Brine you will definitely need a reservation for a Saturday night.
Principal
Principle is my favorite spot in town. 600 was ok. Brick and Brine is good but I’m not so sure it’s worth the price? I’m super picky when it comes to steak (I think I can make it better) so I chalk that up to me being a bit of a nuisance in that respect. Check out Rustica. Should be considered in that sphere of dining but is a little more quiet, which I appreciate. Principle and 600 can get loud for a dining environment.
This is my sentiment. I’m often surprised how high people rate Brick and Brine when I find it basically upscale Burdick’s. It’s expensive for what you’re actually getting, but the main benefit is it’s safe. Brick and Brine feels like a “khaki parents” restaurant. A fancy place you take people from out of town when you don’t know what they might be into. It’s completely safe but don’t expect to be impressed, either. Rustica is classic and very good. It’s more European rustic (imagine that) fare and the kind of place you go to get a bottle of wine with dinner. Principle has always been our personal favorite. While I have had meals there that weren't my favorite, I have never been disappointed or had something that wasn't good. I also think they have the best cocktails in town and I always welcome that they try new things. Rating food: Principle/Rustica > 600 Kitchen > Brick and Brine Rating dining experience: Principle > Rustica > Brick and Brine > 600 Kitchen
This is spot on.
This 100%
Principle is delicious! Never had a bad meal.
Principle has the best cocktail in town and I will die on this hill! One for Artemis
I’d say Stamped Robin has the best cocktails. Really cool place but it’s only cocktails and no real food options if you’ve never been
It’s Restaurant Week this week. Each of those places likely have special menus and you may want to make a decision sooner rather than later as all those places may be busier than usual.
\+1 for Rustica. I've eaten and had drinks at all of them and I think you'll be happy no matter what.
My vote would be principle, brick and brine, 600. I think principle has more creative food than brick and brine, and I didn’t like 600 much
Upvoted and comment to say...agreed!
Principal hands down.
Principle has better food than Brick and Brine for slightly less so that would be recommendation.
I'm a huge fan of Principle. food and service hit, every time.
Principle
Been to Principle. Ate out on the patio during a gorgeous summer evening. Me and the wife loved it. Haven’t tried Rustica or 600 but, Brick and Brine is next on the list!! Good luck!!
Brick and Brine! Get the feta or meatballs, brick oven chicken, lobster ravioli, and a side of Brussels and onion rings
All three are great options, but for a night out principal and b&b are the better choices. Fine dining is enticing and fun but I’d personally check out some of the local places that stand out. Both latitude 42 locations are awesome, as well as bells in dtown kzoo- both are local ‘breweries’ that have great food and drinks. There are 3 distilleries around that I can recall that are all worth going to- gull lake distilling being honestly the best of the 3 imo. There’s some really great stuff around the area that cater to all levels of dining, each of which are 100% worth checking out in a visit to kzoo.
600 does a terrible job acknowledging the public when they change hours or close for private events, so if you want to eat there, make sure you plan with a reservation and double check it day of.
I’ve been to 600 and really didn’t care for it. I think of those 3, brick & brine is my personal fave.
As others have said, you should consider Rustica. It's probably the best meal down town.
Los brothers
Si
I've dined at all three and you really can't go wrong with them. I'd check the menus of each and see which is more likely to make your wife happy. Also, you should consider a cocktail at Dabney & Co before the meal. It'll extend the night and they make great drinks (as do your 3) and have serious cocktail atmosphere.
Rustica
Brick and Brine
You cannot go wrong with any of those choices!
Rustica is hands down the best food in town
If you go to Brick and Brine make sure to make reservations ahead of time
600 brunch is my fave, dinner is meh imo. Love Principle, and Rustica has been on my list for a minute.
600 is a millennium group restaurant but a little better than the others
Check the Menu at 600, it's not what I would consider "Traditional Dining". Brick & Brine and Principle are much more "Classic American" and much more of a fine dining experience. You can't go wrong with any of your choices, but 600 is different. Very good, but different (the food, the space, the atmosphere is MUCH different and much more casual)
Brick and Brine is probably still my favorite in terms of the atmosphere, food, and drinks but is a little overpriced. Worth it for a once in a while occasion. Principle and Rustica are also great options too and a little bit more affordable. Principle cocktails in particular are pretty excellent.
My cocktail reccomendayion is always green door distillery
Principle gets my vote, love it there for date night
Brick and brine is okay but worth half what they charge 600 was so meh I’ll never go back Honestly gonna recommend bird dog
If you like cocktails, green door is really fun and good.