Delightful. Cozy. Tasty. Functional.
Kevin’s Tavern embodies all that we love about local Southwest Michigan flavors.
By Matthew Downey
Email to a friend

After a short jog out of Kalamazoo to nearby Paw Paw on a bright Tuesday afternoon, I found myself in the midst of a little slice of local heaven.

I made the trip with my friend and Greater Guide photographer, Amelia Faulk. She and I found ourselves with an interesting commonality with the Tavern’s owner, Kevin Hyman. Kevin, like both Amelia and myself, is originally from Southwest Michigan. We all lived in New York City for years (without knowing each other, of course) and then each found our way back home to take up permanent residence here. Kevin told us, “I never thought I would come back to Michigan from the big city, but I got tired.”

Kevin’s Tavern is found on Kalamazoo Street, less than a mile from the I-94 Paw Paw exit. Paw Paw is 35-40 minutes from either Battle Creek or the Lakeshore, and only 20 minutes from Kalamazoo.

The establishment is nestled on a small, beautiful piece of property with a river that separates the building from the busy street out front. A covered walking bridge and paved pathway takes patrons from the parking lot to the restaurant’s main entrance (fully accessible to wheelchair-bound patrons).

The look and feel of the property is exactly the image that comes to my mind when I think of a vineyard restaurant. Exposed brick, stove in the pump room, beamed ceilings, wine barrels, and vines are all high points of the comfortable interior. His building is an old one; one that has been an important part of the Paw Paw landscape for more than a century.

Kevin’s choices for the interior décor have allowed the building’s unique and original look to remain and speak for itself. His sophisticated, decorative style has nicely complemented the building.

Be sure to ask Kevin about the old framed photos hung around the restaurant. The subjects are all his ancestors; he comes from a Chicago-based entrepreneurial family.

True functionality
During our visit to Kevin’s, all I could think was that this is, indeed, the quintessential Southwest Michigan restaurant. Because of the delightful, hearty menu and local flavors of grapes and wines, it is of particular interest to tourists. This shouldn’t be stated without also acknowledging that its quiet, cozy atmosphere is a perfect escape during a busy week, a romantic dinner for two, or a business luncheon where class and quiet are a must.

Outside dinning is one of Kevin’s favorite things to offer patrons. The very first signs of an optimal day for dinning on the patio put his staff into motion to have the tables set up and ready.

He has two rooms perfect for family parties and group events. One of those rooms is the long train car that sits out in front of the building (also overlooking the river). Anyone familiar with Paw Paw has noticed this train car.

On our tour of the facility, he proudly described his plans for a specialty food and gift shop in the back. He will offer homemade pâté, cheese, coffees and other unique gifts made by local folks.

Kevin’s cuisine
Kevin’s menu is delightful. It is simple, and has something for everyone.

Herbs are the specialty. Kevin grows his own. He says, “Everything is homemade, from the mayo to the nachos. We are not, however, grinding our own coffee…yet.”

The highpoint of our visit was the presentation of one of the most amazing dishes I have ever tasted or even seen for that matter. The creamy, large (and I mean LARGE) portabella mushroom stuffed with ravioli demands a sense of awe. Kevin says, “You’ve heard of ravioli stuffed with mushrooms...this is portabella stuffed with ravioli. We don’t do anything typical around here.” The portabella (pictured) is served on a bed of sautéed spinach, sweet peppers and onions then crowned with a chipotle, roasted garlic cream sauce.

Menu highlights include:
• Grilled Lavender Chicken salad. This is a tender sliced chicken breast which has been marinated in yogurt, lavender, rosemary and ginger then served on a croissant and garnished with lavender flavored chutney ($8.50).
• Steak, Chicken and Shrimp combo – what meat-eater can argue with that trio? – is prepared in a different style each day ($24).
• The Tavern Burger is a hearty meal served with the choice of cheddar, bleu cheese or hickory-smoked bacon along with the house’s beer-boat fries or the vinaigrette salad ($8.00).
• The house Filet Mignon is grilled to order and expertly prepared ($26.00).

The desert list is delectable and the wine list is complete with California favorites and, of course, staple Southwest Michigan flavors – particularly a Braganini Reserve Pinot Grigio and Warner’s Very Very Cherry.

Uniquely Southwest Michigan
For a visitor to our community, I can’t think of a better place to show off the best of the personalities, smells and flavors that are unique to our region. The restaurant embodies all that we love and cherish about our quaint Southwest Michigan lifestyle.

Kevin’s Tavern On The River
706 S. Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw
Hours: 11 AM to 8:30 or 9 PM Tuesdays to Saturdays; 11 AM to 3 PM Sundays (brunch only).
Phone: 269-657-5165
Reservations Recommended