Martell's - Kalamazoo, Michigan

Julia E.

My experience with this restaurant was disappointing due to poor service, unsatisfactory food, and a lack of value for money.

We arrived at the restaurant at 5:45 p.m. and waited for 20 minutes before I had to ask a server to take our drink orders. In the meantime, the table next to us, was cleaned up, an older white couple just came, and they had already received their drinks. The server was actively asking them if they wanted to order their food.

There were three of us: myself and two African American friends. Eventually, I had to go all the way to the front desk to ask for a manager to assist us in ordering food after more than half an hour of waiting.

Our server never made eye contact with us or offered us any food or assistance. Honestly, the food did not look appealing or taste good at all.

In my experience dining at restaurants in Michigan, this was the worst experience I have ever had. It wasn't just that they struggled with service or cooking; it was also a matter of respect for customers and consideration of our time and race.

I am an Asian Swedish woman who grew up in Sweden and also a restaurant owner.
But I have never encountered such a terrible experience as I did today.

Therefore, I will never return to this restaurant. The United States is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and populations, and issues of racism should not be so openly evident, especially on a beautiful Sunday.

(I don't want to give any stars it all.
But I still give 5 stars for the restaurant manerger who listen to our complaints)

Edward D.

Best restaurant experience in Kalamazoo in years. Spent our anniversary eating drinking at the bar. Jodi runs the bar as a professional and knows the food and drinks to recommend. Very fair price for the quality food and drinks we received. The scallop/shrimp appetizer was wonderful in a tasty sauce. Wife loved her chicken while i had the ravioli with a side of steak. Both perfectly executed to order. The bonus tiramisu was gratis for our anniversary. Very friendly people at the bar to chat with. Thanks for a great anniversary. We will be back soon.

K N.

Classic restaurant with a bar tucked away within a living complex; offering various menu options (ranging from a classic burger or bowl of soup to prime rib and pastas.) First visit was fine (older style wood modernized by rope lights in the bar area). Complimentary rolls with butter and seasoned oil. Party tried the mushroom soup and meatball appetizer. Both were appropriate size portions (considering the prices). Appears to be an outdoor seating area when the weather is warmer. Service was good (took some time to be acknowledged in the bar area but was fine after that). Overall, a good place for a bite in the Kalamazoo area.

The R. N.

Had a good lunch at Martells today. 24 oz prime rib really brought out the carnivore in me. Lol. I think I'll give this place a 4/5. It's nice but I feel it's missing something. The staff were professional but felt stiff and unsure from the front desk to the server. The food was good but again was missing something. Though the natural scenery is fantastic and gets a perfect 5/5. I really liked the water features.

Spencer F.

Amazing service at such a charming location. I sat inside, where it was very cozy, but the view of the outside seating almost made me regret it. Great food and cocktails. I ordered the whipped goat cheese appetizer, 16oz prime rib, and the tiramisu. The whipped goat cheese was plentiful, to the point where we had to finish it up with the complementary bread. The lemon flavor was a little strong on the honey-lemon drizzle, but it was still delicious. The prime rib was thick, cooked to order, and very rich. The carrots were maybe a little hard to my liking at times, but not by a far range. Finally, the tiramisu has the perfect textures of cakey but creamy, with a lovely coffee flavor. Definitely will be coming back!

Bryan R.

My wife had her class reunion here. It was SOOO LOUD!! They need to install sound deadening panels. Couldn't hardly hear the person next to us.
Food was good. We had steak and salmon with mashed potatoes and asparagus. I've had better, but it was good. Ice cream and brownie for desert was also good.
Service was slow. Food was a long time in coming. Was delay after salad before main dish too.
I would not recommend this for any kind of meeting. Is probably good for just a night out for two or four, but not for a larger group.

Brenda D.

The mushroom soup was amazing. One of the best we’ve ever had. The sherry onion dip was great as well!! Payton our waitress did a great job keeping our glasses full!! Atmosphere was beautiful as we sat right by the window overlooking the water. All in all it was a great 28th Anniversary dinner that i would do again

John M.

The old fashioned I ordered was poorly balanced, what you would expect from an average sports bar. It was $16 for four coconut shrimp (or "coco" shrimp, as the runner called them). They were okay, although the orange marmalade on the side was a strange addition. I ordered the pappardelle with "creamy pepper sauce." The flavor was acceptable, but the sauce was broken and oily. Service was below adequate, no refills on water and minimal interaction. For the price they definitely missed the mark. There's certainly potential, but the execution was lacking tonight.