Kalamazoo's favorite since 1912
Todd's Grill
& Bait
Burgers, comfort food, and live bait — all under one roof. Come hungry.



Years of Experience
Dishes in Our Menu
Customer Reviews
Happy Customers
Unhappy Customers (I'm sure its around zero.)
What Our Customers Say
Betty B
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
I survived a nightmare at Todd's Grill! Ordered the Grill Master Burger expecting juicy perfection, but the patty was ice-cold and raw in the center—like they barely cooked it. One bite and it practically mooed! Then a huge spider dropped from the ceiling, stalking me over my plate and webbing my fries. I swatted, spilled my drink, total chaos. Ran to the bathroom and got trapped for ages—the door handle snapped off in my hand! Yelled for help while flies swarmed the sink; staff never came. Kicked free with hands sticky from an earlier exploding milkshake mess. Bun fell apart instantly, fries tasted like soggy lake water, and the cashier ghosted me when I asked for a refund. Todd's Grill: fix the raw burgers, broken doors, spider infestation, exploding shakes, and vanishing staff before this place becomes a real horror story
— Grilled Steak
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Oh man, friend, reading this breaks my heart like one of Pappy Zeke's old pickle barrels after a rough storm—your night at Todd's Grill and Bait sounds like a full-on horror flick, and I promise you, we ain't in the business of scaring folks away from our burgers! That Grill Master was supposed to be juicy heaven, not a cold-hearted moo-ver, and I'm mortified about the spider showdown, the bathroom lock-in drama, exploding shakes, soggy fries, and our staff pulling a vanishing act. No excuses from this third-generation Wyatt— that's on us, plain and simple, even if I suspect Zeke's ghost was prankin' the grill temps again to keep things "authentic raw" like his squirrel days back in 1912. (Karen's gonna kill me for sayin' that, but she's the one who swears up and down those spiders are just "extra protein" from the bait side!) I'm truly, deeply sorry we turned your meal into a nightmare instead of the warm, belly-fillin' welcome we've been slingin' since the creek days. Come on back anytime—walk right in, ask for Todd, and we'll fire up a fresh Grill Master (cooked through, scout's honor), no charge, with fries crispier than Zeke's tall tales and a side of us makin' it right. Your story's got us hustlin' to spider-proof, door-fix, and staff-train like never before. Let's turn this into a comeback fish story! Todd
Jane D
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
Went to Todd's Grill and Bait for the first time last Friday night hoping for some good fried fish after hearing about it from a friend. The perch was actually pretty decent - fresh and crispy, that part was good. But everything else was a mess. The place was way too loud with music blasting so loud we could barely talk at the table. Our server disappeared for long stretches - took over 20 minutes to get refills on water and another 15 to get the check. The table was sticky when we sat down, and the bathroom was disgusting, smelled bad, and had no paper towels. For the prices you're charging, this should be way cleaner and better organized. Probably won't be back unless things change a lot.
— Fresh Minnows
Todd (Owner) 🐟
I'm truly sorry your visit was marred by the sticky table, poor service, noisy atmosphere, and unclean bathroom—we know we fell short there. But I have some bad news - we don't serve Perch. I think you accidentally may have eaten the minnows which are actually bait.
Donald T.
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
Stopped by Todd's Grill and Bait last Saturday with my family after a day on the lake. The perch was fried perfectly crispy and the homemade tartar sauce is honestly the best I've had anywhere in Kalamazoo. Service was super friendly too - our server Sarah remembered our drink orders and checked in just the right amount. The place has a great relaxed vibe with all the fishing decor. Only a couple small things: the dining area felt a little stuffy and warm toward the back where we sat (maybe the AC wasn't reaching back there?), and it took almost 15 minutes for our appetizers to come out even though it wasn't super busy. Overall though, we'll definitely be back soon - great food and great people!
— Fresh Minnows, Grilled Chicken, Decadent Chocolate Cake
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thanks for the kind words on our crispy perch, homemade tartar sauce, and Sarah's friendly service—we're glad you caught that relaxed fishing vibe. Swing back soon and join the family again. Karen
Model Tester 9000
about 1 month ago
The chicken and cheesecake I had were really great, thanks Todd and Karen! Next time I come back we're bringing the entire clan. (the family I mean, not the ... nevermind). It was a tiny bit cold in the restaurant, however. Nevertheless, I highly recommend for a great dinner!
— Grilled Chicken
Bertha B.
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
I didn't have a great experience. The fries were ok, maybe a little cold. The waitress wasn't very nice, but I know she was really busy. It took quite a while for our drinks order. We'll try again and hopefully have a better time.
— Kalamazoo Gut Buster Fries
Todd (Owner) 🐟
I'm truly sorry your fries came out cold and the drinks took too long—that's not the warm welcome we pride ourselves on here at Todd's Grill and Bait. Karen must've had the crew running ragged that day, but we'll tighten it up for next time. Please give us another shot soon; mention this and we'll make it right with some fresh, sizzling perfection! -Todd
Anonymous
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
That salad was really good everything tasted fresh and the dressing was delicious.
— Best Caesar Salad Ever!
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Glad you enjoyed the fresh salad and our dressing. Come back anytime and join the family at Todd's Grill. Karen
Charles Norris
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
The steak was cooked perfectly and the sear was divine. Thanks Todd and Zeke!
— Grilled Steak
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Well, shoot, hearing that our steak hit the spot like that just puts a big ol' grin on my face—thanks a million for those kind words! I'm Todd Wyatt, the third-generation owner of this little slice of Kalamazoo history, and let me tell you, when you mentioned that perfect sear and the divine cook, it takes me right back to Pappy Zeke's days in 1912. He'd fire up that old pickle-barrel grill by the creek, slapping on fresh cuts with his secret rub that could make a fisherman forget about the one that got away. Sounds like we nailed it for you, just like he taught us! Of course, I can't take all the credit—my mom Karen keeps the kitchen crew in line, but I'll admit, I've been known to sneak in a few tweaks to that grill magic myself. And hey, if the sear was that divine, maybe it's because we treat every steak like it's the star of its own fish tale! Speaking of which, why don't you swing by again soon? We've got more stories, more laughs, and plenty more perfectly grilled goodness waiting for you—after all, you're family now. Thanks again for making my day, Todd
Chad Wyatt
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
I had the chicken but it may have been undercooked and maybe I have botulism now, or Legionaires Disease.
— Grilled Chicken
Todd (Owner) 🐟
I'm truly sorry the chicken came out undercooked—that's on us and never should have happened. Reach out or stop by anytime to let us make it right, Karen.
Gordon Ramsey
✓ Respondedabout 1 month ago
That's probably the best cheesecake I've ever witnessed. Did you use a water bath? What a pro.
— Cheesecake
Todd (Owner) 🐟
I did use a water bath! Glad you enjoyed the dessert.
Mike Thompson
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
Hands down the best Classic Burger in town. Perfectly grilled, juicy, and loaded with flavor. The cheese was melty perfection. Will definitely be back!
— Classic Burger
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thanks Mike! Until next time.
Jessica Ruiz
about 2 months ago
I went with Mike last week and totally agree on the burger! We also got the Loaded Fries and they were addictive. Best meal we've had in months at Todd's.
Susan Thompson
about 2 months ago
My husband Mike told me he was out of town that day! How dare you two sneak off for burgers without me? Next time, I'll stuff that burger down your throat myself, Jessica!
Lisa Chen
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
The Fried Mushrooms were incredible! Crispy, flavorful, and the dipping sauce was perfect. Also loved the Caesar Salad. Great spot for both food and bait runs 😂
— Fried Mushrooms & Caesar Salad
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thanks for the kind words on our fried mushrooms and Caesar salad. Come back soon—we'll aim to make your next visit even better. Karen
Robert Kline
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
Ordered the Grilled Steak and it was cooked perfectly medium-rare. Super tender and flavorful. Quantities are limited for a reason — it's that good!
— Grilled Steak
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thank you for your feedback on the grilled steak; we appreciate it and hope you'll visit again. - Karen
WormWhispererMI
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
The fact that I can get a loaded cheeseburger AND premium wrigglers in one stop is PEAK convenience. Todd is a visionary. The bait fridge is always stocked and the burgers are fire. 5 stars forever.
— Loaded Fries + Fresh Wrigglers
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thanks for the shoutout on our burger-bait combo—it's the kind of genius convenience that's kept us hooking folks since 1912! You're right, those premium wrigglers are always fresh in the fridge, and our loaded cheeseburgers are straight fire, just like Zeke the ghost likes 'em (don't tell Karen). Swing back soon and we'll keep that 5-star streak alive! Todd
WormWhispererMI
about 2 months ago
Lane? This is KALAMAZOO. We don't do lanes here — we do life. Burger in one hand, worm in the other. Cry harder.
NoBaitNoThanks
about 2 months ago
Visionary? More like disgusting. I almost vomited when I saw someone buy worms while I was trying to eat my salad. Hygiene nightmare. Todd's needs to pick a lane — restaurant OR bait shop. Not both.
BigFishDave87
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
Todd's is a GENIUS for selling live bait right next to the grill. Caught a 22-inch bass on minnows I bought there 20 minutes earlier. Then ate a perfect ribeye. Life doesn't get better than this. 10/10 would recommend to every angler in Kalamazoo.
— Fresh Minnows + Ribeye
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Well, howdy there, friend—reading your review just put the biggest grin on my face since Pappy Zeke first fired up that old pickle-barrel grill back in 1912! You're singin' my song: bait wrigglin' in the bucket one minute, a 22-inch bass haulin' on the line the next, and then that sizzlin' ribeye hittin' the spot like it was meant to be. That's the pure magic of Todd's Grill and Bait—fishin' and feasting under one leaky tin roof, just like Zeke intended. (I swear, he probably nudged those minnows your way; he's still tinkerin' around here after dark, rearrangin' the lures when Karen ain't lookin'.) You nailed it—life don't get better, but dang if we ain't gonna try next time you're in! Swing by soon, we'll make sure your next catch (and steak) is even more legendary. Tight lines and full bellies! Todd
CrawlDad69
about 2 months ago
Dave speaks truth. Bought nightcrawlers, caught a limit of perch, grilled 'em up at home. Todd's is the ultimate life hack. Karen needs to toughen up.
BigFishDave87
about 2 months ago
@KarenFromKzoo lady it's called ambiance. You want boring chain-restaurant vibes go to Applebee's. This is REAL Michigan — grill + bait under one roof. Cry about it.
KarenFromKzoo
about 2 months ago
Are you serious? I just wanted a nice family burger night and there's a bucket of live worms two feet from my table. The smell! The SLIME! Never again. Todd's lost a customer forever.
ConflictedFisherGal
✓ Respondedabout 2 months ago
Okay... pros: amazing burgers, fresh bait, convenient. Cons: the cognitive dissonance of smelling grilled onions while staring at a bucket of minnows is real. Still came back for the steak. But I'm conflicted. 3.5 stars rounded down because my soul hurts.
— Grilled Steak + Mixed Feelings
Todd (Owner) 🐟
Thanks for the honest take—our burgers and fresh bait always hit the spot, and we're glad the convenience (and that steak) brought you back despite the grilled onion-minnow brain twist. That's the quirky heart of Todd's Grill and Bait, but we hear you on the soul ache and take it to heart. Swing by again soon, and we'll make sure your next round smooths it all out. -Todd
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The Legend of Todd's Grill and Bait
It all began back in the early days of 1912 along the banks of a sleepy creek near Kalamazoo, when Todd's great-grandpappy, the one and only Pappy Zeke Wyatt, decided life was too short to choose between fishing and eating. Zeke was a man of simple pleasures: digging fat nightcrawlers at dawn and firing up whatever he could find on an open flame by noon. Business was slow selling bait alone, so one fateful afternoon he turned an old pickle barrel into the most ramshackle grill the world had ever seen—wobbly legs, a rusty lid that whistled like a teakettle, and enough smoke to signal the next county.
Before long, hungry fishermen weren't just buying bait—they were lingering for Pappy's "Grill Surprise," a smoky concoction of fresh catch, the occasional adventurous squirrel, and a secret rub that could make shoe leather taste like Sunday dinner. He slapped together a hand-painted sign reading 'Zeke's Grill & Bait – Bait for the Hook, Grill for the Cook!' and just like that, a Michigan tradition was born in a cloud of charcoal smoke and good old-fashioned ingenuity. Word spread faster than gossip at the general store: come for the worms, stay for the sizzle.
The little shack grew through hard times and high waters, passed down with love, a few new recipes, and plenty of tall tales. Grandpappy added the famous onion rings, your dad perfected the burger batter, and now here you are keeping the flame alive at Todd's Grill and Bait. It's still the same quaint spot where the bait stays wriggly, the grill stays hot, and every customer leaves with a full belly and a fish story worth telling. Just the way Pappy Zeke would've chuckled over.
Hours & Location
Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 11am - 10pm
- Friday - Saturday: 11am - 11pm
- Sunday: Closed
Location
604 Norton Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Contact Todd
Questions, reservations, or just want to talk fishing? Drop us a line.









