Portage Date Night
8 stops · about 4 hours · Updated October 6, 2026
Advertisement
Build a date night in Portage, MI around dinner, a cocktail and an ice cream finish. Start with Greg’s Gourmet for alligator, loaded fries and vegetarian options in a casual, quiet setting with counter service. For table service and a full-service bar, Alibi pairs comfort food and small plates with cocktails, wine and local brews; its atmosphere combines cozy, casual surroundings with upscale touches.
Make the cocktail stop Sakura 2 on Saturday, when the Japanese restaurant and bar stays open until 10 p.m., or choose Erbelli’s for cocktails in a casual, cozy setting alongside custom pizzas and Italian specialties. Maui Poke adds a dinner alternative built around Hawaiian-inspired bowls, seafood and vegetarian choices. For a daytime version of the outing, Full City Cafe serves from-scratch American food and closes at 2 p.m. on its operating days.
Advertisement
Finish with Chocolatea’s desserts, coffee and tea in a quiet setting, or head to Bella Creamery for ice cream on Shaver Road. Both sweet stops stay open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, giving the dessert portion of the evening a clear place on the schedule.
Dinner
evening
Stop 1
Greg's Gourmet
4.7(334)Portage
Greg’s Gourmet brings alligator, loaded fries and vegetarian options to dinner, with counter service and dine-in seating in a casual, quiet setting.
Stop 2
Full City Cafe
4.6(707)Portage
Full City Cafe anchors a daytime outing with from-scratch American food, healthy and vegetarian choices, and table service in a bright setting.
Stop 3
Alibi - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Bar and Catering
4.6(620)Portage
Alibi combines a cozy atmosphere and upscale touches with small plates, vegan options and a full-service bar serving cocktails and local brews.
Cocktails
evening
Stop 4
Sakura 2
4.5(1197)Portage
Sakura 2 earns its cocktail stop with a bar serving cocktails, wine and beer, plus happy-hour food and drinks in casual surroundings.
Stop 5
Maui Poke
4.4(50)Portage
Maui Poke offers a casual dinner alternative with Hawaiian-inspired seafood bowls, vegetarian and health-focused options, and seating for dining in.
Stop 6
Erbelli's Gourmet Pizzeria, Italian Bistro & PUB!
4.4(1372)Portage
Erbelli’s pairs cocktails from its onsite bar with custom pizzas and Italian specialty dishes, bringing food and drinks together in cozy surroundings.
Something sweet
night
Stop 7
Chocolatea
4.7(1062)Portage
Chocolatea rounds out the outing with desserts, coffee and tea, offering dine-in and outdoor seating in a casual, cozy, quiet setting.
Stop 8
Bella Creamery
4.7(257)Portage
Bella Creamery supplies the ice cream finish in a casual, hip setting, with onsite service and takeout suited to a quick visit.
