With plenty of small businesses, department stores, local parks, entertainment spots, great public schools, and more, the City of Portage offers abundant benefits to residents of all kinds.
Whether you’ve been a resident of Portage for your whole life or just recently moved to the area, there is always more to learn about the shopping and restaurant perks the city has to offer.
Portage offers an array of unique, locally owned businesses, allowing community members to support hard-working community members like themselves.
Chestnut Creek Pottery, where handmade, beautiful creations are made for both functional and decorative purposes, is a great example of the kind of quality and care that goes into products made at local Portage stores. As the shop is based out of their home, the owners often sell these creations at local markets and festivals, but you can find them on Facebook to place an order or to learn more about what is for sale in their current collection.
Portage also has great options for purchasing floral arrangements for any type of occasion. Flower Power Designs, located on Central Avenue, and Mel’s Blossoms, located on Willowcreek Road, both offer pre-made and custom-made designs that can be picked up or delivered.
For thrifting, Portage Resale Shop Ministries, New To You Resale Boutique, and JRM Furniture & More spots offer incredible secondhand items like clothing, houseware, books, and furniture. The Kindly Used Resale Shop, located on Central Avenue, is also home to many great items for a great price.
Other popular areas to shop for clothing include Portage Custom Wear, a full-service print shop that specializes in embroidering, printing, engravings, and plenty more custom designs. Louie’s Tux Shop is a popular shop that combines quality formalwear with outstanding service to help you for your next wedding, prom, or black-tie event.
With shopping centers like the Portage Mall on Central & Vivian, Meadows Shopping Center, Central Plaza, and Ameriplex at the Port, there are plenty of areas to find multiple stores at once.
AmeriPlex at the Port, in particular, is a specially designed business park that features tons of great shops and amenities. Stores and restaurants found within the 385-acre park in Portage include Bass Pro Shops, LongHorn Steakhouse, El Salto Mexican Restaurant, Starbucks, and even two hotel options for visitors: Country Inn & Suites and Affordable Suites. The park, constructed by Holladay Properties, prioritized beautiful architecture and landscaping, as well as an optimal location as it’s positioned just a mile from Lake Michigan, right off highway I-94, and surrounded by trails and river for outdoor enjoyment.
Nothing completes a day of successful shopping like grabbing a meal from a delicious, local restaurant. Although the list of popular fast food spots in Portage is endless, offering residents plenty of their favorite options on-the-go, local eateries and restaurants in the area offer a nice combination of comforting atmospheres and delicious menus.
For breakfast, you can grab a delicious meal to start the day at the Portage House of Pancakes, located on US-6. You can also take a turn onto Willowcreek Road to find Tate’s Place and Schoop’s Hamburgers, two spots offering the best of both worlds with breakfast and lunch.
Big Time Burgers & Brew has a large selection of beer and is known to have some of the most savory burgers in Portage. Offering a similar bar and grill menu, On the Roxx, located on Portage Mall, offers a lunch and dinner menu featuring burgers, wings, and beer favorites, all of which can be enjoyed along with live music, pool, and darts.
If you’re looking for Mexican cuisine, El Pueblo Mexican Restaurant, La Cabaña, Mexico Lindo Mexican Restaurant Bar & Grill, or Tocayos Express Mexican Food may be some of your favorites. JC Bocatas, located on US-6, is a family-owned Mexican street food restaurant loved by many residents for their tortas, tacos, and empanadas.
Also located on US-6, Fuji Japanese Restaurant offers some of the best sushi and Japan-inspired favorites in the area. For a delicious Chinese dish, Great Wall Buffet, First Wok, and Beijing Chinese Restaurant are three spots that will not disappoint.
For a savory slice of pizza, Bam Pizza Company, Aurelio’s Pizza of Portage, or Cappo’s Pizza Restaurant are a few locations that offer just that and more.
To learn more about why the City of Portage is a great place to live and visit, head to Portage Economic Development Corporation’s website at portagein.org.
