i have clients and their young kids coming with me to osu hoops game tomorrow...any suggestions on good places to go (keeping kids in mind)wanted to try something new besides a chain when we come into A2..by the way, any idea how will the crowd be for this one?
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Good places to eat in Ann Arbor
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:51 AM
#1
Good places to eat in Ann Arbor
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:04 AM
#2
Pizza House
It's great!
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:07 AM
#3
Cottage Inn Pizza on Williams
nm
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:08 AM
#4
Zingerman's Roadhouse
It's a little more pricey but the food is very good. They have a kids menu, too. You'll need a car, though, because it's not walking distance from Crisler. Check out the Zingerman's website for the menu and address - I think it's on Jackson.
Also, anything on Main is closer to the stadium. Hopefully someone else will post about some of those places. I haven't been to Real Seafood in years, so I'm not sure how that is, and there are a couple of Italian places I haven't been to, as well. Good luck, and go blue!
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:14 AM
#5
Budget?
I can't tell how fancy of a place you're looking for. The word "client" suggests to me that it should be reasonably high-end (though kid friendly). I'm also assuming that you're looking for lunch/brunch, and not a full-blown breakfast (favorite breakfast: Afternoon Delight or Seva).
If you have a car, the best place to eat in Ann Arbor is Zingerman's Roadhouse in the Westgate plaza. It's kid-friendly, but does really delicious, fairly-expensive Southern comfort food. On the weekends, they do my favorite brunch item ever: the Grits-n-Bits Waffle. It's a waffle stuffed with grits, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, served with real maple syrup. If you dig the savory + sweet combo, you'll be in heaven.
If you want something less formal, Zingerman's Deli in Kerrytown is an Ann Arbor institution. It does high-end sandwiches with sides like potato salad or mac-and-cheese. Definitely kid-approved (unless we're talking about babies?).
If you're looking for lower on the price scale (i.e., if by "chain" you mean MacDonald's rather than Olive Garden), you'll want to hit up Blimpy Burger. A short drive or a long walk from the arena, they do a delicious greasy burger with signature surly service. The key to the burger is customizability, so explore the menu fully. My favorite: Triple w/ fried egg, hard salami, bleu cheeze, grilled onions, banana peppers, stone ground mustard, and lettuce on a pumpernickel roll. Add in some fried mixed veggies or onion rings. :)
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:42 PM
#6
Blimpy--triples are for lightweights
A Quad is the minimum. Unless you get two sides, not just one side, from the fryer! That being said, your items (egg, salami, etc.) sound *awesome!*
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:43 PM
#7
Blimpy--triples are for lightweights
A Quad is the minimum. Unless you get two sides, not just one side, from the fryer! That being said, your items (egg, salami, etc.) sound *awesome!*
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:58 PM
#8
You should have posted it
You should have posted it four times then...
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:18 PM
#11
Blimpy is an absolute MUST
Chally's order is Exactly! what my husband orders every time. (We only get there once every 4 years).
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:18 AM
#12
Knight's Steak House
The best steaks in Ann Arbor. Reasonably priced. Better value than the Chop House. I take my family whenever we are in town.
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:18 AM
#13
Main Street
There are a ton of good choices on Main Street. Palio's and Middle Kingdom are both pretty good, family-friendly restaurants with enough ambiance to be client and child appropriate.
October 6th, 2010 at 1:21 PM
#14
+1 for Palio's
I'm with MGoBlue95 on Palio's. It's a nice, relaxed, reasonably priced restaurant. It's on Main Street so afterwards you can stroll around town or find a bar if you want. During the warm months check out the sangria on the rooftop deck which has a different menu than the regular restaurant.
And coming from a Palio's alumnus, toss the bartender or server a few extra bucks.
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 AM
#15
thanks guys that helps - yes,
thanks guys that helps - yes, mid to high end and kid friendly is fine...they are also good friends an have some buckeye ties some i'm trying to show them what a great place AA is...by chains i meant i was tired of taking them to the "outbacks", etc - was looking for something with some UM memorabilia possibly, something "AA authentic" so to speak...i've had these guys for years and have already dined them on $100 steaks - they just want a good quick eat and off to hoops game...thanks again
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:30 AM
#16
IMO, i'd say cottage
IMO, i'd say cottage inn/pizza house is more kid friendly than zingermans/zingermans road house.
per the crowd -- i wouldn't be surprised to see a harem of osu fans there (and especially obnoxious after their rose bowl W); they've always seemed to travel well to crisler, when we played OSU in 2007 during spring break, there were probably 30-40% ohio state fans.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 AM
#17
Pizza House
Family friendly, near campus, UM-ish, handy parking structure.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 PM
#18
Zingermans > Pizza House
I can't agree that Pizza House is better or more kid friendly, especially not if the poster's guests have been treated to $100 steaks in the past and if the poster wants to point out something special about Ann Arbor.
Pizza House is pretty ordinary. Several things on the menu are good, but there is a lot that is just like anything you can find at a million different places. Look at how long the menu is. You can't have that many different dishes on the menu without having quite a few that just come straight out of the Sysco package.
This is a small example, but a telling one. I went to Pizza House with a friend recently. I had intended to take her to University Cafe for Korean, but it was closed. She was cold, so we just went across the street. She ordered a "mocha." When it came, she could barely drink it. The server noticed and asked if it was ok. My friend said, "no, it's really not." The server said, "I know. It's just regular coffee with some hot chocolate mixed in. A lot of people order it and expect a real mocha and then they're disappointed." She didn't charge us for it. But why have something like that on a menu when the staff knows it sucks, when the customers often complain about it, and when it's just not made properly and is not what it pretends to be? I think it says something about the way the management makes decisions about the menu. And it shows a little bit of contempt for the customers.
Everything at either Zingerman's is first rate, and there is plenty of stuff on the menu that kids of any age will like. Both the deli and the Roadhouse are truly unique and in the first rank of restaurants around the country. If you want to impress someone with Ann Arbor, go there.
I'm not saying Pizza House is horrible. It does some things well. I'd go there again for a chipati or a few other things. But there are places like Pizza House everywhere, including Columbus. The only way in which Pizza House meets the poster's criteria is that it has lots of Michigan paraphenalia on the walls.
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:32 PM
#19
""I know. It's just regular
""I know. It's just regular coffee with some hot chocolate mixed in. A lot of people order it and expect a real mocha and then they're disappointed." She didn't charge us for it. But why have something like that on a menu when the staff knows it sucks, when the customers often complain about it, and when it's just not made properly and is not what it pretends to be?"
I had the exact same "WTF?" at the Cottage Inn after the Western game - I ordered a Caesar salad, they gave me a house salad with tomatoes and onion and some Parmesan sprinkled on top. I think it even had ranch dressing (one of the top five reasons Americans are fat IMHE).
I asked if they were sure this was the right thing, the manager came out and explained that was how he made a Caesar salad. I came close to accusing him of false advertising and he took it off the bill.
I could understand if it was an item for which restaurant variance was part of the deal, but every single other Caesar I had ever had was identical to the others with this one being the outlier.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:00 PM
#20
It must be contempt
for the customers. I can't think of any reason to sell something that's not what it pretends to be -- unless you think your customers just won't notice the difference or won't care.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:32 PM
#21
Badmouth Americans all you want
But I will not stand by while you sully the good name of ranch dressing. You should be ashamed of yourself.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:01 PM
#22
Yeah,
we just all eat way to much salad. What with fast food restaurants like Salad King and the like.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:19 PM
#23
Remember that Foster's beer
Remember that Foster's beer ad that shows a large steak, and a hand comes into the picture to put a sprig of parsley on it, and the narrator says, "Salad"?
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 AM
#24
i just figured the UM crowd
i just figured the UM crowd might be bleek due to break, team record, etc...
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:43 AM
#25
Grizzly Peak has good food
Grizzly Peak has good food and hand crafted beers. Kids are not a problem. Pizza House is also a winner. If you go to Pizza House I strongly recommend the meatball sub followed up by a strawberry milkshake. Great shakes!
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:34 AM
#26
if you're looking for
if you're looking for quintissential ann arbor brunch, you can't go wrong with angelos or northside grill (my personal fave). food is cheap, but amazingly tasty. service is great.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 AM
#27
This thread seems to pop up once a month
Maybe it should be pinned for easy access to those in AA with a serious case of the munchies.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:00 PM
#28
Fleetwood Diner
The Fleetwood Diner (aka Greasewood) in quintessential Ann Arbor but probably won't impress the clients (do they still sell Muther's Oats?). For my son the teenager it would be Mongolian BBQ which I guess is a sort of chain.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:09 PM
#29
Grizzly Peak.
Best combination in my opinion of kid friendly food with good choices for adults, and good beer.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:28 PM
#30
What? No Brown Jug?
My son and I ate there after the spring game, and it wasn't bad. We were trying to recover from our depression over Red Hot Lovers being closed.
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:53 PM
#31
Ray's Red Hots
Thought you might want to know that Red Hot reopened as Ray's Red Hots. Have not been since they reopened, so I don't know if they continue to be awesome or not.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:25 PM
#32
The Chili Cheese Fries
were the single biggest cause to my having to buy larger pants...And took many of friends to A2 just to try them....
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:44 PM
#33
Pizza House isn't really
Pizza House isn't really unique to Ann Arbor -- I recently ate ate a Pizza House in East Lansing. Same name, same logo, same menu. Just different stuff on the walls. (I unwittingly went there the day of MSU's winter graduation, so the place also happened to be full of new MSU graduates. I had to hold back countless jokes.)
I'd vote for the Cottage Inn restaurant or Grizzly Peak. Both are excellent.
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:59 PM
#34
Zingerman's Roadhouse is
Zingerman's Roadhouse is amazing. I highly recommend it, and it is definitely kid friendly
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:13 PM
#35
Blimpie Burger
Kids will love it.
If you want to stay away from the greasy burger, hit Mr. Spots
http://umgoblue.com/partners/spots/main.htm
or Pizza Bobs
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 PM
#36
Maybe not Spots or Bob's
Since they may still be closed for the holiday break. Got mine and my boys' haircut at State St. Barber Shop on New Year's Eve and had my face fixed for Bob's. Alas, closed due to the break. Maybe they'll open up for the game on Sunday.
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:20 PM
#37
Grizzly Peak or Pizza House
Grizzly Peak or Pizza House for classy dinner, with a hint of chain without looking like an Applebbes/Fridays.
People bring kids into Arbor Brew and Blue Tractor, but I would not unless they are over 10. Arbor is more about being a beer pub with good pub food, BT is more about having good food (almost as good as Griz, and better beer than GP).
The Red Hawk is good burgers, but not so kid friendly for dinner. I love Ashleys, but no way for kids.
I know I am in the minority here, but I think Zingermans is overpriced and overhyped. However, they are famous for new york fancy style deli and for their 'experience' (customer service at a upper middle class NY level) and it is the place your clients are most likely to have heard of.
Ann Arbor is where I fell in love with BD's, but now they are a chain and you can go to one anywhere.
Heidelberg would be good if they want good family dining without a chain, but it is nothing impressive for showing a client a great time.
If you really want to show off, and do not mind a $80 per person check, Gandy Dancer. They do very fine dining and know how to feed kids.
If you want to show off for their wives, take them into Vinology for a pre or post dinner sampler. The kids should behave long enough for the women to get three half glasses down, and women love that place like they love Tiffany's in New York.
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 PM
#38
panceheros
panceheros
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:32 PM
#39
Edited
Nevermind, nothing to see here.
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:31 PM
#40
Brown Jug, for a quick bite,
Brown Jug, for a quick bite, good bar food and 'Michigan' experience. Food is good and caters to kids.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:16 PM
#41
Give Eve a try
I'll add a few restaurants to the list that seem to be missed so far. I assume you are not looking for inexpensive.
If you want a very nice dinner, Eve is a place we go to on occasion. The food is excellent and interesting. Try their nachos as an appetizer - not your conventional nachos by any stretch, or their mussels. Amazing. You will generally need a reservation. Very nice ambience also.
Grizzly Peak is also good, but somewhat noisy if you and your client want to discuss business. Their hanger steak is very good.
Pacific Rim is an Asian fusion restaurant that is very good. Any of their tuna dishes are worth a try. Their specials are very good and often very interesting.
As others have mentioned, on Main Street there is the Chop House, a steak place, which can be very good. Some of the side dishes are worth a try - creamed corn or garlic mashed potatoes are very good. Their steaks are excellent but pricey. We listen to their waiters who often have good recommendations.
Grazie, next door to the Chop House, has very good Italian food. The restaurant can be crowded at times, but you can get a very good, albeit not an inexpensive meal.
My family is a combined Zingerman's fan club. I love the deli but, unlike a few of you, we are rather equivocal about the Roadhouse. We find their food to be good, but not great, and somewhat expensive for what you get. I think the deli is superb. Best corned beef sandwich outside of NYC and the best BLT on the planet. Their assortment of cheeses, meats, balsamic vinegar, etc. is nothing short of amazing. Zingerman's personnel are extremely generous with samples. Zingerman's and their several subsidiaries are an Ann Arbor institution, founded by a couple of Michigan grads in the '80's and frequently used as a model at the Ross School of Business as one of the best small companies in the US.
Kind of missed the young kids part - Eve and Pacific Rim are two places where I would not take young kids, and possibly the Chop House. The other places would be fine.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:44 PM
#42
Plus you may have seen the
Plus you may have seen the head chef at Eve on the most recent season of Top Chef (though she crashed and burned). Would have been nice to see her progress further, but it isn't easy to get on the program.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:16 PM
#43
Grizzly Peak is awesome--they
Grizzly Peak is awesome--they make all of their own salad dressings and the Pesto Ranch = pretty much the best dressing I've ever had. <3
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:48 PM
#44
Kang's is awesome...
...in terms of consistency and quality. I managed to get back there a decade after my last visit in my undergrad days. The decor and the spicy chicken were both exactly as I remembered them. Highly recommended!
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 PM
#45
Kids, huh?
I guess that rules out the sorority houses.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:53 PM
#46
What are they going to eat?
I missed it...did he say he had a taste for crabs?
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:47 PM
#47
i would start by asking your clients what they would like...
zingerman's deli is first class all the way. since you'll be expensing, you shouldn't have issue with the lofty price tag for a deli sandwich. as far as deli sandwiches go though, it doesnt get any better. the best nyc delis dont hold a candle to zingermans. good, fresh, ingredients. plenty of options for kids. this is probably top-o-the-list recommend to out-of-towners classic ann arbor food fare. taste of the town is always at zingermans on game day.
zingerman's roadhouse is the comfort food sit-down cousin of zingerman's deli. fresh ingredients and produce. a fun menu including 5 variations of mac and cheese. there is something for everyone here. kids no problem here whatsoever and will offer menu items theyll enjoy.
cottage inn pizza. def a one-of-a-kind pizza. not the best pizza ever, but its pretty good. i would strongly suggest this over pizza house. has more of a true restaurant feel to it. this is a place the teams often bring recruits. just a general overall crowd pleaser. will have something for everyone and is def family friendly.
i would stick to those with the kids. if you didnt have the kids with you, maybe you branch out to some of a2's 'finer' restaurants.
some other 'safe' options where the food isnt bad, atmosphere will work- but no one will walk away impressed: good time charley's, grizzly peak, red hawk
in response to some of the other threads above. do NOT goto:
pancheros --- mexican fast food, think poor man's chipotle
knights --- in no way shape or form is this as good as the chop house- if you custy wants a good steak, chophouse is your only option in a2.
brown jug --- very a2, only problem is, the food is awful
fleetwood diner --- unless your cusomter has a serious weed game and you plan on arriving to town between 4-7am.
spots --- is basically a takeout place for wings and cheesesteaks
pizza bobs --- unless a milkshake counts as lunch (the rest of their food is barely edible)
any restaurant on main street --- just want jive with the kids.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:48 PM
#48
my 7 year old son ben says
my 7 year old son ben says thanks to all and "go blue" !
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:59 PM
#49
Blimpy Burger...nuff said.
Blimpy Burger...nuff said. Feed him some egg on a burger. And maybe some bacon...OMG, I CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK TO ANN ARBOR!!!
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:02 PM
#50
If I Could Be in Ann Arbor for a day....
I would go to Debella's (sp?) and NO THAI! Not places you would go to impress people, but those were my favorite two places when I was in school.
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 PM
#51
I think I'll try to make it
I think I'll try to make it to some of these places for the game tomorrow, this is a good thread.
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:18 PM
#52
Zingerman's Roadhouse - perfect selection
You cannot go wrong with the Roadhouse in my opinion. The food is absolutely fabulous, and the service is outstanding. Definitely kid friendly and if you still wanted an adult beverage, there isn't a better place to get a fine drink in Ann Arbor - particularly if want a classic cocktail or some quality bourbon. And if you ever do just want to go for drinks, there isn't a more knowledgable and more friendly bar staff as at the Roadhouse.
In addition, if you haven't already tried the Pulled Pork Sandwich from the Roadshow, you need to! $5.50 for the best pulled pork you'll ever have - get the slaw on the sandwich too.
Sabor Latino on Main can be nice, especially on a weekend. A great Latin fare, reasonably priced, very kid friendly, but they do lack a liquor license which is the only drawback I can see. They don't have the full force of their menu during the week, but it's definitely a hidden gem in Ann Arbor.
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:53 PM
#53
whats the name of the
whats the name of the sportsbar that would be on your left hand side right when you get off I-94 and head towards stadium on state? is it any good?
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:04 AM
#54
Harmon of Michigan
I remember a relative of mine telling me that the Heidelberg had been featured in "Harmon of Michigan". The Heidelberg website lists the restaurant as opening in 1961. (Another point to note is that the Alpine Dining Room doesn't open until 3:00 PM on Sundays.)
Are there any Ann Arbor historians on the blog who know of restaurants that have been featured in that movie that are currently open? In particular for the original question, open for lunch (brunch?) on Sundays?
