OT - places to eat in Ann Arbor
I will be attending the game this weekend against this "football team" from Penn St. over which the cows and people of Happy Valley are all agog. Unfortunately, though a Michigan fan through and through (and through again), I did not attend Michigan and instead went to lesser institutions*. I am accordingly not very familiar w/ the parts of Ann Arbor that do not include Pioneer High School's parking lot and the Big House. Can someone recommend a place to meet some friends after the game? I would like to find someplace unique to Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, Asian food is off the menu.
thanks
*Not Ohio State.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 PM ^
I am writing this from BTB Cantina on the corner of South U and Church, while i am munching on a grilled chicken burrito, and there are very few places i would rather be. (one being yost, only 4 hours to go!)
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 PM ^
I am so jealous of you. Soak it up, man. It goes by in a blink. And BTB Cantina is awesome. You can get hammered, and then eat great late night grub...all in one place.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:17 PM ^
BTB Cantina is great, especially now that you can add queso to anything for $1 !
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:53 PM ^
will they add Rotel bean dip?
So tired of that comercial!
BTB has limited sitting space and its right on the walking way back to campus from games so its normally packed on Saturdays after a game.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:20 PM ^
A unique place, eh? I think that is actually pretty hard to find anywhere these days. Cottage Inn is very nice, but hardly unique. Same with most of the micro-brews (go to the Darkhorse in Marshall for something amazing).
I would go for Jerusalem Garden (just google it) for food and Ashley's for drink. J-Garden is top-notch American Mid-East food and is loads better compared to the competition. It is unique for that genre of food. Ashley's has a killer selection.
If you want really unique, Earthen Jar should be open and you can pay for edible vegetarian fare by the pound.
For burgers, the Fleetwood Diner off Liberty one block past main is a solid place for a crusty atmosphere and is a choice du jour amongst townies (open 24 hours too).
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:01 PM ^
Gotta disagree. Respectfully, of course.
Right across the street from Jerusalem Garden, Yoshi's serves waaay better Middle Eastern fare. They also have more indoor seating, so you won't find yourself wedged on a tiny stool next to stinky hippies and townies of questionable sobriety.
Earthen Jar is about the last place to go for Indian food in AA. Madras Masala, Mahek, and Shalimar all blow Earthen Jar out of the water. Heck, even Raja Rani would be better.
Finally, for meat in a bun, it's either Blimpy Burgers or No. 9 Burgers.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:35 PM ^
Oh, come on (respectfully, of course), there is a reason why Yoshi's Japanese, I mean, Middle Eastern (that was hilarious) restaurant is always empty while J-Garden is full. Yoshi was positively nasty and more reminiscent of the Mid East place in Shekou.
I hate Blimpy, thought my burger tasted like crap, and I wouldn't mind if they went out of business. But hey, most people seem to like it, so I'd definitely give it a try if I was new in town.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^
No mentions for this yet: http://www.evetherestaurant.com/
Pricey, but much closer to "fine dining" than you'll get at any MSV (Main Street Ventures) restaurants, which thankfully haven't been cited here yet.
Indian OK? Try Madras Masala on Maynard Street. It's probably the best of that type in town.
For beers, Dominic's (which can be horribly crowded) or Heidelberg (north of Huron Street and usually not too crowded).
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:31 PM ^
My favorite "nice" restaurant in Ann Arbor was/is West End Grill. Check it out.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-west-end-grill-ann-arbor#hrid:JcqhWOJY_7LMo… arbor restaurant
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 PM ^
Alright, once the geezers and old timers are through talking, let some students inform you...
Mr Spots is probably one of the best burger and fries places around. Quickie Burger is NOT. I don't know what the hell the Daily was thinking ranking Quickie so highly - their patties explode with grease the second you bite in.
BTB is okay, but Panchero's, and Chipotle are stellar. I recommend those two more.
Jimmy John's is only average. Don't bother going there. Try Pita Kabob Grill if you like your garlicky Middle Eastern stuff.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 PM ^
It opened when I was a junior or senior (yikes) and back then I loved it. At the time I think the only other Middle Eastern establishment within walking distance for me was Oasis. It looks like it's still there so it can't be too bad, no?
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:56 PM ^
I heard Mary Sue Coleman is having an open house brunch for all out-of-towners and their friends. Go check it out, the front door should be open. If its not try one of the back windows.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 PM ^
Ughh, gotta disagree with Mr. Spots. My roommate loved it, but I always had a bad stomach afterwards. I never tried Quickie Burger, though I liked Tubby's and was sad to see it go.
I like BTB better, perhaps bc I lived right next to it, and bc Panchero's and Chipotle were chains I had elsewhere. Hence I wouldn't eat here bc its not unique to AA. But I know a lotta people that liked the others better. Is there a closer Chipotle than the one on Washtenaw?
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:37 PM ^
I can't stand Panchero's... Chipotle is good, but both of them are national chains so they're not really good for someone looking to soak up Ann Arbor's culture. BTB has two locations but is still specific to the city, has great food, and will actually serve you alcohol if you go to the Cantina.
Also, I'd recommend Noodles & Co. off the diag, but that's a chain as well. A damn good one, though...
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 PM ^
edit: double post
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 PM ^
Zingerman's Roadhouse is Ann Arbor-y.
Personally, I like the Blue Tractor, but its a bit further away from the city.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 PM ^
not worth the negging, but next time my son you will be -1.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:22 PM ^
+1 for the Roadhouse. Their buttermilk fried chicken is some of the best I've ever tasted. And there aren't many places around anymore that keep the Gin Fizz, the Sazerac, and the Vesper (read/watch Casino Royale) on the drink menu.
The original Zingerman's is great too - one of the best delis in the world outside of New York, and some would say it beats most of those as well.
A few others have mentioned Arbor Brewing Company - great microbrewery, lots of unique Ann Arbor-y menu items. Try the Drunken Chicken (IPA-soaked chicken breast grilled and put in a sandwich), and the sweet potato fries.
The Heidelberg is also great for authentic Bavarian/German food and beer; if you're not a fan of that, I'd stay away.
Finally, one that I'm surprised nobody has mentioned yet: Weber's Inn. It's a 4-star hotel off campus with a truly amazing restaurant. If you're looking for a fancier, steakhouse-type meal, I haven't found anywhere better in the whole city. It beats The Chop House by a longshot and it's unique to Ann Arbor.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 PM ^
The Blue Tractor Brewpub right off East Washington is a great new place to eat. Southern style BBQ with great burgers and lots of beer to choose from.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 PM ^
Try Great Plains Burger Company on Plymouth Road. They just opened up a couple weeks ago and have amazing burgers and shakes! Also, the food is all organic and high quality.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:55 PM ^
and Blimpy's for a slider.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 PM ^
The Brown Jug. If Mich wins, you will run into a few players as well. Pizza House is also pretty good.
I miss college :(
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:14 PM ^
If you change your mind about the Asian criterion and are into sushi, Totoro is the best around. Make sure to get the Michigan roll.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:15 PM ^
if you don't care about the price, Godaiko is way better than totoro. but for the price, totoro is the best in ann arbor
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:14 PM ^
Any mention of the jug... just revives good memories.
Jug fries topped with cheez-whiz == amazing. All of the other food is surprisingly good, and of course, you can't discount the fact that they don't care that you sit there and play quarters and create a general ruckus.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 PM ^
and the fresh Backroom pizza that would burn the shit out of your mouth but you were probably too intoxicated to know it right away...
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:05 PM ^
It's going to be crowded, there are going to be long lines.
You might just want to wander downtown and find one without the worlds longest line.
Second, third, hell even fifth best within sight/walking distance is just fine for someone like me who tends to get a bit impatient and sometimes claustrophobic. It's downtown Ann Arbor, everything is going to be pretty decent, non asian, non-chain, and relatively representational.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:14 PM ^
Visit one of the outposts in the vast Zingerman's empire, principally the Deli (Kingsley & Detroit) or the Roadhouse (Stadium & Jackson). Or pick up something before the game at the Bakery (Airport Blvd).
Yes, it's overpriced. Yes, it's overdone. But it is still very, very good in all of its incarnations. And there is no place like the Deli for mixing the qualities of both a kosher deli and a snobby gourmet food store. The Roadhouse is also quite different, although, I think, not quite so unique as the Deli. You can get liquor at the Roadhouse, though, not at the Deli.
Blimpy's is also unique to Ann Arbor. But go to youtube and watch the episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives about it. You'll learn the right way to order, which is important. Otherwise the staff will yell at you.
The other places that people have mentioned are fine. But you can find versions of them in other cities.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:20 PM ^
I can't believe the only mention of Zingerman's is the Road House. I only get to one game a year, so I'm definitely planning on going there this weekend.
I understand that $12 sandwiches aren't everyone's idea of a great time, but it's uniquely Ann Arbor and the food is outstanding. Corner of 5th and Kingsley. (Edit: didn't read the last line closely enough, if you mean meet friends for beers, than Zingerman's is a no go. Maybe Sunday for lunch?)
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 PM ^
Unique to A2 would be four places:
In the Main Street Area:
1. Arbor Brew Pub
2. Grizley Peak (better food, not as good beer, less atmosphere but quieter)
In the Campus Area:
3. Ashleys (lots of atomsphere and good beer selection)
4. Doms (Lots of atmosphere, women really like it but it is cool for all)
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:21 PM ^
I think you mean Arbor Brewing Company, not Arbor Brew Pub.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:07 PM ^
If you are looking for breakfast go to The Broken Egg and get one of their signature omelettes. Or if your looking straight dive breakfast go to Cloverleaf, their greek omelette is amazing. I doubt you will want to go there, but Dibellas has the best subs I've ever had. If you want a sit down place for lunch/dinner food, Sava's is pretty good.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 PM ^
If you are looking for breakfast go to The Broken Egg and get one of their signature omelettes. Or if your looking straight dive breakfast go to Cloverleaf, their greek omelette is amazing.Northside is slightly better than Broken Egg, but BE looks more Michigan inside. Angelos is the Mich place from way back, but it will be crowded as hell and isn't as good as NS or BE.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 PM ^
Fleetwood Diner. It's best at 2am after a big win and a night of celebration.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:36 PM ^
The Earle used to be one of my favorites when I was in town. Some other favorites (assuming they are still in business) include Knight's Steakhouse, Bennigan's, Blue Nile, Casey's, Gratzi, Eve, The Chophouse, Cubs AC, Melange...oh, this list could go on forever.
sadly the Little Caesar's Pizza at the north campus commons has closed...but other than that unfortunate news, there should be no problem finding decent food in ann arbor.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:57 PM ^
Cafe Havana or something like that. Interesting food.
You're probably interested in something closer to campus, but The Quarter out on Stadium Blvd. is a really nice place, although the atmosphere is pretty quiet generally. Great food, and close to I-94 if that matters. It's about 50 yards from Zingerman's Roadhouse.
I ate at Blue Tractor back in February, and tried their beer sampler. I think they were still working the kinks out, because it was the worst collection of beer I'd ever tasted. Jolly Pumpkin on Main has been getting rave reviews for their beer and food.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:08 PM ^
Surprised no one has mentioned Ray's Red Hots (formerly known as Red Hot Lovers) by East Quad. This place has to have the best fries (waffle) in Ann Arbor, and the hot dogs are also good. The prices have gone up a little bit since they reopened, but the food is still worth the price. I would recommend the rueben dog, and the deal dog with grilled onions and hot peppers was a favorite of mine when they were still $1.25 (now $2.00).
The place got an upgrade since it reopened. I understand that some people in the past complained that the inside looked like a dump, but I thought that's what made the place unique and was one of the best parts of the place. Another plus is that I met Chad Henne there before the Florida game in 2007 and got a picture with him. It was pretty awesome to talk to him about the game, especially since my roommate at the time was a huge Florida fan.
Only downside about this place aside seems to be the slow service. They might have improved though since they've been reopened for several weeks now. I'd definitely recommend this place - it's one of our favorites.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:33 PM ^
... why not crash the dining hall at the Couzens dorm on the hill in central campus?
Hopefully they will offer veal parmigiana, which back in the day we lovingly referred to as "Elephant Scabs."
Bon Appetit!