OT - places to eat in Ann Arbor

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October 22nd, 2009 at 2:38 PM
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Erik_in_Dayton
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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.

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. -- Yogi Berra

                         

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October 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 PM | Cottage Inn Pizza (Score:1)
Hal_Victor
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Joined: 05/11/2009
MGoPoints: 348

on Williams. Be prepared for a wait, depending on when you get there, but it definitely fits your criteria as unique to Ann Arbor (Cottage Inn is now franchised, but Williams is the original location) and not Asian food.

Enjoy the trip.

"I want to go back, I gotta go back, to Mi-chi-gan."

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:50 PM | If you are looking for pizza, (Score:1)
JGP
Joined: 02/19/2009
MGoPoints: 182

If you are looking for pizza, I prefer Pizza House (Church & S. University). Although both Pizza House and the original Cottage Inn serve alcohol so you can't go wrong there. I would also recommend Ashley's or Red Hawk on State Street, both have pretty good food and Ashley's has approximately over 9000 beers on tap.

I rely 100% on experience facts.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 PM | I agree on Pizza House. (Score:1)
B
Joined: 09/29/2009
MGoPoints: 5

I agree on Pizza House. Myself, and others I know, like it significantly more than Cottage Inn (it's good but nothing to write home about). The BBQ Chicken Pizza at Pizza House with the special crust is one of the best pizzas I have ever had.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 PM | pizza house is over priced (Score:1)
CB2009
Joined: 07/27/2008
MGoPoints: 173

pizza house is over priced and over-rated. i would much rather have my fill of backroom pizza for 1/4 the price.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 PM | The best pizza in Ann Arbor (Score:1)
marlon
Joined: 01/22/2009
MGoPoints: -1999

The best pizza in Ann Arbor is at Anthony's (621 S. Main St.), just down the street from the stadium. Unfortunately, it's not a sit-down kind of place.

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 PM | Anthony's (Score:1)
Michiganguy19
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 719

Anthony's is great, but I doubt this is what they are going for from out of town. But yes Pizza House does suck and is nothing to go out of your way for...

'Cause I Bleed Blue...

October 22nd, 2009 at 4:19 PM | Agreed, Pizza House is the (Score:1)
stankoniaks
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Joined: 02/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1728

Agreed, Pizza House is the best, and hits the spot especially if you're looking for deep dish. Cottage Inn is far inferior. They're basically delivery pizza that happen to have one restaurant for dining.

If you're looking for a slice you can go to NYPD (I heard the South U one closed), and if you're looking for something cheap, Backroom or In and Out (the latter I believe was $1 or $1.50 a slice when I was there).

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 PM | I'm sorry (Score:1)
Lutha
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MGoPoints: 4305

NYPD is a poor excuse for new york pizza

October 23rd, 2009 at 12:24 PM | I'm sorry... (Score:1)
Chester Cheetah
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Joined: 07/01/2009
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but the In n Out closed....

It ain't easy being cheesy

October 22nd, 2009 at 5:37 PM | Pizza House is another of my (Score:1)
joeyb
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 11300

Pizza House is another of my favorites. They have a TON of stuff on their menu if you don't want pizza and their drinks aren't the 1 shot and mixer you will get in a lot of other places. I am not saying they have the best bar, but it certainly is not the worst.

October 22nd, 2009 at 6:25 PM | Depends on your price range... (Score:1)
mr. arbor
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Joined: 10/08/2009
MGoPoints: 34

Pizza House pizza is nothing to die, or wait on line, for. For cheap eats id say try Ashley's (has millions of beers) right on State, or the Brown Jug or Good Time Charlies for cheap burgers and beer.

Middle of the road price range would be Red Hawks on State or a Zingerman's sandwich joint(422 Detroit Street) may be long ass line.

More expensive places would be Zingermans Road House, Gandy Dancer, the Earl, Palio, Gratzi, Bella Caio.

Or, you can do what i do, skip dinner and keep drinking.

And he said unto Joseph, thou shalt name thy son maize and thy daughter blue.

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:18 PM | Palio (Score:1)
jeag
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Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 558

Palio might be less expensive than Zingerman's, if you stick to their awesome spaghetti bolognese.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 PM | I like Pizza House but to me (Score:1)
jcgary
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Joined: 07/28/2008
MGoPoints: 582

I like Pizza House but to me the pizza is over priced there. I remember a couple years ago ordering a pepperoni pizza from Pizza House and got it delivered and it cost $20.14. I called and said there must have been some mistake and the manager said no and tried to talk up why the pizza is worth it. But everyone has their own opinion.

"I figure if I can get two degrees from Ohio State, it might be close to Elliott’s undergraduate degree" - Brock Mealer

October 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 PM | ONE WORD: ZINGERMAN's (Score:1)
los
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MGoPoints: 869

As a michigan grad there is one place i always go to when i go back to AA. Either Zingerman's Deli which is right by Main Street OR Zingerman's Roadhouse, which is a 5 min drive. Look them up... theu are some of the best places to eat... not in Michigan... but anywhere. Also, I used to live right in front of Cottage Inn, not the pizzeria, but the restaurant on William Street, and there Clam Chowder is the best i've ever tasted... better than a few i had in boston, and they're menu as a a whole is really solid. Those three places are always clutch.

"It has been my experience that those with no vices have very few virtues"

October 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 PM | Zingerman's (Score:1)
Njia
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MGoPoints: 6038

I have to agree wholeheartedly with that. The Deli will be busy, (with a line out the door) but the Roadhouse will be insane (due to its proximity to the stadium). On the other hand, it is one of the jewels of the Midwest.

Let's see ... You're from Dayton, so I'll relate a few places I know there to Ann Arbor establishments.

1. The aforementioned Zingerman's Deli. Nothing like it in Dayton, really. However, if you're the sort of person who likes the Dorothy Lane Market for its unique foods, great products and superb bakery, you'd probably like Zingerman's.

2. Lots of bars on Main Street (downtown) and South University (just off campus) will remind you of great places in the Oregon District. Conor O'Neill's, an Irish pub on Main Street in Ann Arbor, is almost as good as The Dublin Pub at the corner of Keowee and Fifth.

3. If you're looking for a place with a lot of different beers, there are a few choices, (no surprise). Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. on W. Washington St downtown is a really good microbrewery and restaurant. But, for my money, Ashley's (at S. State St and E. William) is the best "multi-tap" establishment. Reasonably priced, unbelievable selection of beers, and a great atmosphere.

*EDIT* If you've ever been to Fox and Hounds in Beavercreek, or the British Pub at the Greene, Ashley's will be somewhat familiar for its multiple beer selections.

Enjoy!

"If life is the road, then Ohio is simply a place to stop for gas." -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News, 9/16/2010
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 PM | Gandy Dancer (Score:1)
UMdad
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Joined: 05/14/2009
MGoPoints: 1971

Brick road, old train station, not a chain, good choice.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:46 PM | Everything except their (Score:1)
joeyb
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MGoPoints: 11300

Everything except their brunch is overrated. Everything is overpriced.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 PM | I'll give them credit for (Score:1)
Feat of Clay
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I'll give them credit for their Martha's Vineyard Salad, but otherwise I agree.

 

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Phineas: Removing prepositions makes it more condescending.
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 PM | Ann Arbor is an overpriced (Score:1)
UMdad
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Joined: 05/14/2009
MGoPoints: 1971

Ann Arbor is an overpriced town, so why shouldn't a signature restaurant be overpriced, too. I just think it is a unique restaurant.

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 PM | Amen. What they do on (Score:1)
Needs
Joined: 08/05/2008
MGoPoints: 4159

Amen. What they do on graduation weekends is almost criminal.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:43 PM | A handy dandy guide (Score:1)
Noahdb
Joined: 07/21/2008
MGoPoints: 344

http://www.johnwcooper.com/annarbor-michigan.htm

Scroll down for the restaurants...

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 PM | I'm surprised (Score:1)
GoBlueScott
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Joined: 11/18/2008
MGoPoints: 62

John Cooper would ever come back to Ann Arbor after his record here.

...

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:45 PM | Cottage Inn on William's (Score:1)
jcgary
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Joined: 07/28/2008
MGoPoints: 582

Cottage Inn Pizza on Williams St. is a great place for some post game pizza and adult beverages. I used to always go there after games with my Aunt & Uncle until they moved to Florida. It has alot more than just pizza.

Sorry about double post - typed and posted at same time

"I figure if I can get two degrees from Ohio State, it might be close to Elliott’s undergraduate degree" - Brock Mealer

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:46 PM | A couple recommendations (Score:1)
BlueFanInWI
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Joined: 10/21/2009
MGoPoints: 1

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company on Washington is pretty good, but Ashley's on State Street is one of the better places to go to especially if you rarely get out there. It's Ann Arbor's "premier multi tap." There are over 100 selections of beer on draft, and even more by the bottle...good burgers, plus it's right on central campus across from Angel Hall.

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:48 PM | Ashley's burgers are (Score:1)
joeyb
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 11300

Ashley's burgers are fantastic. They also have an entire menu dedicated to their beers with descriptions and ratings.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:49 PM | Nothing special about the (Score:1)
UMdad
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Joined: 05/14/2009
MGoPoints: 1971

Nothing special about the food at Ashley's, but the beer and whiskey selection is fantastic.

October 22nd, 2009 at 6:35 PM | With one exception (Score:1)
BlueinDC
Joined: 08/30/2009
MGoPoints: 129

Agreed on unexceptional food at Ashley's, with the exception of the curry fries. Those are fantastic. They shouldn't work on paper, but somehow, they just work.

Of course, the beer and whiskey menu is fantastic, like you said.

God, I miss Ann Arbor.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:48 PM | I always try to eat and get (Score:1)
sjastrz
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Joined: 11/09/2008
MGoPoints: 103

I always try to eat and get some beers at Grizzly Peak or Arbor Brewing Company when I'm in town.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:54 PM | Grizzly and ABC are great (Score:1)
maizevanblue
Joined: 02/28/2009
MGoPoints: 4

Grizzly and ABC are great choices for beer and food.

Also, although its fairly new, I would recommend Jolly Pumpkin (Main St). The beer selection is great, although a little different style than a normal microbrew. The food is pretty good as well.

It'll probably be pretty busy - but check upstairs, its seat yourself up there and you might get lucky.

October 22nd, 2009 at 4:25 PM | if you're @ grizzly peak (Score:1)
allezbleu
Joined: 11/02/2008
MGoPoints: 260

get the brewery steak sandwich. its my favorite bar dish in the goddamn universe

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." -Evelyn Beatrice Hall

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 PM | The brewery steak sandwich is (Score:1)
sjastrz
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Joined: 11/09/2008
MGoPoints: 103

The brewery steak sandwich is the best.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:54 PM | I had my rehearsal dinner at (Score:1)
Undefeated drea...
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MGoPoints: 1439

I had my rehearsal dinner at Cottage Inn on William St. But I heard it had gone downhill in the past few years? (the restaurant itself, not the chain of pizza delivery stores).

Pizza House on Church, just SE of campus, is huge and decent.

Downtown features the most restaurants. Each one has some level of pretension. Grizzly Peak has good food + good beer. Arbor Brewing is the other downtown brewpub. A bit more downscale but some claim their beer > Grizzly Peak's. Blue Tractor is a new brewpub, a bit higher on the pretension scale.

Just down the street from the Gandy Dancer (north of downtown, a fair hike from the stadium) is Casey's Tavern, which is smaller but has great food for a tavern.

If you want a sports bar, there's the Arena on Washington, Scorekeeper's on Maynard (if you're under 30, this may be your first choice), and wait, Touchdown Cafe is closed, maybe the Brown Jug on South U.?

All are unique to Ann Arbor. In fact, if you stay downtown or around campus and don't go to the few chain restaurants there (Melting Pot, BD's Mongolian, BW3) you'll be someplace 'Ann Arbor' ish.

Wanting something to be true does not make it true.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:55 PM | A few recommendations (Score:1)
littlebrownjug
Joined: 06/30/2008
MGoPoints: 301

I agree about Cottage Inn Pizza, which would be great if you want to go low brow and be social. Another restaurant that I enjoyed in the same vein is the Mongolian Barbeque. The Chop House is probably the best restaurant in town (I think it is on Main street). Enjoy the game and beat PSU.

Oh how I hate Ohio State!

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:10 PM | I actually like Mongolian BBQ (Score:1)
ameed
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 188

I actually like Mongolian BBQ but: it is Asian, a chain, and very not unique.

Total Fail on the OP's question.

Excellence is Good

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:58 PM | Charleys (Score:1)
Brady2Terrell
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Joined: 11/22/2008
MGoPoints: 241

Good Time Charleys - great drink variety, good burgers, and don't miss the Pizza Sticks. Get the Jamaican Iced Tea in a Pitcher (for one).

Hail to the Victors.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:32 PM | I usually try to go to Charley's every time I come to Ann Arbor (Score:1)
KTChicago
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Joined: 04/17/2009
MGoPoints: 36

and will try to convince my friends to go there this weekend, as well. The friends always go for Pizza House - which is fine, but I never find anything food-wise that makes me excited - but I looooove the Count Twists at Charley's. Very bad for me but oh-so-tasty. And they have lots of fun shooters and drinks, if you are so inclined. And it's on campus...fun for people-watching if you're not an alum and good nostalgic value if you are.

Crab cakes and football! That is what Maryland DOES!

October 22nd, 2009 at 4:04 PM | Charley's used to be (Score:1)
Gus_possessivea...
Joined: 03/07/2009
MGoPoints: 231

Charley's used to be phenomenal before ownership changed in the mid-ish 90s. Now it's sorta meh. Still in a prime location, however.

October 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 PM | Charley's was a lot better (Score:1)
stankoniaks
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Joined: 02/04/2009
MGoPoints: 1728

Charley's was a lot better before they chopped the restaurant in half a couple of years ago

I always thought Upstairs @ Charley's had a lot of potential, but it poorly promoted and no one went (maybe its bc they were stupid and charged cover). Now that its BTB is all 18 and 19 year olds IIRC.

October 22nd, 2009 at 2:58 PM | Connor O'Neill's is my (Score:1)
joeyb
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Joined: 10/12/2008
MGoPoints: 11300

Connor O'Neill's is my favorite. If you are at all interested in breweries you could try Grizzly Peak, Arbor Brewing Co, Jolly Pumpkin, or the Blue Tractor. The Heidelberg has some local beers on tap as well.

October 22nd, 2009 at 6:48 PM | The 'berg (Score:1)
NYWolverine
Joined: 08/16/2008
MGoPoints: 353

I loved the Heidelberg. Do they still do free wings Wednesdays in the bar downstairs? That deal was the bees knees.

E to the S Go Blue, Class of '04

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:03 PM | there are a variety of great (Score:1)
Brhino
Joined: 09/08/2009
MGoPoints: 1367

there are a variety of great places in Ann Arbor, depending on what you're looking for. My favorite place is either Grizzly Peak (as others have mentioned) or Casey's, a little bar/grill across the street from the Gandy Dancer.

Be warned, however: There will be a hundred thousand people in Ann Arbor looking for a place to eat after the game. Expect a very long wait to get into any place that's even halfway decent.

October 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 PM | Casey's! (Score:1)
DubbaEwwTeeEff
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Joined: 09/06/2009
MGoPoints: 293

Definitely agree on Casey's. That's one of the best hidden gems I've found in my time here, hardly anybody knows about it.

Also, if you're undecided by game day or your first pick is too busy, just walk up and down Main Street until you find something with a short line; you're pretty much guaranteed to get a good meal.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 PM | Blimpie Burger. Best burgers around. (Score:1)
eganrut
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 32

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVTcAkfuRFw

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 PM | Blimpy's good, but (Score:1)
BlueFanInWI
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Joined: 10/21/2009
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it's better on Sunday after you've drank too much. The grease soaks up all that excess alcohol. Plus, if you want to hang out for a while, there's a lack of space.

When your team is winning, be ready to be tough, because winning can make you soft. On the other hand, when your team is losing, stick by them. Keep believing.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:43 PM | Brian.... (Score:1)
bml
Joined: 10/08/2009
MGoPoints: 171

Once made an offhand comment about Blimpie not being as good as the hype and I almost turned in my MGoImaginaryMembershipCard. It DEFINITELY lives up to the hype, especially if you like the Steak 'n' Shake style of smashing the burger on the grill so it's covered in a layer of crispmogrified fat/meat juice.

October 22nd, 2009 at 4:07 PM | But if you're looking for a (Score:1)
Gus_possessivea...
Joined: 03/07/2009
MGoPoints: 231

But if you're looking for a great quality meat in your burger, then go to Knight's Steakhouse on Dexter. Be prepared to drive a ways off campus though...

October 22nd, 2009 at 6:51 PM | Blimpy is great (Score:1)
mr. arbor
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Joined: 10/08/2009
MGoPoints: 34

if your constipated.

Knight's is few exits off campus.

For burgers, id go Grizzly Peaks... they have great flights of beer, too!

And he said unto Joseph, thou shalt name thy son maize and thy daughter blue.

October 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 AM | blimpy is overrated, they (Score:1)
Farnn
Joined: 07/07/2008
MGoPoints: 2342

blimpy is overrated, they don't season the beef and so the burger meat has no flavor.

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:15 PM | check out this thread too (Score:1)
MGoScene
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Joined: 02/26/2009
MGoPoints: 310

http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/ot-best-a2-restaurants-out-towners

a bunch of solid ideas.

some are scared of being misfits; I'm afraid of fitting in

October 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 PM | Here's the deal (Score:1)
03 Blue 07
03 Blue 07's picture
Joined: 07/01/2008
MGoPoints: 1725

This thread could go to 200, for sure. Simply, you'd need a week, eating 3 meals a day, to hit up all of the awesome food spots in Ann Arbor. Actually, you might need 2 weeks. Whoever posted the link to the list of food in Ann Arbor was probably spot on. There are so many good places to eat it's mind-boggling. I need to go back to Ann Arbor right now and have a food orgy.

EDIT: Wherever you try to go, you're probably going to have problems, as it's the Thursday before a home game now, so getting a reservation anywhere (if you're trying to go to a place that takes reservations) is impossible, I'd imagine.

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