Seeking Mgoblog Advice for UM visit and A2 lunch destinations.

Submitted by Unfiltered Manball on

Will be accompanying my daugher on college visits next week, and Michigan will be stop #1 on Monday.  Both of us are looking forward to this visit, but as she is my oldest child, this is uncharted territory for both of us.  Any tips on making the most of our time on campus?

Also, would like to grab a bite to eat afterward in Ann Arbor.  I have seen the suggestions in the blog's "Useful Stuff" tab and wondering which would be the place to go or if anyone has other favorites in town.  

Feedback appreciated!

sheepman

July 13th, 2013 at 8:30 AM ^

Cool places to visit: Law quad (though might be under construction still), law reading room is a must see, rackham grad school is beautiful, business school





DaJimmer

July 13th, 2013 at 8:31 AM ^

First visit huh? That doesn't get you as many points as the last visit so hopefully Michigan has a high weekly bonus.

~NCAA 14'd.



Anyways, I'd recommend Pizza House or Maize & Blue Deli. Both are big hits and right on/near South University so you wouldn't have to go far from campus. If you would like to explore a bit then I'd suggest Zingerman's in Kerrytown. That's a pretty neat part of town. Quickie Burger is also good but that doesn't strike me as a sit down "how do you like the college visit so far" type of place.

MSHOT92

July 13th, 2013 at 10:53 AM ^

I didn't care for Zinggerman's nor Maize and Blue deli. seemed overpriced and way too hyped. I prefer Pizza Bob's on State St. for deli sandwhiches and awesome milkshakes. Likewise Cottage Inn the original on William and Thompson St. has great Italian options. The Brown Jug has good food too.

certainly Zinggerman's and Maize and Blue get a lot of rave, just not my favorites.

also second the law quad, clearly the Big House, Student Union on State and South University, Angel hall, the Diag between South and North U...a lot to see.

MSHOT92

July 13th, 2013 at 2:26 PM ^

guess maize and puke and suckermans must sponsor the site or something...funny how having a different perspective always results in some asshole negging...Elitist Meeechigan at it's finest...

dahblue

July 13th, 2013 at 2:31 PM ^

For a student perspective, those are probably ok suggestions, but to call Pizza Bob's a "deli" is like calling McDonald's a "steak house".  Brown Jug is a classic...as a bar/late-night spot, but the food is awful.  

If the OP is searching for good food, Main Street is likely the best option (though the South U Korean spots are super tasty).  If he wants to have a view of "student eatin'", well, lots of options.

p.s.  Didn't neg you (per your whine below), but you still kinda deserve it.

dahblue

July 15th, 2013 at 10:04 AM ^

I haven't been for a few months (baby/work....how dare you keep me so busy!!), but Coffee Break (Kang's) is still there (and amazing).  Steve's Lunch turned into "Rich J.C. Korean Restaurant" some years back.  I'm not into preachy food, but I gave it a try when they first opened anyway.  There was a PrintShop (who knew it still existed) "Jesus Christ Loves You" banner behind the counter, the food wasn't as good and it was served on styrofoam.  I haven't returned.  I believe University Cafe is still there (on Church) as well.  

I was loyal to Steve's Lunch, but Coffee Break is great. 

oc michigan fan

July 13th, 2013 at 8:34 AM ^

California resident here; I drove through Ann Arbor last week on my way to Glen Arbor for a family reunion. I was so impressed with Frita Batidos we hit it on the way back too. I had the chirizo frita round 1 and the fish the second time both with tropical slaw. Oberon to wash it down. Seriously one of my favorite lunch stops. 

MaizeNBlu628

July 13th, 2013 at 10:37 AM ^

More of a burger/sandwich joint than Cuban, but it's my fav burger in town (yes I've been to Casey's and Blimpy, JMO). The owner, Eve, use to have a restaurant in kerrytown with the same name. She was also a contestant on top chef, but was eliminated in the first episode.

SeekingSun

July 13th, 2013 at 12:18 PM ^

Frita Batidos is AMAZING.  The chef owner Eve Aronoff was on Top Chef, so there's that...   It's also super casual, light fresh.  I love the chorizo "frita" (sort of, but not really, a hambuger-like patty).  Warning you get an absurd about of fries, so definitely worth sharing.  The batidos (milkshakes) might seem like something to pass by, but remember their good enough to be in the name of the restaurant.  They. Are. Yummy.

maybaum

July 13th, 2013 at 8:45 AM ^

...but Satchel's on Washtenaw (next to Whole Foods) is hands-down the best BBQ in town.

Zingerman's is the obvious choice for a unique A2 food experience

Nice sit-down meal: Zola (fries with house-made ketchup are special)

Best burger (IMO): Casey's, by the train station

Well, Blimpy is special, too....but a different species of burger

 

MGJS SuperKick Party

July 13th, 2013 at 8:48 AM ^

[Maize and Blue Deli/Zingermans] is better than [the one you didnt choose]!



In all honestly, both are fantastic, and they are both fun places to go. As previously mentioned Pizza house is very good as well. If you want breakfast food, Northside Grill is also really good. Casey's Tavern has delicious burgers and is a fun atmosphere. 

My personal favorite is Grizzly Peak Brewing, I have yet to have food that I didnt like. 

party like its 1989

July 13th, 2013 at 8:52 AM ^

The info session and tour are good. There were 250 people in ours, which surprised us, then they split to groups of 25 or so for the tour. We saw the Union, went into the Law reading room, Undergrad Library, and the Diag. We walked up over the bridge to the hill dorms on our own afterwards. We also took the bus up to North Campus and walked around there some. That's a good way to see a little more town, and a different flavor of the campus. It was very quiet in Ann Arbor. We're planning to make another trip in September on a weekday to see campus when students are there. We went to Zingerman's. At 1:15pm, it was packed! By 2pm, the line was gone. Maybe plan for a late lunch. Also, go to Moe's and buy her a t-shirt. : )

Pulled P

July 13th, 2013 at 9:10 AM ^

Zingerman's is about a 5-10 minute drive from Central campus, is expensive, and if you're coming on a weekend there will likely be a line (though the line moves pretty quickly). But if you can bear all that then it's worth the visit. If you're looking for some place right on or next to campus, Pizza House is nice, and even Cottage Inn is pretty OK (unlike the delivery). I like Sava's on State St. 

Somebody mentioned Frita Batidos, owned by Eve Aronoff,  is actually my favorite in all of A2. But it's a more trendier place, and off Main St so maybe you'll save that visit for next time after your daughter enrolls ;) 

LSAClassOf2000

July 13th, 2013 at 9:19 AM ^

If you're in the mood for Italian while you're in town, I've always been fond of Argerio's over in Kerrytown. The food is overall decently priced, in my opinion, and it is pretty good. The lunch menu has a nice selection of paninis on it as well, if you happen to be over there around that time of day. For breakfast, the Broken Egg is not a bad selection - they have a Cajun Andouille Omelette that is superb. 

For those who mentioned Blimpy Burger, I absolutely agree, but as a general note to the board, their lease is up on August 31st from what I understand and, last I heard (this could have changed), they were still mulling over a few potential locations. 

cseeman

July 13th, 2013 at 9:21 AM ^

There are so many good choices on campus for dining.  I love the Pizza House, Red Hawk (on State Street near the State Theater), and I love the Original Cottage Inn (which is really close to the Student Activities Building - where the tours start and end).  The Cottage Inn has a great lunch buffet with pizza, an entree or two and a nice salad. If you like Japanese food - Sadako on East University is also great.  The best options are the restaurants that you cannot go anywhere else...

The Law Quad is open if you come at it from Tappan or State.  It is beautiful and you can get into the library (might be part of the tour).  Art fair is next week - so things might start to be setup as early as Monday.  Have a nice visit to Ann Arbor.

 

 

notYOURmom

July 13th, 2013 at 10:02 AM ^

Seriously I hope you are coming Mon or Tues because the AA Art Fair will truly mess with your ability to get to any of these places later in the week, let alone park anywhere within 1 mile o campus or downtown.



I like the fair but only because I can walk from my house; otherwise it's like O'Hare the day before Thanksgiving



Warm your kid that ordinarily AA is peaceful; Art Fair is not typical!



Having said that I ditto Frita Batidos and Marks Carts

CRex

July 13th, 2013 at 10:15 AM ^

I feel like it is a requirement you go to Pizza House on your first visit.  After living here for a decade, you'll have gone there so many times you're sick of it, but hey get the cycle started.

EGD

July 13th, 2013 at 10:25 AM ^

You can't go wrong with Zingerman's, IMO.  It is a little pricey for sandwiches, as mentioned above, but it's well worth it--and it's one of the true A2 classics.

If you want something a little more campus-ey, Amer's Cafe, Red Hawk, or Good Time Charley's are good bets, as well as Pizza House as mentioned above.  

I don't recall whether they allow minors onto the premises at Dominick's--but if they do, go there.