Suggestions for an Out of Town N00b
I'll be driving in from Cleveland this Saturday. First time driving up in the morning and heading out after the game. I typically stay in a hotel, but foresight in my strong suit and yadda yadda yadda didn't feel like staying at DTW. I have a few logistical questions that I was hoping the board might be able to clarify.
1. We will not be tailgating, so I'm not looking to park at the golf course. Is there another lot that is recommended that wouldn't be unmanageable distance to walk to the stadium and bars/restaurants?
2. I know the golf course won't be opening until noon, is this true for other lots?
3. During the day, we'll probably look for a bar with a good beer selection (most important), passable food, and a good amount of games on TV. I know the main page post a couple weeks ago helps, but I figured I'd field some more suggestions.
4. Do you like cats? I don't like cats.
Thanks a lot, guys.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:11 AM ^
If you want location, go to Packard Pub, but the service there is atrocious, and I believe they have a minimal beer selection.
Otherwise, I would recommend hitting up the Brown Jug, if you can, before the game. I always enjoyed the atmosphere there for away games, and I'm assuming it'd be similar before a night game like here.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:19 AM ^
Packard Pub's opening was an even bigger disappoinment than Mitch's closing.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:41 AM ^
Mitch's reopening was a bigger disappointment than it's closing.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:16 AM ^
After Mitch's reopening, the fact they charged cover for a bar that was always empty was dissappointing
September 6th, 2011 at 11:22 AM ^
I worked at Mitch's, and they charged cover on $2 pitcher night and karaoke night only. the cash on Wednesday offset the loss from selling 60 oz pitchers for 40 cents a beer and Friday went towards the karaoke chick.
the bar had the most televisions around, next to b dubbs, and the best prices in town, and I can't understand the lack of business aside from poor location.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:38 AM ^
The owner of Mitch's (can't remember his name) paid me $100 to sponsor our softball team. We ended up going there pretty much every Friday night for 3 summers in a row, about 15-20 people deep. It was probably the best investment in the history of investments.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:48 AM ^
Ha, if it was the blonde surfer dude with the strange limp, that was the manager, Jody, Mitch's son-in-law. He was a pretty cool guy and was always up for helping out student orgs with fundraising bar nights. The times that Dance Marathon came in were a total shitshow.
Working there, I only made like $5 an hour before tips, but I got to drink on the job, drink after close, drink on days I didn't work, and flirt with girls relentlessly. Probably the best side job in the history of side jobs.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:55 AM ^
I also remember everyone being devastated when the karaoke girl (Jen?) showed up with an engagement ring on one night
September 6th, 2011 at 9:14 AM ^
This is as good of an analysis of the eating/drinking situation as you'll find (by Brian):
http://mgoblog.com/content/guide-ann-arbor-eating-drinking#comments
September 6th, 2011 at 10:31 AM ^
Also read the user comments in Brian's post as there are several other good suggestions posted within.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:16 AM ^
I hate cats. Cat pictures, I'm OK with if they are funny and relevant. Cats in real life suck.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:21 AM ^
a kitteh>a cat.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:24 AM ^
I struggle with how this could be moderated as off-topic. It is a direct response to item 4 in the OP's list.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:21 AM ^
1. I would find a house somewhere around the stadium -- you can pay anywhere from $10-$15 and have a pretty short walk.
2. Not sure on that -- guessing they will be open sooner (golf course is obviously more regulated).
3. Brown Jug, Buffalo Wild Wings (cringe) are a couple that fit the bill. Seeing how you won't be the only one doing this, I'd just take a walk around and see what looks remotely sitable.
4. Cats are OK -- prefer dogs but if the cat acts like a dog (which some do), they're OK.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:19 AM ^
1. If you wouldn't mind a *long* walk (mile+), it's pretty easy to score ($0.00) street parking in the Burns Park neighborhood (east of Packard, north of Stadium). You'll need to move progressively to the NE (and farther from the stadium) as game time approaches. This is my default strategy, since I usually go to house-based tailgates (oxymoron, yeah). You could probably find the same action west and NW of the stadium.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:26 AM ^
Just curious, wouldn't a "house-based tailgate" be better known as a pre-game party?
September 6th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^
Either. I find that "tailgate" is more commonly used among students even when it doesn't involve food or parking lots.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:23 AM ^
Can't believe no one's said it yet with beer selection being the most important factor. It is definitely Ashley's that you are looking for. They have an amazing beer selection, pretty darn good food, and a few tvs. Never been there before a game though, but you can park at a central campus parking structure such as the one on Hill and Tappan. You'll have a hike to get from Ashley's to the stadium, but no real bar other than the terrible Packard Pub is near the stadium.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:37 AM ^
We parked in the Maynard Street lot last weekend. I think parking in one of the lots up near central campus, or at a house renting their yard somewhere east of State street, is better than the golf course or the tailgating lots, esp if you do not intend to tail gate. The lots like Maynard put you up on campus to enjoy the atmosphere earlier in the day and there are plenty of places to eat, shop, etc. before the game. Ashley's is near the Maynard parking structure.
Although it is not traditional (i.e. it is pretty new to me), the PIzza House is a pretty nice restaurant with a decent (but not super extensive) beer selection and plenty of big screen TVs. If you are alone and looking for more of a bar scene, it may not be the best. It is across central campus from Maynard (although easily walkable). There is also a lot on Forest you can park in.
I have been amazed how reasonable these parking structures are even during game days. We spent less than $10 to park in the Maynard lot last Saturday, during which we had lunch, got gear at M-Den, went to the game, came back and changed clothes in our van, and had dinner at Cottage Inn during the third major rainstorm of the day.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:43 AM ^
Parking, it depends how much you want to walk, and dumb luck. It isn't impossible to find street parking, but the house lawn suggestion is good. There are some lots not too far from Revelli that are reasonable.
Regarding not tailgating, I'd modify that if I were you. You don't have to do a full tailgate to have a case of beer on ice, some junk food if you want, a thermos of coffee and a sandwich or two in the car. It is hard to say what affect the night game will have on restaurants, etc. Yet another alternative is to grab a brat from a street vendor.
I'm too out of touch to give much advice on bars, but honestly, you're in AA to see the game, not to have a huge selection of beer. Find a place that's comfortable, with TV's tuned to all the games, not too, too far from the stadium, and you should be good to go.
You're planning to drive back after the game? To Cleveland? That's a good four hours. . . are you up for driving all the way until 4am? I'd make sure I had a sleeping bag, a sweater, a stocking cap, and a pillow in the car, just in case you're falling asleep at the wheel.
I'm with you on cats. But to each their own.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:36 AM ^
SRK, you're always prepared.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:54 AM ^
I Just read the weather forecast and there is a chance of rain. We all know that can change over the next several days but I would plan to bring rain gear just in case.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:01 AM ^
For decent beer and more than passable food, Grizzly Peak is worth considering. I have never sat at their bar and don't know if they have TV's with games.
Agree with you regarding cats. I'm a dog person.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:16 AM ^
Grizzly Peak is where students take their parents, especially on Parent's weekend. I don't recall ever seeing TVs in there, either.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:32 AM ^
Funny that you say that., Both my kids were students at Michigan over a six year period. They were the ones who took my wife and me to Grizzly Peak several years ago, although not for parents weekend.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:06 AM ^
You don't like cats
September 6th, 2011 at 10:39 AM ^
Ashley's is the place to go if you're looking for decent food, good beer, and TVs.
Ashley's has 72 beers on tap as well as a huge bottle selection. You're bound to find something on tap you will like. Bell's, Founders, Short's, Great Lakes, Jolly Pumpkin, etc. They also have lots of imported beers on tap like Belgians and whatnot. Food is decent (not bad but not going to blow your mind). Plus they have enough TVs now a days that you can actually watch the game and not be worried about missing any of it. Saturday nights get busy though so I'm not sure how it will be this Saturday (with there being a game at 8PM). You might just have to scope out places earlier in the day to find out where you want to chill.
My vote goes to Ashley's though. Regular since I turned 21 five years ago.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:32 AM ^
I'm flying in from Louisiana and the girlfriend is hopping along, but she doesn't want to go to the game. So I'm riding solo to the game, Section 21, row 3. My question is this, where should I have her drop me off at before and after the game. Obviously with minimal traffic.... Is that even possible? I'm just going on a limb and pretty clueless on wtf to do. Only been to AA for Michigan State game last year and just walked my to the hotel. This year I don't have the luxury. Had to get a hotel in Canton.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^
The pickup's going to be a total nightmare. She's going to have an impossible time getting near the stadium with all the traffic attempting to exit. Best bet might be to take one of the shuttle buses to Briarwood and go from there.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:06 PM ^
Or camp out in a bar for an hour or two after the game while traffic clears out.
September 6th, 2011 at 1:55 PM ^
The further you walk after the game, the less traffic you'll have to deal with. Assuming you want to get to 94, I think your best bet is walking Northeast of the Stadium (towards campus) and getting a pickup spot closer to the bars on southU and taking 23 S to 94. That will probably not be great, but her trying to get anywhere close to the stadium right after the game will be a nightmare.
September 6th, 2011 at 2:07 PM ^
and something I used to do every game (before I started tailgating) was to take the shuttle from Holiday Inn North Campus at US 23 and Plymouth Road. The shuttle is cheap and it's an easy spot for your girl to pick you up. She will avoid all the traffic.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:46 AM ^
Depending on how many people in your crew - if I'm not going to the game (A2 resident) I toss my bike on the bike rack and park over in the hood west of the stadium for free. Then I just ride my bicycle in to tailgate with friends going to the game. That would make it easy to get around town as well if you were interested in visiting different venues. Just a thought...
September 6th, 2011 at 10:47 AM ^
a good idea. But, I guess that's your call. Pioneer H.S. is right across the street from the stadium, but getting out of there after the game might take a while. I park in the neighborhoods just west of there (look on Mapquest at streets west of Seventh). It's free and not much further of a walk. Most of the bars and restaurants are a ways from the Big House FYI. So, you might want to park on a street closer to the downtown area. Personally, I prefer tailgating near other fans and taking in the atmosphere. Again, that's your call.
Here's a tip though if you want to avoid some of the traffic congestion heading back to Cleveland after the game. Head west of Ann Arbor to Wagner Road, go south all the way until it turns into Saline-Ann Arbor Rd, keep going south until you hit US12 (Michigan Avenue). Take that east to US 23 south. That will avoid a lot of I-94 and Main St. mess.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:27 AM ^
this got that much attention
September 6th, 2011 at 12:02 PM ^
I'm surprised that nobody has recommended Bar Louie per Brian's recommendation. Ashley's is a great location and the best beer selection in town, but nobody will ever confuse them for a sports bar. Bar Louie is probably second to Ashley's when it comes to beer selection away from Main Street, and they have a much better TV situation (and better food).
It kind of sucks that it's a chain, but I definitely think that Bar Louie is the place you want to go.
September 6th, 2011 at 1:16 PM ^
but I am looking at coming in for the OSU game (an friend of my brother-in-law has an extra ticket) and I have never been to AA before. Is there a hotel close to the stadium so that I wouldn't have to drive to the game? Cost isn't really an object, I just want something close.
September 6th, 2011 at 2:17 PM ^
You don't have a room already? I think you'll be lucky to find anything open . . . those rooms get booked a year in advance.
Seriously, if I were you, I'd consider staying near campus, and walking to the stadium with everyone else.
September 6th, 2011 at 3:03 PM ^
I wasn't even planning on going until Friday when the guy called my brother-in-law with extra tickets. This is why I am asking where to stay as I have never been to AA before. Is it a long walk from campus? I have no issue walking at all and am just wondering where to look for a place to stay that isn't a dive and within a not to distant range.
September 6th, 2011 at 3:56 PM ^
I'll defer to someone who is on campus now. But I wouldn't be too optimistic. There just aren't enough rooms.
First of all, campus is reasonable walking distance, and everyone walks to the game. The choices are the Campus Inn and Bell Tower Inn. Also, historically, there were rooms available in the Michigan League and the Michigan Union. I'd imagine they'd be spartan, but nice. I assume that the rooms over at Ross are never used by the public. But I'd definitely recommend trying those four, because then you can bum around campus, eat, drink, walk the diag, and walk back with everyone else.
All other hotel choices are out near the feeder highways, and are NOT in walking distance to the game.
I'm curious, though in this day of Craig's List and FB and all, if you have tried to find a couch or bed or room to rent in someone's apt or house. Obviously, this can be creepy, but if it is just you staying, and someone will sell you a spot on a couch or bed for a chunk of change, well, that's a win win. A student gets beer and pizza money, and you get a simple place to crash for a night or two. Honestly, you might see about posting here at mgoblog. There are so many students on this website that one of them just might make a deal with you. (you pay for the keg, they give you the bed.)
September 6th, 2011 at 4:55 PM ^
Park in one of the residential neighborhoods off of Washtenaw. Free and close to the stadium.
September 6th, 2011 at 6:08 PM ^
I suggest taking "The-Ride", park at the northeast parking lot(plymouth road)-your friend can either drop you off or she can hang out at the Holiday Inn(which is right next to the Ride-parking lot). Plymouth Road runs right into Canton, she could even go back to Canton and then pick you up after the game. The Holiday Inn sells tickets forThe-Ride $1.50 each way(can also leave from the Holiday Inn and get picked up there as well). The-Ride bus drops you right off at the stadium and picks you up at the same site after the game-it won't get any easier or cheaper. I do believe that the buses will start pick up at noon for the ND game. Just check out "The-Ride" web site. Good luck-hope this helped.