Seeking Mgoblog Advice for UM visit and A2 lunch destinations.
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!
Off-the-beaten-track, but if you're going to be anywhere near North Campus, I'd suggest this place:
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/syrian-cuisine-and-exotic-bakeries-ann-arbor
Along those lines:
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/pita-pita-ypsilanti
SE Michigan is, as you may know, a good place for that type of food.
Was probably my favorite place to eat. From experience I can say that their ribs and burgers are great
I second this. I went there twice after it opened. Great pulled pork. Great sauces. Also the service is great.
~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.
You just said Pizza House... I love that place! Great food & nice place for a "what do you think of A2" conversation.
All of this. Except that The Maize and Blue Deli owner is a super friendly guy and I would go back just for that if nothing else.
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.
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.
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.
how did I not know about Frita Batidos... ive been looking everywhere for some decent cuban food. Thank you so much! menu looks fantastic
I think their menu specifically says it's more of a Miami-Cuban-American blend, given that the owner grew up in the Cuban neighborhoods of Miami or something. So yes, not authentic but in the same ballpark I think (never actually had Cuban food)
Bandito's is supposed to be Cuban food? That's funny. I love the place, but Cuban food it's not (unless it has radically changed since I last ate there, which is several years ago now).
Frita Batido's is the Miami/Cuban food place, not Bandito's. Different restaurants.
Frita Batido's >>>>>Bandito's
Whoops!
I should probably just shut up, seeing as it's now almost nine years since I left A2 (and also because I'm evidently not very good at reading today).
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.
My son and i made our first trip in june and blimpy burger is about 4 blocks from michigan union..good luck and our campus visit was awesome
...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
[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.
Would add Angelo's to the list of suggestions for breakfast.
I think the menu is more suited to everyday tastes at Grizzly Peak, but the food at Jolly Pumpkin is really good. The beer, however, is way better at JP.
After just reading about the HTTV Football Preview being available at Moe's, do you or anyone else know the address of Moe's? HTTV for me, t-shirt for her.
Nice cover story, Mr. Fournette. Just find Coach Hoke and let the magic happen. #JPTTA
My favorite a capella group on campus is the Dicks and Janes.
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 ;)
Or Mark's Carts, which is over off Main Street and has a bunch of really awesome food carts.
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.
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.
Pizza House
Original Cottage Inn
Blue Tractor (BBQ)
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
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.
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.
Brian Cook made a big post about eating in Ann Arbor and keeps it under the 'Useful Stuff' tab at the top of the page. Here it is: http://mgoblog.com/content/guide-ann-arbor-eating-drinking