For decades, Casey’s Tavern on Depot Street has been one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved neighborhood institutions. Its cozy interior, time-honored burgers and unmistakable tavern atmosphere have earned generations of loyal patrons who appreciate its simplicity and sense of history. It is the kind of place where memories are made as much as meals are shared.
The newly opened Casey’s Tavern East, located in the former Carson’s American Bistro building on Commonwealth Boulevard, takes a different approach. Rather than trying to recreate the intimate feel of the original, it embraces a broader vision—one that combines the spirit of Casey’s with a larger dining room, an expanded menu and an atmosphere designed for today’s diners.
A spacious setting with a neighborhood feel
The difference is immediately apparent upon entering. Instead of the compact quarters that define the original location, Casey’s Tavern East offers a spacious, inviting interior with comfortable seating, a large central bar, and plenty of room for families, friends and larger gatherings.
The design feels bright and contemporary while still maintaining the warmth expected from a neighborhood tavern. The restaurant provides a comfortable setting for a variety of occasions—from casual lunches and after-work gatherings to family dinners and celebrations.
The expanded space also allows the restaurant to serve a broader audience. Whether stopping in with coworkers, meeting friends after a long day, or gathering with family, Casey’s Tavern East feels designed for lingering conversations as much as good food.
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A menu that goes beyond the classics
Perhaps the biggest departure from the original Casey’s is the menu.
While longtime favorites such as burgers and onion rings remain, Casey’s Tavern East significantly broadens the dining experience with pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, rice bowls, steak tips, sliders, poutine, fried ravioli, and desserts featuring Washtenaw Dairy ice cream.
The wider selection makes it easier for groups with different tastes to find something they enjoy and reflects the changing expectations of today’s restaurant guests. A table can now include someone craving a classic burger, another person looking for pasta, and someone else wanting a lighter salad option—all under the same roof.
Fresh flavors and comfort food favorites
During our visit, we sampled two dishes that showcased this expanded approach.
The salmon salad was fresh, flavorful and beautifully balanced. The salmon was prepared well and paired with crisp greens and complementary ingredients that created a satisfying meal without feeling overly heavy. It demonstrated that Casey’s Tavern East is reaching beyond traditional tavern fare and offering choices that appeal to diners seeking something lighter and more contemporary.
We also enjoyed one of the pasta dishes featuring peas. The dish was comforting and well prepared, with the peas adding freshness and a pleasant sweetness that complemented the richness of the pasta. It highlighted the restaurant’s ability to offer familiar, approachable dishes while adding variety to the Casey’s tradition.
Honoring the past while creating something new
Of course, comparisons with the original Casey’s are inevitable. The Depot Street tavern has earned its reputation over many decades and remains a cherished Ann Arbor landmark. Some longtime regulars will always prefer its historic character, familiar surroundings, and traditional menu.
But Casey’s Tavern East should not be judged solely by how closely it resembles its predecessor. It is a different restaurant serving a different neighborhood with a different vision.
The original Casey’s offers the charm and nostalgia of a classic Ann Arbor tavern. Casey’s Tavern East offers a larger, more flexible space with a broader menu and a more modern dining experience.
A welcome addition to Ann Arbor’s dining scene
In many ways, the two Casey’s locations complement one another. The original preserves a treasured piece of Ann Arbor restaurant history, while Casey’s Tavern East looks toward the future by offering more space, greater menu variety, and a welcoming gathering place for a new generation of diners.
For those willing to appreciate it on its own merits, Casey’s Tavern East represents more than an expansion of a familiar name. It is a thoughtful evolution—one that honors a beloved local institution while confidently establishing an identity of its own.
Casey’s East is at 2000 Commonwealth Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (at the former site of Carson’s American Bistro).
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
