Long before Kerrytown’s streets were filled with boutique shoppers and café-goers, this corner of Ann Arbor was home to sawmills, immigrant workers and a tight-knit Black community. The neighborhood has a history that dates back to the mid-19th century when it was primarily an industrial and working-class residential district.
Originally home to businesses like the Luick Brothers Lumber Company and Godfrey Moving and Storage, the neighborhood also had deep agricultural roots. The Luick family farm operated for decades before the land was donated to the city in 1931. That same year, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market was established on the former farm site, remaining a community fixture to this day. Despite its name, Kerrytown did not originate as an Irish enclave — local lawyer Art Carpenter named it in the 1960s in honor of his mother-in-law, Marie O’Leary, who was from County Kerry, Ireland.
By the 1960s, Kerrytown and the surrounding North-Central neighborhood were home to a large Black community, anchored by Jones School, which served predominantly Black students. However, in 1965, the Ann Arbor Board of Education closed the school as part of a desegregation effort, dispersing students across the city and disrupting the community’s cohesion. The school’s closure was a turning point for the neighborhood, leading to a shift in demographics and local culture.
RELATED: Centennial Anniversary of the Opening of Jones School Celebrates Ann Arbor’s Black History
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Kerrytown underwent a transformation, with historic preservation efforts turning its industrial buildings into the Kerrytown Market & Shops. This development helped retain the neighborhood’s historic charm while introducing specialty stores, restaurants and cultural spaces. Today, Kerrytown remains a vibrant hub blending history, commerce and community, making it one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved districts.
Restaurants and eateries in Kerrytown
Detroit Street Filling Station
A vibrant vegan restaurant offering plant-based comfort food in a historic 1920s filling station, featuring dishes like buffalo cauliflower wings and tempeh Reuben sandwiches.
300 Detroit Street
Miss Kim
A modern Korean restaurant inspired by traditional flavors, offering innovative small plates and entrees using locally sourced ingredients.
415 N 5th Avenue
Monahan’s Seafood Market
A fresh seafood market with a small counter-service eatery serving chowders, grilled fish, and seafood sandwiches.
407 N 5th Avenue
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
This legendary Ann Arbor deli is known for its gourmet sandwiches, house made baked goods, and extensive selection of artisanal meats and cheeses. A must-visit Ann Arbor institution for food lovers since 1982.
422 Detroit Street
Coffee, tea and sweets
Eat More Tea
A unique tea shop specializing in premium loose-leaf teas and handcrafted tea-infused chocolates. A great place to explore new flavors and artisanal confections.
211 E Ann Street
Mighty Good Coffee
A coffee roaster with a market stand offering high-quality, freshly brewed coffee and beans sourced from sustainable farms.
407 N 5th Avenue
Mindo Chocolate Makers
An artisan chocolate shop offering handcrafted bean-to-bar chocolates, pastries and café drinks. Their products are made from organic Nacional cacao sourced directly from Ecuador.
206 N 4th Avenue
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
A cozy café serving globally inspired coffee and tea drinks, plus pastries and light snacks. A great spot for work or relaxation with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
407 N 5th Avenue
TeaHaus
A specialty tea shop offering an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas from around the world. The adjoining Tea Room provides a serene space to enjoy tea, pastries, and light meals.
200–204 N 4th Avenue
Gifts and goods
Arbor Spice Merchants
A specialty store providing a vast array of spices, teas and culinary accessories for cooking enthusiasts.
407 N 5th Avenue
Bohmey Boutique / Natural Beauty & Wellness
A boutique specializing in natural and organic skincare, makeup and wellness products.
407 N 5th Avenue
Collected Works / Clothing Boutique
A women’s boutique offering a curated selection of contemporary fashion, accessories, and jewelry.
303 Detroit Street
Everyday Wines
A boutique wine shop featuring a curated selection of wines for everyday enjoyment, plus expert recommendations.
407 N 5th Avenue
FOUND / Home Décor & Gifts
An eclectic store offering a mix of vintage and modern home décor, handcrafted jewelry and unique gifts.
415 N 5th Avenue
Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars
A gourmet specialty shop offering premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, with tastings and recipe suggestions available.
407 N 5th Avenue
Kitchen Loft / Cookware, Gadgets & Culinary Essentials
Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this shop provides high-quality essentials and specialty items to elevate any kitchen.
407 N 5th Avenue
Malofta Vintage / Vintage Clothing
A vintage shop featuring curated fashion pieces and accessories with a timeless aesthetic.
407 N 5th Avenue
Mudpuddles / Toys & Games
A charming toy store offering an array of educational and imaginative toys for kids.
407 N 5th Avenue
16 Hands Gallery / Handcrafted Art & Jewelry
A gallery showcasing handmade art, jewelry, ceramics and home goods from local and national artists.
415 N 5th Avenue
Spun / Yarn Shop
A vibrant yarn store offering a wide selection of fibers, knitting supplies and workshops for crafters.
407 N 5th Avenue
Thistle & Bess / Gifts & Home Décor
A charming shop featuring a mix of vintage and modern jewelry, home goods and unique gifts.
222 N 4th Avenue
V2V / Clothing Boutique
A chic women’s boutique offering stylish, contemporary fashion and accessories.
407 N 5th Avenue
Learn and explore
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Operates year-round, offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal products, and more. It’s a vibrant gathering place that supports local farmers and artisans, fostering a sense of community. Held January-April, Saturday 8am-3 pm and May-December, Saturday and Wednesday, 7am-3 pm. Seasonal events include cooking demos held on the second Wednesday of the month, May through September, and food truck rallies occurring on the third Wednesday of the month, July through October.
315 Detroit Street
Boards & Board Games
Guests can enjoy a curated cheese or charcuterie board while playing board and card games. Attendees can bring their own games or join others. A “Just the Games!” ticket option is available for those who prefer to focus on gaming. Held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, 5-7:30pm.
Culinary Classes & Tastings
There are interactive food events, including hands-on baking and cheese-making classes, themed tastings, and seasonal dining experiences. Recurring offerings include fondue nights, Friendseder brunches and specialty food pairings.
Gutman Gallery / Art Exhibits & Workshops
Operated by the Guild of Artists & Artisans, the fine arts gallery showcasing rotates exhibitions, features local artists, and offers creative workshops. Currently showcasing “Anything Goes: 5th Annual All Media Exhibition,” January 17 – February 25.
118 N Fourth Avenue
Kerrytown Concert House / Live Music & Arts Performances
The historic 110-seat hosts live jazz, classical and contemporary music in an intimate setting as well as art exhibitions and lectures. Regular performances feature local, national and international artists, with genres ranging from chamber music to avant-garde improvisation.
415 N 4th Avenue
North Star Lounge / Live Music
The intimate venue showcasing a diverse array of performers, primarily featuring local talent. Their event lineup includes genres such as bluegrass, jazz, folk and Americana. Regular Happy Hour concerts are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5:30-6:30pm.
301 N Fifth Avenue
The Pilates Barn
Offers expert group and private Pilates instruction using Gratz Pilates equipment. Their mission is to guide clients in moving their bodies safely and effectively, promoting functionality, pain-free mobility, and overall fitness throughout life. The studio emphasizes inclusivity, joy, and tangible results in a welcoming environment.
410 N 4th Avenue
Spun / Knitting, Crochet, Spinning & Fiber Arts Classes
All classes are led by experienced instructors, with options for beginners and advanced learners. Class schedules vary and free drop-in sessions are offered Sunday 1-3pm and Monday – Wednesday, 6-8pm.
410 N 4th Avenue
Sunday Artisan Market
Features original, handmade, multi-media work by dozens of artists and crafters. Meet local artisans, learn about their creative processes, and purchase unique items. The market operates from April through December.
315 Detroit Street
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