Keeping up collectively, Current readers’ voting for you
The flux of business in Washtenaw County is consistent, as seemingly every day a new yoga spot opens, the next “best sandwich” is served up, or a local band forms to hit the live music scene. It can be dizzying to keep up with the our ever changing community: knowing where to send visitors from out-of-town for a good burger or where to buy your mom’s birthday gift – that massage and manicure she deserves for putting up with you.
democratic (small d) selections
Current readers determine our Best of Washtenaw awards every year. Although you may not have the time to keep up with the best place for bibimbap, or the “ best of” almost 200 other voting categories in Washtenaw, our readers have you covered. The BOW is the ultimate readers’ choice competition. The winners are chosen by popular votes of Current readers, active participants in the scene, out and about, experiencing all that this fabulous county has to offer.
Food focus
Focusing on the epicurean offerings in Washtenaw, featuring foods of every variety and ethnic hue, towns outlying Ann Arbor moved up the charts in 2017. Ypsilanti took the win in multiple drinking and dining section categories, including Arbor Brewing Company’s Ypsi Microbrewery (affectionately known as the Corner) as the county’s best brewpub and its famed session IPA, Ypsi Gypsi (named after the venue’s head of operations) as the best named, locally brewed beer. Or head to Depot Town for our readers’ selection of best Mexican, and runner-up happy hour, at Maiz Mexican Cantina.
Head westward to Chelsea, voted best suburban downtown – rightfully for its collection of boutiques, parks and a popular summer music series – just a fun place to be. From the #26 at Mike’s Deli off of Chelsea’s Main Street to fresh paella at Common Grill, you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite while you’re there.
Back in Ann Arbor, don’t miss your chance to try a classic: Pizza House has thrived for more than 25 years as a neighbor to the University, and for damn good reason. If you haven’t ordered a Hickory BBQ Chicken sandwich with Romano crusted fried chicken (trust us, it tastes even better at midnight) you haven’t truly lived. And don’t even get us started on the vegan mac & cheese at The Lunch Room – it is noodle perfection.
Retail and service providers
But enough about food. Because although the restaurant community is thriving across the county, there are many other booming retail and service providers that our readers shout about. From boutiques to thrift shops, day spas to fitness centers, bowling alleys to music venues, there are an endless variety of businesses offering every service, good or performance your heart could desire. Catch an Indie flick at The Michigan Theater, voted Best of Washtenaw by Current readers. Or take in a performance at The Purple Rose Theatre. Schedule a massage at The Relax Station or a full spa day at Bellanina. Browse the endless rows of vintage literature at Dawn Treader or find that limited edition collectible comic, ensconced in a plastic sleeve, at Vault of Midnight. Seriously, Washtenaw County just seems to have it all.
Best of Washtenaw County
And hey, that’s why we love it. The color and flair of Washtenaw, abounding and ever changing, is thanks to the people that make up our community and the organizations and businesses they run. There is always a new latte to sip, hiking trail to trek, show to catch, and home accessory to fawn over, fortifying our readers’ understanding that this is the only place to call home.
Thanks to all of this year’s Best of Washtenaw votes. The color and flair of Washtenaw, abounding and ever changing, is thanks to the people that make up our community and the organizations and businesses they run, fortifying our readers’ understanding that this is the only place to call home.
SHOPPING & SERVICES
DINING & DRINKING
LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GOOD
LOCAL COLOR
STUDENTS
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
ART & THEATRE
COOL PROS