The latter half of August and January in Ann Arbor is marked by hordes of students coming back to the University of Michigan and other colleges surrounding treetown. This round-up covers some of the best restaurants available throughout the city.
All restaurants are within a walking distance of the University of Michigan’s central campus. Most of these recommendations are considered “budget-friendly” with options hovering around $15 for a food item and drinks or smaller items or drinks around $8 or less.
For a scoop of ice cream: Michigan Creamery
In case you need ice cream true to Michigan flavors, Michigan Creamery is perfect. Located right on State Street, it is easy to get to with seating space for small groups. Some of their Michigan-themed flavors include Wolverine Traxxs, Deer Traxxs, Michigan Pothole, Detroit Grand Slam and Mackinac Island Fudge. All of their products are made in Michigan. In addition to ice cream and custard, Michigan Creamery also has delicious fudge in a variety of flavors.
302 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | michigancreamery.com
For a quick meal: No Thai!
If we took a poll, No Thai! might just be the winner in the “overall favorite” category among students. They provide great portions — enough for one to two meals — and have two locations on central campus with one restaurant on north campus for convenience. No Thai! offers thai-inspired noodle and rice-based dishes along with stir fry options. Customers choose their spice level and protein, allowing for a level of customization. On the side, No Thai!’s thai iced tea and crab wontons pair perfectly with a main dish.
South University: 1300 S. University Ave. Suite 3, Ann Arbor MI 48104
Kerrytown: 226 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Plymouth Road: 1745 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
nothai.com
For a late-night bite: Bodega Bros
If you need a snack or a whole meal at any time of the day, Bodega Bros is the place to be. Bodega Bros is open 24 hour a day, seven days a week and has a full menu of smoothies, every kind of sandwich, Açaí bowls, fruit cups and more. In addition to their kitchen, Bodega Bros has packaged snacks and food for purchase, perfect for whenever a craving hits.
715 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | bodegabrosa2.com
A student staple: Pita Kabob Grill
Known by its avid fans as “PKG,” Pita Kabob Grill features tons of Mediterranean cuisine options. From pita wraps to burgers to baklava, PKG has something for everyone. PKG has an expansive menu and is open till 11:30, perfect to fuel up before that late-night study session. Some of their star items are their meat or spinach pies, lamb gyros and cajun fries.
619 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | pitakabobgrill.com/order
Pizza by the slice: New York Pizza Depot
After a late night of studying or dancing, NYPD hits the spot. They offer so many classic and eclectic pizza flavors which you can order by the slice. They are open till 3 a.m. and have late-night deals in-store. You cannot go wrong between their mac-and-cheese pizza slice or veggie pizza slice. They offer every favorite milkshake flavor, perfect alongside garlic knots or chicken wings. One of the best parts about NYPD is their $2 Tuesdays where all slices are $2 all day, perfect when you are not trying to break the budget.
605 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | newyorkpizzaannarbor.com
For a sweet treat: Bakehouse 46
Bakehouse 46 is a cafe and bakery that prides itself for freshly baked cupcakes and treats everyday. They have vegan and gluten-free options with 29 cupcake flavors every day. Every month also has a unique blend of flavors so check out their current offerings. Bakehouse 46 is open at 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays), perfect for a pre or post-class snack.
116 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor MI, 48104 | bakehouse46.com/ann-arbor
For an funky pop or candy flavor: Rocket Fizz
For true out-of-towners coming to Ann Arbor or Michigan in general, you might hear soda called pop. At Rocket Fizz, you can get apple pie pop, bacon pop or just about any other flavor you never knew you needed. In addition to pop, they have loads of taffy, KitKat flavors you’ve never seen before and other unique sweets. They have tons of nostalgic treats such as moon pies and candies popular all over the world.
306 S Main St Suite 1A, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | rocketfizz.com/locations/rocket-fizz-ann-arbor-mi
For a caffeine boost: Misfit Society Coffee Club
Misfit Society Coffee Club is right by both East Quad and Ross School of Business, perfect for in-between classes or early in the morning. The shop itself has a chill vibe with fun music and visuals and a good amount of seating space. Many of their drinks are espresso-based but their selection of flavors makes it a great place for any coffee lovers.
615 E University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | misfitsocietycoffee.com
For breakfast on the go: M-36
M-36 has delicious drinks but their selection of food is unmatched. Some of their best offerings are their fresh bagels, breads and pastries in addition to their toast options. Standout food menu items for a morning snack includes the pumpkin chocolate chip bread, the berry ricotta toast and everything bagel. In case you just need something savory and fresh, check out their spicy grilled cheese or avocado toast.
1101 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | m36coffeeroasters.com
For brunch with friends: Stray Hen
Every time you walk past Stray Hen, there’s a pretty good chance that there will be a line trailing out onto the sidewalk. Although it can be a wait, Stray Hen is worth the line. They offer an expansive menu of breakfast and lunch items, all of which are served all day. You can’t go wrong with their sweet pancakes or French toast, or a lox bagel sandwich. Regardless of if you go sweet or savory, Stray Hen’s delicious food and fun, hip atmosphere is the place to be for Sunday brunch.
403 E Washington, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | strayhencafe.com
For a coffee AND a place to study: lab cafe
Lab Cafe, although on the pricier side, has an incredibly calming presence. All of their baked treats consistently taste divine and their coffee options feature unique and delicious flavors. Their lavender honey latte is one of the best in Ann Arbor. Their menu mainly only features drinks and smaller pastries but do not discount lab cafe when you need to lock into your work.
505 E Liberty St # 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | instagram.com/labannarbor/?hl=en
For when you don’t know what you want: Amer’s Deli
If you ever have a craving for something specific, it’s more than likely that Amer’s serves it. Their menu spans from pasta salad to deli sandwiches all the way to Açaí bowls. Its the perfect place to be when you are just hungry because everything on their menu sounds delicious. Their crepes are outstanding alongside their Island açaí bowl. Amer’s even has hot dogs, with a veggie dog option, on their menu. Sitting right on State Street makes it perfect for a quick snack before shopping, or to sit and people watch.
314 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | amersdeli.com
For boba and snacks: Quickly
If bubble tea is what you need, a large size is made for you. The portion sizes for both the drinks and the snacks are larger than other similar cafes in the Ann Arbor area and worth the value. The food menu has a lot of casual eats and the atmosphere of the cafe makes it a perfect place to hang with friends. Their expansive menu means there is a bubble tea drink and snack combo great for everyone in a large group.
1220 S University Ave #100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | Quickly Menu
For when your family is in town: Blue Llama Jazz Club
Blue Llama combines a romantic and jazz-centric ambiance with premier dining options. Although this is not a budget-friendly option, it is great when celebrating the end of a semester, a promotion, or when your family is in town. Their expansive drink menu features fun cocktails and mocktail options. This paired with some of their delectable small plates including the plantains or ceviche while enjoying the jazz performance of the night makes for a perfect evening.
314 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | bluellamaclub.com
For when you need to spice up your palette: Lan City Noodle
Lan City Noodle opened their Ann Arbor location in the last few years but has since been a booming success. Their hand-pulled noodles are a unique offering in Ann Arbor and their food combines aspects of both traditional Asian cuisine and flavorful innovation. The downtown location is one of two in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area and is family-owned and operated. Most of their noodle dishes incorporate meat but for a spicy vegetarian option check out the hot pepper oil noodle as well as their pad thai with a choice of protein.
1235 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | lancitynoodles.com/
For when the weather is beautiful: Jerusalem Garden
Jerusalem Garden is a go-to staple for Mediterranean food with different shawarma, falafel, kabobs and more. They have both halal and vegetarian/vegan options without skipping out on spice and savory flavor. Their patio is one of the best places to sit outside during a meal in Ann Arbor and can seat large groups of people inside and outside.
314 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | jerusalemgarden.net
For a sub and a milkshake: Pizza Bob’s
Pizza Bob’s has been open in Ann Arbor since the 1960s, making it a long-time restaurant staple on State Street. The restaurant is found on one of the main routes towards the Big House, Yost Ice Arena and other University of Michigan sports facilities making it a great stop before or after a game. Pizza is, of course, great at Pizza Bob’s, but their submarine and Chipati sandwiches are some of what keep the restaurant on the map after 60 years. Pizza Bob’s has salads, some of which are based on their Chipati and Chipopeye, but it is really the place to be when craving bread, cheese, sauce and meat.
800 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | pizzabobs.net/
RELATED: Ann Arbor’s Fall Cocktail Guide 2024
For vegan cuisine: Detroit Street Filling Station
Detroit Street Filling Station is known for their completely vegan menu with allergen-friendly options. The restaurant in Kerrytown is a staple because of their delicious options and vast menu with unique options. Every meal at the filling station is not complete without an order of buffalo cauliflower wings or yum yum tots, made even better with DSFS’s yum yum sauce. Their sandwiches are standout with classic options like a burger or wrap to a tempeh-lettuce-tomato (TLT) or banh mi. The restaurant is one of the best in Ann Arbor and their vegan twist with a focus on quality eats makes it a must-visit.
300 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | thelunchrooma2.com/detroit-street-filling-station-1
For when you want to watch sports: Condado Tacos
Condado is perfect for game day of all kinds. From football to basketball, the restaurant has televisions all around and seating for both individual and larger groups. Their tacos, the restaurant’s namesake, are delicious and easily customizable. Some of the standouts are the Ooey-Gooey and Rango Tango. Tables can order the “three buds” which is a mixture of their house-made chips and dips such as guacamole, queso and salsa. In addition to customizable tacos, their customizable nacho, burrito and bowl choices are perfect for when a specific craving hits.
401 E Liberty St #200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | condadotacos.com/
For sushi lovers: Totoro
Totoro is a sushi restaurant found beside the iconic State Theater on State Street. The restaurant’s design is based upon the iconic movie classic titled Totoro by studio ghibli. Beyond the cute decor, the restaurant serves great sushi with a variety of fish and veggies, with a side of delicious miso soup and generous bento boxes. If in need of a warm meal, their hot broth noodle dishes are soothing. Some of the standout sushi options include the Philadelphia with cream cheese and smoked salmon, the Tango Roll with deep-fried avocado and the Red Dragon wrapped in tuna. Their sushi menu is vast and includes two local-themed rolls: the U of M and Michigan. Totoro is perfect for sushi lovers because each visit to the restaurant can include completely different sushi options every time or classic favorites.
215 S State St #2031, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | totoroannarbor.com
For your entire group of friends: Frita Batidos
There is nowhere in Ann Arbor with the same kind of food as Fritas. Frita Batidos is a long-time Ann Arbor staple known for both their Fritas, Cuban-inspired burgers and Batidos, a unique tropical milkshake. Their sandwiches are built when ordered, providing the orderer with freedom to make their perfect combination. The sweet Batido — some standouts include coconut cream and hibiscus — cuts the salty food options perfectly. On the side, the twice fried plantains and fries make for a hearty meal. The restaurant is filled with long picnic-style tables perfect for large groups, and the restaurant is often filled and brimming with chatter.
117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | fritabatidos.com/ann-arbor
For before or after a fun night out: Hopcat
Hopcat is perfectly situated across from Scorekeepers bar and is just around the corner from Necto, two of Ann Arbor’s major party and dance scenes. The bar and restaurant has a vast food and drink menu focusing on classic American bites with unique flavors, such as the apples in their Madtown Grilled Cheese or the pepper mixture on the Cosmik Fries served with cheese sauce or on the side of many mains. In addition to being in the center of town, the restaurant hosts weekly trivia, and has a variety of sports on television at all times. Open till midnight Thursday though Saturday, check out Hopcat when you need a hearty fix.
311 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | hopcat.com/ann-arbor/home
For an Instagrammable food moment: Cannelle Ann Arbor
Just walking into Cannelle means being confronted with the smell of freshly baked goods and treats. The pastries are some of the best in the city with a wide variety of flavors inspired by chocolates, nuts and fruits. Although their pastry lineup may change, some of the best options include the pistachio croissant, eclair, assortment of macrons and mango cake. Canelle has limited seating space but it provides the perfect atmosphere to get some work done or grab a sweet or savory treat with a few friends.
110 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | www.cannelledetroit.com
These recommendations are just some of the many great food options found in Ann Arbor, perfect for students with different needs, groups and late-night bites.
