If you’ve been to New York City, you might have stopped in a bodega. After visiting Bodega Bros, I feel we have a slice of city life right here in Ann Arbor.
What is a bodega?
By definition, a bodega is basically a small grocery store, convenience store, or delicatessen. In practice, though, a bodega does so much more. It’s a way to find whatever you need without shopping a big-box store. In many neighborhoods, it’s a central hub for the community.
Founder Esam Almulaiki—from Hamtramck—has a background in NYC-style deli-groceries as his family owns bodegas in New York. He decided to bring the energy and convenience of NYC bodegas to Ann Arbor.
At Bodega Bros, the real star of the show is the deluxe deli counter, with cold salads, single-slice dessert options, and, of course, all the meats and cheeses that power the sandwich section of the menu. But the store also keeps pre-packaged essentials stocked, ranging from Skittles to hydrocolloid acne-fighting patches. The menu is expansive with something for everybody. You can bring your smoothie sister and your burger-obsessed boyfriend and everyone will leave happy.
Ever-changing, always delicious
Bodega Bros has been operating for over two years, but things have changed in that time. They swapped out some of their convenience-store inventory for indoor seating, so you can now enjoy your lunch in comfort. They made the move from being open late to staying open 24/7, and they’re one of relatively few restaurants in Ann Arbor to do so.
RELATED: Chela’s: Where Freshness, Flavor and Community Come First
The menu stays up-to-date with the trends, including Dubai chocolate and a “Mitch Voit special” (grilled chicken, turkey, ham, mozzarella, spinach, tomato, basil and pesto on a panini; it even comes with 55% off a side and a milkshake).
In short, if you tried Bodega Bros before and you think you’ve seen everything, you’re overdue for another visit.
Service at the speed of NYC
They made everything fresh to order as I waited, but it was less than 7 minutes from receipt to receiving my complete order. Even after driving 10 minutes home, the sandwiches were still hot to the touch.
You can’t go wrong with the bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel. It’s a classic but the Bodega Bros honor it with all due respect. The American cheese is plentiful and the bacon is meaty. The bagel has the perfect chew without being too massive, delivering the perfect ratio in every bite.
If you’re willing to share or just extra hungry, I recommend a “heavy-hitter” named “Imagination.” The “Imagination” sandwich will have you seeing a whole new world; it features pastrami with provolone alongside avocado, roasted peppers, onion, mushrooms, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. Get it on the hero (or “hoagie,” as the menu translates) and you’ll experience a melt of juicy flavor absorbed halfway through the roll with a chewy exterior. I often judge a sandwich as to whether or not I could make something comparable, but I wouldn’t have ever imagined these ingredients to meld so beautifully.
Summer best-sellers sure to satisfy
Looking for a hot weather refresher? Consider a smoothie! The Sam’s Special is a best-seller this summer, featuring passion fruit, agave, mango, pineapple, apple and banana. Even as a self-professed smoothie skeptic, I found it perfect for the heat; it wasn’t watered down by melty ice but it was still ice-cold.
If you’re seeking something more substantial, “The Mexican” is a popular sandwich option this season. The chicken is dripping with chipotle flavor yet the lettuce, tomato and pickled jalapenos keep it crisp. Anything you can’t finish is perfect for tomorrow’s lunch, hot or cold.
Overall, Bodega Bros is sure to have what you’re craving, whenever you’re craving it. If they have the supplies on hand, they’re happy to make special requests. If you’re a regular, they’re likely to remember your order. Whether you’re homesick for Brooklyn or Hamtramck, they’ll make you feel right at home at Bodega Bros.
Bodega Bros. 715 N University Ave in Ann Arbor. bodegabrosa2.com. 734. 369-6495. bodegabrosannarbor@gmail.com. Instagram: @Bodega_Bros.
