Football season is the peak season in Ann Arbor. Every Saturday, thousands attend U-M’s Big House to celebrate every tackle, yard, and score by the Wolverines. While football is underway, Ann Arbor highlights itself as a thriving culture for foodies and culinary cultivators alike.
In this article, I will highlight some restaurants to experience before or after U-M’s next game. Whether it’s the filling soups and sandwiches at Dominick’s or Zingerman’s Deli. These are game-day meals you should try before and after screaming “Hail To The Victors.”
Before the game
Start the day off strong with a delicious and hearty breakfast in Ann Arbor.
Afternoon Delight
Before heading to the U-M stadium, stop by Afternoon Delight. Their breakfast runs from 8am to 12pm on Saturday, and their egg options, like Smoked Nova Salmon Eggs Benedict or an Italian omelette with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and red onions, offer sizable portions that will keep you full well beyond the game. Take a trip here and enjoy U-M’s next touchdown on a full stomach.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is an Ann Arbor staple. Enjoy a meal anytime at this 24-hour mainstay on Ashley Street. However, we will not fault you for thinking breakfast time is the best time at the iconic diner. Their Hippie Hash breakfast, topped with grilled green peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and feta cheese, is nothing short of the breakfast of champions who enjoy watching the 2023 National Champions.
aMa Bistro
From crepes and stuffed French toast to pancakes and healthy options like the Power Breakfast Quinoa bowl, breakfast at aMa Bistro is the perfect way to start your day before you see the Maize and Blue bring home another win. Seriously, how can you not enjoy their Energy Bowls, made with granola and almonds, topped with berries and a touch of cinnamon?
After the game
Let’s paint the scene. U-M just dominated another game, and now you want to celebrate with a meal. Check out these locations for a fantastic post-game dinner.
Zingerman’s Deli
You can not have the full Ann Arbor experience without enjoying a meal from Zingerman’s Deli. Serving gigantic portions of items like the Zingerman’s Reuben or a Benno’s Birdie made with house-made pesto and fresh, handmade mozzarella, these snacks make any game feel like you scored the game-winning touchdown.
Casa Dominick’s
Following the game, head to Dominick’s located in the heart of U-M’s main campus. Best known for patio dining, few experiences match enjoying their Italian subs on the restaurant’s balcony while watching the exuberant energy radiating from the campus and city after a game. Music floods the streets, and the positivity is infectious. Dominick’s tasty food is simply the cherry on top.
Frita Batidos
With locations in Ann Arbor and Detroit, they are best known for their menu staple, the Frita: a burger made with chorizo, black beans, chicken, fish, or beef. With over 20 items on the frita menu, you can make this delicacy your way, ensuring no two sandwiches are alike.
Michigan Creamery or Milk & Froth
What better way to celebrate than indulging in some ice cream? Not far apart, Michigan Creamery and Milk & Froth both offer excellent ice cream selections that are equally flavorful. Michigan Creamery provides rotating custard flavors with over 30 ice cream flavors. Milk & Froth offers freshly made ice cream from scratch and its own formula, making every cone and scoop a unique story with every taste.
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Ann Arbor is a foodie wonderland, and whether it’s before, during, or after the game, plenty of restaurants are worth checking out beyond those listed in this article. You can also check out our local sports bars for an at-the-stadium feel during the game, including popular spots like The Brown Jug, the downtown Irish Pub, and Conor O’Neill’s!
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
