Monday, July 8, 2013

Cafes, Restaurants and Everything in Between

Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat, or an elaborate banquet, the University of Michigan campus has a thriving restaurant scene that never disappoints. The variety in dining options is a reflection of Ann Arbor's culturally-charged atmosphere. From Indian cuisine to burger joints, the Ann Arbor dining scene has a little something for everyone.

Yet, this very variety makes it difficult to decide where to go and what to eat. Thus, below is a list of what I think are some of the restaurants in Ann Arbor that are a must for new students and parents to visit. 


Angelo’s, 1100 E. Catherine (Breakfast)
Angelo's is a quintessential Ann Arbor breakfast place. The family-run corner diner is a straightforward breakfast cafe where prices are reasonable, portions are large and the raisin toast is rightfully famous. From omelets to pancakes, you can get any breakfast item you desire (as well as sandwiches, salads and soups). But be sure to arrive early in the morning, or else be prepared to wait in line.  
 


Zingerman’s Delicatessen, 422 Detroit St. (Sandwiches)

Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution. With an incredible deli and gourmet market, that has a varied selection of breads, cheeses, cured meats and vinegars, you are sure to be overwhelmed. The friendly staff and great customer service add to the excellent atmosphere, making it easy to spend an afternoon here with your family and friends. While $15 is expensive for a sandwich, these are some of the best sandwiches you will have ever eaten and they’re usually big enough to turn into two meals. If you don’t want to stand in a line that goes around the block, be sure to order ahead of time. 



Frita Batidos, 117 W. Washington St. (Fritas, aka “Burgers”)
Frita Batidos is a restaurant that serves Cuban inspired street food. Fritas are Cuban sandwiches on round buns that look and taste exactly like burgers, except they are made of glory. They can be served with a fried egg, tropical coleslaw, avocado spread and/or Munster cheese. And for any vegetarians out there, they serve one of the best black bean burgers in Ann Arbor that will have you coming back on a regular basis.


 

Cottage Inn, 512 E. William St. (Pizzas)
Cottage Inn has a large menu, with a wide variety of dishes to please anybody's palette. Starting with homemade bread with an herb and oil dip, followed by a thin or thick crust pizza, and ending with a scrumptious chocolate brownie, this is a great restaurant for anyone.

 

Taste of India, 217 S. State St. (Indian Food)
Taste of India is an authentic, but casual, Indian restaurant. They have good portion sizes that often turn into leftovers for a second meal, and friendly servers who offer helpful tips when ordering. Whether you want to enjoy a snack with a South Indian twist, an all-you-can-eat buffet, their signature Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine or their extensive a la carte menu, Taste of India is sure to please everyone's palette.

 

Marnee Thai, 414 S. Main St. (Thai Food)
If you're looking for a place to eat authentic Thai food, Marnee Thai is your place. This is a fairly upscale, yet well-priced, Thai restaurant set only slightly apart from the center of Ann Arbor. They have a huge selection of Thai soups, salads and curries. But as it is authentic, spicy actually means spicy. So the spicy dishes might be best suited for the spice lovers and the daring. 


Tomukun, 505 E. Liberty St. (Japanese Food)
Tomukun is a local noodle bar, known as the place to get ramen in Ann Arbor. The restaurant knows its clientele, and thus serves authentic food with generous portions. There are so many things on the menu, that it will take several visits to sample all the items that catch your attention. The pork buns are delicious and the noodles are served in a broth that is rich in flavors and which will keep you warm in the winter months. If you peer in through the windows, you’ll always see filled tables, so making a reservation is probably the best way to guarantee a table for you and your friends.

 

Jerusalem Garden, 307 S. Fifth Ave. (Mediterranean Food)
Jerusalem Garden is a genuinely good Mediterranean place that provides huge portions of food for prices as low as $5. The food is fantastic and the servers are friendly and polite. If you choose to sit at the bar seats, you'll be able to talk to the chefs about the food and the dishes. While the restaurant itself is pretty small, with limited seating, the food and experience make it all worthwhile.



Cupcake Station, 116 E. Liberty St. (Cupcakes)
As the name implies, Cupcake Station is where you would make a stop when you're craving delicious cupcakes. With a variety of flavors and beautifully decorated cupcakes, this is a wonderful place to visit for something sweet.


 

Ann Arbor is a fantastic food town. You can get virtually anything here, and get it done well. While the list above is not exhaustive, hopefully it’ll help you venture out into the world and experience some of the amazing restaurants, cafes and diners located in Ann Arbor.

Written By: Aashna Sunderrajan, Undergraduate Student studying Sociology; Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience 






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