Ann Arbor’s restaurant scene is a reflection of the town itself — eclectic, diverse, and strongly independent. But like everywhere else, the pandemic has forced dining and drinking establishments to be creative in order to continue serving their community. Michigan’s new law allowing for takeout and delivery cocktails has helped and local restaurants have either expanded or initiated carryout and delivery options. Now that winter is approaching, a few have created heated outdoor spaces, too.
Below, readers will find a must-have dining experiences with details on how to support these local restaurants this pandemic — be that by dining on a patio, by ordering carryout, or picking up a meal kits and pantry items to enjoy at home. In this update, the stylish Blue Llama jazz club with their pop-up style carryout menus joins the list as does Cuban-influenced burger favorite Frita Batidos.
Takeout is generally considered by health experts to be lower-risk than in-person service, and drinking can lower people’s inhibitions, so be careful. Whenever possible (or required) it’s essential that customers wear a mask and wash their hands regularly. This is a tough time for the restaurant industry and its staff, too, so please, if you do choose to grab a bite, be kind and remember to tip well — even if you’re doing to-go drinks.
Eater Detroit has done its best to confirm the status of these restaurants, but the situation is changing daily, so make sure to check websites and social media for the latest information.
Many Ann Arbor restaurants have resumed dine-in service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns: For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the state of Michigan’s coronavirus tracker. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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