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Two halves of a Reuben sandwich sit in a basket lined with black and white printed Zingerman’s paper.
Zingerman’s.
Zingerman’s

12 Essential Ann Arbor Restaurants to Try

Must-visit classic and contemporary dining destinations in Tree Town

by John Reyes Updated
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Zingerman’s.
| Zingerman’s
by John Reyes Updated

As a college town, Ann Arbor attracts students and visitors from around the world. Many of them like the place so much that they extend their stay — sometimes for decades. Mix them in with a healthy dose of counterculture dating back to the 1960s and Midwestern small-town sensibilities and the result is a diverse blend of tradition, global outlook, and an eye towards the future. Since they all have to eat, Ann Arbor’s restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of eateries that reflects the diversity of the people there.

There’s no shortage of the usual college town standbys — pub food, pizza, burgers — and many are excellent (a few are listed here). This map features restaurants that can only be found in Ann Arbor and can’t be missed during any visit. Even if that visit lasts a little longer than planned.

Sava’s, the flagship restaurant for local entrepreneur Sava Farah (Dixboro Project, Aventura), joins the list for its refined, yet accessible dishes and inventive cocktails served in a gorgeous space.

This map is updated semi-annually. Is your favorite Ann Arbor restaurant missing? Passionately make your case in the comments, on Facebook, Twitter, or at the tipline.

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Knight's Steakhouse

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Knight’s is your textbook steakhouse with swimming pool-sized cocktails. While the restaurant has a flashier Liberty Street location in the vibrant downtown area, the original Dexter Avenue eatery’s historical charm makes it a classic.

2324 Dexter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 665-8644
(734) 665-8644
The horse head-shaped sign for Knight’s in front of the restaurant. John Reyes

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Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger

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This humble burger joint is the epitome of the town’s counterculture identity. The dizzyingly wide variety of combinations and the unique cooking methods are the antitheses of the gourmet burger chains that have proliferated across the country. While some label the burgers as laden with “grease”, the preferred term is “natural juices.”

304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-4590
(734) 663-4590
An extremely messy burger on wax paper. John Reyes

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The Earle Restaurant

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Tucked away in its underground location, the Earle’s French and Italian menu has not changed since the 1970s. Dimly lit and with live jazz, it’s a popular destination for romantic dinners. The wine list offers more than 1,200 different selections.

121 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 994-0211
(734) 994-0211
The red awning facing the street on a rainy day. John Reyes

Frita Batidos Ann Arbor

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Celebrity chef and Ann Arbor local Eve Aronoff opened her Frita Batidos as an ode to Cuban street food. The fritas (chorizo-based burgers) and batidos (tropical milkshakes) served in the stark-white dining room sets it apart from anything else in Ann Arbor — and the Midwest.

117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 761-2882
(734) 761-2882
A burger on a brioche bun with shoestring fries and a fried egg. Frita Batidos/Steve Julin

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Pacific Rim by Kana

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Although Ann Arbor has a wide variety of Asian restaurants, Pacific Rim stands alone as the only fine dining entry. French techniques, quality ingredients, roots firmly planted in pan-Asian cuisine, and a romantic atmosphere makes Pacific Rim a go-to destination for date night.

114 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 662-9303
(734) 662-9303
The circular sign outside of Pacific Rim on a cloudy day. John Reyes

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Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

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Michigan is recognized nationally as a microbrew destination and Jolly Pumpkin’s small-batch, artisanal beers are in a class by themselves. Its ales have topped lists of Belgian-style beers that include breweries from, well, Belgium. Vegetarians and omnivores alike have several items from which to choose.

311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 913-2730
(734) 913-2730
White writing on the window denoting Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor. John Reyes

Also featured in:

Spencer

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Spencer has wasted no time in putting its stamp on the local restaurant scene. The small space and casual atmosphere make it easy to miss. However, the commitment to seasonal, micro-local sources, and beautiful presentation has gained it national attention.

113 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 369-3979
(734) 369-3979

Zingerman's Delicatessen

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This Ann Arbor institution is considered one of the country's best delis. Dozens of sandwich options all on house-made bread with top-quality ingredients make it worth the wait and the price. Bakery and specialty items make it a food lover’s paradise.

422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-3354
(734) 663-3354
A massive Reuben sandwich from Zingerman’s sits in a basket sliced in half. Zingerman’s Delicatessen [Official photo]

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Mani Osteria and Bar

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The menu features innovative, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, small plates, and salads. The dishes are meant to be shared which, along with an open-concept dining room, gives Mani the liveliest and most energetic atmosphere in town.

341 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-6700
(734) 769-6700
The rainy exterior of the white-painted brick building on the corner of E. Liberty where Mani Osteria resides. John Reyes

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Tomukun Noodle Bar

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What began as a noodle bar, featuring several kinds of East Asian comfort foods now includes a full-on Korean barbecue section with tabletop grills and other Korean standards. Tomukun may be the best place to see townies and students dining in perfect harmony.

505 E Liberty St #200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 995-8668
(734) 995-8668
Customers sit at a table surrounded by a huge spread of Korean barbecue. Tomukun

Sava's

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Sava’s occupies a prominent spot on State Street and in the hearts of many in the Ann Arbor area. Their Mediterranean-influenced menu is filled with well-thought-out dishes using quality ingredients and refined techniques. The charred branzino and whole poussin are must-have items.

216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 623-2233
(734) 623-2233
A dining room with high ceilings and circular booth seating on a sunny day. Sava’s

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Seoul Street

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Tucked in the back corner of a small apartment building, behind other restaurants, in a town with many Korean restaurants, it’s easy to overlook Seoul Street. The Korean standards are all represented well, but what sets it apart from similar spots is the fried chicken. Coated in either a hot and spicy or soy-garlic glaze, it can’t be missed. Order online to avoid long wait times.

1771 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 719-0085
(734) 719-0085
Chairs are stacked outside the storefront beneath the black Seoul Street awning on a rainy day. John Reyes

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Knight's Steakhouse

2324 Dexter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Knight’s is your textbook steakhouse with swimming pool-sized cocktails. While the restaurant has a flashier Liberty Street location in the vibrant downtown area, the original Dexter Avenue eatery’s historical charm makes it a classic.

2324 Dexter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 665-8644
(734) 665-8644
The horse head-shaped sign for Knight’s in front of the restaurant. John Reyes

Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger

304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This humble burger joint is the epitome of the town’s counterculture identity. The dizzyingly wide variety of combinations and the unique cooking methods are the antitheses of the gourmet burger chains that have proliferated across the country. While some label the burgers as laden with “grease”, the preferred term is “natural juices.”

304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-4590
(734) 663-4590
An extremely messy burger on wax paper. John Reyes

The Earle Restaurant

121 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Tucked away in its underground location, the Earle’s French and Italian menu has not changed since the 1970s. Dimly lit and with live jazz, it’s a popular destination for romantic dinners. The wine list offers more than 1,200 different selections.

121 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 994-0211
(734) 994-0211
The red awning facing the street on a rainy day. John Reyes

Frita Batidos Ann Arbor

117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Celebrity chef and Ann Arbor local Eve Aronoff opened her Frita Batidos as an ode to Cuban street food. The fritas (chorizo-based burgers) and batidos (tropical milkshakes) served in the stark-white dining room sets it apart from anything else in Ann Arbor — and the Midwest.

117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 761-2882
(734) 761-2882
A burger on a brioche bun with shoestring fries and a fried egg. Frita Batidos/Steve Julin

Pacific Rim by Kana

114 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Although Ann Arbor has a wide variety of Asian restaurants, Pacific Rim stands alone as the only fine dining entry. French techniques, quality ingredients, roots firmly planted in pan-Asian cuisine, and a romantic atmosphere makes Pacific Rim a go-to destination for date night.

114 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 662-9303
(734) 662-9303
The circular sign outside of Pacific Rim on a cloudy day. John Reyes

Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Michigan is recognized nationally as a microbrew destination and Jolly Pumpkin’s small-batch, artisanal beers are in a class by themselves. Its ales have topped lists of Belgian-style beers that include breweries from, well, Belgium. Vegetarians and omnivores alike have several items from which to choose.

311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 913-2730
(734) 913-2730
White writing on the window denoting Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor. John Reyes

Spencer

113 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Spencer has wasted no time in putting its stamp on the local restaurant scene. The small space and casual atmosphere make it easy to miss. However, the commitment to seasonal, micro-local sources, and beautiful presentation has gained it national attention.

113 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 369-3979
(734) 369-3979

Zingerman's Delicatessen

422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This Ann Arbor institution is considered one of the country's best delis. Dozens of sandwich options all on house-made bread with top-quality ingredients make it worth the wait and the price. Bakery and specialty items make it a food lover’s paradise.

422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-3354
(734) 663-3354
A massive Reuben sandwich from Zingerman’s sits in a basket sliced in half. Zingerman’s Delicatessen [Official photo]

Mani Osteria and Bar

341 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The menu features innovative, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, small plates, and salads. The dishes are meant to be shared which, along with an open-concept dining room, gives Mani the liveliest and most energetic atmosphere in town.

341 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-6700
(734) 769-6700
The rainy exterior of the white-painted brick building on the corner of E. Liberty where Mani Osteria resides. John Reyes

Tomukun Noodle Bar

505 E Liberty St #200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

What began as a noodle bar, featuring several kinds of East Asian comfort foods now includes a full-on Korean barbecue section with tabletop grills and other Korean standards. Tomukun may be the best place to see townies and students dining in perfect harmony.

505 E Liberty St #200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 995-8668
(734) 995-8668
Customers sit at a table surrounded by a huge spread of Korean barbecue. Tomukun

Sava's

216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Sava’s occupies a prominent spot on State Street and in the hearts of many in the Ann Arbor area. Their Mediterranean-influenced menu is filled with well-thought-out dishes using quality ingredients and refined techniques. The charred branzino and whole poussin are must-have items.

216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 623-2233
(734) 623-2233
A dining room with high ceilings and circular booth seating on a sunny day. Sava’s

Seoul Street

1771 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Tucked in the back corner of a small apartment building, behind other restaurants, in a town with many Korean restaurants, it’s easy to overlook Seoul Street. The Korean standards are all represented well, but what sets it apart from similar spots is the fried chicken. Coated in either a hot and spicy or soy-garlic glaze, it can’t be missed. Order online to avoid long wait times.

1771 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 719-0085
(734) 719-0085
Chairs are stacked outside the storefront beneath the black Seoul Street awning on a rainy day. John Reyes

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