These 15 Ann Arbor Restaurants Will Blow The Taste Buds Out Of Your Mouth

1. You Could Probably Drink Forever At Ashley's

Ashley’s 338 S State St (734) 996-9191 Yelp: 4 stars, 254 reviews If you’re aiming to get a few brewskies down in Ann Arbor, Ashley’s seemingly mile-long stretch of beers on tap should do the trick. On top of the staggering display, any bartender will help you decide on what to opt for with a couple samples—call it beer-bottle service. Keep in mind that there will likely be a line and that the kitchen closes a little too early, considering the massive alcohol odyssey you’re about to set out on.

2. JC Rich Is Ann Arbor’s Best-Kept Kim Chee Secret

J C Rich Korean Restaurant 1313 S University Ave (734) 769-2288 Yelp: 4 stars, 64 reviews I’m going out on a limb here—a pretty shaky one, at that—and say that I’m pretty sure the way you say “delicious mom and pop restaurant” in Korean is J C Rich. And, okay, while I’m definitely wrong about that, everything else I’ll say and you’ll hear about the kim chee and bibimbap dishes is right, specifically about how they’re so spicy you’ll feel like you could drool molten lava. Personally, I say any chance you get to duck into a little hole-in-the-wall gem like this restaurant is just a good investment for foodie street cred later on.

3. Sava’s Wins The Triple Crown Of Great Food

Sava’s 216 S State St (734) 623-2233 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 296 reviews I have one rule: if you have “Grilled Cheese for Grown-Ups” or some variation on your menu, you’re doing better than most places already. Stack on top of that the delicious desserts (pear soup!) and the best boozy brunch (bourbon French toast!) and you’ve basically won all the awards. Plus, it’s entirely likely that you’ll make a new friend at Sava’s—all the service staff are exceptionally attentive and ready to chat about whatever’s caught your eye on the menu.

4. This isn’t Your Mom’s Community Picnic-Styled Establishment

Frita Batidos 117 W Washington St (734) 761-2882 Yelp: 4 stars, 425 reviews I mean, unless your mom was extremely adept at taking the basics of American cuisine and turned them on their head before they could say “Frita Batidos!” This is also one of the only spots I’ve ever encountered where you have the opportunity to rub elbows—sometimes literally—with your neighbor. The picnic-style seating might seem intimidating at first (do I have to talk to these total strangers?), but it ends up feeling more like a feast in Valhalla once your food’s in front of you. Hope you got garlic fries with your chorizo frita—it’s the freshest way to get bad breath in the city.

5. Tomukun Serves Every Style of Noodle—We Dare You To Prove Us Wrong

Tomukun Noodle Bar 505 E Liberty St (734) 995-8668 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 205 reviews A brief list of highlights you will be pleased to find in your noodle bowl: Hearty amounts of shredded duck, spicy chicken, whole eggs, authentic ramen, fatty pho, bibimbop (which is sort of a miracle), creamy broth, pork belly, veggies drowned in hot broth, and wondering if access to bars/ramen houses should be an inalienable U.S. right? Were those pork buns for real or part of some fleeting dream? Will my version of heaven include a Tomukun? Yes, yes it will.”

6. Get Anything Your Raw Fish-Loving Heart Desires At Sushi Town

Sushi Town 740 Packard St (734) 327-8646 Yelp: 4 stars, 104 reviews To the uninitiated, “irashaimaseee” is a honorable greeting to esteemed customers. This is what you’ll hear when you enter Sushi Town every time. The words “toro”, “unagi” and “ikura” refer to tuna, eel and salmon. These will be the prime, fresh cuts wrapped inside your sushi rolls, along with whatever else you’ll request of the chef—seriously, this guy will roll anything (even the beach roll, which you’ll need to try). And once it’s all done, it’ll be saying irashaimaseee to your esteemed stomach.

7. It’s 12 AM, Do You Know Where Your Pizza Is? Probably At Pizza House

Pizza House 618 Church St (734) 995-5095 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 198 reviews We’ve covered the lunch rush, the brunch must and even some dinner options so far, but let’s say it’s the end of a late night, you’re feeling a little drunk and hangry, but every sensible spot is closed up for the evening. What’s a stomach-rumbling drunk like yourself supposed to do? Go home to the Pizza House, that’s what. These mountainous Chicago-styles will leave you with a happy, if not cheese-and-marinara-soused grin.

8. Let’s All Give A Hand To Mani

Mani Osteria and Bar 341 E Liberty St (734) 769-6700 Yelp: 4 stars, 266 reviews If you dream of the lush, verdant green of the Tuscan landscape, the feel of plump grapes rolling through your fingers, the smell of warming earth or the sound of a couple of Italian guys duking it out a couple floors down, you’ll feel right at home at Mani. Prepare your palate for that trip to Italy you’ve always wanted with the pickled tomatoes, the Tuscano pizza, the grilled-to-perfection eggplant—all of it is just is a loving homage to the Old Country. Buon appetite!

9. Journey To The Promised Land Of Middle Eastern Cuisine

Jerusalem Garden 307 S 5th Ave (734) 995-5060 Yelp: 4 stars, 327 reviews While it may feel like you’re parting the Red Sea to get here (zero parking, massive line clogging the front), once you’re inside and seated, you’ll soon realize why Jerusalem Garden is worth it. Some commandments: Thou shalt get the falafels, which are neither too dry nor grainy. Thou shalt enjoy the sunny patio in the spring and summer for a refreshing lunch. Thou shalt bring thy vegan and vegetarian friends—it would be cruel not to. And finally, thou shalt leave feeling refreshed, not bloated, wishing to return the moment you’re feeling up to another God-awful wait.

10. Even Carnivores Love The Vegetarian Buffet At Earthen Jar

Earthen Jar 311 S 5th Ave (734) 327-9464 Yelp: 4 stars, 105 reviews This is crunchy-hippie heaven, for sure, but not the sustainability-oriented, commune-living, dreadlock-aspiring wasteland you might be afraid of. The Indian cuisine here is authentic, meaning the spices, the yogurts, the oils are all mixed to create dishes of soaring spiciness (if that’s what you’re into) and general tastiness. Load whatever you want on your pay-by-the-pound plate, because you’re gong to looking forward, mainly, to washing it all down with one of their delicious mango lassis.

11. Everyone Should Give Thanks To Gratzi

Gratzi 326 S Main St (888) 456-3463 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 149 reviews It’s not called “Gratzi” for nothing: This is the place to go and celebrate. The space is huge—two stories, overlooking bustling Main Street—with a massive mural covering the entire back wall. It’s fit for the whole family. Whether you’re coming to celebrate a graduation, an engagement, the fact that you’re getting another chance to enjoy the salmon gnocchi—whatever it is, you’ll be glad you came. Plus, if you’re of the Tony Soprano-minded ilk, there’s a chance to arrange some celebratory cigars at the Dolce Vita place next door.

12. The 24/7 Breakfast At Fleetwood Diner Speaks for Itself

Fleetwood Diner 300 S Ashley St (734) 995-5502 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 133 reviews There are two reasons to go to Fleetwood Diner. The first reason is because you want a good brunch/breakfast from a A2 institution. This greasy spoon is lively, friendly and the food is chock-loaded with all the delicious grease, butter and protein you could ask for. The other is the fact that it’s a fantastic spot to lie low after midnight, get some carbs into your system, drink some coffee and get home safely when you’re all but falling face-first into your Hippie Hash.

13. If You’re In Ann Arbor, We Dare You To Not Go To Zingerman’s

Zingerman’s Deli 422 Detroit St. (734) 663-3354 Yelp: 4 stars, 733 reviews If it’s good enough for Obama it’s probably good enough for you, right? Then again, he can probably afford it, but those $14 sandwiches aren’t stratospherically expensive for nothing—Zingerman’s features world-class foods and service. Ignore the naysayers that call it a tourist trap, they’re just bitter that they’re still in line. Any of the cheeses are bound to please, as are the breads, the meats—this is a world-class deli, we’ll have you know.

14. Frank’s Restaurant Is A Living Time Capsule

Frank’s Restaurant 334 Maynard St (734) 761-5699 Yelp: 3.5 stars, 49 reviews One guy, one dream: A homecooked meal, cooked and delivered to you personally. That’s a special kind of customer service. Frank’s is a greasy spoon that hasn’t evolved past the 50’s, which is a major anachronism in A2. That alone makes it worth visiting, but the French toast is what will keep you coming back.

15. Stop Everything. There’s A Cupcake Station.

Cupcake Station 116 E Liberty St (734) 222-1801 Yelp: 4 stars, 85 reviews I successfully avoided making this entire section just detailed directions on how to get to Cupcake Station. But you’ll need them, because I’m going to go ahead and change all of your plans for the day. These are just a few of the flavors of cupcakes offered at Cupcake Station, in no order of preference because they’re all equally drool-worthy: Peanut butter and chocolate, lime buttercream, something called Bumpalicious which is probably unholy in it’s decadence, the very-aptly-named Party Time, German chocolate, and the Original. You’ll have to find out what that one is for yourself. Feature Image Source: Frita Batidos Facebook What’s your go-to for great grub in Ann Arbor? Tell us in the comments below!