If you’re like me, your affinity for the University of Michigan doesn’t just end with the maize and blue, it extends to the gem of a city that the school calls come. Ann Arbor is routinely ranked as one of the best college towns not just in the Big Ten, but in the entire nation. The combination of midwest vibes, food scene, nightlife, and natural environment is rather hard to beat.
However, you don’t just have to be a resident to experience all the joys that Ann Arbor brings. Maybe you’re only able
to come to town a day or two a year to catch a game, or your an incoming student that’s about to call Ann Arbor home for the next four years – either way, there’s so much to sift through in this great city, which is why today we’ll be taking a look at some of the best hidden gems and some popular spots you’d be wise to add to your list of things to do in town.
Best sandwich spot – Zingerman’s (Kerrytown)
There was nowhere to start but arguably the most famous restaurant in Ann Arbor. Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a staple in town known for their huge sandwiches, seemingly endless menu, and baked goods at Zingerman’s Next Door Cafe. There’s no shortage of options with sandwiches of corned beef, pastrami, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and even vegetarian options – not to mention a wide variety of breads, cheeses, and side dishes as well. They’ve truly got something for everyone and they never skimp on the quality or portion size.
If there’s a downside, their sandwiches are a tad on the expensive side (usually in the $18 to $20 range) and the wait time can sometimes be long because of its popularity. Parking in Kerrytown can also be frustrating sometimes. But once you take that first bite, all your worries will go away.
Honorable mentions: Amer’s Delicatessen, Maize and Blue Deli, Mr. Spot’s
Best spot for a beer after (or before) a game – The Brown Jug (South U)
Is there really a bad option here? No, but Brown Jug stands out above the rest. Located on South University Ave. just steps from the Diag, The Brown Jug is a game day staple. Inside, you’ll find a mix of both alumni and students alike, as The Brown Jug has been a popular gathering spot for decades in Ann Arbor. It features a great selection of drinks and a food menu where almost everything boasts the name of a former Wolverine (I’m partial to Taylor Lewan’s Southwestern Burger myself). Just be careful when ordering a burger there, as the NCAA might investigate.
Another bonus, the great atmosphere at The Brown Jug lasts pretty much all day on game days, so it’s a place you can go really at any time throughout your stay in Ann Arbor. However, if you’re a student looking for a higher energy environment on a night out, head for Rick’s or Scorekeepers (better known as Skeeps).
Honorable mentions: Regents Field, Good Time Charlie’s, Garage Bar, Pretzel Bell
Best burger – Frita Batidos (Washington Street)
If you don’t consider Frita’s a “true burger,” there’s still plenty of great alternatives, but since I’m writing this, it’s a burger. Frita Batidos is another Ann Arbor staple despite only being around since 2010. Fritas’s is known for its Cuban-style burgers (called Fritas) that feature a patty and unlimited toppings of your choice with shoestring fries right on top under an egg bun. Add a batido – a Cuban-style milkshake on the side for the full experience, not to mention their great side options. Frita’s also has a bar with beer and cocktails if you’re interested.
Much like Zingerman’s though, Frita’s can be prone to high menu prices and long wait times due to the popularity, but it’s an experience you’ll definitely need to have at some point.
Honorable mentions: Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, Casey’s Tavern, Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Best place to explore nature – Barton Nature Area
One of the best parts about Ann Arbor is its connection to the midwest and all the natural beauty that the city has to offer. As such, there are plenty of places to explore the great outdoors and most of them are centered around the Huron River that runs right through town. Really you can’t go wrong, but I’m partial to the Barton Nature Area because of its access to the river and all the great walking trails in the vicinity. If you’ve got the time, I’d highly recommend exploring all the natural beauty of the Ann Arbor and Barton Hills areas while the weather is still nice.
Honorable mentions: Nichols Arboretum, Gallup Park, Arbor Hills, Border to Border trail, anywhere along the Huron River
Best pizza spot – NYPD pizza (William St.)
This one might be a hot take as an Ann Arbor pizza spot that doesn’t get a lot of love, but NYPD is about as underrated as it gets. Where NYPD really stands out is its variety with a menu full of sandwiches, wings, calzones, and New York, Chicago, and Detroit-style pizzas. Not to mention all of NYPD’s choices of pizza toppings ranging from your classics like meat lovers and veggie all the way up to mac and cheese, Philly cheesesteak, french fries, and much more.
Go to NYPD for a quick (emphasis on quick) bite in the middle of the day, or head there after a night out. They’ve got something for everyone and it’s definitely a place that should be on your to-do list while in Ann Arbor.
Honorable mentions: Pizza House, Back Room Pizza, Joe’s Pizza, Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza, Cottage Inn Pizza
Best brunch/breakfast spot – Sava’s (State St.)
This spot would’ve been reserved for Angelo’s – an Ann Arbor breakfast staple for over 70 years that closed in 2023. However, Sava’s is rather strong in its own right and will claim the top spot on the list. Located just steps from central campus on State Street, Sava’s is known for its pancakes, eggs Benedict, pastries, and cocktails. It’ll feature a mix of both students and alumni throughout the week, but is especially a great spot to grab a bite before a noon kickoff.
It never skimps on the quality, but might be a bit on the expensive side, so if you’re a student you might want to save it for when your parents come to visit.
Honorable mentions: Nick’s Original House of Pancakes, Afternoon Delight, Cafe Zola, First Bite, Fleetwood Diner
What are some of your personal favorites in Ann Arbor? Let us know down in the comments below!
