Detroit & Ann Arbor "Must go To" Restaurants?

[Bobby Wham]

Hi, I'm planning to visit The Detroit & Ann Arbor area soon, and I've been doing some research as to where the best spots to eat are? I don't care about fancy sit down restaurants, I want the good-cheap take out food the locals eat, I want Blimp Burger, I want to go to Coney Island, I want some Detroit Soul food. Anyone know where I should go in a span of a 4 day trip?

[berkleybabe]

There are a number of good Vietnamese Restaurants and markets on John R road between 13 and 12 mile (check postings) --great pho and wide range of chow in the restaurants, great banh mi for takeout at the markets. Iconic Coney Island is either Lafayette or American, on Lafayette in downtown. Lots of folks swear by Lazybones in Roseville (not far off I696) for ribs. Lous pizza in Hazel Park is probably the best Detroit deep dish pizza (the controversy has gone on for years between Louis, Buddy's and Shields.) Lots more postings if you'll check out the archive.

Where are you staying? That would also help us direct you...

[berkleybabe]

See below, posting on "Two Days in Detroit" --excellent posting with real finds!

[charlesbois]

In Ann Arbor, the absolute MUST for good cheap and local is Jerusalem garden. it's probably not even the best middle eastern food in Ann Arbor, but it is the most popular. Their lentil soup is to die for. Definitely recommend you sit at the counter up front to see the cooks in action.

Another must, the Fleetwood. This is cheap diner food at its essence -- 24-hours, interesting patrons, surly waitstaff. The hippie hash/hippie breakfast is the only thing to get there, really.

Save the Coney Island trip for somewhere in metro Detroit, none of the Ann Arbor coneys can hold a candle to them.

If you head out to Ypsilanti (about 10 minutes or so from Ann Arbor) the Chick Inn is an authentic, 1950s drive in with wonderful pineapple shakes. it's open year round. Also in Ypsi is Bills. it's just a drive up hot dog stand offering hot dogs, coneys, potato chips and root beer ONLY. But the root beer is homemade and worth a trip.

And lastly, it's Blimpy Burgers you're looking for (unless the left out y was just a typo, and in that case, my apologies). Expect more surliness from Blimpy's staff, especially if you don't order quickly and with presence of mind. I definitely enjoy the surliness though.

[charlesbois]

Forgot to add Kosmo's in Kerrytown (neat little shopping area next to the farmer's market). Sit at the counter and enjoy vegetable twiggum (Korean vegetable tempura) and other tasty delights.

Zingerman's (see Jim M's post below) is also near Kerrytown. It is possible to eat cheaply at Zingerman's, and they will give you samples of anything you want, but be prepared for some serious sticker shock if you order a sandwich. I stick to their soups, prepared salads and knishes.

[momskitchen]

Any tourist visiting Ann Arbor needs to stop at Zingermans...it's not cheap but it's an institution. Too bad Red Hot Lovers closed. I would have recommended it.

for Middle Eastern food, I wouldn't recommend anyplace in Ann Arbor, Head to Dearborn for Middle Eastern - I like Ollie's on Ford Rd. and my fave is Al Ameer on Warren near the Detroit line. Also in Dearborn, I like the Parthenon Coney Island on Ford. Stay away from coney chains Kerby and Leos - pretty price. Or, you could head to Greektown in Detroit and hit one of the diners there for coneys. Plenty to choose from....

Also, a Detroit institution is Buddy's pizza - it doesn't taste like any other pizza you might have tried. Many locations in Metro Detroit.

[charlesbois]

no doubt middle eastern food is better in dearborn, but if you're going to where the locals eat, Jerusalem Garden is probably the number one spot that comes to mind. that and Le Dog for cheap eats, and good hot dogs now that red hot lover is closed.

[Jim M]

I was going to suggest Le Dog, too. No seating--go on a nice day and sit outside. On Friday (and maybe Thursday) they have lobster bisque; Tuesday and Wednesday (many weeks but not all) they have a special like chicken paprikash. If you get the proprietor, be prepared for a brusque attitude. Note sign: No Coke. No soda. EVER!! However, the soups range from good to outstanding.

To my mind there are several Middle Eastern places in AA that are good and cheap. Maybe Dearborn has a small overall edge, but these places fluctuate. Any one can serve a great meal on any given day. I do like Jerusalem Garden. (Also try the hippie Indian food next door--not bad, very collegiate atmosphere). Try the Israeli-style food at Haifa Falafel--full meal including drink for $7, and really good.. Pita Pita on Washtenaw is good.

[momskitchen]

Hmmm...I'm a local and I never go there, and no one I know goes thee. I've been there once long ago, and decided to cross it off my list, but since you like it so much, maybe I'll give it a shot. What should I try there? The last time I went there, I had a fattoush salad and it was awful, but maybe things have changed. I know they have recently expanded their seating so some folks must like the place.

[charlesbois]

well i like the fattoush with fried pita, the chicken shwarma sandwich, and my favorites are the kabab sandwich and the lentil soup. Oh and their baba is always fresh, smoky and garlicky. I think the fare is pretty good, especially for the money, and I believe it compares with a lot of the middle eastern food I've had in the suburbs, especially the old La Shishes.

After having gone to J-gardens for 20-plus years, I've seen the students come and go, but remember and routinely see the faces of the loyal patrons. There's a reason that J-Gardens is jam packed at the lunch and dinner rushes, and that in nice weather the outdoor seating is full. It's the same reason that it gets routinely voted "best cheap eats" and "best middle eastern" pretty consistently in current and the other ubiquitous best of Ann Arbor polls. But if you don't like eating cheek-and-jowl with your neighbors at the counter, or you don't like the more laid-back vibe of this place rather than some of the other local hotspots, you probably won't like J-gardens.

One disappointment though, they changed their falafal with hummus sandwich to incorporate romaine lettuce. It's just not the same, and that sandwich was their gold standard item.

[momskitchen]

I'll give it another whirl...love a great baba....have you tried Star's Cafe in Westgate for Middle Eastern? I pick up some carryout there every once in a while and I think it's pretty good - it's not my beloved Al Ameer, but it is good and there is no parking hassle.

[Jim M]

Blimpy Burger is good, but it's not for the faint of heart!

Zingerman's isn't cheap, but that's where Ann Arborites will send you, and it's good.

Two good sub shops in AA: Izzy's Hoagie Shop on W. Stadium and Joe's on State between Liberty and Washington, near the U-M campus.

[Bobby Wham]

This is great so far, thanks a lot for the comments! Don't know where I'm staying yet, most likely in Ann Arbor but I will be driving so it's no big deal the distance between places (and yes, I meant Blimpy's, I've read about the etiquette and how you're supposed to order, sounds pretty intense in there!)

[Emil N. Firpo]

Hey Bobby,
If you want to eat like a local you've got to try Olga's Kitchen. There's 22 locations in Metro Detroit, including Ann Arbor. Pita sandwiches on special bread and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Also, if your looking for an authentic Coney you've got to go to Davison Coney Island in Oak Park, the corner of Coolidge and 9 Mile Rd. REAL Coneys. Louies Pizza in Hazel Park for the best deep dish pizza, Dequindre Rd. North of 9 Mile Rd. They've also got a barbeque sandwich called a Louies Special that you'll be talking about when you get home. If you want great Soul food, then try Beans and Cornbread on Northwestern Highway. I think it's West Bloomfield, I'm not sure but you can MapQuest any of these locations. Bona Petite !!!

[rainsux]

> If you want to eat like a local you've got to try Olga's Kitchen

Sigh ... there are so many better options than Olga's.

[Ludlows23]

LOL - I thought that when I read the Olga's post too. However, I sort of agree (ducking so that the CH's don't throw something at me). I am a HUGE food snob, but I grew up here and LOVE Olga's - its my guilty pleasure. When I lived away from MI, I would always hit an Olga's when I was in town for an original and a spinach pie. My family laughs at me - because at every other restaurant I go to, I take the longest to order and still have to narrow my choices to 3 things & then ask the server. But at Olga's, I get the same thing everytime...

[JanPrimus]

As for the in between places...

In Canton you can hit Thai Bistro or Mastuchan.
http://www.thaicuisine.com/r/1801.html
http://events.detnews.com/canton-mi/venues/show/72669-matsuchan

Dearborn has many delights....
I swear by Amani's "Lunch for Two" - Closer to a lunch for 4.
http://amanilebaneserestaurant.com/

As for great Sandwich or Soup near Downtown Detroit.
www.mudgiesdeli.com

[Jim M]

Second on Mudgie's. That place is a real pearl. One sandwich would feed two, or you could pork out and eat the whole thing.

[JanPrimus]

I have been known to order more than one sandwich at a time...

I think on Mondays that have 1/2 off on second sammies or soup...

[Bobby Wham]

Tis is great!!! Thanks so much

[Jim M]

How about the soul food, Motown hounds? I used to know some great places but they've closed. I heard Southern Fires on Bellevue is good--anyone tried it? There's a little place in the Greektown block on Monroe where I've had good ribs--can't remember the name, but it's the only takeout-oriented place on the block (there is also seating). Beans and Cornbread in Southfield was great when I went there, but it's been a few years.

[rainsux]

Beans & Cornbread is thriving ... and they have acquired a liquor license.

I also enjoy Mama's Place. My last visit was a tad disappointing - no grits, nor sweet tea. I have never had a "safety" problem, but am very
uncomfortable in the 7 Mile & Greenfield neighborhood.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&s...