U of M Graduation dinner

[mikey47]

I know this is kind of last minute, but I sort of dropped the ball and haven't made any reservations for a graduation dinner (for April 30th). Does anyone have any suggestions? Most well-known places on campus are probably booked by now, but are there some under the radar, yet really good places I could check out? We don't have any dietary restrictions, nor strong preferences for a certain type of food. Anything good. While I wanted to stay in Ann Arbor originally, I'm now thinking that maybe it would be easier to travel a little outside. So, any really good suggestions worth traveling for, in the surrounding Ann Arbor/Metro-Detroit area?

[Rosedale]

Gandy Dancer is popular and will probably be packed, but it's big so you might still be able to get a reservation.

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Gandy Dancer Restaurant
401 Depot Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

[dct]

If you want to stay in Ann Arbor, I'd just call around to some of the places most frequently recommended on this list. Depending on the size of your group, you can probably still get a reservation. Trying to get in on the day can be rough though. Some suggestions:

West End Grill (most likely to be booked up)
Cafe Zola (I love their bstro evening feel--but not their breakfast/lunch service--completely different)
Logan (really great food, but it's not big)
Pacific Rim
The Earle (solid and dependable and suits a wide range of tastes)

Those are all downtown. Aldo downtown, but not quite as good, but very popular are
Gratzi, (italian)
Real Seafood
Vinology

They are certainly a decent place to get a meal.

Zingerman's Deli is usually packed during the day of graduation, but not always at night--still no reservations possible there. The Roadhouse is very popular, some things are hit or miss, but the drinks are great and it is a fun place.

You could also rock it old school and go to Knight's steakhouse or Weber's Inn.

One warning about the Common Grill (Chelsea)--it is very loud, so it may not be the best choice if you have older guests. I always feel like have shouted my way through dinner.

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Cafe Zola
112 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Common Grill
112 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118

West End Grill
120 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

[JanPrimus]

I will just go ahead and suggest "Common Grill" in Chelsea.

http://commongrill.com/

Then maybe a drink or two over at Seitz's Tavern around the corner.

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Common Grill
112 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118

Seitz's Tavern
110 W Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118

[merley]

We went to graduation at U of M last year and didn't have any trouble with dinner. Seems strange but it seems like the town just cleared out after the ceremony. We saw some people having BBQ at home but the restaurants weren't crowded. We ate at Seva which is a vegetarian restaurant.

It was a long day because parking was tough and waiting on line to get into the stadium was long.

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Seva Restaurant
314 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

[coney with everything]

Last year was when Obama spoke, right? I think that was an unusual situation all around.

[merley]

Yes, last year was when Obama spoke.

[Jim M]

I'd at least try The Earle downtown—it's a big place.

Common Grill is a good suggestion, also quite large.

Northville has a good collection of places that would be suitable. I have heard Gaucho Steakhouse is good, but I haven't been there—it's a Brazilian steakhouse. Search Northville, MI restaurants and you'll see other choices. No more than a 25 min. drive from downtown Ann Arbor.

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Common Grill
112 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118

Gaucho Steakhouse
39550 7 Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167