Lazy Day Kitchens: Where To Eat In Ann Arbor
America's favorite pastime, eating out, is rapidly becoming a luxury expenditure, catering to the appetites and habits of upper-middle and upper class patrons who can afford it. Restaurants, faced with exorbitant wholesale food price increases, have been forced to raise their prices accordingly.
Local restaurants, meantime, have had to take profit losses by holding down price increases in order to continue drawing a predominantly young clientele. While eating in, i.e., home cookin'. remains the cheapest and usually most sensible way to eat, restaurants do have their attraction for people who enjoy or need the conveniences, food varieties, and services offered.
Quality and quantity should be the important considerations in deciding where to eat out. If you don't want food additives and extenders, stick to Natural Food restaurants. As regards price, you generally get what you pay for. A hamburger for $1.20 will usually be twice as good as one for (Such logic rarely follows at fast-food billion-burger joints, however.)
Natural Foods
For really good food and unpretentious atmosphere, Ann Arbor's three natural food restaurants are highly recommended.
SEVA (314 E. Liberty, 11-8:30, Fri-Sat till 9:30, Sun 4-8:30) has many elaborate, expensive, and exotic specialties, a favorite being the Persea sandwich: mushrooms, onions, sprouts, green peppers, melted cheese, and topped with guacamole.
While EDEN'S (330 Maynard, 10-7, closed Sun) and INDIAN SUMMER (315 S. State, 8:30-8:30, 4-8:30 Sun) offer basically the same variety of scrumptous vegetable oriented foods and drinks, EDEN'S generally offers larger single servings. great for meal sharing, and is more a cafeteria than a restaurant. Try their chapati sandwich: a whole wheat shell filled with tasty vegetables of your choice. At INDIAN SUMMER, the eggplant parmesan, mushrooms with rice, and black bread toast are particularly filling.
Ethnic Foods
If oriental foods are your main dish, get your chop sticks primed. PAGODA (311 S. Main, 11:30-11:30, till 1:30 on weekend) offers an impressive selection of cantonese foods, prepared by the entirely Chinese staff. Their sweet and sour pork is a favorite. LEO PING'S ( 118 W. Liberty. Tu-Th, 11:30-8:30, till 10:30 wknds, 12-8 Sun) menu is similar, with such items as chop suey and egg rolls brought to your table by non-oriental waitresses. Prices are high, considering what you get. At both places take-out service is available. and American foods are available too, though rarely ordered. Equally oriental is KAMAKURA (611 Church, 11:30-9), offering exquisite Japanese Cuisine, including such taste treats as Shabu Shabu. Yakinuki. Sahimi, and japanese-style eggrolls. Good prices and pleasant atmosphere. Several other oriental restaurants have opened recently, check them out.
Moving west, there are several good German restaurants in town. Heavy on Germanic atmosphere and decorations is the HEIDLEBERG (211 N. Main. 11 -2, closed Mon), where waitresses dressed in native clothing serve up such suspicious sounding delights as Sauerbraten; in actuality, tasty marinated beef. Also enveloped in old world atmosphere is OLD GERMAN ( 120 W. Washington, 11-8:30 till 8 Sun), lauded for its excellent menu, of which baked spareribs with sauerkraut and spatzen leads off. METZGERS (203 E. Washington, 4-12) also comes highly recommended, serving savory and relatively inexpensive German foods.
Appealing to south of the border tastes is LOMA LINDA (990 Broadway, 11:30-10, till 11 Fri & Sat, 1-2am Sun), where cold water is a popular item, supplementing the spices and American-made Mexican selections. The house favorite is the enchilada-taco combination plate. (A nonfood attraction, by the way, is Loma Linda's 5' x 7' videotape projector TV screen, where football freaks can view the game of the week every Monday night in life-sized living color.)
Steak and Fish
For the best buy in steaks, steer clear of the big ranch restaurants, and head for the BEST STEAK HOUSE (217 S. State, 11-9). For a reasonably low price, you can get a steak of your choice, done as you like it, a baked potato, texas toast and salad, all prepared before your eyes. The atmosphere is excellent also.
For deli sandwich's, where else but the two VAUDEVILLE DELICATESSANS (1211 S. University, 800 S. State, 9:30-1, till 2 Fri & Sat). Both offer the finest in New York kosher sandwich meats and the finest in Detroit breads, great soups. a surprisingly delicious cheese cake, and a noisy and crowded atmosphere as well.
DRAKES (709 N. University, 10-10:45. till 11:45 Fri & Sat), though known more for their candy, treats, and superb teas, also carries a fantastic variety of sandwich spreads, and their milk shakes are unbelievable
If you're fishing around for good seafood. try the CRACKED CRAB ( 112 W. Washington, 11-11, till 12 wknds, 5-11 Sun). Prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere is seaworthy, arid favorites include ocean fresh beer battered fish and steamed Alaskan king crab. Their Ocean Burger for 95¢ is one of Ann Arbor's best bargains. The WHIFFLETREE (208 W. Huron, 11-1, Sun 12-12) is also a popular place. The variety of seafoods, meat dinners, and drinks attract a variety of patrons. The salads and Irish coffee are great and the bread is served warm-umm good!
The GANDY DANCER (401 Depot, 11-11, till 12 Fri & San 3-10 Sun) of course is the place for seafoods, but expect to pay much more. A speciality at only $10.25 a person, is the Cheasapeake Bay Bucket; two lobsters, crab, steamers, mussels, boiled Red Skins, and corn on the cob.
Also expensive, and recommended only when your parents are treating, is WIN SCHULER'S (3600 Plymouth, 7-11, till 12 Fri & Sat, till 10 Sun); the epitome for high quality, high service, and high prices. Appetizers and deserts taste just as good as as the meals, but stay out of the kitchen or you may lose your appetite.
If you're treating your parents, head over for KRAZY JIMS (551 S. Division, 9-12, closed Sun), a quiet quaint hamburger joint with a good selection of salads, fruits, appetizers, and sandwiches, all at reasonably low prices.
Greek Restaurants
There are several spots in town where a few bucks or less will feed you a complete dinner in either Greek or American cuisine. These restaurants have specials that vary daily, and all the meals are usually within a low price range. The DELTA (640 Packard, 7-1) features their Greek menu every Monday and Wednesday. While they cater to the student's expense account, they may not fill his appetite. Try it for breakfast, which they serve all day, or an omelette dinner. The ATHENIAN (120 E. Washington, 11-9, closed Sun) features Grecian meals all the time, and delicatessan sandwiches. Thursday is Greek night at the OLYMPIC (211 N. Main, 6-12). Specialities are veal and pizza, the quality is similar to the other low-priced places, but the prices are slightly higher. FRANK'S (334 Maynard, 6-9) has acquired a fine reputation, for their 79-year-old genuine Greek chef has a lot of experience under his belt. They serve Greek food Tues. and Thurs., and breakfast all day. The LAMPLIGHTER (421 E. Liberty, 10-2am) draws more of a business crowd, features Sicilian pizza and shish-kabab. The atmosphere is calm, drinks are served and the prices are a bit higher, but still reasonable.
General Foods
There are many restaurants in town for persons on a low budget, frequented mostly by those who don't have cash drooling from their fingertips. These places usually serve pizza, sandwiches, and at least have a few breakfast and dinner selections. The STADIUM (338 S. State, 8-2, Sun 8-1) offers a football-oriented decor, and its convenient location near central campus provides much student business. Although they occasionally burn their pizza, the BROWN JUG (1204 S. University, 7-2, till 3 Fri & Sat. 9:30am-2am Sun) is a popular spot because of their location and liquor license. The CAMPUS GRILL (808 S. State, 7-10) does a lot of breakfast business, has sandwiches and meals, but no pizza. If you don't want to eat there, order any of their menu items for carry-out. The COTTAGE INN (512 E. William, 10-2, till 3 Fri & Sat) is one of the oldest pizzarias in town, with 12 years experience. They also feature complete dinners, sandwiches , and salads, and they deliver. There are a lot of PIZZA BOBS (814 S. State, 11-2, 12-2am Sun) fans in Ann Arbor, and needless to say they make the best subs and possibly the best pizza in town, with the exception of PIZZA PARK (333 E. Huron, 6-12, 6-2 Fri & Sat), formerly Pizza Loy's. Pizza Park also offers a breakfast selection all day, as well as the sandwiches and pizza. If you're on a limited budget, but you like a friendlier, more personal touch, try STEVE'S LUNCH (1313 S. University, 8-8, closed Mon) or ANGELO'S (1100 Catherine, 6-7:45, Sun 7am-2pm). Steve's offer fresh homemade eggrolls, tempura, and a wide breakfast selection and swift service. And you can talk to the friendly folks who own the place while they cook your food. Angelo's is like Mom's home cookin'. The homemade Greek bread is always fresh and delicious, and they have great breakfast waffles. And every Thursday they serve up the best split pea soup in town. For a strictly no-non-cents fuss budget, try the FLEETWOOD (330 S. Ashley, 6-1 :30am) for the best 50¢ bowl of chili you'll ever find.
The BETSY ROSS (Nichol's Arcade, 88 Mon-Sat, Sun 9-8) offers the widest breakfast selection in town, with a slightly nicer atmosphere than most other campus-oriented restaurants. Two other places with pleasant surroundings are the MANIKAS' (307 S. Main, 7-9) and the CURTIS (207 S. Main, 11-12). Manikas offers booze and a good selection of steaks, while the Curtis is known for its cafeteria-style luncheon until 4pm, followed by table service of such all-american goodies as roast beef, chicken, steaks, and chops. These two are frequented by downtown shoppers, businesspersons, and a generally middle-age set, and the slightly higher prices reflect this.
Speakeasies
If you like to eat, drink, and be merry in an elegant atmosphere, but you don't want to spend your life-savings, there are several places in town that you'll find amiable. BICYCLE JIM'S (1287 S. University, 11-12, late on Fri & Sat, Sun 4-12) features a bicycle-fetish atmosphere; the food and drink are good, at moderate prices. The PRETZEL BELL (120 E. Liberty, 11-10, Sun 12-10) serves up inflatedly-priced cafeteria style food daily. If you are economizing, go someplace else. CHANCES ARE (516 E. Liberty, 11-7:30) services a business crowd for lunch. Their sandwiches are moderately priced, and the salad bar is popular in a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere. They are open from 8 pm on for booze and music only-no food. And don't pass up the BLIND PIG (208 S. First, 9-2:30. 11-2:30 Sat, Noon-2:30 Sun), the ultimate in the true cafe tradition. Talk with friends and partake of one of the widest wine selections around, inside or outside in a glass-enclosed cafe; a very pleasant and real atmosphere. At night, the band downstairs fills the walls with music. Food selection is limited, but fantastic.
All-Nighters
If you're up all night with the munchies, try BIFFS (414 E. William). Prices are higher than you'd expect for counter service, but they offer a complete and varied line of sandwiches, salads, dinners, etc. The pictures on the menu are tempt-
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Where To Eat
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-ing, but the food never tastes as good as the pictures look . In the morning they offer a $1.15 mini-breakfast. Another choice in town for night-persons is the WOLVERINE DEN (1201 S. University). The prices are low, and they have the usual assortment of campus foods. greasy pizza included.
Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti also possesses its fair share of good restaurants, If you're a spaghetti freak, hit the SPAGHETTI BENDER (23 N. Washington, 4-10, till 12 wknds), which advertises "Pasta and Pizza and Other Good Things." The lasagna is especially good, prices are fairly good. and the atmosphere is relaxed. (Avoid the other Ypsi place which has bargain spaghetti nights. Shit at any price is no bargain.) Not so big on atmosphere, but good on food and entertainment is the OLIVE TREE (16 N. Huron, 11-12 Mon-Wed, till 2 Th-Sat, closed Sun), where Greek bands and belly dancers irequently entertain you over tempting plates of Greek or American food. For great Chinese food, head for OLD CHINA (505 W. Cross, 11 :30-9), the best Chinese food around. Prices are moderately high and the atmosphere is slightly reminiscent of some of China's finer opium dens, but the food is worth it.
Ypsi's best greasy spoon has to be OLD TOWN (36 E. Cross, 6-7:30, closed Sun), secreted away in a rundown section of the city. The food is very inexpensive but also really good. The atmosphere is blue collarish; really down to earth. At the other extreme is HOBBS (18 W. Michigan. 11-9. till 10 wknds), which is expensive, high on atmosphere (done in early American decor), and has a bar separate from the dining area. The steak comes highly recommended. Washtenaw County naturally offers more fine restaurants than we could possibly cover here, The secret is keeping your eyes and ears open for discovering such places. Also, all restaurants which advertise in the SUN are definitely safe spots for you to try out. Just be sure to avoid franchise restaurants, unless you like the taste of plastic. If you must eat out, make it worth your money.
-- Rich Fox & Marty Stern
Article
Subjects
Freeing John Sinclair
The Cracked Crab
Restaurants
Old News
Ann Arbor Sun
112 W Washington St