Around Ann Arbor, MI – Beer, Food & Fun
When it comes to food and libations there are literally hundreds of options within the a short 20 mile radius around Ann Arbor. And there’s something for every taste too.
Ann Arbor itself is like a mini San Francisco, literally buzzing with side-by-side eateries, hip decor and sophisticated diners. This is the place to go for upscale restaurants, trendy wine bars and craft cocktails. It’s the kind of place my typical RV attire feels woefully inadequate. Where are my high heels again? Oh that’s right…I didn’t bring any!
The towns of Dexter, Chelsea and Ypsilanti (known locally as Ypsi) are smaller downs with a more laid-back vibe and small downtown areas with food, coffee and beer. The charm of each place is unique from the mid-century industrial feel of Chelsea to the more intimate vibe of Dexter. They’re all worth an individual visit.
Since our good friends Matt and Tracie were in the area, we spent most of our time hanging with them, but we did get to see several RV buddies too. Our friends Krash, Karen & Pipa came down from Tawas for a weekend, so we got a lunch date with them. And I managed to sneak in a breakfast with buddies Leigh and Brian, long-term RV friends (that also run the excellent campground review site Campendium) who are currently parked near Detroit. The rest of the time we did shorter outings by ourselves with doggie in tow.
Of course we only scratched the surface in the area. Given how MANY places there are to go and the fact that our waistlines could only handle a FEW outings, we really didn’t manage to get anywhere close to trying them all. But we did find a few gems, and even a few dog-friendly spots worth sharing. Here’s our top-rated list:
Trendy Ann Arbor, MI
It’s hard to even talk about Ann Arbor because there are SO many places worth trying and of course we didn’t even get to go to a tenth of them. This place is hip, it’s happening, it’s full of youngsters (University of Michigan is right there, after all) and it’s got a vibrant energy that never sleeps. If you like big city living you will LOVE this town, with the bonus that everything is compacted in a nice, accessible space. The only slight bummer (for us) is that not many of the downtown areas are dog-friendly, so for folks with furry family you may have to leave them at home. Nonetheless we thoroughly enjoyed our nights out on the town and had several excellent meals with our buddies:
- Best Cocktails = Black Pearl. This place can get crazy busy, but if you catch it early (say, before dinner) it has a most excellent martini & cocktail menu. We had a slew of craft cocktails which the bar keep just made up on the spot, including one of the best chocolate martini’s I’ve had since Portland, OR. Click HERE.
- Best Wine Bar = VinBar. This is a simple, modern place which offers an excellent selection of wines served by a very knowledgeable staff. Lots of local MI wine options on offer here too. Click HERE.
- Best Fancy Meal = Pacific Rim. This place is a total splurge, but it offers an insanely tasty array of Asian-inspired food in a cozy, upscale environment. By far the best meal we’ve had in a while. Yummy!! Click HERE.
- Best Breakfast = Zingerman’s. This is a quirky place with several buildings including a little shop, eatery and deli. LOTS of excellent and affordable breakfast options here including gluten-free offerings too. I went here with our buddies Leigh & Brian after a big night out, and it was the perfect spot to replenish my belly and mind. Extra bonus? You can bring your doggie to the outdoor seating area. Click HERE. Dog friendly!
Worthy Mentions -> More than we can fit into one blog post! These are all places we didn’t try, but were on our “list”. Frita Batidos (Cuban inspired place), Biercamp (love the name), Wolverine State Brewing Co (looks awesome) and The Lunch Room (always enjoy trying good vegan places). Sooooo many more I could add to this list!
Cozy Dexter, MI
I know I probably shouldn’t say I have a favorite, but I have to admit that out of all the towns we visited the relaxed and intimate nature of Dexter charmed me the most. Part of it might be that we went so often (due to Polly’s rehab), so it became like a second home to us. But part of it was also the dog-friendliness (how can you not be charmed when the beer place brings out a water bowl for your pooch together with the beer menu?), the relaxing downtown Riverwalk trail, the cute little farmers market and the easy accessibility of everything in town. Our fav spots in town?
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A beer flight w/Polly at The Beer Grotto Best Beer = The Beer Grotto. A beer menu with over 40 craft brews, an extremely knowledgeable server and a pleasant outdoor dog-friendly seating area. What more could you ask for? Paul fell in love with the Kuhnhenn DRIPA (Double Rice IPA, brewed in Warren, MI) while I enjoyed a very nice New Holland “Dragon’s Milk” Imperial Stout. They have several locations in the area and the beer menu is constantly rotating, so if you have a particular hankering check out their website before you go. GREAT SPOT! Click HERE. Dog friendly at the Dexter location!
- Best Coffee = Joe & Rosie’s Specialty Tea & Coffee. Wonderful little coffee shop downtown with outdoor dog-friendly seating. Good Mocha’s, nice atmosphere, friendly place. Click HERE. Dog friendly!
Worthy Mentions -> Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is a worthy spot to try some sours. Only negative? Nowhere to sit and enjoy your beer with doggie in tow.
Artsy, Industrial Chelsea, MI
Admittedly we only made it once to Chelsea in our time here, and then it was more like a quick walk through than a thorough exploration. The little we saw, however was enough to convince us that this town has substantial and interesting depth.
On the historical side, the Chelsea clock tower is famous, as is the Jiffy Mix Factory, both of which dominate the downtown skyline when you’re there. But the place also has a deep connection to the arts. There’s the acclaimed Purple Rose Theater, as well as an excellent Music & Festival scene. Plus it has a most lovely library and a solid beer place (Chelsea Alehouse Brewery).
Sadly we didn’t get to stop and sample the beers/food, so reviews will have to be left to our readers. We should have spent more time here, no doubt, but we were happy we got a taste.
Laid-Back Ypsilanti, MI
There’s no way we would have discovered this little gem if it weren’t for our friends Karen and Krash who called this area their home for many years.
Of all the smaller towns we went to this has the most relaxed vibe, and the most “local” feel. It’s only a few blocks long, but packs in several lovely eateries and even a wonderful little organic food co-op. You can tell that the folks who live here do so because they want to be out of the “bigger city” and simply love the area. We had a most excellent meal with the dogs, followed by a lovely little stroll along the river where Polly was able to dip her paws in the water.
- Best Beer & Burgers = Sidetrack. Great beer menu, solid burgers and several different outdoor patio areas. They even have a dedicated doggie menu! Click HERE. Dog friendly!
Worthy Mentions -> Maìz Mexican Cantina gets four paws up from Krash & Karen and although we didn’t get to try it ourselves, it sure looked tasty as we walked past. Plus it’s got dog-friendly outdoor seating!
And last, but not least. No visit to Ann Arbor would be complete without catching a University Of Michigan football game, or so we were assured by our buddy Matt (a UM alum). Michigan Stadium is the largest football stadium in the US, with a mind-boggling capacity of 107,601 people, and when the game’s on it is often full! So when you go, you’re going for an all-out experience. Since I’m not much of a football gal, Paul and Matt enjoyed a “man date” and they most definitely had a blast. Go Blue!
Thus ends our time in Ann Arbor. We’re headed West, albeit briefly, to check out the Western Coast of the MI “mitt”. Then, it’s high-ho-silver all the way to New York City. More blog fodder is a-coming…
Wow … Interesting posts on MI.
We’re just getting ready to head south from Calgary, Alberta to Florida for a few months and then Arizona for the rest of the winter. Really enjoy your posts, photography and humour.
About the dress code …. we’re right there with you. I have 2 pairs of shoes (1 brown and 1 black) and maybe 1 or 2 dress pants and a few shirts. The rest of my clothing ensemble consists of jeans, cargo pants and shorts, along with a slew of Harley T-shirts.
Question on the beer flight … how do you keep the beer from going warm and skunky in the sun. Besides drink fast.
And the Michigan Stadium with seating for 107,000+. Puts our little CFL Football stadium (maybe 35,000 seats) to shame. I thought our stadium cheering was loud so I can just imagine what 107,000+ would sound like.
Regards
Rick
Regarding the beer it typically doesn’t last that long. We always share taster flights and they’re only 1.5-2 oz each. So between the two of us it’s done pretty quickly.
And yes, Paul said that stadium was crazy loud. Going to the game is an experience here!
Nina
Paul looks great in Maize and Blue! 🙂
Definitely! The two of them made quite the handsome pair I thought 🙂
Nina
Fun! While we are talking, is it OK for me to re-post one of your Pictured Rock cruise photos (attributed, of course )? Soooo much better than any of mine.
Sure! Nina
Thanks!
What a fun time – you guys look so happy!! The tuna and chips looks incredible. Love the hummingbird and bike planter.
Thanks. We had a good time in the area. And yes that tuna and chips dish was awesome. Pretty much everything we ate at that restaurant (Pacific Rim) was awesome.
Nina
Great write-up, Nina! And, after living in the area for 40+ years of my life, I’d say that you summed up each town perfectly.
A quick clarification, should anyone care, is that we were in the Depot Town section of Ypsilanti while at Sidetrack. The main downtown Ypsi area was a few blocks away, on Michigan Ave. (U.S. 12), with more restaurants, shops, and businesses. We didn’t make it over there with you, but perhaps next time.
Safe travels, hugs to all of the fur kids, and continue to enjoy the journey.
Cheers for the details. It’s always hard to describe a place that you only visit briefly, especially when you know it’s been someone’s home for many years. It’s good to know I got it somewhat right 🙂 We really enjoyed out time here.
Nina
Glad you were able to enjoy so many of the highlights of Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. This area has been home my entire life, living in Chelsea the past 25 years.
Not going to mention all the things you might have missed in this area, there is so much to do with such little time.
We’ve been followers of your blog for almost 2 years, about the time we were deciding on a life in the RV fulltime. Reading about your visit to our local area was much enjoyed
Looking forward to our own fulltime adventure that begins in a few months. Maybe see you on the road some day. Oh, and Paul – Go Blue!
Glad you enjoyed it! Paul had a blast at the game. He’s usually a FL Gators fan, but I think he’ll be rooting for UM now too. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the excitement with such a large and supportive crowd.
Very exciting that you’re starting your own journey too. In just a few months! Wish you the best of travels. Maybe we’ll see ya down the road?
Nina
The next time we are together I want to see some photos of you in heels–I can’t imagine!! :)))))
Sounds like a business opportunity for a full time RV’er to pursue. I can see a nice trailer pulled behind say a Class A. Nicely painted with the scheme of a stiletto high heeled shoe on the side. Maybe with the logo ‘Nina’s Fashion Heels 4Rent!’. (Of course, you could also except barter vs visa – taking craft brews for shoes!)
And Deb I were commenting last weekend, that College Football is just so much more entertaining the Pro!!!
Ongoing best wishes as you Boutique Beer Taste your way across this beautiful area of the nation!!!
Smitty
Are those your old co-workers? It must be strange to visit people who are still in “the grind”.
Although, Matt and Tracie still look pretty happy and healthy. Cool you could go out to an upscale vino bar in dressy clothes and reminisce with ol’ pals. Lookin’ good.
Yup! In fact I started working at my first company the very same day that Matt did. We’ve known each other for over 20 years now.
Nina
You guys really took in the town. Absolutely Love the Foodie reviews. This is the thing we enjoy the most in our RV travels; exploring local cuisine, pubs and culture. It’s the reason to travel. Great review!
I’m totally with you. Good food and interesting beverages are definitely a passion that Paul and I share, and a core part of our travels. In fact many of our memories are based around food. We’ll have conversations like “remember that time we went to SanFrancisco and had the gnocchi with truffle sauce?”…and we’ll both instantly remember that place and that moment.
Nina
Good friends, good food, beer, and coffee…does it get any better:) I’m jealous that you caught up with Leigh and Brian!!
Love reading people’s view of our little town (and Dexter too!) When you were in Chelsea you were real close to Hell, Michigan. They have a great little ice cream parlor called Screams 🙂 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Michigan Glad you got to Zingerman’s. Isn’t it awesome! Sounds like you had good advice as to where to go in town.
Oh how cool! When we go back to the area I’m def checking out that ice cream store! Yes, Zingermans was great. It took us a while to figure out how to order (it’s a real quirky layout), but the food rocked. I had a sweet potato hash that was just delicious, and their gluten-free bread was very good too. Definitely four paws up from us.
Nina
I read your blog faithfully and really liked the Ann Arbor post. I used to live just east of Ypsi.
Now that you are going West in Michigan, and might like cars, check out the Gilmore Museum near Kalamazoo http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/ They even have electric-only camping in a nice meadow. Lots of room for doggies to run.
Sidetrack is perimeter best! The only place I can find Unity Vibration Kombucha beer
That’s supposed to say “seriously the best”
Totally! In fact when we were there that’s exactly what I drank. I’d never seen it before and just had to try it. I really liked it!
Nina
Just started reading your blog! I love your tips. We just got an RV because we love to vacation a lot. Anyway, we live right here in Dexter and I’m so glad you feel the same way about our town as I do!
We had SO much fun in your area! Welcome to the RV world and my blog. I wish you many excellent travels!
Nina