15 Ann Arbor food spots to satisfy every craving

By Layla McMurtrie on Fri, Sep 15, 2023 at 11:54 am

While the streets of Ann Arbor are filled with plenty of places to eat and drink, the best food spots can only be found if you look hard. Some are randomly placed in between pubs and chains, some are a little outside downtown and don’t catch University of Michigan students’ eyes; but, the city does have quite a few great restaurants serving up food from all over the world. Check out this mix of small family businesses and local favorites that can fulfill your cravings day and night.

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Facebook, Detroit Street Filling Station

Detroit Street Filling Station

300 Detroit St.; 734-224-8262; thelunchrooma2.com/detroit-street-filling-station-1

For the vegans and vegetarians specifically, this spot is for you. The restaurant provides nice outdoor patio seating and an array of plant-based appetizers and meals.

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Facebook, Pilar’s Tamales

Pilar's Tamales

2261 W. Liberty St.; 734-929-4161; pilarstamales.com

At this Salvadoran food restaurant, owner Sylvia is a welcoming smile in the community. Apart from the tamales, pupusas, and various traditional sides, the spot offers horchata and Latin coffee drinks.

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Facebook, Jamaican Jerk Pit of Ann Arbor

Jamaican Jerk Pit

314 S. Thayer St.; 734-585-5278; jamaicanjerkpit.com

The interior of this small space is brightly colored and lined with the flags of Caribbean countries. While it is take-out only, its authenticity is unmatched.

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Layla McMurtrie

The Blue Nile

221 E. Washington St.; 734-998-4746; bluenilemi.com

As the only Ethiopian restaurant in the area, this family-owned spot has shoes to fill… and does it well. Stepping in, the decoration makes it feel like you aren’t in Ann Arbor at all. Try the “all you can eat” vegetarian platter for $20 that comes with unlimited sides and crepe-like Ethiopian bread Injera. Various meats can be added for extra and the spot sells a list of unique cocktails.

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Facebook, Le Dog

Le Dog = La Soup

306 S. Main St., Suite #1-E; 734-769-5650; le-dog-la-soup.business.site

This Ann Arbor staple has been serving up the city from its small stand since 1979. With tons of soups, stews, and hot dog options, Le Dog is perfect for a quick lunch stop.

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Facebook, Dalat Restaurant

Dalat Restaurant

2216 S. Main St.; 734-327-0091; dalatrestaurantannarbor.com

For Vietnamese noodle soups, rice dishes, stir-fries, vermicelli, and more, this place has got the authenticity and the variety.

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Facebook, Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ

882 W. Eisenhower Pkwy.; 734-332-8789; alohahawaiianbbqmi.com

This Hawaiian barbeque restaurant just opened in the last month and seems to be the one and only authentic Hawaiian food place in all of Southeast Michigan.

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Facebook, Moon Cafe

Moon Cafe

812 S. State St.; 734-769-5650; mooncafeannarbor.com

While this small shack-like building may seem to be just a frozen yogurt spot, it also offers traditional Korean street food including dukbokki udon, bibimbap, and japchae.

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Facebook, 1923

1923

552 S. Main St.; 734-934-0969; 1923.llc

This completely gluten-free taco truck is a London double-decker bus transformed into a restaurant. It’s got outdoor patio seating on the top level, great food, and rolled ice cream.

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Facebook, Taste of India

Taste of India

217 S. State St.; 734-557-3805; tasteofindiasuvai.com

There’s a good handful of Indian restaurants in Ann Arbor, but this one is winning. The interior is super homey and the menu offers a plethora of dosa, biryani, and curry options.

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Facebook, Fleetwood Diner

Fleetwood Diner

300 S. Ashley St.; 734-995-5502; facebook.com/officialfleetwooddiner

Every city or town needs a good greasy 24-hour diner, and this is Ann Arbor’s. The spot was opened as Dagwood Diner in 1949 and was renamed Fleetwood in 1979. Its interior is covered in generations of stickers for a fun read while you dine. There is also a location in Lansing, so both big Michigan universities get the experience.

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Facebook, Miss Kim

Miss Kim

415 N. Fifth Ave.; 734-275-0099; misskimannarbor.com

Many know about Zingerman’s bakery, but not this Korean restaurant that is connected to it. The spot, run by Korean-born Chef Ji Hye Kim, opened in 2016 as a part of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Miss Kim works with local farmers on a menu of traditional Korean cuisine.

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Facebook, Jerusalem Garden

Jerusalem Garden

314 E. Liberty St.; 734-995-5060; jerusalemgarden.net

This independent eatery, established in 1987, is a piece of Palestine right in Ann Arbor. The menu offers an array of fresh Middle Eastern sandwiches and soups.

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Instagram, @siamsquareannarbor

Siam Square

3750 Washtenaw Ave.; 734-975-4541; siamsquaretogo.com

This Thai restaurant resides inside of Victory Inn and Suites right past Ypsilanti, providing a decorative atmosphere and a variety of dishes.

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Facebook, ONE BOWL -Asian Cuisine-

One Bowl

1220 S. University Ave.; 888-596-6866; facebook.com/SouthCampusUofM

While you may be weary of a place that serves all different Asian cuisines in one spot, this restaurant does it well. Whether you want ramen, Vietnamese pho, Korean bibimbap, or Chinese lo mein, One Bowl has got you.

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