Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a city that gives travelers a unique blend of culinary excellence, outdoor adventure, sustainability, and inclusivity. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, and the prestigious University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a myriad of experiences while staying committed to a sustainable and inclusive environment.
I had the opportunity to visit Ann Arbor this fall and thoroughly enjoyed the diverse culinary landscape and many fun-filled activities. It was apparent that the city is dedicated to sustainability and inclusivity. Whether you are a food lover, an outdoor enthusiast ready to embrace the beauty of Michigan’s great outdoors, or someone who values a sustainable and inclusive community, Ann Arbor has something special in store for you.
Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links. I gathered this information while visiting Ann Arbor and working with Destination Ann Arbor.
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Diverse Culinary Landscape
The city of Ann Arbor has a range of international and local flavors. From family-owned businesses to Cuban-inspired cuisine, there is a delicious restaurant for everyone to enjoy. I had the opportunity to explore the culinary landscape around Ann Arbor this fall and I did not leave disappointed. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants that I visited while in Ann Arbor.
Coffee Shops in Ann Arbor
Roos Roast
In the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan lies a coffee shop that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Roos Roast, with its unassuming exterior and warm, inviting interior, is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a testament to passion, quality, and the art of brewing exceptional coffee. Although so many different menu items looked fantastic, I tried the honey vanilla late and it was the perfect combination of coffee and flavor.
Roos Roast Coffee was founded by John Roos, a coffee enthusiast with a vision to create something truly unique and memorable in the world of coffee. His commitment to quality is evident in every cup served at Roos Roast. The beans are sourced from trusted suppliers who share Roos’ dedication to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and fair trade practices. This ensures that every sip of coffee is not only delicious but also aligned with values that prioritize the planet and its people.
Roos Roast is serious about sustainability and community-building, caring for both people and the planet. The Rosewood HQ has been running on solar power since the summer of 2020. Although they say this was not a “practical” business choice, it makes the employees happy to see that they are making a difference. Roos Roast goes the extra mile by paying extra for compostable cups and bags rather than using Styrofoam (which is not Eco-friendly). Even better, if you bring in your own reusable cup they will give you a discount on your purchase!
Dozer Coffee
Dozer Coffee, located on Ann Arbor’s west side, is a hidden gem that is more than just a coffee shop. With its cozy ambiance and genuine love for coffee, Dozer Coffee is a special place for locals and visitors alike. Dozer Coffee is a cafe and roaster that serves specialty coffee, scratch baked goods, and unique breakfast and lunch fare. It is also a sister company to HOMES Brewery and Smooj, which all share a multi-structure space on HOMES Campus.
Dozer Coffee is the kind of place where you can unwind with a good book, catch up with friends, or dive into your work while sipping on your favorite brew. The comfortable seating and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to linger a while. I kept thinking to myself how great of a place it would be to get work done or study. Dozer Coffee’s menu goes beyond the usual coffee offerings. While their classic espresso and pour-over coffees are delicious, they also have an array of specialty drinks that cater to various tastes. From creamy lattes to refreshing iced coffees, there’s something for everyone. Dozer’s drip coffee was fantastic and one of the best black coffee’s I have ever had!
What truly sets Dozer Coffee apart is its commitment to the community. The staff at Dozer actively engage with the community by hosting events, art exhibitions, and even open mic nights, fostering a sense of togetherness and creativity.
Breakfast Restaurants in Ann Arbor
Whether you’re a fan of classic American breakfasts, crave international flavors, or seek vegan and gluten-free options, Ann Arbor’s breakfast scene has something to suit every palate. From cozy neighborhood diners serving up pancakes and bacon to eclectic brunch spots crafting innovative dishes, these breakfast restaurants offer a variety of culinary experiences that reflect the city’s vibrant and diverse culture.
aMa Bistro
aMa Bistro is a breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, infusing each dish with a unique blend of flavors and influences. The menu is a delightful mix of traditional Mediterranean dishes and American classics, resulting in a culinary journey that surprises and satisfies its customers.
This family owned and operated restaurant is within walking distance of the U-M Campus and offers students a unique dining experience. While the “typical” American breakfast options are on the menu, they also have a range of international dishes that you can try. I decided to try the breakfast burrito, crepes, and power bowl, which were all excellent.
Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight is a beloved breakfast and brunch spot that has been delighting diners for decades. With its warm ambiance, diverse menu, and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder this charming restaurant has become a local favorite and a must-try destination for visitors. Whether you’re craving a classic breakfast or eager to explore a unique brunch creation, this restaurant has a dish to please everyone.
Afternoon Delight is set up where you order and pay at the register and then choose your own table that you want to sit at. Once you find a seat, a waiter/waitress will be by to get you drinks. They will also deliver your food to your table and any condiments or drink refills you need. This fast/casual restaurant has excellent food, including giant muffins and cinnamon rolls. Personally, I ordered pancakes with strawberries on top and it was the biggest pancake I have ever seen!
Lunch Favorites
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a city that takes its lunch seriously. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, the lunchtime scene in Ann Arbor offers a delightful array of flavors and experiences. Two standout destinations that capture the essence of Ann Arbor’s diverse culinary landscape are Biercamp and Frita Batidos.
Biercamp
Biercamp is a small family-owned business that was established in 2011. It is located on South State Street in Ann Arbor, but don’t blink too fast because you might miss it! This Ann Arbor staple makes everything in-house by hand and in small batches. They use their favorite unique ingredients and treasured family recipes. Biercamp is passionate about the quality of their meat, only working with farms where animals are raised naturally and humanely. This includes using no antibiotics, hormones, growth promoting drugs, or artificial ingredients. Biercamp grinds all of their meat fresh and the smoking and curing is done in-house. It is important to note that this restaurant and business has ample seating outdoors, but very little seating inside.
I had the opportunity to try their specialty brats, tots, brisket sandwich, and root beer. Biercamp was definitely one of my favorite restaurants that I had the pleasure of eating at while in Ann Arbor. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, showcasing the diversity of flavors and dietary choices in Ann Arbor.
Frita Batidos
Frita Batidos is another lunchtime hot spot in Ann Arbor, offering a vibrant fusion of Cuban and American flavors. With its inventive menu and lively ambiance, this restaurant provides a truly unique and memorable dining experience. Frita Batidos is famous for its gourmet burgers, known as “fritas,” which are a Cuban take on the classic American burger. The menu also features refreshing tropical shakes and a variety of delectable sides that complement the flavors of Cuba.
Frita Batidos radiates a sense of community and vibrancy. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere, along with its welcoming staff and a colorful decor, make it an excellent place to unwind with friends or family during lunchtime. I tried both a Chorizo Frita and the Pulled Pork Frita Bowl, and both were out of this world good! I also ordered garlic fries which tasted exquisite with the dipping sauce provided. The main chef of Frita Batidos, Eve, was a contestant on Top Chef and featured on the show, “Campus Eats.” I would love to bring family and friends to this restaurant if we are ever near Ann Arbor in the future.
Evening Eats in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan, comes alive in the evening, with a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Two standout restaurants that have captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike are Haymaker Public House and Chapala Mexican Restaurant, each offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
Haymaker Public House
Haymaker Public House aims to deliver the ultimate neighborhood bar experience in Downtown Ann Arbor. The restaurant puts an emphasis on great food, drinks, and service while priding itself on having a farm-to-table philosophy.
Haymaker invites guests to visit to watch a game or even to play free live trivia or board games while enjoying your favorite beverage or meal. Haymaker has an extensive craft beer selection to complement your meal. They have 24 different draft beers and are known for their MASSIVE 1 pound soft pretzel. The pretzel was amazing, and so big that I had to use a small pizza to-go box to bring the leftovers home with me. I highly recommend trying it out as a late-night treat!
Chapala Mexican Restaurant
Chapala Mexican Restaurant offers a culinary journey to Mexico, right in the heart of Ann Arbor. This restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican flavors, lively atmosphere, and a commitment to creating an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at Chapala Mexican Restaurant features a wide array of authentic Mexican dishes, from sizzling fajitas to savory enchiladas. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the options cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Chapala Mexican Restaurant embodies the spirit of inclusivity and community. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together over a shared love for Mexican cuisine, camaraderie, and lively conversations.
One of my favorite parts of visiting this restaurant is their tiki bar with swings on it. This makes for a very cool atmosphere where college students love to gather on the weekends. They also have a glass garage door that opens to the outdoors when the weather allows. I enjoyed a quesadilla and chips and salsa from this restaurant, and I definitely did not go home hungry!
Dessert Specialties
Ann Arbor has a variety of dessert options that you can choose from. A few options that they have in the downtown area include Blank Slate Creamery, Bakehouse 46, and Kilwins. I chose to try Cinnaholic on my weekend trip to Ann Arbor, and it did not disappoint!
Cinnaholic
Cinnaholic is a popular bakery that makes handcrafted cinnamon rolls and desserts that are 100% vegan and plant-based. They are proud to serve customizable cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats like edible cookie dough and brownies. What sets Cinnaholic apart from traditional bakeries is its unique approach to cinnamon rolls. Customers have the opportunity to create their own personalized cinnamon roll by selecting from a wide variety of frosting flavors and toppings. This allows for endless combinations, making it a great spot for those with a sweet tooth or a craving for something unique.
Cinnaholic is also known for its commitment to inclusivity. They offer vegan and allergy-friendly options, so everyone can indulge in the sweet joy of their cinnamon rolls. When I visited Cinnaholic in Ann Arbor, I had the opportunity to try both a vegan cinnamon roll and their fresh edible cookie dough. The Apple Pie Cinnamon roll is out of this world! I would never be able to tell that it was vegan, and they definitely loaded the toppings on for me. The cookie dough was good as well, but it was a little too sweet for my preference.
Fall Fun-Filled Activities in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers a variety of fun fall activities and events. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here are some popular fall activities in Ann Arbor:
Blast Corn Maze
The Blast Corn Maze is a 14 acre corn maze that is located at Nixon Farms in Dexter, Michigan. They offer a short, medium, or long exit for different levels of difficulty. If you have young kids, the first exit takes about 15 minutes and is perfect for a short family friendly activity. Make sure to buy your timed corn maze tickets online before going to the farm.
Nixon Farms also offers a family friendly flashlight corn maze in the evenings. The darkness adds an extra challenge without being haunted as there are no ghouls and scaring is not allowed. Nixon farms also has other attractions such as apple cider and donuts, goats, tube slides, and pumpkins.
Wiard’s Orchard & Country Fair
Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair is a popular family-owned attraction located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, near Ann Arbor. This well known farm offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors, particularly during the Fall season. Today, there are three generations of the Wiard family actively working on the farm with the 8th generation in tow. Currently, the apple orchard and cider mill cover nearly 100 acres with many diversified operations, including the cider mill, country store, u-pick apples and pumpkins, country fair, corn maze, and night terrors haunted attractions.
Wiard’s Orchard is known for its expansive apple orchards. Visitors can go apple picking from late summer through the Fall. In addition to apples, Wiard’s has a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkins for Halloween decorations or cooking. The Country Fair at Wiard’s is a lively and fun-filled area with a wide range of attractions including a mini-golf course, hay rides, corn maze, inflatables, food, and so much more!
Wiard’s Orchard is also known for its haunted attractions, including haunted houses and hayrides. These attractions have received many awards as being one of the best in the state (and country) and provide thrilling and spooky experiences for those seeking a Halloween scare.
Hudson Mills 3-Mile Bike Loop
Hudson Mills Metropark is a popular outdoor recreation destination located just northwest of Ann Arbor, Michigan. It offers a wide range of activities, including biking, and is known for its scenic beauty and natural landscapes. It is especially breathtaking during the fall when the leaves change color.
Riding bikes at Hudson Mills is a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse terrain and enjoy the great outdoors. Hudson Mills features a network of well-maintained trails that cater to riders of various skill levels. Families can enjoy cycling together along the flat, paved trails, and more experienced riders can explore the unpaved trails for a bit more of a challenge. The park’s extensive trail system winds through dense woodlands, along the banks of the Huron River, providing a diverse and scenic experience. I would highly recommend biking these trails during the fall when the leaves are changing colors!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a city that offers a remarkable blend of culinary delights and outdoor adventures. Its vibrant culinary landscape, with its eclectic array of restaurants, food trucks, and local markets, caters to all tastes and preferences. From the farm-to-table movement to international cuisine, Ann Arbor has something to satisfy every palate.
The synergy between its culinary scene and outdoor activities creates an extraordinary experience for visitors and residents alike. With each season painting a different picture, Ann Arbor is a city that continually evolves, offering fresh flavors and new adventures year-round.
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