I miss the fun, but not the food. My friend and I have been to Everyday (Ten-Ten) several times and enjoyed the food. 1-D'Amatos---(one of the most underrated restaurants we had here in AA) Wonderful northern Indian food.
Delongs for those ribs. Another, 'The Whiffle Tree' and maybe it's still there, (I don't frequent AA anymore), 'The Cracked Crab'. THE BEST FRENCH TOAST EVER. It was my favorite pizza place by far when I was a U-M student in the late 70's/ very early 80's. My girl" Fun topic as we head into 2013 and I agree with many on the list. This is going way back, but does anyone remember the name of the 2 story restaurant in the early 70s on State Street, at the corner of Nichols Arcade? Bimbo's wasn't about the food - it was the experience of singing a bunch of old songs with a bunch of other people while hoisting some beers. walk in the front door and all you saw is students. I know that by my adult standards, their pizza was probably not that good, but I miss it. I can't remember the name, but the Dal Makhni was to die for. Other places I worked that are no longer with us:
Yes, I know the "Original Chipati" is almost the same, but I liked the Roger's Chipati at the old Pizza House next to the new Pizza House. Just saw this after mentioning Everett's and Fowler's. Lamplighter It was quite awful. The author's choice of the top five makes me wonder what she really knows about Ann Arbor? What a terrible disappointment. If I could bring one restaurant back it would be Zanzibar. I've gained 10 today just reading the comments and reminiscing. Downtown, not so much Bimbos on the hill. No one mentioned Sweet Lorraine's??? Probably consistently the best all around Chinese I've had in Ann Arbor in the thirty plus years I've been in the Deuce. Bar/Restaurants - Del Rio, Bimbos The music was fun (singing along was encouraged) and we could throw peanut shells on the floor. Combined, those columns generated more than 400 comments from readers inspired to either turn the retail nostalgia to restaurants, or who had their own take on restaurants that they hope never change. My brother and I preferred its nickname Arf N Barf! My parents and some of their friends belonged to the Town Club. . Forgot about the Central Cafe. AND to chose Don Carlos instead of La Pinata (which was a restaurant and an A2 institution) is a crime. Come to think about it, the only thing in Ann Arbor that has improved in 30 years is the coffee! And even though it's still around, I miss the old location of Metzger's. I can't do just five, maybe I've been around too long: My husband and I used to stop at Thano's for lunch while doing our Xmas shopping downtown near campus. Bimbo's and the P. Bell were good for what they were. Maude's Best pizza ever. I miss Win Schuler's which had the best soups. Happy memories. There was upside-down furniture and other objects hanging from the ceiling. This is well worth your time if you'd like to reminisce: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drower/sets/72157613217331875/detail/, This is not the page you're looking for. 4-The Old German
You had to be a member or a guest of a member to get in. There was nothing more deadly than the Blue Cheese Burger at the Red Bull. Lamplighter is gone??? Nice, varied menu and tasty food. For some reason or another, the doors have closed permanently. Unfortunately, it declined because of awful management, and seeing roaches climb up the salad bar is my lingering memory. I miss Don Carlos too! And I have no idea how I never ended up at the place on East Liberty (in what's still the Pretzel Bell Building) while this place was open for my first two years in town. it's "locals" not "townies" as in "you can't mix the locals with the college kids. Wish I knew of a restaurant that made pizza exactly the same way. We had the cuttlefish fish and it had an assortment of different mushrooms along with XO sauce. They had great food and a wonderful wine list. Once back to our seat, we tried the food and found it to be cold and uncooked. When that's done, I'll try to find it. steves diner in the same block The Bagel Factory. You now what I mean. Also, Kmart had a small snack kiosk in the front of the store that had 99 cent submarine sandwiches that were a staple growing up on the west side of Ann Arbor. The Jewish/Italian deli on State St that I can't remember the name of.. We were married at St. Mary's and had the reception in the parish hall in the basement of the student center. I remember watching the Old German fire in 1975 and hearing the high pressure fire hoses knock down the wonderful collection of Mettlach steins off the shelves. Lots of great memories. Very disappointed when all the locations closed. Golly wobbler, windows, bimbos, Great Lakes steak, ponderosa. I would always get the lamb skewers with rice and broccoli. Loved the Det Burger at the Del, the chowder at Cracked Crab, and the chili with warm totillas at Full Moon. However, you can't find the "princess dressing" that Maude's used to serve. Everyone that was waiting quickly ran for the food. Maybe Manali Cafe? - Bimbo's (downtown) As I recall, Bagel Factory and Bagel Fragel were originally owned by the same person/people, and they had an agreement allowing them to both use recipes which is why they both had Maple Walnut bagels and, of course, fragels. The service polite and efficient. . How to beat that? It was iconic and at one time the ONLY place to go in AA for good seafood at reasonable prices. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I really really miss Maude's and their wonderful ribs. Iconic places I miss: I miss Maude's as well! The hot beef sandwich with a large ice cream scoop of mashed potatoes was my favorite. Students, U of M faculty, business employees from the State Street/Liberty area and other locals all patronized The Betsy Ross. maudes when i visited in the 80s I miss Maude's, Spaghetti Machine & Oyster Bar, The Whiffletree, P-Bell (as much for the RFD Boys as the food) and Great Lakes Shipping (a lot of work lunches & memories there). I loved the fajitas there and even tried to recreate the 'Brandy's Sauce'. We loved sitting in the car and talking into your speaker and then your order would magically appear! Doesn't really make it sound like you were a fan of the Cracked Crab. Meanwhile, here we are among several standing there waiting patiently for some food to be delivered to the buffet.The pan was quickly emptied and out came some shu mai which is usually a very delightful dim sum dish along with a few more dishes of the szechuan style food. It was fun to pick the trout you wanted to eat out of the tank. The chocolate cake was awesome. A&W on Stadium - part of the fun of living off the Stadium strip. I would add the Red Bull, Whiffletree, Bimbos (downtown and on the hill), Millers ice cream. The original still exists in Marshall, MI. winshulers (still have a cheese crock) The Whiffletree 1. 4. Sigh. I remember it welland it was also hit and miss sometimessome dinners were great, and some were quite memorable because of grand failureone meal that sticks in my mind was Dover sole with a grapefruit reduction. unbelievable desert with crisp pears and marzipan and nuts and creme cheese and a crunchy crust. I also miss Kav's, Sweet Lorraine's (miss their Nicoise Salad), and Kerrytown Bistro as well. cheese. Go there!!! 5. I really liked Fritz's German meat patties. Wiffletree, Forbidden City! Steve's Lunch - South U. my boyfriend would take me there to "splurge"every once and a while. I cannot stand that I have no memories about what may be one of the most memorable restaurants in Ann Arbor. As a student I used to go to a steak house on State Street --the entrance was in an alley next to the State theater. When we were married in 1966, my soon to be wife's mother had numerous health challenges. Maybe what?
The Burro, JoJo's, WIldflower, Dinersty, Up South Cafe, Steve's Lunch. RIP you great, great restaurants and memories. Nothing that replaced it has lasted as long. - Goodyears' quirky basement cafeteria & mayo-heavy sandwiches Thank you. Cracked Crab I miss the Parthenon too, and for the same reason. Leo Ping, I think the only Chinese restaurant in Ann Arbor when we moved here in the mid-60's. For Maude's not to make this list is unconscionable. Oyster Bar & Spaghetti Machine - DH still misses the lobster pasta I was, and still am, addicted to the Holland Mints that were in a clear plastic circular container! In all honestly, they should have at the minimum given 1/2 off from the buffet because there was no food to be found.If you go to this restaurant, please check the buffet first and get some assurance that it will stay well-stocked. The Wiffletree had good food, and I liked the atmosphere. In China, this is typical service and no TIPS are given. Thanks Hardeey's for buying them out. for contaminated kitchen conditions. Both were favorites. It was a townie's delight, located in today's Grizzly Peak space on West Washington, and the decor was dark and intimate. This too shall get a neg rating as well.
which was a huge flour tortilla stuffed with guacamole, Chihuahua cheese, and roasted chilis at Don Carlos and the margaritas as well. Own or manage this property? The Marshall restaurant is still open and still terrific. My first thought tooas an undergrad in the early 80s. My $0.02. can't see an adult using that term and for sure not in reference to self. There will never be another place like it unfortunately. 2.
Don't remember the two story place, but across the street was Indian Summer. Other than that, the fare was enjoyable but not enough for its "spendy" prices. I used to crave a basic Manika's diner lunch on a lazy Saturday and would go specifically downtown to get one. 2.Purple Pickle - Reubens! I miss Drakes, Indian Summer, Central Cafe, Mr. I know that the lamplighter was sort of run down the last few years of its existence but It made my favorite pizza. Drake's - a few decades before I visited it as an undergraduate at U-M. Happily, he rebuilt and even expanded, and replaced the steins. 4. There are still a few copies to be found. Maybe I missed it, because I saw a lot of DeLong's BBQ, but no one mentioned the best BBQ in town ever, Mr. Rib. Our favorite waitress "Nancy" (her american name) always pronounced our favorite dish as "parice beef" (for palace beef). But Eve left a hole that hasn't been filled yet. - Drakes (for candy & retro interior, beautiful signage) Bimbos La Pinata was fantastic and always crowded on the weekend. this was on s. university--replaced a p-bell offshoot that was in that location for a while, if i remember. also nobody could beat DeLongs BBQ in this area. I only hope they figure out how to handle a crowd when having a buffet. Simply great. Huron.). if you had you would note that this is my only ( I guess this one makes two ) comment. the spagehetti Machine on Huron was a nice little spot on huron st where goodnight gracies is or wasI enjoyed as a child The Sugar Bowl on main st.. and if in a hurry thier was always the lunch counters at kreseges,woolworth,cunninghams or food & drug. Contact Vickki Dozier at (517) 267-1342 orvdozier@lsj.com. Bagel factory - the Fragel was my favorite. Oyster Bar and Spaghetti Machine Not for the food but because they were open so late it was the destination after a night out. OK, it's not exactly a restaurant - but it did serve food from its counter, and it had a few tables. A bit upscale and maybe too far out of town (East - on Plymouth Rd.
I know many of you will agree with some and disagree with others, and I'm hoping you'll share your reasons. However, this time we ventured in on Sunday and was going to have the Dim Sum buffet. The Bagel Factory was special for it's freshly baked bagels and was the first of it's kind. Was dismayed that it closed.
What a great restaurant that was. The food used to be the best Asian food around, however with the change to Szechuan, I will be venturing elsewhere. It closed in 1993, a few years after I had my last limeade with a turkey sandwich in the shop across from the Diag. Lots of great memories here . It always smelled so good! BTW, I arrived in 1975. I remember the Cracked Crab - always a line outside, always crammed inside, fabulous food, and the best cole slaw in the world. Steve's diner closed within the past 10 or years. A favorite for those living in West and South Quad dorms. I also miss Eve and Bicycle Jims's. It opened after The Betsy Ross closed, which was nearer to the center of the Nichols Arcade. No one has mentioned Manika's, the small, old-school diner once on Main Street. high school and collage. Less then 5? Zoom in to see updated info. If it's the faux-Mexican atmosphere you miss, the "new" Tios has that, plus decent faux Mexican food, great tequila, AND (imo) great staff (ymmv). I was pleased when the location at what's now the Best Western (23 and Plymouth Rd) opened since the closest location before that was in Jackson. I miss those restaurants which served Liederkranz cheese, dark bread, and dark beer as appetizer. I don't know what they did to their pizza, but it still is my all-time favorite. Ah yes!! The one I miss the most is the Whiffletree. The Continental Restaurant it was on State. Great salad bar and loved the dish with lots of garlic and pine nuts (my wife went into labor with our first shortly after that one). But in the 80s the "Chef's Special Duck" was our celebration meal - boneless, with a special sauce. The Lamplighter restaurant had a small special spot in my memory. whiffletree I really miss Hinodae. It was called PJ's. Bagel factory gets an honorable mention, they had a cinnamon bagel that was kick ass. ), Cracked Crap and The Parthenon is lacking. Where Arbor Brewing Co. is now. They're my parthenon replacement, Really miss the Spaghetti Machine and Pastabilities. My wife and I had our first date (32 years ago) at Wiffle Tree.
Happened to be my favorite place where I took my wife-to-be when we were dating. There was a breakfast place there as well called Tivoli (I believe) that made good omelets. Wonderful Duck Breast!! And you could finish yourself off with the Red Bull's great onion rings. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see. We did visit The Betsy Ross in Nichols Arcade when I was in High School. 4. Miller's ice cream! The best bagel's I've ever had! 1. Sad. Don Carlos was okay, but too much like frozen dinner Mexican food. I stop there once a month and fill up for home and neighbors. The Pantree (spelling?) Pizza Bob's is still there. Sweet Lorraine's
I never had a problem with service at Drake's, however, I have found the Ann Arbor Panera near campus pathetic in terms of their employees. MD Bagel Fragel is making Bagel Factory style bagels. I miss those places too!
Drakes, Maude's, Whiffle Tree, and Pretzel Bell. Didn't have a great eye for finances (or taxes) but everything they served from ribs to cornbread was great. Spaghetti Machine & Oyster Bar - best pasta in town, and opera music blasting while you ate it. This time we had a half a duck, salt and pepper calamari, and yu Shan eggplant. Ah, those were the days! They had THE best deep dish pizza ever in Ann Arbor. Hey -- next time you see Thano tell him to sell his pizza recipe to a deserving restaurant so we can continue to eat his wonderful pizza. ); and The Afghan Home for the delicate ravioli filled with leeks and green onions and topped with a cinnamon-scented tomato sauce. Does anyone remember Doughboys Bakery in Kerrytown or Pastabilities? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Drake's Sandwich Shop. Seems they invented the 6 foot party sub back in day. My mom was a waitress at the Old German. Have you no taste or were you above eating there? I thought Mountain Jacks was good also. Great birthday memories! Never went back after the mid 80's so I can't comment on the decline. And the Pretzel Bell where the medical students learned whether the "match" they got was the one they wanted. 3.Bimbo's Really tasty. Last but not least, DeLong's Barbecue Pit. :(, Ahmos makes a great Gyro-- at least the one on Dexter ave. I was a regular at both those places. (See the La Pinata reference below). DeLong's trout was fantastic! Ah yes, this article flows nicely from the first. It was a small Michigan based franchise and there may still be the original one open in Marshall, MI (west of Jackson). - A&W (on Stadium Blvdwould not ordinarily miss a chain, but their hot dogs & root beer were the best and not the same at other locationsthe drive-in service made it complete) The very best. People say they liked it - and that's why I wish I could try it again. They had a delightful lunch room in the north section of Kerrytown that included a cafeteria-style selection of pastas, sauces and salads. Holidays is there now and this is a great place as well, but Kenny Rogers Restaurant had some really good food and the place was a lot if fun. I used to eat there all the time. I miss the Wiffletree. I also really miss the A & W that was across the street from Everett's, as well as the Del Rio (the food, not the service!). . It would be great to have a place like that again! Best huevos rancheos, surliest waitstaff. That was also my father's favorite (Class of '25E), so an institution as far as I am concerned. yup i sure do miss those thoughts. The "in crowd" ate there just to say they had. 1. We sat quietly at the Lamplighter and had a quick but memorable meal before returning to our separate apartments (this was 1966, after all) and got dressed for the wedding. Doughboys had some of the best sugar cookies. Ethnic Themed Restaurants - LaPinata, Parthenon, Thanos Lamplighter, Forbidden City, Szechuan West (in its prime in the 80's) A lot of the restaurants mentioned here had a heyday - a time when their food was excellent. Good not great service but with food this good, that will do. must not have been too long ago.
Jon, I keep seeing you and others post this "locals" not "townies" argument a lot. THE DEL RIO!!!!! My list in these categories. And the atmosphere at the old place was great. I was at Briarwood the other day and noticed that almost all the restaurants are now gone. Chi Chi's wasn't exactly memorable, but as a college student, I appreciated the cheap, plentiful meals . There also used to be a Pizzeria Uno, right across the street from the Bagel Factory. The Lamplighter wasn't very good though U of M athletes patronized it. I bet NO ONE remembers The Star Drive-In at Jackson and Baker rds! Chez Crepe, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cracked Crab, Maude's, P-Bell (as in P-Bell booze is very fine booze courtesy of the Glee Club and "Michigan Men" -- and the steamed Russian Black Rye bread was pretty good). I loved the Chimichanga and the $2 22oz beers during happy hour made it a favorite destination for after work libations for me. I noticed that, too. Bolgos Circle ice cream 1.Spaghetti Machine go to drake's. I love your story, William. . Have to agree with Farrels. We stood there over 20 minutes waiting for a sign from the kitchen or someone that there was more food and choices. Not to be difficult Paula, but wasn't this same column run about a month ago but with different restaurants? The McDonald's on South U. Does any one remember the Continental on state? - Maude's The Stage Door. It was a lively atmosphere, always very busy. . Definitely the Cracked Crab (the earlier version), Drake's, Pretzel Bell, Farrell's, and Lamplighter's. OMG, how could I forget about Franks Restaurant on Maynard?! Anyway, this list is based on my own personal experiences. That building/restauarant was originally "The Cave" open in the '60's! Fie on the landlords who thought that Smoothie King could ever take her place. Maude's, Bimbos, The Cracked Crab, and Delong's BBQ Pit - the only place I ever had BBQ trout - sounds weird, but dang it was good! Don Carlos had an awesome lunch buffet. Yeah, I lloved the P-Bell for lunch..nice salad bar, buffet, and bread.. Then one day I read in the AA news that they were temporarily closed by the health dept. Full Serve Restaurants - Maudes, Wiffletree, Lord Fox, Red Bull, Mountain Jacks Also rans. Cafe Creole, The Afgani Home Restaurant, Kamakura. Whiffletree - We'd go there for dinner before the midnight movies back in my college days as a special treat. My friend would take his Siamese cat along and drape it around his neck when we went into the restaurant. We had just finished setting up the hall itself. ." I did walk past it; I heard friends talk about it.
That was a great pickup on your part. Hmmm. Paula, nice list. It was a wonderful destination for dinner and drinks!! bicycle jims was not great but great for students We did not have a designated server and nobody ever visited our table for drink refills or to check-in after the dishes were servedas is typical in an American restaurant. Thano's Lamplighter: I used to order their calamari regularly. We told the lady that the dim sum that was just brought out was uncooked and she want ballistic. Thano's Lamplighter. We noticed several persons complaining. I loved Saunder's ice cream shop at Arborland where my mom sometimes took us for special occassions. The Bagel Factory. I was looking for the Spaghetti Machine (best salad bar the town ever had) and also Stadium Tavern, and you picked them both up. I miss the bad opera, steak torenados, and Scallops St. Jaque at The Oyster Bar/Spaghetti Machinethought I got their garlic salad dressing recipe from an A2 News food reporter a few years ago :O)