The food scene in Ann Arbor is massive, and the huge variety of restaurants options can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to begin your culinary journey! Luckily, we at the State Street District have created food itineraries for you, making your next restaurant decision easy as pie.
The winter months are the perfect time of year to find a cozy cafe spot accompanied by plenty of coffee and pastries while unwinding or getting work done. At Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea on Liberty Street, there are various coffee options and fresh baked goods to choose from, along with a beautiful view of the Michigan Theater right outside the window. Another great cafe option, just a walk around the corner, is Espresso Royale where the seating varies from tables and chairs to comfy couches.
On to the most important meal of the day: breakfast! The best breakfast options range from small, quaint diners to lavished lounge-like spots with a hip aesthetic. Frank’s Restaurant, near Nickels Arcade, has a family diner ambiance, with big plates for good prices. If you need a substantial breakfast while on the move, Amer’s Deli has a wide variety of delicious and unique options available quickly for visitors on-the-go. Sava’s, with an eclectic menu and an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment, offers a culinary experience that is good for celebrations or just treating yourself.
Ann Arbor does not fall short in offering different options for lunch! Customized pizzas from NeoPapalis (where they allow the dough to slowly rise for a minimum of 3 days so the crust is light and delectable) are always a hit, as well as cuisine inspired by the street food found in open-air markets throughout Mexico (at Isalita). If you want a taste of New York, grab a quick lunch and taste that New York style pizza combined with the authenticity of Italian cuisine at NYPD. “Fly over” to Albania and try authentic Albanian dishes at Ama Bistro for lunch. If you are on a go and have a taste for Mediterranean food, Pita Kabob is your lunch destination. Trying to add more greens and need something healthy on the go? Say S’UP to Salads UP for your midday meal.
The dinner hour is a popular one in the State Street District! Silvio’s offers delectable Italian food with an emphasis on organic ingredients. Dine in style while enjoying a microbrew or cocktail at Red Hawk where the options are culinary options are endless. Mani Osteria has definitely made a name for itself in Ann Arbor, specializing in artisanal pizzas and other creative Italian dishes prepared in wood-burning ovens. Do your taste buds a favor and enjoy real flavor at Taste Kitchen, for American food with an Asian twist. Knight’s, a downtown staple, offers the perfect environment to enjoy quality food (steaks are a specialty) with quality service. Another classic downtown choice for dinner is the Original Cottage Inn, where no reservation party is too big because of the spacious restaurant and event space for private groups. The menu is so varied, you may have a tough time deciding between the delicious options!
What’s sweeter than a nightcap? You must end your food journey with dessert. Travel to Italy without leaving Ann Arbor and indulge in some gelato at Iorio’s Gelateria. Iorio’s offers an authentic Italian experience with delicious, artisanal gelato and sorbetto. Or, enjoy some Michigan made ice cream at the Michigan Creamery, which has over 30 flavors of hand-dipped ice creams.
Eat your way around the State Street District and enjoy our neighborhood! Treat your taste buds with the flavor of downtown Ann Arbor.
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