1. Zingerman's (http://www.zingermansdeli.com/).
Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor staple. Everyone knows about it, and everyone has gone there at least once (on their parents’ dime). The food is great, the ingredients are fresh, and the portions are large, but it is a little pricey for regular visits by college kids. My personal favorite is #73 Tarb’s Tenacious Tenure (substituting goat cream cheese for the muenster).
Also, check out Zingerman’s Roadhouse if you get a chance! It’s highly underrated and slightly cheaper.
2. Isalita (http://www.isalita.com/).
Isalita is a great fix for highly quality Mexican food, and has a great vibe to eat out with friends. Their guacamole and steak and cheese quesadillas are on point. Also, rumor has it their margaritas are a beautiful thing.
3. Frita Batidos (http://www.fritabatidos.com/).
The Cuban inspired street food of Frita Batidos makes the world go ‘round. Their fritas are best with chorizo or chicken, and on top you better make it "loco" or go home. "Loco" means muenster, a sunny side up egg, cilantro-lime salsa, tropical slaw and avocado spread -- it is just as amazing are you think it will be. The batidos (tropical smoothies) are the perfect contrast to the overwhelming nature of the fritas, and the lighter batido is my baby.
4. Amer's (http://www.amersdeli.com/).
I live at Amer’s. I go there six days a week. Their sandwiches are my joy, their coffee and chai are my motivation, and their crepes are the love of my life.
5. Revive (http://www.redhawkannarbor.com/revive-replenish/).
Make your own salad at Revive is a beautiful thing; you can also end up creating a $25 salad, so beware. Pick and choose your poison and always get the herb vinaigrette.
6. Cafe Zola (http://www.cafezola.com/).
Look at the waffles, and fall in love with the waffles. If these waffles don’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
7. Sava's (http://savasrestaurant.com/).
Everyone knows Sava’s and everyone loves Sava’s. Their brunch buffet will make you nap later, but it is worth every second of it.
8. Babo Market (http://baboannarbor.com/).
Owned by the same people as Sava’s, Babo Market and its pit stop version in Nickel’s Arcade, are perfect for a quick pick up of fresh and healthy pre-made items. Their juice is in the hand of every trendy or health conscious girl on campus ,so hop on the bandwagon if you want to be one of the cool kids.
9. Fleetwood Diner (http://thefleetwooddiner.com/).
Fleetwood is a perfect place any time you're trying to dive into a food coma. As a 24- hour diner, it is always there for you when you need some comfort food and love. Brunch or late night food, Fleetwood always hits the spot. Their chocolate chip pancakes melt in your mouth, their divine omelets are the size of your head, and their hippie hash will make you never want to leave this city.
Be sure to also check out the Jolly Pumpkin, Mark’s Carts, Prickly Pear, Aventura, and Lena if you get the chance. Lab coffee is the cutest place around for a coffee date.
