This fall will be my ninth and final semester at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Our campus is geared towards commuter students, although student housing was built across the street a few years ago. We have a University Center, which offers students food from a contracted company and a well-meaning Starbucks. Due to these limited options, over the past four years I have discovered various restaurants in the surrounding area. So to save you freshman time or others who have settled for campus food for too long, here are my top choices.
1. Bangkok 96
Located on Telegraph Road in Dearborn, it takes about ten minutes to get there from campus. This is the BEST Thai food I have ever had and the dishes are served with vegetables cut into fancy shapes. The portions are generous and could be split among two people and the prices are reasonable. I always order the Thai Iced Tea, which is super sweet and refreshing. Then my go to entree is the Gang Gai, a red curry with coconut milk, veggies, and your choice of meat. My back-up, for when I want something a little more filling is the Gang Garee, a yellow curry with potatoes and green onions. Of course, you can also never go wrong with Pad Thai.
2. Miller's Bar
Located on Michigan Avenue, also about a ten minute drive from campus. This restaurant serves plain and simple burgers and fries. What makes this place unique is that they only take cash and they serve your meal on paper, rather than a plate. It's kind of a fun experience.
3. Mexican Fiesta
This is the original Mexican Fiesta, located at Ford and Telegraph fifteen minutes from campus. Mexican Fiesta II is located in Canton. The free chips and salsa are never ending and the restaurant is colorfully decorated and always busy. There's an IHOP next door and they post signs threatening to tow people who park in their lot to go to Mexican Fiesta. The food is tasty and affordable; I always order the Fajitas. If you're not in the mood for Mexican, they also offer other choices. My boyfriend ordered a hamburger steak, because he was being lame that day.
4. O'Sushi
Another restaurant, where the second location is also down the street from me in Canton. Located on Michigan Avenue, this sushi restaurant serves a variety of different rolls for reasonable prices. My favorite is the California Roll and the Michigan Roll. I have also tried some of their dessert rolls, with strawberries and mango sauce. A little too sweet for me, but they were fun to try. There are a couple sushi places on Michigan Avenue, but O'Sushi is definitely my favorite because of the fresh rolls and friendly atmosphere.
5. Saj Cafe & Bakery
This is a counter service restaurant, that has a small seating area for those wishing to dine in. They're located on Ford Road at Beech Daly and out of all the restaurants I have recommended, they are the furthest from campus, but it's worth the drive. They have an amazing selection of food; I usually order their shawarma. They also have an array of beautiful desserts, there's always something there to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have always had a great experience with their staff as well, friendly and ready to give recommendations. Besides the ready-made food they sell, they also have a great selection of candy which you can't find in other stores.
