BEST OF
ANN ARBOR 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Winners and Runners-Up Best Coffee Shop and Best Book Store Best Clothing Store and Best Yoga Studio
Best Live Music Best Club/Happy Hour/Bar Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Salad and Best Burger Best Sushi and Best Indian Best Mexican Best Vegetarian and Best Mediterranean
Best Sandwich Best Ice Cream Best Dessert and Best Sweet Treat Best Amenities and Best Barber
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A university town is an odd thing: Throw together a bunch of 20-somethings filled with idealism, ambitions and an omnipresent sense of existential foreboding with a vibrant, flourishing community, and something special is bound to come out. Alltoo-often lost in looking at a college town is the recognition that this relationship is interdependent, a symbiotic interaction. Without the university a university town wouldn’t be, well, a university town, but without the town, the community itself, it wouldn’t have a soul. This is a compilation of the little pieces of soul that make Ann Arbor the vibrant midwestern oasis it is. This is the 2017 Best of Ann Arbor. — Nabeel Chollampat, Dayton Hare, Senior Arts Editors
BEST OF
ANN ARBOR 2017
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WINNERS AND RUNNER UPS COFFEE SHOP
BURGER
BAGEL
BREAKFAST
SANDWICH
RoosRoast Coffee Mighty Good Coffee Espresso Royale
Frita Batidos Blimpy Burger
Bruggers Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Angelo’s Afternoon Delight
Zingerman’s Maize & Blue Deli
SUNDAY BRUNCH
PIZZA
SUSHI
Mani Osteria Pizza House
Sadako Totoro
Sava’s Angelo’s
CHINESE FOOD TK WU China Gate
KOREAN FOOD
ITALIAN FOOD
MEXICAN FOOD
SWEET TREAT
Isalita Prickly Pear
Washtenaw Dairy Zingerman’s Next Door
Cardamom Shalimar
THAI FOOD
MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
No Thai! Marnee Thai
Jerusalem Garden Ahmo’s Gyro & Deli
Tomukun Korean BBQ Bell’s Diner Seoul Garden
Mani Osteria Gratzi
INDIAN FOOD
BANK/CREDIT UNION
LATE NIGHT
THRIFT SHOP
U-M Credit Union Chase Bank
Pizza House Fleetwood Diner
Ragstock Salvation Army
KARAOKE
LANDLORD
HOUSING
BARBER
YOGA STUDIO
Good Time Charley’s Brown Jug
J. Keller Oxford Property
Woodbury Gardens Foundry Lofts
Coach & Four Arcade Barbers
aUM Yoga Tiny Buddah
ON CAMPUS BAR
OFF-CAMPUS BAR
LIVE MUSIC
DANCE CLUB
Ashley’s Dominick’s
Mash Jolly Pumpkin
The Blind Pig The Ark
Rick’s American Cafe Necto
HAPPY HOUR
NEW RESTAURANT
Good Time Charley’s Bar Louie
Pretzel Bell Avalon Hearth and Soul Café
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN The Lunch Room Seva
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FAN APPAREL M Den Underground Printing
ICE CREAM/FROYO/GELATO Blank Slate Creamery Washtenaw Dairy
CLOTHING STORE Bivouac Pitaya
HOUSING AMENITIES Landmark Foundry Lofts
Best Coffee: RoosRoast
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If you’re an OG Ann Arborite (Ann Arboran?), you probably know local coffee shop RoosRoast as a caffeinefanatic favorite that prides itself on comfortably roasting and selling their coffee from Rosewood Street. But if you’re like me, a student and out-ofstater, you likely had no idea what the place was until it popped up on East Liberty early last year. If you’re also like me, you’ve since gone there at least twice a week for the avocado toast (aka “avocado smash”) – add an egg, of course – and a cup of coffee. And if not the smash, then the breakfast burrito. And if not the burrito, then anything on
the E. Liberty location’s food menu. But always, always, the coffee. Founder and co-owner John Roos got the idea for the shop while working at a car dealership, where the coffee he was brewing began bringing in more customers than the cars themselves. And the rest, as they say, is history. RoosRoast now offers a variety of options for all caffeine lovers; whether it’s aeropress coffee, buzzinducing cold brew, or a good ‘ol cup of their “Spicy Ginger Lemon” tea, you’re sure to leave caffeinated and content. — Rachel Kerr
Best Bookstore: Literati There’s a reason the notion of the independent bookstore hasn’t died yet — it’s a haven in its own right. No bookstore in Ann Arbor epitomizes this more so than Literati. The bookstore exudes undeniable warmth even during the coldest points of winter, and is perhaps even warmer then. A hub of coziness, Literati is just as picturesque as it is personable. Handwritten recommendations hang from selected books, fostering a sense of intimacy. The space, from its checkered f loor to its many vibrant books, is remarkably visually indulgent — so aesthetically appealing it reads almost like an art gallery. Perhaps one of Literati’s greatest strength
is that visitors are free to amble around perusing the books without the unnerving sensation of being watched, a public space that still affords a private experience. What’s more, the bookstore is also home to charming café, in which one can attend a full calendar of literary events. Some of my favorite memories of Ann Arbor have been spent listening to authors in the upstairs of Literati. As a writer, bibliophile and bookstoreobsessee, I’m grateful that I discovered it when I did — Ann Arbor didn’t feel quite like home until I walked into Literati. —Tess Tobin
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Best Clothing Store: Bivouac Tucked into State Street across from Walgreens, the store offers a strangely wide selection of outdoor winter gear, preppy menswear, and bohemian women’s clothing and accessories. Their selection is pricey but high quality. The store itself is surprisingly large for its humbly sized window displays. It’s the one stop shop for a Canada Goose jacket, a Hydrof lask, or trendy jewelry. The men’s section offers brands like Vineyard Vines, Patagonia, and North Face, blending outdoor gear and the perfect look for Martha’s Vineyard. The women’s section is slightly more confusing
offering Free People intimates, Anthropologie-looking candles and $300 dollar sweaters. The kind of million thread count cotton sweater you wonder if anyone actually wears. But among the expensive goods are some true finds like clever Michigan themed t-shirts, locally crafted jewelry, and a sale section upstairs. Overall, an interesting place to shop, especially if your parents are in town.
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—Sarah Agnone
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Best Yoga Studio: aUM Every time I set foot in the ultra-chic main studio, I feel spoiled rotten. Mind you, I’m there six days a week. But the obsession feels justified; from my first visit, it was obvious that owner and founder Jessie Lipkowitz has done everything in her power to create the ultimate yoga experience. aUM classes include everything from “slow flow” to spiritual workshops to the grueling “hot vinyasa.” A Michigan alum, Lipkowitz employs University students as instructors, making the class experience feel allthe-more tailored to a college kid’s lifestyle. Their 10-minute grace period, “Michigan time” schedule is the icing on the cake. Though each instructor’s teaching style is uniquely personal (Anouk’s rap-heavy playlists, Noelle’s lavender oil massages), acceptance, intimacy and self-love seem to be the
values aUM hopes to instill in its students. I’m telling you, this studio is where my fear of the daily workout died. Would I ever be trying (and failing) crow-poses for fun without their encouragement? Heck no! aUM’s emphasis on both physical and mental health keeps every minute of every class feeling worthwhile. When I become preoccupied with the outside world during Jessie’s crazysweaty vinyasa, I breathe deeply and re-focus my mind using the aUM Yoga mantra: “No matter where you are, know that you can always come back to your breath.” I don’t know how many mental breakdowns that motto has helped me through, but I’m sure it’s a hefty number. Not even midterm stress-levels can constrain the power of aUM. — Tess Garcia
Best Live Music: The Blind Pig Have you ever seen the pilot episode of “Portlandia”? Where they sing about how the dream of the ‘90s is alive and thriving? Well, if you’ve ever set foot inside the The Blind Pig, where the walls are black and mirrored, the interior design cool and industrial and the hair of everyone — those in the audience and on stage — longer than shoulder length, it may feel as though you are transported back into a time when Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins ruled the music scene. What’s that, you say? They performed there? Along with icons like John Legend
and Jimi Hendrix? Dang. What’s crazy is that students, along with both past and future stars, frequently have opportunities to take the stage as well. The understood inclusivity draws audience members from all parts of town, and even when the place is packed, there’s a sense of familiarity and comfortability knowing you’re all there to experience the same thing. With incredible lights and a sound system that’ll make you feel alive, it’s no surprise that The Blind Pig is the best in Ann Arbor for live music. — Allie Taylor
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Best Club: Rick’s Rick’s American Cafe is absurd, and I mean this in the absolute best way possible. When you descend into the basement establishment, you enter a space that is drunk and dance-y, dark and warm, loud and energizing. The sea of bodies that congregate there may be experiencing varied levels of inevitable inebriation, but they share a common goal: to have a really, really great night. And that they do. Uncle Richard’s has the perfect set-up, really. The bar is in close proximity to great latenight eats — BackRoom, Pizza House, Pancheros; pick your poison. You also have the option of stopping by any of the number of bars on South University Avenue before hitting the Rick’s
dancefloor; because shimmying for a few hours definitely cancels out that sixty-fourounce fishbowl. Inside, the multilevel layout allows for pockets of dancing, conversation and drinking. There’s the stage, perfect for dancing in the neon glow of the famous “Rick’s” sign; the sunken floor in the center, ever-crowded and always bumping; the main bar area, churning out mind-probes at an alarming rate. The floor may be sticky and the decisions made there questionable, but Rick’s is a blurry staple. Enter at your own risk. — Carly Snider
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Best Happy Hour: Good Time Charley’s Good Time Charley’s happy hour was great to begin with. Monday through Friday, 2:30 to 6:00, you can get a pitcher of beer and a plate of nachos for $10. It’s a fantastic place to hang for a college student on a budget, complete with an expansive list of drinks and food items to satisfy any midday, post-class craving. If that didn’t sound good enough to begin with, Charley’s recently decided to take their happy hour to the next level. From 3:00 to 5:00, Monday through Thursday, Charley’s
implements their “Experimental Happy Hour” — meaning literally everything is half-off. I still can’t believe it’s legal to get a fishbowl and chicken tenders for barely more than $10. It might even be enough to tempt some to skip class for the deal (something I have definitely never done, I swear). It’s utter madness, but it’s the madness we desperately needed from Ann Arbor’s favorite happy hour. — Dominic Polsinelli
Best Off Campus Bar: Mash In the corner of Mash, there lies a booth. Above that booth, scrawled on a hidden tile of the ceiling are the words: “A woman needs a man like a worm needs a bike.” Dusty chalk is smeared around these words, as well as the surrounding spaces. In fact, almost every inch of the establishment is covered in chalk, whether it be initials or the bolded “go blue!” or tidbits of sass like this one. Because it is this chalk that gives Mash flare. Despite the rustic appeal of its decor, the speakeasy nature of its booths and bar, the chalk is what gives Mash a sense of community and identity amongst the many college File Photo/DAILY
bars Ann Arbor is blessed with. The chalk, and the pickleback shots. Because for 8 dollars you can get a grandpa — or what I would call the perfect concoction of alcohol that doesn’t involve martini glasses or mixed sugars. A pickleback shot followed by a smooth Pabst Blue Ribbon, a grandpa is what you want when you’re sitting in the corner or on the floor, listening to a band you’ve never heard of play “Soul Man” like John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd are leading it. — Natalie Zak
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Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Best Breakfast: Angelo’s
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Do you dream of oversized waff les and buttermilk pancakes so f luffy it takes two days to finish your shortstack? Dream no more at Angelo’s Restaurant in Ann Arbor, where a homestyle attitude and f lavorful aromas accompany your breakfast. Angelo’s is well-known around town for its delicious meals, punctuated further by the line that stretches far past the tiny brick building on any given weekend. With two picturesque buildings to find your perfect fix, Angelo’s caters to any breakfast- or brunchrelated necessity, from freshly File Photo/DAILY squeezed orange juice to a full breakfast service. Whether you’re just stopping in for a quick cuppa or are determined to tackle their Belgian waff les topped with layers of sweet fruits and
whipped topping, this restaurant has got you covered. For the past three years, I’ve spent Galentine’s Day savoring items off of Angelo’s menu. And every year, smiling faces lead us to the same table at Angelo’s on the Side. Just as the world is getting busier and the simple things are becoming luxuries, it’s refreshing to find a restaurant so intent on maintaining its warm ambience and lively conversation. So whether you’re treating your visiting parents to that unique Ann Arbor taste or popping in for a cappuccino to jumpstart your morning routine, Angelo’s is, without a doubt, the very best of Ann Arbor. — Megan Mitchell
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Best Brunch: Sava’s What are the two most sacred words in the English language? Yes, you guessed it: Brunch Buffet. And Sava’s on State Street has the hour-long wait on Sunday mornings to prove it. (Pro-tip: If you only come with one other person you can probably skip the wait by finding seats at the bar.) The dishes rotate some, but there’s always something to be savored by anyone looking to get his or her brunch on: fruits, meats, cheeses, carbs of all varieties, egg dishes, waffles, seafood — maybe chorizo mac ‘n’ cheese or spinach dip if you pick a good week. Oh, and did I mention a mimosa is included? When the bill arrived and I saw it wasn’t an additional charge I just about flipped my barstool. The sweets situation — an assortment of mini pies, pastries, macaroons, etc.
— affords the luxury of light dessert to satisfy a post-meal sweet tooth, or the versatility to create a personal dessert platter if the buffet’s other options left you with room. Sava’s is singular when it comes to Ann Arbor’s brunch offerings; boasting a chic decor, open design and attentive wait staff, it’s the perfect choice for serving some Sunday-best looks or nursing a raging hangover with your last twenty-dollar bill and some change. Whether you brunch post-church or post-blackout, the important thing to remember is this: brunch. And Sava’s brunch buffet is the only reason to be out of bed before noon on a Sunday. — Christian Kennedy
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Best Salad: Salad’s UP! Over the course of my life, I’ve been slowly conditioned to like salads. At the age of five, I had to be bribed into taking two more bites, then three. At the age of ten, I would only eat it if it had the calorie-sugar loaded honey french dressing. At the age of 15, only if it had the poppyseed one. And then poppyseed turned to balsamic, and balsamic turned to olive oil and then — I liked salad. There was no more bribery, no more “one-more, two-more bites”: I was 18 and walking into Salad’s UP! for the first time. And I was falling in love. Now I’m all about the Carrot Ginger dressing. My preferred toppings? That’s easy; I’m in a sweet potato with cranberries kick. I always get cucumber and sometimes, when I’m feeling a little bold, go for brussels sprouts. Spinach is my go-to base, but one day I’ll get up enough nerve to try kale. Romaine is not my friend (too crunchy), but I’m not against mixed greens as an option or a
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religion. Seriously though, the options here are honestly endless. As an indecisive person unable to choose between black jeans or blue, black heels or black flats, this place should be my nightmare. But the child in me forced to grow accustomed to strange mixed greens with various fruits and nuts placed before me, I’m living. Because even though I might get spinach from Trader Joe’s, it almost always goes bad within in a day. And while I do have cranberries and walnuts and beets of my own, I will never be able to grill cauliflower myself for the sake of a salad or even think of grilling chicken without the image of a burning stove popping up in my mind. When it comes to convenience, portions, affordability and location, Salad’s UP! is the plant-lover’s dream and the health nut’s constant craving. — Natalie Zak
Best Burger: Frita Batidos A burger is just a burger, isn’t it? Grill up a beef patty, slap it on a bun and top it with lettuce, tomato and onion. Not at Frita Batidos, the Cuban-inspired burger joint that opened its doors on East Liberty St. in 2010. With its cozy interior — white walls and picnic tables embellished with woven sacks of limes and dominos for customers to play with — and bold take on traditional Cuban fare, the spot makes for a casual dining experience with an eccentric flare. Frita Batidos doesn’t just serve burgers. They serve an array of interpretations of the traditional chorizo frita, ranging from beef to black bean, topped with their signature shoe-string fries and served atop a soft egg bun. If that wasn’t appealing enough already, their menu boasts a variety of
toppings, including a fried egg (a must), avocado spread and a piquant cilantro-lime salsa. The popular spot knows how to make the most of the Cuban flavors that elevate their burgers from standard grub to a threetime “Best of AA” winner. Batidos (tropical milkshakes) make up the other half of their acclaimed equation. Offered in a multitude of enticing flavors that can be kicked up with a splash of dark rum, the sweet blended beverages make for the perfect counterpart to the savory frita. The two achieve a satisfying balance unique to the city’s diverse food scene. Frita Batidos curates a dining experience unlike any other — both in its simplicity and eclectic appeal, making it once again to the top of our list. — Shir Avinadav
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Best Sushi: Sadako And another year later, Sadako has been recognized for its crunchy crunch rolls and its tasty Red Dragon. At a convenient location, Sadako is considered the “feel good” sushi place on campus that college students rely on. It’s the Wednesday hump-day dinner, the Friday night date place or even the Saturday-afternoon take-out meal. Don’t be fooled by the little joint on South U — it has an intimate, yet bustling atmosphere that appeals to anyone. Although busy, it’s a place to have serious lunch meetings or an intimate conversation with a date. It can even cure those stressful blues with its gyoza and / or kutsu. Sadako provides a cultural
taste for any diet including all meat-eaters or vegetarians, serving a wide array of dishes and rolls that will surely satisfy your fishy (or veggie) craving. At a good price, it’s affordable for college students, all while bringing delectable dishes for you and your friends. It’s a sweet place to bring your parents when they are in town, where maybe they will pay for your meal and hit back some sake shots. My advice: drop the South Quad pizza in your hand, grab your chopsticks and make your way to Sadako for some rolls and a free soup/and salad to enjoy with a friend (or even by yourself — more for you!). Sindu Kilaru/DAILY
— Erika Shevchek
Best Indian: Cardamom
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Cardamom is, incontestably, the culinary jewel of North Campus. Its rivals can be hardly mentioned alongside it — in my mind, Cardamom is not only the best restaurant on North Campus, but is definitely in the running for the best restaurant in town. And certainly it’s the best Indian food. When visiting friends or family ask for a restaurant recommendation, it’s the name of Cardamom that springs instinctively and unbidden to my lips. If you are searching for an atmosphere that feels simultaneously up-scale and relaxed, Cardamom is where I’ll direct your gaze. When I want to catch up with a friend, Cardamom is where I invite them to have lunch. Looking at the menu generates none of the ordinary anxiety
surrounding the choosing of a meal — everything is an excellent choice. Nothing leaves you wanting, except for more. With a range of dishes, each new visit to Cardamom opens up new possibilities: the fear of straying from your tried-andtrue plates is entirely absent, because the thrill of new (and inevitably positive) gustatory experiences overrides any apprehension. The single, great tragedy of this gastronomic miracle is merely that more Central Campus dwellers don’t seem to know about it — but for those of us who lead an isolated and hermitic existence up here among the roaming deer and quiet woods, its presence adds a truly enviable dash of spice. — Dayton Hare
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Best Mexican: Isalita On its drink menu, flanking the well-fonted restaurant title Isalita Cantina Mexicana, are two masks. No, they’re not reproductions from the poorly done and largely offensive Jack Black film Nacho Libre. These are legitimate luchadors, Mexican wrestlers who perform high-flying jumps and don colorful masks to represent their culture, not sad (or sick!) Hollywood excecutives. Now, I’m not saying Isalita is the culinary equivalent of a hardworking, scrappy luchador who fought his way from the bottom to bring honor to his family’s name. The food and décor is a bit too upscale and assured for that. But I am saying Isalita is
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the more well-off, classier uncle of that luchador, who also makes really great margaritas, has a wonderful taco Tuesday deal ($2 each!) and a nice selection of Mexican beers. That’s not even to mention the truffle guacamole, the platos grandes. The frozen margaritas, the mojitos. And, most importantly for a restaurant-slash-bar in a college town like Ann Arbor, the atmosphere. Isalita reaches a nice inbetween, not too pretentious for a casual Friday dinner, but not too low key for a nice date. Go — the luchadors are waiting. — Matt Gallatin
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Best Vegetarian/Vegan: The Lunch Room Walking into The Lunch Room, you can immediately feel the friendliness and tempeh in the air. From the exemplary service to the magnificent texture of those exquisite blondies (chocolate chip cookie bars), The Lunch Room serves up everything that is deliciously vegan with a smile. The Lunch Room’s most remarkable addition is their new head chef, Emil Boch, the former head chef at the University’s very own Hillel Cafe. Chef Emil has made the dinner specials at The Lunch Room rival the restaurant’s namesake. From Indian Night to Two-Dollar Tacos, every night at The Lunch Room is a f lavor adventure around the world. Beyond dinner, The Lunch Room’s dessert selection
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rivals that of a full f ledged bakery enterprise, all the while eliminating eggs and dairy from the equation. Try the T.L.T. (Tempeh, Lettuce, Tomato) for a tasty alternative to your favorite meat-filled sandwich, and you will never look back, and don’t forget to add the avocado (always add the avocado). Follow that with the perfect finale, an array of sweet escapes ranging from loaded chocolate chip cookies to whoopie pies to the best dang chocolate cupcake this side of the Mississippi. Come to The Lunch Room for the unrivaled taste bud party and stay for the unbeatable ambience, filled with smiles, laughter and, yes, tempeh. — Becky Portman
Best Mediterranean: Jerusalem Garden There’s a point at which eating too much falafel can become unhealthy. I don’t know if that’s actually true, since this thing is just a bunch of chickpeas and fava beans, but it is deep-fried, so I’m going to go with my gut on this one. Unfortunately, my gut is also looking like I’ve been eating too much falafel from Jerusalem Garden. You can quibble with the locations of the best shawarma in Ann Arbor, or the best pita bread, and that’s all good and fun, but all I know is this: JG is a bona fide gem, an overlooked and underappreciated offering in the E. Liberty battle for food supremacy. Genuinely
good Middle Eastern food is surprisingly hard to come by in Ann Arbor, but my spot has got it down. Come to Jerusalem Garden for the generous portions and sneaky good sides, stay for the warm, inviting decor, replete with unusually tasteful neon lighting, fascinating artwork and a pleasantly low-key vibe. Really, the best compliment I can bestow is that Jerusalem Garden would be, hands down, the ideal place for a date. I wish more people went on dates here. I also wish I went on more dates, just like, in general. — Nabeel Chollampat
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Best Sandwich: Zingerman’s Reubens to veggie to monstrous concoctions of tuna you can’t believe made it onto a plate, let alone a slab of bread — this is Zingerman’s. You might have seen it in the breakout film “The FiveYear Engagement” starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, arguably the best film of our generation. Or you might’ve heard it shouted from uniting Michigan alums in between shouts of “Go Blue!” and “Harbaugh.” Either way, you’ve heard of it, and for good reason. The first place I went upon coming to Michigan was Zingerman’s, and it will probably be the last. Their sandwiches are lifechanging, chock full of mouthwatering ingredients. And each and every one of them is good. But the sandwiches are only half of the experience. The real test of will is standing in
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line before the giant bulletin board trying desperately to narrow down the choices to all but two. Then there’s the actual ordering, when you have to choose whether or not you want crunchy or garlic (always, always crunchy). Then there’s the soda, all housemade (black cherry, always, always black cherry). Then there are the desserts, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of standing within ten feet of one of their coffee cakes or trying a brownie so good you’re convinced the very smell of it will kill you by cholesterol intake, you’re depriving yourself. So stop torturing yourself and go, go, go to Zingerman’s. It’s famous for all the right and delicious reasons.
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— Natalie Zak
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Sweets ‘n’ Treats Best Ice Cream: Blank Slate Creamery
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I scream, you scream, we all scream when Blank Slate Creamery closes for the season. Over the past few years in Ann Arbor, Blank Slate has gone from a small little shop just past Main Street to a cult classic for those searching to satisfy their taste buds in a chic urban experience. Upon entering the creamery, the aroma of slowly baking waffle cones hits you almost immediately after walking through the door. Shortly after breathing in the scent of childhood, it’s hard not to notice the sheer variety of flavors, whose names are handwritten in quirky style on a chalkboard which extends along the entire back wall of the parlor. From your average Madagascar Vanilla to a Lavender Honey flavor, there’s no lack
of imagination here. Thankfully, Blank Slate is well aware of their variety and allows for a number of samples to be tasted before making the plunge. An expanse of flavors aside, the atmosphere of Blank Slate is equal to no other parlor around town. A creaky screen door provides entrance into a chattering community of friends, family and dates. You’ll certainly enjoy devouring your unconventional ice cream whilst drawing on just one of the many chalkboard tables found inside their zany little shop. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone around — there’s no better way to spend your afternoon than at Ann Arbor’s favorite creamery. — Megan Mitchell
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Best Dessert: Iorio’s
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I’m still not 100 percent sure what the difference between ice cream and gelato is, only that gelato is better. Yeah, that sounds like a pretty hot take. But if you’ve been to Iorio’s you’ll know what I’m talking about. With a collection of f lavors ranging from the traditional to the surprising (lavender is good, I promise), you could get something new each time you go and never be disappointed. And I know how often you go. Because I know how often I go. And it’s a lot. No matter what your 3 a.m
self will tell you, not all dessert is created equal, and Iorio’s proves that point. From gelato to espresso to gelato / espresso (hello, affogatto!) Iorio’s is the closest thing to Italy this side of the Mississippi. At least I think it is. I’ve never been to Italy. — Madeleine Gaudin
Best Sweet Treat: Washtenaw Dairy The Washtenaw Dairy is one of the most classic and beloved of all Ann Arbor establishments. Patrons are always greeted by friendly employees who give off a welcoming aura of community. You cannot find a better donut in town and you cannot find it for a better price. From the single red booth in the corner to the colorful exterior, everything about the place just screams Ann Arbor. Locally owned and operated for its entire existence, the Dairy is a seasonal restaurant that covers all seasons. Winter cider and donuts? Check. Ice cream for the spring and summer? Check. Snacks and shakes in the fall? They’ve got you covered. The Washtenaw Dairy has the snacks and treats you want no matter what time of day or what month of the year. It’s just a File Photo/DAILY
brief walk from Central Campus, and now with their weekend donut delivery service, the Dairy is helping to make sure that no University student need ever fear that they won’t be able to obtain a donut of their choice at 1:30 a.m. Walking into the Washtenaw Dairy feels like walking into an establishment that embodies everything that we Ann Arborites love and hold dear. When people outside of the Midwest imagine local Midwestern dairies, The Washtenaw Dairy is what they picture. For locals, it isn’t just a dairy, it’s “The Dairy,” to which all others will forever pale in comparison. To compare it to any other is ludicrous, The Dairy simply can’t be beat. — Ian Harris
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Living ‘n’ Leisure Best Amenities: Landmark Let’s set the scene: It’s late, it’s cold outside, you’re hungry and the Dave Chappelle special you’re watching on Netf lix is much too enthralling to even entertain the possibility of leaving the comfort of your own living space. No mindbending f lavor of Takis is alluring enough to heed the call of hunger, a hunger that’s seemingly unsalvageable, that
is until you remember that Landmark has a fob-enabled passageway from the back of its lobby directly into the equally warm confines of 7-Eleven. Here exists the peak of modern amenity, a luxury in every sense of the word. Home to food, food to home. God bless. — Joey Schuman
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Best Barber: Coach & Four Barber Shop
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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Coach & Four is undoubtedly one of Ann Arbor’s biggest caricatures — but for all the right reasons. Vintage sports memorabilia from all over the world? Check. Flat-screen television that only plays SportsCenter? Check. A fridge full of beer? Yessir. A stead of personable, skilled and hilarious barbers? Thank God, yes. An Ann Arbor mainstay, the barbershop has never failed to leave first-timers impressed with the quality of their cut and the charm of its environment — who can’t be endeared by its hockey stick coffee table, anyhow? The walls are adorned with stickers and jerseys of
countless teams from around the world, and the magazines strewn across the waiting area range from the New York Times to Playboy. It’s a no-nonsense establishment with an earnest air of inclusivity, with its patrons consisting of University faculty, graduate students and impressionable freshmen alike. It’s only stated purpose is to provide its patrons a good haircut, a cracking conversation and a refuge from one’s dayto-day annoyances — and it’s the only barbershop in AA that makes the mark in that regard. — Anay Katyal
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com