2022-Best-of-Ann-Arbor

BEST COFFEE: ROOSROAST COFFEE

The perfect atmosphere for a cafe consists of light chatter, groovy mu sic and the smell of coffee everywhere, said John Roos, founder and director of experience at RoosRoast Coffee. In fact, Roos loves the vibe of a “good coffee shop” so much that when he and executive director Kath Roos got married, he brought a coffee grinder to the church to make the wedding smell like coffee. Since the shop opened in 2015, RoosRoast has become more than a townie coffee shop; it’s something of a microcosm of the Ann Arbor community. Their creative and fun approach to caffeinating the community is accomplished through art, sustainability and of course coffee. “Winning best of Ann Arbor says a lot about our staff and how hard they’ve worked to make sure people have a good experience when they come to RoosRoast,” John Roos said. “Part of my background in coffee is (that) I went to cafes for so many years in Portland, and I wanted to recreate the perfect atmosphere for a coffee shop here in Ann Arbor.” Roos said winning Best of Ann Arbor is a nice reminder of the impact of RoosRoast on the community. “We get so much feedback … from the community complimenting our coffee and good vibes,” John Roos said. “It comes back to you that way, so that’s really sweet.”

- Shannon Stocking, Daily News Editor

BEST SUNDAY

BRUNCH: AnGELO’S

One of the oldest restaurants in Ann Arbor, Angelo’s first opened in 1956 — the culmination of two years of hard work by Greek immi grants, Angelo and Pat Vangelatos. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by Angelo’s son, Steve Vangelatos, and his wife, Jennifer. Vangelatos said he owes the success of his restaurant to his parents — and the bread. “My father and my mother, who opened (Angelo’s) in 1956 and worked here seven days a week … I give them all the credit,” Vangelatos said. Angelo’s bakes its bread from scratch — raisin, white and whole wheat. Fresh loaves of white and raisin bread are available for purchase after 10 a.m. The restaurant provides classic 1950s diner appeal and a vibrant, modern feel. An gelo’s caters to the whole Ann Arbor community, but Van gelatos has a soft spot for the students who fill the pleather booths and barstools. Vangelatos said U-M students have greatly contributed to his restaurant’s business, adding that students are greatly missed during academic breaks and the summer months. “Michigan students have been a really big part of our success and our business,” Vangelatos said. “I’ve made a lot of friends from students (who have) gone off and then come back to visit … I mean, Ann Arbor is the University of Michigan.”

- Carlin Pendell, Daily Staff Reporter

GRACE LAHTI/Daily

BEST BOBA: QUICKLY

For a city that has over 10 bubble tea shops within a three-square-mile radius, winning “Best Boba in Ann Arbor” is no small feat. Quickly Boba, locat ed at 1220 S University Ave., offers over 40 differ ent milk tea flavors and almost 20 toppings along with a variety of fruit teas and slushies. Quickly lovers are quick (no pun intended) to point out that the shop offers boba aficionados the best bang for their buck. Quickly’s largest size, nicknamed the “bucket” by employees, is a full liter of milk tea — the biggest boba drink you can get in Ann Arbor. But when walking into Quickly, it isn’t just the sugary aroma of warm tapioca balls that catches the nose. Quickly’s snack menu in particular stands out among other bubble tea establishments in the area. From mochi waffles to buckets of Tawainese-style popcorn chicken, Quickly has satisfied students’ sweet-and-salty snack cravings since they opened in January 2021. The Ann Arbor shop is one of 80 Quickly locations that have “popped” up across the U.S. since 2002. For Jay Zheng, one of the co-owners of Quickly Ann Arbor, the popular student hangout has a special meaning. When he was a student at the University of Michigan, he frequented Bubble Island, one of the first bubble tea shops in Ann Arbor, which was established in 2002 in the very same spot that Quickly occupies today. Bubble Island closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pan demic. Zheng thought the South University area needed a boba stop, so he opened Quickly a year later. “We’re always looking to improve our menu,” Zheng said. “We just released some new drinks … and also in terms of the food, we’re always thinking of new popular items that students want.” So next time you walk down South University Avenue, step inside a flavorful boba world, waiting to quickly sweeten your taste buds and warm your heart.

- Roni Kane, Daily News Editor & Chen Lyu, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST ICE CREAM: BLANK STATE

Blank Slate Creamery came out with a cherry on top for the fifth con secutive year. A family owned business first established in Ann Arbor in 2014, Blank Slate makes all its ice cream in-house at its West Liber ty Street location. Nathan Nuttle, operations manager at Blank Slate Creamery, said the family went from producing small batch ice cream with a single pasteurizer to having over 90 employees in two loca tions. “My mother Janice had worked at the University for quite some time and wanted to venture off and do her own thing … She went and learned how to make ice cream,” Nuttle said. “We try to keep it a family affair. So I’ve got my cousins and my grandmother and my un cles and whoever are all involved in the business somehow, whether they helped build the place or whether they’re helping now make ice cream or sell ice cream or manage employees.” The creamery sources many of its ingredients locally, including milk and cream from Guernsey Farms Dairy, a North ville-based dairy processor. Nuttle said the loyalty of the customers and of the neighborhood plays a large role in the success of Blank Slate and allows them to be profitable even as a seasonal business. “The loyalty of the customers around us, especially through this pandemic, has been unprecedented for us,” Nuttle said. “We’re just really thankful and we’re doing everything that we can to make sure we’re keeping things fresh, but also bringing back the favorites and keeping people interested. The students are a big reason that we’re able to stay open as late in the year as we do. They keep our late night doors open.” The store also showcases an extensive order list, with flavors ranging from Bal samic Strawberry to Sesame Shoyu Caramel, including a variety of non-dairy, vegan and gluten free options. Outside of Ann Arbor, true enthusiasts can also visit their Brighton location, which opened in 2020 and offers many of their well-known ice cream flavors.

- Anna Fifelski, Daily News Editor

RILEY NIEBOER/Daily

RILEY NIEBOER/Daily

JULIANNE YOON/Daily

JULIANNE

BEST GROCERY: TRADER JOE’S

The Trader Joe’s on East Stadium Boulevard reminds me of my mom. Every August, we’d make the two-hour drive from Grand Rapids so I could get my heart checked at Michigan Medicine. I was born with right pulmonary stenosis, a serious diagno sis turned into minor inconvenience with a routine operation when I was 18 months old. The only real consequence was the annual trip to Ann Arbor to make sure everything was still okay. Still, I used to dread those trips. Dreaded the car ride, the questions from nurses, the poking and prodding and the over whelming fear that this time, something was wrong. But nothing ever was. We were always lucky. After every trip, my mom would bring me to the Trader Joe’s on East Stadium and let me pick out whatever candy I wanted. Tucked in the back of a tiny strip mall, I was always amazed at the brightness of it all. An array of fresh flowers always greeted us as we walked in, followed by colorful pro duce and handwritten signs. The staff, when we went to check out, would always greet us with big smiles and warm affirmations. We’d make our way down the candy aisle and I would stop and look at everything. All of the candies were decorated in sparkling packaging that gave it a sense of novelty — like they weren’t available anywhere else in the world. Scandinavian Swimmers. Joe’s O’s. Cinna Dragons. Fruit Jellies. It seemed like something out of Willy Wonka. I would spend what seemed like an eternity in that aisle as my mom filled the cart with things she said she just couldn’t get back home. She’d come back, pull me close, and tell me I could pick two things if I really wanted. One for me and one for you, she’d say. I’d hug her and put both candies in my cart. I stopped having to go to those appointments regularly after I turned 12, and our trips to the Ann Arbor Trader Joe’s became less frequent. Those trips as a kid were my first experience of Ann Arbor. When the first Trader Joe’s opened in Grand Rapids in 2015, we went together and strolled through the aisles like we used to. The flowers were there, the walls were the same pale yellow, the staff was as nice as always — but it still didn’t feel the same. Now, when I shop at the Ann Arbor Trader Joe’s as a student here at the University of Michigan, I think of my mom and those trips in early August. Everytime I walk past the candy aisle I feel like I’m the same 8 year-old looking in wonderment at all the options and thinking I’m in a Roald Dahl novel. Even now, I always grab two sets of candy. One for me, and one for her.

- George Weykamp, Daily News Editor

BEST BURGER: FRITA BATIDOS

It was cold. I was waiting for my friend to come. I wit nessed crowds of people waiting for their table in front of Frita Batidos, shaking in their winter coats. I saw peo ple holding churros. I wanted churros. Many people were eating outside, and I observed their burgers with sunnyside-up eggs and their drinks with tiny blue umbrellas. My friend came and we got a table. The restaurant inside had white brick walls with an accent of light blue. We sat down at a crisp white table and looked at the menu from our phones. We both ordered beef fritas. We waited impa tiently for the food to come while people-watching. Some people were talking about how Frita Batidos was their favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor, while others were talking about all the variations of fritas they’ve tried and how they loved all of them. The restaurant serves up elegant but simple fare with a Cuban flair, and the signature burger, or “Frita” is the star of the show. While Frita’s may not fit the mold of a traditional burger, The Daily’s readers have crowned it Ann Arbor’s best eight years in a row. The menu is truly something all its own, drawing on Cuban influ ences while incorporating various other cultures’ culinary successes. Eve Aronoff, the owner of Frita Batidos, said the menu was inspired by her time in Miami, where she was immersed in Cuban culture. “I grew up spending a lot of time with my grandmother in Miami,” Aronoff said. “I just really had fallen in love with the spirit of the culture and the ingredients and the cuisine.” The food may not be perfectly Cuban, but ask any Ann Arborite, and they’ll tell you it is just perfect. Our food came, and it took us roughly five bites before we finished it. Sitting in our post-meal happiness, I understood why Frita Batidos was the restaurant I wanted to try first during my first semester on campus. I listened to the hype, devoured the food and immediately started to think about what I would order the next time I come.

MICHIGAN

Caroline Wang, Daily Staff Reporter

JENNA HICKEY/Daily

KEITH MELONG/Daily

BEST PIZZA: JOE’S PIZZA

Joe’s Pizza in Ann Arbor is one of two locations for the store outside of New York City, offering locals a taste of real New-York-style pizza. Huge lines pile outside of Joe’s every weekend, but to owner and manager Peter Levin, the crowds at Joe’s are part of the lively experience. “I think it’s super fun,” Levin said. “We try to make it a real ly fun and comfortable experience for everybody, despite the line. People don’t seem to mind wait ing in line … This year, we actually put speakers outside to try and keep that energy up.” Levin and his business partner, Ian Lafkowitz, are both University of Michigan alumni, and they originally con tacted the founders of the original Joe’s Pizza to try and bring it to Ann Arbor. According to Levin, it’s the energy of Joe’s that sets it apart from other pizza places, and it’s that energy that originally attracted Joe’s founders to Ann Arbor.

“We collectively agreed that Ann Arbor needed a Joe’s Pizza, and it made sense for the first (location) outside of New York to be here,” Levin said. “And it’s been great ever since.” No matter how they got here, Joe’s is here to stay. It’s a place that welcomes everyone from students between classes and people coming back from a late night into its cozy location for not just warm pizza, but an energy and atmosphere unlike any other.

- Riley Hodder, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST SANDWICH: ZINGERMAN’S

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is an Ann Arbor institution opened by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig in 1982 ded icated to serving traditional deli sandwiches to the Ann Arbor community. They have since expanded to include a café, bakehouse with classes, and a sit-down restaurant. The eclectic and cozy atmosphere welcomes thousands of regu lars and visitors each year. In the throes of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, I made the trip from my par ents’ house to Zingerman’s Delicatessen because their Leo’s Friendly Lion Sandwich and old-style pickle is just that good. Set in the heart of Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown, the cobblestone streets and historical buildings welcome customers into a deli that has a variety of both traditional and unconventional offerings. Zingerman’s is not only the best sandwich in Ann Arbor, but its high-quality ingredients and incredible service make it one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. It is a must-do for anyone in Ann Arbor whether it’s game day, a Saturday afternoon post-farmer’s market or a quick lunch.

- Isabella Kassa, Daily Arts Writer

LILA

LILA

GRACE

BEST CASUAL DINNER & DRINKS: FRITA BATIDOS

Frita Batidos was designed to bring people together, according to owner Eve Aronoff. “We just always wanted to be a place where everybody could come together from all different backgrounds and sit down together at these big tables and get to know each other,” Aronoff said. The restaurant’s only form of seat ing is long communal tables, which Aronoff said was a choice inspired by the ‘slow food’ movement, which pro motes equity and sustainability by emphasizing cultural food traditions and taking time to enjoy meals with oth ers. She said both the staff and customers at Frita Batidos have formed a community around shared meals and val ues. “One of the tenants (of the movement) that matters to me a lot has always been conviviality — how people come together, cooking or eating together,” Aronoff said. “It’s just always been like that at Frita in the kitchen and in the dining room with the guests.” It certainly seems that Aronoff has achieved her goal; Frita Batidos is constant ly packed with students and Ann Arbor residents. After claiming the inaugural crown for the brand-new “casual dinner and drinks” category, it doesn’t look like Frita will be losing that title any time soon.

- Samantha Rich, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST ROMANTIC

DINNER: MANI OSTERIA & BAR

Mani’s comforting yet lively atmosphere and truly to-diefor cuisine make its ranking as most romantic dinner in Ann Arbor completely unsurprising. The osteria and bar meet the criteria for a date night almost to a tee. The buoyant ambiance, kept afloat by a panorama of conversation, hits the sweet spot, allowing you and your partner to engage in private conversation obscured by other voices. Candlelit tables invite a comfortable amount of intimacy and offset the black-and-white patterned floors. The food alone is a conversation starter. Just ask any waitstaff or frequent cus tomer about their chili oil and you’ll see what I mean. After celebrating its 10-year anniversary with sister restaurant Isalita last year, Mani has established itself as a paramount leader in Ann Arbor’s restaurant scene. A line outside the door and a hefty wait time have become a definite part of the experience on any weekend due to reduced hours, reservation restrictions and its organic popularity. Their impressive menu centers around a plethora of shareable plates, unforgettable pizza and mouth-watering pasta. The family-style menu and thoughtful portion sizes make it only logical to share a couple of plates with your partner and indulge in the comfort of good Italian food and even better company.

BRENES/Daily

- Shannon Stocking, Daily News Editor

KEITH

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD: JERUSALEM GARDEN

“It was a place without pretense, where everyone was welcome,” the Jerusalem Gar den website states. Jerusalem Garden is hard to miss, with the large, orange, mo saic-style “JG” letters standing out on the busy East Liberty Street. With so many restaurants lining the street, it can be hard to choose where to go. However, if you want a fast, delicious Mediterranean meal, whether it be a falafel sandwich or a ka bob, Jerusalem Garden is the place to stop in. The family-owned restaurant caters to all different diets: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal. They offer combinations of meals, meals with sides, and tasting platters for the people who want to try a lit tle of everything and experience some Mediterranean culture. They offer affordable prices for delicious food, and have dine-in, pick up and delivery options. Founder Ribhi Ramlawi opened Jerusalem Garden in 1987 using his severance pay after be ing laid off from his job. The father of eight was looking for a way to provide for his family, and quickly gained popularity in the Ann Arbor area. Today, three of Ramlawi’s children are still involved in the business, and son Ali Ramlawi, an Ann Arbor City Council mem ber of Ward 5, is currently the main owner and operator, continuing his family tradition of offering Ann Arbor with authentic food and a welcoming community. “It is essentially Palestenian street food,” Ali Ramlawi said. “We quickly became successful and popular based on our falafel, and we have grown since then. We are still using my father’s recipe for the falafel and other things like the hummus and the lentil soup.”

- Emiline Fahmy, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST INDIAN FOOD: MADRAS MASALA

My freshman roommate and I were (and still are) obsessed with Madras Mas ala. It was the only restaurant on campus that encouraged us to trek outside, traveling from our dorm in the Hill Neighborhood to the State Street area. At the time, the distance seemed unbearable, but rain or snow, we were at Madras sharing gossip and news over a warm plate of food. Whether you’re in want of a flavorful bite or are looking for a place to unwind, Madras Masala is there. The owners are incredibly friendly and there are many vegetarian options. When I got my wisdom teeth removed, my first stop on my Ann Arbor soup tour was Madras for their Mulligatawny dish. Its creamy richness saved my life. Great dishes to order include the perennial favorite, Chicken Tikka, and the lesser ordered yet still show-stoppingly delicious Fish Tikka Masala and Bagara Baingan. My pescatarian friends fall over themselves to explain just how amazing — how soft and how flaky — the fish is. The Chicken Biryani portions are generous, and each dish can have the spice adjusted. While I prefer the plain naan, my friends swear by Madras’s garlic naan. Besides the memories and the fantastic food, the best part about Madras is its versatility. You can bring a whole group of friends for dinner at night and get seated quickly. It’s perfect for date nights and visiting family and friends. You rarely need a reservation, but the restaurant is never empty. Madras is also a lunch time favorite for students. You can dine as a study break and be back to class on time. If you’re on a budget, you can also split a single curry with a friend and leave satisfied. The possibilities are endless at this Ann Arbor and campus staple.

- Elizabeth Yoon, Daily Arts

JOSE BRENES/Daily

JOSE BRENES/Daily

JOSE BRENES/Daily

BEST MEXICAN FOOD: ISALITA

Reclaiming its 2017 crown, Isalita is a must-go for anyone craving authentic Mexican street food. One bite of a perfectly crispy, salty tortilla chip drenched in homemade guac and sal sa or their tacos al pastor and you’ll quickly understand why. Adam Baru, the owner of Isalita and its sister restaurant Mani, told The Michigan Daily he was inspired to open Isalita after spending time in Mexico. “Isalita was designed to be sort of a knocked-down traditional cantina with a big bar and food that was sort of street food-inspired,” Baru said. A patchwork of dozens of framed paintings coating the walls of exposed brick and green paint, Isalita feels like home while capturing a world entirely removed from the bustle of East Liberty Street right on the other side of the door. General manager Lauren Lavigne said she has loved seeing Isalita become a site of celebration — from 21st birthdays to graduation dinners, friends and family gather over chips and margarita pitchers to mark crucial milestones. “There will be groups of six or eight or 10 that will come in and split a couple of pitchers of margaritas,” Lavigne said. “We’ve had a lot of 21st birthdays, graduation events, things like that both in private dining rooms and also upstairs in the dining room, so it’s a lot of fun.” Baru added that the students during the school year add a renewed sense of life into the restaurant. “We, as a restaurant, look forward to the school year starting,” Baru said. “The energy in there just changes, and it feels very much like the restaurant I always envisioned it to be. The rest of the year is great, but certainly, when the students are back, it does energize the restaurant in a way that you sort of miss during the rest of the year.”

- Samantha Rich, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT: NO THAI

With four Ann Arbor locations and one delivery-only kitchen, No Thai is a goto restaurant for countless U-M students looking for something savory, spicy and altogether delicious. Whether that be after a football game, before a night out or when you just have a craving for a hot plate of pad thai in the middle of an hourslong study session. No Thai co-owner Brian Kim said each location serves a unique customer base. Their original location on South University Avenue is heavily influ enced by when students are on campus, Kim said, while others see more families and commuters. “The South University location — which could maybe be consid ered our flagship location because it’s our original store — that store is the busiest,” Kim said. “During the summer months, obviously, that area’s not as populated so it’s pretty slow in the summer, but it’s very busy with mostly students making up their customers during the school year.” Coming out of the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, No Thai gradually reopened its doors one location at a time and pulled employees from all five locations as needed. Kim said he was grateful to have such a strong employee base throughout their pandemic recovery, preventing them from having to permanently close any of their locations. For 20 years, No Thai has served as an ambassador of Thai food in Ann Arbor. The longtime favorite fills a gap when customers need it most — with its food being hearty, tasty and perhaps most importantly, fast. If you really want to test your spice tolerance, this is the place to do it. The menu offers customers to select different spice levels ranging from No Spice, Weak Sauce, Medium, Yoga Flame, and Dim Mak — the spiciest option on the menu that will stir your taste buds like nothing else. Be exquisite, embrace the heat and take your inflamed lip as a trophy for life.

Samantha Rich & Chen Lyu,

BEST SUSHI: TOTORO

“I love Nanny’s food better than anything else in the whole wide world.” - “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988). It turns out that residents of Ann Arbor might just love sushi at Totoro more than anything else in the whole wide city. For the second year in a row, the Japanese restaurant, nestled between Ama Bistro and The Getup Vintage, has been voted “Best Sushi” in Ann Arbor. It’s safe to say Totoro is on a “roll,” and — much like a bowl of their delectable miso soup — it won’t be cooling down anytime soon. Take it from LSA junior Jumana Ibrahim, who’s tried every single sushi roll on the Totoro menu over the past year. Freshman year, sequestered in her dorm room during the pandemic, she and her roommate were desperate for an excuse to get fresh air — and sushi. So they walked into Totoro for the first time, and Ibrahim hasn’t gotten sushi anywhere else since. A year later, over the span of 14 sushi runs, Ibrahim and her roommate have now tasted all 53 of Totoro’s regular and special rolls. She has a note on her phone, recording each of their visits with a score out of 10 for every roll — the Fire Island and Michigan rolls scored the highest in case you need recommendations — and started posting her sushi adventures on TikTok. “We just got attached to it because it’s one of the first places we went to in Ann Arbor when we came to school,” Ibrahim said. “It always tastes fresh and the atmosphere inside is so busy and fun.” Upon stepping inside the restaurant, warm light washes over the sushi chefs, hard at work behind the counter, rolling your sushi up right before your eyes. Various memorabilia from the Japanese anime movie “My Neighbor Totoro” — the restaurant’s namesake — grin at customers from around the booths. Manager Sue Kim told The Michigan Daily the restaurant has changed ownership a couple of times since they opened in 2003, so the reason the restaurant was named after the giant chinchil la-like creature has been forgotten by the current staff. Still, Kim said it is the regular customers, like Ibrahim, who make Totoro a quintessential Ann Arbor eatery. Week after week, Kim said she sees the same sushi fanatics come back for a taste of Japanese cuisine. According to Kim, that makes Totoro feel less like a traditional restaurant and more like a constant gathering of friends. “A lot of our customers say our sushi is the best in Ann Arbor,” Kim said. “We are very friendly and they are very friendly. I think that is the reason people keep coming back.”

- Roni Kane, Daily News Editor

BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN FOOD: DETROIT STREET FILLING STATION

Since its opening in 2017, the patio of Detroit Street Filling Station has overflowed with plants, people and music. This Kerrytown staple has been recognized as the Best Vegan/Vegetarian Food in Ann Arbor for the second year in a row. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, The Lunch Room — which received the same distinction in 2018 and 2019 — Detroit Street Filling Station serves an exclusively vegan menu to its clientele seven days a week. The restaurant incorporates fresh vegetables into its dishes through partnerships with local businesses such as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Ypsilanti-based Dawn Farm. From the fan-favor ite Pad Thai to the savory Southwest Salad, Detroit Street Filling Station has something for everyone — even the most fervent of meat-eaters. For us, the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are an appetizer fit for every occasion. However, for founder and owner Phillis Engelbert, the heart of Detroit Street Filling Station isn’t the vegan fare. Rather, it is the personal and professional growth of its staff that Engelbert finds the most value. “We have a number of employees who came to us straight out of treatment and are now managers, several who are three or four or five years sober,” Engelbert said. “We have other employees who came to us from jail or homeless shelters and treatment and are now students at (the University) … That is the best part, is seeing the successes of our staff members.” According to Engelbert, Detroit Street Filling Station feels a sense of duty to give back to a community that has embraced the restaurant with open arms by providing food and raising funds for those in need. “We just did (a fundraiser) for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico,” Engelbert said. “During the heaviest part of the pandemic, we gave away a lot of free meals and grocer ies and teamed up with TeaHaus with their school lunch program. Even now, we give away our chili to anybody who just wanders by and needs something to eat.” Despite the ceaseless construction, Engelbert says Detroit Street Filling Station will continue to offer its unique menu — with its recently-reopened indoor seating — for its patrons for years to come. “We have a welcoming and inviting culture both for our patrons and for our staff,” Engelbert said. “We want everybody to feel comfortable coming here regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation … I really like that we have such a diverse crowd that eats here and works here, and people can just be

- Anna Fifelski, Daily

Editor,

HANNAH TORRES/Daily

BEST “FAST” FOOD: BTB BURRITO

Two years ago, the loss of a Taco Bell original ly slated for the Michigan Union engendered disappointment among students looking for a quick bite on campus. Thankfully, that disap pointment did not last long as BTB Burrito, long known for serving up quick and tasty bites on South State Street, announced its move to South University Avenue right outside Good Time Charley’s in the heart of student nightlife. At the time, students were worried the move would impact the quality of the 15-year old Ann Arbor institution. Clearly, those worries were overblown, as Ann Arborites have crowned BTB the best fast food in town. Despite the move and shift to takeout-only service, students keep coming back for the fresh food at a reasonable price. In 2004, University of Michigan alum Adam Lowenstein, co-founder of BTB, set out to deliver an excellent college burrito spot. Fifteen years later, the restaurant continues to make good on that goal, providing stu dents cheap bites that fit with their busy schedules and still taste incredible. Every time I drop in for the deluxe steak burrito, I know I can expect a delicious burrito whether I run in for a quick dinner in between meetings or a late-night bite after a night out. Not to mention, the stand stays open until 2:30 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, ensuring you and your friends can count on a BTB Burrito no matter what the night brings.

- Dominic Coletti, Managing News Editor

BEST LATE NIGHT BITE: FLEETWOOD DINER

Since its opening in 1949, the Ann Arbor and Lansing locations of the Fleetwood Diner have advertised themselves as “The hippest little diners in the hippest Midwest towns”, and residents of Ann Arbor agree. Fleetwood Diner, located on the corner of Ashley Street and Liberty Street, was voted as the best place in Ann Arbor for a late night bite, a crown it hasn’t held since 2018, but a distinction it well deserves. Andy Demiri, who has owned the diner for 33 years, said he began leasing the building in 1992 and the diner has been a substantial part of his life ever since. “My son, he basically was born here,” Demiri said. “Most of the people working here have been working here for years. And we got to have a lot of regular customers all the time.” As the only restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor open for 24 hours, it welcomes patrons at any time of day, all year round. In the summer months, the diner offers outdoor seating in a space that became Ann Arbor’s first sidewalk cafe. When winter comes around, Fleetwood Diner unrolls its temporary walls, offering customers a seat in a heated veranda where they can en joy fries, burgers or breakfast items at any time of day. Demiri said he is grateful for the Ann Arbor communi ty for their support over the years, especially during the pandemic. He said the late hours at Fleetwood have es tablished a sense of home in Ann Arbor and is something he will always cherish as its owner. “I feel like I’m home,” Demiri said. “You know, I get phone calls at two o’clock in the morning (because) something happened and I live 20 minutes away. I think a lot of people, they feel like home here, so I’m part of that now, too.”

- Anna Fifelski, Daily News Editor

ANNA FUDER/Daily

TESS CROWLEY/Daily

TESS CROWLEY/Daily

BEST SWEET TREAT: INSOMNIA COOKIES

Located on South University Avenue between Church Street and South Forest Avenue, Insomnia Cookies packs a big punch into its quaint store front. The first time I visited Insomnia was after my freshman year movein. My family, like most, loves all things sweet including, of course, cook ies. We were pleasantly surprised by the array of flavors the store had to offer and bought a six pack of cookies and some buttercream frosting. The national chain was founded in 2003 by Seth Berkowitz, a University of Pennsylvania alum desperate for a late-night treat. Since then, the store has expanded to over 200 locations across the country, providing college students a way to get their cookie fix, even at 2 a.m.. Ann Arbor students have bought into Berkowitz’s business model, flocking to the storefront in the middle of the night when their studying is disrupted by an intense craving for a sweet treat. Since I was young, I have always had a warm cookie cake as my birthday cake. This tradition came from a combination of a love for my grandmother’s blondies and a distaste for anything cold. My birthday falls just at the beginning of the school year. To account for this, my parents have sent me a cookie cake from Insomnia for my birth day both years I have been enrolled at the University of Michigan. The joy of seeing the text from Insomnia saying “(my dad) sent you something sweet,” is irreplaceable.

- Matthew Shanbom, Daily Staff Reporter

BEST BREWERY: HOPCAT

Nestled in the heart of central campus, HopCat has been a sta ple of Maynard Street since it opened in Ann Arbor on Val entine’s Day in 2014. Its signature cosmic french fries, double smash burgers and classic beer make it the perfect place to bring your family and friends for some good bar food. Hop Cat, which has seven other locations throughout Michigan, has always had beer at the core of its existence. The restaurant serves local craft beer at each location and is committed to making each of its restaurants different. What’s unique about the Ann Arbor location? The quaint pub-like space embraces the traditional bar atmosphere while still capturing the cultur al hotbed that is Ann Arbor, with magazine spreads of famous singers and psychedelic artwork lining the walls. The beer menu itself is extensive, offering over 50 Michigan-brewed op tions that range from season-specific harvest beer to heartier stouts and porters. Whatever you’re in the mood for, HopCat has something for you.

- George Weycamp, Daily News Editor

JOSE BRENES/Daily

HANNAH TORRES/Daily

JOSE BRENES/Daily

SELENA SUN/Daily

BEST BOOZE SHOP: CAMPUS CORNER

Look, we both know why we’re here. This might be your first stop of the night, but it won’t be the last. You’re not here for a nice bottle of wine. You’re here for the 30-rack you’ll lug to a house party down the block, or the bottle of cheap rosé you’ll bring to share at your best friend’s post break-up cry fest. Campus Corner doesn’t boast lower prices or a wider selection than its competitors. Its allure, if you can call it that, comes from its location: at the intersection of Packard and State Streets, the store is walking distance from everywhere south of the Law Quad. Its grungy, fluorescent-lit aisles feel intimidating and grown-up; though some might prefer the airy comfort of the Kroger liquor aisle, Michigan students and Ann Arbor residents alike appreciate the rougharound-the-edges familiarity of Campus Corner that other stores simply can not offer. Before you’ve graduated to the economical, strategic act of buying in bulk from Meijer or Costco, Campus Corner is the reliable workhorse type of spot you find yourself in more often than you’d like. While other stores re quire a car or some preplanning, Campus Corner requires nothing but a cando spirit and a pep talk on the sidewalk outside. As long as there are students in Ann Arbor, Campus Corner will outlive us all.

- Julian Wray, Books Beat Editor

BEST HAPPY HOUR: GOOD TIME CHARLEY’S

Good Time Charley’s is iconic. Ask an alum or any current student old enough to get in and you are certain to get a glowing review accompanied by an ecdotes of good (and bad) nights out, unforgettable memories and a definite mention of fishbowls. The campus bar scene staple caters to the lively college crowds, hosting events from trivia to karaoke each night, an impressive happy hour every Tuesday-Saturday after noon and a shot menu that goes on for what feels like forever. Charley’s owner Adam Lowenstein said this fall has felt like a long-awaited return to normal, and said happy hour has played a big part in that. “It’s amazing to be recognized for the best happy hour in Ann Arbor,” Lowenstein said. “This year has been great because it’s definitely felt like a return to normal over the past two years. Even in 2021, even though students were back, they weren’t back in full speed. So to have a real school year and(a) real football season and beautiful weather in the fall … It’s been a great fall.” As an icon, Charley’s has stood the test of time as one of the last buildings left unchanged on South Uni versity Avenue. As other bars and restaurants have undergone facelifts and residential skyscrapers have taken over the former ly bar-lined block, Charley’s 40-year tenure has proven its place in the campus community. Lowenstein said the Charley’s staff is happy to see the increase in development, but is also happy the Charley’s storefront will remain the same. “I don’t think you can build a new bar to look like a 40-year-old bar,” Lowenstein said. “You know, I don’t think you’d have the character we have today if we had to start from scratch. We’re proud to be that original location.”

- Shannon Stock ing, Daily News

BEST NIGHTLIFE: RICK’S

“Electric,” “buzzin,” “yummy,” “double-well-drinks,” “slutty,” “playful,” “Thursday,” “a-lit tle-sticky,” “beautifully messy,” “impossible,” “essential”: We asked Michigan Daily staffers to describe Rick’s American Cafe in one word, and this is just a small sample of what they came up with. It is obvious that Rick’s evokes a variety of feelings and sensations, but some thing about it keeps us all coming back, Thursday night after Thursday night. (The infamous bar is, of course, open on other nights, but nothing can beat standing in a line stretching down the alley, in the frigid weather, knowing in your heart that you will not attend your Friday morning discussion section.) Established in 1979, Rick’s has been a favored campus haunt of scores of upperclassmen, offering a down-to-earth (it’s literally in a basement) club vibe and $2 well drinks before 10 p.m. The Daily Meal named the bar one of the top 25 college bars in America, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not an exaggeration to say Rick’s has embedded itself in campus culture and tradition; Rick’s on your 21st birthday has become an Ann Arbor rite of passage. Both of yours truly have descended into Ann Arbor’s lovably grungy nightlife hotspot to celebrate milestones, as have countless others, including Michael Phelps (allegedly). Rick’s truly is a step above, even while being a whole flight of stairs below. So, the next time you put on your “going-out top,” tuck your ID and $5 cover in your pocket and make your way down to dance under the light of the shining orange neon sign, know that you are enjoying the Best Nightlife of Ann Arbor.

ANNA FUDER/Daily

- Paige Hodder, Editor-in-Chief, Dominic Coletti, Managing News Editor

BEST MICH APPAREL: M DEN

It’s an unmistakable landmark on one of Ann Arbor’s busiest streets. With windows decked out in maize and blue, anyone walking past The M Den on State Street knows right away that this is a college town. Opened in 1976, The M Den began as a sporting goods store and slowly began focusing more on University of Michigan merchan dise before becoming the institution’s official retailer in 1992. Since then, the store has become a staple for students, families, sporting fans and anyone even remotely interested in the University to stop by for some Michigan gear. The M Den manager Dearron Haygood says the sense of being a part of the sports community is very crucial to the store’s mission. “When the team is doing great, like they are now, people are just pumped and they’re excited,” Haygood said. “We’ve come to realize that this is really part of the experience, you know, people coming here to shop at (The) M Den and shop at any of The M Den stores … It’s just really part of the experience and we strive to really give that experience to all the fans, all of our customers.”

- Caroline Wang, Daily Staff Reporter

MARIA DECKMANN/Daily

MARIA DECKMANN/Daily

BEST APARTMENT: LANDMARK

Located at the corner of South University Avenue and South Forest Avenue, Landmark Apartments gives students a comfort able living experience right at the heart of the action on Central Campus. Though expensive — even by Ann Arbor standards — residents will discover the value in all the building has to of fer. Apartments are fully-furnished, incredibly spacious, include in-unit washers and dryers and plenty more wonderfully useful appliances. With unit sizes ranging from studios all the way to six bedrooms, it is a great place for small and large groups of students alike. The amenities are stellar. The full fitness center is a great place to get a workout in, the clubroom is a fun place to hang out and shoot pool and the hot tub and fire pit offer a warm welcome feeling for when you want to be outside in the cold of winter. With easy access to all that South University Avenue has to offer and close proximity to Central Campus, Landmark is the place to be for those looking for high-end housing in Ann Arbor.

- Mitchel Green, Film Beat Editor

BEST BOOKSTORE: LITERATI

With the emergence of BookTok has come the indie bookstore renais sance: the independent bookstores once hurting during the pandemic are beginning to bounce back after reopening their doors, and Literati is leading the pack. The green brick and mortar building that everyone in Ann Arbor has grown to adore has, unsurprisingly, won best bookstore for the seventh year in a row. I used this opportunity as an excuse to vis it my favorite corner downtown, coffee in hand, ready to spend my af ternoon among the colorful stacks of carefully curated books. From the moment I walked into Literati, the checkerboard flooring, high ceilings, and friendly smiles from the desk were calling my name. The experi ence of visiting Literati is interactive, giving customers the opportunity to write their own stories on the public typewriter in the basement. The walls are covered in love letters, poems, quotes, confessions and the occasional dad joke. I sat down, and without thinking, started to type away, bursts of serotonin rushing through my veins as I tippity tapped on the vintage keys of the typewriter. What was most enjoyable was the fact that I was sitting in the same spot that hundreds had before me, with the soft, dark academia-esque lighting creating the perfect ambiance for working through my writ er’s block. It was truly a healing experience. This three-story building has been my safe haven, an escape from the hectic football weekends, daunting midterms and April snows. I know I can rely on Literati to fuel my undying need to buy enough books to decimate a small forest that will, inevi tably, continue to crowd the to-be-read pile in my room. Next time you need a good book, have the insatiable desire to vent via typewriter or just want to wander around, I encourage you to poke your head in.

- Kate Weiland, Managing Editor

RILEY NIEBOER/Daily

RILEY NIEBOER/Daily

ENTERTAINMENT: MICHIGAN THEATER

Every time I thumb through the stack of movie tickets stuffed in my wallet, my memories of visiting the theater are restat ed in vivid detail. I remember who I was with, which parts of the movie we laughed at, cried to and in some cases ripped to shreds on Letterboxd. The moviegoing experience is a spiritual one — whether you’re alone or with others, kicking back in a comfortable chair and watching a film on the big screen up grades the enjoyment to a level that can’t be recreated at home. For Ann Arbor residents, there’s no better place for watching movies than the Michigan Theater. What makes the Michigan Theater exceptional is its dedication to hosting independent films, local artists and exclusive events that are unparalleled in scope. It eliminates any and all barriers to involvement in the local art scene, a perk that is infinitely valuable. Sometimes you’re in for a rowdy late-night singalong to “Cats,” other times you’re fulfilling childhood nos talgia by rewatching Studio Ghibli films and for Halloween you’re tuning into “Nosferatu,” the moth er of all horror films, spookified by the historic Barton Organ’s eerie timbre. In addition to films, the Michigan Theater covers every corner in terms of entertainment. There is simply no other place that hosts a Joni Mitchell tribute concert, a screening of cult favorite “The Room” presented by Greg Sestero, a live shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and Kelly Ripa on tour — all in the same auditorium. In every way, the Michigan Theater is a triumph in local entertainment — all be cause of the loyal paying supporters and devoted organizers that uphold its year-round operation as a non-profit. It’s especially reliable for building your own personal collection of movie tickets, too.

GRACE LAHTI/Daily

- Laine Brotherton, Digital Culture Beat Editor

BEST WORKOUT

CLASS: SOULCYCLE

SoulCycle, a New York-based workout studio, opened its first location in 2006. Today, they have locations all across the United States in major cities including Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. SoulCycle Ann Arbor, which opened in 2020, serves a different audience than the chain’s other locations, but the product is just as good. Though only two years old, it has quickly become a student favorite and was voted best workout class in Ann Arbor by Michigan Daily readers for the second year in a row. Situated on South University Avenue minutes from many popular student residences, SoulCycle is easily accessible to students who want to fit a quick workout into their busy schedules, offering 45- and 60-minute high-intensity cycling classes, with loud music and a club-like atmosphere that appeals to many young Ann Arborites. Their trademark yellow and white colors light up the atmosphere when you walk in, and the large neon “SOUL ANBR” sign is hard to miss when walking down the street. Each class is themed, with music tailored to the chain’s young, trendy clientele, so people are bound to find a class that appeals to their tastes and allows them to get in a sweat while having a good time. SoulCycle prides themselves on being more than a workout class. The company strives to motivate participants to improve themselves and the world around them. “We move people to move the world,” their website reads. “Because we move people to move themselves. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.” Instructors remind riders to stay true to themselves and provide inspiration through out their classes. “It is really a mind/body experience. It’s not so much just a workout class where you go in and sweat. It’s definitely a mind connection and it’s a place where you can take your mind off (things),” said Charlie Pietryga, a Kinesiology senior and member of the SoulCycle studio crew. To book a class, download their easy-to-use Android or iPhone apps, browse the schedule and pick the class that’s right for you. You’ll definitely leave with a sweat and a smile!

- Emiline Fahmy, Daily Staff Reporter