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Best asian food - Tomukun
Best "fast food" - No Thai!
Best boba - Tea Ninja
Best mediterranean food - Jerusalem Garden
Best bookstore - Literati
Best mexican food - Chela's
Best booze shop - Stadium Market
Best nightlife - Rick's American Cafe
Best brewery - Jolly Pumpkin
Best pizza - Joe's Pizza
Best burger - Frita Batidos
Best romantic dinner - Mani
Best casual dinner and drinks - HopCat
Best sandwich - Zingerman's
Best coffee - Roos Roast
Best spot to take your parents - Sava's
Best grocery store - Trader Joe's
Best Sunday brunch - Angelo's
Best happy hour - Good Time Charley's
Best sushi - Totoro
Best ice cream - Blank Slate
Best sweet treat - Dimo's Donuts
Best indian food - Cardamom
Best vegan food - Detroit Street Filling Station
Best late night bite - Fleetwood Diner
Best workout class - AUM Yoga
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Ann Arbor is home to so many establishments worth exploring, from restaurants of various cuisines to coffee shops, bookstores and nightlife locales. But where do you start? Which restaurant should you take your parents to and which will impress a date? You want to try all the coffee shops, but which should you try first? And what hidden gems are out there waiting to change your life, just as soon as you find them? The Michigan Daily’s Best of Ann Arbor edition has the answers for you from the students who know the city best.
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BEST COFFEE: Roos Roast
RoosRoast Coffee is no stranger to The Michigan Daily’s annual Best of Ann Arbor list. The coffee shop’s downtown location opened at 117 E. Liberty St.in 2016, and has been voted the best coffee in Ann Arbor every year since. Each year, community members find more to love about the brightly-colored, retro coffee joint, from the business’s focus on sustainability to the story of its affable owner, John Roos. This year, Roos said, he’s toasting (with a high-quality espresso martini, of course) to another year of RoosRoast being the crème de la crème of the Ann Arbor coffee scene by thanking the University of Michigan community for their support over the years. RoosRoast’s 61-year-old owner said when he opened the original roasting facility on Rosewood Street in 2008, it was too far south of campus to attract many students. Now, on a crisp October afternoon, about half of the crowd enjoying one of the cafe’s signature beverages at the downtown location is college-aged. “We want more students and we’re excited they voted for us,” Roos said. “A lot of times we get student teams coming in, like the rowing team, water polo — everybody.” In a town-and-gown community like Ann Arbor, positive collaboration between campus and local businesses is vital, according to Roos. He said passersby can see the evidence of that collaboration permanently emblazoned on the cafe’s facade. About three years ago, Roos took a leap of faith and permitted a group of U-M students, many of whom he said “had never touched a paint brush before,” to paint the outside of the shop. The result was the iconic blue, yellow and red geometric KEITH MELONG/Daily design that catches one’s eye from all the way up Liberty. “We just let them do that,” Roos said. “I mean, we try to keep everything funky and authentic.” For many students and residents alike, a sip of RoosRoast coffee has come to be synonymous with the taste of Ann Arbor — smooth and nostalgic, yet with a vibrancy that suggests that you could travel the world and never find quite the same flavor anywhere else. “It’s grown so much,” Roos said. “I never thought it would be this wild. But it’s wild.” - Roni Kane, Managing News Editor MICHIGAN DAILY 4 THE michigandaily.com
BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH: Angelo’s Since first opening its doors in 1956, Angelo’s has become nothing short of an Ann Arbor staple for students, alumni and Ann Arbor residents alike. The restaurant announced it would close at the end of 2023, selling the property to the University and allowing the owner, Stephen Vangelatos, to retire and spend time with his family. Vangelatos told The Michigan Daily he enjoyed watching the breakfast spot earn its legacy as a classic in Ann Arbor. After a life of growing up in and around the restaurant, Vangelatos reflected on his time watching Angelo’s grow into the restaurant it is today. “We did the major expansion and then we added Angelo’s On the Side and the bakery in back,” Vangelatos said. “So it’s changed quite a bit.” As a thank you to all that students, faculty and Ann Arbor locals have given to Angelo’s over the years, the restaurant is working to give back to the community in its final months. All proceeds from the Angelo’s T-shirts for sale at the front of the restaurant will be donated to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital until they close in December, Vangelatos said. “We’re selling a ton of T-shirts now, ever since I announced it — hundreds and hundreds and hundreds,” Vangelatos said. “All the T-shirt proceeds are going to Mott’s Children’s Hospital from now ‘til we close and we’re doing some other fundraisers for them and trying to raise money as much as we can before we close.” When Angelo’s closes its doors for the final time this winter, Ann Arbor will lose a timeless breakfast spot — and some pretty iconic raisin bread. But Vangelatos doesn’t see the impact of Angelo’s being forgotten any time soon. “When I decided to sell, which was my decision, I didn’t realize it was going to get so much attention,” Vangelatos said. “I’ve gotten some just incredible comments from people, emails, letters, in-person, phone calls and that’s really been nice. I did not realize I had made such an impression on people over the course of the years.”
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- Samantha Rich, Daily News Editor TESS CROWLEY/Daily
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BEST sandwich: Zingerman’s Time and time and time again, Zingerman’s Delicatessen has been voted the best place in Ann Arbor to get a sandwich. As a Central Campus resident, I had to trek to Kerrytown to try it for myself, and after trying the classic Zingerman’s Reuben for the first time, I understand why Zingerman’s sandwiches are some of the best in the country. The establishment opened in 1982, a labor of love from Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, whose intent was to bring livelihood back into the food industry. It would be an understatement to say that they have succeeded. Though a Zingerman’s meal can be a bit pricey for the average college student, it’s worth it; the deli constantly provides top-tier ingredients and incredible sandwich options, along with other lesser known (but equally delicious and filling) deli sides and baked goods. That, along with the jovial, relaxing atmosphere of the ASHLEY GRAY/Daily building itself, makes for a dine-in experience unlike any other in the city. Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor classic known country-wide for its charm and incredible service. Eating there is a Michigan bucket list item for a reason. Most Ann Arbor citizens agree that the establishment grew to become an integral part of the community, and any place that brings people together can only be ranked as the best of the best. - Adaeze Uzoije, Daily Arts Writer
BEST casual dinner and drinks: Hopcat
On these chilly October evenings, the warm, cozy atmosphere of HopCat has never looked more inviting. Since its doors opened in 2015, HopCat’s Ann Arbor location has served thousands of local beers on tap and plates of Cosmik Fries to hungry students and townies. HopCat fits right in to Ann Arbor culture with its characteristic decorations. While sipping on HOLLY BURKHART/Daily a drink, patrons can browse the funky artwork lining the walls and study the magazine prints decorating each table. With menu items like the Madtown grilled cheese, double smash burger and crunchy Buddha bowl, HopCat has elevated standard bar food by adding signature twists to match its creative, psychedelic atmosphere while staying affordable. HopCat also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate as many guests as possible. Whether you’re visiting HopCat for dinner, drinks or both, the restaurant has everything you need to fuel a casual night of fun with friends or family.
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- Laine Brotherton, Managing Arts Editor
BEST burger: Frita Batidos For the ninth year in a row, Ann Arborites have voted Frita Batidos the best burger in town. It proves that a Latino spin on the American burger and shake combination is just what the town needed and more. If you love Frita Batidos in Ann Arbor, be sure to check out their new location in Detroit as soon as possible. Frita Batidos is a play on traditional American burgers and shakes. It takes fritas and batidos, which are both classic Cuban street foods, and plates them together to create an exquisite, unique pairing. The most impactful part of it, though, is that the food and the atmosphere at Frita Batidos are consistently of quality and warmly welcoming. Frita Batidos owner Eve Aronoff spoke with The Michigan Daily about the restaurant. “Ann Arbor seemed (to have) a really interesting and (passionate) food community,” Aronoff said when asked about why she decided to open Frita Batidos in Ann Arbor. Aronoff also added that “the most gratifying thing (about Frita Batidos) is (its) personal quality. We genuinely care about the food and about each other. We just really want people to be happy.” The second I walked into Frita Batidos in January of my freshman year, I was entranced by the fusion of smells coming from beef fritas, fruit-flavored batidos and a whole lot of Cuban and Latino love. As a Puerto Rican woman who traveled miles from her home to study at the University of Michigan, being able to eat at restaurants like Frita Batidos feels like a warm hug from my grandma as she cooks my favorite Puerto Rican dish for me. And even if Cuban fritas are nothing like arroz con habichuelas y bistec encebollado, sitting down to eat Latino-inspired cuisine in a restaurant that blasts music by Latino artists like Bad Bunny, Juan Luis Guerra and Celia Cruz feels as close to home as it gets when you’re studying 1,943 miles away from it.
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- Graciela Batlle Cestero, Daily Arts Writer THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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BEST romantic dinner: Mani
When you visit Mani Osteria and Bar, you are immediately met with a warmth and hospitality unlike at any other restaurant. Located on Liberty Street, on one of the liveliest blocks in Ann Arbor, Mani is a staple eatery for the area. This inviting spot has an elevated atmosphere with quality Italian dishes adding to its charm — perfect for a date night. Mani’s artisan wood-fired pizzas, ranging from a classic Margherita to their Tartufo (truffle) and Mushroom speciality, are pieces of art. It’s KATE HUA/Daily not just the dimly-lit overhead lights that make Mani a romantic spot — most dishes on their diverse and abundant menu are meant for sharing. Perhaps you and your significant other share the Sardinian seafood paella or reenact a Lady and the Tramp scene with the Bolognese pappardelle. Since its opening in 2011, Mani has gained a popularity that reflects the quality of its food. Each dish is not only delicious and satiating, but also meticulously prepared. According to Mani’s website, all their pasta dough is completely handmade.It is no surprise that Mani has won Best Romantic Dinner for the third year in a row. With dishes that keep customers coming back and the superb execution of said dishes, Mani is not only a romantic hotspot but an exceptional restaurant. - Skylar Wallison, Daily Arts Writer
Best Mediterranean dinner: Jerusalem Garden
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MICHIGAN DAILY 8 THE michigandaily.com
Jerusalem Garden, awarded the best place in town to eat Mediterranean food, is a family owned and operated, vibrantly spirited restaurant. Rabhi Ramwali founded Jerusalem Garden in 1987 to support his family of eight children after immigrating from a small town near Jerusalem. “The essential spirit of Jerusalem Garden goes back to a big-hearted immigrant who cared about people — and wanted his family to have something to nourish themselves after he was gone,” the restaurant’s website reads. Rabhi’s spirit lives on through his three children who currently operate the restaurant. Ali Ramwali, Jerusalem Garden’s main owner and operator, works with his other two siblings, Mystafa and Nadyia Ramwili. The three siblings continue to follow their father’s recipes for the menu staples, including the community-favorite falafels and hummus. Ali Ramwali told The Michigan Daily he is grateful for continuing to win this award and be recognized within the community. “It is great to be recognized for the daily grind of running a restaurant,” Ali Ramwali said. “Being able to be in business in the Ann Arbor community through all of the different changes we have experienced over the last four decades, means a lot.” - Emma Lapp, Daily Staff Reporter
BEST mexican food: Chela’s Adrian Iraola opened his restaurant with one goal in mind: to bring authentic Mexican food to Ann Arbor. And, after retiring as an architectural engineer for the city about 11 years ago, Iraola succeeded. Inspired by the tiny taquerias at his dad’s parking lot in his hometown of Mexico City, Iraola opened Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, an authentic Mexican food restaurant named after his mother’s nickname. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Iraola said he is incredibly happy that he can bring Mexican street food to Ann Arbor residents who missed their hometown versions of the cuisine through TESS CROWLEY/Daily Chela’s. “From day one, (Chela’s) was very welcome,” Iraola said. “We had a lot of people that were having the same wishes that we were having, which was to find street food: to find elotes, tacos, tamales and tortas. A lot of people that have lived in Texas come to the University of Michigan. They find us on the web, and they come and we hear them calling their friends, (saying) ‘Oh, I’m in this little small restaurant and they have real tacos’ and so that makes us very, very happy.” As you walk into Chela’s, you’re greeted with the smell of fresh salsa and cooking tortillas. In order to expand the restaurant, Iraola bought the barber shop next door, resulting in a unique indoor layout. The dining room feels like a place you could sit for hours, talking with friends and family over a serving of chips and guac. It’s not a high-end restaurant, but anyone who has eaten there would be more than willing to pay top dollar for the tacos and tamales. Everything is fresh and nearly everything is handmade, from the food to the flooring, which Iraola laid himself. The restaurant is adorned with decorations that he and his wife helped make. The patio floor and walls were also painted by Iraola himself, filled with pictures of salamanders, butterflies and mythical alebrijes. There isn’t a better Mexican restaurant in all of Washtenaw County. Hell, I haven’t even found a better one in Michigan. Chela’s not only makes you feel welcome, but it gives you a genuinely authentic and — most importantly — delicious experience. - Miles Anderson, Daily Staff Reporter THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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BEST late night bite: Fleetwood Diner There’s nothing more classically Americana than a diner, except maybe a 24-hour one. Located at South Ashley and West Liberty Streets, Fleetwood Diner has been one of Ann Arbor’s staples for over 70 years. If you hapCOLE CARRICO/Daily pen to find yourself at this intersection after 2 a.m., when even the bars have closed their doors for the night, Fleetwood Diner is one of the only businesses with its lights still on. Whether you’re dropping by for a midnight snack, a post-drinks dinner or a very early breakfast, this place has you covered for all late-night bite needs. The restaurant has been open 24 hours a day ever since owner Andy Demiri took it over in 1992. Fleetwood Diner’s manager and the owner’s son, Andre Demiri, spoke with The Michigan Daily about the restaurant. “There (were) really no late-night eats around here, especially after (COVID-19),” Andre Demiri said. “There used to be a couple of spots that were open until 3 (a.m.), maybe 4 (a.m.), but now nothing, at least on this side of town.” Fleetwood Diner isn’t just notable for its hours of operation. A large, neon sign advertising the diner’s name sits atop a black-and-white striped awning, and below that tin walls set the building apart from the rest of the storefronts on the block. Perhaps what makes Fleetwood Diner stand out most, though, are the hundreds of stickers that have been affixed to its walls, inside and out. “We just kind of have customers … come in and slap stickers around, kind of like a skate shop,” Andre Demiri said. “People would just keep putting stickers on, so we just decided to leave (them).” When asked what he thinks makes Fleetwood Diner so special, Andre Demiri cited the restaurant’s consistency. “We haven’t really changed much inside, or even outside (over the years) … and I feel like people like that,” Andre Demiri said. Fleetwood Diner does feel original: With its ever-changing sticker walls and never-changing menu of classic diner foods, it’s at once timeless and totally unique. So the next time you find yourself craving a late-night bite, look to the classic comfort of Fleetwood Diner and its multicolored walls for a good meal and a memory you’ll never forget. - Camille Nagy, Daily Arts Writer THE MICHIGAN DAILY 12 michigandaily.com
BEST brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Bright, colorful glass mugs hang above the bar of Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery, a little brewery nestled into the rows of buildings on Main Street. Each mug is unique and lit by the warm lights that contribute to the brewery’s warm, charming feel. Andrew Husted, the general manager of the Jolly Pumpkin’s Ann Arbor store, told The Michigan Daily the mugs are part of their mug-club, which hopes to be taking on new members by the end of the year. To Husted, the mugs are just one element of what makes the Jolly Pumpkin LUCAS CHEN/Daily unique: Tthey, along with the warm candlelight and the food the restaurant serves, create a familiar, yet unique experience for their customers. The atmosphere emulates that of a tavern one might find in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Husted said. Beyond the atmosphere, Jolly Pumpkin also seeks to create a unique culinary experience, which includes a “wild” beer they serve to customers. “I think the distinct wild-beer style is so unique,” Husted said. “Even with other sour beer brands, the way that we open ferment the beers, I feel, is so unique … I just really like our beer.” With the restaurant’s mugs, beer and homey atmosphere, the Jolly Pumpkin is a perfect fit for any resident’s autumnal plans. “We have candles on all of our tables that we light, especially when it’s colder out,” Husted said. “I think it makes this place really cozy.” - Riley Hodder, Daily News Editor
BEST Booze shop: Stadium Market
College students hold a distinct reputation for cheap, fairly indiscriminate alcohol consumption. Whether it’s a lukewarm Natural Light at a frat party or shots of heinously artificial strawberry lemonade Svedka, we are not known for our highbrow taste. It may seem like our decisions to buy from certain liquor stores are also subject to such randomness, but I would argue that this choice is often a deliberate one. Of course, price and location are considerations. But what about versatility, that glorious ability to buy an economic 12-pack of beer or bottle of fancy champagne in the same place? There is sometHOLLY BURKHART/Daily hing to be said for exercising discretion in our consumption. Stadium Market, an unassuming storefront nestled between Packard Street and East Stadium Boulevard, embodies the ideal of a versatile liquor store. With gleaming shelves that stretch to the heavens, the store is equipped with everything from $13 Svedka to $300 Macallan whiskey. In a phone interview with The Michigan Daily, Stadium Market owner Victor George mentioned that since the store opened in 2005, community has been its priority. “Our philosophy has always revolved around selling what people ask for,” George said. It’s the emphasis on customer service and catering to the needs of the community that places Stadium Market above its corner store competitors. George emphasized the versatility of the business. - Nora Lewis, Senior Arts Editor
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BEST sweet treat: Dimo’s Donuts
BELA FISCHER/Daily
An early morning donut from Dimo’s Deli and Donuts is no quick stop on the way home for a University of Michigan student. Two miles from campus, a small yellow building is home to racks of hot, fresh donuts. Between 14 regular donuts and six specialty donut flavors, donut lovers are sure to find a favorite. Karim and Mary Dimo originally opened the bakery in 1973 as part of the Amy Joy franchise, but they renamed the store Donut Time when the franchise fell. Today, Dimo’s menu doesn’t only offer donuts, having expanded in 1991 to sell breakfast items, sandwiches and Mediterranean specialties inspired by the owners’ roots. Early morning sugar cravings and the combination of a meal followed by a must-grab donut are among the many reasons that crown Dimo’s as the best sweet treat in Ann Arbor. Dimo’s is open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., so visitors must plan their trip accordingly. On weekend mornings, unarguably Dimo’s busiest days, the shop is teeming with customers rushing to grab a donut before options become limited. In the seating area opposite the serving counter, customers are greeted by walls spotted with a brightly colored mural, small old-fashioned fans and familiar faces ready to take donut orders. The crew is lovingly known for their tough exterior — and for slipping extra donuts into to-go bags. - Sneha Dhandapani, Daily Staff Reporter
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BEST HAPPY HOUR: Good Time Charley’s Happy Hour is a special time. You just finished a long day of lectures. You’re tired, but you don’t want to end the day. You reach in your pocket and find a few spare bills. You text your group chat to see if anyone’s around. Where do you go? According to The Michigan Daily readers, you go to Good Time Charley’s. And that makes sense. 2023 marks Charley’s sixth straight BOAA victory. This year it’s for Best Happy Hour. Charley’s bar manager Steve Ivy spoke with The Michigan Daily about the popularity of the GRACE LAHTI/Daily place. First Ivy chalked it up to good customer service, and their expansive selection of shooters. Then he stated the obvious: “A lot of people love the fishbowls,” Ivy said. Charley’s fishbowls are iconic: 64-ounce Mason jars generously filled with the spiked iced tea or cocktail of your choice, fishbowls come in the form of “Blue Balls” and the “Quaalude,” strong mixes of flavored liquor, 151 proof rum and Sprite. According to the Charley’s menu, the fishbowl is meant to be shared, but the decision is yours. Spiked tea fishbowls are $10 on Iced Tea Tuesdays. That’s 64 ounces of sugar and alcohol for less than a Chipotle burrito with guacamole. Save for Saturday, every day comes with its own cheap happy hour deal. Enjoy your drinks, lounging in a booth in the back, or propped up at the panopticon bar. The group chat will not be disappointed. “The kids love to come here,” Ivy said. “And the adults, too.” - Joshua Medintz, Daily Arts Writer
BEST night life: Ricks American Cafe
Where can you find a college student in Ann Arbor on a typical Thursday evening? For most seniors on campus, the answer is Rick’s American Cafe. Located on Church Street, Rick’s has been a favorite bar for generations of Wolverines for more than 40 years, with lines typically looping around the outside of the building. With a bevy of special deals and events for all occasions, Rick’s is the go-to ANNA FUDER/Daily spot to celebrate anything you can think of — even if it’s just getting through the week. Every Thursday, Rick’s offers $2.50 wells before 10 p.m., $5 tequila and Jager bombs, and more. They have theme nights, including Star Wars Day, Country Night and Halloween costume contests, to give students plenty of reasons to dress up and get down on the dance floor. And if you get hungry, they have an extensive menu featuring American classics such as burgers, fries and chicken. There are many rites of passage at the University of Michigan: walking through the Ingalls Mall fountain, getting your first slice of Joe’s Pizza and pulling your first all-nighter. For those who enjoy a night out, going to Rick’s American Cafe to celebrate your 21st birthday is certainly at the top of the U-M bucket list. So if you are looking for something to do on a Thursday night, grab your friends, dancing shoes, your ID and $5 cover, and head to Church Street for the Best Nightlife in Ann Arbor. - Sejal Patil, Daily News Editor
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BEST VEGAN FOOD: Detroit Street Filling Station
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For the third year in a row, Detroit Street Filling Station won the title of Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant in Ann Arbor. This colorful, plant-filled stop in Kerrytown serves vegan comfort food, desserts and craft cocktails to the Ann Arbor community. Before the brickand-mortar location of Detroit Street Filling Station opened in 2017, founder and owner Phillis Engelbert ventured into the world of vegan cuisine in 2011 with some pop-ups and a food cart. Engelbert also manages The Lunch Room Bakery & Cafe and North Star Lounge, two other vegan spots in Ann Arbor. Engelbert’s current favorite item on the menu is the Power Up Bowl, which features marinated tofu and a maple-dijon dressing. My personal pick alternates between the Raspberry Basil Grilled Cheese, a curious yet delightful combination, and the World’s Greatest Wrap, which certainly lives up to its name. “A lot of people eat here,” Engelbert said. “A lot of people have discovered the joys of vegan food here. We employ 56 people … between the three locations, so we’re able to offer employment to a lot of people.” One way the restaurant gives back to the community is by offering employment to people with substance use disorders. “Being a recovery-friendly workplace is a big part of our identity and community impact,” Engelbert said. A gathering place for Ann Arbor locals and students alike, Detroit Street Filling Station fosters a welcoming environment for everyone who steps through the doors, to work or to dine. “I’ve developed a lot of close relationships with staff members and customers,” Engelbert said. “(The business) is the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I go to sleep. I take very seriously the fact that I have a big responsibility for so many people’s livelihoods. It’s very fulfilling.” - Madison Hammond, Daily Staff Reporter
BEST indian food: Cardamom Named after the native Indian spice, Cardamom has been an Ann Arbor staple for Indian food since 2013. The restaurant earned its reputation for its continued commitment to fresh and flavorful Indian cuisine while also supporting the Ann Arbor community through its use of locally sourced ingredients. For many University of Michigan students, living away from home means not being able to enjoy comforting, home cooked meals from family members. Students must find ways to adapt, and this usually means exploring restaurants in Ann Arbor. Located in the Courtyard Plaza on Plymouth Road, on North Campus, the trip to Cardamom is well worth your time. From the vegetable biryani to paneer makhni, Cardamom gives students the exact bite of home they crave. For Binod Dhakal and Becky Winkler, owners and husband-and-wife duo, starting Cardamom was much more than a new business venture. “Opening the restaurant was a lot of fun for my wife and I, since we had both been working for restaurants for most of our adult lives,” Dhakal told The Michigan Daily. “It had been a dream of ours to start our own place together SYDNEY HASTINGS-WILKINS/Daily since we married in 2002.” The aroma of Indian spices wafts toward you as soon as you step into the restaurant, guests excitedly taking their first bite of garlic naan all around you. Their menu is diverse, offering options for those well-versed in Indian cuisine and those that are just starting out. Still, Cardamom stays true to traditional Indian flavors while also honoring outside influences. Upon receiving the award, Dhakal expressed his love for owning a restaurant in Ann Arbor. “We are honored and blessed to be able to share our dream with the Ann Arbor-area community,” Dhakal said. “We have so many great customers, vendors and employees. It really is a joy to live and do business here.” Whether you are looking for a spot to take your parents, craving some Indian food, or missing home, Cardamom is the perfect place for you. - Mira Sripada and Priya Shah, Daily Staff Reporters THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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BEST boba: Tea Ninja
The origin of Tea Ninja might sound like the start of a joke: A scientist and a journalist walk into a room and decide to open a bubble tea store. But back in January 2020, that is exactly what happened when husband and wife Leon Mu and Wenjing Fei decided to open their own bubble tea shop on Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Mu and Fei said they met at Northwestern University before moving into the research and journalism fields, respectively. After working in these roles for several years, Mu and Fei said they wanted to try something new. Shortly after, they opened Tea Ninja on East Liberty Street, now one of the Tea Ninja’s four franchise stores in the Midwest. Unfortunately, Tea Ninja got off to a rocky start, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting just two EMILY ALBERTS/Daily months after the store opened in January 2020. “It has not been an easy three years,” Mu said. “We started out right before COVID. (It was) just (a) really bumpy road.” In spite of the challenges faced, Mu and Fei said they wanted to create a unique atmosphere in the Ann Arbor shop. To help create a familial atmosphere, Mu said they encourage their staff — many being college students — to create unique boba drinks to put on the menu. “I always wanted to create a feeling of family,” Mu said. “We want everyone walking into our store filled with the ‘home’ feeling.” When asked how they feel about being selected as the best boba shop in Ann Arbor, a city with 10 boba places within a two-mile radius of the University of Michigan’s campus, Mu and Fei smiled. “Different stores have different vibes,” Fei said. “I think we put our service as our top priority,” Mu finished. - Rachel Mintz, Daily News Editor
BEST workout class: aUMYoga
The low lighting and tranquil music at aUM Yoga are a big change of pace from my usual workout routine in the basement of the Intramural Sports Building. Founder and owner Jessie Lipkowitz leads our class through four rounds of vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa flow is never static, she explains, and trying to sync our breath with our movements is key. When we end RILEY NIEBOER/Daily by lying face-up on our mats, I feel myself drifting off, my mind and muscles at peace. aUM Yoga has taken the title for “Best Workout Class” in Ann Arbor for the first time, having previously received the award for “Best Yoga” four times since its opening in 2013. Along with its sister pole dance studio Polarity, aUM Yoga sits at the bustling intersection of South University and South Forest Avenue. In addition to its classes being popular among students, Lipkowitz told The Michigan Daily aUM Yoga works to build roots in the community by offering instructor training and hosting events alongside other local businesses. “Yoga is such an amazing and healing practice, and I think that participants come to it for a full gambit of reasons,” Lipkowitz said. “Maybe that’s just working out or finding a fitness class … or perhaps they’re coming to actually find an emotional or spiritual practice.” Whether you’re seeking out yoga for spiritual enrichment or just looking to switch up your workout routine, aUM Yoga has something for everyone — offering a sanctuary of options for stressed-out students and busy Ann Arbor residents alike. MICHIGAN DAILY 18 THE michigandaily.com
- Irena Li , Daily News Editor
BEST bookstore: Literati I don’t have nearly enough space on my bookshelf to fit all of the books I find at Literati Bookstore. From new fantasy pieces like Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” to a classic copy of Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables,” I always leave the store with arms full of stories, new and old, to discover. Its expansive shelves are filled to the brim with books of all kinds, many next to notes from store employees who particularly enjoy a selection. As founders Mike and Hilary Gustafson say on LILA TURNER/Daily their website’s “About Us” page, “Literati believes that the right book can change a person’s life for the better.” Literati was founded in March of 2013 with the goal of enhancing the arts scene in downtown Ann Arbor. The store has certainly accomplished this goal and continues to thrive with its three stories of ceiling-high shelves, kind and knowledgeable employees, and overall cozy yet modern atmosphere. Its genres range from fantasy and science fiction to memoir and history to children’s books and graphic novels. Literati also sells high-quality writing utensils and notebooks for those looking to delve into the world of literature themselves. I get kind looks of recognition from passersby who notice the Literati logo on my T-shirt. There’s a little something for every book lover who visits the store. Literati also frequently hosts the authors featured in their store for readings and talkbacks with their readers, and these events are often free and open to the public. They are currently scheduled to host several authors as part of their “Fiction at Literati” event series, featuring writers and artists like Jeff Tweedy, Nathan Hill and SJ Sindu. These events add to Literati’s uniqueness and wonderful contributions to the Ann Arbor community. The store’s commitment to and passion for literature of all kinds is a shining gem in Ann Arbor’s downtown scene, and it is a joy to see them continue to thrive as this year’s best bookstore. - Max Newman, Daily Arts Writer
THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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BEST spot to take your parents: Sava’s
As a broke college student, there is no better occasion than having your or your friends’ parents take you out to dinner. It gives you the chance to sample Ann Arbor’s food scene without burning a hole in your pocket. Located on State Street, Sava’s is in the perfect spot between campus and downtown. The restaurant draws its aesthetic from University of Michigan pride. Sava’s founder and owner Sava Farah spoke with The Michigan Daily about the ideas behind the restaurant. “We really wanted to pay homage to the maize and blue vibe, but we didn’t really want it to feel like you’re walking into the M Den,” Farah KATE HUA/Daily said. The aesthetic feels classy enough to bring your parents to, but it is still welcoming and trendy enough for young people to enjoy. Students and parents alike are in for a treat when they walk in for the first time. “We call it Ann Arbor food,” Farah said. “It’s a little bit of a melting pot, it’s eclectic, and it’s very locally inspired and locally sourced food.” Sava’s “Ann Arbor food” spans from mimosas for brunch to salmon for dinner, from roasted beets to mac and cheese. Farah considers Ann Arbor food a melting pot of the people we see walking up and down State Street. Sava’s designs its cuisine for townies who have certain local expectations, students looking for something trendy and healthy, and, of course, visitors to Ann Arbor. Farah put it well as an eclectic menu for an eclectic town. - Will Castle, Daily Arts Writer
BEST Grocery: Trader Joe’s
It’s a college tradition as iconic as the football game: the annual back-to-school Trader Joe’s shopping trip. In the first few weeks of the semester, one can find me at the East Stadium Boulevard location packing my cart with all the usual suspects: vegan pesto, dark chocolate peanut butter cups and frozen gyozas. When I think of Trader Joe’s, I immediately think of that iconic snack pile. Every week, I visit the apartment that my friends from high school share and every week, without fail, I’m greeted by a pile of Trader Joe’s snacks in the middle of the dining room table. It’s this pile of snacks that has brought my friend group together time and time again. Even during midterm study sessions when everyone is laser-focused on their laptops, these snacks remind us to be present with each other — even if it’s just to mutter, “These are so good, you have to try this.” As the semester goes on, each of us contribute snacks to replenish the pile. We do so not out of obligaSARAH BOEKE/ tion, but out of care for each other. To me, this is the essence of Trader Joe’s: Daily care. College can feel overwhelming sometimes, but Trader Joe’s gives me the ability to care for others and myself. Whether it’s talking to a cashier who is genuinely interested in my day, microwaving a Trader Joe’s frozen meal that’s “healthy enough” when I’m between classes or treating a friend to a $5 flower bouquet “just because,” I’m reminded that care doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. All it requires is a little intention, and maybe a trip to Trader Joe’s — and it’s always worth it. THE MICHIGAN DAILY - Allison Wei, Daily Arts Writer michigandaily.com
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BEST pizza: Joe’s Pizza
SARAH BAYNE/Daily
Joe’s Pizza, both a New York City and Ann Arbor South University Avenue staple, is known for its New York-style thin crust pizza. On an average Thursday night, Joe’s attracts hundreds of University of Michigan students until 3 a.m., forming an infamous line often stretching towards the Diag. Each night, students await the opportunity to devour the ultimate comfort food: a slice of warm, cheesy pizza. “I think (Ann Arbor’s) definitely a town that appreciates great food and we’re just trying to do our best to support that,” said Peter Levin, partner and general manager of Joe’s Pizza, in an interview with The Michigan Daily. Slices ranging from classic cheese to supreme — a cheese base topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom and red onion — have earned the restaurant the Best Pizza title for the third year in a row. According to Levin, Joe’s Pizza is so popular because it fills a need in Ann Arbor for thin crust pizza by the slice.“We use really great ingredients,” Levin said. “I don’t think there’s a lot of New York thin crust pizza options here, and while there is a lot of great pizza in Ann Arbor, we try to just fit our end of the market.” As a New York native and U-M alum, Levin said Joe’s Pizza lets him combine two parts of his identity. “Being from New York myself and growing up on slice pizza, then having the opportunity to bring it to my favorite college town is very special and personal to me,” Levin said. “I’m super happy to be able to share New York pizza with the University of Michigan community.” - Rebeca Lewis, Daily Staff Reporter
BEST ice cream: Blank Slate
I scream, you scream, Ann Arbor screams for Blank Slate’s ice cream. For the sixth straight year, Blank Slate Creamery reigns champion of Ann Arbor’s ice cream scene and takes home the coveted title of Best Ice Cream in Ann Arbor. With lines that regularly snake out the store and around the block, it is no secret that Blank Slate is a favorite of students and locals alike. Blank Slate opened its doors in 2014 and has delivered homemade, artisanal, locally-sourced and delicious ice cream ever since. The store’s chalkboard walls highlight their enormous rotating flavor selection: With choices from garden mint chip to chocolate churro crumb and seasonal delights CALEB ROSENBLUM/Daily like pumpkin roll and caramel apple, Blank Slate offers flavors for everyone. They even offer non-dairy ice creams for those who are vegan, lactose-intolerant or otherwise dairy-free.A scoop from Blank Slate is not complete without one of their fresh waffle cones. Rolled in front of your eyes and sometimes still warm, these cones are the perfect, crunchy, buttery accompaniment to the cold, creamy ice cream. You can feel free to chat and mingle at one of the many picnic tables outside or try to impress your friends by winning at the store’s hook-and-ring game. Before you leave, don’t forget to commemorate your visit by signing your name, or whatever your heart desires, in chalk on Blank Slate’s walls while you savor some of the best ice cream Ann Arbor has to offer. - Kathryn Hemmila, Daily ArtsWriter
THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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BEST asian food: Tomukun Tomukun is “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” From Japanese ramen to Korean bibimbap to Vietnamese pho, Tomukun guarantees high-quality pan-Asian cuisine that satisfies any and all cravings. The atmosphere is comfortable and the food is delectable, especially after a long week of classes. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Tomukun owner Thomas Yon discussed the restaurant’s origin. “I worked in finance and moved from job to job, not really enjoying what I was doing,” Yon said. In 2005, his old Michigan State University roommates opened No Thai! — another now-popular Asian restaurant in Ann Arbor — so he decided to try JEREMY WEINE/Daily out the restaurant business himself. Yon opened Tomukun Noodle Bar in 2010, wanting to bring authentic Japanese ramen to our college town. In 2014, when the adjacent lot became vacant — and with no Korean Barbeque downtown — he opened Tomukun Korean Barbeque, expanding the Asian cuisine options for Ann Arbor foodies. Yon’s initial thought was to open a ramen bar, due to its growing popularity at the time, but he didn’t want to “put themselves in this box.” “I wasn’t sure if just doing ramen was enough,” Yon said. He believed that the variety of Asian food from his childhood was “a timeless cuisine, they never got old.” So, for almost 13 years, he’s expanded a handcrafted pan-Asian menu with his chef. You could come in on Friday and have a whole new experience on Saturday. Your friends want crispy katsu but you want curry udon? Good thing they make both. Mom is craving kimchi ramen, but your brother wants lo mein and you want Asian barbecue wings? Tomukun has it all. Yon believes that the atmosphere sets Tomukun apart from the other Asian restaurants. His restaurants are casual and welcoming, catering a comfortable meal to newcomers and regulars. “Being student focused, our staff is always willing to help, and we have that teamwork atmosphere; little things like that differentiate us from other restaurants,” Yon said. Rather than stiff fine dining, you can catch up with friends, make a pit stop with family or devour a delightful bowl of ramen by yourself. Tomukun is Ann Arbor’s Asian food Thunderdome. The assortment of dishes is exhilarating; with so many options to pick from, Tomukun promises a new experience with every meal. As you stroll through downtown, stop by Tomukun Noodle Bar or Korean Barbeque to enjoy a welcoming, fulfilling meal. MICHIGAN DAILY 22 THE michigandaily.com
- Maurice Tobiano, Daily Arts Writer
BEST “FAST FOOD”: No Thai! No Thai! first opened its doors in 2005 and has expanded to seven total locations since then. Now a staple of Ann Arbor, community members come to No Thai! for a warm Thai-inspired meal, bringing a steady flow of business throughout the day. The varied menu bridges cuisines and dietary needs ranging from nogi rolls, a fusion of cheesesteak and eggrolls, to green curry, a vegetable-based dish that can be made vegan and gluten-free. Daniel JENNA HICKEY/Daily Bloink spoke, shift manager at the No Thai! on South University Street, spoke with The Michigan Daily about No Thai!’s popularity. Bloink attributed much of the restaurant’s success to the “fast casual” nature of the restaurant and the diversity in menu options. “We have consistent numbers as far as our volumes (of customers), which, again, takes advantage of the style of cooking and how fast we can get food out,” Bloink said. “So I think people prefer it (because) even though it’s not true fast food, it’s still very fast.” Bloink recounted an experience on Valentine’s Day 2022, when someone was serenaded by a barbershop quartet, as a testament to the eclectic mix of customers passing through the restaurant on a daily basis.“The people keep it interesting, keep it fun, usually” Bloink said. “I’m someone who likes meeting people, sharing food with people. People are so excited to have this meal after a long day of studying and working.” - Kristen Su, Daily Arts Writer
Best sushi: Totoro
An unassuming door on State Street, tucked between The Getup Vintage and aMa Bistro, leads into a cozy Studio Ghibli-themed sushi restaurant – Totoro. Alongside staple sushi rolls, Totoro serves popular Japanese dishes such as tempura udon and donkatsu. Taking the crown for the best sushi restaurant in Ann Arbor for the third time, it is clear this restaurant is hotter than its spicy california rolls for students and the Ann Arbor community alike. Sunjyup Yoon, the current owner of Totoro and Yoon’s Bakery, took over the restaurant more than 15 years ago when the previous owners asked if he was interested. Restaurant spokesperson Jessica Kim told The Michigan Daily Totoro’s previous owners wanted someone who could reproduce the quality served at the restaurant .“We were very interested in (other) culinary businesses as well, not just baked goods,” Kim said. “It was a very good opportunity to take over this business because it is a really well known (restaurant) and has a long history.” Kim said one of their favorite parts about the restaurant was the theme, the beloved character from Studio Ghibli’s 1988 animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” Kim drew a connecARUSHI SANGHI/Daily tion between the movie’s forest motifs and the city of Ann Arbor. “Ann Arbor, the meaning of ‘Arbor’ is like a forest and (Totoro) is about a spirit of the forest and holds a meaning of ‘family,’ ” Kim said. “So it’s a very welcoming and warm environment inside of our store.” - Ji Hoon Choi, Daily Staff Reporter THE MICHIGAN DAILY michigandaily.com
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thank you fOr voTiNg Us tHe bEST sAndwIch iN anN ARBOr!
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