Foodloose in Washtenaw: A Foodie's Guide to Washtenaw County

Foodie Finds

Taylor has never really considered herself to be a “foodie” (although, after writing this book she might need to reconsider), nor did we “find” any of these places. However, we do like food and have found that alliterations in titles are quite catchy, so there you have it. After living in Washtenaw County as a student for six years (Taylor) and as a student and faculty member for 38 years (Ray), we’ve had our fair share of family and friends visit. Generally they wish to go out to a restaurant for dinner, brunch, etc. at some point during their stay. The purpose of this meal, besides nourishment, is to get a feel for this area through food.

We have found that after a few such visits, it can be a challenge to come up with anything original, reasonably priced, and/or convenient to access. If you’re like us, you will feel an enormous pressure to take visitors to cool spots, but ones that you haven’t dined at too recently. And, of course, there’s always the issue of if you’re “in the mood” for a certain kind of dining experience. Like most folks, we have our own list of places to take out-of-towners. This tour includes some of the new joints we have recently discovered and have added to our lists. The hope is that they get added to yours. Now, if you don’t have a list of places to take visitors, consider this a starting point.

We have these restaurants labeled in an order, but we do not think it is necessary to follow that order. This tour is intended to be taken over a longer time period. Maybe you end up checking out a place every time someone visits, or perhaps on each full moon you try one of these restaurants. However you decide to go about it, use it as an opportunity to open up to something new. Additionally, we’ve included a local-food-neighbor to each restaurant for you to check out while you are there.

Salt Springs Brewery in Downtown Saline is the first stop on this tour. It is located in an old church that they lovingly renovated. They have maintained the magnificent stained-glass windows and added a marvelous, and hilarious – we think even Michelangelo would get a kick out of it – ceiling mural. They source their food ingredients from The Brinery and several farms of the Tilian Farm Development Center in addition to the Ann Arbor and Saline Farmer’s Markets. Besides serving delicious and seasonal local food, they have a large selection of craft brews. As if the church interior wasn’t enough, there is also an outdoor area. In the warmer months, they have live music in the outdoor space which is complete with both formal and informal dining areas, a large fire pit, and a bar. It is right across from the Saline Farmer’s Market and within walking distance of McPherson Local. The latter is a local shop that carries basics like milk and eggs and, in addition, more specialty items like macaroons, homemade hummus, and other artisan goods.

Bona Sera in Downtown Ypsilanti is a wonderful spot for dinner as well as weekend brunch. They have unique fare that incorporates both Southern (United States) and Italian cooking traditions. Many of their dishes feature seasonal and foraged ingredients with the owner foraging many of the mushrooms used in their dishes. The space is also a showcase for local artwork as part of Ypsi’s First Fridays event series. Below the restaurant, there is an underground space that hosts many gatherings and events throughout the year. Just up the street is beezy’s cafe, a great lunch spot that sources from We the People Grower’s Association.

Tucked away in a small plaza on Ann Arbor’s West Side is Juicy Kitchen, a cozy breakfast and lunch spot with a delicious and healthful menu. Some of the locally sourced food items they serve are RoosRoast Coffee Works coffee, Polliwog Farm greens, and The Brinery products. We’re huge fans of their seasonally-inspired quiche. Although the menu is mainly vegetarian, you can easily have them add meat products (e.g., bacon, chicken sausage) to your order. They have many vegan and gluten-free options as well. In the warmer months, they have outdoor seating. A few doors down, in the same plaza, is El Harissa Market Cafe. This cafe specializes in North African and Mediterranean cuisine. And if you are feeling inspired from your cafe meal, you can purchase ingredients and spices from the same regions in the market section.

For the fourth and final stop on this tour, head over to Ypsilanti’s Depot Town for dinner and dessert at Ollie Food + Spirits and Cream & Crumb. The locally-sourced food dishes by Chef Travis Schuster are complemented by the seasonal cocktails. For dessert, they offer a selection of Zingerman’s pastries, Hyperion Coffee, which is roasted about a block away, and Guernsey Farms ice cream. Out back there’s a lovely patio for enjoying a meal or treat during the pleasant weather months. All sorts of local food spots are within walking distance. There’s the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, cultivate coffee + taphouse, and the Depot Town Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.