The Michigan Daily-Thursday, September 6, 1979-Page D9
State-Liberty
Bacchus Garden
338 S. State
Rather slow service combined with
mediocre food at least ensures an un-
rowded atmosphere. Greek dishes in-
cluding Sicilian pizza.
Best Steak House
217 S. State
This cafeteria-style restaurant will
4serve you a t-bone at your table in just a
few minutes. Its price range is quite
'wide, and you generally get'a good deal
for your money. Be warned, however:
They have no Coke-only Pepsi.
Cottage Inn
512 E. William
Service is usually dependable in this
,nicely decorated Italian-American
restaurant. The entrees are just
mediocre, but the pizza's good, and
their special bleu cheese and bacon
burger is dynamite. Also affords a good
,cappucino. Just one catch: long lines
during rush hours.
Delta
640 Packard
There are only two rasons to go to the
Delta: you want to see a Michigan
.athlete-since Delta is only a block
from Yost and three blocks from
Crisler Arena and the stadium, many
athletes and coaches frequent the
place; you are absolutely starving, and
you are 10 feet away from the Delta and
11 feet away from any other restaurant.
In short, the Delta is just like hundreds
of other forgettable restaurants in hun-
'dreds of insignificant cities. The menu
is basically American greasy spoon
,with some Greek thrown in for spice. In
any other town the Greek menu itself
would be a big draw, but in the Athens
of the Midwest (in case you didn't know
it Greek Americans own just about
every other restaurant in town) it is
just another low-priced, plastic boothed
diner with food to match.
Dominic's
Monroe St.
This charming Italian restaurant/
cafe is one of the best places to
eat in Ann Arbor. Upstairs you can
have a leisurely dinner of eggplant par-
migiana or perhaps veal in madeira
with mushrooms, good wine, and ex-
cellent service for under $25. Down-
stairs you can drink beer from a glass
that used to be a peanut butter jar.
Drake's Sandwich Shop
709 N. University
This nostalgic monument attracts tea
and candy lovers like a magnet. You
can choose from over 100 different
varieties of the old herb, while tickling
your sweet tooth with a large assor-
tment of chocolates. In addition, a large
menu of sandwiches and fountain
delights are offered. The service
system is especially unique; you write
out your own order. Prices are
generally reasonable, making it- ideal
for an after-movie munch.
Eden Foods
330 Maynard
That rarest of creatures-an inex-
pensive health food restaurant.
Chapati-a salted, seeded, Asian flat-
bread is stuffed with vegetarian fare of
every ilk. Cold sandwiches range from
egg salad to cheese and lettuce, to a
filling concoction called the "Complete
Protein Special." Hot sandwiches can
be drab and gloppy but mixtures of
melted cheddar and zucchini are quite
good. Desserts, salads, and other trap-
pings are nothing special.
Frank's
334 Maynard
It may look like just another greasy
diner, but this place has good food,
decent service, and reasonable prices.
The dinners can't be beaten price-wise,
and breakfast is also a good bet. Don't
turn away because of the crowd, you'll
be seated soon enough.
McDonald's
337 Maynard
It's close to campus, which is
probably the only thing you may not
have known about this establishment.
Burger King
520 E. Liberty
Often a haven for refugees from
Dooley's, which is right next door.
Mr. Tony's
342 S. State, 1327 S. University
While almost everything here is
overpriced, easily available coupons
make most of Tony's subs affordable.
The pizzas taste all right, but they're
small.
Olga's Kitchen
Billed as a Greek fast food place,
Olga's is neither very fast nor very
Greek. The restaurant does offer a
variety of reasonably-priced san-
dwiches, including several options for
the vegetarian. It's specialty, however,
is breakfast, served from 7 to 10:30 a.m.
on weekdays.
Pizza Bob's
810 S. State, 814 S. State
The high prices aren't bad for the
subs you get, and the pizza is better
than most. Bob's offers many extras
high prices. The beef and bean burrito
is especially good. Don't come during
peak hours, though, or you'll have to
deal with a crowd.
Second Chance
516 E. Liberty
This unlikely gem is attached to the
Second Chance rock nightclub. The
restaurant features a wide assortment
of tasty sandwiches, a reliable salad
bar, and a fine New England clam
chowder. The entrees are limited, but
interesting and well prepared. The
warm colors and natural wood
surroundings make for a cozy, setting
for lunch or dinner. This combined with
reasonable prices makes it jammed
from noon until 2:00 p.m., but if you'd
like an early dinner you can beat the
crowd next door and have a pleasant
time.
Stage Door
300 S. Thayer
The menu is a la carte, and for the
most part leaning toward haute cuisine.
The vegetarian dishes here, like La
Toscana (vegetable lasagne), are
delicious. The quiche and veal and
shrimp are also recommended. For
dessert the mousse is always good.
Dinner is around $10-$15.
State Street Deli
800 S. State
The deli is a good alternative to a piz-
za for an after-studying snack or a late
dinner. It serves a wide variety of san-
dwiches-recommended is the number
11, corned beef and chopped liver with
Russian dressing, or a number 9, roast
beef and meunster cheese with Russian
dressing. The restaurant is open 9 a.m.
to 11 p.m., seven days a week, and san-
dwiches range from $1.50 to about $3.50.
Thano's Lamplighter
421 E Liberty
Thano's Sicilian pizza is rated by
many as the best in town. Some say the
quality has slipped in recent years but
fans of the thich chewy pizza topped
with sesame'seeds and scads of stringy
cheese regularly jam the small smoky
restaurant on weekends for a tray and a
brew.
Turtle Island
315 S, State
Turtle Island is a nifty place for a
light vegetarian lunch or dinner. Salads
with lots of alfalfa sprouts, whole
wheat bread, homemade vegetable
soups and juices are fresh and perhaps
too healthy for junk food freaks. The a
la carte items are moderately priced
and not overly filling. It also has
omelettes and fish.
Victors (Campus Inn)
East Huron at State
A combination of plush red decor,
candlelight, and soft harp music give
Victors "big city" flavor. Although
somewhat out of most students' price
ranges, the food, such as the coq au vin
(chicken in wine), is delicious. Be
forewarned, however. The highly
recommended dessert Haagen Daz, a
Dutch ice cream, is not worth the $1.50
it costs.
S. University
The Bagel Factory
1306 S. University '
Not the place to go on a fancy date,
this spot does offer pretty good san-
dwiches on bagels. The workers can get
behind on busy days, but it's usually
worth the wait for one of their corned
beef of cream cheese and lox san-
dwiches. Good for a carry out when
you're in a hurry.
Bicycle Jim's
1301S. University
What was once a more-than-
respectable restaurant has deteri-
orated much. The service, when you
can get any, leaves much to be
desired. And it only gets worse with the
food, which is overpriced and under
quality. The French Onion soup is BJ's
only redeeming quality. Not worth the
time it takes to read the menu.
Brown Jug
1204 S. University
Often 'compared to its neighbor
across the street, the Wolverine Den,
the Jug is definitely the sleazier of the
two. The food's pretty bad, the place is
noisy and not so clean, and the help is
ever-turning over. Despite all this,
though, you might want to risk it late
some night since it's open every night
until two A.m.
The Count of Antipasto
S. University
If you can imagine an overpriced
Italian McDonald's, the Count is it. The
design of the place is very unique, but
the prices for the Italian offerings are
high considering the so-so quality and
the fact that you have to wait in line and
carry the food to your own table.
Don Cisco's
611 Church
Although everything in this place is
proclaimed "Mexican," don't be fooled
by the Mariache guitarists and Latin-
dressed waitresses. The enchiladas are
exceptionally hot and prepared
adeanatelv at hest. The ton dish on the
Kamakura Japanese Restaurant
611 Church
This eatery on Church Street offers
Japanese cuisine, including such
specialties as raw fish, chicken teryaki,
and a clear seasoned broth with
seaweed. The teryaki, seaweed soup,
and rice, the least expensive on the
menu, sells for $4.75, and raw fish
ranges from $7.00 to $13.00. All meals
are served with chopsticks.
Orange Julius
1237 S. University ,
The specialty here, a sweet orange
juice/milk combination, is worth hit-
ting the spot for. The hamburgers and
fries are surprisingly good, though or-
dering one of their hotdogs could be a
near-fatal maneuver. The service is
only fair, considering there's rarely
anyone there. Pretty cheap, though.
The Wolverine Den
1201 S. University
No doubt one of the best eating places
on campus. Open late on weeknights
and four a.m. on the weekends, the Den
offers good breakfasts, mediocre din-
ners, and fantastic sicilian pizza, all at
pretty low prices. Often frequented by
bizarre characters, the Den is a good
place to sit and unwind. Don't leave
Ann Arbor without going there. Highly
recommended.
ter service only to its patrons. The food
might be considered bland, but, like the
service, it's always reliable.
Bimbo's
114 E. Washington
The spaghetti isn't bad and the
weekly specials make the Italian
cuisine a good deal. An extensive salad
bar is featured. Game machines and a
blaring large-screen television make
for a rather different atmosphere.
Students are drawn to Bimbo's by the
old-time entertainment on Friday and
Saturday nights.
Central Cafe
322 S. Main
At the Central Cafe the world is
always laid back. The surroundings are
light and airy (especially in the sum-
mer when one can dine in the garden),
and the help is friendly albeit the
slowest in town. From 3 p.m. until mid-
night the Central features the best
Mexican menu in town (which only
means that it is good, not 'great). The
soups are homemade and hearty, and in
the summer the gespatche is the best
this side of Guadalahara. But the
star is a burger known as
the Central. It is two quarter-pound pat-
ties on onion roll with blue and
American cheeses, sauteed
An escapist's guide
to the good and the
bad of A,
Over the summer, the Daily attem-
pted to review as many restaurants as
possible in the Ann Arbor area. Special
emphasis was placed on restaurants in
the immediate campus area and most
such establishments are included in the
listings.
Many restaurants located more than
a normal walking distance from cam-
2
eateries
pus are also often frequented by studen-
ts, especially when the family (and the
family car) come to visit. Many of the
better known are reviewed here.
While we don't claim to have the last
word on the merits or demerits of the
area eateries, we hope these brief
descriptions and commentaries will
help you select a good place to eat. Bon
Appetit.
Nearby
Angelo's Lunch
1100 Catherine
A description of Angelo's is like a
toast to toast. The thick buttery
homemade bread,' either raisin or
white, is even more famous than the
rather mediocre waffles advertised as
the house specialty. Angelo's is the
place to go for a quick breakfast before
class or a big stick-to-your-ribs meal of
eggs, American fries and toast (of
course) that doesn't cost a lot of dough.
Gandy Dancer
401 Depot
Situated in Ann Arbor's historic old
train station building, the Gandy serves
up the area's most luxurious seafood
cuisine, complemented with a well-
stocked salad bar. Ideal for special oc-
casions, the Gandy offers an intimate
dining evening, along with a gay at-
mosphere. Diners traditionally ap-
plaud as the train rolls by. A fine two-
level lounge adjoins the main dining
area.
Krazy Jim's
551 S. Division
Maybe it's because he never has to
advertise or maybe it's because he fries
the "Blimpy-Burgers" himself, but
whatever the reason, Krazy Jim offers
the best food value in town. Jim and
Chris offer great hamburgers fixed any
way you like them, good soup and chili,
lean corned beef, and sundry other
delicacies at incredibly low prices.
Watch out around noon, though, the
lines can get long in the small ham-
burger stand. An Ann Arbor institution.
Raja Rani
1133 E. Huron
Raja Rani, located across from
Couzens, provides a unique Indian at-
mosphere. Waitresses wrappped in
Saris serve aromatic and spicy chicken
or lamb specialties in the midst of In-
dian music. The dishes, offered in a
choice of mild, hot and Indian Hot, in-
clude vegetables such as peas and
potatoes, and a spicy sauce. Each meal
is served with a delicious pre-dinner
pastry. Warning: Indian hot is very
hot.
Downtown
Afternoon Delight
Liberty at Fifth
Between rows of bright orange and
green formica tables, Afternoon
Delight offers a variety of quiches,
salads, and interesting hot dishes con-
sisting of vegetables, tuna, and cheese.
The style is cafeteria and the service is
quick, but the prices are a bit steeper
than the usual fast food restaurant. Try
Afternoon Delight for breakfast (the
Danishes are enormous) and for frozen
yogurt.
Big Boy
100 S. Fourth
The original double-decker ham-
burger is still the specialty at this
restaurant. The place is comfortable,
k~.+ +ha ca :ir ..rna -e f ., fr ..to
mushrooms, grilled onions, and lettuce
and tomato-try it. There
are no bad items on the menu,
but the prices are erratic. Mexican din-
ners seem expensive, but are often too
much for one person. They also include
tortilla chips with two dips-jalapena
and tomato and onion. The jalapena is
as scorching as it is delicious, so be
prepared.
Chez Crepe
328 S. Main
In France, the crepe is something one
makes out of leftovers. Somehow in this
country it has become haute cuisine.
Maybe people think anything French
must be fancy. And at Chez Crepe they'
think the American public will believe
that anything French must also be ex-
pensive. The crepes are fair to good,
and the quaint French countryside cafe
setting is pleasant, but who would ex-
pect a Frenchman to pay Chez Crepe
prices for my cold beef sandwiches
(American leftovers)?
Complete Cuisine
Main Street
It is nice to see an attempt to bring
some classic French food into Ann Ar-
bor, but so far Complete Cuisine is
strictly close but no cigar. They only
serve lunch (although you can buy din-
ner to take home), and with just six
tables reservations are a must. Prices
are moderately expensive, but the am-
bitious menu comes up a bit flat. The
veal pate tasted fine but there were so
many chunks floating around it might
as well have been mashedwith a fork
instead of a food processor.
Cracked Crab
112 W. Washington
This used to be a low cost eatery,
where paper plates and long lines were
the norm. The restaurant was
remodeled a while ago, and although
the menu is the same, the prices have
gone up. The service and most of the
food selections are fair, but the crab is
excellent.
Great Lakes Steak Company
3965 S. State
THE place for steaks in Ann Ar-
bor-and with the best prime rib
around. Dinner is about $15-$20 per per-
son with wine, but you'll walk out
feeling dined. The service is always
good as is the broccoli with cheese
sauce. Don't order fish (on the new
menu)-it's not up to par with the
steaks. And always leave room for a
slice of thick New York-style
cheesecake with your favorite topping
(fresh, when in season). Good place to
take the parents or anyone who can af.
ford to take you out.
Leopold Blooms
118 W. Liberty
The food here is bland, dry,
sometimes soggy, and usually
microwaved. Everything is a la carte.
The waitpeople appear put out to refill
your waterglass. However, the decor is
rather nice, and that, apparently, is
what brings people to this very expen-
sive restaurant.
almost identical to the fowl offered at
the !Kentucky Colonel's place. But the
fish is surrounded by a sort of greasy,
mushy batter that is worse than most of
the stuff that surrounds typical cheapie
fish. But the prices are small-diner
reasonable.
Maude's
314 S. 4th
Maude's is aching to be New York
chic, with prices to match. Loads of
hamburgers and salads for the more
moderate student budget (though not
cheap), but the entrees are strictly for
special occasions or when mom and dad
are buying. St. Louis babyback ribs are
scrumptious, and feature a special
sauce. The much-ballyhoed Amaretto
mousse is interesting, but simply not a
mousse. Try the fried eggplant and the
princess dressing (yes, together).
Metzger's German Restaurant
203 W. Washington
Quantity rather than extraordinary
quality seems to be the general rule.
It's a good place to go if you're really
hungry-the food is reasonably priced
and the portions are large-but stay'
away if you appreciate really good
German food. The potato pancakes are
surprisingly good, but are served only
on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Old German
120 W. Washington
The decor and canned ethnic music
make it seem as if you're in Germany
itself at this pleasant eatery. Most
dishes are medium-priced, and the ser-
vice is pretty good, even when the place
is busy. The house ribs aren't bad,
though fatty, and the standard German
fare-spatzen and sauerkraut-are
good and fair, respectively.
Old Heidelberg
215 N. Main
The great Bavarian atmosphere and
decor at the Old Heidelberg make you
feel as if you are dining in a fine
restaurant in the Black Forest.
Although the German cuisine is not out-
standing, and the prices are a bit high,
the Bratwurst and Sauerkraut are good
dishes to try. Also, on weekends you can
dance to a polka band upstairs or listen
to folk music in the Rathskeller in the
basement.
Olympic
221 N. Main
The Olympic has good coffee, good
service, good atmosphere, and the
prices for the standard Greek and
American selections are reasonable.
Pagoda
311 S. Main
Surprisingly underrated by most Ann
Arborites, this Chinese restaurant of-
fers all the standard fare, at mid-range
prices, and they're all at least good. A;
bit out of the way for students, but it's
worth the walk (esp'eaIlly for lunch).
The Pgoda gives 'up a little in decor,
but makes up for it in good food. Stan-
dard fortune cookies.
Parthenon Gyros Restaurant
226 S. Main
The gyros sandwiches here are very
good, but quite overpriced. Canned
Greek music and the decor don't exac-
tly make you feel like you're in Athens.
The spinach pies aren't up to par,
either.
Pretzel Bell
120 E. Liberty
The quality of the food at the Pretzel
Bell is certainly good, but the prices are
way above what one would expect to
pay for such fare. The tables arefull of
historic carvings, and the walls display
hundreds of old-time Wolverine sports
photos. The service is good, and the
salad bar is one of the best in town.
Bluegrass music on weekends.
The Real Seafood Co.
341 S. Main
Fresh fish, a scarcity in Ann Arbor,
can be found in massive quantities in
this downtown eatery. If you're willing
to part with $5-8, a hearty, delicious
meal awaits you. The "Catch of the
Day" is strongly recommen-
ded-striped bass, bluefish, and lake
trout make regular appearances, while
a frozen daquiri provides the fitting en-
ding. The intimate atmosphere and
friendly service make the visit even
more worthwhile.
The Whiffletree
208 W. Huron
A fine, medium-priced restaurant
that serves everything from ham-
burgers to seafood to steak. Divided in-
to several private sections, the dimly-lit
atmosphere is perfect for couples, and
the Whiffletree serves excellent
Marguaritas and Rusty Nails. And
don't pass up one of their hamburger
specialties- a Yosemite Sam.
Take the car
Bill Knapp's
Carpenter and Washtenaw
Briarwood Mall
Jackson at Stadium
Like every other Bill Knapp's in the
midwest, Ann Arbor's three locations
offer good, hearty Sunday-dinner type
for a moderate sit-down restaurant
nrie. The excellent service and the
restaurant. The food is moderately-
priced and the service is usually good.
DJ's Pizza
3148 Packard
Although the pizzas here are a cu
above the subs, the "Club Sub" (whic
contains strips of bacon) is a uniqu
alternative to the normal hoagie in An4
Arbor. The prices are a bit higher tha$
average for pizzas or submarines.
Forbidden City
3535 Plymouth
Ann Arbor was the winner when the
Forbidden City people decided to locate
their third restaurant here. Chinese
food lovers from Saginaw and Flint
already know the mouth-watering
menu of authentic Peking-style food.
It's expensive but a must for anyone
with a yen for Chinese food.
Hung-Wan
2560 Packard
When it comes to Chinese food
everyone lauds Ypsilanti's Old China.
But frankly, it is living on its
reputation. Prices have gone way u,
and quality has dropped. Ann Arbor's
own Hung-Wan offers spicier Mandari
and Szechuan cooking for a dollar ar
two less per dish. The hot and sour soup
is titilating, and the twice-cooked pork
is uniquely delicious. The atmosphere
is typical Chinese restaurant
. style-Oriental tacky-but that is pat
of the show. Make sure to bring lots of
friends so you can share dinners, and
use chopsticks for the total effect.
Lim's
2161 W. Stadium
The Chinese dinners in the $7-$9
range are nothing spectacular, but the
food is a good change of taste. Eggrolls
are a bit tough. Service is quick and ef-
ficient.
Mr. Steak
2333 E. Stadium
Mr. Steak offers the standard steak
house fare, with a few additions, such
as lobster and chicken. The meat in
char-broiled to your taste (usually,
and the menu includes a huge butterfl'
cut steak-it takes a bit longer to cook,
but it wholeheartedly satisfies hefts
appetites. Mr. Steak is the place to tak
Mom and Dad for a good, inexpensive
meal: moderate food at a moderaty
price.
Weber's
3050 Jackson Rd.
A sign on I-94 tells you that you ar
only 20 minutes away from one Qf
America's finest restaurants-Weber)
Inn. The sign lies. There is nothi
special about Weber's. It has passab
steaks, passable seafood, a standar
menu, an unimpressive wine list any
friendly service in a pleasant a -
mosphere. It's not that anything is ba .
It's just that Weber's is just like
thousand other hotel restaurants, an4
who wants to pay top dollar for that?
Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
5445 Jackson
The "big and juicy" burgers simpy
aren't that big and juicy, but they be.t
McDonald's. The french fries are
nothing to cheer about, but their shakes
are as thick as regular sundaes. X
fairly nice place to eat.
Bars
Del Rio Bar Ba
122 W. Washington
A good place to go for a drink with e
close friend or two, Del-Rio's also
features some great sandwiches. The
drinks are excellent and the candle-lit
tables provide that touch of class. Tle
walls are decorated with some great
local art work, so if you're bored...
Dooley's
310 Maynard
This ,is probably the most popular
watering hole for students at the
University. A spacious bar with pinball
machines, pool tables, and piped in roek
music, Dooley's is always packed ofr
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
nights. The bar has average prices for
average drinks, and usually offers
some great specials during the.week.
Hot dogs are 15d on Friday.
Mr. Flood's Party
120 W. Liberty
For folk,rcountry, blues, and mellow
rock, Mr. Flood's Party is an in-
terestingalternative to the bar scene in
Ann Arbor. The nostalgic 1890s decor is
worth the trip alone-stained glass, old
photographs, and even a wooden cigar-
store Indian. The drinks here are ex-
pensive, but on weeknights the enter-
tainment is free.
Old Town
122 W. Liberty
A rustic bar located right next to Mr.
Flood's Party, the Old Town has cheap
beer and drinks. If you like, you can get
big baskets of peanuts in the shell, and
occasionally the place does get rowdy..
Second Chance
516 E. Liberty
For rock and roll entertainment, no
bar in Ann Arbor can match the talent
that the Second Chance brings to its
audiences. The bar is set up on three
levels, but'no matter where you sit, the
music is too loud. Cover varies depen-
ding on the group playing, and drinks
are relatively exensive