4E - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, September 3, 1997 ANN ARBOR a *a 1T, DR1NK~ AND' $E HERRYV Bagel shops locked. in competition for student customers ars serve up goo d times By Will McCahill Daily Staff Reporter Okay, Ann Arbor doesn't have the same bar-town ptation as some of its Big Ten brethren like East 1 Wnsing or Madison. But that's not to say one can't find somewhere to be merry, eat, and particularly ink, on any day of the week. M Assuming one is 21, of course, or can make the right people think so long enough to get in the door. Whether you're in the mood to sit back, relax and sip a tall cool one with friends, or party like the rock star or professional athlete you came to the University to become, the place for you is gen- erally within an easy walk from your front door. Lucky indeed, given the hassle parking can become during the school year, not to mention the inadvis- ability of driving while intoxicated. For those on the doorstep of joining the 21-and- 'up club, there are several local establishments that offer the best environment for celebrating your coming of age. Without exception, these places will have enough room for you and most of your friends, and on most nights of the week will be crowded enough for that random student to buy you a shot. Scorekeeper's, on Maynard Street, is one such bar. Don't be deterred by its location next to a fortress-like parking garage - there's plenty of -fun to be had inside. Although Scorekeeper's, like many large bars, has a cover charge, the average undergrad will find plenty to like in its dimly lit, barn-like innards. There are enough televisions to accommodate sports fans of all stripes, and there are distinct areas devoted to pool and darts. ,Scorekeeper's even has a dance floor, when the groove moves you. Another large, crowded, high-volume establish- ment is Touchdown Cafe, on South University Avenue. Touchdown is another haven for the "sports-hungry, particularly fans of the Detroit-area -professional squads. Among the other particulars for which the bar is renowned are its chicken wings and its Wednesday night dollar pitchers. Again, a cover charge is likely, but, particularly on _Wednesdays, it can seem like a bargain. Mitch's Place, located above a coffee shop on the corner of South University Avenue and South ,forest Avenue, is another likely place to celebrate your big day, or any other day of the week. Mitch's is often crowded enough to feel a little cramped, but the cheap beer in big pitchers and the occa- sional guest Michigan athlete behind the bar are lure enough. Rick's American Cafe, located on Church Street near the corner of South University Avenue, is another place for rowdy good times. Live music is a huge part of the Rick's ambiance, as the bar serves up a variety of college-town musical fare. Cheap beer and an opportunity to shake your booty are also major attractions of the downstairs estab- lishment. The place often tends to resemble a frat party with a cover charge. But don't fret if you're looking for a more sedate atmosphere. Although some of the more laid-back taverns in Ann Arbor can be a bit of a hike, they also tend to be worth the walk. One place that needs little footwork to reach is Ashley's, on State Street between William Street and North University Avenue. The establishment's motto is "Life is too short to drink cheap beer," and that's something you're unlikely to find there. Ashley's has a huge selection of beers on draft, and dozens more in bottles. And the beverages are not your average watered- By Elizabeth Lucas and Mary Trombley Daily Staff Reporters Picture an ordinary Ann Arbor morn- ing. It's 8 a.m. and, for a change, the sun is shining. You're standing on the corner of State Street and North University Avenue, planning to grab a bagel and coffee before your first class.' The scene isn't so ordinary, at least not anymore. There are two enemy camps facing this quiet street corner. The troops have been mobilized since before 6 a.m., and they're preparing for another hard day of battle. The bagel wars have begun. It's time to choose sides, and more is at stake than your preference in bagels. Your lifestyle is on the line. Will you join the smug line of Bruegger's Bagels cus- tomers, crowding out the door and clutching enormous "Javahh!" mugs? Or will you join the hip crowd at Einstein Bros. Bagels, eating a sunflower-seed bagel and listening to Smashing Pumpkins? It's all up to you. This war, like any other, tends to draw everyone in. Bagels are a staple food for many busy University stu- dents who enter the war zone on a daily basis, though they may not realize the import of their deci- sion. "(Bagels are) a great way to get a light, low-fat meal, or something quick to eat, said LSA first-year student Katy Sharkey. But which bagel do you choose? There are many allied nations in the bagel wars, but only two superpowers. Bruegger's and Einstein are Ann Arbor's bagel giants, and their armed conflicts have lasted for two years. The shops occupy rival positions, Bruegger's on North University Avenue and Einstein on the heavily populated State Street. Both are part of national corporate chains, and both are battling for valuable bagel dollars. At first glance, there isn't much differ- ence between the two stores. Both offer standard fare -a variety of bagels, drinks, cream cheeses, soups and sand- wiches. The stores specialize in unusual cream cheese flavors like cheddarpeno, smoked salmon and honey walnut. Einstein has the edge when it comes to bagel flavors - it boasts 17 to Bruegger's II - but it is a little on the pricey side. A plain bagel with cream cheese costs $1.59 at Einstein, compared to $1.39 at Bruegger's. Einstein also offers pre-made salads and the "bottom- less cup" coffee refill. However, Bruegger's offers more merchandise, including sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats. Though the differences between these bagel stores seem mild to an outsider, some students have definite preferences. "I used to go to Einstein's, but I've been going to Bruegger's lately"'said LSA sophomore Yvonne Wai. "It's clos- er and it's cheaper." "I think they're just different," said Cyn Epler, also an LSA sophomore. "Bruegger's bagels are harder, and Einstein's are softer and chewier. I'm used to harder bagels." Some people are called to even fiercer partisan loyalty. For employees of the two chains, the battle lines have been drawn. "Einstein's has different bagels, but we're always test marketing new pro* ucts," said Bruegger's employee Andy Good, a Toledo resident training at the Ann Arbor Bruegger's. Though the stores' ideologies and tac- tis are similar, employees believe there are differences between the two opposing camps. "Our bagels our better. They're big- ger' said Einstein employee and LSA sophomore Randy Howder. "And we have loyal customers, and they agr we're better. Howder did admit, however, that he hasn't had an opportunity to compare the two stores. "I've never really been in (Bruegger's),' Howder said. "It doesn't seem like the kind of place I really want to set foot in." The stores' decor is another point of contention. Bruegger's strives for an upscale look, featuring enormous win- dows and two levels of seating. On t1 other hand, Einstein opts for a more homey, earth-tone feel and a single crowded seating area. Surreal figures adorn the walls, including a rather strange illustration of young children holding floating bagels like balloons. "We have the big tables for studying, and the music"said Einstein employee Tom Herrgott. "This is more of a friendly, soci atmosphere." Friendly, sure - if you like socializ- ing in a war ' « ' ,zone. ERINRAGER/Daily Fortunately, there is an alternative. Simply walk down to the relaxed neigh- borhood of South University Avenue. Down the street is a bagel store with social conscience. The Bagel Factory isW peace-loving hippie, a white dove soaring over Ann Arbor's bagel battlefield. The Bagel Factory opened in the 1960s and it has continued its bagel tra- dition for about 30 years. Although it's a slightly longer walk, it offers much the same fare as Bruegger's and Einstein, and at lower prices. The Bagel Factory offers 12 bagel flavors, along with experimenta bagels. It sells sandwiches, chili at drinks, as well as the ever-popuJar Fragel - deep-fried rasin bagels coated in cinnamon and sugar. All this comes at a low price: a bagel with cream cheese costs $1.15. Unlike its chain-store competitors, the Bagel Factory has roots in the Ann Arbor community. The store donates bagels to area high schools and organizations, and it recent took up a cause that's close toA Arborites' hearts. The Bagel Factory now sells T-shirts depicting Shaky Jake, a well-known Ann Arbor character, holding a bagel. "We Bake for Jake" is the Bagel Factory's new slogan. "He is a bum, but he's kind of an Ann Arbor legend," said Bagel Factory employee Carolyn Munger. "People who went to school here come back and say, 'Jake's still around?"' Munger said that when the store self T-shirts, it keeps two-thirds of the shirts' profits and gives Jake one-third. These are some factions fightingthe bagel wars. All of them struggle to sur- vive, and fortunes are sure to be won and lost in the coming years. ROB GILMORE/Daily SNRE student Chrissy McPherson shoots for the 8-ball In a game of pool at the Eightball Saloon on First Street. Ann Arbor's bars vary widely in their atmosphere, offering and clientele. down macrobrews, either. You could be labeled a connoisseur if you've even heard of half the beers there. If it weren't for the knowledgeable waitstaff, who sometimes seem to have spent valuable classtime learning the nuances of Ashley's menu instead. No cover here, but the beer prices tend to make up for it. The Main Street area offers a large number of quieter drinking establishments, although the crowds there are slightly older and better-heeled than the average University drinker. On Main Street itself are the Full Moon, the One-Eyed Moose, and the Heidelberg, all fairly small and possessed of more atmosphere than bars closer to campus. On the main drag are Del Rio and the Old Town Tavern, a pair of enticingly cozy spots. For the two or three days in September when it's, warm enough to enjoy adult beverages outdoors, it's well advised to stop by Good Time Charley's (on the corner of Souti. University Avenue and Church Street) or Dominick's (on Monroe Street). Charley's is open year-round, but its streetfront outdoor section is only open when the weather's good. Anytime is a good time to enjoy the bar's tasty mixed drinks and some of its equally tasty chow (don't miss the Count Twists). But then again, everything is a little better when people- watching out on the busy streetcorner. If you can't find a spot at Charley's, good luck finding one at Dominick's, which seems to attract as many people at the first hint of warmth. Although its hours are rather unusual -- it closes at 10 p.m. - there's no beating sipping sangria or some other alcoholic concoction out on the front deck, while taking in the architectural beauty of the Law Quad. Skipping that noon class on a warm day will likely get you a spot; in any case, arrive early. Getting 'adjusted to a large entity like the University is often a case of finding one's niche, and this is just as true for the Ann Arbor bar scene as it is for academics and social life. Finding a niche in the bar scene, however, can certainly be most enjoyable task. Bottoms up! i Nri i Midwestern life, big- city values meet in A2 Protesting Playboy SELF-SERVE COPIES 90 copies per minute,automatic feed, 50 collate and staple,reduce and enlarge COUPON 8.5x , 20# whie Valid with this ad. No other discounts apply. Expires 11/1/97 COLOR COPIES Make vivid copies of color photos, color .99 0calendars, and transparencies. Use color COUPON to enhance your projects and reports. S.5xI onl Valid with this ad. No other discounts apply. Expires 1111/97 ~a BnED @MUDDIMIt UNIQUE Continued from Page 1E would find on college campuses in the 1960s. I don't think you will find any truly liberal places in this country today." Sheldon said Ann Arbor offers stu- dents and residents both a taste of small-town Midwestern values cou- pled alongside the University and big-city life. "It's the best of all worlds - you have all of It has the comforts of a major city, non-Mjdi but in the next moment you identity can sit back and breathe and not have the pres- sures that you have in other cities around the country," Sheldon said. "Here, life is a little slower, and we place a high value on open spaces, life outdoors and free time." Gretchen Farah, owner of Newcomers Welcome Service, a wel- coming service that visits roughly coffee houses, bagel shops, and intel- lectual professor-types make Ann Arbor distinct in the predominantly plainspoken culture of the Midwest. "It is not Midwestern," said LSA sophomore Joe Vanek, who hails from Kalamazoo. "It has its own non- Midwestern identity that is the University and its students - that's the reason you have things like Art Fair instead of block parades." Russ Owell, a local middle-school teacher, said two years of life its own in Ann Arbor have taught him restern that this is a place unlike m o s t Midwestern - Joe Vanek towns. LSA sophomore "It's definite- ly more socially liberal than the rest of the Midwest," Owell said. "The diversity here, and acceptance of new ideas make Ann Arbor a very unique place. And it is the University that provides that sprit and energy to the rest of the community." While rifling through a shelf of ,.., t ;. t> .: