Best American Restaurants in Ann Arbor

We enjoyed the Valentine’s menu, especially the fig and Stilton & braised carrots starters and the Cid special! James was super attentive and we’re glad he works for Zola! Nice to see him these past several years taking care of us.

Absolutely excellent meal as always... we were there a little longer than we wanted but it was valentine's day so it is what it is!

Fabulous service and delicious food!! Would defiinitely return for a special occassion!!

Outstanding experience for lunch- feels like dinner at a formal dining experience where the owner/establishment doesn't do cost saving short cuts a like many ann arbor restaurant managers do for lunch, like reducing dining room staff, removing buss person( clean assist in table clearing, or expeditors that bring entrees to table when server/waitstaff are occupied. So here you have a set of dedicated staff for all front of house service; a host, a waitress/waiter, a buss person, an expeditor( to bring waters, refills of coffee, entrees when order has been taken ) - this creates a production line kind of flow - for faster service for hot food arriving to table timely. Also they are not cheap about fine dining ware; white table cloth( almost non-existent today ) full set of silver/table wear, and hot pots for table set coffee if needed. The kitchen must be a classic proper chef/ professional production equipped kitchen, as they have capability to have dry meat locker( steak house type ), steaming option for vegetables, and all needed for scratch cooking - not from a box , again like many ann arbor restaurants. The menu is a sign of all mention here, as many items would rarely be offered in many places , like genuine lobster bisque, london broil, hand made cole slaw, hand made mashed potatoes, ext.- these things may seem trivial but go see where else you can experience all this, also most lunch entrees are $12-$21 , where portions are very generous and coffee is high caliber roasts with $3.50 with endless refills. So yea - worlds above a fast food joint or mass franchise feed lot, corn syrup, and box sourced food that often are same cost.

Our recent visit to Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in a beautifully restored historic train depot, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is as unique as it is delicious. The ambiance is charming and nostalgic, with large windows overlooking the train tracks. During our meal, a train passed by, adding to the charm and making for an unforgettable moment. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed perfectly seared scallops and shrimp atop a creamy, flavorful risotto, while my wife had a delicious salmon dish with seasoned broccoli that was cooked to perfection. Each bite was rich in flavor and expertly prepared. We also indulged in some fantastic cocktails, which were well-balanced and refreshing. To top off the evening, we shared a decadent chocolate truffle cake, which was pure bliss—rich, velvety, and the perfect sweet ending to our meal. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who made our experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply a great meal in a unique setting, Gandy Dancer is a must-visit in Ann Arbor. We will definitely be returning!