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. Click to read more from Roni Kane.

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.  Click to read more from Samantha Rich.

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.  Click to read more from Rachel Mintz.

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. Click to read more from Kathryn Hemmila.

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. 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. Click to read more from Graciela Batlle Cestero.

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. Click to read more from Rebecca Lewis.

Named after his mother’s nickname, Adrian Iraola started Chelas to bring authentic Mexican food to Ann Arbor after retiring as an architectural engineer for the city about 11 years ago. He succeeded. Iraola was inspired by the tiny taquerias at his dad’s parking lot in his hometown of Mexico City. In an interview with The Michigan Daily Iraola said he started the restaurant to bring Mexican street food to people who missed it and when he can it makes him incredibly happy.. “From day one (Chelas) 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. ‘Oh, I'm in this little small restaurant and they have real tacos’ and so that makes us very, very happy. Click to read more from Miles Anderson.

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 building itself, makes for a dine-in experience unlike any other in the city. Click to read more from Avery Adaeze Uzoije.

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. Click to read more from Laine Brotherton.

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. Click to read more from Skylar Wallison.

Jerusalem Garden, the best place in town to eat Mediterranean food, is a family owned, operated, and 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 Jerusalem Garden website states. Click to read more from Emma Lapp.

Named after a native Indian spice, Cardamom has been an Ann Arbor staple for Indian food since 2013 and is located in the Courtyard Plaza on Plymouth Road on North Campus. 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. Click to read more from Mira Sripada and Priya Shah.

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 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. Click to read more from Maurice Tobiano.

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.” Click to read more from Ji Hoon Choi.

For the third year in a row, Detroit Street Filling Station won the title of Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant. This colorful, plant-filled stop in Kerrytown serves vegan comfort food, desserts and craft cocktails to the Ann Arbor community. Before the brick-and-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 pop-ups and a food cart. Today, Engelbert also manages The Lunch Room Bakery & Cafe and North Star Lounge, all vegan. 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 combination that delights. Click to read more from Madison Hammond.

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 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.” Click to read more from Kristen Su.

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 happen 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. Click to read more from Camille Nagy.

Two miles from campus, a small yellow building is home to racks of hot, fresh donuts. Between 14 regular donuts and 6 specialty donut flavors, Dimo's Donuts and Deli surely offers a variety of sweet treats. Dimo’s menu doesn’t only offer donuts – the operation expanded in 1991 to sell breakfast items, sandwiches and Mediterranean specialties inspired by the owners’ Mediterranean roots. Maybe it’s the combination of a meal followed by a must-grab donut that crowns Dimo’s as the best sweet treat in Ann Arbor, or it’s the early morning sugar cravings. Click to read more from Sneha Dhandapani.

Jolly Pumpkin is the perfect place for all looking to find a restaurant and brewery that will provide them the pumpkin spice, leaves changing color, Michigan-in-autumn atmosphere they're looking for. Described as having a "UP tavern" vibe, the Jolly Pumpkin bolsters candlelit dinners, uniquely brewed beers and a personalized mug club inside it's walls. Click to read more from Riley Hodder.

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. With a wide array of grocery essentials and snacks, Stadium Market is perfect for every phase of a night out, from excited preparation to the inevitable need for a greasy breakfast sandwich the morning after. Evidenced by the many University of Michigan sports jerseys that hang from its walls, Stadium Market places students, with all of their complex needs, at the forefront of its mission. Click to read more from Nora Lewis.

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 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. “The kids love to come here,” Ivy said. “And the adults, too.” Click to read more from Joshua Medintz.

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. Click to read more from Sejal Patil.

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. Click to read more from Max Newman.

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. 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. Click to read more from Irena Li.

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 “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. Click to read more from William Castle.

Care is the essence of Trader Joe's. 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. Click to read more from Allison Wei.