Attention Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives fans, he’s done it. Guy Fieri has come to our neighborhood. He has cruised the country, landed in Michigan, and found Flavortown in our backyard. Yes, I said it. FLAVORTOWN IS IN MICHIGAN. We need to use this information. I’m going to save you from the shouting, backwards sunglasses, and awkward puns (okay, no promises about the puns) and tell you the eight Triple D approved restaurants that are within driving distance from Ann Arbor.
1. Joe’s Gizzard City
Did I hear you say you’re craving some battered chicken digestive organs? Well, have I got the perfect place for you. Though its fame lies in the gizzards, the menu offers some safer options like pulled pork, taco salad, and the Triple D Burger (Guy’s own creation, a cheeseburger coated in Joe’s famous batter and deep fried).
This joint has been serving up “the best gizzards you’ve ever tasted” since 1960, and the owners, the Bristols, have stuck around the whole time. If you’re going to eat some gizzards, you might as well have the best, and Joe’s Gizzard City’s 55+ years of popularity speaks for itself.
2. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Okay, obviously, any Ann Arbor native (or Spoonie) knows the hype that is Blimpy, but thanks to DDD, fans around the country can also start to understand the kraze. There’s probably a grandma in Florida salivating over the Blimpy Burger episode right now, so do it for her. Take advantage of this unique eatery in our neighborhood – you won’t be disappointed.
3. Polish Village Cafe
So, I’ve seen my fair share of Triple D. My favorite episodes are always the ones where he exposes the viewers to new foods and cultures, and Polish Village Cafe definitely counts. The Wietrzykowski family opened this restaurant in 1976 as Yerman’s Bar and Botel, and in 2000, their daughter Carolyn took over.
The revamped Polish Village Cafe serves, you guessed it, traditional Polish food like golabki (stuffed cabbage), placki (potato pancakes), and czarnina (duck blood soup). Take a break from your homework, and road trip to Hamtramck – it’s basically like a mini international studies course, right?
4. Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen
Mac & cheese fanatics, READ THIS. The votes are in, and Clarkston Union wins the title of most macked on mac & cheese. If that doesn’t speak for itself, maybe the chargrilled sashimi grade tuna salad or the cubano will push you to drive to Clarkston. This joint is located inside of an 1840’s church building and serves only handcrafted food to play the part.
They wanted to create a small world away from today’s processed food options and take you back to the effort that was put into food preparation when people still rode horses for transportation. Plus, they serve brunch with a full bar (don’t worry, their famous mac & cheese is still served).
5. Union Woodshop
Clarkston does it again. Michigan is definitely not known for its barbeque like down south is, but that doesn’t stop Union Woodshop from crafting its delicious meals. This BBQ and pizza joint got its name from the array of green hickory, apple, and cherry wood used in its food preparation. Their green hickory smoker cooks up pork butt, brisket, ribs, birds, and bacon, while the 800-degree apple and cherry woodburning oven is always caramelizing pizza up front.
You also get to choose from an array of regional BBQ sauces, a list that is so extensive because they have to please the vinegar-loving Carolinians AND the tomato-tasting Texans. Burgers, salads, and sandwiches ensure that every kind of eater leaves here with a bulging belly.
6. The Fly Trap
Sounds super appealing, no? Maybe not, but apparently the restaurant decided on their name over drinks soon before opening in 2004, and they’ve had a lot of fun punning it up ever since (ex: Daily Buzz = specials, Bar Fly = bar, On The Fly = take out). Let’s just say, Guy cruised his red convertible out to Ferndale for a reason, and that reason was this joint’s funky twist on diner classics.
With choices like African spiced charmoula chicken sandwiches, gingerbread waffles, and lemongrass Thai-style noodle bowls, I, personally, cannot wait to drive out to Ferndale and get a taste. Hit me up if you want transportation – I have access to a minivan.
7. Supino Pizzeria
Ann Arbor may be home to some pretty mouth-watering pizza, but Supino’s throws their pie even higher (get it? Like, they take it to a whole other level – sorry, I told you no promises about the puns). Their super thin crust, white or red sauce pizza is topped with local Detroit ingredients and available by the slice or by the pie.
Even gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan Michiganders can find hanger elimination in their farinata (chickpea crepes filled with toppings such as plum tomatoes, eggplant, or fresh mozzarella). So, next time you’re in the D for a Tigers game or for a concert, set down your mediocre hot dog and pick up a nice Supino slice.
8. Traffic Jam & Snug
Traffic Jam & Snug will definitely appeal to all y’all beer lovers. It opened in 1965 and was the first brewpub in Michigan, so as you can imagine, their microbrewery pumps out some pretty tasty beverages, but they don’t stop there. The in-house bakery and dairy business makes meals extra special. Can you imagine anything better than sitting in this historic pub drinking homemade beer and snacking on a homemade cheese platter?
Photo by Faith Horbatch
So, what are you doing? You better get going and make like Guy Fieri, and by making like him, I mean hitting these local spots – not frosting your hair tips.