The search for Michigan's best breakfast joint coming to Ann Arbor area
A breakfast at the Bomber in Ypsilanti
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo
MLive statewide entertainment reporter
We're doing it again!
We had so much fun last year -- traveling all over the state and searching for Michigan's Best -- that we have decided to launch a few for more searches in 2013.
Where will they take us?
I'm not sure. We never anticipated how much fun we would have on our searches last year for Michigan's Best coney dogs, BBQ, ice cream parlors and haunted houses.
With that said....
Our first search for 2013 will be a search for Michigan's Best Breakfast Joint.
Whether it's a greasy spoon or a trendy breakfast nook, we want to know where you go for a great Michigan breakfast.
You know what I'm talking about: French toast, eggs, omelettes, sausage, hashbrowns, American fries, pancakes, cinnamon toast, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, breakfast casserole, quiche -- you name it.
I even stopped off this week at Sparty's in Lansing for a ham and cheese omelette, just to get in the right frame of mind.
We're not looking for Sunday brunches, although the nominees could offer a special weekend breakfast.
We want those places where you get great food, great service and your mouth waters thinking about your next visit.
Use the comments section online to make your early recommendations. Or send me an email: gonzo@mlive.com.
The official search will follow a similar format from last year.
• On Monday, Feb. 25, local entertainment writers in all of our hubs around the state will have a story online, asking for nominations.
• The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. on Feb. 27.
• On March 1, local entertainment reporters will post a poll with the top nominees from readers. The deadline for local polls is 5 p.m. March 5.
• On March 8, I will announce the winners of each local poll, and also announce our itinerary.
• From March 11-15, I will join the local entertainment writers in their markets to sample the best in each market. The public will be welcome out and join me on the visits.
• On March 19 I will announce Michigan's Best Breakfast Joint, as well as my Top 10 ranking.
I don't know about you, but I'm hungry!
Email John Gonzalez at gonzo@mlive.com Or follow John on Twitter at Twitter.com/MichiganGonzo On Facebook at Facebook.com/GRGonzo
Comments
VSD
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
I was very impressed with the breakfast at the new Juicy Kitchen in Ann Arbor. The food was delicious and the ambiance was warm and cozy. *****
gerald Grzesik
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 : 9:14 p.m.
Give me the Bomber, a lot of food and goog food!
thann
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
Angelo's by far. I dream about their Crab Cakes Benedict.
a2
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 : 6:45 p.m.
Angelos in ann arbor homemade raisin toast
2617ss
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Angelo's
JulieYeager
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 11:22 p.m.
Beezy's in Ypsi
HPD
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
Mae's, the Fly Trap in Ferndale
Th3Ian
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
The Bomber!
lisa gottlieb
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 7:53 p.m.
selma cafe
pegret
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 5:21 p.m.
The french toast at Frank's Restaurant on Maynard St. is the absolute best I have ever had anywhere! Good, inexpensive, no-frills breakfasts in general. I miss Pete, but Paula is still there, and will make you feel right at home! Village Kitchen also has great breakfasts and home-cooked specials.
ypsigirl420
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
I think the Wolverine Grill has the best breakfast in Ypsilanti. The new owner has done such a great job with the food selection. They use fresh and local products. They make the perfect omelet. The soups are made from scratch and are amazing!! The servers are great and they have the best coffee in town! I use to go to Beezy's all the time, but the prices, portions, and lack of servers have me walking down to the Wolverine!!!
grovest
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 1:09 a.m.
Ann Arbor: Afternoon Delight. Ypsi: Beezy's.
Ron Burgandy
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
Williams Liquor Store on Michigan Avenue in Pittsfield Twp. Try the Glinlivet scotch and cheese....it's deelish!
a2native
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.
Bennys in Ann Arbor. Michael Phelps even loved it when he trained at Michigan!!!!
annarbortownie
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
Used to be Maggie's in Kalamazoo, best breakfast stew ever. They closed so now I would go for Frank's in Ann Arbor. Straight forward breakfast food.
pegret
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
Frank's is really underrated, and one of my favorite breakfast places ever.
grimmk
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 11:35 a.m.
Mark's Midtown Cony Island off Plymouth Rd in Ann Arbor has great pancakes. No way I can ever eat them all.
LuvAA
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 3:27 a.m.
Bell's Diner on W. Stadium (very reasonably priced food...where else can you get Be Bim Bop for breakfast!?!) Fleetwood Diner - hippie hash! Broken Egg - huge portions Angelo's - corned beef hash and raisin bread Uptown Coney on Jackson Road - always quick service
dk
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
Uptown Coney, Jackson Rd. Nuff said........
Mick52
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
I kind of like Bennys on Industrial for their breakfasts, but overall I just like to go out for breakfast. Thanks to you all for great posts. I feel like making a list and going on my own quest.
Major
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
For the Ann Arbor Area, I have to go with Nick's House of Pancakes, great service and really good food!!
Fredric
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:59 p.m.
The best, and I really mean the BEST Breakfast place in Wahtenaw County is located on M52 just south of Chelsea and North of Manchester. Is located at the Stockyards Auction . I think the name is Kathren's . THe food is outstand and the portions are the sist that the workers and hunters treasure. A Great place for the family.
Debra W.
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:18 p.m.
Cafe Zola has the most delicious and nutritious breakfast. Their Florentine buckwheat crepe is packed full of spinach and not overloaded with cheese or butter. They also make one of the best Bloody Marys. There is no skimping on quality or taste with any of their entrees. Considering the out-the-door line of customers and cramped quarters, the service is great. However, if you are looking for a greasy spoon or big (I want to feel overly full) breakfast, don't go to Cafe Zola.
Halter
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 3:10 p.m.
Nicks House of Pancakes
Machine
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
Eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast are all easy to prepare and a lot of local places do a fine job making breakfast. I've had great breakfasts at Bell's Diner, Village Kitchen, Mark's Midtown Coney, Fleetwood, and several other places. The truly special places have a signature dish that sets them apart. Until recently, that would have been Classic Cup with their cheese blintzes (which seem to be hard to find around here) but the blintzes have been replaced on their menu by pudding-filled crepes (???). Disappointing.
romuloid
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
Mark's Coney Island on Plymouth Rd......consistently good, cheap food with great service and staff.
Doug
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 7:15 a.m.
Northside. Good prices, good food, good service, good atmosphere. Not hyped up, like many other AA restaurants. And as a bonus, it actually cares about its customers' health: it was among the first, if not the first, AA restaurant to go smoke free, well before the state banned indoor smoking. Most other places shamefully had to be told by the state to clean up their act.
Wystan Stevens
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.
And make sure that Gonzalez goes to the Northside on his birthday, when breakfast is absolutely free! (Or lunch, if one prefers that.)
TammyKoupal
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 5:52 a.m.
Uptown Coney Island on Jackson Rd. Good food...nice service...every time. Then there's Selma Cafe on Fridays...
moonunit
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:46 a.m.
In Ypsilanti it is the Wolverine with the best food AND the best value. Just an easy place to go with no drama. They have vegetarian and vegan dishes too and for the meat eaters, the meaty scramble is great. Love their giant french toast too! Wonderful Wolverine potatoes and a cute daily food special menu.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:39 a.m.
The Absolute Best Breakfast in Washtenaw County can be had at the Wolverine in downtown Ypsilanti on Michigan Ave (across from the library)! The new owner is a dedicated breakfast chef and serves Omelettes that match anything you could have in Paris, France! I could go on-and-on about the Wolverine which is a ten star breakfast restaurant!!! I would give eight stars to the Bomber on Michigan Ave on the east side of Ypsilanti (esp their Beef Hash with Eggs over Easy!), Saline Downtown Dinner on the NE corner of Michigan and Saline-Ann Arbor Road (tucked around in the back at the public parking lot) and the Classic Cup on Jackson Road, just east of Arnet's Cemetery Monuments. The rest of Washtenaw County restaurants are basically "pig's breakfast" type of greasy spoons. If you don't go to Wolverine, Bomber, Downtown Dinner or Classic Cup, you might as well go to McDonald's and order an Egg McMuffin . . .
Frank Grzybek
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:26 a.m.
The Golden Egg serves a great breakfast for a fair price. The staff is friendly, and the coffee is good and hot.
slick
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:19 a.m.
Wolverine on Michigan Ave. in Ypsi. The prime rib scramble is to die for, plus the best breakfast potatoes. Beezy's is great, too
CLX
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
This is definitely a case of to each their own. I personally found Northside Grill to be totally average, and Cafe Maria about the same. But then again, I find Zingerman's a complete mystery (totally & completely overrated), so I know I am in the minority in this town. I like Fleetwood for old school breakfast and find a few things at Afternoon Delight (breakfast burrito) to be pretty solid. Can anyone recommend a good place for Heuvos Rancheros? That's what I'm missing in AA!
Lynn Liston
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
Forgot- Seva has huevos rancheros- pretty good!
Lynn Liston
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 2:52 p.m.
I think Nick's on Ann Arbor-Saline Road has huevos rancheros. Haven't tried them, am working my way through the extensive breakfast and brunch menu, keep getting side-tracked by the incredible specials.
Vivienne Armentrout
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
I haven't tried them but Chela's has them on a brunch menu. http://chelas.co/menu/
Daniel R. Taylor
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
Sinbad Koney Isand on Ellsworth. BEST Breakfast Spot.
golfer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
uptown coney on jackson should not be left off the list. great food and excellent service.
a2miguy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.
Agreed, as posted above. I have become a regular there. You can get equally good food elsewhere, but the service keeps me coming back.
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
bomber... didn't we do this last year? there was a poll involved.
treetowncartel
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 8:17 p.m.
The Grotto Club on Stadium!!
A2 rocks
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
Bell's Diner and The Northside get my votes.
UM Rocks
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:53 p.m.
The Bomber on Michigan Ave of course!!!
a2miguy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
Uptown Coney Island on Jackson Rd.
Major
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
In Traverse City, The Omelette Shoppe...if you can get in!
Sherri Lynn
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 2:56 a.m.
I was reading all of the comments to this story, and was thinking of The Omelette Shoppe. If I hadn't seen your comment, I would have mentioned it myself! Great baked goods, too!
ummsw
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:53 p.m.
Completely agree!!
eom
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 6:30 p.m.
#1. Afternoon Delight #2. Northside Grill AD not only has great food - but Tom and JoAnn are an amazing asset to our community.
treetowncartel
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
Oh for the State? Garrett's Place in Houghton Lake is the best in the state.
Soothslayer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:41 p.m.
Why not create a poll of all the notable places in Washtenaw county and let the readers decide. Areas of criteria: biggest portion, most creative, most underrated, most overrated and best food (not biggest)
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.
Hi Sooth those nominated in the comments here will be put into a poll for voting on by readers to decide where John goes on his visit to the area.
George Forbes
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
Bell's Diner on West Stadium
ahi
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.
Wolverine in Ypsi and Northside Grill. I really like Beezy's as well, but their food is only above average. Zola's is everything I hate about A2 restaurants; expensive, trendy, hyped, and mediocre food.
Soothslayer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Cafe Zola's is awesome and probably #1 or 2 in the area. What have you been ordering there?
treetowncartel
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
I wish Charlie's Country Squire was still around, nothing around compares to that place
bwp
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.
Check out The Golden Egg. Same location. Great breakfast.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
There are tons of good breakfast places in town. My favorites are Beezy's, Luca's, the Fleetwood, and Cafe Zola.
MjC
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.
Bomber's Restaurant in Ypsilanti! Great food, great prices, and a great staff. But you have to come hungry (think four eggs, a pound of potatoes, and a pound of bacon for one individual serving). Bomber's has even been recognized by the Food Network.
Ignatz
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
Buy a cup of Joe, get a pound of taters...
Boo Radley
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 2:13 a.m.
You got it, Soothslayer .... I'm a big person and I want big food. Especially when it is big and also very good like the Bomber.
Soothslayer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:36 p.m.
>Bomber's has even been recognized by the Food Network yeah for the most overportioned Murrican breakfast, it's just big food there for big people, nothing else
kilroy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
Zingerman's, Afternoon Delight, Angelo's and Zola's in that order. The Northside Grill, Broken Egg and Bomber Cafe are just awful. I am astonished any of those 3 got a single vote.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 6:17 p.m.
OH man, totally disagree. The Bomber gets quite creative with their fare and Northside's scrambles and skillets are amazing.
Soothslayer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
>The Northside Grill, Broken Egg and Bomber Cafe are just awful yep, uninspired "big breakfast" fare. I can make that tripe at home.
Jack Gladney
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:01 p.m.
My vote goes to McDonald's on West Stadium. They have an English muffin sandwich with egg, cheese and Canadian bacon that is to DIE for. When I say "die," I mean it, literally. A close second vote goes to Burger King. By "close" I mean "across the street."
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:10 p.m.
Fast Food!! Yacccck!
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.
Boo- I've perfected making my own version of them at home in my own kitchen. Let's just say a good portion of my food budget is used on english muffins, eggs, and cheese just for those.
Boo Radley
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Jack, you have my vote for best comment of the day .... Although, tongue in cheek writing aside, the Egg McMuffin really isn't that unhealthy. Kyle, I think you could safely eat them more than once or twice a year.
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Funny, Jack!
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
I'll admit Jack, an EggMcMuffin is a guilty pleasure of mine, but I limit indulging in it towhen I'm on a long distance drive where I need some on the road fuel, so its only about a 1-2x a year treat.
JRW
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4 p.m.
Angelo's Broken Egg
Mark
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
I would suggest Sava's on State St. Great food (breakfast buffet), service, and reasonable prices with a lively atmosphere.
David Paris
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
Worst Service Ever!
bwp
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
Try The Golden Egg on Washtenaw in Ypsilanti. Very yummy.
hockeymom
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:18 p.m.
The FLEETWOOD!! lol
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:09 p.m.
by the way, their 50/50 burger is delectable too.
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
hockeymom, I totally agree! their hippie breakfast is legendary, I can get my coney dogs w/feta cheese, and, best of all,the Fleetwood is one of the Very Few places where I can get my burger cooked the way I like it(walked in on a leash)!
badge823
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
I have to put in a vote for The Old Hamlin in downtown Ludington. They bake their own bread producing huge pieces for toast. Best homemade sausage and thick bacon.
HENDRIX242
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:05 p.m.
Northside Grill is Ann Arbor's best. Cosmos in Kalamazoo is the best breakfast in the state. I have never had a better omelet anywhere else. The Blue Bird in Leelanau is very good as well. Beezy's in Ypsilanti. You can always tell the quality of breakfast joint by the maple syrup they serve. If it's the fake maple-flavored syrup, then it's not going to be good. Only real maple syrup makes the grade; it's worth the extra money.
Soothslayer
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
>Northside Grill is Ann Arbor's best. Best what? Uninspired 'Murrican large portion fare? >Only real maple syrup makes the grade A condiment does not a quality or inspired meal make. How about the actual FOOD?
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
Here's my question of the day: When you do dine out for breakfast which 'meat' do you order: Bacon, Sausage, Ham, or Canadian Bacon?
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
sausage, Sausage, SAUSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a2gretta
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
None of the above. I'm an omnivore; I just don't eat any of those meats.
Brad
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Scrapple is the "meat" equivalent of particleboard. But particleboard would taste better.
Hot Sam
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
I'm with Kellie on this!! Good scrapple is hard to beat!!!
WalkingJoe
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:09 p.m.
Sorry Kellie but I just looked it up too and it's definitely not for me. As a kid my family were farm folk and we had some strange stuff and scrapple looks like some of those concoctions that I don't eat to this day. But like I said, to each their own and if you love it go for it.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
Thanks Kyle, I'll keep that in mind if I ever see it on a menu. It does sound gross but then to each their own.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:01 p.m.
Oh, well, Kyle, if you Googled it, conversation over. Nah, Google doesn't quite do it justice. Scrapple is bits of pork (pretty much everything is fare game) held together in a patty formation with flour or some sort of starch. It's not spam, but it's definitely not Ann Arbor--- oh wait, hold on. I think scrapple is what flooffy Ann Arborites call charcuterie, just fried! :)
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 9:50 p.m.
WalkingJoe- Just ignore Kellie's scrapple suggestion, I googled it and it looks like some gross Spam-like meat creation...something I plan on never ordering that's for sure.
Stephen Landes
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
Corned Beef Hash -- no other meat required.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
Ok Kellie, I am going to show my ignorance here but what is scrapple? I am nearly 60 and I don't remember hearing it. I do know from going south with the wife to visit her family that grits is a mainstay for breakfast down there. And Kyle for me it usually sausage.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:48 p.m.
Gyro meat! (or bacon if they don't have it)
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
So, that will be the all-meat platter for you fjord, would you like to add a 6oz flat iron steak to that order for an additional 4.99?
fjord
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
Answer: Yes.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
Kyle, you left out a choice--- scrapple! I am from the Eastern Shore, where scrapple is a mainstay on every breakfast menu and the subject of several festivals. I never see it on menus up here though. I guess I knew I'd never stay in on the shore when I realized I wasn't a scrapple girl.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:28 p.m.
This is so exciting. Breakfast is my favorite meal and my husband and I are currently on a mission to try every breakfast and brunch place in Washtenaw. I am definitely going to try the Classic Cup soon, I pass it all the time on my way to Meijer but have never been. Also, Bell's Diner is next up on my list. Angelo's is OK, but definitely not my favorite. I really like Nick's- I hope the writers go there. And I like Jefferson Market too, their brunch menus are really creative. It's a little west side gem.
pegret
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 5:06 p.m.
Then don't forget Frank's Restaurant on Maynard St.....most underrated place in A2. Absolutely the best french toast in the world.
Jon Saalberg
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:23 p.m.
I vote for Northside. Tried Cafe Marie a few weeks ago and was sorely disappointed - everything seemed expensive, for breakfast, and I'm dubious of the idea that burying your food in a ton of cheese - as Cafe Marie refers to it, "avalanching" - makes it better. Also, I hope the writers are able to keep out restaurants that just serve gigantic portions of food - bigger does not equal better. If it's about poundage per dollar, that should be a different story.
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
Yes, I like Northside as well. Very friendly staff and delicious scrambles and, unlike a lot of options downtown, they're not overpriced.
BenWoodruff
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
You must stop at Saline's Downtown Diner for the Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burrito, hand carved and diced Corned Beef Hash, and their "Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy", in which they use a Ribeye! The consistently best breakfast in Washtenaw County!
fjord
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
I don't go out for breakfast much these days, but I have fond memories of many breakfasts at Food Dance in Kalamazoo. Around here, I've been to Angelo's and thought it was quite good, but I don't get all the hype. There are dozens of places around the state that are on roughly the same level.
Melanie Maxwell
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:29 p.m.
I lived in Kalamazoo for several months and I LOVED Food Dance. I've heard it's moved locations since I lived there, but it was definitely a go-to for me! Nowadays I find myself craving Cafe Zola's Turkish Brunch here in Ann Arbor!
SerialEclectic.com
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Betty's - Boyne Falls Any Original Pancake House (Birmingham, Bay Harbor, Southfield, etc.) Jesperson's - Petoskey Brutus Camp Deli - Brutus
Jared Mauch
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
I'll be the anti-zola vote. I must have sinned against them somehow, but I have had poor service each time I have gone there for breakfast/lunch/dinner and don't return. My wife and others get good service when I'm not there. I must be cursed. Otherwise, I would nominate the following: Marks Midtown @ Plymouth/Green. Best of their 3 locations, and my personal favorite for breakfast. Angelos .. also pricey but excellent food if you can find parking and you can wait if there's a line ...
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:47 p.m.
I find that in order to get good service at Cafe Zola, the trick is to show up on a weekday. The weekends are too hectic there.
tjcd2
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:59 p.m.
I completely agree about Zolas. Over priced and the service is marginal at best.
snark12
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Angelo's is great, but we also like the Broken Egg on Main Street.
Catherine Bosma
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
Cafe Marie is yummy as is the Broken Egg. The now closed Lighthouse in Dexter used to make a slammin brisket hash. *sigh* Replaced by yet another coney.
Yvo M
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:57 p.m.
I would have to say Classic Cup Cafe on Jackson Rd. past Wagner. It's delicious. Their meat lovers skillet is great treat when you're going to splurge. Northside Grill would be my second vote. Love the Morning Eggdition sandwich, and it supports a good cause.
A2comments
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
George's Senate Coney Island is very good. Angelo's is very overrated. Too bad Flim Flam closed, it was the best value for the money.
Dan H.
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
It's expensive, but there's some fantastic food at Cafe Zola. Also, Cafe Marie on Plymouth Road is a family favorite
PattyinYpsi
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
@Kellie: I doubt that the waitresses overhear much. Zola is unbelievably noisy!
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
I was looking up Cafe Zola the other day and I read this interesting article on Concentrate Media about how many local biz deals are closed at Zola, which wasn't really surprising but definitely interesting. The things the waitresses must overhear! http://www.concentratemedia.com/features/AnnArborVCdeals0094.aspx
edjasbord
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Zola is way over-hyped. I've been there several times for breakfast, always expecting my next visit to actually be the one that coheres with the hype, but it never manifested. And so I've given up. Afternoon Delight has the best breakfast. Second to that is a breakfast sandwich at Zingerman's Deli. Better than its lunch and dinner sandwiches at about half the cost.
Billy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
Oh....what about the Wolverine out at the T/A? Or is that not still there? I haven't been out there for breakfast in over a decade...
bugmenot
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 11:14 p.m.
At one time, that location was good. I don't think it's Wolverine anymore... and the food is far below par now.
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
Cheryl's Place in Brighton is amazing. The Bomber in Ypsi is a close second. Have to love places that have pancakes that are bigger than your head.
TTISDELICIOUS
Wed, Feb 27, 2013 : 8:58 p.m.
Agreed! Cheryl's Place IS THE PLACE for breakfast in Brighton and BEYOND! Gotta give this place it's fair shot!
Narnia
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
I second L. George's.
Brad
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
Already two votes for Angelo's. Talk about predictable.
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4 p.m.
hey, don't be dissing Angelo's and yes I did vote you down.
Jimmyc
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
Maybe it's predictable because it's true. Delicious breakfast!
Billy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
Hard to be the Bomber Breakfast.........oh wait.....ANGELO'S BIG BREAKFAST....yeah that beats it....stomps all over it actually... Ok Ok....the bomber is pretty awesome too....but Angelo's is by FAR the best breakfast joint in the midwest...
wineguy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:12 p.m.
I don't eat breakfast out very often. But, I really like the breakfast at Afternoon Delight. Good for both quality and quantity. Back to the Roots, in Chelsea, is also very good.
pegret
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 5:02 p.m.
I love the pancake at Afternoon Delight, but at 7.95? Ouch.
Hmm
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
Village Kitchen makes a great breakfast
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:31 p.m.
Yes, they really do. I am a fan of their original mini. It's a steal at $3.99!
Boo Radley
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:56 p.m.
I have to go with the Bomber in Ypsi.
EightySeven
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.
The Bomber is crazy good.
bugmenot
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.
Ditto!
Ignatz
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
It'll be interesting to see the vote split between those places serving tons of food vs. those serving high quality food, but not in American sized portions.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
Maybe the winner will be a place that serves American sized portions of high quality food :)
Simon Green
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
For me, #1 is The French Laundry in Fenton. #2 is The Breakfast Club in Brighton. Unfortunately, nothing in AA even comes close to these two.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 4:14 a.m.
Fenton French Laundry rates 8 stars out of a possible 10. The Big Problem is the Tin Ceiling! You can't hear yourself think when placing an order. It's like being inside of a snare drum to dine there! (same problem at Common Grill in Chelsea).
Kyle Mattson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
I'm not sure on the history of the name Billy but it does appear they have a few variations being used. I've been there a handful of times and always enjoyed it.
Billy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
The french Laundry....in Fenton? That's just terrible....The French Laundry is a world famous ultra expensive Prix Fixe restaurant in California. Interesting....looks like they're called "The Laundry" on their website and menu....but pictures show that the building says "The French Laundry" on it. Sounds like a great place....but I always frown on biters...I don't like seeing anyone try to ride on someone else's success.
king
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
There's a reason L. George's in Canton has a traffic jam in their parking lot...Don't want to give too much away but their omelette fed me for two days...
Lizzy Alfs
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
I really loved Angelo's in college. I lived in Couzens and it was our Saturday ritual to walk over for their amazing potatoes, eggs and homemade toast!
Lizzy Alfs
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 2:44 p.m.
@mady: No I haven't, but my best friend used to always get it. Get this - she would get the deep fried french toast and then smother it in peanut butter and syrup. Yep!
mady
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
Lizzy, have you ever had their deep-fried french toast? Holy Moly. this is not a breakfast. this is an occasion of sin. you will take home leftovers, I promise!
CD
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
Beezy's in Ypsi is the best!
Buck Wild
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
I agree about Beezy's. Cafe Marie is a little on the high end, but worth it for the quality. Also, some of the scrambles turn out to be a pretty good deal when you see that you get two meals out of them.
Lynn Liston
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
Uptown Coney on Jackson Rd. Or Nick's on Ann Arbor-Saline Road...