It's hard to top summertime in Michigan. And when you combine some of the Arbor/Ypsi area's great food offerings, good company, beautiful weather and a great view you have the recipe for a small slice of Michigan heaven. Fortunately we're blessed around here with a number of wonderful outdoor dining options.
In Ypsilanti Aubree's Saloon and Sidetrack both offer classic pub food and a perfect view of historic Depot Town. Cut through the Depot Town parking lot and you'll practically be at The Corner Brewery with a sprawling beer garden in the back. For the
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives crowd, just up Prospect is the legendary Chick-Inn, immortalized in song by Detroit garage rock icons The Gories.
Washtenaw County abounds with great park and picnic options, but Gallup Park is arguably the best spot around. With plenty of grills, miles of biking and hiking trails, canoe and paddle boat rentals, as well as a peaceful view of the Huron River, Gallup Park is hard to beat.
If Bob Seger wrote "Main Street" today it would probably wind up a very different song - no pool halls, hustlers and losers, just an endless amount of food to tempt you. Ann Arbor's Main Street area is one of Metro Detroit's greatest outdoor dining spots with something for everyone. On the higher end, Cafe Zola, Logan, Cafe Felix, and The Black Pearl beckon. There's also Indian cuisine at Shalimar, comforting pub food at Conor O'Neill's, and Italian food at Gratzi and Palio's (the latter featuring a rooftop deck overlooking Main Street).
And what better way to wind up a summer evening than with an indulgent stop for ice cream and fudge at Kilwin's on Liberty? Don't worry, you'll find room for popcorn when you go to the Michigan Theater later.
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