Foodie Family Guide to Ann Arbor, Mich.

Take to the city streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan, brimming with art exhibits, artisan shops, unique galleries, boutiques, museums and more than 30 independently owned and operated bookstores. Home to the University of Michigan, this college town may be packed with activity, but it is also perfect for families. Make this college visit a family trip or just enjoy the quirky fun, sights and sounds of this walk-able, food-centric town.

Before heading to the local shops and sites of Ann Arbor, Mich., check out Zola Bistro for brunch. With a wide variety of fresh, homemade items on the menu $7–14, customers fill up with crêpes, waffles, bagels, greens and assorted pastries.

Take afternoon tea with the experts at Ann Arbor’s Teahaus. The tearoom and café offers full English tea, macarons, specials orders, loose-leaf teas and accessories. Keep the visit light and inexpensive with homemade scones for $6.25 and hot tea for $2.95.

© Angelique Platas

Foodie families enjoy the expanding culinary scene through Ann Arbor, even seeping into nearby neighborhood Ypsilanti, Mich. Check out the historic town, stopping for lunch at Ollie Food and Spirits. Order the Board of Things for the table and dig into the large cutting board overflowing with fruits, vegetables, cheese and bread — all locally grown and sustainably sourced.

A house favorite, Helen’s Roasted Chicken was inspired by the head chef’s nostalgia for his grandmother’s roast chicken and biscuits — this dish is a major crowd pleaser at $15.

Enjoy homemade pasta, signature burgers and craft beer for the adults at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company. Proudly supporting Michigan-grown produce and local businesses, Grizzly Peak provides a full menu meeting nearly every dietary need. Enjoy appetizers such as fresh mussels, sesame tuna and fried cheese curds, $9–13, or a variety of sandwiches, pizzas and burgers, $9–15.

Get something light and fresh while strolling the streets of Ann Arbor and stop at Fred’s Restaurant. The bright acai bowls, power smoothies, juices and organic healthy cuisine pop against the café’s rustic, simplistic décor. Perfect for breakfast, a light lunch or a mid-morning boost, Fred’s boasts a beautiful menu of healthy whole foods for the whole family.

Looking for some spice and Cuban flare? Check out Frita Batidos for drinks and Cuban-inspired street food. Enjoy a modern take on traditional Cuban sandwiches, sides and drinks. Try the signature Cuban-style burger, or frita, made with chorizo, black beans, chicken, fish or beef. Add crispy plantains, tropical slaw, coconut-ginger rice or garlic-cilantro fries to experience the wide variety of flavor. The kids will love a frita paired with their batido, or tropical milkshake.

Enjoy homemade, seasonal Korean cuisine at Miss Kim. Explore menu options from fresh kimchi of the day and shaved vegetable salad to whole fried smelt, spicy rice batons and Korean barbecue beefsteak.

The extensive menu changes seasonally and is based on availability in order to keep ingredients fresh, local and at the highest standard. Order an authentic Korean cocktail or tea with your entrée or pop in for Korean coffee.