There are so many reasons we love Ypsilanti- the specialty shopping, the creative culture, and the exceptional food scene filled with hidden gems only found here! We’ve put together a list of only-in-Ypsi experiences to try on your next visit.
Coffee & Tea
Hyperion Coffee Co.
Start your day at the Hyperion Coffee Company. While coffee lovers can find Hyperion products throughout Michigan and beyond, nothing tastes like a hot cup of joe at the original cafe. Hyperion serves quality, ethically sourced coffee with unique and flavorful blends. Follow Hyperion on social media and learn about the farmers with whom they partner with.
Deep End Cafe & Gallery
The Deep End Cafe & Gallery is a perfect place to take a quick study break with cool decor and rotating art, located next to Eastern Michigan University. This chill cafe serves great drinks and food, plus hosts poetry nights and artist showcases. Check them out on your next visit!
• Browse Ypsilanti Coffee Shops.
Breakfast Favorites
Dom Bakeries
The perfected sweet treats at Dom Bakeries is an ideal way to start any morning. The bakery serves fresh donuts and goodies daily. The community connection and family-run operation puts Dom’s on our list. Pick up a dozen and share the love with others. We recommend the apple fritters!
Encuentro Latino
Head downtown to Encuentro Latino for a taste of home-cooked Guatemalan breakfast and brunch. Start with the pupusas and your choice of filling, then try the Guatemalan Breakfast served with eggs and chirmol sauce, plus plantains and homemade corn tortillas on the side.
Bomber Restaurant
The Bomber Restaurant is practically a mini museum filled with WWII memorabilia and model planes. The diner’s theme ties to the B-24s manufactured nearby at the Willow Run plant. Try the Cap’n Crunch French Toast and pose by the Rosie the Riveter mural at this iconic Ypsilanti staple.
• Browse Ypsilanti breakfast spots.
What’s for Lunch
Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken
Order the best fried chicken in Michigan at Ma Lou’s Fried Chicken! Recognized by MSN and LoveFood for the best fried chicken in the state, Ma Lou’s offers serious flavor with three spice options, plus favorites like marinated tofu sandwiches, catfish fillets, and seasonal sides.
Chef Restaurant Mediterranean Grill
We love mom-and-pop hidden gem, Chef Restaurant Mediterranean Grill, located near Eastern Michigan University and Peninsular Park. Known for their modern interpretation of classic Mediterranean food, we recommend trying the made-to-order Baba Ghanouge, gyro sandwiches, Fattoush, and chicken lemon soup.
Cuppy’s Best Soul Food
Expect the best when ordering takeout from Cuppy’s Best Soul Food! Top-quality rib tips and smoked sausage are on the menu. Don’t forget the baked beans and mashed potatoes! Cuppy’s has been serving the Ypsi community and visitors delicious, home-style soul food for over a decade.
• Browse Ypsilanti Restaurants.
Dinner & Dining Fine
Bellflower
Going out for date night or a celebratory dinner? Bellflower is a top choice for a fine dining experience. The restaurant provides a changing menu to best serve locally available ingredients, allowing guests to try new items. Bellflower offers gluten free and vegan plates, plus an extensive wine list for the perfect meal pairing.
Thompson & Co.
Enjoy an evening full of Ypsilanti history, scenic views, and southern-inspired cuisine at Thompson & Co. Dine within the historic Thompson Block Building, recognized as “The Barracks” during the Civil War. The patio overlooks Depot Town and you'll be served plentiful rations, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
• Browse Ypsilanti Restaurants.
After Dinner Drinks
Depot Town
Stop in for an Ypsi-made brew at 734 Brewing Company serving craft beer, flavored seltzers and Nostalgie spirits and catch a weekly event here like karaoke or DJ sets. For more fun, play pool and darts at Stick's or grab a drink on the patio at Sidetrack.
Downtown
Dance to live music over drinks at Ziggy’s, and try award-winning beer at Ypsi AleHouse, named after famous Ypsi landmarks and namesakes. Nearby is Keystone Bar & Arcade, a basement bar filled with arcade games located beneath Bobcat Bonnies.
West Cross
Only in Ypsilanti will you find The Wurst Bar with the best food and drinks! The full-service bar features daily beer specials and happy hours, plus a tasty menu with bar foods and entrees like loaded tots and gourmet bratwurst.
Close By
Off the beaten path are gems like Unity Vibration, pouring kombucha beer and non-alcoholic kombucha tea brewed on-site. The space hosts various live events reguarly. Further west is Maniacal Meadery, pouring barrel-aged meads and combining spices and blends to create various sweetness levels.
• Browse Ypsilanti Bars & Breweries.
There are so many amazing eateries, bars, and unique businesses in Ypsilanti! Visit our website to discover more.
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