Top Rated Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Exploring the Top Breakfast Spots in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, is well known for its thriving food scene. From small cafes to upscale restaurants, this college town offers some of the best and most unique breakfast and brunch spots in Michigan.

What Makes Ann Arbor an Excellent Breakfast Destination

There are a few key factors that make breakfast in Ann Arbor particularly special:

• Abundance of locally-owned, non-chain restaurants offering creative dishes made from high quality ingredients
• International influences from the diverse student population and residents
• Relaxed, quirky atmospheres perfect for lingering over coffee and good conversation
• Farmer's markets and local farms providing fresh, seasonal produce

The Different Breakfast Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor's top breakfast and brunch joints can be found scattered throughout the different neighborhoods, each with their own unique vibe:

Downtown

The bustling downtown area features both new, hip spots as well as old classics. Menu items range from sweet to savory, with plenty of veggie options. Some favorites include:

• The Golden Egg - known for their array of Eggs Benedict
• Angel Food Cafe - vegetarian comfort foods in a casual setting
• Gratzi - upscale contemporary brunch dishes

Kerrytown

Kerrytown offers a quainter, more intimate dining experience. The smaller restaurants pride themselves on unique dishes with high quality ingredients. Top picks are:

• The Broken Egg - specializing in classic breakfast combos and homemade biscuits in a cozy setting
• Detroit Street Filling Station - gastro pub putting a creative spin on breakfast plates and sandwiches
• Arbor Farms Grocery - for those looking for healthy, organic grab-and-go options

State Street/South U

The university culture fuels the eclectic, international array of options along State Street and South University Avenue. You can find anything from shakshuka to dim sum to build-your-own omelets. Recommended spots include:

• Maiz Mexican Cantina - serving authentic huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos
• Prickly Pear Cafe - Southwestern dishes in a funky, laidback setting
• No Thai! - one of the few Thai restaurants offering breakfast

Westside

The more residential neighborhoods on Ann Arbor's west side still have plenty of choices for those seeking a stellar start to their day. These independent restaurants are neighborhood favorites for both locals and university visitors staying at nearby hotels. Options range from hearty diners to contemporary bakery cafes serving pastries, waffles, and egg sandwiches:

• Beezy's Cafe - known for fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and other comforting dishes
• Babo Market - pick up gourmet coffee drinks, quiches, and fresh fruit cups to go
• Cupcake Station - their creative takes on cupcakes make tasty breakfast treats

Top Rated Breakfast Restaurants in Ann Arbor

While Ann Arbor has no shortage of beloved breakfast and brunch restaurants, a few consistently rise to the top of locals' and visitors' lists. Here are the must-try highest rated breakfast spots in Ann Arbor.

Zingerman's Next Door

This off-shoot of the iconic Zingerman's Deli serves an eclectic mix of international comfort foods with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Visiting food writers have called it one of the best breakfasts in the Midwest. Dishes like Korean pancakes, huevos rancheros, and the legendary Bakehouse Creamery cinnamon buns draw huge weekend crowds.

Miss Kim

For a unique Korean breakfast, Miss Kim is a go-to spot on State Street. Their bibimbap bowls with runny eggs, spicy pork belly, veggies, and rice have earned rave reviews. Other popular options include bulgogi skillets, pancakes, and kimchi fried rice.

comet coffee

This tiny coffee shop only has a few tables but makes some of the best coffee drinks and pastries in Ann Arbor. Their scratch-made ginger molasses cookies, brown butter cinnamon rolls, and liege waffles pair perfectly with espresso drinks. Comet is a must-visit for breakfast aficionados looking to start the day with quality coffee.

The Songbird Caf

Tucked away off the main downtown streets, Songbird Cafe's charming patio and garden are perfect for soaking up the morning sun. Their California-style healthy breakfast options include grain bowls loaded with veggies and proteins like wild smoked salmon. Their hot chocolate drinks - like the Mexicocoa with cinnamon and cayenne pepper - are ideal for warming up on crisp fall days.

Lovers Eggroll

This cash-only spot in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown district serves up Asian fusion street food all day long. Their unique hybrid breakfast dishes combine dim sum favorites with classic American ones for mashups like the ham and cheese eggroll. Creative cocktails like sake-based breakfast mimosas pair perfectly with eggrolls and congee rice porridge.

Breakfast Near the University of Michigan Campus

The University of Michigan campus draws in over 30,000 undergraduate students each year. So it's no surprise that some of the most popular, affordable breakfast joints are clustered around the nearby State Street and South University neighborhoods.

Fleetwood Diner

Open 24 hours a day, Fleetwood Diner serves fresh, hearty plates that are perfect after a late night out or for treating visiting family to a true American breakfast. Their pancakes, corned beef hash, and country fried steak all come highly rated.

The Earle

The Earle's French-inspired breakfast offerings like crpes, quiches, and croque madames have students and locals lining up. Tucked away in an alleyway off South U, this petite restaurant's dishes use seasonal ingredients and scratch-made sauces to elevate simple comfort foods. Their weekend brunch specials like 5-spice maple glazed pork belly benedict take things to the next level.

NYPD (Nick's Yesterdays Pizza Depot)

This State Street mainstay pairs New York style pizzas and heroes with breakfast staples like three-egg omelets loaded with fillings. Open late night (until 3 am Thursdays through Saturdays), NYPD is often packed with students refueling after a night out. Their hearty servings of chicken and waffles and heaping piles of hash browns are just what you need at 2 am.

Best Budget-Friendly Breakfasts in Ann Arbor

Just because these Ann Arbor breakfast restaurants are easy on your wallet doesn't mean they skimp on portions or flavors. Here are top affordable local eateries to check out when craving comfort classics like fluffy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or two-egg breakfast combos:

Brueggers Bagels

With locations downtown and on South U, Bruegger's offers tasty New York-style bagel sandwiches that won't break the bank. Choose from over a dozen cream cheese spreads to pair with made-to-order sandwiches featuring eggs, bacon, or sausage.

Amer's Deli

This Middle Eastern deli just off campus is known for their affordable daily breakfast specials. Their loaded fatayer pastries and veggie-packed Mediterranean wraps and bowls will leave you satisfied without emptying your wallet.

Bell's Diner

For straightforward diner fare under $10 a plate, Bell's offers solid value in a retro 1950's themed space. Their all-day breakfast plates allow you to fuel up on eggs, pancakes, and hashbrowns morning, noon, or night.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.