Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Ann Arbor

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Ann Arbor? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mani Osteria

4.9

4.9 (207)

$31 to $50

Italian

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Mani Osteria & Bar, our locally owned family-friendly Italian restaurant, has been serving wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and signature antipasti since 2011. You can find us in downtown Ann Arbor.

We take advance reservations for parties of 6 or more. Please note that not all of our large tables are displayed online, so please contact us to check for additional availability. We will do all we can to accommodate your group.

Top review

Demetriovip

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

Outstanding service + good food = return for more good times

The Earle

4.8

4.8 (3796)

$50 and over

French

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

An award winning Ann Arbor institution since 1977, The Earle serves a rotating menu of fine Italian and French cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Selections include lamb chops, veal, beef tenderloin, salmon, duck breast, sea scallops and more. Live jazz plays Tuesday through Saturday in the dining room. The Earle's nationally recognized wine list (Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence) offers over 1,400 selections. Three private rooms are available and accommodate groups from 6 to 48.

If you have any questions or are interested in a party of 9 or larger, please call 734-994-0211.

Top review

Matt

Dined 5 days ago

Nothing short of amazing. Cool vibe and 100% the place to have a nice adult dinner. Wine list is stellar and. We highly enjoyed our evening. Thanks for making our Longhorn trip to Ann Arbor a memorable experience!

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Popular dish

Salmon in Puff Pastry

4.7

4.7 (1587)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Carlyle Grill, an Ann Arbor mainstay has proudly served the Ann Arbor Community since 2006. We work with some of Michigan’s finest food producers and purveyors to bring you the freshest offerings around. From steak dinners to burgers and salads and everything in between, we pride ourselves on providing you the best in flavor – offering generous portions to feed the hungriest of guests.

Comfort is the theme at our relaxed, family-friendly restaurant, where the menu runs to familiar, home-style dishes with top-notch regional ingredients. Enjoy our welcoming atmosphere featuring colorful yet classic design elements – bringing in added warmth and comfort with deep mahogany accents and large flagstone columns in our main dining room.

During the warmer seasons, take advantage of the two open-air dining areas surrounding the restaurant. We also have a dedicated, breathtaking dining room available for large reservations or private dining events.

Top review

raymond

Dined 6 days ago

first time - really liked it. easy access location.

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Popular dish

Carrot Cake

Black Pearl Ann Arbor

4.6

4.6 (1269)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

The Black Pearl Ann Arbor is an upscale seafood and martini bar with a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Our food and service is some of the best you will find in all of Ann Arbor. We have an extensive martini, beer and wine menu - a little something for everyone. Our guests range from executives to students and everyone in between. We offer food and drink specials daily and weekly. Whether you are looking for dinner or drinks and apps after a University of Michigan athletic event, we here at the Black Pearl Ann Arbor welcome the opportunity to show our guests a wonderful evening. Our award-winning Fish Tacos are simply the best you will ever have! Centrally located on Main Street. Our extensive patio is a great place to eat, drink and socialize in the heart of the city.

Top review

Josh

Dined 4 days ago

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Great food and atmosphere.

The Session Room

4.6

4.6 (675)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

Celebrating craft beer and quality food using local vendors and products. Housed in a conversion of a 6,000 sq. ft. brick machine shop on Jackson road, with 70 rotating taps and a large covered beer garden.

Top review

Dina

Dined on Aug 10, 2024

Outdoor seating was great! The ahi tuna poke bowl was outstanding! Our server was excellent. We had a great experience. Highly recommend.

Salt Springs Brewery

4.6

4.6 (789)

$30 and under

Brewery

Saline

About the restaurant

"Mammoths & saber-tooth tigers once roamed these lands in search of their rich salts. Paleo-Indians hunted, farmed and raised families here because of the salt springs. Early settlers named their town Saline after the salt springs, and now in this stunning +120 year-old former church, so does this brewery.

Salt Springs Brewery offers lovingly crafted & locally sourced food, true-to-style ales, wine, cider, and craft cocktails. Located in the heart of Saline, complete with an outdoor Biergarten and main dining room filled with the original stained from 1899, Salt Springs Brewery will quench your thirst and nourish your soul."

Top review

Ronald

Dined 3 days ago

Great food and service! Friendly wait staff. Good prices and big portions!

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Popular dish

BELT Pizza

Experience

Brunch at the Brewery

Experience

Half Time

Sam Hill

4.5

4.5 (90)

$30 and under

American

Dexter

About the restaurant

Sam Hill is a spacious indoor-outdoor gathering place for local friends and families to spend the day enjoying food, drinks, games, and entertainment of all sorts.

Top review

Frankvip

Dined 3 days ago

We had a large group and were managed very well. All personnel were pleasant.

Zola Bistro

4.4

4.4 (814)

$30 and under

Contemporary French / American

Ypsilanti

About the restaurant

Zola Bistro is a modern, independently owned and operated bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Ann Arbor’s East Side.

Our menus are inspired by flavors and recipes borrowed from European and Mediterranean cultures and cuisine, including some Turkish recipes. We are committed to sourcing the most fresh and the highest quality ingredients available and supporting local businesses, farms and suppliers.

Zola Bistro’s seasonal menus emphasize organic and local produce, dairy, eggs, poultry, meat and seafood.
Our full service bar features artisanal cocktails, local craft on draft and a rotating wine selection that has been selected from various small production vineyards throughout the world.

Top review

Fatma

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing experience! Highly recommended for those visiting or living in AA!

HopCat - Ann Arbor

4.2

4.2 (52)

$30 and under

American

Ann Arbor

About the restaurant

We've created a funky environment filled with unique art that pays homage to the city's more psychedelic side. It's completely different from the other HopCat locations -- big enough, but with an intimate vibe. With a small sidewalk patio, we’re located around the corner from the Michigan Theater, Hill Auditorium, State Theatre, Rackham Auditorium, and University of Michigan’s full campus.

We’re known for our award-wining Cosmik fries, which are beer battered, sprinkled with our signature cracked black pepper seasoning, and served with a side of warm cheese sauce. From burgers to tacos, our menu offers a wide range of delicious options.

We live the craft lifestyle - beer, cocktails and even craft food made from scratch. With a dedication to local breweries, sustainability and community engagement, HopCat offers craft beer and great food in a vibrant atmosphere for an inclusive, unforgettable experience.

Top review

Ronaldvip

Dined 5 days ago

Had dinner here on a Friday night of a football weekend, so place was packed. Party of 3 - we all had burgers, fries and a side. Really good food and service was quick, even with the large crowd. Will definitely come back - good spot in Ann Arbor.

The Station

3.6

3.6 (22)

$30 and under

Farm-to-table

Tecumseh

About the restaurant

Elevated American eatery showcasing locally sourced fare & seasonal cocktails in simple surrounds.

Top review

Wayne

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Love the quietness of The Station! We could actually talk and hear ourselves speak without interruption! Patrons were respectful of personal space. Celebrated my birthday there. First time customer! Food and staff were excellent! Returning soon! Thank you!

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