5 Affordably Tasty Restaurants in Ann Arbor

5 spots so good you’ll leave your cozy bed

–By Brendon Cho, Paris Parker, Rachel Thursby

Once again, the Michigan winter has arrived. As a result, students may find food runs becoming difficult as they search for that perfect daily meal deal, but there are still places that serve hot meals that are delicious and filling enough to entice people out. Despite the freezing temperatures and ever-costly Ann Arbor food scene, here are five restaurants that will warm your belly and not shovel up all of your money with the snow.

 1. The Original Cottage Inn: Tucked among sleeker and more modern buildings, the charm of the slightly-faded painted brick facade on the Original Cottage Inn is clear. Despite the bigger brand recognition, it is a small, quaint restaurant that offers warmth, good food, and amazing service. Snow may move people indoors for their meals, but the pleasant atmosphere makes Cottage Inn one spot certainly worthy of cutting through snowdrifts. Their menu offers everything from meatball subs to cinnamon sticks, but most people make the trek for the beloved pizza. In fact, Cottage Inn was ranked the #1 National Pizza Chain by MLive in 2018. They offer build-your-own-pizza options for less than $10, making it the perfect destination for warm and cheap eats. Try their Homemade Garlic Cream Cheese with InnStix for a hot winter treat.

2. Frita Batidos: Fritas is not just a place to sit and eat but is a restaurant intent on creating an experience. Instead of individual booths or tables, there are long picnic-style benches, creating a communal dining experience for those eating inside to huddle like penguins and dig into their Cuban-inspired cuisine. The whole restaurant is bathed in white paint and light colors, making the small space feel bright and breezy. Words from the restaurant’s founder fill an entire wall, detailing the local sources for all their fresh ingredients. From a chunk of chorizo to black bean burgers, the intensely flavorful fritas can be customized with add-ons like fried eggs or cilantro-lime salsa. These cooked-to-order sandwiches always arrive piping hot and piled high with thinly cut fries between the buns. Best of all, these fritas $8.50 before extras, giving you toasty tastes for a cheap price. If you still have room, Fritas also offers enormous churros and batidos (Cuban-style milkshakes), which can be made with a splash of rum.

3. Tios Mexican Cafe: For a spicier take on winter, try Tios’ South of the Border flair. You’ll warm right up in the inviting dining area. Look up to see the ceiling, which looks like a bright blue sky full of fluffy clouds and sunshine. The walls display funky art focused on different ingredients like peppers and tomatoes. Even their appetizers feel authentic- servers make the guacamole from scratch right at your table. Their tacos range from $3-$4, and they feature $9 burritos as well. The tacos come in a diverse wealth of tacos, from beef, pork, and beans, to chicken, shrimp, and duck, making it a great place for the whole group. Tios offers an extravagant enchilada plate smothered in their mild ranchera sauce, cheese and onions. These plates also allow plenty of customization, coming in ground beef, chicken, chorizo, carnitas, mushroom, or bean. The Aquariuses and Pisces out there will also get to enjoy a free dessert on their birthdays.

4. Rich J.C: Perhaps all you’ve wanted to warm yourself for the cold weather was a piping hot bowl of soup or stew. If that’s the case, look no further than Rich J.C, which offers a wide selection of Korean soups and stews that all offer the warmth and comfort you need for the inevitable polar vortex. Space might be tight, as seating is only offered as a diner countertop. Whether you might enjoy the spiciness offered through their Soondubu Jjigae (a hearty stew made with soft tofu and vegetables), or the soothing broth offered through their Potato Soojebi (a noodle similar to the chewy bite of a gnocchi), all of your hearty, generous portions of soups and stews are available for just 12 dollars.

5. Le Dog: In spite of their namesake, you may want to avoid the hot dogs at Le Dog in favor of their homemade soups. Braving the cold and snow for their soup pays off —Le Dog serves large portions of their daily soup, combined with a piece of Zingerman’s paesano roll, for only $7. A particular favorite is their Cheesy Chicken Tortilla soup, a combination of warm chili heat and unctuous cheesy fattiness the perfect combination for the cold winter. For any New Englanders, Le Dog also serves a fantastic Lobster Bisque, combining a perfectly creamy broth with tender, sweet lobster meat.

Of late, Ann Arbor has resembled an ice rink more than a food court. Reports of students slipping and sliding on the sidewalks may drive people inwards, leaving them to eat the last box of mac and cheese in the pantry. But we believe the ice doesn’t have to bar you from a good dining experience. From pizza to Korean soups, Ann Arbor has hearty dishes for every appetite this winter at price points that won’t freeze over your bank account. Sample a new dish at your favorite eatery or check out that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. These restaurants offer more than just food; they provide experiences to brighten up the bleak weather.  A truly good restaurant can take you away from the cold altogether, even if for only an hour or so warming you inside and out with nourishing food and a fun new atmosphere. Treat yourself take a break this winter semester.