7 Allergen-Friendly Ann Arbor Restaurants You Won’t Want to Miss
The best places in Ann Arbor to dine that accommodate dietary restrictions
—By Spencyr Aronson and Kaitlyn Luckoff
Among the many needs of students living away from home on a college campus, a large variety face dietary restrictions. Once students are outside of the comforting confines of campus dining halls, the vast Ann Arbor food scene can be daunting for those looking to avoid specific foods. Fortunately, many local restaurants designate on their menus the specific allergens in each dish. Below, find a guide to some of the most accommodating restaurants in Ann Arbor for those with dietary restrictions.
Jerusalem Garden (314 E Liberty St)
The hefty and generous portions of Lebanese cuisine at Jerusalem Garden is sure to appeal to all looking for a delicious and safe meal. With prices just as reasonable as the portion sizes, this is a perfect option for any college student. On their menu, Jerusalem Garden marks key ingredients and allergens including vegan, gluten free, soy, and tree nuts. The menu also communicates that their falafel is fried in soybean oil, their house rice contains gluten, and their chicken is Halal. The menu guide allows for easy and safe ordering for those looking to avoid certain allergens.
Anna’s House (445 E Eisenhower Pkwy #1)
Looking for a family-friendly restaurant to satisfy your brunch craving on a snowy Sunday morning? Anna’s House is the place for you. With a lengthy menu that will leave you debating what to order for days, and prices that won’t break the bank, Anna’s House is the perfect breakfast destination for any customer. Anna’s House also accommodates any and all lifestyles, with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options clearly labeled on their menu. Choose from the customer-favorite Twilight French Toast (pictured), or the famous Breakfast Lasagna for those who prefer savory yet equally satisfying meals. For a shareable sweet treat, don’t miss out on the ever-popular Monkey Bread, a gooey cinnamon-filled pull-apart pastry that will leave the whole table reaching for seconds. To avoid headache-inducing wait times on weekends, virtually stand in line on the Yelp app and save your spot in advance.
Miss Kim’s (415 N 5th Ave)
Known for its delectable Korean cuisine, Miss Kim’s is a staple for those searching for a tasty, allergen-friendly meal. The menu contains vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free options, so everyone feels safe and satisfied at Miss Kim’s. Located in the Kerrytown Market, Miss Kim’s is easily accessible to students and Ann Arbor residents alike. Chef Ji Hye Kim consistently puts a modern spin on traditional Korean eats, all while cooking up an accessible menu that utilizes Michigan’s plentiful produce daily. While dining, make sure not to miss out on the renowned deep-fried crispy tofu or the scrumptious smashed potatoes.
Detroit Street Filling Station (300 Detroit St)
This spot is much more than your typical all-vegan eatery. A diverse and wholesome menu is featured here at Detroit Street Filling Station, with a quaint outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying nutritious bites during the warm weather months. Customers boast about the restaurant’s friendly ambiance, attentive service, and most importantly, quality food all year round. Located in the Kerrytown district of downtown Ann Arbor, some of the Station’s most popular dishes include the cauliflower wings and “The World’s Greatest Wrap.” Michigan student Ashley Slud maintains a vegan lifestyle, and really appreciates this accommodating spot: “Not only do I not have to worry about my dietary restrictions being met, but I know that whenever I go out to eat at the Filling Station I will leave happy and satisfied.”
Fresh Forage (5060 Jackson Rd Suite A,)
Nutritious, allergen-conscious food is taken to a whole new level at this up-and-coming spot located on Jackson Road in Ann Arbor. Established in 2018, Fresh Forage offers a hearty yet healthy menu, all while utilizing the freshest and most environmentally friendly ingredients. Menu changes at Fresh Forage always keep new customers coming, as they adapt to local and seasonal produce supply. Despite paying the utmost attention to quality ingredients, Fresh Forage keeps their prices at a reasonable level as well. Vegan nachos (pictured), a Mediterranean Bowl which features tasty Tahini-dressed kale and spinach falafel, and a family-favorite grilled cheese are just a handful of highlights you won’t want to miss.
Blank Slate (300 W Liberty St)
For those with food allergies and a sweet tooth, desserts can often be one of the most difficult cravings to curb. Tucked away behind Main Street, Blank Slate Creamery is a snug and inviting ice cream shop that offers a wide variety of gourmet flavors. Blank Slate offers several non-dairy flavors that are house-made with a coconut milk alternative. Some of these offerings include Non-Dairy Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, Non-Dairy Sunbutter Cinnamon, and a variety of sorbets made from fruit puree. Additionally, Blank Slate employees keep on hand a list of each flavor they are currently scooping with the specific allergens that it contains.
Detroit Cookie Company (609 E William St)
In the winter months that are far too cold for ice cream, Detroit Cookie Company bakes fresh warm cookies daily that are guaranteed to hit any dessert cravings. Steps away from the Michigan Diag on campus, the shop offers extravagant and over the top cookie options, such as Circus Cookie, Raspberry Cheesecake Oreo, and Birthday cake. For those with dietary restrictions, Detroit Cookie Co. bakes vegan chocolate chip cookies and gluten free flavors. In addition, they can bake dairy-free cookies or cookie cakes on custom order.
Feature photo by Sharon Pittaway on Unsplash