When is the market open?

Days and hours change with the season, so check the market's page before you go. Saturday morning is the classic time to visit, and arriving early gives the best choice of produce and the easiest parking.

What should I do on game day?

Eat early or late, plan parking and expect crowds downtown.

Is Ann Arbor good for cheap eats?

Yes. As a student town, it has many inexpensive counter-service and lunch options.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, widely. Many restaurants mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.

The usual custom is 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total at a sit-down restaurant.

Neighborhood guide

Ann Arbor food guide: Kerrytown, the farmers market and downtown

Mosey · November 11, 2026 · 4 min read

Ann Arbor is a college town with a food scene that outpaces its size. The University of Michigan brings in students, faculty and visitors from around the world, and the restaurants reflect it. This guide, checked in October 2026, takes you through the main places to eat: the Kerrytown market district, Main Street and the campus edge. It does not rank restaurants. It explains the options and the timing.

What is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market?

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is held at 315 Detroit Street in Kerrytown, just north of downtown. Market days and hours change with the season, and older listings often differ, so check the market's page before you go. Vendors sell produce, flowers, baked goods, cheese, meat, honey and prepared foods.

What is Kerrytown?

Kerrytown is a small historic district of brick buildings with shops, delis, bakeries and restaurants, centered around the farmers market. It is a good place to start for a casual, walkable meal. Look for a deli sandwich, a bakery pastry, coffee and a picnic to take to a nearby park. The delis here draw lines at lunchtime, so go early or late.

Where do you eat on Main Street and State Street?

Main Street, in the heart of downtown, has a dense mix of restaurants, bars and cafes, with patios in warm weather. Dinner options range from casual pizza and burgers to chef-led dining. State Street, near campus, has quick, inexpensive food for students: slices, noodles, burritos, coffee and late-night bites. Both are busy on weekends and on game days.

What should you order?

A deli sandwich in Kerrytown.
Cider and doughnuts at the market in the fall.
Michigan produce in season, such as cherries, peaches and apples.
Pizza or a burger on Main Street.
Ramen, dumplings or Korean food near campus.
Ice cream on a warm evening.

The international food is a highlight, thanks to the university community, so try something you cannot find at home.

How do game days change things?

On Michigan football Saturdays, the city fills with tens of thousands of visitors. Restaurants near the stadium and downtown fill early, and many do not take reservations. Eat early or eat late, and expect crowds on Main Street. Plan your parking and transportation well ahead, and check the university's schedule. If you do not want crowds, eat in the suburbs or in a neighborhood a few miles away.

How do you eat well on a budget?

Ann Arbor is a student town, so inexpensive food is plentiful. Look for lunch specials, happy hours, food trucks and counter-service spots. Share large plates, and bring your own water bottle. The farmers market is a good place to assemble a picnic for less. Many restaurants post their menus online, so check prices before you go.

What are the dietary options?

The city is friendly to vegetarians and vegans, and many restaurants mark gluten-free items. Tell the staff about allergies, and ask about cross-contact. Halal, kosher and other dietary options are available in some neighborhoods.

What about tipping and tax?

Michigan adds sales tax to restaurant meals, so the total is higher than the menu prices. A tip of 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total is the custom at a sit-down restaurant. A smaller tip is common at a counter.

How should you plan a family visit?

Families visiting students tend to eat out a lot. Reserve a table for a family dinner on a weekend, and book early on graduation and move-in weekends, when the city is full. Ask about children's menus and high chairs. Walk through the campus before or after a meal to give everyone a break. Try a casual place for lunch and a longer sit-down meal for dinner.

What about coffee and sweets?

Ann Arbor has independent coffee roasters, bakeries and ice cream shops that students and locals love. A morning coffee in Kerrytown or a pastry on Main Street is an easy way to start a day. Many cafes are good places to work or read, so expect laptops at the tables. Ask for a recommendation from the barista.

Where do locals go after the game or the show?

After a concert or a game, people drift to late-night spots on State Street and Main Street, or to a diner for eggs and coffee. Many restaurants close earlier on weeknights, so check hours if you are eating late. Delivery and takeout are common near campus. If you prefer calm, the neighborhoods north of Kerrytown have quieter cafes and bars where locals linger.

Want to keep a list of your Ann Arbor favorites?

Mosey is a food-first app where diners find places by dish, mood and neighborhood and rate what they actually ate. A dish-level rating helps you recall which sandwich or bowl to order again.

Common questions

Where is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market?
At 315 Detroit Street in Kerrytown.
When is the market open?
Days and hours change with the season, so check the market's page before you go. Saturday morning is the classic time to visit, and arriving early gives the best choice of produce and the easiest parking.
What should I do on game day?
Eat early or late, plan parking and expect crowds downtown.
Is Ann Arbor good for cheap eats?
Yes. As a student town, it has many inexpensive counter-service and lunch options.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, widely. Many restaurants mark vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
What should I tip?
The usual custom is 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total at a sit-down restaurant.