Ann Arbor Breakfast Club

Growing up, my mom always forced me to eat breakfast before sending me off to school. There was nothing worse than waking up to a 6:30 a.m. alarm and dry toast. Thankfully things have changed since coming to college, and with later classes/ more time for food in the morning I’ve grown to love everything there is about breakfast. I never understood the value of starting my day with a solid, healthy meal until I began cooking for myself.  Waking up is not nearly as stressful now, but I must admit coffee helps a lot. Ann Arbor also has an incredible amount of delicious restaurants (for every occasion) when I don’t want to cook, which makes breakfast even better.

For students in Ann Arbor, brunch has taken over social media feeds and weekends everywhere. It has become more than a utilitarian meal out, but rather a time for hangovers to be cured, weekends to both begin and end, and for friends to catch up, which shows the hedonic value (Babin, 2016, p. 29). There is an amazing, never-ending list of foods that appeal to every foodie’s lifestyle (Babin, 2016, p.121). Ann Arbor has a ton of awesome places to eat breakfast, so here are a few of my suggestions:

Go-To Breakfast: The Broken EGG

This quaint 1950s-style diner has everything that one could dream of in a traditional American breakfast. From jumbo-sized omelets and delicious home-style hash browns, to stacked pancakes and cinnamon swirl custard dipped French toast; this place has it all. The prices are reasonable and the service is always warm and friendly. With the Broken Egg’s casual setting, you can find people from all over the Ann Arbor community taking time out of their morning to dine here. I can guarantee that anyone seeking a great start to the day will find it. The only real downside is you’ll probably have to wait a while to be seated. No problem though - grab some Mighty Good Coffee from down the street and relax in the meantime.

Best Brunch: Café Zola

This spot is made for those seeking a place to look just as good as the food they’re eating. Café Zola is a relatively fancier crowd favorite, but don’t let this deter you from going. Zola serves all-things-brunch, with a menu consisting of salads, omelets, breads, pastries, delicious smoothies and gourmet coffees. If you have a car, go to Zola Bistro on Washtenaw, you’ll find more space along with a newer, more modern, version of the original café. For the adventurous breakfast lover, try the Turkish eggs with sautéed organic spinach, French feta cheese, olives, and slices tomatoes and cucumbers. Finally, don’t forget to bring your wallet; Café Zola is on the more expensive side of brunch.

          

Hangover Cure: Dimo’s Deli & Donuts

While spending your morning brunching is great, Dimo’s is the place to go when you need carbs, eggs, and grease- fast. Dimo’s serves a wide range of breakfast appetites, but is known most for providing delicious bagel sandwiches. I highly recommend the classic combination of egg, cheese, and bacon layered between a sesame seed bagel. Best of all Dimo’s if fairly cheap, so feel free to grab a donut on your way out.

University of Michigan Classic: Afternoon Delight Café

This place has been around for decades and will definitely satisfy hunger pains with a giant egg and cheese filled breakfast boule or thick cut cinnamon raison toast. The specials board is always filled and features dishes like potato-pancake-smoked salmon-eggs Benedict. Giant muffins can replace your traditional toast, and if you’re feeling wild feel free to top it off with frozen yogurt. This place is a winner and won’t break the bank.

Of course, these are just a few of the many places you could start your Ann Arbor breakfast tour. Regardless of how hungry, cost conscious, or social you are, there is a brunch spot that is sure to make you happy. 

Source(s): Babin, B., & Harris, E. (2016). CB 7 (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.