Monday 18th of January 2010 03:33:25 PM

link
Zingerman's Roadhouse sits on the western edge of Ann Arbor on a corner in front of an older retail plaza. The most notable part of the exterior is the aluminum trailer drive through window. Stepping inside, there's odds and ends of americana decorating the walls, many on the bizarre end of things like the poster in the men's room for the "Conway Twitty Country Action Figure". The restaurant was almost a maze. An open kitchen is at the center, small dining areas off towards each direction, and the bar stands to the left of the entrance, but past the general seating.

The menu is like the decor. It's classic american comfort food, with a heavy dose of southern cuisine. Barbeque, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, and sandwiches are featured. One of the first things that will make you realize you're not in a chain is the cheese menu. Also notable is the prominence of free range meat, and local organic produce. Again, not your average place. I ordered the brisket with sides of mashed potatoes and greens. The beef was outstanding, and the greens were a nice break from my ordinary sides.

Their isn't a huge tap list, but it features local brewers, and has good quality. The bottle list is a little more extensive with choices from Jolly Pumpkin and many other Michigan breweries.

To sum up Zingerman's Roadhouse, it's upscale, downhome food.