Patios to please your palate

By TAYLOR MABELITINI
Staff Writer

Now that the sun has finally come out to play and temperatures are rocketing into the mid-eighties, local restaurants are defrosting their patio chairs and tables, giving way to summer-y outdoor seating. For those who’d like to get bronzed up while they chow down, here are several eateries opening up their patio gates for the warmer months.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

An Ann Arbor “must-visit” located in Kerrytown, Zingerman’s Deli features both American and traditional Jewish cuisine, such as kreplach or matzo balls in chicken soup, meat and cheese cones and a variety of sandwiches, salads and sides. The restaurant celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012, and, although it runs on the side of pricey (a small “nosher”-sized sandwich alone is anywhere from $8.99 to $15.50), the portions are generous, and it’s said that one will never leave with an unsatisfied stomach.

Sidetrack Bar & Grill

Another purveyor of classic American food, Sidetrack is a go-to for burgers and beer. Located in Ypsilanti’s historic Depot Town, the bar and grill boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere, daily drink specials and an array of appetizers and handmade burgers. Not much cash is needed for a good meal and a good time, so this is a place to be sure not to miss.

Bill’s Beer Garden

Situated in the parking lot of Downtown Home and Garden on the western edge of Ann Arbor, Bill’s Beer Garden takes over for summer nights after the store closes and customers of the day start to trickle away. Forged through a long-time friendship between Downtown Home and Garden owner Mark Hodesh and namesake of Bill’s Beer Garden, Bill Zolkowski, the beer garden is exclusively outdoors, serving up a variety of craft brews. If one wants a bite to eat, they can simply walk over to the nearby Mark’s Carts, connected by a small walkway to the beer garden lot. Open only after 5 p.m., Bill’s Beer Garden is a haven for those who love a good drink.

Jolly Pumpkin

Another eatery located in the heart of Ann Arbor, Jolly Pumpkin specializes in eclectic cuisine, ranging from artichoke sandwiches to chickpea fries with tomato jam. Also offered is a selection of in-house brewed beers, along with other Michigan-made craft beers from North Peak Brewing in Traverse City. Perfect for those who want a deviation from the norm without stepping too far away from home, Jolly Pumpkin is the perfect place to catch up with friends over lunch on a sunny day.

PATIO ADDRESSES

Sidetrack Bar & Grill – 56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti
Zingerman’s Delicatessen – 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor
Jolly Pumpkin – 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
Bill’s Beer Garden – 218 S. Ashley, at corner of Liberty, Ann Arbor

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