Let’s get it clear about hipsters. A hipster is cool. Where hipsters go, you’ll want to go, too. The classic definition of a hipster is:

\hip-stur\n. One who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool by the cool. (Note: it is no longer recommended that one use the term "cool"; a Hipster would instead say "deck.") The Hipster Handbook, Robert Lanham

But the term hipster was actually coined in the 1940s, and was first published in 1944, on Harry Gibson’s Boogie Woogie in Blue album notes, meaning “characters who like hot jazz.”

Regardless of origin, note that a hipster is cool, interesting, and finds unique places to eat (I’ll get you 9 examples in a minute). We can especially see the hipster culture in certain areas of large cities – and many college campuses. One such campus is local to me, at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The campus weaves its way through the city, and hidden treasures are in every corner.

Oh, let me tell you, in Ann Arbor, hipsters abound. And no matter where you stay in Ann Arbor, you’ll be close to many of these hipster hangouts. Get ready to eat (and drink) like a foodie. That’s one more thing hipsters know how to do well.

Frita Batidos

117 W Washington Street; Phone (734) 761-2882

Did someone say garlic cilantro fries? The food at this Cuban-inspired restaurant is extraordinary. The staples? A Frita (burger made with spicy chorizo, topped with fries), and Batidos (fresh fruit milkshakes)! Anyone that names their restaurant after 2 such foods deserves accolades. Much of the menu is locally sourced and follows the seasons; the restaurant is small but has a big heart. You’ll also find a bit more Cuba than Michigan on your tastebuds – from conch fritters to Cuban sandwiches, loaded plantains, and my favorite, Churros with Chocolate Español for dunking. It’s a delight to be here, and feast on the inspirations of chef Eve Aronoff.

The garlic cilantro fries

Batidos

A variety of Frita

Grange

118 W. Liberty; Phone (734) 995 2107

Local and sustainable sourced food is, as this article has proven, a very hip way to eat and be in the world. It serves Chef Brandon and the Grange Kitchen and Bar well, with seasonal menus and delicious food. One must-try is the spicy fried chickpeas for an appetizer. It’ll start your meal off perfectly. You can play it cool with house made charcuterie, house pickles, fermented veggies, and mustards, or be brave and try the fried pigs head with sauce gribiche. For mains, try the lake perch, goat cheese gnocci, or roasted duck breast. I have to be honest, though – everyone goes for the duck fat fries. If you want to be cozy, head upstairs to the lounge. Take a virtual tour of the first floor here!

Jamaican curried goat stew

Snag a seat outside!

The Last Word

301 W. Huron; Phone (734) 585-5691

Named after a Detroit Athletic Club cocktail created in 1921, The Last Word is serious about their cocktails. Try the Andy’s Only (New Amsterdam gin, fresh lemon, honey, blueberries, basil, and ginger beer), or one that involves one of my favorites, the Penicillin (Dewar’s blended scotch, Laphroaig single malt scotch, fresh lemon and ginger, Michigan honey syrup), or You’re my Boy Blue (Elijah Craig 12yr Bourbon, St Germain Elderflower,  fresh lemon, muddled blueberries). Intrigued? Check out the drinks menu here. And don’t worry - there’s plenty to enticing things to eat, too. Did I mention the music?

Mighty Good Coffee Café

217 N Main Street; Phone (734) 222-4514  

Also at Mark’s Cart’s (211 W Washington) and inside Two Wheel Tango (4765 Jackson Road)

A2 has a plethora of great coffeeshops. One of my favorites is Mighty Good. Their coffee is freshly roasted in small batches, the staff is friendly, and the taste is divine. I love the espresso, but have recently rerouted to the cocoa latte or the cold press au lait. Mighty Good is founded on “family traditions; artisanal craft processes; building local community; and fantastic coffee. We start with beans from select farms, mills, and co-ops (yes, we visit!), roast in small batches, and package quickly to preserve freshness. We pour our passion into every roast, every bag, every day.” Yep.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

422 Detroit Street; Phone (734) 663-3354

Oh, this is the epitome of great food in Ann Arbor. Founded in 1982, Zingerman’s Deli has been delighting Wolverines and visitors for generations now. Zingerman’s is more than a restaurant, though – it’s a complete gourmet food shop, packed into a small space. Wind your way past the bread to the coffee, and come out the other side by the hanging hams and array of cheeses. If you don’t want to get ingredients to go (a tailgating picnic, perhaps?), you can order genius sandwiches made from high-quality ingredients, as well as soups, salads, hash, Jewish foods, and great sides (try the mac & cheese, which is one of their most popular items. Get there early to get some). Be prepared to shell out for their incredible bread, worth every penny and then some. Or buy some enticing treats from Zingerman’s creamery, which handcrafts cheeses and gelato. Be sure to stock up on the homemade cream cheese for the aforementioned bread. Oh, yes.

Can’t get enough Zingerman’s? Head to Zingerman's Roadhouse (2501 Jackson Ave) for a sit down meal.

And eternal love to anyone who runs a yearly Camp Bacon, a fundraiser for the Southern Foodways Alliance.  ‘Nuff said.

the bread...

Note: All photos courtesy and copyright each restaurant (thank you!), except for Zingerman's and Mighty Good photos courtesy and copryight Wandering Educators, and word photo flickr cc: David; Arrow Maps 1964. Adapted by Wandering Educators. Updated in 2024