Zingerman's Roadhouse

2501 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor, MI - (734) 663-FOOD

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Posted By Michael Stern on September 13, 2009 6:43 PM

Like Zingerman's Deli, the relatively new (since 2006) Zingerman's Roadhouse can be maddening. No matter how many people I go with, no matter how much I order, I am sure to walk out regretting I didn't have a chance to taste, for instance, the yellow-and-blue-corn hushpuppies made from Anson Mills corn or the hand-pulled Texas cabrito or the buttermilk-fried chicken or the whole Yazoo, Mississippi catfish or the West Coast cioppino macaroni. You see, everything I did taste was terrific, many items among the very best versions of the dish I ever have had.

If you described Zingerman's Roadhouse to me, I would be skeptical. I love its motto -- "Really Good American Food!" -- but what is a place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, doing with a menu that lists iconic meals from the Deep South, New England, the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Gulf Coast, not to mention the Midwest's own heartland? I would think no kitchen could have such a broad reach and maintain a deep understanding of how all these diverse things ought to taste. But they do; and if you doubt that, have what is listed as "Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork. These pulled and chopped nuggets of long-smoked hog are right up there in a league with the Skylight Inn, the Brick Pit, and Wilber's: just barely sauced with vinegar and only enough pepper to coax out all the exquisite flavor that blossoms in a fine veil of smoke. From a completely different culinary mindset comes "Really Wild-Wild Rice Roast," built around hand-harvested Minnesota rice. Those earthy, al dente grains are mixed with radiant dried Michigan cherries and candied orange, plus fire-roasted local vegetables, all drizzled with organic cider vinegar syrup. Wow, what a taste-buds thrill.

I will leave more detailed descriptions to the photos and captions, but it is important to make note of the superb bread that comes to the table before dinner – slices from a dark loaf so crusty-good with delicious chaw that it was all I could do to refuse a refill when my basket was empty, which I did only because I had about six other things for which I was desperately trying to save appetite.

The dining areas, which include a lively bar with multiple TVs, are big and spacious, décor including lots of retro salt-and-pepper shakers as well as maps and postcards signifying trips along the great American roadside. I walked out glowing with joy and wanting to burst out singing Woody Guthrie's "This land is your land, this land is my land…"

Overall Rating

Wild Rice Roast

Flight of the Bumblebee

Bread

Pulled Pork

Corn Dogs

Brownie Sundae

Macaroni & Cheese

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Posted By Owen Medd on November 23, 2011 1:46 PM

We had been to the Roadhouse when it first opened and, frankly, had an experience that did not match the usual Zingerman's experience. For years we did not return, spooked by the bad service and food that did not seem up to par.

Thankfully we recently returned to the Roadhouse and will not need to continue punishing ourselves by not attending this gem of a restaurant. Appetizers (sweet potato fries!), mac and cheese, and drink creations from the bar were all top notch. We left full and happy.

Overall Rating

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