5 great hidden gem restaurants in Ann Arbor

ANN ARBOR, MI -- While every Ann Arbor resident and passers-through may know of Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Fleetwood Diner and Knight’s Steakhouse, the city is also home to plenty of strip-mall gems and hidden hangouts.

For a new favorite restaurant off the well-worn path, check out these five great restaurants in Ann Arbor that are hidden gems.

Izzy’s Hoagie Shop

While it may share a strip mall with a tailor shop and a liquor store, Izzy’s Hoagie Shop, 1924 W. Stadium Blvd., is home to one of Ann Arbor’s finest cheesesteak sandwiches.

In addition to its classic cheesesteak sandwich, Izzy’s also offers a meatball sub, an Italian sub and a tuna melt. Other menu items include salads, onion rings, fries and chips.

Izzy’s Hoagie Shop is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Find the shop on social media or by phone at 734-994-1235.

Haifa Falafel

With a menu inspired by cuisine from Haifa, Israel, this take-out style restaurant serves dishes like chicken shawarma sandwiches, rice bowls, a variety of salads, baklava and, of course, falafel.

Haifa Falafel also offers a “shawafel” sandwich, a mix between falafel and chicken shawarma.

Haifa Falafel, 4585 Washtenaw Ave. in Ann Arbor, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Find the restaurant online, on social media or by phone at 734-677-4410.

Jefferson Market

Although Jefferson Market has begun to regularly draw crowds, its off-beat location still qualifies it as a hidden gem.

Neighbored by residential homes, the market at 609 W. Jefferson St., serves breakfast all day long. Popular dishes include the breakfast burrito, featuring eggs, cheese, black beans, onions and peppers, and the huevos rancheros with corn tortilla, black beans and sunny-side-up eggs.

Jefferson market is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Find the restaurant online, on social media or by phone at 734-665-6666.

STUFD

STUFD is an easy-to-miss spot that is worth the stop.

The menu features burritos, tacos, chimichanga, quesadilla and nachos, as well as a variety of desserts. Dishes are served in either a regular size or a super-sized “STUFD” option.

STUFD, 505 W. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, is open 11 a.m. to midnight every day. Find the restaurant online, on social media or by phone at 734-340-6952.

Hello Faz Pizza

Ann Arbor is home to more than just The Original Cottage Inn – it’s also the home of Hello Faz Pizza.

The pizzeria, 2259 W. Liberty Road, serves options like the Bo Schembechler pizza, featuring mozzarella, American and cheddar cheeses, and the Hungry Harbaugh Specialty pizza, featuring steak, mushrooms and green peppers.

Hello Faz Pizza is open 5 to 8:45 p.m. Monday and noon to 8:45 Tuesday through Saturday. Find the pizzeria online or by phone at 734-741-7777.

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