{"id":5299,"date":"2026-05-26T21:49:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/a-quick-guide-to-ann-arbors-local-businesses\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T21:49:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T21:49:11","slug":"a-quick-guide-to-ann-arbors-local-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2026\/05\/26\/a-quick-guide-to-ann-arbors-local-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"A quick guide to Ann Arbor\u2019s local businesses\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Downtown Ann Arbor is home to hundreds of businesses, with some of these establishments finding their way into the daily life of University of Michigan students. Whether it\u2019s a gameday hangout or a casual bite, the businesses surrounding campus define traditions every student inevitably takes part in. The Michigan Daily is highlighting some of Ann Arbor\u2019s recognizable storefronts \u2014 the places where students eat, shop and make memories during their time on campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A cup of coffee to start your day: Ondo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ann Arbor\u2019s seemingly endless selection of coffee shops offers something for everyone. Nestled right on S. State Street is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ondobakery.com\">Ondo Bakery<\/a>, serving coffee and tea alongside fresh and delicious bakery items.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an interview with The Daily, Public Health rising junior Naomi Allen said she frequents Ondo year-round because of the atmosphere and menu.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUsually, this is the \u2018get to know each other\u2019 spot,\u201d Allen said. \u201cI\u2019ve been coming here since freshman year. The drinks are really good and the desserts are cute and delicious. During the semester, I come here probably twice a week. This is where my friends and I would come to study. Now, I\u2019m here pretty much every day because of my online classes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For a convenient shopping trip: Bivouac<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re dressing for a special occasion or need a jacket that can take on the Michigan winter, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bivouacannarbor.com\">Bivouac<\/a> is there for you. Established in 1971 and located at 336 S State St., Bivouac has become the place for last-minute shopping needs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bivouac Owner AJ Davidson told The Daily the store has important ties to student and college life.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBivouac has always been about more than retail \u2014 it\u2019s about helping people experience Ann Arbor,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cFor decades, students have come here for everything from their first Michigan winter coat to outfits for football Saturdays, spring break trips and life outdoors. Being in a college town keeps us constantly evolving while still staying rooted in community, adventure and personal connection.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-2    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Information rising senior Mariah Cooperwood, Bivouac staff member, said she believes the shop is very welcoming to students.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI started coming here my freshman year,\u201d Cooperwood said. \u201cI feel like it\u2019s an inviting (place) to shop. They understand that they\u2019re on campus, so they really try to take heed of that. There\u2019s sales for stuff like the art fair and parents\u2019 weekend. I really like it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A quick and classic meal: No Thai!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Established locally in 2005, <a href=\"https:\/\/nothai.com\">No Thai!<\/a> has become one of Ann Arbor\u2019s iconic restaurants. This spot offers modern Thai food that is both quick and flavorful. With locations on South University Ave., Kerrytown, S. Main Street and on Plymouth Road near North Campus, No Thai! has expanded all across Ann Arbor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LSA rising sophomore \u00c9owyn Johnson told The Daily that No Thai! is consistently appetizing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-3    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI get No Thai! all the time,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cI always have leftovers for like two to three days after, which is good for budgeting. \u2026 The food makes me feel very warm and happy. It\u2019s amazing, always high quality and always delicious.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To get the newest comic or Sonny Angel launch: Vault of Midnight<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaultofmidnight.com\">Vault of Midnight<\/a> is a comic book store that sells hundreds of different books, board games, toys and figurines. In the Main Street district of downtown, students and locals know the store for its constantly changing series of comics and blind boxes \u2014 a perfect spot to stop in and check out new finds.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an email to The Daily, Curtis Sullivan, Vault of Midnight owner, wrote the store has been operating for years with the purpose of serving the community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSince 1996 we\u2019ve sold comic books, manga, board games, blind boxes and stuff. After moving a few times, we landed on Main St. in 2006,\u201d Sullivan wrote. \u201cWe\u2019ve built a strong community through multiple generations of patrons, with our comic book subscription service, game nights, Free Comic Book Day, author and artists signing and tons of other fun things.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-4    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Something sweet after a long day<\/strong>: <strong>Washtenaw Dairy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a slight trek from Central Campus lies <a href=\"https:\/\/washtenawdairy.com\/about-us\">Washtenaw Dairy<\/a>. At 602 S Ashley St., Washtenaw Dairy has both classic and unique flavors, affordable scoops, cake donuts, excellent dairy products and more \u2014 all best when appreciated with friends. As a 2025 Best of Ann Arbor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigandaily.com\/special\/best-of-ann-arbor-2025\/best-ice-cream-washtenaw-dairy-2\/\">winner<\/a>, it\u2019s no surprise Washtenaw Dairy has operated in Ann Arbor for more than 86 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Music, Theatre &amp; Dance rising senior Nigel Floreska said he finds Washtenaw Dairy to be both affordable and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou can get so much ice cream for such a small amount of money,\u201d Floreska said. \u201cAll the flavors are really good and the donuts are probably my favorite. Their coffee is also good: it\u2019s a staple. The vibes in here are fantastic, and the employees are always really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For a late night \u2014 or early morning \u2014 slice: Pizza House<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-5    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located at 618 Church St. in the South University district, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pizzahouse.com\">Pizza House<\/a> has been serving both students and locals since 1986.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an email to The Daily, Christopher Bortz, Pizza House general manager, and Assistant General Manager Sue Baker said the restaurant has become a staple to Ann Arbor\u2019s student life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOpen daily from lunch until 4 a.m., the restaurant has long been the go-to destination for late-night dining, post-game celebrations, study breaks and gatherings with friends,\u201d Bortz and Baker wrote. \u201cIts legendary late-night atmosphere has made it a rite of passage for Michigan students for decades \u2026 In a city known for constant change, Pizza House remains a constant \u2014 a place where students become alumni, traditions are passed down, and Ann Arbor gathers year after year around great food and shared memories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engineering rising sophomore Alyson Gagliano said going to Pizza House for a post-study snack has become a routine for her.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGoing to Pizza House is my favorite late-night study break,\u201d Gagliano said. \u201cThey are open till 4 a.m. every day, and they have meal deals at night that get you good food for relatively cheap. I love going with my friends after studying for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-6    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Summer News Editor Reese Kizy can be reached at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigandaily.com\/special\/orientation-edition\/a-quick-guide-to-ann-arbors-local-businesses\/mailto:reesekiz@umich.edu\"><em>reesekiz@umich.edu<\/em><\/a><em>. Daily Staff Reporter Angel Saade can be reached at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigandaily.com\/special\/orientation-edition\/a-quick-guide-to-ann-arbors-local-businesses\/mailto:angelsaa@umich.edu\"><em>angelsaa@umich.edu<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<aside>\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p><h3 class=\"jp-relatedposts-headline\"><em>Related articles<\/em><\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Downtown Ann Arbor is home to hundreds of businesses, with some of these establishments finding their way into the daily life of University of Michigan students. Whether it\u2019s a gameday hangout or a casual bite, the businesses surrounding campus define traditions every student inevitably takes part in. The Michigan Daily is highlighting some of Ann [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[242,1990,254,463,506,4783],"class_list":["post-5299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business","tag-ann","tag-arbors","tag-businesses","tag-guide","tag-local","tag-quick"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5299"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5299\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5301,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5299\/revisions\/5301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}