Restaurants near University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

Absolutely excellent meal as always... we were there a little longer than we wanted but it was valentine's day so it is what it is!

Me and my girlfriend went to the Earle for VDay. It was her first time and my second. (The first time was just as amazing.) I made reservations several weeks in advance and requested a specific bottle of wine. I did not get confirmation that they had it, so I called a few days prior to make sure. They did have it and said they were reserving it for us. Alex was our server and she was AMAZING. Very knowledgeable about the history of the restaurant. Very kind&efficient. My girlfriend and I are both actors, and I personally am also a performer/vocalist/musician. So we talked about that a lot with Alex who was very attentive. And I’m glad we did. Our bill was about $145 so I gave her $200 and told her to keep the rest for tip. She came back later and asked me to right down my Spotify artist name and the film that my gf and I just released. When I opened the folder there was only $5 in it and I asked if that was the change and she said yes. I told her I left her a $55 tip that there should have been $200. She went back to the bar that had cashed it out and told me the bartender said there was only $150…I was mortified and assured her I gave $200 and that I was a former service worker and would NEVER insult a waiter with that small of a tip. Eventually the owner came back and said they checked the drawer and indeed did find my 4 $50s that they were easy to find because they had been folded in my wallet and that they had been sticking together. I was very relieved. The food was amazing. The atmosphere was amazing. The wine, *chefs kiss*. And Alex was absolutely darling to talk to. Give that girl a raise!!! Thank you Alex for making our night so wonderful and enjoyable💜

Outstanding experience for lunch- feels like dinner at a formal dining experience where the owner/establishment doesn't do cost saving short cuts a like many ann arbor restaurant managers do for lunch, like reducing dining room staff, removing buss person( clean assist in table clearing, or expeditors that bring entrees to table when server/waitstaff are occupied. So here you have a set of dedicated staff for all front of house service; a host, a waitress/waiter, a buss person, an expeditor( to bring waters, refills of coffee, entrees when order has been taken ) - this creates a production line kind of flow - for faster service for hot food arriving to table timely. Also they are not cheap about fine dining ware; white table cloth( almost non-existent today ) full set of silver/table wear, and hot pots for table set coffee if needed. The kitchen must be a classic proper chef/ professional production equipped kitchen, as they have capability to have dry meat locker( steak house type ), steaming option for vegetables, and all needed for scratch cooking - not from a box , again like many ann arbor restaurants. The menu is a sign of all mention here, as many items would rarely be offered in many places , like genuine lobster bisque, london broil, hand made cole slaw, hand made mashed potatoes, ext.- these things may seem trivial but go see where else you can experience all this, also most lunch entrees are $12-$21 , where portions are very generous and coffee is high caliber roasts with $3.50 with endless refills. So yea - worlds above a fast food joint or mass franchise feed lot, corn syrup, and box sourced food that often are same cost.

Our recent visit to Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in a beautifully restored historic train depot, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is as unique as it is delicious. The ambiance is charming and nostalgic, with large windows overlooking the train tracks. During our meal, a train passed by, adding to the charm and making for an unforgettable moment. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed perfectly seared scallops and shrimp atop a creamy, flavorful risotto, while my wife had a delicious salmon dish with seasoned broccoli that was cooked to perfection. Each bite was rich in flavor and expertly prepared. We also indulged in some fantastic cocktails, which were well-balanced and refreshing. To top off the evening, we shared a decadent chocolate truffle cake, which was pure bliss—rich, velvety, and the perfect sweet ending to our meal. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who made our experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply a great meal in a unique setting, Gandy Dancer is a must-visit in Ann Arbor. We will definitely be returning!

The additional charge is a bit pricy for a casual restaurant