Go Big on Small.
Living in the Mitten means being surrounded by a surplus of unique mom-and-pop shops, tantalizing global cuisines, storied bookstores and so much more. While this might make us indecisive when considering lunch or a café, we sure wouldn’t have it any other way.
The list below is but a snapshot of our team’s favorite small businesses that we will be supporting this year. When shopping or grabbing take-out this holiday season, please consider shopping at one of your local small businesses or take a look at some of ours for inspiration.
Also, please share with us on Facebook some of your local favorites within your community so that we can add to our list. Simply comment and tag one of your favorite small businesses. We will then randomly select three small businesses that are tagged and will support them in 2021—whether it is buying gift cards, ordering takeout/carry out, or donating to their cause. If they are an important business to you, then they are to us! Because when it comes to local support this year, the more the merrier.
Happy shopping and eating, and happy holidays!
Looking forward to picking up my Christmas dinner and not having to cook this holiday, especially since it will be a very small get together. They also have a wonderful menu for carry outs every Friday night that we’ve ordered from. Never disappoints!
Shopping there not only helps sustain the Gallery operations, but the purchases help the participating artists who have been hit hard this year since all art shows were cancelled. Besides… in a year like 2020, we can all use some beautiful art in our lives!
Love the coffee and the friendly faces at Roos Roast. Lobster Butter Love is my favorite to order! HOMES is my favorite brewery in Ann Arbor. Great beer and great food!
I love this bookstore and all the fun games, notebooks and random items they carry.
Everyday Wine – Hand selected wines, never a bad bottle.
Ellen’s Fine Goods – A wonderful baker!
Monahan’s Seafood – Super-fresh seafood.
Crust – Great cookies, pies and cakes delivered nationwide.
Downtown Home and Garden – Wide variety of useful, authentic things for your home and garden. Great seasonal selection of fall bulbs, Christmas decorations, spring seeds, warm winter clothing, etc. Love the owner, Kelly, who is always there to help you find what you need.
Three Chairs – Great post-modern and designer furniture.
Old Town – Best neighborhood bar. Chris and Steve have been hanging in there through the pandemic by providing food for patrons at other outdoor venues.
Black Pearl – Best margaritas and fish tacos.
Real Seafood Company – Great kale salad, salty garlic roles, gazpacho during summer.
The Blue Nile – The best Ethiopian food. A carry out can feed two for three days and still have leftovers for lunch.
The Ark – An Ann Arbor music institution. Seriously miss live performances in their intimate setting.
Plum Market – Amazing selection of really high-quality food.
Argus Farm Stop – Great farm to market concept. You know what you are getting is really fresh and directly helping out the farmer that grew it.
The Michigan Theater –This historic, non-profit Ann Arbor venue has pivoted to virtual movies, but still presents the most interesting and avant garde films to view. Their weekly Cocktail Cinema series paired era correct cocktail demonstrations with film noire reviews with Russ and family. When open again, their beautiful gilded theater will host great live performances as well.
Artisan, gluten-free baked goods. This is the place I go to for many of the desserts I love. Even my non- gluten-free friends love this place!
Produce Station – Never disappoints. Always fresh fruits and veggies, prepared gourmet meals, Zingerman’s baked goods, etc.
Paesano – Locally owned by Mike and Bridgit Roddy. Restaurant, take out, beverages. REGROUP had a holiday cooking lesson there one year!
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – Locally grown franchise coffee shop.
DFCU Financial – Great local credit union – and gotta have moola!
York – Tommy and his team are amazing. York is such a cozy and inviting place to grab coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks! They have made such great strides to serve their customers during the pandemic with their outdoor area. They also partner with and support other small businesses and artists. Love this place!
Bivouac – An absolute Ann Arbor staple. I’ve been going here since I was in college! Always great finds, especially for cozy and durable winter gear.
Blom Meadworks – Another place that has been innovative and creative throughout the pandemic. Not only do they have delicious ciders and meads, but there ingredients are all sourced locally.
West End Grill – Looking for a date night? This is the place! Great drinks and great food!
Comet Coffee and Parrish Framing
Nickels Arcade is one of the places that made me love Ann Arbor — both because of the historical structure and the many wonderful shops within it. Comet is a go-to spot for me in town, with its intimate vibe, second-to-none coffee selection and kind staff. And if you’re looking for a fun and unique gift, I can’t recommend Parrish enough.
Best butcher shop around. Plus, a great market.
Best spankin’ BBQ in town. The spicy brisket rice bowl is absolutely heavensent.
Unique home decor. The owner always seems to be a step ahead of trends. Really solid place to find unique gifts.
Zingerman’s Bakehouse – Phenomenal bread and baked goods!
Verbena – A boutique that always has trendy clothes along with a helpful and friendly staff. It is my go-to for buying gifts for my friends!
Fleetwood – They always treat you like family and hippie hash must live on.
Fallen Oak Farm – Their homemade soap is the best around.
Dancing Coyote – Their ethically raised and harvested chicken, pork and beef come in handy year-round.
Everest Sherpa and Himalayan Bazaar
Both are local businesses owned by the same family. They have the best Nepalese/Indian Food & handmade gifts.
Wonderful olive oils and vinegars. Great place to try different products. They offer virtual cooking classes and great recipes on their website.
