Zingerman's Roadhouse Restaurant (Ann Arbor)

First of all, I've lived in this area for nearly twenty years. I've eaten and enjoyed food from both Zingerman's Deli and their Bakehouse. They always use top-notch ingredients and the food is almost always well prepared albeit a little on the expensive side. Service is always outstanding if not overly eager to please.

So when the restaurant chain Bill Knapps imploded and came to a sad end and Zingerman's bought the Jackson & Stadium location, I was hopeful. Bill's had been an old friend as the place was nearby and the food was simple, down-home cooking. Zingerman's was promising a "roadhouse" which as a traveler around this great country, I'd eaten in many such places and found some really good food at reasonable prices.

I've now eaten a brunch and a late lunch at ZR's and I can tell you unequivocally that I will not be returning until something is done about the absurd prices. How can a place fashioned after the "American Roadhouse" honestly charge their prices? They border on insane. They are ridiculous. The last time I was there, I watched a family of four sit down, get water and the menus, only to stand up and leave before ordering after they looked over the menu. I'm 99% sure it was the prices that put them off. So what kind of prices am I speaking of? $7 cup of clam chowder. $6 sliver of cake. $15 grits plate. $12 macaroni and cheese. It goes on and on. $40 (with tip) for a two person lunch should be expected.

On top of the absurd prices, the BBQ is not that good. The BBQ at Ypsilanti's Smoke House Blues restaurant is much, MUCH better. Also, the atmosphere is unappealing. One room includes the bar and standing-room tables allowing waiting patrons to sip or munch. This is a loud, noisy room that actually allows the waiting patrons to stand over many of the seated diners as they try to eat the overpriced food. Another room is crowded with picnic like bench tables and is also very loud. The fireplace room is more peaceful but the decor is just uninspiring. A few small maps and pictures can be spotted with great effort on the walls but nothing resembling a true American roadhouse atmosphere. It's like some bizarre roadhouse for uptight, overpaid, espresso-drinking, babbling, Lexus-driving yuppies. Yeah, I don't like it.

So in the end, I now really miss Bill Knapps and can only hope that Zingerman's comes to its senses and makes some much needed adjustments to their first true restaurant venture.

(Originally posted 2/25/04)