If we’re to believe this article from the Ann Arbor News, the number of tables one can eat at in Ypsi is about to almost double. While part of me gets concerned that this might mean that gentrification, and all the shit that comes along with it (higher prices, less diversity, etc), might be right around the corner, part of me is happy to consider the prospect of being able to get sushi on Michigan Avenue… Unfortunately, however, there was no mention of Indian food. Ypsi, in my estimation needs three things downtown: a gay bar, a good breakfast place, and an Indian restaurant. There are lots of other things too, but I think those are the big three. (Thanks to Kristin for the link)
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This is heartening news. I ‘ve lived here for 10 years since graduating from Eastern, and have seen Depot town and downtown go through rough turns. People have been talking for the same amount of time about the impending “gentrification” and it hasn’t happened, and won’t happen. The gentrifiers want sprawl, megachurches, and gated communities. Ypsi scares them. I also agree with the needs for gay bar/Indian restaurant/breakfast place, but all I want is a medium-sized grocery downtown that doesn’t peddle porn or poisons. -Dave D.
what i don’t think ypsilanti needs are more “french restaurants”, which is what that article says will be happening.
a gay bar: what could be more gay than Pub 13?
a good breakfast place: The Bomber on Michigan Avenue. an Indian restaurant: what happened to the new indian place on Washtenaw? (According to early 90’s YHF newsletters, there was an Indian Restaurant called “Curry Out” somewhere in the vicinity of Materials Unlimited.)
“between $11 and $28 for dinner”
I give it a year. That’s dinner for 2 at a number of other great restaurants in Ypsi.
No, man – you mean FREEDOM restaurants! Hehehehee…
I would LOVE to see an Indian place in downtown Ypsi proper. Temptations – while on Washtenaw, is closer than any other place – being able to walk to a restaurant would be excellent. Also, I totally agree with the idea of a medium-sized downtown grocery store. Living on Michigan Ave in downtown, that would be incredible.
How about the Wolverine Grill? That’s a great breakfast place right downtown. The only problem with it is that it’s closed on Sundays.
I like the Bomber. It
We also have Front Page News in Atlanta. You can order a make-yer-own bloody mary. They just bring you a glass of vodka (of your choice) and you can go up and fuck it up any way you want. I usually just have the bartender do it for me. They ARE professionals after all!
As stated, Ypsi (downtown) needs more options, gay bar, breakfast restaurant, and a variety of dinner restaurants. I was walking the streets last week and could not find a working atm machine, for a downtown to thrive it must be more user friendly.
I don’t look at gentrification as a bad thing either, that doesn’t mean the end of diversity it means more options without having to spend my $$ in ann arbor.
Temptations is fucking great.
Are there enough gays in Ypsi to need their own bar? I don’t mean that as snarky, but it seems like gays are just part of the general population in Ypsi, not a defined subculture (though Pub 13 is pretty damn gay).
Hey Ken- what was the name of the country western/ biker gay bar on Michigan Ave? The one down by Bunkies and next to the ICMC club house? That place would have scared the shit out of the average Annarborite.
And how about the “Liquor Sandwiches” at that sports bar ( actually a guys living room with tables and a TV- similar to Lili’s minus the loud music ) on Huron street.
I think Ypsi might need some more places serving liquor sandwiches.
Mmmmmm, liquor sandwiches! That would be George’s Huron Inn. Is that is still there? I was thinking the name of that other place was the Orange Lantern but that is the name of the titty bar on the way to Canton. I can’t remember the name of the place next to the ICSC.
Ypsi restaurants I remember: The Chick Inn, DaLat and TC’s had a killer cook back in the early 90’s. He could make some mean nachos.
Ken. I am disappointed. How could you leave Abe’s Coney Island off the list? The $1.99 breakfast special. The place was mecca after the bars closed.
My personal favorite was Mike’s Sandwiches on Cross Street. He made some mean sandwiches.
And if we are widening the scope here, I have to include Cross Street Books as one of my all time favorite used book stores. I have proudly watched that place grow over the last decade from a nic collection of easily accessible books to a place where you risk being killed by an avalanche of books.
And then there is Bunky’s – the best place to buy used mdical equipment. And Hallelujah’s for gospel records and hair cuts – “Let Hallelujah do ya!” And the Spartan grocery store on Eureka road? And the bar next to it with the lockers and the 45 player with records still in there from the 1950’s?
I still miss the old Tap Room and the Old Elbow Room. The Tap Room use to open at 9:00 am and there would be people lined up to go sit at the bar. The Elbow Room would have Fred somethin’s Kentucky Fried Country band every Wednesday. And then there was Thunder Cafe, owened and operated by Katura Thunder! And Puffer Reds. And Pears with the male mannequins wearing only underwear and socks…
alright. I’m done now. maybe change isn’t such a bad thing. Having a few restaurants that pass health inspection might be nice for a change.
What about La Fiesta Mexicana, Taqueria Jalisco, and Hawkins Ribs?!
Slighty off topic, but there’s a restaurant on Ford Blvd… I think it’s called Chico’s… Mexican AND Chinese food. I haven’t had the nerve to ask about the General Tso’s tacos or Kung Pao burritos.
Ypsilanti government has created an interesting situation. Businesses want to locate near as many customers as possible and the city council wants most people to live at the edge of the City close to shopping on Washtenaw in the Township.
Dave Morris, the country/western place I think you’re referring to on Michigan is/was “Ricks Dogpatch Saloon” and before that it was, surprise, a gay bar known as Flicks which I had been in a few times in the mid-90’s with an old roommate.
It is now a CVS, and the incidents of gay sex are down considerably.
I lived in Ypsilanti, MI. on LaMay Avenue next to Krogers on Michigan Ave.
I went to Flicks every weekend, I remember the contest they had to find Mr Gay for Flicks, and the winner was John Larden. I was wondering if anyone there in Michigan knows his whereabouts to this day. He was one fine Mr Flick’s. I guess it sounds like Ypsilanti has really changed, I lived there 1990-1994 and then moved to Florida.Please send me a email if anyone has any information about the workers or owner’s who used to have Flick’s on Michigan Ave. Thanks, Hoping to hear from John Larden or any who use to go to Flick’s
I lived in Ypsilanti, 1990-1994.I went to Flick’s every weekend.
Anyone remember Mr Flick John Larden? Sounds like Ypsilanti has really changed and not for the good.
So, does anyone know John Larden?
Good old Flicks lol and larry if u see this i think i know who you are and i know where John Larden is lol
Hey…I saw that there were some comments on here about Flicks. I used to hang there regularly and would love to reconnect with some of the old gang. Ed, Donny, Lonnie, Scott the DJ and any others that used to hang there on a regular basis. Haven’t felt really “at home” in any bar since then. As far as the owners, Marcia is remarried and still working in Ann Arbor and I Dick passed away. Hey…get back to me at the email address provided if anyone sees this and is from the “old Flicks gang”.
I worked at Flick’s for a very short time, but I was a regular there when I was in grad school. I do miss President’s Night!