Michigan Football Saturdays in Ann Arbor
Everything you need for a Michigan football Saturday in Ann Arbor that does not involve the official gameday blog. Where to eat two hours before kickoff, which bar has every away-game screen on, how the parking works (or does not), and what to do with a Saturday afternoon when the game is in Columbus.
Pregame bars and pizza near the stadium
Happy hour →Good Time Charley's
Good Time Charley's is a popular bar and grill serving the Ann Arbor community, particularly students and residents in the lively …
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. is a popular brewpub located on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, offering a diverse selection of house-…
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery offers a distinct brewpub experience on Main Street in Ann Arbor, catering to those seeking unique …
Pizza House
Pizza House has been a staple for pizza lovers and late-night diners in Ann Arbor, especially those around the Central Campus area…
A home-game timeline that works
T minus 4 hours. Brunch at Frita Batidos, Afternoon Delight, or a sandwich at Zingerman\'s Deli. Pick the closest to your parking.
T minus 3 hours. Walk campus, hit Pancheros or Pizza House for a baseline. Lines at Pizza House form fast.
T minus 90 minutes. One pregame drink at Good Time Charley\'s, The Brown Jug, or HopCat. Any later and you are fighting a line.
T minus 45 minutes. Start the walk. South U to Michigan Stadium is 20 minutes. State Street is 15 minutes. Main Street is 25 minutes. Adjust for crowds.
Post-game. Stick with Main Street or South U. Every Main Street bar runs at capacity for three hours after the game ends. Grizzly Peak and Conor O\'Neill\'s are the "older alum" move. Charley\'s is the "student" move.
Food around campus and the stadium
All restaurants →Amer's Deli
Amer's Deli is a popular spot serving students, faculty, and locals seeking quick and satisfying meals near the Universi…
Aventura
Aventura offers an authentic Spanish dining experience for those seeking flavorful cuisine in downtown Ann Arbor. Situat…
Blue Tractor BBQ
Blue Tractor BBQ on Ann Arbor's bustling Main Street offers a robust menu of slow-smoked barbecue and American comfort f…
Good Time Charley's
Good Time Charley's is a popular bar and grill serving the Ann Arbor community, particularly students and residents in t…
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. is a popular brewpub located on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, offering a diverse selection…
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery
Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery offers a distinct brewpub experience on Main Street in Ann Arbor, catering to those seeki…
Mash
Mash is a popular bar located on Ann Arbor's bustling Main Street, offering a relaxed atmosphere for adults seeking craf…
Mighty Good Coffee
Mighty Good Coffee is a cafe serving coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike in Ann Arbor. Located conveniently on …
Pizza House
Pizza House has been a staple for pizza lovers and late-night diners in Ann Arbor, especially those around the Central C…
Raven's Club
Raven's Club is a distinguished bar located on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, offering a refined experience for indi…
Sava's
Sava's is a well-regarded restaurant serving Ann Arbor diners from its prominent location on State Street. This establis…
Silvio's Organic Pizza
Silvio's Organic Pizza offers a selection of handcrafted pizzas made with organic ingredients to residents and visitors …
Away-game Saturdays
Away Saturdays flip the town. The student bars are still full but the restaurants open up, reservations get easier, and Main Street becomes the center of gravity. Good Time Charley\'s is still the Michigan bar on a TV-set basis. For a calmer watch, HopCat and Jolly Pumpkin both keep multiple screens on without the pack.
Frequently asked
Where to eat before a Michigan football game?
Pizza House, Good Time Charley's, The Brown Jug, HopCat, and Pancheros are the classic pregame stops within a ten-minute walk of Michigan Stadium. For a sit-down, Main Street spots like Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin fill up 3 hours before kickoff.
Where is the best Ann Arbor bar to watch Michigan football?
For away games, Good Time Charley's on South U is the Michigan bar, with every screen on and a packed student crowd. The Brown Jug, HopCat, and Blue Leprechaun are the overflow picks. Main Street favors Grizzly Peak and Conor O'Neill's for a slightly older crowd.
What is the walk from Michigan Stadium to South U like?
The walk from the Big House (Michigan Stadium, 1201 S Main St) to South University Ave is about 20 minutes, 1 mile north through Central Campus. Most fans walk this route before and after games. State Street to the stadium is similar distance.
Is parking easy in Ann Arbor on game day?
No. Parking within a mile of Michigan Stadium is either sold out, residential permit only, or $40-$80 for private lots. Most visitors park at Pioneer High School lots, Briarwood, or out near Ann Arbor Golf Course and walk or shuttle in.
What is there to do in Ann Arbor on a football weekend besides the game?
Kerrytown and Main Street book up. Walk the Diag on Central Campus, visit the U-M Museum of Art (free), take a tour of the Law Library reading room, or stroll the Nichols Arboretum. Post-game, the town crowds around Main Street bars until 2am.