It was an early morning and I was thinking Ann Arbor to grab some coffee. Breakfast food was also on the mind. While in-route Zingerman’s Roadhouse came to mind. It’s a place I’d been to many times before, mostly for cocktails and dinner and always had amazing experiences. It was time to take-in their breakfast experience.
I arrived at my destination on the west side of town. The Roadhouse, which open in 2003, is one of several Zingerman’s businesses in the area which date back to the early 80’s. There is also a deli and creamery among other places.
Following the signs to breakfast.
I found myself a spot to sit. It was 7 am so coffee definitely was in order.
A cup of Roadhouse Joe quickly made its way to my table.
For breakfast I decided on the American Breakfast. Scrambled eggs with peppers and 2-year Vermont cheddar. It came with country sausage, sourdough bread and strawberry preserve and breakfast potatoes. Everything is homemade. Not pictured is the freshly squeezed orange juice they gave me a sample of.
I found myself eating the preserves sans the bread. I wanted to be like Joey Tribbiani and dive into lots of jam, thinking of Monica’s jam plan in Friends. So good!
Along for the ride from left to right behind the breakfast was their version of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, the locally made Clancy’s Fancy Hot Sauce and the well-known McIlhenny Tabasco Pepper Sauce. I’m not a fan of hot sauces, but took a stab at each. Not to bad. I mostly ate the food without sauce to get the full flavor.
They must really known me haha. They kept my Roadhouse Joe mug constantly full. In fact, when I thought I was going to get the bill they brought me a to-go cup filled with it and a hot, right out of the oven doughnut topped with muscovado brown sugar. What a nice surprise.
Gotta get an up close shot of the brown sugar deliciousness.
Along with samples as you can probably tell, the service was exceptional. Every step along the way I was told in cool detail about what I was ordering and eating, with some historical tidbits thrown in. Great times.
If it’s the early morning and you’re looking for great service, food with the freshest of local ingredients and a few surprises during the experience then get to Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Time to get back there for dinner again too!
Checkout their website and presence on Facebook. You can also see the range of businesses and foodie deliciousness under the Zingerman’s umbrella.
What is a good place for breakfast and coffee in your neck of the woods or that you’ve come across in your travels?
I imagine if it’s any later than 7am on a weekend, the wait for a table would be insane? I’ll be in the area in two weeks; I’d love to check it out!
It definitely gets busy. A reservation wouldn’t hurt, though have never had to wait horribly long at dinner. 🙂 The dinner menu is just as amazing. I recommend the pimento and bacon mac ‘n cheese and sweet potato fries. DM me if you think you’ll have any free time when in the area.
I’ve yet to have breakfast at Zingerman’s, but it sounds like we may have to make an early-morning trip out there one of these days 🙂
It’s definitely worth the trip. Let me know how you like it if you make it there. 🙂
Oh that breakfast looks delicious and I bet you it was 😉
I too add a bit of spice, gives it a little kick!
That is fuel for the a.m 😉
It was delicious and definitely fueled me for the day, along with the caffeine of course too haha. 🙂
Oh boy, you are living the good life..and keeping your belly happy!
Keep #ElCafede2013 going!
Btw, I passed by a coffee shop yesterday that serves..get this…lavender coffee? I was like what? Too bad I had to come back to work but I should go try it 😉
Will do. Stay tuned #ElCafeDe2013 will be hitting the road some upcoming. 🙂 Lavender coffee, intrigued. Let me know how you like it.
I know you’ll be on the road on the hunt for good coffee places 😉
I have to go back to that coffee shop & report back to you with evidence of course.
Have a great one & TTYS!
I love me a good breakfast place. Great tip for those traveling through Michigan and Ann Arbor.
Thanks Ted! A must for foodies and breakfast lovers. Hope you can swing by there some time.
I seriously love Zingerman’s. All things Zingerman’s, have you tried the Grits & Bits Waffle? FAVORITE!
http://tahnycooks.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/zingermans-lets-bake-cookies-2/
http://tahnycooks.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/lovin-me-some-sheetcake/
I have not, will have try the Grits & Bits Waffle! Would love to try everything on the menu at some point. Yum. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your posts. Wanting to get back even more now, the delicatessen as well.
I work at the Deli and found a link to here through a little email – glad you had a great time! I actually haven’t made it out to the Roadhouse yet but I think I’m going to go this week for the first time.. 🙂
Let me know how you like the Roadhouse. Great experience and food no matter the time of day. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to the deli, need to get back there. Love your guys sandwiches! 🙂