Gluten-Free Travels: A Weekend in Ann Arbor
We packed zero snacks for this trip, we know that Ann Arbor has a reputation for great gluten-free options, and after a full weekend there, I can say it was easy!
Our flight landed late, which was the one letdown. We had a reservation at Miss Kim, a Korean restaurant with great reviews on Find Me Gluten Free, and we would have been there for dinner without the delay. It’s first on the list for next time.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown, around the corner from Main Street. That put us steps from tons of great restaurants and shops. Central campus at the University of Michigan was a short 15 to 20 minute walk away.
A full day of eating
Breakfast: Playa Bowls
We started on campus at Playa Bowls with a quick açaí bowl topped with gluten-free granola. Bonus, we were able to order ahead since we were running late. It was fast, which mattered, because we had a campus tour to catch. The Student Activities Center was an easy 7 to 8 minute walk away.
Brunch: The Hen
The Hen was a highlight. They accommodated us easily with avocado toast, burrata toast, eggs, and great salads. They toast the gluten-free bread on the griddle to prevent cross-contamination.
Afternoon treat: Michigan Creamery
After shopping at the Michigan Rally Store for warm hats for the game, we stopped at Michigan Creamery, right off campus. They have gluten-free cones, and every flavor is clearly marked. Best of all, they brought out an allergy scoop from the back.
Dinner: Pizza House
We ate at Pizza House before the game. The gluten-free pizza was fair, but the atmosphere is fun, so it’s a great pick when you’re with a group. Our waitress checked with the manager to make sure our pizza was cooked safely, and we had no issues.
Heading home
We ran out of time for breakfast on our last morning. Otherwise we would have gone back to First Main, where we had success last year. It gets some mixed reviews on Find Me Gluten Free, but we loved it, gluten-free pancakes and all.
Instead we grabbed snacks at the Detroit airport: dried fruit, gluten-free chips, and popcorn. Not glamorous, but it got us home.
Gluten-free Ann Arbor at a glance
| Spot | What we had | Why it worked |
| Playa Bowls | Açaí bowl with GF granola | Quick and right on campus |
| The Hen | Avocado toast, burrata toast, eggs, salads | GF bread toasted on the griddle to avoid cross-contamination |
| Michigan Creamery | Ice cream in a GF cone | Every flavor marked; allergy scoop from the back |
| Pizza House | GF pizza | Manager confirmed safe prep; fun for groups |
| Miss Kim | Missed it this time | Great Find Me Gluten Free reviews |
| First Main | GF pancakes (last year) | A past favorite |
There are far more gluten-free options in Ann Arbor than we could fit into one weekend. We never made it to the gluten-free bakery near our hotel, which doesn’t open until around 11 a.m. Next time, we’ll plan around it. And once again, we’ll pack no snacks.
