A picnic is a classic way to enjoy these warm summer days with family and friends. Fortunately, the Ann Arbor area is home to many restaurants that can provide fantastic additions to any sunny day adventure. Find a shady spot, grab a blanket, and visit these local Ann Arbor eateries to pack the perfect picnic basket.
Bread
Your basket begins at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, where you can find many types of freshly baked bread. Zingerman’s boasts over 30 types of bread, both sweet and savory. Try the onion rye (with the cheese and hummus suggested below) or order the sourdough chocolate for a sweet start to your picnic.
Zingerman’s Bakehouse provides different specials each day and even provides bake times so that you can find the freshest possible loaf. Order in person or online on its website. You can also call 734-761-2095.
Cheese
Partner your bread with an enticing variety of cheese at Zingerman’s Creamery. You might try a spreadable cheese such as the Burrata, which the website hails as “one of the most decadent things you will ever eat.” Or, you might prefer a custom cheese plate, which can be made for a small, intimate picnic or for a larger group (up to 30 people).
Zingerman’s makes each batch with locally sourced milk, supporting small farms and ensuring quality ingredients. Check out the sliced, creamy, and otherwise delicious options on the website or by calling 734-929-0500.
Protein
Chicken is a picnic must-have, and the peach glazed chicken from Eat will provide the perfect protein for your lunch. This herb roasted half chicken is covered in a chipotle peach glaze for a unique and appetizing take on a classic picnic food.
With two locations (Kerrytown and Packard), Eat is conveniently located and prides itself on made-from-scratch, fresh food. They offer dine-in and takeout options, along with catering. Explore the website to order or call 734-369-6773
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh, organic fruits and veggies from the Argus Farm Stop add a nutritious element to your picnic basket. From crunchy carrots to sweet and tangy berries, Angus Farm Stop offers a variety of seasonal produce that will compliment any picnic lunch.
Angus Farm Stop is open seven days a week and operates year-round. They also provide online ordering and delivery, bringing the picnic straight to your door. Add a freshly picked snack to your picnic by perusing the website or calling 734-997-5448.
Sides
Add your choice of side dishes from Big City Small World Bakery. Pair their hummus with the bread from Zingerman’s (above) or share delicious deviled eggs in quintessential picnic style. These additions will add finger-food flavor to your picnic.
Big City Small World Bakery offers traditional, gluten-free, and vegan options, meaning they can offer something to everyone. They even offer organic dog treats for the four-legged picnic attendees. Explore the menu at the bakery website or call 734-668-7688
Wine
Bring some romance to your picnic with a bottle of wine from The Earle. Winner of the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for 35 consecutive years, The Earle offers over 1200 bottles of wine, meaning you can easily find the right bottle to pair with your picnic.
The Earle offers curbside pickup, making them an easy stop as you build your picnic. They also offer wine tasting so that you can choose a bottle that you love. Browse the website or call 734-994-0211.
Cocktail
Looking for a more casual beverage for your picnic? The Last Word makes it easy by offering cocktails to-go. You can choose a cocktail such as “The Osborn,” which mixes sweet pineapple with spicy jalapeno, or “Los Lobos” which boasts lime and pink peppercorn. You can also mix-and-match with a variety pack. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, you can also choose from their zero alcohol options.
The Last Word prides themselves on using quality ingredients in making drinks in-house wherever possible. Choose a flavor that’s right for you from the website or call 734-585-5691.
Dessert
Wrap up your picnic with dessert. Cupcakes from Bakehouse 46 offer a perfect picnic treat due to the many choices of flavors and sizes. For a more traditional cupcake, try the jumbo, regular or miniature sized cupcakes in flavors such as blackberries and cream, drumstick, and moosetracks. For easy picnic travel you could also try their cupcakes-in-a-jar.
Bakehouse 46 is notable for its made-from-scratch gourmet treats and creative flavors. Order from the bakery website or call 734-222-1801.
Frozen Dairy
Don’t forget to pack a cooler so that you can pair your cupcakes with yogurtrush from Amer’s Deli. With nearly 20 flavors and 40 toppings, Amer’s provides a multitude of frozen yogurt combinations. Try a traditional flavor like strawberry or a more unique experience like white chocolate macadamia.
Amer’s has been serving the Ann Arbor area for over 30 years and has many options to offer. Dream about different flavors, toppings, and syrups by browsing the website or calling 734-761-6000.
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