Downtown

Reliable choices in downtown Ann Arbor [1] include Afternoon Delight (251 E. Liberty, 734/665-7513, www.afternoondelightcafe.com [2], 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun., $5–9), an ideal spot for homemade soups, deli sandwiches, and scrumptious desserts, and Amadeus Restaurant (122 E. Washington, 734/665-8767, www.amadeusrestaurant.com [3], 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. Tues.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–11 p.m.Fri., 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun., $7–16), a cozy European-inspired café and patisserie that features hearty Polish, central European, and vegetarian entrées.

Another nearby favorite is Gratzi Ristorante (326 S. Main St., 734/663-6387, www.gratzirestaurant.com [4], 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 4–9 p.m. Sun., $9–30), serving up Northern Italian fare in a vintage 1920s theater. For the best view of the large, Bacchanalian murals, sit in the balcony.

If you’d prefer lighter fare, such as terrific coffee, pastries, and gourmet sandwiches, head for Café Felix (204 S. Main St., 734/662-8650, www.cafefelix.com [5], 9 a.m.–close daily, $7–18), a pleasant European-style bistro and Ann Arbor’s [1] first full-menu tapas bar.