5 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Downtown, Ann Arbor MI
Updated 27 September 2026 · 6 restaurants in Downtown, Ann Arbor MI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide highlights five family-friendly restaurants in Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, chosen for their Google "Family friendly" label and high ratings. The list includes six qualifying businesses, ranked by score. It helps families and visitors find spots for quick bites, special occasions, or brunch. Each entry details hours, price ranges, and what reviewers say about the food and service.
#1
Bao Space
★ 4.6 (249 Google reviews)Restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Bao Space offers quick Asian dining with a focus on small plates and organic dishes. Reviewers praise the fast service and authentic flavors, noting cucumber salads, spring rolls, and pork dumplings as standouts. The spot features outdoor seating, a salad bar, and vegetarian options. It is open for lunch and dinner from 11 am to 7:30 pm on most days, with a closed Monday. Prices range from $10 to $20, making it a wallet-friendly choice for a fast, good meal.
Best for: Quick Asian bites and bubble tea
- Address
- 205 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–7:30 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–7:30 pm; Sun 11 am–7:30 pm; Thu 11 am–7:30 pm; Tue 11 am–7:30 pm; Wed 11 am–7:30 pm
#2
Vinology Restaurant & Event Space
★ 4.5 (1,077 Google reviews)Restaurant$30–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Vinology Restaurant & Event Space serves as a venue for low-key weddings and private events, with a cellar and bubble room. Reviewers highlight the excellent food, including tiramisu cake and blackened bass, alongside a great wine list and cocktails. The restaurant offers a fireplace, happy-hour options, and private dining rooms. Open for dinner from 4 pm to 9 or 11 pm depending on the day, it caters to special occasions with attentive service and local specialties. Prices range from $30 to $90.
Best for: Weddings and fine dining
- Address
- 110 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–11 pm; Mon 4–10 pm; Sat 4–11 pm; Sun 4–9 pm; Thu 4–10 pm; Tue 4–10 pm; Wed 4–10 pm
#3
The Hen Ann Arbor
★ 4.5 (903 Google reviews)Brunch restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Hen is a popular brunch spot known for delicious fresh food and amazing espresso drinks with non-dairy options. Reviewers mention the egg burrito, habanero jerk chicken, and waffle flights as great choices. The atmosphere is lively but allows for conversation, though it can get busy. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner from 8 am to 3 pm (closed Wednesdays), it serves comfort food and healthy options. Prices are between $10 and $20.
Best for: Brunch and coffee drinks
- Address
- 403 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–3 pm; Mon 8 am–3 pm; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 8 am–3 pm; Tue 8 am–3 pm; Wed Closed
#4
Sava's
★ 4.4 (2,731 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sava's serves comfort food with a focus on brunch items like huevos rancheros with chorizo and long-distance martinis. Reviewers appreciate the beautiful interior, great beer selection, and live music. While some found pasta overcooked, others loved the steak and pickles. The menu includes a service charge, and prices range from $20 to $30. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers outdoor seating and wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Best for: Brunch and live music
- Address
- 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–11 pm; Mon 9 am–10 pm; Sat 9 am–11 pm; Sun 9 am–10 pm; Thu 9 am–10 pm; Tue 9 am–10 pm; Wed 9 am–10 pm
#5
Union Rec
★ 4.2 (884 Google reviews)American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Union Rec is housed in a 100-year-old lumber building with a large bar and fireplace. Reviewers enjoy the local dishes, delicious desserts, and great wait staff. The menu includes meat by the half pound, though availability varies. It offers late-night food, happy-hour drinks, and free parking. Open for lunch and dinner from 12 pm to 9 or 10 pm, it serves comfort food and sports. Prices are not listed, but tacos were noted as expensive.
Best for: Local dishes and late-night
- Address
- 545 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 12–10 pm; Sun 12–9 pm; Thu 12–9 pm; Tue 12–9 pm; Wed 12–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 6 restaurants in Downtown, Ann Arbor MI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Family friendly”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 27 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Vinology Restaurant & Event Space, Sava's and Union Rec take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- For an early start, The Hen Ann Arbor opens at 8 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Bao Space ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.6 from 249 reviews. Vinology Restaurant & Event Space is second at 4.5 from 1,077 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Ann Arbor MI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Vinology Restaurant & Event Space, at 11 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Bao Space $10–20; Vinology Restaurant & Event Space $30–90; The Hen Ann Arbor $10–20; Sava's $20–30. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Bao Space and Union Rec.
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