Old West Side in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 3, 2021

1. Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor Marker

Inscription. When the Sugar Bowl opened in 1911, it featured homemade ice cream and hand-dipped chocolates made in the Preketes family apartment upstairs. After Michigan went “dry” in 1918, lunch counters and small restaurants like this, many owned by Greek immigrants, became a major feature downtown. In early Ann Arbor, you could have dined out at one of Ann Arbor’s hotels. By 1860 catered banquets and special celebrations were held at halls such as Hangsterfer’s, which stood on the corner behind you. In 1868 you might choose among twenty-eight saloons for a quick meal. Grocery stores often had a small saloon to accommodate thirsty customers. Five locally owned German breweries supplied beer. Boarding houses near campus served students and single diners. In 1967 the Sugar Bowl closed, replaced by the upscale La Seine restaurant. Although short-lived, it was the first of many restaurants that transformed Ann Arbor into a regional dining center.

Erected by Ann Arbor Historical Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 42° 16.835′ N, 83° 44.928′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in the Old West Side. Marker is at the intersection

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of West Washington Street and South Main Street, on the right when traveling west on West Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 S Main St, Ann Arbor MI 48104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dry Goods (here, next to this marker); Hardware (here, next to this marker); Business and Banking (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Germans In Ann Arbor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Staeblers and the Germania/American Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Germans on Ashley Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Generations of Metzgers on Washington Street (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 3, 2021

2. Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor Marker

Marker is the one on the left

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 3, 2021

3. Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor Marker

Inset photo (top left) caption: In the 1930s Greek immigrants William Skinner, behind bar, and his wife Adriana, at table far left, owned and ran the Ideal Restaurant at 117 East Washington Street.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 3, 2021

4. Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor Marker

Inset photo (middle left) caption: The Old German, opened in the 1920s at 120 West Washington Street, was one of three popular downtown German restaurants. Bud Metzger, the tall man behind the bar, took over the family restaurant and ran it until it closed in 1995.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 3, 2021

5. Eating and Drinking in Ann Arbor Marker

Inset photo (bottom) caption: Prohibition advocate Carrie Nation, know for smashing up saloons, was mocked by students at a rally in 1902 on State Street at North University. Excessive student drinking and rowdy behavior had made a paid police force necessary by 1871.

Cook's Temperance Hotel and Maynard's "Temperance Saloon" mirrored the national movement opposed to alcohol. In 1903 the city adopted a "Dry Line" prohibiting the sale of alcohol east of Division Street. Though Ann Arbor celebrated the end of Prohibition in 1933, hard liquor was available only in private clubs such as The Town Club and The Elks until 1960. The Dry Line was abolished by 1969.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 14, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.