Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Take a trip back in time with vintage Ann Arbor restaurant photos

We've got historic photos of Ann Arbor restaurants and night clubs, seen through the lens of Ann Arbor News photographers over decades of coverage, and presented in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library's Old News archives.



Have a favorite old restaurant you'd like to see in a future post? Let us know in the comments!



See more vintage restaurant photos here: Take a look back at the restaurants of Ann Arbor's past

Pictured: Clark R. (Red) Shelton And His Rite Spot, January 1966 (517 E. William St.). Tower Plaza condominiums were later built on this block. Shelton opened a new restaurant around the corner on Maynard, but it closed in 1968.

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Bimbo's Exterior, June 1975

Bimbo's, owned by Matt "Bimbo" Chutich, was a popular destination at 116 E. Washington Street, now the home of Arbor Brewing Co.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Bimbo's Interior, March 1969

Bimbo's, owned by Matt "Bimbo" Chutich, was a popular destination at 116 E. Washington Street, now the home of Arbor Brewing Co.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Bimbo's on the Hill, Exterior, June 1975

Located at 3411 Washtenaw Ave, where Paesano Restaurant sits, Bimbo's on the Hill was the east side outpost of the popular downtown Bimbo's Restaurant.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

The Westerner

An advertisement for the Westerner Beef Buffet from 1961.

2333 E. Stadium is the current home of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.





Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Westerner Beef Buffet - Interior, November 1961

Check out those wagon wheel chandeliers! This is the interior of the old Westerner Beef Buffet at the time of its opening in 1961. The building at 2333 E. Stadium was "built to the Westerner's specifications" to the tune of $30,000, and the restaurant featured prime rib.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

New Restaurant Will Open Soon

An article from the Ann Arbor News in September, 1966, announcing plans for a new French restaurant called La Seine at 109 S. Main St., now a branch of PNC Bank.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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La Seine Restaurant Facade Completed, November 1966

An exterior shot of La Seine Restaurant at 109 S. Main St. in 1966. The restaurant opened a month later, with a menu of classic French cuisine. This block is now the location of a PNC Bank branch. Prior to La Seine, this was the Sugar Bowl.

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La Seine Restaurant - Sidewalk Seating, July 1967

"A Touch Of Paris Downtown. A Paris street cafe scene is being simulated by LaSeine restaurant, 109 S. Main, during Summer Bargain Days downtown. Waitress Renee Silverman (background) is serving free coffee to Vern Adams of Saline and Mrs. Jack Fagan of 514 N. Seventh, while Marilyn Vaughn of Slidell, La., looks at the cameraman. LaSeine Manager Andre Boisclair (center) bends to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gomez of Slidell, La. At the table also is Mrs. Arthur Danner of 109 Longman Lane. Merchants are staging several promotions."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mallis Coffee Cup - Interior, September 1962

Mallis' Coffee Cup opened at the corner of Fourth and Liberty (today the Cloverleaf) in 1962.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mallis Coffee Cup - Exterior, September 1962

"NEW BUSINESS OPENS: This is the exterior of Mallis' Coffee Cup, an all-new facility at E. Liberty St. and S. Fourth Ave. Owners and operators are Angelo T. Mallis and his wife, Nitsa, both of Ann Arbor."

The Cloverleaf sits at this corner today.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mallis Coffee Cup - Exterior, September 1962

"NEW BUSINESS OPENS: This is the exterior of Mallis' Coffee Cup, an all-new facility at E. Liberty St. and S. Fourth Ave. Owners and operators are Angelo T. Mallis and his wife, Nitsa, both of Ann Arbor."

Looking east up E. Liberty, from the intersection with S. Fourth Ave. The Cloverleaf sits at this corner today.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mallis Coffee Cup Expansion, September 1964

"Diner Expandeth. One of the downtown signs of our time proves again the timelessness of Old Testament prose. This terse notice announces an expansion project for Mallis Coffee Cup, 201 E. Liberty St., which is being extended into an adjoining area to provide seating space for 18 more customers."

Mallis Coffee Cup was located at the corner of S. Fourth Ave and E. Liberty St., where the Cloverleaf can be found today.

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Susan Chastain, owner of the Firefly Club, June 2000

"Susan Chastain is the owner of the new jazz club, The Firefly Club, 207 S. Ashley in Ann Arbor."

The Firefly took over the location of the Bird of Paradise when that club moved to its new home on Main Street. The Firefly Club moved to South Main St. in 2007, when Vie Fitness took over the S. Ashley location, and then closed two years later, leaving Ann Arbor without a full-time jazz club.





Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Steve's Lunch, December 2002

This diner at 1313 S. University (now Rich J C Korean Restaurant) started as a traditional diner, but the menu expanded to include Korean specialties when the Lee family took it over in 1972.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Interior of UpSouth Cafe, April 2000

"UpSouth specializes in such Southern favorites as ribs, corn bread and red beans and rice."

The restaurant opened in February, 2000 at the corner of W. Stadium and W. Liberty streets, the location of the former Watercress (and La Pinata before that.) It served southern specialties like ribs, okra, yam fries and greens. The restaurant closed in late 2000.

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Whiffletree Interior, April 1983

The Wiffletree was located on Huron Street, between First and Ashley, the current location of the 111 N. Ashley building, home of The Ann Arbor News and MLive. The popular Ann Arbor restaurant was open from 1973 until a fire closed it in 1988.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Whiffletree Interior, April 1983

The Wiffletree was located on Huron Street, between First and Ashley, the current location of the 111 N. Ashley building, home of The Ann Arbor News and MLive. The popular Ann Arbor restaurant was open from 1973 until a fire closed it in 1988.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Betsy Ross Shop In Arcade Sold

The Betsy Ross restaurant is the thing of legend in Ann Arbor restaurant lore. Our friends at the AADL Old News Blog haven't located vintage photos among the Ann Arbor News archives yet, but this news story helps tell the story.

The restaurant closed in 1975 after several ownership changes, a run-in with the health inspectors, and bankruptcy filing that owners said was brought on by the restaurant's inability to land a liquor license.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Customers In Line And Eating At The Burro Restaurant , July 1998

"The Burro makes the most of its tiny, cheerful space." This Mexican restaurant, which specialized in burritos and quesadillas, was located at 619 E. William St., now the Pita Kabob Grill.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Interior Of The Burro Restaurant, March 1993

The Burro opened in a small storefront at 619 E. William in 1993, during a wave of new Mexican restaurant openings that also brought us Bandito's and The Prickly Pear.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Restaurant to feature new design - 1962

Early plans for Kales Waterfall Supper Club at 2175 W. Stadium Blvd called for a 30-foot waterfall over simulated lava rock.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Redesigned Restaurant

Architect's sketch of Kales Waterfall Supper Club, round two. The "abstract form of an octopus with tentacle-like extensions" was eliminated, as was the "mouth-type entrance." The "tower-like eye protrusion" was replaced by a "cave-like entrance and dome."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Kales Waterfall Supper Club Nears Completion, November 1962

"RESTAURANT NEARS COMPLETION: James Kales of Ann Arbor said he anticipates this restaurant-cocktail lounge being built in the 2100-block of W. Stadium Blvd. will be completed and opened by mid-December or early January. The exterior of the restaurant, which was designed by Architect James H. Livingston of Ann Arbor, was modified from an original "plastic, free-flowing" form that earlier evoked critical comments by persons in City Council chambers and in letters to The News."

Most recently, this building housed Szechuan West Restaurant, which was demolished in 2011.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library

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Kales Waterfall Supper Club, February 1964

Kales Waterfall Supper Club on W. Stadium Blvd., 4,800-square-foot, $100,000 restaurant opened in 1963.

"The building, which was built to Kales' specifications by land developer Ronald Mitchell, the structure's owner, was erected by by the E. E. Kurtz Construction Co. James H. Livingston of Ann Arbor was the architect."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library

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Kales Waterfall Supper Club - Interior, February 1963

"CAVE-LIKE INTERIOR: Cave-like walls and ceiling - painted a midnight blue with spot-type lighting - are an unusual feature in Kales' Waterfall Supper Club of 2261 W. Stadium Blvd. Bright red chairs and booths contrast sharply with dark ceiling and walls and black-red carpeting to help give a feeling of warmth and coziness and give the restaurant-cocktail lounge a real nightclub appearance. The cave-like theme is carried out by large "niches" with semi-circular booth seating, adding privacy but still permitting a feeling of openness. The restaurant-cocktail lounge business is owned by James Kales of Ann Arbor. "I wanted a very unique atmosphere; I think I got it," Kales said. "The challenge now is to give the right food; I think we'll grow with it," he added. The nightclub-like facility has a private banquet room."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library

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Escoffier Restaurant Wins Wine Spectator Award, October 1988

"Escoffier owners Tony and Maureen Perault and maitre d' Terry McClymonds toast the award from Wine Spectator. Tony is the restaurant's chef and Maureen is the sommelier."

Escoffier was located inside the Bell Tower Hotel at 300 S. Thayer, in the space now occupied by eve the restaurant. Maitre d' Terry McClymonds now hosts trivia night every Tuesday at Aut Bar.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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"Hospitality and cooking are tops at Forbidden City"

From an Ann Arbor News review of Forbidden City in June, 1986.

4905 Washtenaw Avenue is now the home of Ypbor Van Chinese restaurant.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Exterior Of The Southside Grille, 640 Packard St, February 1987

"The Southside Grille, at one of Ann Arbor's busiest areas, the State-Packard intersection, without its frequent line of customers outside. The signs posted in the far right window...are default papers and a for sale sign. Inside, tables sit ready for customers."

This building, at 640 Packard, has changed tenants several times since the Southside Grille closed. Most recently it was a R.U.B. BBQ, and Happy's Pizza moved in earlier this year.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Owners Of Southside Grille, From Left To Right, Kevin Hay, Mark Spencer, Dick Schubach, April 1985

This building, at 640 Packard, has changed tenants several times since the Southside Grille closed. Most recently it was a R.U.B. BBQ, and Happy's Pizza moved in earlier this year.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Thano Masters, Owner Of Thanos Restaurant, With Food Plate, January 1989

Thano's Lamplighter (421 E. Liberty) specialized in Greek cuisine and pizza. The restaurant closed in 2006, and the adjacent clothing store Orchid Lane took over the space.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Daily Specials at the Flim Flam Restaurant, September 1992

"Peter Petropolus, left, and Chris Klademenos, Flim Flam's chefs and owners, with some of the restaurant's specialities."

Flim Flam (2707 Plymouth Rd.) closed in 2011 after 30 years on Ann Arbor's north side. The Songbird Cafe opened in this location in 2012.

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Coffee Klatch at the Flim Flam Restaurant, October 1992

"The coffee group meets every weekday morning at the Flim Flam Restaurant, 2707 Plymouth Road. They are, (left to right) Ed Lesker, Orest Chapelsky, Vernon Jensen, H. K. Soo, Chris Klademenos (co-owner of restaurant), Bernard Ehnis and Casey Samborski."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Rite Spot Restaurant Collects Funds for March of Dimes, January 1956

"Anti-Polio Money: Vaud Laurence of the Rite Spot Restaurant at 517 E. William St. observes the "healthy" donations customers have been putting this month into these four polio fund canisters at the restaurant. Observable are $5 and $10 bills, which apparently were individual contributions. By Thursday $38,588 county-wide had been collected on a goal of $57,600 for the March of Dimes."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Construction Outside of Red's Rite Spot, January 1966

Construction begins on Tower Plaza condominiums next to Red's Rite Spot at 517 E. William St. in 1966. Clark R. (Red) Shelton moved his restaurant around the corner to 334 Maynard St. (now Frank's Restaurant.) Red's Rite Spot was probably Ann Arbor's most famous restaurant during its time, even getting a mention in Reader's Digest.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mel's Dog 'n Suds Drive-In Restaurant, August 1963

Grand Opening of Mel's Dining Room At the Dog 'N Suds Drive-In Restaurant, 3075 Packard Rd., now the address of Achilles Restaurant.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Mel's Dog 'N Suds Drive-In Restaurant Expanded, August 1963

"DOG 'N' SUDS EXPANDED: This new dining room has been completed recently at the Dog 'N' Suds Drive-In restaurant, 3075 Packard Rd., operated by Mr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Mielke. Acoustic tile on the ceiling and resilient tile flooring are featured in the 20 by 30-foot addition on the west side of the building."

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Eve Stevens at Dog 'N Suds Drive-In, August 1963

"Eve Stevens, 18, finds that bicycling to her summer job at the Dog 'n' Suds Drive-In each day keeps her in tip-top form. She's an early riser this summer too - the daughter of Prof. and Mrs. A. K. Stevens of Olivia Ave. works from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day, finds that her job is a good way to meet people. This fall Eve will enter the College of Wooster in Wooster, O., to major in history. Winner of a partial scholarship to the college, Eve is looking forward to her freshman year, but sorry to see summer end."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Mountain Jack's Diners Enjoy A Meal, June 1986

Mountain Jacks waitress serves champagne for diners in 1986. This building, now home to The Quarter Bistro. is at 300 S Maple Rd.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Schwartz Family Eating At the Park Avenue Cafe, August 1999

"Susan, Richard, & Gena Schwartz enjoy lunch at Park Avenue."

Park Avenue Cafe, 211 S. State St. This address is now a CVS Pharmacy.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | MLive.com

Another South State Street Business Closes

"Park Avenue Cafe on South State Street has closed its doors on Tuesday. High rents are squeezing local tenants, that cannot afford the same high rates that are being paid by national chains. (Ann Arbor News photo by Elli Gurfinkel)"

Park Avenue Cafe, 211 S. State St. This address is now a CVS Pharmacy.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Jessica Webster | jessicawebster@mlive.com

Everett's Drive-In - Exterior, March 1958

"Everett's Drive-In of 2280 W. Stadium Blvd. Exterior grounds at the drive-in were completed this past week. The drive-in is owned by Everett Williams." This address is currently the location of a Taco Bell.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Everett's Drive-In - Kitchen, March 1958

"KITCHEN OF NEW DRIVE-IN: Eileen H. Wright (left) and Yvonne Ennett are shown preparing food in this stainless steel kitchen at the new Everett's Drive-In of 2280 W. Stadium Blvd. Exterior grounds at the drive-in were completed this past week. The drive-in is owned by Everett Williams."

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Seating With Swordfish Decor At The Cracked Crab Restaurant

Seating with swordfish decor at The Cracked Crab Restaurant, located At 112 W Washington St, May 1982. This is now the location of Cafe Zola.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Interior Of The Cracked Crab Restaurant

Interior Of The Cracked Crab Restaurant Located At 112 W Washington St, May 1982.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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The Cracked Crab Restaurant Sign, At 112 W Washington St, May 1982

The Cracked Crab, at 112 W. Washington, often comes up as a long-lost favorite restaurant for Ann Arbor residents. The location now houses another Ann Arbor favorite - Cafe Zola.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)

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Exterior Of The Cracked Crab Restaurant

Exterior Of The Cracked Crab Restaurant At 112 W Washington St, May 1982.

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T. J. James Outside Washington Street Station Restaurant, September 1994

T. J. James, a cook at the Washington Street Station restaurant, tidies up outside the East Washington Street establishment. This restaurant, the former Bimbo's, is now Arbor Brewing Company.

Courtesy of Oldnews.aadl.org (Ann Arbor District Library)