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JVW Detroit St BBQ Chicken

Zingerman’s Delicatessen – Saturday Restaurant Review

Zingerman’s Deli is an Ann Arbor Classic. From their large sandwiches to deli sides to takeout, there is plenty to please everyone’s taste buds.

Zingermans Deli - Closeup of half-JW's Detroit Street BBQ Sandwich

About Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Ordering at Zingerman’s Delicatessen

If you haven’t been to Zingerman’s for a few years, you’ll find that their process has changed a bit since their remodel with additional changes during the panedmic. Instead of ordering sandwiches in the deli, you’ll head down the hall to the new ordering area. There are tablet kiosks set up for ordering. They also offer an order station outside in a little shed.

The main ordering area is a bit hard to navigate with a stroller or a wheelchair since there are a couple of stairs in the line. Since we had 4 adults, my sister used the ramp with the stroller and joined us in line. 

My preferred way to order is via the Snack Pass app before arrival. You can schedule the pickup time. We tried to taking out of town visitors to Zingerman’s in October 2022 and the wait for sandwiches was 70 minutes (on a non-football Saturday). When we returned in December the night of Midnight Madness, we made sure to order in advance. Our sandwiches were ready when we arrived.

Menu at Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Zingerman’s menu is quite extensive offering a wide variety of sandwiches. The menu is divided by meat (corned beef, chicken, pork, turkey, vegetarian, etc) with salad options and side dishes. The kids menu is posted on the wall. Kids Menu options include grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly. 

Their sandwiches are available in two sizes, normal and large. The large sandwich is the same size bread, but includes extra meat. Personally about 2/3 of a small is the right size for me. I alternate between adding a side and saving half a sandwich and eating the whole sandwich.


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Dietary Accommodations

My 7 year old niece is gluten free and a fairly picky eater. When I asked for recommendations on where to go when they were visiting, I was surprised to hear that Zingerman’s Deli was a top recommendation. She gave their gluten free bread two thumbs up.

They have several options for vegetarians. I love the Skokie Skidoo which is basically a turkey rueben – minus the turkey. My daughter has enjoyed both Leo’s Friendly Lion and Gemini Rocks the House (mozzarella, tomato, and pesto).

Zingerman's Deli - Skokie Skidoo
Photo from December 2022

The Soy Vey is the only vegan item on the menu, but the Hash Plate can be made vegan by asking for simple modifications.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen Seating

After placing your order, you’ll fill your drinks, grab chips, if you wish, and pay for your order. Then you need to find a table. They offer outdoor seating with many seats under a tent for shade (or shelter in bad weather). Since the pandemic began, they have eliminated their indoor seating on the first floor, but there is seating available on the second floor. There are stairs or an elevator to the second floor. Pre-pandemic, there was also indoor seating at Zingerman’s Next Door. I have not been in Next Door since then, so I am not sure if they still offer seating now.

Zingerman's Delicatessen - Outdoor Seating
Photo from Initial Review in 2016

They used to deliver your food to you, but now you pick your completed food up at the pay counter.

Food at Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Zingerman’s food has always been delicious. When I initially wrote the review, I had a “#85 J.V.W.’S DETROIT ST. BBQ” – a grilled sandwich with BBQ chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and coleslaw. YUM! 

JVW Detroit St BBQ Chicken
Photo from Original 2016 Review

As is her custom, my daughter skipped the kids meal. She and my husband shared a “#26 FRANK & KATHY’S HALF-ITALIAN SUB”. Since they were sharing, they opted for the large sandwich with extra meat. Our order indicated that they were sharing so the two halves were brought in separate baskets. Just to clarify, this picture is half of the half-Italian sub.

Zingerman's Delicatessen - FRANK & KATHY'S HALF-ITALIAN SUB
Photo from original 2016 review

Sandwiches include your choice of a “new” or “old” pickle. I hate pickles, so I never remember the difference. But, I love that they come wrapped separately so I can order my pickle for my husband and daughter to share without getting pickle juice all over my sandwich. We typically add chips to all of our orders. But, on our December trip I decided to try their Apple Sauce. It’s Chef Rodger’s favorite, how could I go wrong.

Zingerman's Deli - Sides - applesauce in foreground with pickle and part of a bag of chips behind it.

Overall Review of Zingerman’s Delicatessen 

Overall we really enjoyed our meal at Zingerman’s. It was a perfect location for a visit to the Hands-On Museum and for my husband to meet us from the Medical School. We actually timed it perfectly that he called me to say he was leaving his office just as I was approaching his building so I was able to pick him up. This way he only had to walk one direction in the hot weather. 

On the downside, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is not an inexpensive trip. On the plus side, from my understanding, they pay their staff a living wage and benefits without staff relying on tips. They also use quality ingredients.

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