Parlour
No trip to South-Central Michigan is complete without a stop at the Parlour in Jackson. Known across the NASCAR world as “that really good ice cream place in Michigan” the place has a huge variety of ice cream flavors served in portions that are sure to fill a belly. The Parlour has been serving it up since 1944.
And, how about the “Dare To Be Great” challenge. It’s 21 scoops of hand dipped ice cream and anyone who can complete it gets it for free and is enshrined on the “Dare To Be Great” Wall of Fame. The diner also serves sandwiches, burgers, fries and pizza.
Address: 1401 Daniel Rd., Jackson, MI 49202
Phone: (517) 783-1581
Hours: Sunday-Thursday – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday – 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
Krazy Jim’s may be the best burger joint on the NASCAR tour. This Ann Arbor favorite has been serving the college town since 1953 and has been featured on “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” on the Food Network. It’s a burger joint where the ordering procedure must be followed; similar to the famous “Soup Nazi” episode on the popular television show “Seinfeld”.
You can order a single (one burger patty), double, triple, “quad”, or “quint” for the brave. The combinations from that point are nearly endless; in fact a “math genius” actually figured that there are 2,147,483,648 different combinations. “Tailgate”, crew member for Team Rensi Racing and a guy who knows all the good places to eat on the road, suggests adding a fried egg to the top of the burger as the perfect finishing touch. If you’re not a burger fan, there are other items on the menu as well.
Address: 551 S. Division Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 663-4590
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Zingerman’s Deli and Zingerman’s Roadhouse
In 1982 Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig opened a deli in a historic Ann Arbor building offereing a small selection of specialty foods, some traditional Jewish dishes and a small sandwich menu. In the 28 years since Zingerman’s Deli has grown into an institution not only in Ann Arbor but with a world-wide mail-order food business and an amazing selection of “deli” food from across the globe. Included are a bakery, creamery, butcher shop, coffee company and much more.
In 2004 “Food and Wine” magazine named Zingerman’s “one of the
A few years back Zingerman’s Roadhouse was opened featuring “full-flavored, traditional, regional America foods in a down-to-earth restaurant atmosphere. The menu has a variety from Pit Smoked Beef Brisket, Buttermilk Fried Free Range Chicken, to Uncle Joe Burrogh’s Southern Fried While Catfish Platter; and the macaroni and cheese looks amazing. The Roadhouse also has a full bar and local entertainment.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse:
Address: 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 663-3663
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Zingerman’s Deli:
Address: 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, MI 28104
Phone: (734) 663-DELI
Hours: Daily 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Jackson Coney Island
Hot dogs are an interesting food and how they are dressed is even more interesting. The “Coney Island” hot dog is a tradition in Michigan and in New York the same hot dog is served “Michigan” style. What is the same is that both are served with onions and a meat (or meatless) chili sauce called “coney” sauce. While it doesn’t make much sense, the result is a tasty wiener.
Jackson Coney Island, first opened in 1914, is certainly a little rough to look at, but the service is quick and the hot dogs (Coney Style) are fantastic. Other “diner style” food is available as well.
Address: 615 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 29201
Phone: (517) 784-5622