Lisa S.
Yelp
I'm finally writing a review for my favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor! Actually, it's my favorite restaurant anywhere. Yes, it's that good.
I've been eating here for a few years, but end of 2017, I moved to Ann Arbor, so I eat here at least once weekly.
The food is amazing! These guys "get it" when it comes to having vegan food that is tasty, affordable, and even on trend. They have done their homework to make delicious, healthy, and even comfort food options. As a celiac who can't eat gluten, I've never had an issue here with cross-contamination when I order gluten-free dishes/options.
Yes, it does get busy and yes, it's Ann Arbor, so you might have to search for a parking spot. Both are not hindrance for me. Nope.
One thing that I love about The Lunch Room is how amazing, kind, friendly, and fun their staff is towards customers. I always feel welcomed here and well cared for as a customer. The owners are simply beautiful souls and do a lot of great work in the world as humans and business owners.
My favorite to order is the Southwest Salad. This is the best burrito bowl in town. My second favorite is the Tempeh Rueben Salad, which includes yummy flavors and textures. You see, they understand how to balance things with crunch, spice, sweet, sour, soft, and savory in all of their dishes. I love their Hearty Chili. It's so warming on a cold, wintry day. I've enjoyed their Buffalo Salad too. Soy curls are one of the yum yum things on their menu here and they season them so wonderfully! Creative humans are responsible for these dishes, I tell ya! I also LOVE the Power Up Bowl. Some places in town try to offer healthy bowls, but the servings are so tiny. I love spending $10 on my dinner here and I don't ever leave hungry. I can't believe some would criticize that this place is "expensive." Umm, go look around at other plant-based options around town and you will see, The Lunch Room's prices are amazing!
The Lunch Room has divine baked goods. I sometimes get a gluten-free cookie or cupcake, which makes my heart happy. Not many plant-based places "get it" about how some of us vegans also are celiac. (Greenspace in Ferndale, MI is about the only other place I have eaten that gets it!). It's like we are forgotten at times, but not at The Lunch Room.
The Lunch Room is a great place to take your omnivore friends and family. I mean, it's not like anyone will die not having meat for one of their meals, hahaha! And, to be honest, I don't think you'd miss meat as an omnivore here. You can get soy curls or tofu or tempeh and well, beans!
This restaurant is a true treasure in Ann Arbor. Those who criticize that the staff isn't perfect need to do a gut check about what it must be like to be a server or professional in the food industry. These are demanding jobs on all levels. Also, I've seen some criticize that it's not "kid-friendly" or "family friendly" here. It's a small restaurant, but I've never seen anyone with kids be mistreated. I mean, it's always nice when people hire a babysitter for those of us who don't enjoy loud babies or kids. That's just manners.
I highly recommend The Lunch Room and I will be a customer for life!