Earthen Jar
311 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Earthen Jar Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
311 S 5th Ave
Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 - Phone (734) 327-9464
- Website https://www.earthenjar.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jared P.
Yup, this place pretty much rocks. Good, cheap food in a pleasantly casual environment. The cleanliness leaves something to be desired, but you can't have it all and this place come closer than anywhere else I've been to in AA.
(5)Amy W.
I like Indian food, but i LOVE the earthen jar, the food is consistently good, and everything I try I enjoy. be sure to try the stuffed potato fired dumpling, and the yellow cauliflower dish.
(5)Theresa F.
Highest rating for food quality and satisfaction. The Earthen Jar is a friendly, hole-in-the-wall buffet restaurant that offers yummy, nourishing food quickly and painlessly. Better than its neighbor, Jerusalem Garden, their lentils are actually flavorful rather than flat and their naan bread is warm, soft, and oh-so-just outta the oven. And for someone who isn't prone to chowing down on large lunch meals, the weighing-in on what you get + a little extra for naan bread brings me to around $4. Fan-freakin'-tastic.
(5)M.C. H.
I haven't lived in Ann Arbor for over three years, but this is the restaurant that I miss the MOST. First of all, the concept of paying for your food by weight? Awesome. Second, I'm not consistenly vegetarian mainly out of ignorance of hearty vegetarian meals, but their all-vegetarian (vegan?) fare always filled me up. I had multiple favorites at this place, but unfortunately, because they did not label their dishes (until the very last few months I lived in Ann Arbor -- not long enough for me to commit to memory), I never knew what my favorite dishes were called! The broccoli-mushroom thing smothered in creamy yellow goo. The potatoes+peas dish. That red chickpea dish. The giant potato balls, of which I'd sometimes order six at a time, eat two on the spot, then take the rest home to microwave for a savory late night snack. The lemony cold green salad thing. The banana dessert. My stomach and plate were never large enough, so I just had to return to eat at Earthen Jar as often as I could. I hope Earthen Jar stays in business forever and their recipes don't change so I can go back and feast when I get another chance to visit.
(5)KE M.
Not only a vegetarian paradise - vegan paradise too. I love this place. The food is delicious, I love being able to sample so many different things, and the owners have such a nice kindly vibe. I do agree with those who say the "hot" isn't quite hot enough. They label some dishes as "spicy" that are really not that hot. I wish they would add a "really spicy" category for a few things and kick it up a little. But overall, I love it.
(5)Sarah R.
This place is SO good! I don't get tired of eating here. I've gotten used to the spicy dishes and they've become my favourites. I leave feeling healthy and happy.
(5)Thomas K.
i wish they had meat - they don't, not any at all - but this is good Indian food and it takes no time at all.
(4)Margot F.
Earthen Jar gets raves all over town, and I can see the appeal. A cheap, quick, varied mostly-vegan mostly-South Asian food bar where you pay for your nosh by the pound. Seating inside is limited, and the patio is adorable but rarely very crowded, likely because most people drop in to fill up a to-go container and then get back to their jobs or classes or homes with a quantity of healthy, nourishing, reasonably tasty food custom-designed to fit the size of their hunger. A plate that will satisfy me after hours of forgetting to eat costs between $5-$6, with a few extra quarters for a piece of naan or a samosa, which they wisely make as needed rather than letting them get stale in the buffet. Mango lassis live in the cooler behind the few tables, and they get bonus points from me for offering soy lassis (but also carrying formerly-of-cow-udder yogurt for "normal" lassis and the raita). The cashier is a very kind man in a turban who seems geniunely invested in making people comfortable, happy, and well fed. But I can't in good conscience give more than three stars for such mediocre food. The dishes labeled "spicy--hot" have a mild kick. The ones labeled "not spicy" lack are apparently not seasoned at all. A whole plate of food doesn't even make me thirst. The black-eyed peas with fresh tomato is objectionably bland, the muttar aloo that substitutes potato for the more traditional paneer is unable to compensate for the lack of cream and cheese, the "spicy" chick peas aren't, and the spinach and tofu tastes like those are the only two ingredients--an indavisable culinary choice. I'll probably go back, and when I do, I'll take far less of anything that looks like it's just drowning in tomato sauce, because it is, none of the dishes labeled "not spicy," and a lot more of the dal. This begs the question of when I'll be in the mood to pay the cost/lb just for lentils, but it's nice alternative to delis and greasy spoons for cheap quick eats downtown.
(3)Matthew S.
If Earthen Jar were to go "all-you-can-eat" for just a single day, I would fly back to Ann Arbor from New York for that day, no matter what the cost.
(5)Joshua B.
I can honestly say I am not a very picky eater. So, being adventurous, I thought I'd try this place out with my girlfriend. For the first time ever, in all my restaurant eating career, I left my plate almost completely uneaten and walked out of the restaurant. It just tasted horrible. Plain and simple. Horrible. Maybe it's just that vegan food is horrible, but I had to go to Kerrytown and pick up a whole other meal because it was so awful. Yuck. Plus the guy at the desk was creepy.
(1)Michael L.
pay by the pound, yes, that was $4/lb in my day, i'd imagine it's still close. it's like eating in someone's kitchen. cool family environment. grab a mango lassi and some naan and forget about the war. it's that easy.
(5)Douglas M.
My favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor- I wish that this place would open up another restaurant in California. 100% Vegetarian but also a must try restaurant for anyone interested in Indian or just great food. I love everything on the buffet table, but especially the daal, and cauliflower with ginger. For dessert try a ladoo or the banana pudding.
(5)Sarah O.
Oh Earthen Jar, how I do miss you. The food was the reason I fell in love with Indian food 7 years ago. After trying Raja Rani I swore I never would touch it again. I'm so glad someone talked me into trying earthen jar first. The food is consistent. They have gluten free options. Some vegetarian some vegan. Friendly people. Cute atmosphere. Love
(5)James L.
SETTING: Tucked away along the street. Step inside and you are greeted with earthy tones and some Bob Marley in the mix. So chill that even an eskimo wouldn't be able to handle. Not for big crowds. More like a quiet getaway for yourself or with a friend or two. FOOD: There are carts for cold foods and hot foods. Do a hot lap before loading up. Unfortunately, I could not really appreciate the natural tastes because they were overpowered by the generous amount of salt and spiciness. This made most of the foods taste pretty similar, with the salt and spiciness masking the distinct tastes I wished I could experience. However, the cold foods tasted better (definitely had less salt), and the banana pudding was delicious! SERVICE: Extremely friendly people. Self serve for water. Fill up your plate or take-out box and take it to the weigh station to pay. IMPRESSION: Oh man, I was in my element! Air Conditioning: on, relax mode: on, Indian food craving: SUPER ON! I really wanted to like this place! I enjoy places that are quiet and relaxed, and Earthen Jar has that ambiance. It's really too bad the food didn't impress, otherwise this place would have been a go-to for me.
(2)Halley K.
It's amazing how Michigan can get certain cuisines (*ahem* Chinese *cough*) so, SO wrong, but get Indian sooooooooooo right! It's incredibly difficult to find vegan naan (at least in Los Angeles), and this place has it! Most of the items in the buffet bar are vegan, and everything's labeled clearly. I felt like I got a LOT of food and was very VERY full for less than $12 (lower than the price of most Indian buffets I've been to) - that's including getting a samosa and a naan on the side! If I'm going to be picky, I would skip the samosa next time, as I like mine crispy, and this one was soft. I would also choose to pile on less of the spicy foods, because they were pretty spicy!
(5)Janelle O.
My friend and I decided to try this place out after reading some reviews, and YUM we were not disappointed. Earthen Jar is in this house type of structure. You enter the building and then go through the door on the left. You grab a takeout box or tray from the front and put as much as you want on your plate (be careful though $6.99/lb) Once you get your food, you take it to the back to get weighed and then pay. Let me just say, the paneer was on point. Spicy and delicious, and amazing with some rice. Drooling just thinking about it. I saw the highly recommended banana pudding and forgot to grab some, and I'm kicking myself for doing so!! After eating, I felt full but energized. Not that "oh shit, I ate way too much and can't move" The man working was extremely friendly! I believe the staff is a large part of why people like this place so much. He explained how everything worked and was very helpful. Only losing a star for me because the price can rack up very quickly, and I think the per lb price should be lower. Otherwise, great place and I will be visiting again soon!
(4)Steve N.
I cannot say enough good things about the food, i was apprehensive bc typical Indian buffet makes german food seem spicy, but these folks go way beyond what most menus offer. Well spiced and balanced flavor. My only down side is the by the pound, most indian dishes are very heavy, but after tasting, it couldnt be AUCE bc they would go out of business (why you here 4 hour!). Decor is a tad bohemian, i can deal with it. Like i told the woman (owner?) at the register, have never had better and if they were in toledo i would be there 3x a week. Highly recommend for novice to foodie
(5)Amit G.
This is an Indian buffet place but it's one of the best tasting Indian places in Metro Detroit and probably one of the best in michigan. A huge choice of food & great low prices, no compromise on quality or taste. Much better option than going to Shalimar. A tiny place but you will love it nevertheless.
(5)Chris D.
Awesome vegetarian food! I am a carnivore and I even loved this place. This is by far the most flavorful Indian food that I've had, and get the fresh Nan if you stop by!
(5)Louise S.
Our lunch place in Ann Arbor. Everything is tasty and healthy. Mango lassi is a must to have! The only suggestion is that hope the hot food is warmer.
(5)Chiranth S.
I unfortunately took my friend here, while he was on a visit to my place. It was a bad experience. The place looked rundown, we should have known better looking at that place. Food was vegan alright, but, it was stale, and it did not taste good at all. I understand, it's a hard task to get the same taste as paneer with tofu, but I have had much better vegan Indian food than this. The awful part was the price, it was by weight and it was very very expensive. Please avoid if you want good quality vegan food at reasonable price.
(1)Mark M.
What a Find! Wound up here totally by accident looking for another local restaurant, when we saw the sign and the word Vegetarian we decided to check it out. HOMERUN! The food was delicious and fresh and a good variety to choose from. I am fairly new to being Vegan and so glad to find another option to dine out. The fare reminded of a Himalayan restaurant I recently visited in Colorado. Unfortunately I can't name all the items on the buffet but can tell you that every one I tried was awesome!
(4)Amie L.
I love this place! It is becoming my Wednesday tradition...they even catered my wedding! Seriously, love the ambiance , and the food is the best vegirarian food I've eaten, also my favorite Indian food! If you're in Ann Arbor, you should go here!
(5)Jennifer X.
I adore Earthen Jar's food, aesthetic, music, service and general ambience. But I remember when food here was $4.99 a pound and I used to lug delicious cartons of vegan curry back to my apartment for under $10. Now it's $6.99/lb and somehow my small plate of food isn't cutting it anymore. This is my favorite Indian place in Ann Arbor but unfortunately I can't eat here too much because the price just keeps on going up.
(3)Dan V.
Earthen Jar is a real cute vegetarian restaurant, in the sense that it is unique. It is setup in buffet style. There is a hot bar with lots of delicious Indian dishes (e.g., masala, paneer,......), cold bar (salads,.....), and dessert bar. They also save lassi's, which are delicious, and lots of other vegetarian offerings. There are 3 things one must mention in reviewing Earthen Jar: the seating area is very small so if you get there when it is crowded you could be out of luck; you have to weigh your food which I always find kind of not-so-great (though lots of other places do the same thing so we are kinda' used to it by now), and the place is definitely family run (which is a nice touch) by an Indian family. Overall, this is a unique place for people to try vegetarian and vegan food. And the food is usually of high quality.
(5)Shruthi R.
Good food, just not what I was expecting. Its not Indian food. Its more like "indian-inspired" food. Healthy choice for sure, but does not satisfy the Indian taste buds. Some of the side dishes like mutter Panneer, baingan and zucchini masala were awesome. The breads were okay, I dint like the roti or the naan. It is also a bit on the expensive side if you have a good appetite!!
(3)lisa N.
The only real hippie place left in Ann Arbor. I always have to go here alone because no one in my family will go. They have banana pudding in the buffet, which I always get, and the food is very simple, like the kind you might make from a madhur Jaffrey cookbook. Not cheap but fine.
(4)Jason C.
I came here for their lunch buffet, as I was really excited to have some good vegetarian food. Although the food seemed fresh, it wasn't very flavorful. I felt like it lacked enough spice and perhaps some salt. I was especially disappointed by the broccoli and mushroom dishes that looked super creamy but were kind of bland.
(2)Lia S.
After hearing rave reviews about earthen jar, I finally checked it out last week. It was as good as they say! They had both a hot and cold food bar, but I decided to go more for the hot bar. My favorite dish was the yellow lentil one, but they were all delicious. The levels of spice were clearly marked, which was a nice touch. I definitely recommend earthen jar for a relaxed dinner vibe! Go for the mango lasse because you know you can't not!
(5)Sarah P.
Cannot get over how delicious and reasonably priced this place is. I don't even know what to recommend because every single thing I've tried has impressed me. I have tried and definitely love the okra, eggplant, spicy tofu, string beans, abs potato and peas dishes.
(5)Charles P.
Great family, great food. Started frequenting this spot after doing research for a class project on vegetarian restaurants. The Seva's people were rather brusque, but the owner of Earthen Jar chatted with us for an entire hour. I doubt he remembers me anymore, but they still smile and greet you as you walk in because they are just friendly people. Walk up the steps to the house, go through the first door on your left right in the entrance way, and grab a plate (they have reusable tableware in the back), then have at the buffet. It's a simple weigh and pay system for only $6.99. The two units in the main room have cold dishes, and in the next room they have the hot dishes and desserts in a fridge (except the banana pudding, which is back with the cold items). They have some amazing dishes, though I can't recall the names. I tried an eggplant and potato dish that really surprised me (I am not the biggest fan of eggplant). I always go for some lentils and spicy chickpeas too, but it is nearly impossible not to fill your plate with their fantastic banana pudding.
(4)Beck E.
Tasty! I came here for the lunch buffet and was surprised to find that the dining area wasn't crowded at noon. I tried a little bit of most of the items, which in retrospect wasn't that wise, since I wasn't that hungry... and I'm sure it's easy to overfill your plate and rack up the price of your lunch... Nice flavors--I liked all things paneer and one of the chickpea dishes. The lady working the register was very friendly too. Hope to be back in the future, although probably for take out.
(4)Patti S.
I can't believe I just ate here for the first time about two weeks ago! I've walked by it a ton of times, and finally went in before I went to an event at the library (which is right next door). I had absolutely no idea what to do when I went in. The owner was very nice to me, despite me being an idiot and just sort of standing there. I have no idea what any of my dishes were called (except the banana pudding, which was very tasty), but they were all good. I loved the vibe of the place--it's like being in someone's house, with funky music, and little spiritual messages all over the place. Very comfortable and cozy. Will definitely go back!
(4)Patrick T.
Education: Just a note on definitions. I'd always thought that buffet meant all you can eat, but it does not. Buffet is the idea of food laid out and you serve yourself. In this sense, a cafeteria can be considered a buffet. So this is an Indian buffet, but it is NOT all you can eat. The buffet is set up right when you walk in. The first island of food trays is cold food. There's another one perpendicular to it, making a corner, and then as you walk toward the register, there's a whole 'nother island (which is easy to miss on your trek over the first time). So with that in mind, here's the deal. You put food on your plate buffet style, then bring it up to the front where they weight it and charge you $5.99/lb. I struggle with this, because at other nearby Indian places, you can get all you can eat for maybe $9 or less. My filled plate cost me $10. However, they serve really good, high quality vegetarian Indian food. Don't get me wrong -- I am a meat eater through and through -- but here, I didn't miss it; that's how good the food is. I suppose that you would get a better deal at an AYCE Indian place, but at the price of your health, which is worth more anyway! Weighing your plate forces some self-discipline, so you don't eat excessively (or if you do, your wallet will get lighter as you get fuller). They play chill reggae music so you can get your Bob Marley on while you eat. Bus your own dishes -- the trash and sink are in the back, near the restroom. All in all, I really like this little place. Relatively healthy, fast, delicious, and inexpensive if you consider the quality of the food.
(5)Robby G.
This is one of my favorite Ann Arbor spots for a few reasons: 1) family run and operated 2) a particular music choice that hasn't changed in the ten years I've been coming here: bob Marley/ reggae. 3) the tables have spiritual poetry from many world religions and philosophers. I get the impression that the owners see food as medicine. (This is backed up by the fact that they are now selling Ayurvedic herbs and spices). 4) the food is consistent and really tasty. Many dishes are quite spicy- watch out - but all are delicious. 5) vegetarian. Another indicator of a likely spiritual approach to food and compassion for fellow living beings. I always feel more grounded after I finish a meal from Earthen Jar.
(5)N P.
Back again, and I still wonder about the pricing (which can vary so much among a small group who seem to have the same food on their plates), but the food is so good! You can tell that each of the dozens of items is made with thought and quality ingredients. If this place was a standard buffet I'd probably be going for thirds and fourths but the weight based part makes that too expensive. Pay what you need, but try the food because it is delicious (all of it)!
(5)J A.
I have lived in Ann Arbor all my life and I remember visiting this fine place while I was in high school downtown. The food has always been very healthy, satisfying and priced at a steal compared to other similar foods. The interior is welcoming and you can easily come by and have lunch in less time than it takes to go to any comparable sit down restaurant, all while having higher quality than fast food. I would recommend giving it a try if you were looking for lunch.
(4)Kevin W.
Great vegetarian options. The broccoli shahi korma sabzi and the zucchini were my favorite dishes. PRO TIP: head to the back room for reusable dishes and silverware instead of using paper plates and plastic ware.
(5)Dhananjay V.
From the moment you see the restaurant, you can tell it's not your average Indian buffet. For some, I'm sure the Bob Marley, holistic medicine and styrofoam plates lend a sense of charm but I'd prefer a little more room so that I don't hit the woman behind me each time I have to get out of my seat. At the end of the day, I go to Indian restaurants for the food. When I go to an Indian buffet, I don't expect home cooking so when I saw that they had bindi sabzi (okra) and kichiri (rice and lentil mixture), two dishes I always ate as a child, I got way too excited and put way too much on my plate. Unfortunately it certainly didn't live up to expectations. The food was incredibly bland and poorly prepared. The bindi was actually sour which I didn't even know was possible. The rotis (flatbread) were probably the worst I've ever had, lukewarm and dense and made hours ago if the taste is anything to go by. If the poor quality wasn't enough, the ridiculous prices only added insult to injury. I ended up paying $15 (5.99/lb) for a plate of food and a few rotis. If you want a real taste of Indian food hit up Madras Masala or Hut-K Chaats.
(2)Hannah S.
Overall, delicious, affordable, a wonderful eat. Actually getting inside is a bit confusing. To start off, my boyfriend and I have just moved here from California, so we're not familiar with businesses in fancy old houses. So we walk in, and no was in there, but there was a whole lot of food (no signage that I could remember). I walked to the back where I said "hello?", (I heard a couple people talking in the back) and then there was a lady to help us. Basically you grab a plate, take as much food as you've like, then they weigh it and price it. I took a whole lot of food, which I think turned to be $12ish dollars, but it was wayyy more than I needed, so this place is very affordable. It's vegan, so don't expect anything meat! I'm a omnivore myself, but still, this place was very tasty! The naan bread isn't all that special, but it sops up the delicious curries and flavors, so it's yummy.
(4)Martin S.
Awesome food and cool owner. All vegetarian and you pay by the pound. There is a wide variety and some are better than others depending on what you like so I suggest trying a little of everything and then coming back for seconds if it is your first time there.
(4)Nikhil I.
Solid homemade vegetarian Indian food at a good price: $5.99/pound. For how small the restaurant is, the variety of dishes was really impressive. I liked the cozy, quiet, home-like atmosphere too. My only complaint was that none of the food is spicy - it seems like they've kept all the food mild to appeal to a wider audience. Not a real problem, as everything I had was still quite tasty, but I would have enjoyed it if some of the dishes were a bit spicier.
(4)John H.
Found this place entirely by accident. It's around the corner from Seva, where we were headed but it was closed because Seva is moving. So, on the way back to the parking deck we were freezing and here it was, and in we went. A little tiny restaurant with a tiny little 25-item buffet where you pay by weight (the loaded plate's weight, not yours). They have a good selection of desserts and drinks in the cold box, though - carrot cake, pumpkin pie, mango lassi (regular and soy) and a variety of other things. There are just a few tables, but it feels like a little family business, which it is. It was quiet, just a little Bob Marley ? playing in the background. (Yeah, I don't get it, either.) At first glance it looks kind of funky and dingy, the decor well-worn, the paper plates are made from recycled paper and cutlery is plastic, but the food is a great value! Zero complaints about the flavor, it was all well prepared - and the degree of spiciness clearly indicated on the label for those who prefer blander flavors. If I was a U of M student, I'd eat here a LOT! Well done, Earthen Jar.
(4)Justy R.
Amazing, authentic, delicious vegetarian Indian food. I was surprised to find out the buffet is priced by the weight of your food. I had to get two plates to try everything I wanted. Which then sort of discouraged me from going back for more of something I really liked since you have to weigh and pay for it again? Totally worth it though. Tiny place, so be aware during busy "normal" eating times.
(4)Jason M.
This is the best kosher option in Ann Arbor. Kosher Indian buffet that is vegetarian and most gluten free. Take a plate and then weigh it for the price. Has more of a Rastafarian/Bob Marley feel than an Indian buffet, which is fun. Buffet is open for lunch and dinner. Certified kosher by Kosher Michigan.
(5)Melissah L.
Earthen Jar is another one of those hidden Ann Arbor gems. The outside is small and unassuming... and so is the inside. There are only 7 or 8 tables total, but this is no matter because the food is great! I ended up eating here alone after my lunch plans fell through, but the man at the cash register was really friendly and helpful, so I had a great time trying everything. This is not an all-you-can-eat buffet... you pay for food by the pound. I believe it costs $5.99/lb. Not bad at all (I also found that because I had to pay for the food by weight... I did not completely stuff myself as I would have at Raja Rani or any other buffet)! There are labels above each container that tells you the name, if the food is vegan or vegetarian and how spicy it is! Perfect for the lactose intolerant, spice-fearing lady that I am. For veggies and meat-eaters alike, try Earthen Jar! The food is high quality and there is plenty of plant-based protein to fill you up :). You won't regret it!
(4)Rachel S.
This is my favorite restaurant! Love it, so delicious. I could go into detail about the food, but other reviewers have already done that justice and you should see for yourself. I should note how great the many vegetarian protein options are, especially now that i'm expecting. :) The atmosphere is comfortable. My friends and I have been coming here since undergrad, over 10 years ago! College friends who have moved away to both coasts want to go to Earthen Jar when they visit. They say that even in their adopted cities, there is nothing like it. I felt the same way when I lived away from A2. This is an independent business that contributes to A2's uniqueness. I'm thankful this place survived the construction that closed the road out front for way too long. I don't eat out often these days, but when I do I want EJ! ^_^
(5)Gaurav P.
My favorite place for Indian food. I would definitely recommend trying all the dishes. Specially the banana pudding.
(5)Ms.Brie C.
Earthen Jar is like a good friend you can always depend on. E.J. offers a variety of vegetarian Indian food, appropriately labeled by spice level (thank you!). The food is tasty and rarely leaves one feeling overindulged (as happens at Taste of Suvai when you eat too much at the buffet). Though you have to pay by weight the price is reasonable and it's probably actually better to pay for what you're really going to eat, rather than forcing yourself to return to the table at an all you can eat buffet. I always feel healthy when I eat at E.J. and I enjoy the vegetarian options. Tip: If it's nice out, grab a to-go container and head over to Liberty Square (park) just down the street. Picnic in A2!
(4)Wenbo Y.
Price was good, food was okay. Considering the fact that Earthen Jar serves vegan food, the flavoring was very adequate. The only setback was that the entrees seemed overwhelmingly dry to me.
(4)Jessica R.
Let me qualify my two stars by saying that I've been to Earthen Jar several times, and I wouldn't be surprised if I go back. What's the story then? While every time I eat there I think, "Meh," there's always something appealing about a by-the-pound food bar, especially with ethnic food. So where is this "meh" coming from? Blandness. Nothing is overly spicy, overly sweet, overly tangy... it's all just middle of the road. I want my mouth to be on fire! I want a cooling yogurt sauce to tame that fire! I want something deep and savory! I want crunch and crisp and texture! I get none of this from Earthen Jar. It's also just a big, mild mush. I DO get a big tab. I always hold back when choosing food, nonetheless, I end up paying around $15. That's a $15 lunch that leaves me going "meh." Again, though, ethnic by-the-pound... hard to pass that up.
(2)Andrea E.
This is my favorite restaurant of all time! I went here years ago during art fair, and quickly fell in love with it. It's a very small place, but it's cute inside. I really like that you're welcome to bring your own plates so you don't have to go with the paper plates they offer. The food is always fantastic - I love everything there, and they always seem to have my favorite dishes. Their samosas are wonderful, but they no longer put them out in the regular buffet - you have to order one separately. I have yet to try the vegan desserts. They always look delicious, though maybe a little over-priced. Every time I'm in Ann Arbor I try to convince everyone to go here, and people are always glad they ate here.
(5)Sumana P.
Hidden gem. I'm an Indian and this is the only Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor that I like going to. It's definitely dingy but I find that fact even more endearing. I take my non-Indian friends here to try Indian food for the first time (though it contains mostly just Punjabi cuisine) and they always love it! One of my friends also said she would love to bring homework here to do because of the cozy ambiance. Their allergen labels and allergen-free desserts are great because I can't have dairy or gluten.
(5)Alan S.
It is rare that I walk in to a well-reviewed place, excited to try some things, and promptly walk out empty handed. Maybe I came at the wrong time. On the wrong day. What is that smell? No, it is not a food odor, but an oddly pungent foul smell that says run the other way! Okay, let's look at the buffet... looks like I could have fun here, tasting lots of delicious things, if it didn't appear to be sitting for so long. The dishes were getting what I call the "crusties" around the edges. NOT appealing. In fact, there was nothing appealing during my visit. Maybe I'll try again, but after this recent visit, I really don't know what all the fuss is about.
(1)Dave Y.
For some reason, this place looks like it'd be expensive on the outside while it's actually quite reasonably priced. It's a pay-by-the-pound buffet, $5.99 a pound. Price aside, the food is AMAZING! Everything is vegetarian, some are vegan, and a fair amount of the ingredients are made from scratch right on the premises. Selection is quite large, with three buffet stations. Everything tastes AWESOME, it's really easy to load up on your plate and get super stuffed. This is for sure one of the best places for Indian food in town. It's also an excellent place for take-out or super quite lunch.
(5)Ana R.
The food is sold by the pound. You can choose from various dishes. The food is a bit of a disappointment because most of the items taste way to salty or tangy which is no where near authentic Indian cuisine. Also cold curry shouldnt be served. It's very non traditional. Their customer service skills are great. I love their spirit and idea of selling food by the pound which is unique. Im looking forward to more improvement. :)
(1)Lindsey S.
eee!!! i was so excited to finally try and must the courage to eat indian food !! Earthen Jar was the bomb!!! 1. im really into spicy food- just about every dish is spicy, and 2.it makes me feel better about eating a vegetarian/vegan meal - *** healthyy *** theres 3 buffet sections set up right when you walk in - you pick up a plate , or there is carry out containers - $5.99 or something like that per lb - being a beginner to indian food this was cool! cuz i got to try a lil bit of everything. my colorful plate can be found via photo from Anne A. - we went together :D theres an open seating, really social community eating - on each table theres little inspirational poems and messages, we read them outloud to eachother. for drinks - they have some pop cans and than water from a big jug where you drink from a lil silver can cup - i was into this for some reason. NO STENCH - you dont smell when you leave !! best part. I wish it was all you can eat - i wanted refills on some dishes i liked, but than again thats why it was an experiment tasting and il go back forsure!! now i know what i like and dont like - makes me wanna go out and try other indian spots !! love this one. the guy is super friendly, the restaurant feels like ur in the back of his home, or he lives upstairs - dont kno if he does or doesnt ahha but feels like it.
(4)Josh C.
I can't tell you how many people I've turned onto Indian cuisine thanks to this place. Haven't been in a bit, but me and some mates used to pop out to Ann Arbor for Earthen Jar pretty regularly back in the undergraduate years. It's fantastic. The cool atmosphere punctuated by Bob Marley, the self-serve and clean-up nature of the operation being soothing in a (embellishment time) spiritual ritual sort of way. I don't know, it's a very pleasant joint. Buffets are clearly labeled, indicated what dishes are, whether they are vegan or not, how spicy or not spicy. Get yourself a plate, try to pick and choose what delicious NOMs you're going to be able to fit, then take it to the register. There's a scale there, which brings up the price of your meal, and you pay. Go take a seat, have at it. There's a water dispenser for free, also. Everything is good. The eggplant, the greens, tofu and spinach, curried potatoes, okra, lentils and chickpeas - all just to die for. Not literally, of course, or there'd be no more Earthen Jar visits. Anyway, it's great. Come, try it. Whether you're an herbivore or omnivore, this place is delicious, casual, and cheap enough to accommodate you.
(5)Liz W.
I liked the Earthen Jar experience. It's an odd little reggae, crunchy, sorta Indian (mostly from the curry smell) trippy type place. It kind of feels like a place where if you are high you will be in love with it. People are friendly in a laid back way. Very green too with the wash your own dishes deal. The wobbly tables and lack of parking can be annoying but I can deal. I am not a fan of pay by weight eating as buffets can be so hit and miss. I like my veggies and I am a fan of curry so the food works for me at any rate. It is not all healthy here which surprised me a bit, there is some grease and oil about. I agree with some others as well that the mild items are pretty darn bland and therefore for me not at all enjoyable. Some things though are really quite nice. Spicy cauliflower, lentils, chickpeas, spiced and fried potato dumplings oh and that banana pudding. Definitely go spicy if you are debating between items. I like that you can be in and out on your own pace and that people here are quick with suggestions for newbies. It was about a 3.5 really.
(3)Bryan P.
Okay haters, listen up. This place does not advertise itself as a 5 star restaurant. It does not hand craft your entree to your specifications for your immediate consumption. It produces very good food in large quantities for people to browse and choose from as they like. In light of this business model, they succeed completely. I have been going to this restaurant for 7 years and have never been disappointed in a meal. Sometimes it is possible to tell that the food has been out a little longer than the last time I came. Is it still delicious? Why yes, it is. If I wanted something that was made moments before it arrived at my face, I would not go to a place that only serves food via buffet. Furthermore, the family that runs this restaurant, unlike the staff at so many other establishments in Ann Arbor, are real, down to earth people who are always willing to return a warm smile and thank you. You will not be confronted and affronted by snobbery and utter lack of appreciation for your custom as you will at too many other Ann Arbor restaurants to count. P.S. Buy a ladoo for dessert. Delicious.
(5)Rebecca H.
Fantastic vegetarian indian food. Very nice owner.
(5)Sam G.
Okee doke, people. There are a lot of things to love about the Earthen Jar but a five or four star it does not make! I've got to be the naysayer. I understand why people are five-starring this place all the way - this place likes you and you like it back. You feel like you're eating in someone's home. It's super casual, quick, and effortless, and you can comfortably eat alone, with a loved one, or with acquaintances. It's easy to become a regular. But the food honestly isn't very good and is overpriced for what it is. Most of the options are very heavy with oils and fats and not very flavorful. Sometimes the food sits for a while and the options become an indistinguishable mush. My stomach always protests after I eat. Everything starts to taste the same. If you do go, their soy mango lassi are out of this world amazing - though you pay a hefty price for them (almost five bucks, if memory serves). For the tree-hugger in you, you can use their dine-in plates and silverware instead of disposable. After you're done, you just go to the very very back, give the dishes a quick rinse, and leave them in the sink. I guess if I consider this a vegetarian fast-food joint instead of a vegetarian/vegan restaurant, I would be more lenient. But for now, my three-star intervention stands! (If it's 'real' vegetarian/vegan Indian food you want, head to Madras Masala. Their selection is crazy and the flavor/quality is better - though the atmosphere isn't as quirky and wonderful.)
(3)Alexandra F.
I drive through Ann Arbor on my way from D.C. to East Lansing and I always stop here. Not only is the food consistently amazing, but the owner and various relatives that work there are SO NICE!!! If the food was mediocre I would still go just to say hi to Push and his wife, but the food is far from mediocre. Vegetarian heaven. And my five year-old daughter will eat a plate full of their spinach. I'm not sure what they do to it, but she loves it!
(5)Jason G.
Not your typical Indian buffet! Great vegetarian & vegan selection. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Kayla K.
The ideal restaurant. Pay by weight? Genius. Delicious food, Healthy too. Love washing my own dishes, family atmosphere. Beautiful place. Heaven on Earth.
(5)Rachel N.
A little skeptical at first, it amazingly only took me one single visit to change my perception about this place altogether. This place is nothing like the other Indian restaurants elsewhere in this city serving all sorts of a-la-carte or all-you-can-eat, it is a great setting with its very own style. Small it may be with just 6-7 tables for those dining in, the turnover is however generally fast enough that getting a seat hardly is a problem. Served in a buffet style with a long line of food selection, you choose what whets your palate, in the amount best fits your appetite, have it weighed on the scale and paid, and you are good to go and dig in. I personally find it reasonably priced at $5.99/lb. Each dish is well labeled, complete with the level of spiciness. Another plus would be the dishes being served in relatively smaller portions as compared to other Indian restaurant joints nearby, so foods here are topped up regularly, ensuring an all-time good quantity and great quality food. A place I came to love so easily, a stop I got the chance to sample so many different Indian dishes I may or may not have tried them elsewhere otherwise. A final note - they are all vegetarian. But there is no way this is stopping me from going back again the next time I am in town with a craving for Indian food kicking in.
(4)Sara G.
Sometimes this gal's just gotta have veggies. No meat, just veggies. Whenever the craving hits, I head down the path to Earthen Jar. It's a rather humble Ann Arbor institution right next door to Jerusalem Garden, and often not nearly as crowded. True, not everything on the buffet is spectacular, but they have plenty of options to choose from! I can always find at least five favorites to keep my palate (and phyto-deprived tummy) happy. Things can get a bit expensive, especially if you're very hungry and load up your plate with heavy stuff like the spicy potatoes (*ahem*guilty*ahem*), but unlike the other more inexpensive Indian joints around town, EJ offers a LOT of vegan and veg options. If you budget well, you can still probably have two meals for under $10. Their lassis are a different story. Yes they are sweet, creamy and refreshing, but waaaay overpriced. Much more than the grub. Still, it is a nice indulgence every so often.
(4)Peter T.
I love this place. If the world were burning, and I had to save one restaurant without a liquor license, this would be it. I don't know what Sikhs have to do with reggae. I don't know why there has to be spam from God underneath the table glass. I don't know why a couple of the reviewers below went out to a restaurant to eat steamed rice by the pound. Do this: grab a plate, put a little bit of brown rice on it, put some baingan bharta thereon, some zucchini, maybe some okra, maybe some scrambled tofu, some of the tangy red beans, some of the garlicky black-eyed beans, some of the spicy chickpeas, some variety of lentils, etc., until your plate is full. If you partake, grab a coke. Pay, eat, and go back to work. You're welcome, Pete
(5)Traven P.
This place is WONDERFUL! I love The homemade Indian delights & they have the best mango lassi in town!
(5)Majid A.
The Chana Masala and Banana pudding are a must eat there. I could fill up my plate with 3 pounds of the pudding on an empty stomach. Throw in some Bob Marley in the background and you've got yourself a meal. I make sure to make earthen Jar a frequent lunch stop when I'm doing jobs in the area.
(5)Gwen J.
Delicious food, wonderful selection, great prices. The atmosphere is very laid back. Its a fun way to sample many items.
(5)Ann Arbor R.
The food is good, but way overpriced! Go elsewhere.
(2)Marissa K.
The food is awesome - get the saag dal (spinach and lentils) and dip the pakora (fried veggie fritter) in it. It also helps cut the spice of everything else on your plate. Earthen Jar allows you to have an array of delicious vegetarian indian dishes with no penalty for just wanting a bit of each! The family who owns/operates it are super cool people, so you should go just to be friends with them. The lassis are a fun treat, and the place is incredibly vegan friendly. Always my first choice for lunch or dinner in Ann Arbor! Go!
(5)Laura S.
Good prices for a vegan restaurant--the buffet was $5.99/lb. Most of the food was tasty though not very spicy, but I think the chana masala tasted like spaghetti-o's. The owner (?) was kind and helpful to me. The restaurant was very quiet when I came in around noon on a Sunday, which I was glad to see. If I am in the Ann Arbor area again I'll keep this place in mind.
(3)A O.
Earthen Jar, why didn't I discover you during my first six years in Ann Arbor? I have been making up for lost time with two or three lunches a week here. Very tasty, affordable, and quick.
(4)Stephen B.
Short and sweet -- there isn't a better deal for vegan food anywhere near Ann Arbor. Other restaurants nearby offer some vegan options among meat or vegetarian choices, but nothing will approach the deal you can get at Earthen Jar's buffet. I spend most of my year in NYC's East Village, surrounded by a plethora of amazing vegan restaurants, and Earthen Jar would still be my choice for a last meal. The owners and operators are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is delicious. Do yourself a favor and load up a plate from the back. I recommend anything with a "very spicy" rating.
(5)Andy L.
Real simple. If a place truly is good, you only need to visit once to figure it out. (Places that don't always hit well, I'm willing to give a second chance but it'll take some time). I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but occasionally I do get cravings. Ann Arbor is known to have some of the best Indian food and a lot of the servings did happen to be or resemble that food and culture. (On the side next to the cups, I did sneak a peak at the mac-n-cheese). I briefly glanced at the item name markers and if it looked delicious, I put it on my plate. Some of the flavors just burst in your mouth. You wouldn't normally get these combination of tastes and spices in any other food. What's neat is some of the food might taste strange at first, but then your brain decides that its truly delicious. I filled my plate up with a good amount of food and it cost barely over $6. Not a bad deal so I'm definitely bringing my friend here next time.
(4)Dritan V.
Ok. I will admit, the first time i tried this place, i HATED it! I thought it was just watered down "Americanized" Indian food and was so annoyed. I decided today to give it a second shot as I was in the mood for cheap Indian food that isn't swimming in oil with plenty of vegan options. This was EXACTLY that. It was SO good I wish I could eat there all the time. Definitely the ONLY Indian restaurant I've ever been to that offers brown rice. I was STUFFED from the tofu palak (I'm assuming that's what it's called- spinach and tofu, similar to a palak paneer... but vegan), potato bhaji, and the spicier version of that, forgot what it was called. I put dal and a mixture of spinach and dal on my rice and just went to town. It was amazing. I was full but not "I'm going to die" full like I would have been at any other Indian restaurant (I tend to over indulge when it comes to Indian food). I could not speak highly enough of this place. And the staff is SO nice. Plus the reggae? I mean could it be any more perfect?! I only gave it 4 stars because the one dish i'm weary to try (again) is the chana masala. Normally one of my favorites, theirs seemed to be chick peas in spicy ketchup. Perhaps I'll give that a second shot too. They've definitely earned my trust and I would take anyone there... A million brownie points for being a healthy, flavorful, Indian restaurant. That seriously is SO rare.
(4)mariah c.
It's true, EJ isn't for everyone. There are indeed a few dishes on the buffet that are fitting of a "pass." I think that I've just been in here so many times that I screen those particular selections out. As Nancy mentions, pay no mind to the tofu saag. But, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you may indeed really grow to love this spot. The soundtrack is often reggae, which speaks to the veg-granola-vibe trumping the Indian vibe. One other example of this -- some people might not like the fact that you can get and wash your own reusable dishes here, but I like that, too. I'm no longer veggie and I could never be vegan, but during times where my body is feeling sluggish and I lean back towards these options, I'm grateful for the vegan versions of lassis and the multiple choices here.
(4)Carolyn B.
The best !
(5)Chan W.
Christians awake, salute the happy morn, Whereon the Saviour of the world Earthen Jar was born. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, Earthen Jar our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in Earthen Jar, my Saviour. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Earthen Jar. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(5)Seth A.
Very delicious vegetarian Indian food! I really like the informal atmosphere where you can pick out what you want and just take a little bit of something if you're not sure about it. Just be careful if you're going on a tight budget! It can be very easy to load up your plate. It's definitely not over-priced though - even on a student's budget.
(5)Nancy K.
A different tasting Indian awaits you at Earthen Jar. Definitely worth trying if you like Indian food - the experience alone is an interesting one but the food is okay, too. I'm torn on my star rating... just don't think it was good enough for 4. The staff is very hands-off and allows you to go through the routine which, if you've read the reviews, is pretty simple. Of course, if you're new to EJ, it might be nice to have someone explain it. I'll do that for you since no one did it for me. First, sanitize your hands. This alone makes me want to give a 5-star rating. There is a small bottle of hand-sanitizer atop the buffet. After that grab a plate or to-go container depending on your goal. Curries start, then rice and into the dishes. There were some things that looked really poorly prepared - to the point I wouldn't even try them. This included the tofu saag. The tofu chunks were huge and looked undercooked. My dining companion loved the curried squash which was mild (he can't handle spice). I loved the fact that there was a choice of white or brown rice. As you make your way through the buffet everything is clearly labeled with its traditional name, English translation, whether it's vegan or vegetarian, and how spicy it is. I found that the "mild" dishes weren't just mild, they also lacked flavor. The medium and spicy dishes, however, were both hot AND flavorful. I got a little bit of nearly everything because it was my first time and I wanted to try things out - next time I'll stick to what I liked. While I'm noticing super-high ratings and lots of raving, there were several things about the food at EJ that didn't work from me. The blandness of some of the dishes was really weird. Also, the fritters were way too overdone on the outside but raw on the inside - as if they'd been thrown into too hot a fryer. The larger samosa-like dumplings were pretty good - spicy. There is a huge selection, enabling you, once visiting a few times, to get things you like. The naan, which has to be ordered separately, is made fresh and pretty good though doughy. I like a little crispness around the edges. The desserts sounded good but the choco-chip cookies looked a little raw. The authentic desserts (those balls in honey syrup) looked amazing. I don't know, friends, it just wasn't all that phenomenal. The Chana Masala, a favorite dish of mine, clearly had too much tomato paste and tasted like something you'd get at target in a foil pouch. I will be back, though, so see if maybe it was just an off day.
(3)Megan H.
This place is great!...I especially like the reggae that is constantly playing in the background. You serve yourself and then they weigh the plate ($4.99 a pound). They have a great spread of different items and I liked everything that I tried. I would definitely come back here and bring new peeps with me. The owner runs the cash register and I think his wife does all the cooking - which is a large feat in itself! Unfortunately it was raining today, but it looks like they have a great patio in front of the restaurant.
(4)Belle J.
I experienced warm kindness here both from the staff and the patrons. The food is amazing.
(5)Christina G.
As good as it gets for a vegetarian Indian take-out place. The spicy lentils are THE BEST (i apologize I forget the Indian name) and I would drive from Warren to get them! So is the cauliflower with curry, the green beans, the greens, well, really EVERYTHING I have tried on the hot buffet here is wonderful. The food is served on a buffet and is charged for by the pound. Which can be good if you only want a little, but bad if your eyes are bigger than your stomach (with all the beautiful looking food its hard not to want to try everything!). The service is minimal (you serve yourself and clean up after, too) but very warm and friendly. The atmosphere is *very* 1970's Ann Arbor- Bob Marley is playing on the stereo *almost* every time I go in there and the aromas of curry waft down Fifth street daring passers-by not to eat there. During the colder months the door is always fogged with the warmth from the food inside. It's so cozy to eat here during the wintertime. Admittedly, I do not like their naan because it has a spice in it I don't enjoy (tastes like fennel, maybe?), but that is probably my only beef (hahaha! punny irony!) with this wonderful restaurant.
(5)Irene L.
The first time I tried this place, I was pretty grossed out, but it was probably because I got there shortly before they were going to close. But I've been pretty happy the other times I've gone. I can never remember the dishes that I throw on top of my basmati rice.... it all kind of mixes together into a deliciously homogeneous curry slurry. Yes that sounds disgusting, but you must realize that I had to do it because it rhymes. I wouldn't say that it's amazing, but sometimes I don't want to pay $15 to get my Indian food fix... and that's where Earthen Jar is able to satisfy me. I just wish that the dishes were hotter (temperature-wise, not spice...although I guess they could use more heat in those regards as well).
(3)Kim D.
Earthen Jar is my favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor! They charge by the pound (~$5/lb), which is great for so first-timers can try little tastes of everything to see what they want next time. I particularly love the zucchini and onions, the scrambled tofu, and the pakoras. Add tamarind sauce and the meal's complete. If you're looking for full service, there is none here. But the buffet allows you to pick what you want and how much of each. You can either grab a plate or a to-go container (you might want this option even if you stay as the food fills you up quickly!) and take a seat at one of the tables inside or walk to the Liberty Plaza park and enjoy the sunshine. Inside, the walls are decorated with Bob Marley and music of the same artist plays all day long. Only warning is that if you choose to sit inside, expect to leave smelling of curry! A pleasant smell for the Earthen Jar fan, but perhaps not to fellow friends. The staff is mega-friendly and if you return a couple of times, they'll remember who you are. Everyone is very smiley and laid-back. Also, if you have room there are vegan cookies, cakes, and cupcakes along with vegan lassi for you to try! The Earthen Jar is the best restaurant ever!
(5)Laura A.
I love this restaurant! Even though I am very picky and can't eat anything spicy or anything that has dairy in it, I can find lots of things that I like here. The tofu lasagna is the best I have ever had at a restaurant and it's the item always go for first :) The owner is really nice too and I believe his wife does all the cooking.
(5)Riki L.
My tummy gets sick after eating at this place. Yep. Tasty going down, but the rest of the day is a plague of regrets. The only food I can recommend here is the deep fried samosa-like Potato Ball, but that shit weighs down your plate/box so much it's not even worth it. I would recommend walking a block up to Madras Masala for their lunch buffet, or walking a block down to Mahek for theirs.
(3)Ian J.
This place is one of my favorites, and I eat here two or three times a week. The best dessert in Ann Arbor is hiding here -- you have to assemble it yourself. Take a small, flattened scoop of suji halva (a grey, slightly sweet wheat pudding) from the loose tub near the soda cooler. Then go down to the buffet cart nearest the door and find the famous banana pudding. Scoop out a bit of pudding -- make sure you cut vertically to get all the strata -- and lay it on top of the suji halva. The combination has a rich, buttery bottom taste lacking from the banana pudding alone. I never get tired of it.
(5)Mark H.
We haven't been in A2 for several years, and we were SO EXCITED to see EJ is still there and still serving the best casual veggie/vegan Indian fare around In this tough economy where chains outlast local businesses, it's even better to see. I shared a haiku with the owners: Earthen Jar vegan; local sole proprietor; way better than chains. Go there, savor the casual and communal ambiance. They have their own patio now, so check it out in nice weather.
(5)Liz H.
I love this place. It is SO inexpensive, and all vegetarian. They have such a wide variety of dishes, and I can only think of one that i don't like (the scrambled tofu, but it is just not my thing). I am definitely a regular, and the man that works there is friendly and welcoming. I am not sure if he chooses the Bob Marley on the stereo or someone else does, but it fits. Like any buffet, if you go when it is busy or close to opening, you are going to get the freshest food. I would recommend taking advantage of that. If you go near close, the food is not as good. My favorites are the spicy kidney beans and the fried spicy potato dumplings (sorry that i can't recall the Indian names). Go and enjoy! Bring a friend!
(4)Tony C.
I don't trust vegetarians. There's just something wrong with people who don't eat meat. Every time a vegetarian has invited me to dine out with him/her, I always end up regretting it. Wheat gluten forced to resemble beef brisket? That's just wrong. Soy hot dogs, soy patties..I mean. C'mon. If you want stuff that tastes like meat, then just eat meat. Animals are meant to be hugged, and then slaughtered as a delicious delight. With that said, you should realize that if I'm such a carnivore, then the fact that I'd be happy to eat at Earthen Jar should tell you something. The food there is delicious. They use the spices the way you should use them: to make non-meat items actually yummy to eat. Most of the time though, I don't eat there (because I love meat too much and end up at one of the Indian buffets in town). I do go in and get their mango lassi. Best in town, hands down. N.B. This is not a romantic joint. It's in an old house and you pay for your food by the pound. I can just imagine a date there: "Honey, I don't have enough money for that much food. How 'bout you do my wallet and your waistline a favor and get less food?"
(4)Ernie M.
100% vegetarian Indian-Hippy cuisine! Most cool people know about this place, especially the punk, hippies, wanna-be's and trendy's. Food is always top-notch. I wonder what they do with everything come closing time, since it's a buffet and everything is already made! I want scraps! Throw me some scraps! Yeah, you fill a plate, weight it, and pay. I remember when they opened in 1998 and it was dirt cheap. Like real cheap. It started getting trendier and trendier and the prices went up and up. I think it's like $5.99 per pound but I swear it was $3.49/lb when they opened. I could be wrong but I'm usually not. Aloo Gobi, Bengan Bartha, tofu & spinach, chick pea this and chick pea that. Eat here now and fart later. Does numbers on my gut. T.M.I.? OK... I'll buy you lunch here if you can prove that you've ever been there when Bob Marley isn't playing. The same CD too. Wait, he has more than one album? Does it matter? All reggae sounds the same anyhow. And that's coming from a reggae fan.
(5)Stuart S.
I dislike that you pay by the pound, and I dislike how crowded and chaotic it can be at dinner time. The food ranges from mediocre to very good, with most of the dishes I had being on the very good end of the spectrum. I would not suggest getting the pakoras; they're not as delicious and very dense, meaning they add to your bill quickly. Items I particularly liked: the baingan bharta, the bhindi masala, the chana masala. There's a small room near the bathroom and sinks where there are two tables isolated from the rest of the chaos in the front of the restaurant. That's where you should eat.
(3)Sudarshan M.
I give this place a thumbs up cause its one of the few pure vegetarian places out in Ann Arbor. Also the food is cost effective and you can pick up what ever you like from the buffet. They charge by weight (lb) which means you will end up paying for exactly how much food you take or have a craving for. The food is hot and seems like its freshly prepared unlike some of the other Asian buffets. But that's where the good news end. The food is honestly not that appetizing. Out of the entire spread of neatly 15+ buffet items, I would probably pick only 2 or at best 3 for seconds. So overall the food is not that great. Secondly I found some of the dishes to be bathed in oil. As a health conscious person, I was seriously put off. The Indian desserts were far below expectations. The Jaleebi was awful and the Rice Kheer was just cooked rice floating in a pool of milk and condensed milk. If you want to try the real thing, I recommend the Rice Kheer at Ashoka in Canton/Rochester Hills. The banana pudding however was a delight and I enjoyed it. Overall I would recommend this place if you want a quick and cost effective veggie meal. But don't expect too much in the terms of flavour and authenticity.
(3)Ellen C.
Whooo! This place was awesome. A friend from high school came to visit and suggested it. 1) Pay by the pound is great! I always end up having to pay for wayyy too much food that I won't be able to eat. 2) Spicy food! After the dining hall and ... eating microwave food... having curries and other great spices was such a treat. 3) The employees (owners?) there are super nice. I really enjoyed talking to the lady at the cashier station. 4) Good atmosphere. I love the paint in bright colors. 5) The food is delicious. Try the banana pudding.
(5)Erin Y.
It's cheap, and quick because you pick from a buffet. However, flavor is just somehow off or odd on many dishes. There are much tastier options all over AnArb.
(2)Tina W.
I've only been here a few times, but here are my impressions: + Great, great food! + Pay by the pound! You can get as much or as little as you want. I have a tendency to go over though, so be careful. Don't overestimate a pound! + Great vegetarian options. - Very small and kind of cramped. I wouldn't suggest eating-in. - Depending on when you go, the food may have been sitting out for awhile.
(4)Patrick C.
Been here hundreds of times when I was a student at U of M. Went back last week. This place rocks. Best Indian buffet around. The dal is to die for. Only complaint is they did away with the fried chips. I know they're bad for you, but don't be food fascists! They were GOOD.
(5)Andrea M.
BANANA PUDDING ANYONE? yum. Earthen Jar is the perfect place to run in and take out or eat in for a variety of Middle Eastern based dishes. I like the variety there, as it seems as if it is not particular to one specific region or culture. Great diversity on the palate. As others who eat meat point out, you can get a very hearty meal from here, and I am always full when I eat there. Maybe it's that banana pudding ending that I MUST have every time. oh yummy, yum, yum. Go there just for that pudding dish! They have a nice variety of spicy and non-spicy dishes so everyone can find plenty to eat from the buffet. For such a small space, they manage to have about 5-6 tables in there so outside looks are deceiving as to the space to sit down. You can find a spot. If it's a nice day, you can always take your food to go. Uhm, did I mention that you should try that banana pudding stuff that they always have? ;)
(4)n. g.
Good for a quick bite, but the food is warm, not hot, and it sits out for awhile, so the texture is definitely...not fresh. It's also fairly expensive for counter service - you'll be surprised by how quickly that by-the-pound price can add up! Three stars, though, because it's quick, easy, and the food's not bad--just not great. The samosas are delicious and the variety on the buffet is impressive.
(3)Sarah R.
I've lived in the area for a long time and just hadn't gotten around to checking out the Earthen Jar until recently. Mostly, I liked it, though I think you can get more authentic Indian food for less other places. The one major positive about Earthen Jar is that if you're a vegetarian, you can eat every item on the buffet, and even vegans will have plenty to choose from. I have mixed feelings about the "pay by the pound" method. I've been to flat-fee Indian buffets for $7-8, and I felt a lot more adventurous there. If I didn't like what I picked, I could leave it on my plate and try something else. When you're paying by the pound, you have to be careful not to take a big spoonful of something you may end up hating. Luckily, I liked everything I had, especially the one dish that had mushrooms in it. There was one mixed vegetable dish that looked suspiciously as if they'd thawed out a pound of that California vegetable mix you can get at the supermarket, with cauliflower, broccoli and crinkle-cut carrots. However, everything else seemed fresh and had good flavor.
(4)Rebecca W.
Dinner, Saturday night. 6 lovers of Indian food, 2 vegetarians, and a few who had eaten their last 5 meals out, and were hankering to save a little money. Earthen Jar didn't necessarily rock any of our worlds, but it certainly fit the bill. I think it's fair to say that the place grew on us as we stayed. We knew it was a takeout friendly buffet before going, but when we first entered, our first reaction was that some of this stuff seemed to have been sitting out for a bit... Let's be honest, Indian food is awesome, but doesn't necessarily LOOK that great--fancier places dress it up with lovely atmosphere and fancy place settings. Earthen Jar doesn't have any of that stuff, so you just have to put your faith in the food--and pretty much, you won't be disappointed. The price can't be beat at $5 a pound--if you fill your plate like a normal, civilized person, you'll probably be right around the 1 lb. mark. most of us were at about a pound and a half. It could have been a little hotter (temperature I mean)...some dishes were closer to room temperature than anything else. But, everything was tasty, and we were even surprised at the spice of some of the dishes. Everything is clearly labeled mild, spicy, and very spicy, but we were pleased when the kick turned out to really pack a punch--for example, the fried potato dumplings--yum! The naan was a little disappointing, but I suppose just about what it should have been for this kind of set up: it's in a refrigerated case, and mocrowaved when you order it at the counter. So you get soft, hot bread, but the texture and puffiness just isn't quite there. It's also $.75 apiece, as opposed to $2 at Shalimar (which has awesome naan) or similar. Plates were disposable, which disappointed some of us, but we realized halfway through the meal that reusable plates are available (or you can bring your own) as long as you wash them yourself in the back room. This attitude sort of sums of the Earthen Jar well: they provide tasty food at a rock bottom price, you make of it what you will. We wound up sitting at the table for long time, eating and laughing with our friends--and while we were there, the flow through the place was nonstop. Something about Earthen Jar keeps folks coming back, it seems--and for a quick, easy, and cheap lunch, I'd be back again. Note: the patio outside that looks like it belongs to Earthen Jar actually belongs to Jerusalem Garden next door. Sorry Charlie!
(3)Natalie B.
This place is expensive. Who pays $5.99 per pound for steamed rice!? Rip off
(2)Sarah M.
I'm sure the food would have been good when fresh, but barely luke warm food is not my thing. There was a total lack of flavor & creativity. At least it was cheap & the workers were nice? I would not go out of my way to try it again.
(2)AJ O.
I can't say enough about Earthen Jar! Feels like you're eating at home among friends. Food was really good. Amazing variety. Probably more vegan options than any other place in town. Very friendly owner. The interior could use a little work (wobbly tables) but as long as you're not one to get hung up on things like this, Earthen Jar is a solid 5 stars. I'm sure the neighboring parking ramp construction has been bad for business, so get out there, treat yourself, and support this important locally owned restaurant!
(5)Marty J.
Delicious homemade Indian food at $5.99/lb. If I went to U of M, I would eat here several times a week.
(5)Lisa W.
My whole family loves this place. Whenever my mom comes to visit and there's no food, she asks me to get food at "that place" and I know exactly what she means. I don't know the names of the dishes by heart, but I know that I love their spinach and tofu, the rice pudding, the creamed corn, and their cucumber/tomato salad. I am not a fan of curry, but I hear that it is good from people I have shared a meal with. This is a great place to have vegan food, because they clearly list their vegetarian and vegan options on labels at the buffet. What's great is that they encourage you to bring your own plates in an effort to create less waste! Remember that when you come in for carry out, just have them weigh your container from home. Another great option is to eat your meal on the swing outside -- very cute for a first date. I love to down my meal with a non-vegan mango lassi. Refreshing and healthy! (A secret love of mine are the stainless steel drinking cups that they have for water, I really want a set. Stylin'.)
(4)Jonas L.
I don't understand the praise this place gets. Maybe I am just an eater with large appetite, but I find going here rather expensive, especially compared to other Indian lunch buffet around town. Lots of people are mentioning their OLD PRICE of $4/lb. This is no longer the case. I believe it is now $5.99? When you think about it, paying $6/lb for the rice (portion) is insane. A lunch, for me, tends to come out $7-9, and that is really not good value. Food quality itself also leaves much to be desired. Everything is way too bland. Partially this is because they do not use nearly as much fat (such as butter) as Indian restaurants typically do. In that sense, it resembles home-cooking more. But the dishes also lack flavor. Not enough spice and not enough spicy. If I am going for cheap, Jerusalem Garden is next door. If I am going for good Indian, then Madras Masala or Shalimar would fit the bill better. There is just no good reason for anyone to go to Earthen Jar. Well, as others have said, the man behind the counter does seem nice. So perhaps one should go to support him. But certainly not for the food, in terms of quality or value.
(2)Christina D.
Great for a quick lunch (got my food and was on my way back to class in 10mins), but not everything on the buffet is always super fresh. Prices are reasonable for a good variety of food.
(4)Raquel C.
I'm far from a vegetarian but I would eat here everyday if I could. Family run restaurant with excellent food. Definitely come here!
(5)Eri K.
This is a prime example of why I am so madly in love with Yelp! We landed in Detroit and went in search of a yummy veg option on our way home. Yelpers pointed us here and we loved it! The environment is nothing fancy and the silver plates/cups are what I ate off when I lived in India. The owner is a sweet Punjabi who made sure to ask if the food quality compared with my India experiences. Over 48 veg, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, etc. choices to pick from off the buffet! I even loved the "youth hostel feel" from washing my own plate. Shukriya for the lovely dining experience and veg options!!!
(5)Mike M.
I've found myself in the area for the past few weeks with work and I go WAY out of my way to come here. It's worth the trip. You can tell that everything is made fresh each day and with such love and care in the food. Top notch! I've found myself craving it a LOT lately! You should definately go and support this terrific restaurant!
(4)Nupur L.
I really enjoyed The Earthen Jar when I ate here. For Indian kids like me who were spoiled on Mom's Home Cooking, this place offers that type of lighter, well-spiced food in spades. Add the many vegan offerings and it certainly feels more urbane than Mom's kitchen. They also have vegan lassis, which make my friend Lia very happy. More props to the Earthen Jar for making Lia happy and for providing fresh and tasty Indian food that doesn't send one into a non-self-induced coma afterwards.
(4)Maxwell C.
Let me preface this review by saying that I am a vegan who loves Indian food, and loves to eat huge portions--preferably with a lot of variety. So, Earthen Jar is pretty much my culinary wet dream. You can smell it from the corner, and I immediately start salivating. My favorites include the okra, TVP with peas, sag-dal, curried eggplant, matar alu, cooled potatoes, pakora (oh my god the pakora!), and the sujee halva. I usually get these every time, and add random variety each trip. The only things I'm not crazy about are the fried potato dumplings and vegan macaroni and cheese. I love this place so much that I've learned to make a lot of their recipes at home so I can have them anytime I want (with the aid of the awesome Indian grocer on Packard in Ypsilanti). Even with the recent price increase ($6/lb--probably due to business lost because of the construction next door), I still find myself here at least once a week. Sometimes it's a little better or fresher than others, but I've never had a bad meal here. The younger guy and younger girl who work here are very friendly, to boot. Even if you don't like Indian, even if you're not a veg(etari)an, you owe it to yourself to experience Earthen Jar at least once. Chances are, you'll want to come back.
(5)Lily H.
I ate here religiously over the summer, and even though I am convinced that the woman who usually runs the cash register strongly dislikes me, I am an enormous fan of the staggeringly delicious food. I love the creamy yogurt, mushroom and broccoli dish; the spiced, fried potato dumplings; any/all of the most spicy lentil, chickpea and black eyed pea dishes, and I offer you this: why load up on rice when there are so many great legume dishes on the hot bar!? You will never ever see any rice on my plate because I must save all of my plate space for the other yummies...perhaps my gluttony has made the cashier dislike me? I don't even care, the food is so good!
(5)Tom A.
perfect. quirky and delightful in many ways. food by the pound offers one choices-- you can go get a $2 snack or (like me) come back to ann arbor to visit after a year and gorge yourself silly for $15. very friendly people. love the plates in back. always nice people around. if any of the keywords pique your interest, you must go to EJ now: Indian, vegetarian, vegan, bob marley,
(5)Robert S.
Everything is veggie. Much is vegan. This is some of the best Indian food I've ever had, and I've had a lot..
(5)John S.
The Earthen Jar does what it does, very well. It is easily one of my favorite spots to eat in Ann Arbor, and while being mostly Vegan does help, I enjoyed Earthen Jar prior to becoming vegan. First and foremost, the establishment is a buffet of the pay by pound variety. This is probably the safest system for me, because if it were an all you can eat buffet, i would probably overeat every time. For a buffet, i would say the food is of good quality, not as good as some sit down meals you might find at sit down locations, but still very good. There are indeed some dishes that aren't very good in my opinion, but the majority of what i have tasted has been good. I really enjoy the chana masala and gobi alu here, amongst several other dishes. Another must get for me here is the soy mango lassi! Service is pretty much self serve, however the guy who usually works the register is very helpful and friendly, and i have never had a bad experience at EJ. Why a 4? Well, as previously mentioned, the food is good for buffet style, but in terms of a full flavor, It does not match sit down restaurants. Also, parking is a problem, but not to most patrons as usually its a place that seems geared towards student body. The basmati rice is good, but not the best I have had, which may not seem like a huge sticking point to most, but I LOVE basmati rice and it is a very important part or my dining experience at an indian restaurant. All this being said, it is one of my favorite buffet style experiences, and if i had to rate things based on standardized buffet ratings, I would give it a 5, but otherwise, it gets a 4.
(4)Maggie W.
Earthen Jar is classic Ann Arbor hippy-dippy cuisine. Delicious, vegetarian (some vegan) Indian food served out of the first floor of a tacky old house. I have it on good authority that the food at EJ is the most "authentic" you can find in Ann Arbor, if that's something you care about. As far as my own inexpert tastes are concerned, EJ is about on par with Raja Rani and Madras Masala (both of which I really like). The selection is a little smaller than a typical Indian buffet, and some of the dishes were lukewarm. But EJ gets extra points for the pay-by-the-pound system, which is great for people like me who can never decide what they want. Some favorites of mine here are the aloo gobi, the chana masala, and pretty much any dal dish.
(4)Josh W.
Vegan goodness by the pound. The food is amazingly good and inspiring enough to make me want to learn how to cook quality Indian food that doesn't come out of a foil pouch. Don't be shy just grab a plate or container. Read the labels and try some new choices then take your plate up to the counter so it can be weighted and then you pay. Also at that time ask for any extras like the very tasty bread Naan which is traditionally served. There is a water cooler in the back corner with metal drinking cups for free cold tap water. When you done you can dispose of your trash in the back and drop off your used cup.
(5)Lauren D.
The food is amazing. I get some kind of spicey kidney bean thing, and it rules. I don't know what is in it, probably some kind of amazing magic. Go here and eat up.
(5)A. K.
This place has been a wonderful hidden gem in Ann Arbor for as long as I can remember... The casual environment is welcoming to anyone, and the AMAZING food invites all. There are the staple foods that I can count on being there, but I love that there is always something new for me to try! I'm a vegetarian and it's so great not having to even think about it when I eat at EJ. With that said, all of my non-vegetarian friends LOVE this place too. It's filling and delicious. It's really easy to eat vegetarian indian because it's so flavorful and there's so much variety, that you don't feel like it's lacking anything. The prices vary depending on how much food you load up on your plate. Seriously - it's by wait. How it works is you weigh your plate, then load it up at the buffet and you pay depending on weight (minus your plate). It's perfect. I love taking it to go and sitting down at Liberty Plaza to eat lunch!
(5)Stacey D.
Earthen Jar is one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor. To be clear though, you need to know what you are getting into. It is not an all you can eat buffet, is is not full service and there is no Tandoori chicken or lamb vindaloo. For someone who is a quasi vegetarian and who dates a vegetarian, I love the place. The masala's are filling, and I like that you pay by the pound. Since I am paying I don't overeat, and I can stilll sample multiple things. The lassi's are to die for. The naan is so so. You definitely have to have a little hippy in you to enjoy it though.
(4)Melanie A.
This place is fast, delicious, and cheap. You fill up your plate or to go box, set it on the scale, add some naan or a beverage to your order, pay, and enjoy! This is a great place to get a fast, warm, homemade, vegetarian meal for under $5. I used to work at the public library across the parking lot from Earthen Jar, and would fill up a plate and enjoy meal here, all during my 15 minute break! And I was usually back to work on time. (This was usually around dinner time, but I think it is much more crowded during lunch.) I also wish there was a place like this in California.
(4)Katy B.
Food here is generally tasty with a few minor misses. Buffet style, pay by the pound. I always seem to have the eyes bigger than the stomach problem here. My heavy plate inevitably ends up meaning I leave paying more than I had planned. However, the prices are certainly fair. Ooooh, and the banana pudding. Best damn stuff ever. It's vegetarian. I like not having to ask if there's meat in every single dish. Ah, simple luxuries.
(4)Sam S.
this is my all-time favorite place to eat. bob marley. amazing looking indian man who loves to grin at you. cheap. by the pound. i eat for about $5 & am completely satisfied afterward. (it's a "duh" that you don't load up on tofu & rice...you don't really need it anyway---the other stuff does perfectly fine on it's own.) i always leave with a drugged out happy feeling. curry does an amazing trick. **make sure you go in the back & get a plate to put your food on. no need to waste crap stirofoam. **my dad..who is a little bit of a food/wine/cheese snob insists that whenever he comes to ann arbor he goes out to eat here. it's basically the best.
(5)O'Shea J.
Ah, The Earthen Jar! It's easy to get carried away and accidentally put 4 lbs of food on your plate. What are you supposed to do then? Its not like you can scoop it back into the buffet. There is a pretty cool old man who is always there. He has like, one dead eye or something, and he probably scares a lot of children. But he's friendly and loves Bob Marley and children are close-minded a-holes. Actually, the place is almost a damn Bob Marley shrine or something. I think someone put Legend on repeat on the stereo and locked it up and threw away the key. I once saw a fat construction worker go in there, head straight for the vegan mac and cheese and proceed to snarf that grindage exclusively like there was some sort of marble hidden in the vat of mac and cheese that upon discovery would win you a trip to space camp. Another time the cool old guy in there weighed my Diet Coke can on the scale and charged me an extra 6 bucks for my plate. I doubt he did it on purpose, he was probably high as shit off that Bob Marley everyday all day for the last 30 years. Although, that would be a pretty incredible racket to have going. Word to the wise- you can really score here by purchasing the catering trays. You can on;y select one item, but its a much better deal than by the pound. You just pick which size tray and there's a flat rate, so you can choose the heaviest most dense item and feel like you just got one over on them. I had kidney beans and chickpeas in my fridge for an entire week, it was excellent. I elected to walk a couple miles that day to pick it up, and man did I fuck that decision up. I had oily indian food dripping all over my shirt and even in my shoes by the time I made it home. I probably lost enough food in dribbles on my way back to feed a family of four. One time I put some salt on my vegan Earthen Jar and the woman working there that day told me she had never seen anyone use the salt shaker there in the entire time she had worked there (I'm guessing years). SO, I thought that was pretty cool. It's real easy to break new ground when you're a huge jackass. If I had to pick my most memorable experience at the Earthen Jar, that would probably be the time I eavesdropped on some poor schlup telling his clearly uncomfortable and possibly freaked-out date all about why Battlestar Gallactica was superior to Star Trek The Next Generation. I'm sure it was the first and last date. The first time I ever ate Earthen Jar, I got about 2 lbs of the banana pudding. Later that day, my girlfriend's dad came up to me and said, "I know what you've been up to. You can't hide that from me", in this really creepy secret-dad-power mindfuck style, eyebrows dancing suggestively. I thought he was referring to me having just sullied the reputation of his daughter in his own home with my penis, but no. He was talking about her and I having just smoked a joint on his balcony moments earlier. Was he angry? Nope. He was just trying to score some weed like a baby booming goober, and going about it all wrong. No cool pass for you gramps, you blew it. Anyway, eat at this place and hilarious life adventures will find you. I guarantee it.
(5)Katie J.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in A2. It is definitely not the fanciest place, but the food is soooo good. Everything is vegetarian and most things are vegan, but every meat eater I've taken to eat there have loved it. The lentils with spinach is the best- never known anyone not to like it. It is nice that everything is by the pound so you can try a little of everything. This is especially good for children. My 5-yr-old and 3-yr-olds both love this place. All the people who work here are also very nice. Very relaxed, homey enviroment. Too bad they don't have the couches anymore, though.
(5)Adri M.
Earthen Jar was my default kitchen for almost two years. I lived next door and later a block away, and whenever I craved fast, delicious, cheap, healthy food, Earthen Jar came to my rescue. Always got the eggplant in tomato sauce - it melts in your mouth just as it hits with a bang of spicy. Other amazing dishes include the chickpeas in spicy tomato curry, the broccoli and mushrooms in creamy yogurt sauce, the cauliflower with cardamom and turmeric, the spinach and tofu, the salad, all the relishes and sauces, the tofu chunks, and - most importantly - the funky red pepper swirly sweet things! Basically, now that I have moved away from Ann Arbor, the one food thing I miss the most is Earthen Jar. That's right - more than Zingerman's! Earthen Jar, you kept a piece of my heart ... and my appetite!
(5)Lindy D.
It is so exciting to walk up to a buffet and to be able to eat ANYTHING there - and about 10 times more exciting than that to actually enjoy it too. As a vegetarian who loves Indian food, this place is pretty ideal. And being lactose intolerant, I love that I can get vegan lassis as well as several other dairy-free treats. Perhaps not all of it is authentic, but the flavors are good, the price is fair, and the ability to eat anything on the menu is thrilling.
(4)Vera Y.
I absolutely adore this offbeat vegetarian restaurant. It is a haven for vegetarians who want cheap, fast, and really DELICIOUS food. The store owners are Sikh Indians and the fare is naturally also Indian. We come here all the time to enjoy the wide selection of veggies curried, creamed, and spiced. I always get a mango lassi and a heaping plate of food when I come here and I'm ashamed to say the highligh is the extremely aromatic basmati rice (truly how do they get it to smell that good - I've tried unsucessfully to duplicate it at home). It is treehugger friendly with its use of regular plates and silverware and metal cups. The only downside is that it is not open on sunday.
(5)Deena L.
There aren't many places in Ann Arbor that serve only vegetarian food. The Earthen Jar is one of them. Conveniently located next to the downtown library, the delicious smell of curries wafts out every time I walk by. This place is cheap (you pay $5/pound for a plate of food), no-frills, straightforward, and full of delicious eats. Make sure to try the mango soy lassi.
(4)Brody C.
If you're looking for a quick, affordable and healthy meal this buffet style vegetarian place is for you! A constant soundtrack of Bob Marley (or more recently Michael Jackson!) keeps the vibes positive!
(5)PJ M.
Indian soul food. Owners kind of reserved, distant, oh well, I should be used to it. No tips in the jar= even steven.
(5)M B.
I used to love this place, but no more. The food has been great, but I noticed that it is exceedingly dirty. Mold on the ceiling, dust all over, etc. Last straw was the very long human hair my friend found in her food. They need to clean up this place. I'd hate to see the Health Department restaurant review.
(1)