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Name: Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery
Address: 311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Telephone: (734) 913-2730
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.90

Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

(734) 913-2730
Store is closed

Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery Menu

Appetizers

Warm Marinated Olives

Daily Soup

Panelle

Mussels

Farmer's Fritto

Truffled French Fries

Red Chicken Nachos

Gardener's Snack Board

Butcher's Snack Board

Warm Marinated Olives

Daily Soup

Panelle

Mussels

Farmer's Fritto

Truffled French Fries

Red Chicken Nachos

Gardener's Snack Board

Butcher's Snack Board
Salads

Grilled Romaine With Warm Potato Croutons

Asian Layered

Cobb Salad

Steak Salad

Lemony Quinoa Salad With Shaved Market Vegetables

Grilled Romaine With Warm Potato Croutons

Asian Layered

Cobb Salad

Steak Salad

Lemony Quinoa Salad With Shaved Market Vegetables
Sandwiches

JP Burger

Red Chile Tofu

Mushroom Torta

Not Just A BLT

Warm Artichoke Sandwich

Braised Lamb Sandwich

Grilled Chicken With Brie

Walleye Po' Boy

Soup And Salad

JP Burger

Red Chile Tofu

Mushroom Torta

Not Just A BLT

Warm Artichoke Sandwich

Braised Lamb Sandwich

Grilled Chicken With Brie

Walleye Po' Boy

Soup And Salad
Lunch Specials - Granite Baked Pizza

Carnivores

Fire & Smoke

Potato

Margherita

Truffle

Popeye

Market

Carnivores

Fire & Smoke

Potato

Margherita

Truffle

Popeye

Market
Desserts

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Simple Scoop

Seasonal Fruit Crisp

Ricotta Fritters

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Simple Scoop

Seasonal Fruit Crisp

Ricotta Fritters

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

Appetizers

Warm Marinated Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daily Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panelle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmer's Fritto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffled French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Chicken Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gardener's Snack Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butcher's Snack Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Warm Marinated Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daily Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panelle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmer's Fritto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffled French Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Chicken Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gardener's Snack Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butcher's Snack Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Grilled Romaine With Warm Potato Croutons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asian Layered [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemony Quinoa Salad With Shaved Market Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Romaine With Warm Potato Croutons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asian Layered [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemony Quinoa Salad With Shaved Market Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

JP Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Chile Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom Torta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Not Just A BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Warm Artichoke Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Lamb Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken With Brie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walleye Po' Boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup And Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

JP Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Chile Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom Torta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Not Just A BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Warm Artichoke Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Lamb Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken With Brie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walleye Po' Boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup And Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lunch Specials - Granite Baked Pizza

Carnivores [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fire & Smoke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Popeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Market [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carnivores [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fire & Smoke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Popeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Market [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegan Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Simple Scoop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Fruit Crisp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ricotta Fritters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegan Chocolate Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Simple Scoop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Fruit Crisp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ricotta Fritters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.

Denny’s ( 3310 Washtenaw Ave )

Applebee’s ( 1005 W. Eisenhower Parkway )

Applebee’s ( 2310 Green Road )

Visit below restaurant in Ann Arbor for healthy meals suggestion.

Denny’s ( 3310 Washtenaw Ave )

Applebee’s ( 1005 W. Eisenhower Parkway )

Applebee’s ( 2310 Green Road )

Write An Anonymous Review

Grace K.

Loved the truffle pizza! Perfectly cheesy and truffle-y! and the mussels in a creamy sauce... MmMm. Men's Journal was right on with the Bam Biere as one of the top 25 beers. It has got to be one of the best I've ever had! I was a little apprehensive about the tart/sour description, but don't worry, it has just the slightest hint of tart. I also enjoyed the Bam Noire for those that want a darker beer, but the Bam Biere is my fave. Service was excellent, everything about this joint in downtown Ann Arbor has won me over. I'll make it a point to visit whenever I'm in town! 'til next time... ~
(5)
Daron D.

Came here on a beautiful night, so why not have a drink on their beautiful rooftop patio. This mite be one of the better spots to have a drink in the summer time because of the rooftop incentive. Food wise I just had the truffle fries, which was really good (not the best in Ann Arbor however as I have heard), however just stick with the aioli they give you because the ranch here is nasty. As for the beers, they are really good (had the chocolate stout, bam Bierce which is the best, and the amber beer), a bit high, but I have seen worse. Overall a nice little place for beer and chilling.
(4)
Lylian D.

I love their Bam Biere! Their JP Burger and fries are so freaking good. Melted cambozola cheese on medium rare patty with the best pickled zucchinis EVERR!! Come on, how much better can life get?! When I come here with a couple friends to drink, I always have to order zucchinis for them to try and snack on! Everyone always loves them! Porchetta is also very delicious. I've tried their Meat Pizza and it was a bit too salty, but I am willing to try the other pizza pies on my next visit. This place has a great vibe and cool atmosphere. I love going to the second floor and getting a table nearest to the window to take a peek of the bustling Main St. scene. Take friends, take family, or take your lover! There's something for everyone.
(4)
Rachel A.

This place is exactly what you would hope to find In a solid Ann Arbor bar- great beers, friendly service with good tunes playing, multi level ambiance and great food. Every plate that comes out by your table looks better than the last. Every time I visit AA we are sure to stop here for a diabolical IPA and their quinoa salad (which you may laugh about, but it's huge and filled with fresh veggies and herbs and the dressing is incredible!).... I crave it all the way from Cleveland, it's that good. This bar is definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for a cozy drink with a small group of friends and something tasty done right.
(4)
C Y.

So sad for those who are allergic to tree nuts and peanuts. We really want to eat here but their kitchen isn't set up to avoid cross-contamination and many food suppliers they use also handle nuts. But they get 3 stars for honest, knowledgeable answers!
(3)
Sluk S.

My very, very favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor. I live for the Red Chili Tofu and the Popeye's pizza. The Calabaza Blanca beer is amazing (unfortunately they haven't had it lately on tap). That being said, I still love this place. Good service and the kid's menu is really generous portions for $5.00.
(5)
Brian W.

Great food, good menu and organic ketchup (really?). Cozy but fairly loud, at least at lunch. Server took our order and brought our food, but no follow up or attention to refills or removing dirty dishes. Food and atmosphere get 4+, service gets a generous 2.3.
(4)
Nancy C.

I had NO IDEA that jolly pumpkin had such a cute rooftop patio! Surely, it only took me 4 years to find that out...better late than never, I suppose. I've always known they had a good beer selection and solid food, but not being a beer aficionado, I've never been especially compelled to come to Jolly Pumpkin. However, with this new discovery, I will most certainly be back (at least, during the warm months) just to enjoy the rooftop ambiance. Plus, it certainly doesn't hurt that they have awesome truffle fries and truffle pizza!
(4)
Celeste F.

I'm in love with this place. The beer is awesome, but the FOOD is what really takes the cake. Try the Truffle Fries and the Farmer's Fritto. So so good!
(5)
Bob L.

A downtown gem. The selection of sour beers is consistently mouth-watering, and the food measures up. Perhaps the burger is slightly characterless, and so what; order something else. The Popeye pizza is a consistent hit. So are the truffle fries. Service is never less than gracious and attentive. A good adult place. Trek over to the Alley Bar if you need to knock a few more back after midnight.
(5)
Melissa S.

We went here twice when we were in town, once at night and once during the day. We only had drinks so I can't judge the food. The place is a microbrew and the beer is incredible. They have a variety of different types. I especially enjoyed their mixed drinks, which were $8/cocktail but probably had 2 shots of liquor in them, though they didn't even taste alcoholic. Great place to go with friends who want to go out and don't drink! They have cocktails without alcohol that are fun too! Minus one star for the service. It was a bit slow when we were there at night and then when we were there during the afternoon, they forgot our drinks. However, the waiter did comp two beers when they forgot our drinks and we didn't get them for about 20 minutes. Also, we wanted to watch a particular game at the bar and the waitress was amenable to us changing the station. Not all bars do that! Great place to check out with a friend to grab a drink. It's not too loud too so you can definitely have a nice conversation with someone over a beer.
(4)
Beth H.

Myself and a coworker met other work counterparts at Jolly Pumpkin for 'happy hour'. If you haven't been to this location, the 'happy hour' is only at the their tiny bar. There are no food specials and only $1 off draft beers. Why have a happy hour then? We walked in looking for our party. We asked the hostess station if we could move to another table, as we had one more than the four top and asked to sit at a 6 top in the deserted front of the restaurant. They tried to direct us upstairs instead, where it was dead and plenty of room. We insisted on the table and were seated. Not a good way to start off a visit, by feeling like they are trying to shove you off, despite a request. I had the truffle pizza. It was good, but misleading. Had three (literally three) mushrooms on the whole pizza. My coworker order the Magerhita and it was bare too. We both expressed that we don't expect our pizzas to be loaded, but to at least not look like the pizza is seriously lacking, espeically for a personal size pizza for $12. It was tasty though. Nice crust and good combo of flavor choices on the menu. I do enjoy a good beer and was looking forward to a nice cold pint, but I just didn't get it here. I asked the woman that organized the outing, why she choose the Jolly Pumpkin when there are much better happy hours all around. She just wasn't aware. I shared my Yelp list of best happy hours in Ann Arbor, with her. Can't wait for the next one. Happy Hours rock, just not here.
(2)
Mathias B.

The beers are pretty amazing here, though they weren't the first place I had tried them. They are generally sweeter, but do have a range of tastes. As for food, the pizza we ordered was quite amazing. It was loaded with mushrooms and an awesome-tasting sauce. Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying this place at least once. You'll likely find something you enjoy. It has a great atmosphere, good drinks, and tasty food.
(4)
L. G.

Wont go back and will never purchase their beer again. Staff (mostly manager) was very rude to us Saturday while we stopped there for a 30th bday brew crawl. Telling us we couldn't sit somewhere for fear of falling through the floor when we had as many people as they did chairs in that area. And how is does that place even pass a safety inspection then!?!? He could have said it much more tastefully. Too many other awesome Michigan beers to support whose staff was more than welcoming through out the day.
(1)
Patrick T.

Great beer. Try the bam biere. The truffle fries are very good. They had this thai basil and coconut cocktail which was delicious.
(4)
Eric R.

Thanks for ruining my birthday.... Checked our name into your system. There were two open tables and we were the only people waiting... Your super rude host was not helpful or apologetic and said there's a 10 minute wait for each person ahead of us even if they aren't here.....amazingly bad service. Open tables for a long time = u captured profit. Birthday ruined
(1)
Raquel D.

This place has amazing beverages! Didn't stay to eat, but did experience the funky decor and really great service from the bartender. Would definitely come back.
(3)
John H.

I enjoy this place. I end up here most of the times I come to Ann Arbor. This one is infinitely better than the traverse city location. Both in food and customer service. The menu is always good with local ingredients. I'm trying the market pizza this time. Sounds good. Hope it's good... I've yet to have a bad meal so I'm not worried.
(4)
Mimi T.

I was a little hesitant to eat here since there has been a slew of terrible reviews lately. We had an officer's dinner here and so glad we did. So we ordered both types of fries (Truffle and chick pea). Truffle fries were delish with some sort of white aioli sauce. The chickpea fries were interesting at best. Glad I tried it but I don't think I would order it again. It came with some tomato jam that I just didn't think complimented the chickpeas that well. Maybe something tangier would've been better or an assortment of dipping options. I love the salads. I ordered the grilled romaine with chicken and I must say I was impressed. I never thought to grill romaine but it definitely gave it another level of flavor that went well with grilled chicken. The dressing was delicious and didn't overpower the other flavors. I also love any salad with dates so this was a winning combo. I tried some of the steak salad and veggie pizza with soy cheese. Everything was awesome! I was surprised how much I like the soy mozzarella. It could get a little pricey with all the drinks but at least it was worth it. The bog was phenomenal especially since I asked for it with less syrup since I'm not that big into overly sweet drinks. Maybe they actually read the reviews and changed things up or they just got their act together. Whatever it was, so glad they did it. Can't wait to come back and try the other interesting options on the menu.
(4)
Joe F.

Great sour beers! But some of the bartenders need to be more enthusiastic about their craft, and for the love of God, STOP WITH THE HIPSTER VIBE. Service wasn't bad, just not very personable. Take away is, great beer.
(3)
Jenny R.

Great food! We were in town for a conference and ate at the Jolly Pumpkin with some friends. The pizza I had was great and the portobello sandwich my husband had was pretty good to. The kids pizza was huge and ended up feeding our two toddlers and our friends 4 year old (and it only cost $5.00!). It had nice atmosphere and the staff was friendly. It didn't make such an impression on me that it would be one of those "you HAVE to go here every time you visit Ann Arbor" type of places, but I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as well.
(4)
Andrew D.

Great pub in heart of Ann Arbor. They went all out with giving it the olde English look. Only been for lunch and never been disappointed. First, the beers are excellent. Don't be afraid to ask for a few samples to get the right choice. The IPA is very good, last time I enjoyed a Blonde (who doesn't). Good service, and also a nice bar to sit at. Food wise I have not seen a bad plate. The BBQ chicken pizza is good and also really like the chicken, Brie and jam sandwich. Definitely one for your list in Ann Arbor
(4)
Alice S.

Jolly Pumpkin made a pretty good location to grab a casual dinner, and the atmosphere was as expected. The server was professional, and the prices weren't too bad. I would consider returning in the future!
(4)
Alex H.

I really like the food at Jolly Pumpkin. They have truffle fries that are the best I've had, and their sour beers are supposed to pretty dang good too! Recommended: The grilled romain salad was surprisingly good. My girlfriend got it with tofu which was also grilled so that it had a smoky and slightly acidic flavor, and I got it with chicken which was grilled and moist.
(5)
MaryLiz S.

I came back a second time with only my mom this time. She only goes for "normal" American food -- nothing exotic. So this place is a good compromise when you have to eat out with someone who has zero tolerance for anything "exotic." Plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. Ya know, some days ya just don't want any meat. So I got the smashed chickpea panini this time. I liked the arugula. Yum! Maybe I should have asked for a little hot sauce to fill out the flavors, but it was OK the way it was. It was a lot quieter in the back room. Before, when we sat right next to the window, the hard surfaces + loud conversation at the very talkative nearby table = a headache for me. I noticed all the cute ghosts hanging from the ceiling in that back room. If you're after ambiance, this place has it. I'm surprised my mother didn't object to the skulls and Halloween stuff, but she apparently came for the food. It was quite appropriate that we were there shortly before Halloween. Our wait person was there when we needed her. I loved the pumpkin whoopee pie I chose for dessert. Hey, I just had to splurge. It had enough pumpkin pie-type spices to hit all my pleasure centers. Rather than sweet and cloying, I'd say it was just right.
(4)
Shane M.

6/5 for the beer, nuf' said. Ok ok the food is top notch as well, as a vegetarian the options are numerous. My meat eating companion said "this is the best BLT I've ever eaten". So pretty good right?
(5)
J. H.

I have never seen a text message table wait system before, quite cool and well though out. Table for four on a Saturday night we were told 40-60 minutes and probably only waiting 20, just enough time to enjoy a chocolate stout (quite tasty). We sat upstairs and while sharing the meat platter (good) and mussels (VERY good) appetizer I also had a wet hopped IPA brewed with Michigan grown hops. Not super hoppy, but quite good nevertheless. The lady and I split two entrees: the popeye pizza and the beef and bacon burger with truffle fries. Burger was excellent, really had a great beer flavor to it. Fries went very quickly- quite good. Popeye pizza was good, could have used a little less lemon on top, but I get the flavor profile they were going for. All in all I will be back and I will recommend to others. Food is very good. Beer I would say lacks some "pop" and I will not be seeking out their brews the way I seek out Bell's, Founders and Shorts.
(4)
Kelsey D.

Amazing drinks, salad, Mac and cheese with fried chicken and vegan chocolate cake! Service was on point as we'll.
(5)
Mandi C.

Delicious pizza, must try the truffle fries! Good to grab some drinks and appetizers, have a delicious lunch or dinner! The daily menu changing keeps it fresh and interesting for frequent flyers.
(4)
Eleni K.

Truffle Fries. AAAAMAZING!!!!! One of the best appetizers I have ever had!! We split a pizza for lunch. It was tasty, but a little soggy towards the middle. Great fun atmosphere and I would love to return!
(4)
Roy A.

I've only tried the beers and I became smitten with this place. They specialize in sour brews and they do not disappoint. Also, the locale has a very nice atmosphere!
(5)
Stephanie B.

Super unique food that is definitely worth the price. My favorite is the chicken sandwich with Brie cheese and apricot jam. Not something I'd naturally put together, but an incredible taste. The truffle fries and beer selection are both great. Wonderful ambience as well.
(5)
Rachel F.

I came here to meet friends, and read the rave reviews on the truffle fries. I walked into an overpromise and underdeliver situation. Not bad, but my taste buds were searching for more flavor. JP could learn a thing or two from Umami Burger's truffle fries.
(3)
Hari M.

We had a courteous receptionist and a friendly waitress and a great selection of beers. Food - they have some specials and regular pizzas and and sandwiches. Did not try food. But will try when I back here again. Awesome ambience and overall friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Ryan T.

"Sour beer?" I say to the waitress. Yup that's their gig. They're a really awesome place. I'm not sure that I can hang with all the sourness of their craft-artisan-local-small-batch-hand-brew-Âwhatchamacallit but this is a place I have taken just about everyone who's made the pilgrimage to A2 to pay me a visit. First off, the staff here is very friendly and will gladly let you try any of their beers on tap. The Bam Biere is touted by Men's Journal as one of the best 24 beers or some nonsense. The Bam Biere IS amazing. Admittedly one of their less sour beers so it's a bit against the grain with their whole M.O. but I digress... Food here isn't why I'd come here but if we're gonna call Jolly Pumpkin a bar, this is the best bar food around town. Their truffle fries are always a big hit! My only gripe here is that their happy hour is only 1 buck off beers if you're sitting at the bar. The last waitress we had said they're working on revamping that.
(5)
Athreya R.

The food was average here...just average. Nothing special but not completely inedible. I wish this place was a bit more simple but they seem to complicate good wholesome food with all kinds of organic this and free range that but I feel like it could be a simple pub and still do well. Overall, 3/5 for being average.
(3)
Jennifer H.

Well I just showed up to join my friends and apparently the staff has been very rude about adding people to our table, so we are leaving and I didn't even get to try it out. When we asked for our checks they seemed relieved, Way to go for customer service.
(1)
Sean L.

Awesome food. Award winning beer. My only knock on the place is that their signature brewing yeast tends to give all their beers the same sour undertone. That said, my family loves it. If the weather is nice, be sure to sit in the rooftop deck area.
(5)
Jenna L.

The pizza alone warrants four stars. I've only been here once, but I would love to go back. There is typically a long wait on weekends for dinner. It seems to be well deserved, their pizzas are served on deliciously soft, supple light hued bread. The bread tastes like a cloud with seasoning. The cheese is melted in a subtle, calculated way for maximum enjoyment, not too much, not too little. You can choose from a list of pizzas with sets of toppings, I had something with spinach and truffle oil on it. The flavors meshed well, you can tell the pizzas are thought-out with finesse. Portion size is good too, each pizza has 6 large slices. The jolly also has a selection of good drinks, the martini I had was decent tasting though could have been stronger, not that memorable. We barely saw our server though it was efficient enough I suppose... Pizza was just as delicious a day later as leftovers, and just as tender. No refrigeration or microwaving required.
(4)
Amy B.

I'm going to start off my review with a caveat. Like most relationship issues, the problems that Jolly Pumpkin and I have are both of our faults. My fault: I'm not really that into Belgian beer. I have this mental image of myself as someone with a refined palate, but when it comes down to it, I know I don't really appreciate this particular style of beer. Jolly Pumpkin excels at Belgian beers. It's their specialty, and Belgians comprise the bulk of the draft beer list. I don't really like the beer that much here, but I have to claim the blame for this one. Their fault: The food is very inconsistent. Sometimes, it's awesome. I've had their margharita pizza and been blown away by its simple deliciousness; ditto the fire and smoke pizza. Othertimes, it's kinda bad. I've had that same fire and smoke pizza and been blown away by its simple craptitude. And some of their food doesn't work for other reasons. The smashed chickpea sandwich I ate last night tasted pretty good but fell apart all over my plate, and the eggplant inside was hard to bite through. What a mess. Also their fault: Change the dang light fixtures. Yes, they look cool, but I am SO TIRED of banging my head on them. I'm not even that tall. Our waitress banged her head on one while taking our order! They've got to be raised before someone puts an eye out. If you, unlike me, are a fan of Belgian beers, I do recommend trying Jolly Pumpkin. Their staff appears knowledgeable about their offerings and eager to provide feedback. I also admire that they have many creative vegetarian options throughout the menu. As for me, Jolly Pumpkin and I have decided to break up on friendly terms. If we run into each other again, we'll behave like grown ups and share a (not so) tasty beer.
(2)
Kellie W.

This is more like a 3.5. Sometimes when I'm freezing, walking home from work in the frigid snow I daydream about a summer evening where I'm on the roof of Jolly Pumpkin or Palio and it's hot and I'm sipping a delicious beer (Diabolical, please). Then I'm brought back to the cold reality of winter as I slip on the ice. Jolly Pumpkin's food is pretty good, my top choices are the cobb salad, the pacific pizza (tangy!) and, a friend introduced me to these earlier this week, the truffle fries- YUM. I wouldn't classify the food as amazing, but it issss good. You can tell they use high quality ingredients. I like that the place has artisan pizzas, but that there are plenty of other choices too. It's a good group spot. The JP beer is sour, which really isn't my thing, but I like the North Peak (sister brewery) brews they serve. And even though I'm not a sour beer drinker, I like that JP owns their brews and has a distinct edge. The decor is nice and, in the summer, the deck is awesome- it's their gem. The service is OK. Aside from the pizzas, I think the prices are a tad high.
(3)
Bryan B.

This burger is at the top of the list for Ann Arbor burgers. I already ate and my mouth is watering just thinking about the potential of eating this burger again. It's not low-calorie, it's downright disturbing if you think about how many steps it would take to burn this off, so don't think about it. Just eat it, perhaps take a picture of it and make it your new facebook profile picture, then sit back and take a full belly nap. It's good.
(5)
Linda S.

This has become one of our favorite spots in Ann Arbor. I love, love, love the chicken nachos with the freshly made chips to order. The beer is so interesting and delishiously sour, it is addictive. My favorite is the Roja. I also like the Popeye pizza with just the right amount of toppings and cheese-it is yummy! The service is generally good and the staff is very helpful when asked to assist in making menu choices, for both food and beer. Wednesday sandwich night is great too-lots of new interesting choices every Wednesday.
(4)
Joss K.

On a recent frigid Sunday, my dining partner and I elected to test out the brunch service at the Jolly Pumpkin on Main Street. I have long been a big fan of their grilled romaine salad with chicken--on the regular menu--but was eventually swayed to the brunch menu's offerings; this was, after all, our goal. I decided on the daily special omelette--surely won over by the piquillo peppers and homemade mozzarella it was purportedly packed with--and I was not disappointed in the least. I will say, however, that it was, well, an omelette, the likes of which I can make in my own kitchen. This is neither good, nor bad, but simply is. My dining comrade, on the other hand, chose the unfortunately-named "eggs on cheesy bread"--which turned out to be incredible. Thick slices of grilled baguette topped with perfectly sautÃ©ed Brussels sprouts, fried eggs, and cheese rounded out a noteworthy plate of creative-yet-comforting fare. And I don't even like Brussels sprouts. The service was charming, efficient, and the coffee hot enough to warm one through and through, if not the richest cup in town. The Jolly Pumpkin has been a long-standing favorite of mine and of many, and their newish brunch service is a welcome addition to downtown's offerings--particularly because it's available on Saturdays, which in and of itself is more than most dinner establishments can boast. They may not be the most elaborate place in town, but what they attempt to do, they do very well. When not brunching, who doesn't appreciate a place that offers diners at the same table a lovely full dinner or just a sandwich? There is function in flexibility, and thusly I'm a fan.
(4)
Jeff R.

Even if you can't (or aren't inclined) to drink more than one sour ale at a sitting, the Jolly Pumpkin delivers both diverse beer (all sours) and an interesting food menu. Highly recommended for this type of restaurant/brew pub.
(5)
Fred H.

Amazing food. Had the lamb burger and truffle fries. Beers aren't as impressive, had the parcela (seasonal) and bro de calabaza.
(4)
Laura C.

let's update this baby since I have been there twice in the past week :) oops. their rooftop patio isn't extremely beautiful, but it's cool to be up high and outside, right? yep! they also have a new cider-- North Peak-- since I last wrote. YUM! JP is one of the busiest spots in town, and when you try their food (burger. fries. awesomeness!) and their beers, you'll see why!
(5)
Michelle W.

I went here with a good friend for dinner on a busy Friday night. I really enjoy the atmosphere here & the place was PACKED! We had to wait a few for a table, but grabbed a beer at the bar (they let you sample first so you won't get stuck with something you hate). I got the porter, I'm a dark beer kind of girl & this was pretty good. I like that they have TONS of veggie options on the menu!! After a difficult battle, I decided on the chickpea sandwich, which was delicious! It had a little bit of something in it that was tangy & gave it a nice kick. I would love to come back and sample some more of their menu next time I'm back in town. The veggies were all fresh & had flavor (Yay! amazing for winter time!). To sum it up: YAYAY a veggie friendly food place with yummy beer!
(4)
Jennifer S.

This place is great! I love it because it's a place for burgers and sandwiches and salads but with a twist. It's a little more upscale but definitely not fancy. There's a huge beer menu that my husband and his friend enjoyed the heck out of. I'm not a big beer drinker so I can't speak to the beer menu too much, but for people like me there was also an extensive cocktail menu. I actually didn't try a cocktail but they looked amazing, and I will definitely try one next time. As for food I got the chicken and brie sandwich which had an apricot jam on it, and it was sooooo mouth wateringly good. I literally dream about it, and can't wait to go back and get another one! I got a side salad with my sandwich with the house vinaigrette and that was also very good. Also, instead of a pickle with the sandwiches you get a picked zucchini which was actually very good. I'm not a zucchini fan, but I really liked the picked one with the sandwich! We had our two year old son with us and he was able to get a little fruit cup because all he wanted was fruit and french fries...the fries are also adult friendly and DELICIOUS. This place is a chain and we actually live closer to the Dexter location so we will definitely be hitting that one up next. I have nothing bad to say about it!
(5)
Beck E.

Okay, first order of business: TRUFFLE FRIES. For $5, this is an appetizer worth trying at least once and sharing with your friends. Even my boyfriend, whose tastebuds can only distinguish between two flavors ("good" and "not good"), could tell that these fries tasted different/non-standard (but still fell under "good" for him). I had the smashed chickpea panini with the house salad. The pickled zucchini spear I could have done without (it was weird), but half the sandwich, the salad, and 1/4 of the fries filled me up for the rest of the night. (Unfortunately, I did not get to try any of the beers, as I'm not allowed to drink for at least a week after a series of poor decisions these past few days...) Our waiter was friendly and very accommodating, which I'm really not accustomed to after being snubbed by all the waitstaff at ABC and Grizzly Peak for the last 4.5 years! Two in my party wanted a sampler but could not think of any particular beers and asked the waiter to surprise him--and he happily obliged. The decor in the back room was really strange though, and I have to knock a star off my rating for that. Besides the walls being cluttered with photos of people whose relation to the restaurant is unclear, there are shrunken voodoo heads hanging from the ceiling! Yes, they're fake, but GROSS! I wish I'd never looked up.
(4)
Meagan R.

Some of the best beer I've ever had, but the food was terrible. Not only was there not much of it, but it was overpriced and not very good. But the beer, go for the beer!
(3)
Katie Y.

I have always enjoyed coming here- great food, incredibly friendly employees, and a fantastic choice of beers. Try the chickpea "fries"- so delicious!
(4)
Martha R.

I went w/ my dad for a little lunch the other day, and was excited to try this place out after a visit a while back to the brewery for a little tour. The pizza was a bit under-cooked, so it was a pretty weak crust. I did like the flavor of the truffle pizza - but the sauce was so runny that it caused the crust to almost completely disappear (i.e., it was so mushy you couldn't tell it was there). The pork "rueben" was just okay as it was lacking flavor. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting... and the beer was quite delicious. I had the straight-up IPA (forgot the name - not high alcohol, not pumpkin-flavored), which was quite tasty. Our waiter was hardly to be found though (not sure why since it wasn't really that busy)... which caused us not to bother with a second beer. I really wanted to love this place a little more. With a little work on the food and service, I think that it could definitely lure me in more often. I'm happy to try something different next time though... maybe the truffle pizza and pork rueben aren't the way to go.
(3)
Sarah K.

Awesome beers and tasty food. Definitely recommend the truffle pizza. Even on a football weekend, everything went smoothly with a minimal wait time for a table. Service was excellent.
(5)
Colleen M.

We visited the pub while on vacation in Michigan. The food was very good. It seemed a little pricey but that may be the norm for downtown Ann Arbor. My mushroom, goat cheese and truffle oil pizza was amazing. We had the hummus starter - 3 varieties - and they were all very tasty. While the food was good, I was surprised to find that they were out of many of their beers. I tried an ale which, while not my first choice (they were out), was very good. So bottom line - good food but disappointing that they were out of their main attraction - artisan ales.
(3)
Kelly E.

Best brewery pub in 2A. I love that their beers are sour - it's such a nice change from the traditional lager, porter, ale routine. You can order a large bottle for 2 or 3 people (especially if you're not sure if you like sour beer). The food is delicious. The ingredients are locally sourced. I happen to be very into the locally-sourced model but, even if you're not hippy-go-lucky like me, the local food tastes freshier and more crisp. I promise. My only complaint is that they run out of certain beers on tap really quickly. But that's the curse of small batch; there is only so much to go around!
(5)
Peter T.

Do this: order a Bam Biere, order a Red Chile Tofu sandwich (upgrade fries to truffle), and order a bowl of warm olives if you have a friend to share them with. You're welcome, Pete
(5)
Satya C.

My favorite place in AA for great beer and food. The truffle fries are to die for!
(4)
Melissah L.

I was surprised by this restaurant because I am not particularly fond of the other restaurants owned by this management company (Cafe Habana, Blue Tractor and Grizzly Peak Brewing Company). Jolly Pumpkin has a similar atmosphere to it's sister restaurants-- casual, but comfortable, and little bit trendy. The food here is different, they serve mostly pizza, sandwiches and salads, but every dish is made more interesting with unique ingredients to make creative combinations. For example, I once ordered the Red Chile Tofu sandwich... It was a tofu sandwich with pickled cabbage on bread. What a brilliant combination! It was light and refreshing, but filling at the same time. My favorite thing about this restaurant, however, is that they offer soy mozzarella on all of the pizzas! I am lactose intolerant but I used to eat pizza all the time, and boy do I miss it. I love the Fire and Smoke pizza, but I want to try them all (juuuust because I can). Other great picks are the South Pacific pizza and the truffle fries.
(4)
Mike D.

I've been a fan of Jolly Pumpkin's ale for around eight years now, and have wanted to get over to try their food for a while. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and found it was pretty full. Luckily there was a small table that had just opened up, so the wait was short. The table wasn't great, wedged between a wall and another table with only a foot or two to spare, which resulted in butts in our faces as people squeezed in and out. I had the BLT with salad as the side, and truffle fries to share. The BLT was a hit and miss. The rustic country bread was good and the mozzarella was spot on, but the bacon was very fatty and pretty floppy. It was also laid on heavy and was overpowering enough that I ended up pulling it out by the time I had the second half of the sandwich. The impromptu grilled cheese that resulted worked well. The truffle fries were nicely flavored, a good sized portion, and served with a quite good dipping sauce. I wanted to try the chicken nachos, but didn't want to go overboard. My wife had the Warm Artichoke Sandwich, based on rave reviews seen here. She was less than impressed, stating that it had a lot of different flavors that just did not work well together. She did like the olive bread, but ate half before getting bored and moving on. Overall the food looked good on paper, but fell flat. The service was pretty darn slow, but luckily I was just a lazy Saturday afternoon. I was going to award only two stars, but I will give it three since I imagine that is where it would be if I had some of their great beer to go with the food. I'll probably stop in again to try some of the other offerings in the future.
(3)
Sara G.

I've returned many times and have been sorely remiss about updating my review! Just a few things warrant this: 1. Their burger. One of the best in town. Consistently delish. BURGERHEAVEN (or burgerhaven?). 2. Their steak and potato salad. Warm fingerling chunks and melt-in-your-mouth grass-fed flat iron steak mixed over greens. 3. Their cocktails. Try them, they're creative and scrumptious.
(4)
Gerry B.

Always better each time I visit, third time is more than a charm. Every menu item was hot, tasty and deliciious. Dessert was no disappointmen, try the Vegan Chocolate Cake even if you aren't a Vegan, or the Whoopie Pumpkin Pie offering. Each was a definite treat.
(5)
Amy V.

Definitely A-ok. I had a great chicken/brie sandwich, it was so good. The atmosphere is loud, tough to catch up with friends. The reviews were mixed from my companions. If you're in the area, it's worth a try.
(3)
April C.

I was really excited to try Jolly Pumpkin and my expectations were exceeded. The ambiance and staff are wonderful and the food was great. We ordered the truffled fries which are such an indulgence (I wanted to order more!) and I ordered the pizza with bacon, pineapple, and scallions. The pizza was perfectly done and paired well with the Bam Biere, which was also pretty tasty. Definitely a place I will be coming back to again and again.
(5)
Robyn T.

I remember trying Jolly Pumpkin beer at a tasting in Frankenmuth and not really liking it. I gave it another shot since I had tasted about 15 other beers that night as well. Hmm, I think I can honestly say I'm not a fan. The hubs and I went and I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. The perfectly lit room with the earthtone walls and dark wood is just my style of place. We settled upstairs in a very crowded and noisy room. That doesn't bother me but if you don't like noise and chaos, stick with the bottom floor. The hubs ordered a La Roja and I ordered a Calabaza Blanca. Be prepared, it's a wine bottle sized bottle of beer so you better like it! Unfortunately, hubs REALLY didn't like his and said it tasted like red wine and not beer. We were out $14 for a beer he only had a sip of. My beer was ok, but didn't knock me off my feet. I ordered the chicken & brie sandwich and hubs ordered a carnivores pizza. Both were fantastic! The chicken and brie made a wonderful couple. There's also an apricot spread which compliments the other ingredients perfectly. I know it kind of defeats the purpose, but I would come back for the food and order a soda.
(3)
Hymae W.

I have been here a couple times and they are always busy. Which is what i always expect for anything good in Ann Arbor. The most recent time i went it was just for drinks with a group of friends. We found a table upstairs (its first come first serve up their). We started with a flight of beers which were all excellent and it was all downhill from there. All the beers were excellent. i wish i could give you more insight but I enjoyed the beer so much that everything is a little hazy. We did order some fries at some point that were excellent. It was a good time and I will be back again. Oh i should note that there was some hard cider here for those poor souls who are gluten free
(4)
Greg L.

Five stars alone for the beer. It's hard finding good sour beers and this place helps fill the void in the midwest.
(5)
Sophie A.

Fantastic brewpub in Ann Arbor. I was very pleased with the beer selection, food, and service here. Also, has a fun, non-pretentious atmosphere.
(5)
Zachary J.

Got the run around from the hostest. Told to go up stair to sit outside on roof terrace because they alternate seating. Go upstairs and was told it was a 40 minute wait. Come back down stairs only to see the people behind us get the outside streetside table we asked for. Left and went across to Gratzi. Was seated immediately with a smile.
(1)
Barnaby F.

BEST BALANCE OF FOOD AND BEER IN TOWN. There are some thoughtful reviewers who got in ahead of me, so I'll try to avoid unnecessary repetition. My experience was very positive- staff is inexperienced but eager to please. I went midafternoon, so no crowd problems. I wound up ordering a delightful pairing of the complex "Golden Manitee Belipago" with a Three Onion truffled soup. Quite simply a King's Lunch. Outstanding. With the Truffles on my tongue, I went for the Truffles Fries, which were fantastic, but served in a completely unnecessary Belgian-Styled cone. Too much pastiche- they look, smell, and taste better right off the plate.
(4)
Heather S.

My first experience with the Jolly Pumpkin happened to be on a blind date. A blind date in itself is awkward so seeing a place where we wouldn't be the only people on a Tuesday night was a relief. Not being from Ann Arbor I had a little trouble finding parking and then finding the bar, but regardless I made it there in one piece. We headed straight upstairs for a table and for a Tuesday night in February the place was pretty busy! For me this is always a good sign - bodies in a bar during the early week means the place has some hitting/staying power with the local drinkers. Downstairs was packed so we headed upstairs where we could hopefully find a seat. The servers were quick to bus a table off for us and we set about navigating our way through the beer selection. Our server was helpful in offering up choices for what our particular tastes were. My date chose an IPA and I settled for a North Peak Cider. After the as-to-be-expected awkward small talk, we decided to decide on dinner. My date ordered the JP Burger with a side salad. And by the way he ate most of it, I don't think he hated it. I had the Grilled Flatbread with Three Spreads. Delicious! I make my own hummus so I can be a little particular about it, but the Red Pepper Walnut spread was beyond good. I think out of the three it was the only one I finished! I wished I had been hungrier because some of the other vegetarian options (Red Chile Tofu and a Smashed Chickpea sandwich) sounded great too. I was tempted to try one of their speciality cocktails - I was told that the Blackbird was amazing. Unfortunately, I called it quits after two drinks. Since I wasn't paying I didn't spend too much time looking over the prices. But from what I gathered, they were comparable to any of the other gastropubs in the area. The service was great, quick on refills and food was brought out in a timely manner. At no time did I feel like we were being rushed or that the server was hoping we would close out. And I dropped my scarf on the floor twice and each time, a staff member was nice enough to pick it up and put it on the back of my chair for me without me even noticing. Overall, I'd head back here with my girlfriends for some food and catch up in the early part of the week or maybe venture out for some drinks on a weekend. I want to go back and try some beers on the deck!
(4)
Anna K.

Stopped in for a bite to eat and some drinks with a friend. The drinks were good - there was a nice selection of seasonal cocktails. As a huge bacon lover, I had to try the "Not Just a BLT." It's like a gourmet BLT - swap the lettuce with peppery arugula, fresh tomato with oven roasted tomato, and add cheese! The sandwich tasted great, but was a bit greasy for my liking. Also, ordered the truffle fries which were delicious and had the just the right amount of truffle oil.
(4)
Susan O.

Had a wonderful dining experience here on graduation weekend, starting with the friendly staff who took our reservation. Our waitress, Casey, handled our table of 7 like a pro - great service. We all loved our food. Sorry to disagree with the earlier reviewer, but that chicken and brie sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Good food, good beer, good service. We would definitely make a point of eating here again.
(4)
Phaedra Y.

Seriously, the waitress has serious attitude problems. We had a group of 7 and she approached us in a very haughty manner. We let this rolled off our backs and just focused ordering the food and socializing in our circle. Food came - got the pizza - fire and smoke? Decent - I would give it a 3 star. As for Thai Bomber drink - 2 stars for that.. seriously felt like not alcohol in there for $9. I ask the waitress for a box to go - she said ok - came back - no box - had to ask her again - I think she was starting to get irritated. Now finally on to the bill, instead of asking us int he beginning if we wanted separate checks - she gave us our bill all together. One of our friends had to separate the bill. She ranged it up - basically charged everyone wrong on the separate bill receipt. At this point we were all frustrated and she was getting pissed off from her own stupidity. Seriously - the bill took 40 mins to solve - that is just RIDICULOUS!! i've never wasted this much time out of my life waiting for a bill. Anyways, I will probably never come back to this place. The beer is great, but the service - poor enough to make me never to come back
(1)
Caroline C.

Jolly Pumpkin has a very good gluten-free beer on tap. The flavors are a little strange - spicy and fruity and odd, but it all somehow comes together to be quite pleasant. I go for the beer. The food is... meh. I've had probably half the menu here and every single time I eat here I think: "I could have made something better at home." They have gluten-free bread, so those with gluten allergies can eat any of their sandwiches, but I wouldn't recommend it. I don't know... the food here just makes me sad, because it really isn't that hard to make something that tastes good. Even their nachos underwhelmed me, and those are about the hardest dish to screw up. The truffle fries are good though, they are really thin and crispy and nicely spiced. When I go now I usually just order a GF beer and the fries. Oh and I like the ambience, they have a nice warm soft glow type thing going on. It's quite pleasant.
(3)
Jacqueline K.

Not a good place for Celiacs or if you have any other allergies. The staff is not familiar with what is in the kitchen or what can be substituted out. My Celiac mother got sick last time we ate here and was made very uncomfortable by the waitress, so we will not be back.
(2)
Bob S.

Let me begin my review by stating they have great beer! It was good. For dinner, I had the Artic Char. Way too salty! It just wasn't good at all. $23 bucks down the tube for that. Our waiter was unapologetic. My wife got the vegetarian pizza, and it was very good, although too mushy..probably a little undercooked. If it had been crispy, it would of been excellent. The kids did not touch the chicken strips because they were OVERcooked. We couldn't win, fish too salty, pizza undercooked, chicken strips overcooked. Our waiter had the personality of mildew. Don't think I will be back, except maybe for a beer.
(2)
Ryan L.

A friend was in town from Olympia, WA and we met up for lunch. I suggested JP because 1) it was different 2) they served beer and she needed one and 3) they have a lot of vegetarian foods. The service was excellent. Our server was named "A" and he was an absolute darling. Interestingly he had a tattoo of a giant Q but his name was A. I guess you wouldn't get a tattoo of your own name, so that may make sense. Perhaps Q was his mother, or father, or he liked the inventor in James Bond movies. The beer was interesting. I got to try a sample of the Bam. Our server described it as tasting like kombucha, which did not sound good. The sample tasted ok but was not my favorite. My friend said it tasted like baby asprin. I don't know what that tastes like but it's interesting if you can imagine. I tried the Amber Ale next and it was really good. In addition to beer there were some other cocktails, but they only have rum and vodka (I think) for the cocktails. There were some interesting ones. The food has a lot of interesting options including gluten free and vegan options. I got a grilled cheese that was on focaccia bread with a gooey white cheese and balsamic marinated yellow peppers. I thought the bread was too thick for a grilled cheese and the cheese was too gooey. I thought that the peppers didn't provide enough of a flavor and it needed something else. I also thought it smelled like feet. The portion was huge and it came with a lot of fries. I took half of it to go and it made my car smell like feet. The soup of the day was vegetarian french onion. I thought it was nice they served a vegetarian version of french onion soup since the traditional beef broth doesn't really add much to the soup and really should be vegetarian anyway. I feel for the vegetarians. I give the Jolly Pumpkin 3 stars for trying hard, great service, a cool location and being a microbrewery. I think the food was a little lacking and did not have an over all interesting flavor profile. I will definitely have to return to try something else and hopefully I'll upgrade my rating. Comparing similar places, I would suggest Grizzly Peak nearby for a local brew and good food. Jolly Pumpkin is definitely for the more adventurous.
(3)
Javier G.

Average portion, slightly pricy, and tastes okay.
(3)
Chris D.

This might just be my favorite place to grab a burger and beer in Ann Arbor. Right on main street, great vibe in side, not to mention delicious gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Wide selection of beers brewed in house as well as other fantastic local beers. Make it happen.
(5)
Mr. E.

If you are going for just beer, do it during happy hour. The food is overpriced, and honestly- not that amazing. This place tries so hard to be eclectic and unique it gets lost in the quality of service and food. Then again, a lot of places in Ann Arbor have done that. If you like ambiance and atmosphere, this is a good spot to socialize and people watch. Upstairs is interesting, but the sound really bangs around your head from the wood floors and the walls. Makes it hard to hear much of anything at times. Seriously, happy hour is the only time I will go in here. Otherwise, forget it.
(3)
Damian M.

The Good: -Food & Drink: Very good pizzas and burgers. Love the food and they have great quality for money for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! As for drinks, the Jolly Pumpkin offers a wide variety of drinks and beers - their own, in-house brews as well as North Peak beers -Service: Regarding service, the verdict is mixed. The front-of-house team seems to have it together and are always warm and helpful when I walk in. As for waitstaff, in one occasion I had a mediocre beer and the waitress didn't hesitate to remove it from my bill and bring me another. In another occasion, a similar thing happened with a friend: He ordered a beer, didn't like the taste, and it was immediately replaced. -Great ambiance and I love their patio deck! The Bad: - Service: In another occasion, however, I ordered food and then a few minutes later asked if I could add mushrooms on the burger. The waiter (a bearded, plump fellow) was totally inflexible and quite rude telling me it wasn't possible because the order was already in. I was slightly annoyed and embarrassed in front of my friends. This is NOT the way you should ever treat a customer. As a restaurant you must always be flexible and cater to the customer's needs whatever they may be. -The dumpsters in the alley: They need to sort out the smell wafting up from the alley especially for customers they sit at the back of the patio deck. Conclusion: They seriously need to coach their waitstaff to be more accommodating and the drinks menu could be cut down. However, I do love their drinks and food and I would go definitely back and recommend it to friends! Excellent food and beers.
(4)
Amanda B.

We came here around 9 P.M. on Thursday evening looking for a few drinks and appetizers to share. Generally speaking, I don't expect much from the food in brew pubs. The name of the game is usually the beer, which is completely acceptable. However, at this place, I wished that I would've been more hungry for sandwiches because those around us that had ordered them, looked delicious. Instead, my husband and I settled for sharing the Truffle French Fries and the Three Cheese Granite Baked Pizza. The french fries, overall, were very nice. A few fries here and there were a bit limp, but mostly, they were crispy and had just the right amount of rosemary sprinkled on. The pizza was lovely. The cheese was nice and rich, but not overly so. The broccolini added a nice hint of color and flavor to the pizza as well. Our beers were also very good. My favorite was the Famer's Ale but others we tried were quite fun too! This seemed like a great place to go and do exactly what we did...drinks and appetizers. However, I'm sure a nice casual dinner would be lovely as well. Overall, I'd definitely go back assuming I lived there!
(4)
Wanda V.

Good truffle fries. Good beer. Crappy service. Burger was bad. Steak salad was soggy. Serve was inattentive and rude after I made one change in my order. Gave a broken glass. Again good fries and good beer but not worth coming to again.
(1)
Michael B.

Not sure what others said about this place as my wife read the reviews, but went here because the hotel suggested it. You can look at my other reviews to know I am not easy to please. I'd drive to Ann arbor just to eat at this place again. There was an Irish place across the street that looked really good too. Also, not sure who said bad for kids--our guys loved it!
(5)
Tattooed Vegan Travelers T.

**All of our reviews focus mostly on the restaurant's veggie and vegan options and/or veggie flexibility. Please read the comments to determine if our ratings are applicable to you** Vegan & Veggie Heaven!!! Trendy breweries tend to have absolutely nothing to eat for vegans and vegetarians besides fries and the occasional Boca burger. This place is the exception! From the amazing flatbread spread, to the smoked tofu salad, to the red chili tofu sandwich, to the vegan chocolate cake, this pub will keep your veggie taste buds screaming for more! and they have enough meaty options that your meat eating friends won't roll their eyes like they do when you suggest to go to that other veggie heaven in town :-).
(5)
Erin C.

They got rid of their South Pacific pizza :( The new menu is ok but that pizza was the main reason I came here so I have no reason to go back.
(3)
Mark S.

After hearing the hype from a ton of people, I was thoroughly underwhelmed. I've always know it to have a super long wait, and they don't allow you to call ahead. We came in with a group of 5 after 8PM, and were told 1-1.5 hour wait. I saw a sign for different hours for their upstairs section, so I asked what that was about. The hostess told me that it was a more casual environment with open seating. So I went upstairs and sat down at a table, only to be told that it wasn't open seating, and that there was a hostess upstairs. I told the upstairs hostess what I was told downstairs, and that I still didn't quite understand the difference, but we had 5 people and wherever we could sit we'd be happy with. After about 5 minutes, she seated us upstairs. We ended up with a table so no big deal, but you'd think that they could either accurately describe upstairs vs. downstairs, or maybe if there's two different hostesses, they could communicate between the two because with the same menu, no one really cares where they sit. After reading the menu online and reading about the farms where they get their food and how they make their own alcohol, I was definitely excited. Nearly everything let me down though. The beer sampler was served almost warm, and was nothing too special compared to other craft beers in the downtown area. A friend had a whiskey drink that tasted like tequila, and my wife had a mojito that she said tasted like lime juice. As for the food, again just average. A couple friends got pizzas that were OK but not great, my wife got the chicken and brie sandwich which was the best of the bunch, and I got a porchetta sandwich which I didn't want to finish. The spinach was too much and too soggy, and the pork was tough and stringy, and actually hard to tear apart from the sandwich as you took a bite. The fries were good, and I actually really liked the pickled zucchini spear instead of a pickle, but that's about it. I would definitely have been upset had we waited 1-1.5 hours for that meal.
(2)
Jenny J.

Red Chili Tofu Sandwich--you are almost too delicious. As a vegetarian--I get bored of veggie burgers, but this sandwich is SO tasty. There were a good amount of other veggie options as well. My partner got a meat covered pizza which he said was really good. Can't wait to come back and try the truffle fries!!
(4)
Kate R.

I enjoyed my time at Jolly Pumpkin. Honestly, I was very impressed with their truffle fries.... I'm a sucker for good french fries. They have a stellar selection of beer - as would be expected - as well as a unique selection of cocktails. Their black bean soup was very good, but I was a little disappointed with my sandwich. I ordered the sweet & spicy cobia sandwich, which had a great flavor profile but the slaw on the sandwich made the bread a bit soggy and difficult to eat. I can honestly say though that based on what I saw on their lunch and dinner menus, I could probably go back a hundred times and try all the various dishes I thought sounded amazing... too bad convention only expects us to order one entree... :-) Honestly though, I can't wait to go back and try other menu items! Places like Jolly Pumpkin with their eclectic menus and great beverage options can never get old!
(4)
Flamedrinker F.

Do this joint. Seriously. Do it. Killer food, killer beer. Traveling home from a family event , we stopped here on the advice of my nephews girlfriend. She goes to Michigan. I come from a college town and this felt like a great place in a great city. Their homebrews are stellar. We came on a Tuesday after the first sunny weekend in a long time and they were out of most of their beers. We had the Diabolical. Super hoppy and went well with the food. The chef has talent. He needs to get out in the world a bit more, but does an awesome job. Fries were perfectly crispy and salted. The wife had sausage and pepperoni pizza. Crisp sourdough pie. 10-12 inch personal size. very good. I had the porcetta sandwich. House made bread was OK but it wasn't porcetta. It was just sliced pork loin with a pinch of shaved fennel and a basil mayo. The plate had a spear of pickled zucchini. Great idea in theory, but didn't play well in my mouth. I will recommend this place highly to anyone. P.S. Chef, come see me in NYC.
(3)
David C.

Beers are good. Thought the Yuzu beer was pretty creative
(4)
A.J. S.

After driving home from a long trip, on the way back to Detroit we decided to stop at the Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Company's restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor. Jolly Pumpkin is one of the leading breweries in the country in terms of of craft brewing, they have a special brew called "Perseguidor" for which thousands of people lineup every year when it is released. One this specific trip we happened to luck out and be there for the release of their Biere De Mars, which is another season beer they do. I was pretty happy by our luck, and got to try the beer, which was excellent, we also had the Vicious (another very good beer), and the Bog Beast. Ambiance - There was a nice setting to the place. The lights appeared to be some very good mismatched vintage glass. The layout was nice enough, the flooring was interesting. Service - The service was very attentive and very good, the server knew all about the beers, and was willing to answer any questions we might have had. Food - We ordered truffled french fries, and Tofu Cracklins. Next time I go, I want to try one of their sandwiches, but didn't get around to get it next time. It was an extremely interesting meal, and well worth it. Drinks- As always Jolly Pumpkin is one of the best breweries in the states, if not in the country.We took some a bottle of the Mars home. I would definitely go back!! :) **VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY**
(5)
Emily D.

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor, mainly due to the availability of gluten free beer and sandwiches on the menu, but now that there are plenty of other celiac friendly places downtown, the Jolly Pumpkin is starting to lose its appeal for me. My main complaints: - The menu NEVER CHANGES, and their specials are always $20 or more - Sandwiches are way overpriced - They don't offer GF pizza (even Domino's offers gluten free pizza!) - Their GF beer is a little too hoppy for my tastes - Their cider tastes like apple-flavored water (every time I've tasted it, the server has blamed it on a bad batch, but I'm starting to think it's just bad) Step up your game, Jolly Pumpkin! I really do want to find reasons to like you again.
(3)
Brian B.

Came here today for yet another beer release, second one in two days. I have to say this place is fantastic. While waiting for the beer event to happen, I ordered a Not Just a BLT sandwich. Holy crap it was good. Toasted bread, smoked bacon, fresh mozz, arugula, roasted tomatoes. Fantastic. Everything was crisp, fresh, and tasted great. Definitely a must have again. Their beer is the main attraction to Jolly Pumpkin. The style is not for everyone. I believe all are oak aged and bottle conditioned. I've had most of the regular offerings. I recommend the Oro de Calabaza if you want some lighter. Reminds me of champagne. Bam Biere may be their most popular one. I enjoy them all.
(5)
Julianne S.

Good beer, creative food choices and kick-ass outside/patio area in the summer. I'd definitely recommend coming in the summer for beers and dinner, or just beers. Sit outside if you can!
(4)
Michael S.

First time there, but not the first I've had their beer. Actually, I didn't have any of their beer. I did have a nice cask ale from Grizzly Peak. I wanted to try some of theirs, but they were out of the two I would have ordered. As I'm not a Belgian fan, I opted for the cask one, which was delicious, BTW. Their not having more than a few of their brews got the star deleted. The food, on the other hand, was mighty fine. I had the Grilled Chicken with Brie. There was so much, that I had plenty to take home. When I looked at the price on the menu, I thought it was a bit much, but the quality and the quantity made it a great deal. The staff was attentive and the decor was quite pleasing. All in all, a good experience. I might not go back for the beer, but would for the food.
(4)
Chiwei L.

IT IS ABOUT FREAKING TIME! Ann Arbor Main Street just got a bunch more interesting, and surprisingly, it's a brewery! I pretty much loath most of the food downtown, finding it uninspiring and expensive, but the Jolly Pumpkin seems to be doing a lot right. This restaurant oozes character and warmth, and pretty much everybody will enjoy it's charms. There were a ton of people here, but you never felt crowded or assaulted with noise. We created a nice little spot at the bar and started with a beer sampler to get us started. I like lighter beers, so the "Diabolical" was my favorite of the bunch. We then cracked open the menu. Now I got to say, i've never been super impressed with the food at brewery's, which tends to be the wasteland of generic burgers, wings, and beer cheese soup. At the "JP" we were very very impressed with the fresh approach to pub food, and we ended up wanting to order most of the menu. In retrospect, I think we didn't order well, since after we got our food, we saw dish after dish of amazing things that I wish I had ordered. That being said the salumist chopped salad was fresh and flavorful (if a little ordinary)l, and the truffle sour dough pizza was earthy and delicious. So what were those other dishes? The burger looked fantastic. The tofu salad looked amazing. (I know, tofu right?) The truffle french fries whispered sweet nothings into my nose. The cheese board looked damn respectable. Obviously, this will become our new A2 Hangout so I guess I'll have plenty of time to work my way through the menu. Parting Shot. The prices here definitely are on the higher side. The salad was 13 dollars, and it felt a little small, certainly compared to the huge J alexander chicken salad for the same price. The pizza was also 13 dollars, and I could probably eat 2. The burger, $13 dollars, seeing a pattern? Either way, I am very happy about this Gem at 311 Main. P.s. some nice vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options. update: Hamburger = Great. Smoked Tofu = ashtray. Got to talk with the manager, and she was very open to constructive criticism, so i wouldn't be surprised for some tweaking.
(5)
Jon B.

boo-urns. I went here on a slow tuesday evening. And the service was slow. Why is it I can't get a GD beer in this town from someone without a nose ring or some other silly attempt to look "different"? But if weird looking severs aren't your thing either, then you wont be impressed with the food or the beer. This is the Midwest, if there is one thing a restaurant should never fuck up, it is cooking a burger. If I am paying 13 bucks for a burger, it better be cooked perfectly. I gave them an easy order, a burger well done, all you do is cook the shit out of that burger and I am a happy man, but their cook must have flunked out of mcdonalds because the thing was rare. To top off the experience the chocolate stout I ordered was served warm, (and was a pretty bland stout) when I complained the waitress told me that's how they serve it in the UK to enhance the flavor. You say serve me a warm beer in the USA? I say bullshit. I've been to the UK and they don't serve your goddamn beer warm.
(1)
Deborah P.

Great atmosphere! They only carry their own spirits - which is a great novelty! They make their own spirits - beer, wine, vodka, gin, and rum. If you are particular this might not be good because they don't have any other typical options. Overall- great place!
(4)
Brian L.

Great, gluten free beer & burgers too!
(4)
Eric M.

Very good and interesting beers they got brewing at the Jolly Pumpkin. Great food too.
(5)
Sarah W.

I have to say that on the many occasions I have been to the Jolly Pumpkin I have never been disappointed. The service has always been good and friendly, and the food and drink are fantastic. I have tried many different things on the menu and have enjoyed them all. It is so easy at some restaurants to get a favorite and just stick with it, but at the Jolly Pumpkin I'm always trying different things because I'm so confident that everything will be good. My favorites so far have been the JP bugger, the Chicken and Brie sandwich, and the Truffle Pizza. On top of their food being fantastic, this is a brew pub that actually produces some really great beer.
(5)
Cynthia L.

Great food and nice ambiance. Bathroom situation is not the best but it is what it is.
(4)
Honest R.

Most of the time, local brews suck..... but this place is great! The beer is great, the food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is excellent. The staff is friendly and attentive. This is a great place to hang out and enjoy a few beers with some friends, or even a decent spot for a date. I highly recommend the trufle fries, pumpkin ale, and the "bam" beers.
(5)
Megan M.

Jolly Pumpkin just rescued my summer productivity levels. I'm not a very diligent writer, and the heat in my un-air conditioned home gives me a great excuse to watch Hulu instead of actually finishing this darn paper. I wracked my brains to think of a bar in Ann Arbor with air conditioning and wireless (I find beer loosens reluctant typing fingers better than coffee) and good snacks, and suddenly wondered whether JP had wifi. I sauntered in and interrogated the host behind the stand. He readily acceded that they have wireless, that the bar upstairs is open seating, and told me where to find the outlets. I'm in love. I happen to love sour beer, and so the offerings on tap are right up my alley - the spring sour was mouth-puckeringly good. The upstairs bar is almost empty and the wireless works perfectly well . . . TOO well, in fact: note that I'm writing a yelp review instead of my paper. My requirements for good snacks were met with the nachos, on which they nicely replaced the chicken with tofu. They were delicious, and I loved the pickled onions (I may need to do some soul-searching re: this overwhelming taste for sour things). Jolly Pumpkin: thank you for meeting my desperate academic needs. I will be back, again with my laptop, and now that this review is done, I'll be able to concentrate on writing a paper in your cool, cool refuge from the summer heat.
(4)
Lindsey W.

Love the atmosphere, love the beer, love the pizzas. The burgers are great too. Definitely a place to try! Didn't love the the walleye they have as a seasonal right now, very bony and not seasoned, the orzo mac n cheese with chicken looked great though! They offer vouchers if you go in on you birthday that are good for a month!
(4)
Joseph F.

Great food and beer. Second level is quaint.
(4)
Liz M.

Can you say truffle fries? YUM! I just love them. I am always pleasantly surprised with each item I order. I also love the flat bread with spreads trio. I LOVE all the sandwiches, but among my favorites are the Piquillo Pepper and Mozzarella, burger, and the BLT. The pizzas are great too. Nice kids menu which is always a huge plus in my book. I also highly recommend the beer sampler. With so many award winning beers, how could you possible choose! This is the only way to go. Truly the best feature of Jolly Pumpkin!! A wonderful spot on Main Street. Lovely to sit outside in the summer, warm and cozy in the winter and the roof deck is the best place in Ann Arbor to enjoy a drink anytime the weather permits!!
(5)
Adam D.

Jolly Pumpkin is a great place for brick oven sourdough pizzas. I don't drink myself but they have a wide beer selection that a few people in our party indulged in. Service was great and they have a nice rooftop patio as well.
(4)
Dora C.

Truffle coma via fries and pizza - check. The desire to do work after a North Peak IPA - uncheck.
(4)
Christina R.

Had the smoked tofu salad, sans tofu. Substituted with chicken breast. It was fabulous. Great atmosphere and location. I'd probably like the Jolly Pumpkin even more if I was into beer.
(5)
Shane B.

Jolly Pumpkin is one of my few go-to places in Ann Arbor when guests come in from out of town or I just want to have a good dinner with my wife without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is quite nice without being fancy, with dark woods, high ceilings, and not-too-distracting muted LCD TVs by the bar. The food is almost always great, and at least good, with frequently updated specials. The prices range from cheap ($5 for a healthy portion of truffle fries) to moderately expensive ($25 for one of the fancier specials), with a nice amount of grub in the $8-$12 range - excellent sandwiches, pizzas, etc. The pizzas are routinely amazing and probably the steal on the menu. JP's beer is some of the most well-regarded in the country amongst beer geeks like myself. Their house yeast strain lends a tart (not sour) character to their JP-branded beers, which makes them match food very well IMO. They have a few house beers on tap full-time, and new seasonal taps appear on the menu frequently. For those who aren't into even slightly sour Belgian-style beers, they carry more "normal" drink like a wheat, amber, and IPA, and also have a pretty wonderful cocktail menu. Service is usually quite good, and most importantly it's one of the few places I can usually get sat at with a few friends on a Friday night. One of my favorite places to eat and drink in the city.
(5)
Aaron B.

Lot's of people like Ann Arbor. This can only be explained by low standards and a lack of decent expectations. Jolly Pumpkin is quintessential Ann Arbor: not especially bad, but not special (though they will claim to be and the naive will believe it), and somehow consistently disappointing. I have friends that like to go here, but I've never had anything here that impressed me in any way, and the service is often sketchy, and the place is always loud. So if you're the kind of base-pleasure plebeian who thinks Ann Arbor has lots to offer and is a mindless sucker for whatever gimmick and spiel is thrown at you, then you'll probably also like Jolly Pumpkin (see how many others do). But it's nothing special, and if you go to a real city then almost every similar place you'll go will be better than this.
(2)
Bryan F.

I'm not much of beer drinker and came here on a date. I had one of the sour beers which was amazing! I also had the pacific pizza which was amazing, something about the pineapple really made the pizza. Now that I think about I didn't see the waitress much, which was good being that I was on a date anyhow. Pretty cool place!
(4)
Adrienne S.

My little sister was in town and I was looking for a place that had truffle fries like Larkburger in Colorado where my sister lives. I found The Jolly Pumpkin! She and I had been to the JP up near Traverse City and were excited to go. The place was loud & hopping, the truffle fries were quickly devoured and the truffle pizza was perfectly cooked and awesome! Can't get enough of truffles! The JP beers are all 'sour' style so they're not my thing but since they carry other brewery's beers I found one I liked. Definitely worth the trip! Hugs, A
(4)
Susan C.

JP needs to step it up. They have all the ingredients to be a stellar spot, but they miss the mark more times than not. The truffle fries are very good, but they could be GREAT, if they were just fried a little hotter or longer. The grilled romaine salad with potato croutons and grilled chicken -- what a fabulous concept! Too bad when mine came out it looked like it was assembled by a drunk with hook-hands. Really, I don't need a whole head of romaine on the plate. It would have been an entirely different, and superb, dish if they only grilled hearts of romaine or just taken the time to evenly grill the whole head. A recent standout was the pineapple cardamon martini, which struck the absolute perfect balance between flavors, and was a generous pour to boot. I'm definitely a fan of their spirits, which help fill the gap created when Leopold Bros. left town. My dining companion's ginger martini was a serious letdown though, again showing their consistency in not quite achieving a wonderful experience from start to finish. The experience that you WANT to have there, but never quite get. The funny thing is, which definitely works for them, I'm eager to go back and give it another try.
(3)
E L.

I ordered the tofu sandwich and truffle fries, which were both fantastic, but service could have been speedier. A family was seated nearby, got their orders, ate, and left by the time we even got our food. (We had been seated first.)
(3)
Kate B.

I've been back another 1/2 dozen times and I must say that JP has cleaned up their menu! Everything that I've ordered has been: consistent, hot/to temperature when brought to the table, well-seasoned, fresh/high-quality. Bravo JP! my faves: - Butcher's and Gardener's snack boards. They do NOT skimp on the good stuff. You will likely need to order more bread. - JP Burger...order with Brie or cheddar instead of the Cambazola - it's too rich and overpowers the other flavors - but Oh Mama, mmmmmmm! - Truffle fries. The Bernaise-ish mayo dipping sauce *swoon*, I would hazard renaming these "Heroin Fries". - Truffle and Fire -n- Smoke pizzas are the best. - Any "special" salads that contain beets and fingerlings...are always well-made and very filling. - Non-alcoholic drinks...I've tried them all and they are very good! Nice to have a selection that is not "Derp, coke/pepsi, sprite, orange". The lime-basil is good - get it on the rocks instead of with crushed ice. The two-ginger's ale is also nippy and delish.
(4)
Evan T.

Their menu looked great online so we gave it a try. We wouldn't go back for dinner but would try again for drinks/apps. The good: Beer; I had a cherry porter which had a nice mild cherry taste, not overpowering. Appetizer; tempura battered kohlrabi was unique and delicious. They know how to deep-fry! The bad: Service was a little slow. The ugly: I had a special polenta with wild mushrooms and goat cheese. The first few bites from the edges were pretty good but the center of the dish was disguistingly cold. I ate what i could and they comped two of our beers (which helped i guess), but didn't offer to bring me a new one and I definitely left hungry....
(3)
brent b.

A limited menu, but everything is made really well. You don't need 100 choices when you go out to eat! Awesome beer. Probably my favorite restaurant in AA.
(4)
Valerie E.

I love the look of the JP's flea-market slightly Halloween-y decor. The logo looks like a Salem tombstone, the bar is antique and ornate, and the menus are held to the boards with mousetraps. The downstairs dining room is usually packed during peak hours, we have had better luck getting seated upstairs. My best friends are vegan, so Jolly Pumpkin is one of the places where we can find something for everyone. They even have soy cheese available for the pizzas. I've enjoyed both the truffle pizza and the South Pacific pizza. I'm not the biggest french fry fan, however the truffle fries are fantastic. In the summer, I ordered the duck two ways; I wasn't a fan. The price was high for what what served. JP has a seasonal menu, and beets were in season. I had already ordered the beet and goat cheese salad, and when my entree arrived, it was accompanied with beets as well. Serious overkill. I won't order it again. The beers are what makes the Jolly Pumpkin famous, but I'll leave the beer review to the true aficionados. Although I enjoy a great beer, I cannot resist the cocktail menu at the JP because they are absolutely phenomenal. They are made with fresh juices and spices and are unique. I had a rhubarb martini there that I can't get out of my head. They are expensive, but worth the splurge.
(4)
Lauren L.

After my first visit to Jolly Pumpkin last night, I found myself wishing that my morning coffee and bagel were truffle fries. When lunchtime rolled around, I ate my leftover fire & smoke pizza (chicken, chipotle tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and fresh basil on a thin, crispy-chewy crust), which was delicious--but I still wanted truffle fries. I am now in the process of convincing my husband that he should pick up truffle fries for dinner. Truuuuffle friiiiies. Fries aside, I really enjoyed my time at the restaurant. My friend and I rolled in at 7 on a Saturday night and were seated almost immediately. The place is dimly lit and elegantly rustic and cozy. For drinks, I asked our server which of their cocktails was most awesome, and he suggested a martini that wasn't even on the list, some sort of strawberry-cranberry concoction with pureed strawberries that was fresh and delicious and not too sweet. My friend got the bam biere because it's hard to pass up something hailed as one of the top 25 beers in America. After her first sip, she said, "I could definitely see this as being one of the top 25 beers." I had a sip as well, and it had really bright flavors and was definitely one of the more unique brews I've tasted. We got SO much food. The truffle fries came packed in a large paper cone, and I'll admit we did polish those off. But I was only able to eat less than half my pizza, which comprised six fairly generous slices. My friend got the chicken and brie sandwich, and one half was about the size of her face. We both enjoyed the sandwich, and she said the accompanying salad was light, crisp, and tasty. This was a solid dining experience, and I'd definitely recommend the place. Please get the truffle fries.
(4)
Tom C.

This is a review specifically for the newly christened deck: (if you know me you already know I'm a big fan of the restaurant, staff, beer, and food). The full deck took forever to open. In the past a small section was open but as of two days ago the full deck is finally open! It adds about 1/3 more capacity to the restaurant. What's best is that the summer sun doesnt set on it until 645 or so which is way better than the restaurants at street level. This may have just become my favorite deck/patio in town. The wicker is comfortable, the space is open, and the heaters extend the hours. It's not perfect though. The wifi doesn't reach to the whole deck. The wicker tables have a hard time balancing glasses. (a little plastic or glass tops would help). Having said that, if there were power outlets out there I'd never leave. If you want me this summer, you know where to find me...on the deck at JP.
(5)
David T.

Visited this past weekend, showed up at four o-clock and were the only people on the upstairs patio! Overall, a bit underwhelming from the hype I've heard in the beer sects regarding Jolly Pumpkin. Meat entrees, sandwiches, salads, pizza. Meh. Also, Wild Mushroom Risotto as your vegetarian entree option? Really? Get with the times. The beer was also a 3/5. Unfortunately I was expecting 5/5 but many of them were not very complex and one-sided. Hope they can make it after all of the hype dies down.
(3)
Lily K.

Fried chicken special was out of this world! Crispy, fragrant, juicy. Creamed corn was fresh and delicious and the mushrooms were colorful and earthy. Bonus, our toddler loves the hummus and berries!
(4)
Troy W.

My girlfriend and I went during the Ann Arbor Art Fest, amazingly we got a table right away. We ordered a flight of 9 beers, each one was great and i don't even remember which was my favorite! The Hamburger was awesome and the pickled zucchini on the side was a nice surprise, I loved it!
(4)
Elizabeth B.

Jolly Pumpkin, it's time you ROLL home to dexter. I waited over an hour the past Saturday night to eat dinner at the Jolly Pumpkin. Being parked at the bar would normally not be an issue, I don't mind waiting and getting a pre dinner cocktail, however there are no cocktails, drinks are limited to basement beer and up north michigan wine. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired, out of town couples on both sides, huge dirty mirror in front and obnoxious immature bar tender's banter filling the air. The beer is'nt cold, you can't get a decent drink, why have a bar??? I saw at least 3 girls pull up their animals print tube tops at the bar. enough said. This is a full review. I did have dinner. Nothing special, asked for no chicken on the salad, needless to say chicken was on my salad. You can get these acclaimed sandwiches at Izzy's for the 1/2 the price. I would like to see a venue more worthy of Ann Arbor because we are foodies at heart and know something when we see it, and I'm sorry to report this is not the place. Take the 50 dollars you will spend here on warm beer and buy a good bottle of wine at grange. The problem is simple.... no sophistication and no true ann arbor vibe. If i wanted to have dinner at a Dexter joint, I would get in my car and drive the thirty miles west.
(2)
Nicole R.

Ain't nothing more jolly than beer, is what I'm sayin'. Let me start by saying this: Jolly Pumpkin is not for everyone. It puts the fun in funky, but their tastes won't suit everyone's palate. That being said, I think this place is the pumpkin's knees. First, location: a prime spot on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. It's got a bit of a whacked-out hipster vibe, so it fits right in with the city and the people fit right in with it. Their chandeliers are made of giant steel utensils and the Nightmare Before Christmas-esque artwork from their award-winning beers adorn the walls; plus they've got an enormous upstairs deck that's sublime in the summer. Second, the beer. I'm a beer snob; I admit it. The funkier the better (I'm the girl who drank Foran's out of New Holland's El Mole Ocho, and don't you forget it), and if there's one thing Jolly Pumpkin's ales are, it's FUNKY. They make Belgian- and French-inspired farmhouse ales, and they specialize in sours. Don't like sours? Don't go here. La Roja and Bam Noire are where it's at, and are sold in 750mL bottles (like wine). For craft beer enthusiasts, Jolly Pumpkin is a mecca. For those who buy their beer in buckets, it's a culture shock. ("That bottle of beer costs $13!?!") Like I said, it's not for everyone. Third, the food. They make a tremendous effort to source locally and sustainably (such as with their Cobia sandwich, a fish which is not over-farmed), and they are also very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly with gluten-free options as well. With that, I must once again note: the menu's a little funky. Think truffled French fries and red chile tofu sandwiches. It's essentially a bar menu, filled with apps, salads, sandwiches, and pizza, but it's a bar menu at a place that serves expensive sour beer that is bottled in numbered batches as opposed to a place that serves $2 22-oz. drafts of light American pilsner. It's all about perspective, people. The one time I ate here I had the truffle pizza with creamed shittake mushrooms; goat, parmesan, and housemade mozzarella cheeses; truffle oil and arugula dressed with red wine vinaigrette. In other words, not quite your average garbage dump pizza loaded with sausage, pepperoni, ham, bell peppers, onions and olives. It's fancy-funky food for fancy-funky beer. I ate the HELL out of that pizza, but I like strong, pronounced, unique flavors and wouldn't feign to recommend something like this to just anyone. The service is friendly and the crowds are decent on off-days at off-times (Friday and Saturday nights you're dealing with the same college party crowd you'll get just about everywhere in downtown A2). Sit up at the bar on a Wednesday afternoon and expect to get involved in beer-talk with a fellow connoisseur while you enjoy some truly gourmet pub grub. But if fancy beer's not your bag, this isn't your bar.
(4)
Jennifer H.

Despite its loud music and always being crowded, this is one of my favorite places to eat in Ann Arbor. The trio hummus plate with the unlimited servings of pita is amazing and their steak salad is delicious! Their other sandwiches dishes have been not disappointing, as well as their fries! Whenever a guest comes into town and I want to show them a fun Ann Arbor environment, I take them here. Highly recommended!
(4)
Heather C.

Whether going out for an impromptu date or a laid back night out with friends, Jolly Pumpkin is my go to spot. I've really enjoyed nearly all their beers, although it is different (sour) than any other beer I've had, so some people may not like it. I especially liked their seasonal Fuego del Otono, really yummy. The food is pretty good, but I've had experiences in the past that were not memorable. The truffle fries - delicious. The grilled romaine salad was surprisingly good as well, with these cheesy fried potato croutons that were amazing. Mostly, just remember that this is slightly upscale bar food, not 5 star dining. I've always had a good time here, and often see people I know. Head upstairs if you're just looking for a beer and a snack. Service has always been pleasant. This is a great and affordable spot if you're looking to hang out on Main Street.
(4)
Rebecca S.

I tried this place on a whim one weekend, and I'm SO glad I did. It's an eclectic little place in a great part of the downtown area, with so many options I'm sure I'll be back a million times before I can order the same thing twice. Their Basil Limeade is really, really sweet, but a refreshing summer drink. Also, their truffle fries are SO good...you really should have someone there to share with you, or you're guaranteed to finish them by yourself. As someone with a lot of food allergies, I appreciate that this place not only offers food grown at local farms, but that they offer a lot of allergy free options that you can substitute in their regular menu items. I had a soy grilled cheese which was so good, and the staff was very knowledgeable about what entrees contained certain allergens. Overall, I'm a big fan and I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jon T.

I've had quite a few of their beers and just recently checked out the bar while I was in my old stomping grounds. The bar is very....well, bland. It looks like they kicked out the last tenant and opened up shop for the most part. There's nothing there to make it feel any more special than any other casual place in town. Having seen what other craft brew pubs are doing, this misses the mark. What I was really disappointed about was that there were only 3 beers on tap...including two of which from North Peak...aka sister company. I know they specialize in the large bottle format but figured their own restaurant would have beers on tap to encourage the patrons to try a bunch of different offerings. To be fair, the bartender was great and we had a chance to chat for awhile. I also didn't eat, so I have no clue how the food is. I had hoped this would be a unique establishment to match their unique beers. So, I go with a 3, thinking a 2 might be a bit harsh. My recommendation, if you like the beer, visit your local grocery store.
(3)
Ari G.

Ordered the spinach and cheese pizza topped with asparagus. Have to admit, the beer choices scared me so I stuck to the cocktail menu. Absolutely LOVED the grapefruit and honey cocktail. A great Main St. eat.
(4)
Dharma A.

Another great thing I've recently discovered about this place....their cocktails! Several really creative ones with things like balsamic vinegar (trust me, it's good), fresh basil, and berries, to name just a few awesome ingredients. They also have delicious alcohol-free concoctions. Rooftop seating is a plus.
(4)
Lauren I.

A friend brought me here for drinks and yesterday and I can say that I was impressed with the cocktail; it was called "Blackbird" and it was just as enticing and mysterious as the name promised it would be. Slightly sweet and fruity with little gems of blackberry and shreds of mint mixed in. Very tasty indeed. Sadly, the food wasn't the best. Nothing ont he menu sounded that amazing to me so I went with the best I could find - the grilled chicken and brie sandwich. As other diners have mentioned, I think it could be described better as "Bread with brie, chicken, and jam. Presented as a sandwich" Reading the menu I had fantasized about gooey-creamy brie and explosions of flavor but what I got was Panera. Maybe even worse because the sandwich was warm and the cheese at more of a Silly-Puddy texture instead of lava, which is what I wanted. My fries were on the cold side too. Not bad but I wouldn't order it again. Maybe other menu items have more promise, but I'm a little reluctant to go back and try. And the truffle fries, which I had ordered after reading all of the oohs and aas from yelp, were OK, but tasted like they'd been sitting a while, on par with an average order of fries at McDonalds. Really they were just regular fries, plus some truffle seasoning that was shaken on I imagine. (Regular fries + truffle seasoning = truffle fries?) Come for the drinks, but skip the food.
(3)
Jenny L.

pizza, fries, beer. fancified with truffles. i approve.
(4)
Erin H.

I have eaten here several times and it's a nice solid addition to the local scene. I greatly enjoyed their popular Belgian beer, but recently didn't really love the other 2 beers I tasted. The vibe is nice here and the food is good. I have enjoyed the Margherita Pizza and burgers and sandwiches. It can be loud so the smaller room in the back is nice if you want a quieter spot.
(3)
Dani A.

Jolly Pumpkin I had such high hopes for you, your logo is cute, you brew your own beer, and you decorate nicely. But sadly as with most things that get over hyped, you let me down. I will start by saying I had the Bam Noire which I did really like. And my husband was a huge fan of the fact that they brew their own soda (he's a nerd). We ordered some fries and 3 spread appetizers. Their hummas is very good and my friend was raving about the fries (I am not a fry person so I am bias). As for entrees, the menu is limited. There are sandwiches and pizzas. And everything is very pricey. In the words of my husband "that better be the best f***ing BLT ever made for $12" which is the average price of their sandwich or burger. The pizzas run about the same. I had the Margerita pizza and was fairly happy, but to be honest it wasn't worth its price. Everyone else opted for the pizza as well and no one was as happy as me, but nothing was inediable. So they get three starts, one off because we were all wishing there were more options on the menu and one off for the high prices. It was nice enough, but I won't be going back anytime soon.
(3)
Edward C.

I'm just going to post my notes about this restaurant. I think it sums up my experience pretty well. Red chile tofu sandwich with marinated tofu, kimchee, relish, and radishes. Full of flavor, but slathered in oil (probably what makes it so flavorful...). Vegan! Tasty. Just greasy. And there's vegan chocolate cake on the menu!
(4)
cassie r.

Stop three on the first annual Michigan Brew Tour 2010. After reading a recent MSN.com article listing Jolly Pumpkin Ales as one of the top five breweries in the country, I sensed this third stop was going to involve discovering a lot of new favorites. And it did. The Oro de Calabaza was my first purchase - apparently the NYT voted this beer the best belgian style microbrew in the U.S. of A. The NY Times apparently knows their beer, cuz it was DAMN good. Like best of nation good, for sure. Subsequent purchases included the Calabaza Blanca (again, Belgian amazingness), Bam Noire and Madrugada Obscura (Belgian's know their brews). Our waiter Frank was especially helpful, willing to answer our endless questions and provide recommendations for beers we might enjoy. We left with an armful of bottles, and hopes that we could find these adult bev delights in Chi-town.
(4)
Jessa B.

One of my most favorite places in Ann Arbor. As a vegan, the vegan friendly menu is super exciting! I am OBSESSED with the red chile tofu sammy. It is KILLER. I literally crave that, the rosemary truffle fries and the pickled zucchini when I leave. I come here minimum once every other month. The beers are awesome too! Visitors love this place as any true beer lover knows how great their drafts are!
(5)
Joe H.

First - let me say that I am a sucker for nearly all of Jolly Pumpkin's beers. They're so different - sour, funky, & assertive. Last night I had the pleasure of trying Pomegranate infused Bam Noire on cask - a real treat. Second - I'm a sucker for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever they're available. Jolly Pumpkin tries their hardest to stick close to this mantra. I've been here twice now & have really enjoyed everything. The atmosphere is laid back - no loud music blaring & the people are usually a chill crowd. The service has been tremendous. Servers are very knowledgeable & willing to help - they know a great deal about the beer, which is nice for those unfamiliar with JP's style. The food is excellent, too. The pizza, cooked on granite, has a crust made from a 100+ year old starter. The crust is crisp & chewy and the toppings are fresh. The carnivore's pizza is spicy & meaty - definitely worth a try. There is also a gluten-free crust that is brought in from Avalon in Detroit. Gluten-free crust is slightly sweet & dense - really good. The burger is top-notch. Grass-fed beef, Cambozola cheese, Berkshire bacon, mushrooms, tomato, & lettuce. The beef is leaner than most, so order medium. The sharp/gooey cambozola matches perfectly with the salty, crisp bacon, earthy mushrooms, and buttery beef. Porchetta sandwich is a pork lovers dream. There is some chew required with this sandwich, but the flavors are excellent, especially the sauerkraut & well seasoned shaved pork. Another must try is the vegan "ice cream". Made with coconut milk, both the chocolate & vanilla have a creaminess & depth of flavor unmatched by their cow's milk cousin. Check out Jolly Pumpkin if for no other reason than to try some of the best beer being brewed, but if you don't try the food, you're doing your stomach a great disservice.
(5)
Lisa H.

I have been here a number of times for both food and drinks, but mostly for drinks. My most recent visit was the other day for drinks and truffle fries with a small group of people from work. If you are looking for a happy hour with good drink and appetizer specials, the Jolly P. is definitely not the place to come. The only happy hour special they run is $1 off drinks and appetizers, and that's ONLY if you sit at the bar. I don't know about you, but I find it kind of difficult to sit and have a conversation with a group of friends while sitting in a line. The specialty cocktails and beer/ale and the truffle fries (what they are famous for, I think) are definitely worth the trip, though. I had the lemon-thyme lemonade (can't remember the name completely, but alcoholic), which was very good and a little dangerous since you couldn't really taste the alcohol. It was sweet and refreshing. My co-worker had the blackbird (again, can't remember the name, but again, alcoholic), which was also good, but not as sweet as I would have expected. Still, it was refreshing. The cocktail menu changes with the seasons, so you will always find something different on the menu. Another thing I like is that the restaurant has 3 very good non-alcoholic cocktails, which is really nice for people that want something fancy, but do not drink alcoholic. The beer/ale list is great, which is not surprising considering this is a brewery and distillery. The list is extensive featuring many of the brewery's own beers as well as other local and artisan crafted beers. The wine list is small and go elsewhere if you are looking for your standard Kendall-Jackson or Yellow Tail. As far as I could tell, the Jolly Pumpkin's focus on local, Michigan made products is even reflected in their wine list featuring wines from wines from Peninsula Cellars in Old Mission Peninsula, MI. When I eat here, I generally order from their large sandwich menu. The prices are a little steep for a sandwich ($11-$13), but the sandwiches are pretty big/filling and I think you get fries on the side. All of the menu items feature seasonal and local produce/ingredients from local, Ann Arbor area farms and companies. This menu is also extremely vegetarian/vegan friendly. When I come here with my non-vegetarian friends, they can order meat and I can order vegetarian. What's even nicer is the veg menu is not just composed of pasta dishes, The Jolly Pumpkin's veg dishes actually have protein in them! The only critique I have about the sandwiches is that they are a little greasy, but you can ask for them to go easy on the oil. The atmosphere is really nice and rustic. You feel kind of like you are in a tavern or a barn, which fits perfectly with the restaurant's focus. Every time I go I am seated right away, generally in a booth (maybe I go at less busy times). I never feel like I have to yell for anyone to hear me, so I like that I can have a conversation with my friends when I go there. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)
Amy S.

I don't know if I've been here enough times to draft a well-rounded review. I have had one two star, two four star, and one five star experience there. I'm not the biggest fan of their brews, but the staff is super friendly and the food has been, across the board, good. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Furthermore, they have a pretty amazing back patio. I'm not sure anyone's quite discovered it yet, but once they do, I'm sure it will be packed every warm day. The back patio is the PERFECT place to project movies, by the way. I'm really hoping they decide to do that.
(4)
Stephanie C.

I have been here a few times and gotten a few different entrees and tried a few of their beers. I'm nowhere near being a beer connoisseur (I leave that up to my boyfriend), but I really do enjoy there inventive beers. Over the summer, I had a hibiscus beer that was pink and looked like it'd taste like Kool-Aid, but thankfully did not. My boyfriend and I have shared the Grilled Flatbread with Three Spreads which was pretty good, but nothing special. On one occasion I had the Not Just a BLT sandwich, which was pretty darn good. We've also had a couple of the pizzas, which are great. I don't see it on their current menu online, but this past summer, we had the chicken nachos, which were good (I mean, how can you mess up nachos?!) and slightly different than the typical nachos appetizer that you see on every menu, which is nice. Overall, the food and beer are a bit inventive and always please the taste buds. It's not mind-blowing food, but still very satisfying. I enjoy the atmosphere and I've always had good service, even during the busy dinner rush. I know it's Ann Arbor and JP is on Main Street, but I think the prices are a bit high for the portion sizes. Being a college student, I don't have that much extra cash lying around and wish I could visit JP more often.
(4)
Ariel W.

I've been to Jolly Pumpkin a total of 3 times. All my friends love this place, but I wasn't very wowed my first 2 times. I tried their burger and their truffle oil fries the first two times. I wasn't impressed. I feel like I've had better burgers and I'm personally a fan of thicker cut fries. The third time I went, I was BLOWN AWAY. I had their Red Chile Tofu sandwich and it was amazing. The flavors of the tofu and the homemade kimchi was spectacular. I have been dreaming about this sandwich and can't wait to go back. I think people just need to try different things on their menu and eventually will find one thing that will make them come back for more.
(4)
Jonas L.

After trying the entrees, I must raise Jolly Pumpkin to four stars. In addition to their beers, they got good pizza and sandwiches to match. A more than worthy alternative to all the lame, bland restaurants that litter Main Street. To recap, Jolly Pumpkin is mainly about beer. I liked the Bam Noire, but a recent taste was a bit disappointing. For the summer though, they have Bam Weizen, which is quite delicious. What surprised me is that their pizzas and grub are quite good too! In fact, in this town, I think they and Silvio's would be my choice, pure quality-wise. Jolly Pumpkin's pizza has excellent crust that has bite and is chewy at the same time. The toppings are quite good and I enjoyed both the truffle and three cheese. The tofu sandwich is surprisingly delicious, even though I wish the kimchi were spicier. My favorite new place in town.
(4)
Julia Q.

It was really fun here! The food is exceptional, the beer sampler was fun, and the staff was really friendly! My pizza islander was amazing. I regretted ordering it as soon as I did, b/c it's something I could get anywhere-pineapple, bacon- nothing special, right. Wrong! It was the most unique, delicious pizza ever! Crust was light and crunchy, there was just enough sauce, and he pineapple was candied?!? It was so different and delicious! The kids chicken strips were on the chewy side, but there was enough of other foods to keep her happy!
(4)
Molly H.

So, all I can say is I must have been a few sheets to the wind when I had those red chicken nachos because after recommending them to my mom on a recent visit, seeing her disappointment and then trying them myself, I regretfully have to rescind my "Best Ever Restaurant Nachos" claim. The order she received apparently had no chicken at all. We seriously were trying to decide if certain pieces were chicken, cheese or a pickled onion. Yikes. The taste was ok, but mostly really bland. So either this was a bad batch or I'm delusional. Bummer! Now that the bad's out of the way, I had the salad with grilled romaine and potato croutons (!!) and loved every single minute of consumption. What a perfect winter salad--smoky, crispy and satisfying. My ginger martini and the pineapple adult beverage I had for dessert were both all right, but nothing to write home about. Overly sweet and lacking subtlety. Our server was excellent. The four of us split the appetizer with 3 types of dip including a hummus (very good) and a walnut spread (FANTASTIC) and quickly ran out of pita bread; when we asked our server for more she was 2 steps ahead, with an order already in. What a gal! All in all, we had a great time. My cousin loved her pizza, my aunt loved her salad (something with grilled tofu?) and my mom, well, she had a good time at least. Everyone was especially impressed by the menu.
(3)
Christine N.

I've only been once but I would visit again. Our table ordered 2 beer flights to share and enjoyed most of the beers provided. Any we didn't enjoy was based mainly on style preference, not "bad beer". Our table also ordered truffle fries to split. They were wonderful. I ordered a burger. It was large, juicy and great flavor. I can't remember what the rest of the table ordered but everyone enjoyed their food. They have lots of veggie options and use local ingredients. I look forward to trying something different next time.
(4)
Chris C.

This place is goooood. Highlights are the soothing dark wood interior, the truffle fries, the oven fresh pizza, the Bam Biere, and the Calabaza Blanca. I also like the gluten-free Belipago Manatee, but it's been hit-or-miss among my friends. Agreed, Nicole and Mei, it is funky and a tad froo-froo, but dang it, sometimes I just a want a funky froo-froo dining experience to frame a mouth-watering pizza and cold, tasty beer.
(4)
Amelia H.

The beer here is insanely good (I had one called the LuciÃ©rnaga), and so is the pizza. We had the Hawaiian pizza, and the pineapple was candied - first time I've seen that. Even so, it was delicious. The waitstaff was also really friendly, and the atmosphere is low-lit and cozy. It was around 10:30, just before the kitchen closed at 11, but they were still really accommodating - didn't seem grudgey about taking late-night orders at all. Definitely going back.
(5)
Tara L.

I love Jolly Pumpkin beer and I really wanted to fall in love with their restaurant and give it 5 stars but I couldn't. The waitress kept on asking us whether we had tried different things on the menu after we had ordered them. It quickly became annoying...yes we've had several of your beers before, that's why we're here, yes, we know what whoopie pies are. It really detracted from the dining experience although my husband tried to remind me that the waitress had probably gotten complaints from other customers and that's why she kept asking but for frick's sake, just let me order what I want. The service other than that was only so-so. The people sitting next to us who just ordered beer got much better service...I don't care if they were regulars, a restaurant should treat everyone like potential regulars. The dip trio appetizer was pretty good. The hummus was really garlicky and the edamame dip was good although the edamame flavor was completely hidden and we couldn't remember what the dip even was but I did like it. The unlimited grilled flat bread was really good. My in-laws got a margherita pizza which didn't look that appetizing to me. It has an insane amount of cheese on it and not a lot of basil and tomato. Eric and I shared a Hawaiian style pizza which should have been really good. The sauce was excellent, tangy and slightly spicy and while I loved the dried pineapple which offset what little bacon was on the pizza, it would have been much better in much smaller pieces placed evenly over the pizza rather than in huge chunks. And MORE bacon please. The sweet of dried pineapple is an intense and overwhelming flavor and could have been better in smaller doses. I was very excited for the pumpkin whoopie pie and it was very good but it didn't have the same texture and lightness that I've come to associate with whoopie pies. The pumpkin cakes were more like harder cookies than light cakes and the filling was a dense buttercream type filling. If I hadn't been expecting something more like a whoopie pie, I would have absolutely loved it without hesitation. I did still really really like it and the ginger cream that came with it was heavenly. My in-laws shared the fried apples which were pretty boring except for the coconut milk ice cream....that was yummy. I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to love this place but if I ever go back, I am just going for beer. We have a pitcher of Bam Biere and some of their Noel Christmas beer and they were both outstanding.
(3)
Lyndsy S.

I love going to micro brewery's but never have been treated so snobbishly, was seated in the far back away from any other patrons that might see us. the table was so uneven we almost spilled our very expensive beer. the food was good the beer was good, the staff and ambiance was atrocious. we left after the first round of beers and went to bagger daves. that place is truly awesome.
(1)
Carl S.

Food was OK, nothing like the TC location though. Except the truffle fries - which were excellent! Hostess and waitress were great, but the bartender was very very arrogant and rude - what an a$$!!!!!!
(2)
Ally N.

I'm so much a fan of the North Peak chain of breweries (Grizzly Peak/JP/Blue Tractor in Ann Arbor, and North Peak in TC) that I thought I'd like Jolly Pumpkin just as much. Boy, was I wrong. Maybe it's because I'm an ex-vegetarian and am now a Certified CarnivoreÂ® (okay, omnivore, whatever), I found JP's menu to be a bit... well, douchey. Then again, it is main street A2, so whatever. The food was a bit expensive for the serving sizes I seem to recall, and this place just gives the overall feeling of trying way too hard. I wanted dessert, so I got the vegan chocolate cake and thought it was pretty dang awful, actually. It was dry and the taste was... off. The beer I got was OK, but I'm not a huge fan of belgians, as it turns out. The one my fiancee got, which was a guest brew, was amazing, so kudos to JP for serving it. Also, instead of being seated out in the main bar area, or even in the cool loft upstairs, we got seated in the weird backroom with all of the odd Hawaiian decorations. I don't know what it had to do with ANYTHING else. It was strange. I'd never go here on my own accord, but that's not to say I'd never set food in here again. If I have a work party or whatever that takes place here, I'd probably go and just get that chocolate beer again.
(2)
Meghan W.

Jolly Pumpkin has one of the most unique and inviting atmospheres in Ann Arbor. The staff is extraordinarily friendly and I always feel most welcome when I visit. I have never before tasted a "sour beer" and frankly I wasn't too sure I wanted to...but my friends got me to try and I was overwhelmed with grief that i had just now discovered how amazing they are. Since, I have tried their (and excuse my slaughtering of the spellings, I'm sure) the Maracaibo, the Oro de Calabaza, Bam Biere/Noir, and the Amber. I was please with all of them except for the Amber...which seemed a bit like a beer/wine hybrid. The mixed drinks are just as unique and intimidating as the beer. One daring cocktail is called Pineapple and Cardamon...holy crap it holds a cardamon filled punch. You have to really be in love with that particular spice to enjoy this drink. My favorite of those was the Thai Boxer...it had coconut and herbs mixed with ginger beer and is simply divine. I'm pretty sure their alcohols are pretty high proof, so proceed with caution when sampling these drinks. Anyway. i love it. You should go.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

I'm an enthusiastic omnivore, but I'll second Mariah C's comments about the vegetarian menu - so often it's an afterthought, but at Jolly Pumpkin, the vegetarian options are as appealing, if not moreso, than the omnivorous ones. I've had and enjoyed both of the tofu salads, and our friend Mike said that he had dreams about the tofu sandwich after his first visit to JP in the early fall. Really, there's not a thing on the menu that I wouldn't like to eat. And I don't care that that sentence contains a double negative. I haven't tried many of their beers, but based on the other reviews, I'll just give you this word of caution: don't come here looking for "lite" beers or for the sort of mediocre stuff you can get at the other A2 brew pubs. JP is not that kind of brew pub. It's the kind of brew pub where beer connoisseurs queue up for hours to get limited releases like Perseguidor. The kind of place where two good beers will get you bombed, and where you will pay a price commensurate with quality. I think JP is a fantastic addition to the A2 downtown scene, I look forward to many delicious beers and meals here in the future.
(5)
Jay W.

Need to be able to give this thing 2 ratings... 5 for beer, 1 for food. I've eaten dinner here twice and the first time it was a burger and it was OK. Nothing special, but OK. The beer was excellent. The tempura fried squash was delicious. Beware of their tempura fried appetizer because the vegetable changes. I didn't get it the second time because it was zucchini. The second time I ordered a smoked tofu salad. YUK. Usually smoking food enhances an existing flavor, e.g. bacon, salmon. Tofu has no flavor, it is usually seasoned. I was expecting a nice seasoned tofu with a little smoke flavor. No. This smoked tofu was like eating a burned down house. gross. That said, the beer was delicious. The lemon cardamon vodka martini drink that I ordered was very interesting too. Suggestion: don't eat food here. Drink things here.
(2)
Chelsea Z.

Jolly Pumpkin was my second lunch excursion in Ann Arbor within a month, and I am more than pleased with both of my selections. (I tried Jerusalem Garden the first time.) I was first drawn to JP by its facade. The rustic, whimsical decor appeared warm and inviting. After stepping inside, I am sure that JP's ambiance is more than skin deep. Price-quality match is important to me, and I feel that JP met this match. The food is good, but not overly priced. Five-dollars for delicious truffle fries that could feed a party of four, and $10-12 for an artisan sandwich or salad is appropriate. If I had to recommend lunch to a friend, I would suggest JP. If I came back to Ann Arbor, I would try JP again - and bring friends. That is about the best endorsement of an establishment I can make.
(4)
Clare G.

Came here one fine Friday date night for both of our first times. We were very pleasantly surprised with every aspect--getting a quiet table in the back, having a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable server who made recommendations, and having excellent appetizers and salads for dinner. This is definitely a great place if you are health conscious/vegetarian, etc. The tempura vegetable appetizer called the Farmer's Fritto was recommended as a restaurant favorite and I can see why. I was impressed with the presentation of both the grilled romaine with warm potato croutons salad and the asian layered tofu salad. The first was actually so filling I could not finish. Two halves of romaine were actually roasted with a grilled chicken on top, fresh figs, toasted walnuts, and a delish roasted garlic dressing. The warm potato croutons were massive--the size of egg rolls and cheesy tasting. I cannot remember the names of the beers we tried --I know we ended picking the sour ones --but our server was very willing and generous to let us sample about 5 before the meal! Have to return for the rooftop deck this summer!
(5)
Taste-LIFE D.

We stopped by the Jolly Pumpkin for lunch on a recent trip to Chicago. We had the grilled chicken with brie, sweet and spicy cobia, truffle fries. Both sandwiches had way too much bread, Not a problem as we carved out a large section of bread. The fries were overrated. We expected more. It was just some fries. The brie overpowered the chicken. The cobia was tasty, very moist. The pickles and cucumbers gave it a unique flavor. Overall, we thought it was just okay. We'd be willing to give it another shot.
(3)
Andrea M.

Let's get right down to it and talk about... DA BEER (no,not da Bears football) I'm one tough cookie when it comes to pleasing me with beer. And, Ann Arbor has a lot of beer- some good, some bad. Don't get me wrong- I_heart_beer, but it takes more than a pretty name and a splash of some popular flavor combination to make me fall in love. Tonight I tried the "Bam Noire" because I looove dark beers. I gave it a chance, but here's the skinny- Unfortunately the body was lackluster, bordering on medium bodied, not that full, rich, dark, sit-down-in-your-stomach heaviness that I enjoy with nice dark, bitter Russian stouts. This was not a Russian stout, just to clear that up. I believe the "Bam Noire" touted itself as having notes of coffee and plum. I didn't get that out of it, but then again, that may have been hindered by the scent and taste of the dish washing detergent that was blaringly evident from my first whiff and taste. No need for me to belabor the point on this. My significant other had their seasonal offering and said, while it was okay, it wasn't what he expected from a micro-brewery. Both he and I expected more from brewers transforming themselves into restaurateurs, and we both hope that JP is not watering down their offerings (so to speak, not literally) to cater to a mass audience's taste. [SIDE NOTE ON ANOTHER DRINK: I resigned myself to having a Basil Limeaide due to not wanting a beer from their menu. A word of caution- this is a frozen drink. I had no idea it was going to be frozen. I wanted a refreshing, cool, watery limeaide with a hint of crushed basil, but I felt like I had been duped by a frozen-margarita-like thing. ] THE FOOD I opted for the Mediterranean pizza which sported goat cheese, eggplant, onions, Kalamata olives and preserved lemon. It sounded good, but fell rather flat upon tasting it- there was no layering to the flavors. A bit of salt, pepper, and/or garlic would have set off the other flavors. I really wanted more preserved lemon on there, as there was maybe 4 slivers on the entire pizza. Granted, preserved lemon could overwhelm and I know it was meant to compliment, but I wanted more bites of it and was searching for it. There may have been another cheese on there, but whatever it was, it did not contrast the goat cheese. I will say that they goat cheese was mild, so for me, that was a plus and the crust thickness, or thinnness (?) was perfect for a thin pizza. With a little spice, the pizza could be better. Luckily there are about 6 other offerings around the same price ($10) that are probably worth trying. THE OVERALL MENU What I did find odd was the main menu has offerings of appetizers, salads, pizzas and sandwiches. They bring you the specials and entres menu separately, but that was not the odd part. The pricing on the main menu makes sense and is actually quite moderate, bordering on inexpensive. However, the entres menu falls into a higher-moderate priced range that just does not mesh with the lower-priced main menu counterpart. It seems as if they're trying to do too much to cater to different demographics, while not offering enough necessarily. Speaking of which, I did not feel they had enough beers on tap to choose from. There were 5-6 that I counted. When they handed us the small tri-fold menus, I thought that was the drink menu only. Upon second glance I discovered it was the entire menu. I almost asked my s/o to leave too since the menu had sandwiches and pizza, no entres, until we got the other paper menu later. OVERALL I want to give JP 3 stars, in fact I hope to return and perhaps be able to. My significant other reminded me of waaay back in the day when Ann Arbor Brewing opened its downtown restaurant after being a brewery and it was a rocky road to get to be the star of Ann Arbor beer. So, I am willing to give JP a chance to shine with some time and experience. My suggestions? JP- get more beers on your menu pronto. More diverse offerings too. Ann Arbor has a lot of foodies and beer fiends who are officiandos for what we want, what we like and ultimately what we love. We want to love you, so seduce us with something... Also, to patrons or newcomers, go on an off night at an off time. What do I mean? Go on a Wednesday night between 5-6:30 at the latest, or some other week night early. Jolly Pumpkin is NOT worth the 40 minute wait that you will have to endure if you go anytime on the weekend. Sorry JP, but you're not yet worthy of a long wait. I hope to see JP develop into a well-honed, well-crafted microbrew based restaurant. Focus on the beer!
(2)
Theresa F.

I want so much for Jolly Pumpkin to be five stars -- they are getting there, and I think many of their bugs they need to work out are simply because they just opened. Their beer is just delicious. I really enjoyed their gluten free beer, and really appreciate they have that option! They also have gluten free pizza crust -- yay! Now I have two places -- here and Sylvio's -- where I can forget that I have a wheat and dairy allergy and just gorge myself on pizza. My husband has had their Octoberfest special, La Parcela, and the Bam Biere, and he really loved all of them. And he's a craft brew guy too, homebrewer and all, so his opinion counts for something, I think :-) Now, we've only ventured upstairs thus far, and mostly during Tuesdays and Thursdays to listen to their live music. We have ordered most of the menu items on the upstairs menu, and we've been mostly satisfied. When their truffle chips are crunchy, they are deeeeeeeelicious. But, we've also ordered them and they've been as wilty as cooked spinach -- yikes. Our server tried to bring us new ones, but those were wilty and chewy too. Hhhmm. And most of the time the pizza was great -- a couple of times we felt the toppings were a bit on the scant side. And a friend had the grilled cheese and was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bread on her plate. So, there's some consistency in their food prep I believe (and hope!!) they'll work it out. When that happens, I will certainly be updating my review! I am really pleased with the service, the live music choices, the beer, the location, the ambience... and the upstairs is a great place to go with a larger group. I really appreciate the vegan and gluten free choices they have, and I look forward to venturing downstairs to explore that menu.
(3)
Eric P.

I've only actually been here once and did not have food. But I feel I have to defend it against those who say the beer is no good. I love Jolly Pumpkin beer! I've actually never had one I didn't like; I've tried many at Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG) events. The atmosphere of the upstairs area of the bar is also one of the better atmospheres in Ann Arbor. I hope to try it again soon, maybe get some foods.
(4)
Patrick K.

I've been hearing whispers about Jolly Pumpkin in beer circles for the past couple of years. I finally made it there last night and they did not let me down. The place was packed but the atmosphere was great. It was the perfect stop for a freezing cold fall night. Everyone there was having a good time, The food was good and the beer was great! I had the Bam Bierre, a sour farmhouse style ale. This is one of my favorite styles and the Jolly Pumpkin did did it right. The menu was interesting as well and while I didn't have the pizza, quite a few folks in our party did and raved about it. I'll be going back again soon.
(4)
Ian P.

The odds are good that the goods are odd. Someone said it best in a review I read. The beers that are ordinary sounding, well are pretty ordinary...definitely nothing to tell anyone about. The beers that are more "exotic" basically fall flat. Kind of a disappointment in the beer department. The chickpea sandwich was pretty good, although my fries were a bit cold. All in all a mixed bag.
(3)
Tyler B.

I think I had desert here once, but that's neither here nor there. You don't want my food reviews, let's talk booze... I know a bit about beer. Well, at the very least I've drank a lot of it and I know what I like. I spend a lot of time at Grizzly Peak because I have a membership and its cheap. I stick to the seasonals and usually find something I like. ABC is tasty and I love their lefty politics, but there's nothing there that I ever HAVE to have. And yes, I miss Leopolds and their giant, drunk inducing beers. But Jolly Pumpkin (IMHO) has the best across the board brews of any place in A2. It's all complex flavors that will leave you tasting more until the point that you need to call a cab (unless you are as good at life as I am and can stumble home from here.) Plus, the staff asks your name and expects you to become a regular. There may be something to that. So while I'm not about to abandon A2's other well worthwhile brewpubs, The Pumpkin while sit atop my first choices for a drink or three for the foreseeable future. As someone who spends an inordinate amount of time in taverns, I implore you to take heed to my review.
(5)
Anthony P.

I'm definitely a fan! The sour beer is unique and delicious (they provide samples if you are new to sour beer), they regularly update their menu with new beer, the waitstaff is excellent, and the food is pretty good. I gave JP four stars because their restaurant week menu was sub par (and not a good deal) and the lamb that I has was only mediocre. The rest of the food is excellent, you can't go wrong with their pizza or sandwiches. I highly recommend Jolly Pumpkin!
(4)
Carrie B.

Pumpkin Wheat: A+ Service: A+ Food: B+ We had no qualms about the brew or the service--both were fantastic from the bar to the waitress. We waited maybe 10 minutes (and before a show at The Ark at that) to get a table and were greeted with smiling faces. The decor was fun, the bathrooms were clean (although the one on the main floor opens directly onto a few tables, so make sure you lock the door!), and the menu looked great. We enjoyed the rutabaga-pear soup (fabulous) and the fries were fairly tasty. My husband got the Hawaiian pizza, but the ingredients were so spread out that, while they were delicious, they were hard to taste together to get the full flavor. The pizza portion, though, was admirable. I got the "grilled cheese," which I can only sum up as delicious cheese, lifeless and tasteless peppers, and a wad of dry, brick-like focaccia. I don't know if the cook was having a bad day or they recycled someone else's sandwich, but it was flavorless and dense. I tried to scrape off the cheese, which was melted perfectly, but it was sullied by dull yellow peppers and wet, salty balsamic. Add something to this one, Jolly Pumpkin! We would try them out again, as I'm a firm believer that it was too cool of a place to be a permanent fail. I say give them a shot and tell me what I should eat aside from the grilled cheese!
(4)
KT T.

Skip this place. The food is mediocre, the atmosphere is lacking. Probably due to high prices. The price for a butchers block was $15, yet i was served meijer meat and cheese. Not what I expected as the server highly recommended it. Also there was some TERRIBLE fennel slaw and GROSS marinated beats. The quality was despicable. Tasted like dirt, no joke. I mentioned that I didn't approve the food, the server just danced around it and said, "you never know what you'll get with the butchers block." SWEET The only reason I'm giving two stars is because their beer is pretty good.
(2)
Melissa M.

I had just not went to Jolly Pumpkin since they opened because, Ann Arbor has so many breweries that I didn't believe it could be anything that new! After our first experience I was so impressed that we went back three days later! The beer I knew would be great but I was really impressed by the food. ~ we had pizza on both occasions the spicy the first time and meat the second. Both were great but I really loved the spicy one it was perfecly balanced. ~ The truffled fries we had both times and they were great the second time we had to fight my five year old daughter for them! She wanted to eat the garlic mayo that came with them by itself! ~ On the second visit we also had the noodle salad which was light and delicous you just need to make sure you mix it up completley because the tofu sucked up all the dressing. My daughter also had their basic burger and really dug it. Both times the service was top notch. the second time we were there they were obviously busy but our server managed to keep up just fine. The first time we were later so they were a little slower and we had some questions on merchandise and our server went above and beyond, She was just great! We will defintley be back soon!
(4)
Ellen C.

I was a fan of the food here, but not the atmosphere. The truffle fries were delicious (aren't they always?) and the rosemary really adds another dimension to them. I wasn't a huge fan of the spicy mayo that accompanied, but the fries were great alone. My friends all said they preferred the Bam Noire to the Bam Biere, so I went with that (even though the Bam Biere is the nationally ranked one) and I think I made the right choice. It was the perfect level of darkness, and didn't overwhelm my salad. For my entree I had the asian salad, which I loved the tofu in. I was a bit baffled by how many cold rice noodles I had compared to salad elements, but I loved the flavor. The atmosphere was a bit too loud for me- difficult to talk, a ton of drunk people even at 8pm. I think next time I'll try a weeknight.
(4)
Justin D.

Nice place. Both the food and the drinks here are unique. I usually get the truffle pizza when I come here. I haven't gotten to try their beers yet, but they have an interesting assortment of mixed drinks all made with their own spirits. I got a drink which had rye whiskey, grapefruit juice and maple syrup. It went together really well. I wouldn't suggest their dark and stormy though. I suspect when I got it the bartender didn't put any rum in it. I didn't taste it, and if there was any rum in it, then it was the least dark and stormy dark and stormy that I've ever had.
(4)
Brad T.

As a new parent, I was a bit concerned about bringing our baby to the bar, no matter how nice and smoke-free it was advertised as. Luckily, the Jolly Pumpkin was a wonderful surprise as both a new restaurant and a pretty laid back, friendly place. Let's get the "baby in the bar" part of this review over real quick: we came down to meet friends, we weren't tying one on, and this place isn't exactly the 8-Ball. It's a family-friendly brew pub that was incredibly polite and helpful when it came to managing a 2-month old baby. If you're a parent on the fence about going here, don't sweat it, they couldn't have been cooler about it. As I arrived I was introduced to some kind of dip/hummus plate (I didn't get a chance to get the official name) which had an edamome-based hummus that was totally great. I didn't have a chance to try much beer, but the Stout was decent and the people around me seemed to like some of the other home brews more. My wife and I split the truffle pizza, a delicious blend of goat cheese, creamed mushrooms, arugula, and a thin, crispy crust (my favorite kind). It was an instant winner, the kind of beer-friendly snack food that suddenly turns into a meal because you can't stop eating it. I have to admit that the best thing I tried here was not food or alcohol; the basil limeade might sound straight-up weird, but it's a "can't miss." Seriously, take fresh-squeezed limeade and add basil and you've got the most awesome flavor combination I've tried in a while. If you go here and don't try the basil limeade, you've missed the secret weapon on the menu. The service was really good, the parking was typical Main Street parking (for you out-of-towners, that means "sucky"), they were busy but not obnoxiously busy, and the look and layout of the place was conducive to friendly table-to-table conversations AND private group seating, depending on your mood. I've only got one visit under my belt but it was a winner, and you can bet I'll be back sooner than later.
(4)
Hans A.

for sure try the pizzas here. another pointer: they will let you try little cups of all the beer! I have always had a good meal here. The waitstaff wear cool t-shirts!
(4)
Karl H.

Service is good Food is good depending on what you order. I tried the porchetta. Almost as bland as Connor O'Neills (which means bad). Pretty bad when I was expecting good. The burger is damn good. It better be for $13. Grass fed beef is tasty, and the cheese on it was very good. The beer is good, but expensive however. It's not overpowering like some microbrews tend to be. The beers have a drier, smoother taste than some of the other A2 microbrews. Some belgian styles for sure... The service is very good and the staff is attentive. Good beer, late-night pizza and burgers. Prepare to blow your wad if intend on getting drunk though...
(4)
Ruth G.

I'm a big fan of JP's delicious bottled brews, so when I was in Ann Arbor, I had to check out the new location. Ambiance gets an A+. The lighting is comfortably dim, but not so dark as to obstruct view like some seedier metro Detroit establishments. Unique and aesthetically appealing light fixtures hang above each table, and the walls are adorned with artwork made familiar by bottle labels. Good tunes, like Regina Spektor and Wilco. DRINKS Excellent selection, but not for self-proclaimed "beer fans" who generally prefer Budweiser. You can get most of JP's brews in their characteristic wine-sized bottles. The pricing on these run $11-$15, which isn't a bad pub markup from grocery store prices. There aren't a ton of draft selections, but what is available is superb. I had a hard cider. Locally brewed ciders make bottled varieties like Woodchuck taste like unsatisfying soda pop. This was particularly delicious - cloudy with a natural apple flavor, tart, but not so much that it gave me heartburn. A good light addition to any meal. My date described his Bam Biere as "simply perfect" and "a great accompaniment to any sandwich." Good amount of hops, balanced without an unpalatable bitterness, and a natural herby flavor. FOOD Yum, yum! The menu is very creative and offers unique spins on traditional pub offerings. There is something for everyone, including kid-friendly options like pizza and french fries. There are also several vegan options that looked absolutely delicious. My burger was amazing, and my date loved his pork sandwich. The real show-stopper was the desserts. The pumpkin whoopie pie with coconut ice cream and fresh berries was a unique and tasty blend of flavors. The chocolate pudding was intense and delicious. Everything was presented with artistic skill. Absolutely amazing. SERVICE A+! It was busy, but we were well-cared for. When there was a minor issue with a plate, they addressed the problem AND gave us two free desserts, which was an unexpected surprise. Overall this was a great experience! Well worth the price. JP beers are unique - sour mash, artistic labels, the size of the bottle, creative brews, etc. The restaurant was no different. This was a real treat. I'd love to see one opened closer to Detroit!
(5)
Sherri T.

Two great things that go great together: good micro-brews and cheese platters. I don't care if you're hungry or not; when you go to Jolly Pumpkin, get one of their cheese platters! We arrived on a Saturday afternoon outside of football season, and it wasn't easy to get a table. There was no space at the bar, and a group of eight was trying to get seated. (That group may be waiting still.) The host wasn't any happier to see my party of three than she had been to see the party of eight, however. She seemed flustered and stressed. The bar was very busy, and we were lucky to get a table (especially since I had already disclosed that we were there to drink...not to eat). When we did order, however, we did order food and not just beer. We had passed a table with a cheese and meat tray on our way in. We fell to temptation, and ordered the butcher's snack board (cured meats, cheeses, roasted and marinated vegetables, olives, fresh breads). No, seriously. You need to order this. It goes great with Madrugada Obscura. Trust me. I would love to go back for lunch or dinner sometime. If I get this chance, I will try to go at an off time again (the middle of an afternoon between meal times) because I have a feeling this place is always packed...packed with good reason...It's great!
(4)
Kate M.

Stopped into the Jolly Pumpkin for lunch with coworkers a few weeks ago. My initial impressions: the decor was cool; pub-like but with sophistication. I loved the chandeliers dripping with forks + spoons and the dark wood accents. The high ceilings are nice and airy but it does lend the place a bit too much acoustic power - it was pretty loud in there and the talking/lunch din seemed to carry. It was tolerable, though. Our table sampled a few beers which all got enthusiastic votes, the steak salad, pork sandwich, and smoked chicken pizza. All solid choices and served relatively quickly. Tons of the menu items looked tasty and it was hard to pick what to try first. Our server was nice but actually a little too chatty. Hopefully this just stems from the place still being a little green. Prices are great for lunch - everything was in the $8-$12 range - which is great. I'll definitely be back to try this place again.
(4)
Shelby H.

We went there on a Sunday afternoon and it was quite busy. We were able to get a seat right away at the bar for two of us. It took us a few minutes to get waited on. The beer we got was good, but not the best I've had. The food was quite good - we both got side salads and a pizzas. I'd go back if I'm in Ann Arbor again.
(4)
Tony C.

Maybe I was looking for too much. What I was really hoping for was a place that had beer as good as Arbor Brewing Company, but food as good as Grizzly Peak, all in one place. We all know this is the problem in Ann Arbor: You want a damn good beer, but you also want to eat more than the garlic fries at Arbor Brewing, so what do you do? I was really hoping Jolly Pumpkin would've been my savior, but alas, it is not. The Beer: Strangely enough, their house beer, the bams, just weren't that great. In fact, the closest beer I'd compare it to would be Stroh's. Now, while I don't have a problem drinking a cold, frosty Stroh's, I also wouldn't use the word "artisan" to describe it. The IPAs were OK, but they were nowhere near my Sacred Cow IPA that is near and dear to my heart from ABC. The Food: Not bad, but overpriced. When a restaurant charges over $10-12 for a sandwich, my socks need to be blown off. They weren't even loosened. Was it bad? No. Was it great? Nope. Meh. I still prefer the food at Grizzly Peak more. I do like the decor. The service was pretty good as well. However, other than someone inviting me to eat with them here and my feeling guilty enough to go with them because I've been avoiding that person for the past several months, I can't see any other way I'd come here over GP or ABC. One thing that might bring me in is the whole place is non-smoking and that's great for those of us who have little kids. In fact, this place was packed with kids. And why not? Once you have kids, the alcohol becomes even more important.
(3)
Josh W.

My second experience was a bit disheartening I found out that a few of the sauces were that we were assured were Vegan were in fact not! The 3 spread appetizer has cheese in at least one dip. The dipping sauce for the tofu crisps was also not vegan because it contain fish sauce! Ugh. On top of menu missinformation I think their beer is over priced and it has always been warm when I receive it. Jolly Pumpkin had a nice reception when they came to Ann Arbor I think this is going to quickly fade with this poor service and high prices.
(2)
Jessica K.

My boyfriend and I were walking along Main St., trying to find a place that wasn't crowded so we could sit outside. Unfortunately, it was a beautiful evening so outside dining was scarce. Anyways, we've both been wanting to try the Jolly Pumpkin so we went inside and upstairs to the bar. Annoyingly, the outside patio seating was first come first serve, and they had no way of keeping a queue so we watched the door like hawks to see who was leaving. Since it was going to be a little while, we ordered a few drinks. Drinks - I ordered the Cran Strawberry cocktail (I may have the name wrong). It was DELICIOUS. It's made with muddled strawberries and homemade cranberry vodka. The only downside is that I wish it came in a bigger glass, not a martini glass. I also had the Archangel beer which was made with Michigan cherries. It was way way too frothy/foamy for my liking, but the North Peak Diabolical IPA was GREAT! After our drinks, I saw a couple leaving, and I literally bolted for the patio, leaving my boyfriend to grab my purse and our drinks. :) We ordered the Farmer's Fritto as an appetizer, which is fresh, seasonal veggie that's tempura-ed with a dipping sauce. DELISH. I highly recommend it. Sadly, my main meal was atrocious. I've never met a salad I didn't like...until the Asian Layered salad. The ginger lime dressing was bland and the rice noodles were not hard enough but not cooked enough either. We also ordered the Fire and Smoke pizza which was good. Not amazing but definitely worth trying. Bottom line...the atmosphere is pleasant and the prices were decent. What disappointed me was that although most of the food and drinks tasted great (minus the horrible salad), the descriptions are better than the actual taste.
(3)
Garrett P.

What's up with the decor? I don't get it. The beer was not that good. I wanted an IPA and I guess they don't have an IPA on draft. They are a brewery that doesn't have an IPA on draft. I drank a belgian somethingorother. It was good. The pizza was good too. I don't know, maybe I was just in a bad mood or the server was to fratty. I didn't much enjoy it. So yeah, two stars= 'Meh. I've experienced better.' I don't get it.
(2)
Reesa T.

Nom Nom DRINK! I am in love... Seriously, Jolly Pumpkin just makes me happy. GREAT beer meets good food, good service and a cool ambience. No joke, I want to steal the lighting fixtures! Tofu Cracklins' - wow. I've never had tofu in that way before but I liked it... a lot. I seriously recommend giving them a try. I've rather liked JP's brews for awhile now, getting some whenever I am in Michigan, but now that this place is open... its something of a destination in my mind already. I hate to be too concise, but all i can say is yummy and good and i like and pretty inside and gushing on and on about a place so lovely.. while I sit so far away (in Seattle....) I guess if you are in Ann Arbor and looking for a place to go- get yourself to JP and enjoy it for me. 5 stars- all well earned!
(5)
Allie K.

Jolly Pumpkin has two things that make me really like it -- gluten-free beer and gluten-free pizza. I really like the options for pizza-building, especially the candied pineapple and the assortments of cheese (I like the fresh mozz best). They also have a good selection of vegetarian food, and a lot of interesting, tasty non-alcoholic drinks (like basil limeade, yum). That being said, I've found that the service has been consistently poor and the prices seem a little high. I spent 20 minutes waiting to get into the restroom there once and when the door finally opened, there was an employee in there -- with a cash drawer! I'm hoping she just wanted a secluded place to count the money, but it struck me as a little gross, not to mention inconvenient. I was there a few weeks ago thinking I would grab a pizza but it took our server over 25 minutes to come back for an order and by that time we decided just to leave. So, if you're patient I think JP can be a good experience. If you're in a hurry and really need attentive service, I would recommend elsewhere.
(3)
Ruthie L.

So here's the deal. Let's start with the needs improvement portion. The beer. We got a sampler of every single beer in this joint. And none of us really liked ANY of the beers. There were 5 of us, 3 guys, 2 girls. Statistically, I think that's relevant enough to be odd. So I wouldn't get beer here again, which is sad considering it's a microbrewery. The food, on the other hand, is pretty darn good here. It's very eclectic, they use lots of fun ingredients. And they use some local ingredients as well, which is really cool. I had the fire and smoke pizza and I really enjoyed it. I almost finished the whole thing, which is rare for me. Bottom line: I would go back to eat, but would order a glass of water with my meal.
(3)
Rebecca W.

Come for the beer, stay for the pizza. We stopped in here for a Saturday lunch with friends a few weeks ago....we stuck to water and iced tea this time, but totally overindulged in the pizza. We tried four different ones: fire and smoke, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and meat lovers....and they were all awesome. (Fire and Smoke is still my favorite). Is it weird that the brewery has the best pizza in town?
(4)
Shannon U.

OK, full disclosure, I used to work at Jolly Pumpkin so I am slightly biased. Although, I guess there is something to be said for the fact that I worked there for a year and still want to come back to eat, drink and be generally merry. At any rate, I had dinner tonight with my Dad and it was excellent as always. We started out with an IPA for him and a Thai Boxer for me. If you are a mixed drink kind of person, the Thai Boxer is where it is at. I have tended bar for many years and have never come across a drink with such an interesting combination of flavors. Cilantro and coconut milk? Strangely delicious is all I can say. It was my Dad's first experience with truffle fries (a flavor he was turned on to after watching an episode of Leverage), and he was suitably impressed like most people who partake. For dinner he had the Grilled Romaine Salad (an excellent option for anyone who is new to the JP menu) and I had the Gnocchi dinner special (which was A-MA-ZING, hats off to you Maggie and your culinary expertise). We had a thoroughly enjoyable time and were provided with most excellent service by JP (the bartender).
(5)
Pebbles And Bam Bam A.

Jolly Pumpkin's staff and service are good, as is their ambiance. However, their beer - the primary draw to a restaurant like this - is really disappointing. I've gone to J.P. 3-4 times and tried different brews each time, always convinced I simply hadn't had the right one. But every time, I'm very disappointed, and I often have to actively try to finish the beer I ordered. Poor quality aside, they only offer *their* beer, wine, and hard alcohol. So if you don't like it, you don't have any other options. Their food is okay. Not bad but also nothing special. For example, they have a good pizza selection, and the flavor of their pizzas is pretty good, but they're also way too greasy. During our latest visit, we ordered the flatbread appetizer. Probably a third of the flatbread was completely black (burnt). Overall, there are many other restaurants and breweries nearby that I would recommend over J.P.!
(2)
Paul T.

Love their Traverse City location. Ann Arbor is a close second!
(5)
Rory F.

We came to Jolly Pumpkin on a Tuesday night in mid-May, after most of the undergraduates have left town, so it wasn't too busy and we were seated immediately. Service was good and the food came out fast. I tried the Bam Noire and then the IPA and my companion had the Bam Biere. All three were interesting and complex and were a step above your average cookie cutter brewery fare. I liked the Bam Noire enough that I picked up a couple of 750 ml bottles to take back to DC and share with my friends. After hearing about the truffle rosemary french fries, I had to try them. I can say that they lived up to all of my hopes and dreams. The warm, marinated Kalamata olives were also great, but they serve you a HUGE bowl, easily enough for a table of four to share. I had the truffle pizza and it was not bad, but a little soggy. I'd give it 3 out of 5 pepperonis on the pizza scale. It was a good size and filling though, I ended up taking about half of it to go. The crust was really good and just the right amount of chewy. Overall the ambiance was pretty cool, and I would certainly go back next time I'm in Ann Arbor and try some of the other beers. I'd also like to check out the outdoor area in the summertime.
(4)
Travis C.

The Bam Noire is good, and they have an excellent selection of other craft beers (Tortuga Ale Company Chocolate Stout... sexual chocolate in your mouth). I had the fire & smoke pizza and truffle fries, both of which were not only tasty but delicious as well. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening which only heightened the atmosphere. Inside it seemed kind of loud, so I can imagine it might be hard to talk unless you go on a weekday (we were there on a Friday night).
(5)
Nan B.

Finally found someone to go here with me! i've loved Jolly Pumpkin beers since I worked at a bar which served the Bam years ago. The beer is totally awesome. Food: I had a steak salad which was pretty bland with the meat overcooked, and my friend had a "Not Just a BLT" which was pretty much just a BLT. The fruit fly thing is true, too. There was a fruit fly well within my beer. I get that it happens, but you know, clean the taps and towers!
(3)
Duncan S.

Jolly Pumpkin is a better end brew pub with nice long bar and large amount of seating for diners, including some outdoor tables and chairs. Nice mood music, slick interior and a couple of TV screens for sports. Early on a Sunday night the crowd was mainly mid-30's, nicely dressed and not many college kids. Beer range is really solid, all Jolly Pumpkin product with a wide variety of draft selections and bottles. I had the 9 beer sampler, which is a fantastic way to try out the beers on offer. Disappointingly, a few of the varieties were not available on draft. Food is your typical bar food maybe raised a notch. Starting with olives, which were a good size serve and tasty. Followed by pizza which was pretty decent, not overly exceptional. Service very warm and friendly.
(4)
Mallory L.

I love Jolly Pumpkin. I love their beer, I love their food, and I love the atmosphere and decor. Several of their beers kind of taste the same to me... but they are great if you're a fan of sour beer (farmhouse ales) like I am. I really love their pizza...yum. I just wish it was a bit more affordable so that I could visit a lot more frequently.
(5)
Nick H.

All three of my visits to JP have been excellent. The wait staff know how to describe their beers - to the extent that their sublime flavors can be captured by words. The pizza has been satisfying and always complimentary to their beers. Twice now I've had their Fire & Smoke pizza - it hits an excellent balance between the spicy and smoky flavors evoked in the name. Although Jolly Pumpkin's prices might seem steep for beers and pizza, it is well worth it. My beer-nut friend introduced me to JP and I am very grateful. That said, their beers aren't for the timid. If you are looking for bud light, look elsewhere.
(5)
S K.

Beers very good. No complaints. Anything over 3 stars for the food is completely over rated. I can make better pizza at home or from Trader Joes and the burger, while not bad, was not even close to a much cheaper Five Guys (though, alas, none in Ann Arbor). Truffle fries fine but our first order was cold and we had to send them back. $1 McDonald's fries are just as good!
(3)
AJ O.

Great back patio atmosphere. Consistently excellent service. Broad menu - something for everyone. Bonus points for being vegan-friendly! The Red Chile Tofu was amazing!
(4)
MichiganFoodie S.

I really like the late night drinks and meat and cheese platter. There are a couple items on the platter I wish I could substitute (i.e. beets, and some pickled item), but overall pretty good and also great service every time I've gone!
(4)
Topher D.

once a waiter acknowledged us this place became fantastic. Locally grown, largely organic food, awesome selection of beers and knowledgeable staff. Can't complain at all
(4)
Tom A.

I'll certainly be back for some beer and snacks. Dinner didn't quite do it for me, but will try again since it's a week old restaurant still getting its groove on. JP beers are really great, if you really like beer. They are interesting 'artistic' brews, often with tart & funky flavors. When I was the beer buyer at a restaurant, I sold JP products (Bam & Calbaza Blanca) but I got really sick of people saying, "yeah, I don't think I like pumpkin beers..." and I've been hoping Ron would change the name of the brewery ever since.. His beers don't fit pigeonholes, which is a blessing and a curse, because if you have to describe every one instead of saying "it's like a pilsner" etc, things get tired. Back to the restaurant -- decor is a mix of comedy club left overs, south pacific tiki, family photos... the 20 foot tall barrel light on the stairs is pretty sweet. Service was fine, nice, reasonably fast etc. Training was still going on so when we were there there were approximately 5 customers per server. Food was a ok. Truffle fries were solid. Pizza (Mediterranean) was decent, but highly irregular in shape with extremely uneven distribution of toppings -- a 3 inch toppingless crust on a 11 inch pizza? Chick pea sandwich turned out to be full of red peppers, which wasn't mentioned on the menu, which makes it inedible for me, but my friend seemed to like it. Every vegetarian sandwich, and most other vegetarian items, are all about peppers, which really annoys me. Sandwiched come with fries, with no expressed options to sub for salad, which would have been preferred as we ordered truffle fries. or a vegetable, maybe? Food is relatively expensive. One beer note: the beers in the "Bam" series have almost nothing in common with each other. "Bam Bier" is my favorite. The "Bam Noir" and "Autumn Bam" aren't so much departures as completely different beers. Good luck Ron & co !
(3)
Sara C.

The hubs and I find ourselves choosing JP nearly every time we want to get a bite. It just keeps getting better! The flatbread appetizer with three dips is so good and so filling, it's really a meal in appetizer clothing. The roasted red pepper and walnut dip is the stuff of legend. Beerwise; the Magrugada Obscura is delicious. And the La Roja has such immense complexity, it reminds me more of a wine then a beer. Every cask is different. Love!
(5)
Richard B.

Some of the best tasting beers I've ever had. The Bam Biere is light and sweet and the Siren Amber Ale is complex and delicious. Overall, a fantastic experience. If you're in the area, you definitely need to check it out.
(5)
zin b.

Duck 2 Ways, described as 'back-forty acres roasted breast-leg confit and sweet potato hash-lacinato kale caramelized onion-bacon-apple cider.' The duck confit was earthy, meaty and salty with a nice ducky flavor. The kale was cooked to perfection: emerald-green and a sharp, palate-cleaning offset against the heavy gravy. Eat Mor Kale! I loves me some ducky darkness, but this was too far over to the dark side of the force for me. Cubed sweet potatoes and onions could not resist being assimilated into the borg of gravy, overcooked to my taste. They would have had me at hello with al dente sweet potatoes and braised onions to match the kale, and half or less of the gravy.
(4)
kim d.

We were downtown on a warm summer evening trying to decided between and outdoor dinner at Zingermans or Jolly Pumpkin. We decided to try J.P. as I read somewhere that they have an outdoor rooftop dining area. Well, rooftop couldn't have a worse atmosphere. It's basically a plain wood fence and a white wall surrounding a hot rooftof. Your view is of other dirty rooftops and their a/c units, and there is no color anywhere. It's like the desert of rooftops. I would definitely reccomend eating inside or on the street as opposed to this "oaisis" The beer was good and the server helpful with a sample when we asked questions. We had sandwiches which were very standard-Zingermans would have been a much better choice. We had to laugh at our order of truffle fries, its like Mcdonalds fries in a cone type stand with a cup of mayonaise on the side. I didn't taste any truffle flavor, just some sea salt. So, go for the beer but skip the food. Or even better-just go to Dominicks....
(2)
Mariah T.

Jolly Pumkin has one of the best bar food in town. Their food is mostly organic and local, which is a huge plus for me. It's a bar where you can actually go to get good food, drink well, and have fun. It IS packed--especially on the weekends--so expect a long weight time. During the summer, the outdoor patio is fun & often there's a nice breeze. I do have to say I'm more a fan of their food than their beer, but it's often my "go to" bar in town. I highly recommend their tofu or chicken salads. They are amazing!
(4)
Mark E.

I've been there for lunch and dinner a couple of times. I have to say - I thought the food was fantastic. The porchetta sandwich was excellent, the burger was perfect, the BLT special (with sun dried tomatoes) amazing, and great pomme frites. My wife and I went with some co-workers and friends and everyone agreed that they have great food - people seemed to particularly like the pizza. That was very early on. Since then, we've had a couple of missteps where people were less than fully satisfied with their food, so I don't know if it is just luck, lack of consistency generally, or if they've had trouble maintaining the excellent quality they had early on, just after opening. Anyway, the beer is awesome. Definitely give this place a chance. Up until the last couple of visits, I would have said that this is my new fave casual restaurant in Ann Arbor. I'm really not a fan of the other Main Street offerings. Looking forward to when the roof-top patio opens up.
(4)
O'Shea J.

I don't particularly care for their beers except for the chocolate stout. However, the food is awesome. The truffle fries are incredible, and cost only $5. If you order one serving for the table, be prepared to watch that shit disappear fast, so get at least two orders. The tempura veggie platter is awesome as well. I like the wait staff, and I like the decor. The rooftop dining experience is so cool during the morning. Bring some sunglasses and get a bloody mary here. Truffle fries go good with that, as well as life in general.
(5)
Warren W.

My fiance and I were looking for a place to eat for lunch. We came across the Jolly Pumpkin and decided to stop in. Although I do love beer, I feel lunch is a little too early for it. Thus, I wish I had come for dinner. To start the meal I ordered the soup of the day which was a chipotle sweet - potato soup. It was absolutely delicious. I wish I had ordered two bowls, one to start and one for a meal. It had a nice balance of sweetness and smoky heat. Couple this with a cold, wintery day made it perfect. For the main entree, I ordered their version of a BLT. This version had some mozerrella and basil. It was almost a caprese sandwich with bacon in it. It was absolutely delicious. Good thing I didn't order that second bowl. I had the option of upgrading to the truffle fries which I happily did. My fiance wasn't able to finish her fries which made me happy so I could eat more. My fiance ordered their burger which was also flavorful. It was a little dry, but this was not fault of the restaurant as she had it cooked to well done. My preference would have been medium. Overall, this meal was very satisfactory and I will definitely be back for dinner...and some beer.
(5)
Fred H.

First off, I'll start by saying that as a beer geek, I had been informed about what they do here stylistically, (Belgian/French Country/Farmhouse Sour), and knew that it isn't necessarily my preference. But despite that, I heard that they're good at what they do, and was open to expanding my tastes and experiencing excellence... (Plus, on this particular Saturday night, it was the one brewpub downtown with the least sports bar-like atmosphere) The bartenders were cordial enough and knowledgeable, though the samples they offered were the best help for making my drink decisions. I thought the Tortuga Chocolate Stout would be right up my alley, but it turned out to be like a farmhouse version of something that I'd expect to be more British; I was expecting chocolate milk, but who wants sour chocolate milk? Alas, it was not what I had hoped for. I ended up opting for the Bam Noire. Not as "Noire" as I like, but it actually went down quite nicely, (and pretty quickly), Again, farmhouse-like, but with a darker malt character. More dark-ruby than black though. Next I wanted to try their version of an IPA. I had a taste of the Belipago, (I think), but again, the farmhouse funk overwhelmed my expectation of an IPA's hop character, so I asked for a glass of their closest approximation of a hop-bomb. I tried, and ended up ordering a Diabolical IPA, (I think), which had more of the citrus-y pine-y flavor that I expected, though it still had the same rustic country base. I wouldn't say that any of the beers that I drank were bad in any way; they had a great drinkability, the carbonation and serving temp was right, probably the most enjoyable sour beers that I've had, but I think I've confirmed that this just isn't my style. As for the food, all I had were the Truffle Fries, which people seem to rave about. They were OK. The rosemary was dominant, and about half way through the cone-shaped serving, I got an occasional whiff of truffle. Not sure if they were fresh-cut in the kitchen, seemed kind of like frozen to me. Would be better if they were cut a bit bigger, for some soft and mealy potato innards, but as is, they were kind of crusty. The mayo/aioli on the side was good. Basically, a slightly fancied up version of fries w/mayo, which I do like. Not really complaining for $5, but I don't really get the hype. Overall, I'd say that I have an appreciation for what they're doing, though it's definitely not for me.
(3)
Laura K.

We were so excited about this place, being a non-smoking bar/pub. We were soooo disappointed. The beer that we had was horrible (and yes I know and appreciate good beer), and they don't have a full bar, so you can't even get something else (unless you want their house vodka). I got their pizza (with their limited upstairs menu), and it was very dry. I have been back hoping it was a fluke, but my friends and I have been thoroughly disappointed each time. I keep hearing about their amazing beer, and the NY Times even rated their Belgian ale as the best. Perhaps I will have to try again...because I REALLY want to like it!
(2)
Harold C.

I notice Yelpers across the country slamming brewpubs, almost always for their mediocre food. And I don't want to sound pretentious, but the truth is that most of the people slamming these nationally renown breweries don't know sh*t about beer, which is what they should actually be focusing on in these reviews. I've never eaten at Jolly Pumpkin, mostly because I don't go to breweries looking for a great meal. When I was at Rogue, a world-class brewery in Newport, Oregon, I had fish and chips. And they were good. But I didn't go to Rogue for fish and chips, and if you're going to Jolly Pumpkin for groundbreaking New American cuisine and angelic service, you shouldn't be reviewing it. (By the way, the Rogue brewpub has 2 or 3 stars. Mostly from people slamming the food and service.) In the end, though, it doesn't matter. These famous breweries and brewpubs don't need stellar Yelp reviews to succeed, because people will drink good beer, no matter how many anal retentive Yelpers complain that they got a dirty look from the bartender for asking for a Heineken. Beer people have Ratebeer and Beer Advocate for guidance. And, in the case of Jolly Pumpkin, they don't even need those websites. Because in the beer world, Jolly Pumpkin is that famous. The beer tastes "weird" because it's good. It's crafted with love, care, and intelligence. This is a Belgian-style brewery. Most breweries you've been to are probably in the Anglo-Germanic tradition. So don't be surprised if there isn't an IPA on tap. There's probably a saison, or some kind of lambic. Those are going to taste weird to you if you've never had them. But trust me. It's good. You'll learn to like it if you keep drinking it. Is the Halloween-themed decor tacky? Yes. Can the service be underwhelming? Sure. Do they occasionally have a mediocre beer on tap? Absolutely. But remember, this is just a bar-- a bar that serves some of the most creatively conceived and delicious Belgian-inspired wild ales in North America.
(5)
Meg F.

I am a big fan of Jolly Pumpkin beer and started making frequent trips to Dexter to stock up about a year ago. I've tried the Ann Arbor Jolly Pumpkin restaurant a couple of times now and enjoyed it. The beer, of course, is great. The food is solid - lots of unusual ingredients for a pub. I really enjoy their rosemary fries - very yummy. The atmosphere is fantastic - I love the mish-mash of hanging lights, and it always feels very laid back and pleasant. The wait staff are also very friendly and extremely prompt. For the service alone I'd go there. I would give it 4 stars, but I just tried to make reservations for a wedding celebration dinner and I was told they don't take reservations. Too bad - it would have been really nice to celebrate there! EDIT: Try the vanilla coconut milk ice cream. It is out of this world. I would sell my soul to JP in order to have the recipe.
(3)
John M.

Great burgers. Amazing Truffle Fries. Spectacular beer. Try the pool out if you're feeling adventurous!
(5)
Elizabeth M.

The food: decent. I got the Prime Steak Salad. I ordered the meat medium rare and it came out medium well. Still tasty. The truffle fries were great.. The service was really slow and the restaurant was empty. Our waitress was friendly, though. I'd go back and give it another try.
(2)
David S.

WOW. I hadn't heard much about this place, as it is surrounded by Main Street Venture places and other fancy places. I decided on a whim to take my girlfriend there, mainly because I knew she'd get a kick out of the name. But wow. Top notch (for what it is). It's not trying to be anything more than a brewery that also does some interesting food items, and the menu consists of mainly sports-bar type items (pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and some main plates). However, the concoctions they come up with are perfectly executed. The pizzas are very good -- my favorite is the Fire & Smoke. Sandwiches are great as well -- while the "Not Just a BLT" will run you $13, it's the best BLT I've ever had (real slab bacon). This place is known for their beers, which do not disappoint. Like most people, the Bam Noire is my favorite (and an award-winner). Supposedly the truffle fries are the best thing on the menu, and I haven't tried them yet -- next time!
(5)
Mike R.

I came to Ann Arbor to visit my family over Thanksgiving and my sister recommended this place for its excellent handcrafted beer and great food. One half of that equation was accurate for me -- the beer is great. I wasn't too impressed with the food. My sister and I split the flatbread and dip, which was decent. The flatbread looked like store-bought pita pocket bread that was tossed on the grill for a few seconds to give it grill marks. The three dips that accompany the bread are excellent -- especially the bean dip, which is a sweet and spicy complement to the ordinary bread. We also split a salad, which showed up at our table as a bunch of uncut romaine hearts, with the rest piled on top. I'm all for 'deconstructed' salads, a la Top Chef, but this just looked like laziness to me. Our main dish was a flatbread pizza, which had an excellent crust but was extremely salty. I would recommend the pizza only if the chefs held back on the sodium. Now, onto the beers: I was really impressed, which makes sense as Jolly Pumpkin is primarily a brewery and only recently has gotten into food. My hands-down favorite was the Bam Biere, which was a light and flavorful beer that has a fantastic aftertaste. The Dragon Ale was also quite good. My verdict should be pretty obvious after reading the review: go for the beer, but skip the food. There are a lot of better places nearby on Ann Arbor's Main Street.
(3)
Dj M.

they definitely know beer. Space has a cool vibe. Food, safe to say is mediocre.
(2)
emily l.

Amazing chocolate stout and truffle french fries with aoli! I sometimes dream about the french fries - that's how good they are. I also love love love that they offer vegan options (especially for dessert!). They are also happy to substitute tofu into any of their meat sandwiches which is really nice. Overall, I've had pretty good service here and the food is pretty tasty. And I just plan like what they do and how they do it.
(4)
D. S. H.

Probably my favorite place in Ann Arbor. The ambiance is cozy. Great place to sit on a cold fall/winter night and have a few pints. I find the beer to be akin to ambrosia, but I should say that this place specializes in Belgian and sour beers. If you aren't a huge fan of Belgians and sours, you might find yourself disappointed. The food isn't the best I've had, but is generally good. The best thing on the menu is by far the truffle fries and aioli. It pairs fantastically with the beer.
(4)
Chad C.

Along with Grizzly Peak, one of the best choices in downtown Ann Arbor for microbrew fans.
(4)
G C.

Yet another Ann Arbor restaurant that thinks it's great, but isn't. The best thing I can say about it is that the menus are very well written. Both of our sandwiches sounded delicious. Unfortunately they weren't. My cobia sandwich was bland except for the overwhelming flavor of cilantro, which they used way too much of. The baguette wasn't really a baguette, more like an enormous sponge that you might use to grout tile. My dining partner's pork belly sandwich was slightly better but still pretty so-so. Fries were average. Beer was sort of interesting but not great. Almost $50 for two mediocre sandwiches and some beer? No thank you.
(2)
Alison R.

Heard a review about it so went down and checked it out. The beer was great, and if you can't make up your mind they have 35 cent samplers.. which helped us choose one! We ordered the truffle pizza and the pita bread which came with different hummus dips, both were amazing. The pizza was probably the best I've had. The service is also great for such a new restaurant, very friendly and fast!
(5)
David R.

I've continually been amazed by Jolly Pumpkin. I've been working my way through the pizzas (at the.moment I'm a fan of the South Pacific). Today my girlfriend ordered the JP Burger, and I was surprised to find that the sandwiches weren't listed on the menu just to fill space. The couple bites I had of the burger were great. Brie as cheese? I love it.
(4)
Sara H.

Excellent place! Thank you for coming to Ann Arbor!!! I LOVE pubs but I've become a bit of a gourmet food snob so I'm always torn between where I want to go- pubs for the atmosphere, or gourmet restaurants for the good. Jolly Pumpkin's got both. Of course, I went on Halloween. Very appropriate. The squash soup was amazing. I would've eaten two bowls of it if I could. The truffle pizza was very good but I would've liked to see a bit less cheese and more mushrooms. One person had the smoked tofu salad- very interested and well done. Another had the steak salad, which he seemed to enjoy. I had the pumpkin-vanilla bean vodka, which had a smooth finishing taste. Our waitress was terrific, very helpful, and friendly. She was quite efficient, serving our table and the table across from us at the same time. And for birthdays.... it was my birthday as well.... They gave me a free pumpkin dessert (very, very much like a pumpkin pie filling!!), a beer glass, and a $10 gift card! Definitely go for birthdays if not into the "trio" across the street.
(5)
Mei O.

One of their staffers messaged me to address my issues. Which was nice, but I'm still wary about the food issues. And apparently the glasses they serve their beer in is the appropriate style.
(3)
Mary L.

Went for a lunch with my husband on one Saturday. I had sweet & spicy cobia sandwich, and my husband had the burger with everything on. My sandwich was decent: with the French baguette and the pickled daikon and carrots and cilantro, it sort of reminded me of Vietnamese sandwiches. My husband enjoyed the burger, but the beer he had (some kind of amber ale) came not chilled... That was a big no no for a brewery, so that's why the three stars.
(3)
Todd A.

The two stars is for the overall experience. I'd give the beer five stars. Everyone in our party very much enjoyed their beers, which were unusual and interesting. The beer selection was pretty limited. Many beer offerings on their lists and menus were unavailable. Two stars for that. The service also gets five stars. Our waitress was accommodating and efficient. The food was OK, but uninspiring. We had a burger, a fish sandwich, and an Asian salad. All were competently executed, but did not distinguish themselves from other offerings around town. Food options are limited. They have a few standard entrÃ©es at steep prices on a specials menu, but there is no such section of their menu, which is sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. The ambiance was OK, kinda low-rent that was trying to be trendy and missed the mark. Two-and-a-half stars here. As for being kid-friendly, well, kinda-sorta. They have high chairs and a child menu - good. They have changing tables in the rest rooms - also good. The rest rooms are so dark that you can't see to change a child and no supplemental light, not even one you can turn on when you need it, is supplied at the changing tables - BAD. This needs to be fixed. Pronto. One star! Jolly Pumpkin in A2 is best experienced as a place to drink beer and eat a light meal without a small child along for the ride. It's not great if you want a more significant meal or have a baby in diapers along for the trip.
(2)
Adam L.

I didn't eat here so I can't comment on the food but the beer was amazing and the service was great. The bartender took the time to go over the beers with me and let me try a few samples. I really liked the atmosphere of the place and now I can't wait to come back and eat.
(4)
Marie L.

This place makes me so happy. First, the beer is good. It didn't blow me away, but it's solid and the prices are perfect. The food and the service were amazing. They have a super large selection of veggie options. Everything looked delicious! We weren't super hungry, so we ended up with a few appetizers, instead of entrees. The only downside was I found their menu to be confusing. They hand you a large menu in a wooden binder - but most of it is specials that are only available on certain days or only for lunch. The pages are titled with the availability, but I still found it to be confusing.
(4)
Fi G.

Truffle fries are a must! It's a close second to the ones I had a CafÃ© Julia. Nice to know it's here on the mainland. They have quite a few selections to choose from for a beer flight. For those that don't care for beer the cocktails available will please you. Had their vegan chocolate cake for dessert. Turned out nicely. The pairing with chocolate coconut ice cream was a sweet surprise. Also, the staff were amazing. Would definitely return if I come back into town
(4)
Jackie K.

My second experience here was awesome! We got the potato pizza, chicken nachos, and the BLT with truffle fries. The fries were AMAZING - best fries I've ever had. The service was quick and nice. We met the manager who was wonderful (when she found out our first meal here was not a five star experience she invited us back so the Jolly Pumpkin could redeem itself and it certainly did)! Wonderful customer service - great food.
(4)
Katie K.

My friend and I stopped in for beers last night. We decided just to dut at the downstairs bar. Our bartender, Maura, if i remember correctly was fantastic. She knew her ales and helped ti navigate iur choices impeccably. Friendliest staff in Ann Arbor!
(5)
Margaret V.

Really cool place! As others have mentioned, the patio is great. I'm not too much of a beer fan, so I didn't partake in any ale's, but I was with two friends that enjoyed the variety of micro brews offered and said that there was something to meet any beer lovers' interest. I and. another friend enjoyed a few glasses wine. They don't have a huge selection, but have some very nice white and red wines. Better yet, a lot of them are from MI! They also offers soda's, iced teas, and a really cool variety of cocktails. The food is great! Between the five of us, we had three BLT's, a carnivore pizza, and a burger. All were fantastic! In addition, the coconut milk ice cream, pumpkin whoopee pies, and ricotta fritters were great. I can't comment on the fries that come with some of the sandwiches, but the salad and house red wine vinaigrette, which is the other side option is fantastic. The service was outstanding. We were seated at one table and wanted to move, they accommodated us. We sat for hours drinking, eating, visiting and laughing and they were very attentive and friendly. This place will become one of my "staples"
(4)
Edwina S.

Bam is thier top seller... But it's a IPA... And I don't like IPAs. The beer has some nifty brewing techniques if you are into that kind of thing. The food is reasonably good. I love a good chicken sandywitch. Love me some brie. Wondering how they could mess up a brie and chicken sandywitch?! Apricot jam... without chilli to counterbalance? /Facepalm Truffle fries are good. Trout was good (well cooked), but the stuff in comes on I can do without. The mushroom Pizza (not a pizza fan)... hello baby, come to momma!!! Definately worth a visit. (PS... Bog cocktail.... yes please... right here right now!!!)
(4)
Jacqueline S.

Love this place! The brewery is awesome, great selection of brewskis. If you come here you have one job: order the truffle fries- you will NOT regret it and I swear it's worth every delicious calorie. The atmosphere is fun- great for groups, for a date, or just to grab drinks. Service is always great- awesome location right on Main Street. One of my favorite spots in Ann Arbor!
(4)
Amy B.

Good beer. Good food. Outstanding service. Great location. Here's a tip, the waitperson told us that the one of the desert items was made in house fresh to order. I would call it berry cobbler, if I recall correctly they called it a berry crisp. Either way, it was delicious and a highlight of our visit.
(3)
C L.

I like this spot, there's a good variety of beers / wine and the crowd is boisterous and young. The food is a bit better than your typical pub grub. They serve mostly sandwiches, salads (portions are big), cheese plates and finger foods. I also like the wait staff, I've never experienced slow or rude service. It's a super versatile place meaning it's appropriate for bringing coworkers, meeting a professor or catching up with friends from out of town. Oh.... and the fries are great, I would definitely order those.
(4)
B B.

Yummy pizza, best I've had in A2. Thin crust, both crunchy and chewy - such fantastic texture. Flavorful sauce, quality ingredients, lovely fresh basil. I had the fire and smoke pizza, which is a chicken pizza. Absolutely delicious truffle fries, omgggg. perfectly seasoned and crispy. Normally i am a fan of softer, mealier fries, but these crispy treasures were a must-have. Also, very nice burger. Huge with good meat (haha!). You'll want this cooked no more than medium. If you can handle it, rare is a good way to go b/c it comes out more medium rare. I didn't care for the cheese, but I'm not a fan of soft cheeses. Next time I would get cheddar. Though I actually preferred the pizza more, so that's the better route. Service was great, friendly, respectful and efficient. We had a group of 16 and no hassles whatsoever. A bit pricey, 11" pizza was $13ish, same for burger I think. But worth it for the ambiance, service, and food. They didn't do an auto-gratuity for our large group, though I gave 20% b/c everything was a solid A. Can't comment on beer or dessert b/c I didn't partake tonight.
(4)
Barbara C.

Enjoyed this relatively new spot. The Asian salad was one of the more unique dishes I've had with pickely dressing and tofu with sesame seeds. Very healthy and unique. The six tables outside in February were quite a kick as far as the scenery and enjoyment of their ales. Enjoyed it.
(3)
Brian K.

The Jolly Pumpkin beer isn't the best, but they have North Peak brews too, which I'm more partial to. The food is pretty great. Definitely try the truffle fries - delicious.
(4)
hugh p.

This place has really grown on me. At first is was all about the pizzas which are great, but it turns out their entree specials are really good too. I'm a really big fan of the coconut ice cream desserts as well. I can't speak to the beer because I don't drink, but the food is really good. Waits can get pretty crazy at peak times so be prepared for that.
(4)
Chris L.

Great beer. Love the lambics. Food menu strays away from typical bar food and uses local ingredients. Pleasantly surprised by the quality.
(4)
Jennifer L.

LOVE Jolly Pumpkin! Not only do they have the best beer in town they are also big supporters of Peace Neighborhood Center, a community outreach center for low-income families. Take my advice and eat there as often as you can. It will do your belly and heart good!!
(5)
Kassandra F.

There are a lot of things on this menu you won't find anywhere else nearby, which makes it a winner in my book. I've been there twice. The first time I had a special which I described as a glorified pig-in-a-blanket. It was a sausage with goat cheese in a homemade bread that came with a dipping sauce and fried - great combination of flavors! My friend had a truffle ravioli that looked like a masterpiece! The second time I had the three dip appetizer and a burger. The ap had a edamame dip - which I really liked - edamame is a favorite ingredient that I don't find often. But I was especially partial to the roasted red pepper dip. (Mouth just started watering thinking about it!) The burger was tasty and moist, but one of my favorite things about this place - and one of the simplest - is how much I love the pickled vegetables that garnish the entrees. It's very hard to decide what to get, so I guess I'll just have to keep going. I will say that their menu seemed on the shorter side to me, but with the inventiveness within it - I'm not sure if I'm worried about it yet.
(4)
Carley M.

we loved our experience at the jolly pumkpin, my husband loved his chicken with brie and apricot jam and my chickpea sandwich was so much better then I thought it would be. Cool atmosphere, a little pricey but not horrible. It was a packed house in there and I think we got our food in like 10 mins, we were very impressed by that.
(5)
Neil T.

Great menu, great staff and rotating beers. If you go there, DEFINITELY try the truffle fries. Keep in mind last call for alcohol in the restaurant (downstairs) is around 11pm, but the bar upstairs is open until 2am. Have the Bam Biere (it's good), but don't be shy about trying others.
(4)
Elizabeth P.

My husband and enjoyed a date night here last weekend. We had the truffle fries for a starter and they were fantastic. Our server was attentive and knowledgable about the beer, which was good. My pale ale was fine, but nothing amazing. I ordered shrimp and grits off of the seasonal menu. They were really, really good, but overpriced at $25. My husband liked his burger. Overall it was a good experience, just a little overpriced for a bar and very loud.
(4)
Casey C.

Went on a Thursday night and sat upstairs. Great service and appetizers (truffle fries, nachos). The sour beers are interesting. I enjoyed one and then switched to a nice bottle from their fairly good list. Had the pizza which was also really good. It was yummy and a great night out with friends at a place where we could all find something to like and hear each other talk!
(4)
Jessica J.

I want to love you Jolly Pumpkin, but I just can't-yet. Every beer we have tried here, we have hated. We always ask for a recommendation and suggest a beer to our server who always says "ummm I don't like that beer personally". And that happens every time we go and try to order a new one. Drinks-they make their own spirits too....yuck. Every time I got a mixed drink here I couldn't figure out why it was so bad. Well that's why. They don't sell anything but their own liquor here. Food-it's OK. It's by far not the worst I have had in Ann Arbor, but it's not always great. I got a pretty upset stomach on the steak salad I had last time. Truffle Fries are to die for though. All and all, I will go if friends are going but no longer go out of my way to suggest it anymore.
(2)
Nick P.

Came here for Sunday lunch/brunch- pizza was good, blueberry pancakes were excellent.
(4)
Alicia M.

I want to give JP 5 stars but (and I know I'm in the minority for this), I just don't like their beer. Everything has an odd soapy bitterness on my palate. What I do like are the veg options (many vegan). The asian layered salad is by far my favorite (rice noodle base, lime, tofu, cashews, etc.), although not totally filling, which gives me an excuse to order the flatbread/spreads trio for a starter. The darker wood interior is nice, although the upstairs patio seating isn't all it's cracked up to be (you're basically enclosed without any view). Their non-alcoholic drinks do make up a bit for the beer (especially the basil limeade).
(4)
Adam H.

Great beers and the truffled french fries are fantastic
(4)
Donald H.

I hardly ever hang out on Main Street but it's been 3 nights at Jolly Pumpkin in the first week and I'm liking the new perspective. Have sampled a few beers and like the Autumn. Not fond of the gluten free one, but good to know that's an option. The fried peppers appetizer was tasty, though I wanted a few more in my serving cone. The mediterranean pizza was solid fare. Decor is pretty good and it feels spacious enough - not too packed together. JP is worthy of bringing me back to Main St. on a regular basis.
(4)
Dan R.

Had the pizza at the upstairs...killer. Also had the flight of small beers, the Bam Noire is stellar.
(4)
jim g.

This place opened just opened a few days ago and they're already doing lots right. The food selection is broad and thoughtful, our wait person (Angela) was very helpful, explaining the menu and drink options. The steak salad had quite scrumptious beef though could have benefited from more greens. I had the sliced pork sandwich. This was not as yummy as the steak in the salad but tender and juicy (could have used more zip). The beer, of course, is known for its flavor and complexity and lives up to this. We did not try the Michigan produced wines and their Michigan spirit production thus far is limited to vodka. We sat outside in the soon to be gone Michigan sun. The inside looks warm and welcoming (with an upstairs I didn't explore). All in all this place looks like a fun restaurant , set up with the care and thought of their award winning beers.
(4)
Teeks L.

Expensive but worth it. Truffle fries are the best thing on the menu, which has a lot of excellent dishes. Good selection of beers and ciders on tap, and decent mixed drinks (although this is not the best bar if your whole crowd is mixed drinks folks). Pretty decent turnover during busy times (never more than 20 min for a group of five or less) but it's difficult (i.e., takes anywhere up to an hour) to seat big groups (bigger than 7 or 8). It's loud during peak times, so if you are going for a date try to go to happy hour or a little after the dinner rush (after 9).
(4)
Kyle S.

we came to the jolly pumpkin with a group of friends that are all bartenders at a pub that carries jolly pumpkin beer! we love the beer so we wanted to check out the place for ourselves! not only do we love the beer but the food was amazing and our waitress was hillarious and pretty hot too! we tried to steal her away to come work for us but she kindly declined our offer. so now we have another reason to come back to the jolly pumpkin...the beer, food, and a hot little waitress named marua! we will be back for sure!
(5)
Dave Y.

looks kinda just like another brew-pub in downtown a2, and it is. we tried 2 or 3 times to come here but the waits were like 2 hours! finally made it in on a saturday night, and sure it looks pretty much just like abc, grizzly peak, etc. outside and in. i think the food is slightly better tho. there is never anything, anything on grizzly peak's menu that makes me want to order it, it's all just standard uninteresting food; the menu here is a little bit better, and the food is very tasty. i had some kind of pizza and an agua fresca. it was about the weirdest and most un-agua fresca agua fresca i've ever had, but at least it was tasty. the beer at these places are all pretty decent. can we sustain another one of these places here? apparently. still, it's better (and more pleasant) to come to one of these places rather than sell your soul and go to ashley's
(4)
Anne M.

Smoked tofu salad - strange, but really delicious! Too bad they only had beer and vodka. Me likey gin. Good atmosphere, good service.
(4)
Amanda G.

I went to the Jolly pumpkin with my boyfriend and parents for a weekend dinner and loooooved it. The waitress was great, really attentive and brought over samples of all of the beers we asked about (plus one we hadn't - which is what my boyfriend ended up ordering). Then there was the food, I had the South Pacific pizza and it may be the best pizza I've ever had. The pineapple was absolutely amazing, the tomato sauce was smoky (great with the sweet pineapple) the bacon was crunchy and a little sweet. I will definitely be ordering it again. Someone had the chicken, brie and apricot sandwich, which was good but would have been great with an additional side of apricot (not quite enough for my sweet-tooth). My parents adored the truffle pizza, and my mom loved the pizza crust. The pizzas are big enough to split which makes the prices really reasonable ($7-8 a person for the meal plus drinks). Even without splitting you can get something delicious for dinner and spend between $11 and $14 (food only).
(5)
Brad D.

The beer is out of this world, and the food is a perfect match to the beer! I love the Calabaza Blanca. Best beer I have ever had. The grilled chicken and brie sandwich was awesome. Although, I took 1/ 2 of it home because it was huge. Overall, the portions are big, the food is local, organic, and you can see how much love goes into every entree or beer!
(5)
Jillian D.

damn. i wish i lived in ann arbor. i was in town for the michigan/ohio state game, and hung out here not once but twice. yes, it was that good!! on friday night, we rolled in super late, and jolly pumpkin was happy to provide us with carry out eats - and road sodas too!! we sampled a beer at the packed bar while our food was prepped. not 15 minutes later, we had fresh hot entrees and a sixer of locally brewed ale to take back to my brother's pad. the chili tofu sandwich is AMAZING!!!! spicy and chewy and delicious. i ordered the truffle fries, but couldn't tell the difference between them and the regular fries. oh well. and the beer...oh man! i love a good micro brew. we came back for more beer on sunday afternoon - the perfect way to ease into the afternoon. atmosphere is really cool. and the bartender was friendly and cool as well. i hope i make it back here!
(5)
Mike P.

got sick from jolly pumpkin food tonight 3-23-12. cheese plate plus beer....must have been the cheese plate. too bad usually a favorite. food poisoning no other explanation. not a good night
(1)
Mike O.

Food pretty good. Good veggie options. Beer on tap has ben OK.
(4)
Todd E.

Been twice now and have been happy both times. Last time out I ordered the Butcher's Board for an app and then the Truffle Pizza for dinner. Both were quite good. Butcher's board was little light on meats for supposedly being the meat and cheese board, but the sausage that was on there was good and the cheeses were great. Truffle pizza is yum if mushrooms are your thing. Their beers are pretty solid too.
(4)
brooke h.

Very good food, large portions. Had fries with truffle salt and chicken brie sandwich with side salad, plus a pint of the Bam beer. Loved it all, though the bread for the sandwich should have been smaller. It was yummy, but the chicken and brie were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bread surrounding them. Took a full half of my sandwich home for lunch. Yum! Ate it all on the rooftop beergarden-- so awesome to be outside on a beautiful summer night. Also looking forward to it over the winter, since there are heaters up there.
(4)
Todd E.

I dunno. I went to the Jolly Pumpkin on the Old Penninsula and the menu was A LOT more creative and interesting. I was really looking forward to the blue cheese wedge salad, which was no where to be found on the Ann Arbor menu. This place basically serves up overpriced sandwiches and pizzas, but they do have a lot of veggie options. They were out of two beers (on a game night!) and the beer I did drink was just okay. So, I tried a local $9 Cab Franc that was borderline disgusting. I could not believe the amount of people clammoring to get in - it must be a novelty thing because it's so new.
(2)
Janine S.

Certainly, among the many nice looking restored buildings in downtown ann arbor, my group of coworkers, if anyone, would find the worst one. We did the "do you want this no do you want that maybe" walk among all the restaurants, and finally decided on this one. First impressions: clean with funky decor. I liked the kitchen utensil chandelier, but that was about it. The menu looked decent, if not a bit too heavy on the fried food and greasy side. Prices were reasonable, although that was the least of our worries. The service was the only really plus side, as our waitress was very enthusiastic and did not seem to hate her job. I ordered the grilled chicken salad, and what came puzzled me. A head of romaine lettuce, liteally laid at the bottom of the dish, with a piece of dried, cut up grilled chicken on top. Oh yeah, and a sprinkling of random figs and nuts. Looked unappetizing, and was unsurprisingly dry. All my coworkers as well as myself did not finish our dishes, maybe each of us ate half, and the rest thrown away. Their wine selection was decent, as well as their truffle fries. However beware the large and greasy portions, I wish at least they would make the food more appetizing looking, if nothing else.
(2)
Anja L.

I went out for some dessert one night, and ended up at the Jolly Pumpkin, even though I didn't want to go there--soley because of the name (I donno why! I hate it!) They have cool decor and good beer, though I didn't try it. They have a pretty good selection of Michigan wines for a beer place, but the white selection is much better than the red. We also tried their closest thing to a gin and tonic they have (they don't carry gin) which was a juniper infused vodka and tonic which was awesome. We tried two desserts which were excellent. The vegan chocolate cake with coconut milk ice cream was to die for! and they offered a fruit plate with gourmet chocolate which is hard to find in the US but was just right. We also tried the truffle fries, which were delicious as well, but were very salty (the truffle is in the salt, so it sort of makes sense). The service wasn't very good, three different possible waiters kept passing us by avoiding our calls for attention. The bartender was very rude as well. When we did finally get out waiter he was very nice and apologetic, but seemed inexperienced and a little confused. All and all, I'm going to check this place out again.
(4)
Kenny B.

Too many of their beers are ultra sour, but some are excellent. I love all the pizzas and the truffle fries, but haven't been blown away by the rotating meal specials
(4)
Inez L.

Not bad, but... It's not some place I'd go to often. Their beer is a hit or miss sometimes. If you drink enough of it you might get used to a beer that you don't particularly like. So, EH. The Fire & Smoke pizza needs some more flavor, maybe some more spice. Their vegan chocolate cake with mocha frosting is soo good! I might just go back for that in a to-go box. But overall the food isn't bad but it's pretty expensive for it. Which means I'll more than likely choose something else over it.
(3)
T. S.

The truffle fries are heavenly. Can be noisy, if you want to talk sit in the back room or upstairs. They make their own martinis, too.
(4)
Illi F.

Just ate here for the first time a few weeks ago, and I'll be going back for my birthday dinner. Here's why: amazing martinis, and a willingness to bend over backward for my food allergies. The pineapple cardamom martini here is AWESOME. As in, "the best martini I've ever tasted"-awesome. It really packs a punch, but the flavors are so balanced that you can't feel any alcohol aftertaste. Probably the best martini I've had in Ann Arbor, and possibly the best one I've ever had period. I also love that they make pizzas with soy cheese. Because I have multiple food allergies, I called ahead to make a reservation and confirm that soy cheese was on the menu. My boyfriend and I got their version of a Hawaiian pizza which had crumbles of smoked bacon, candied pineapple, and sesame seeds, served on a delicious thin crust. He got regular cheese on his half, I got soy cheese. It was awesome!!! Some restaurants that claim to have soy cheese available buy the really awful stuff, but Jolly Pumpkin definitely found a good supplier. It was the first time I've been able to have a pizza in a restaurant in 15 years! We also got the chicken nachos which we thought were great, although we do agree they were hard to eat. The chips were homemade, and our server was able to give my boyfriend his half with cheese so that I could enjoy them as well. The chicken was great, loved the avocado, and the cilantro really added a great flavor if you could get everything in one bite. They were very filling. If beer is your thing, my boyfriend ordered both the Noel and the Nightmare, and I had a few sips of each. Very good! This would be the place to take your girlfriend who "doesn't like beer" and show her what she is missing (I speak from experience). My only complaint is that the place gets busy, but the bar is a good place to wait for your table if there's space, and the bartenders will make sure you get a drink you love.
(5)
Erin G.

Since they opened, I've been here and gotten takeout many times. It's a nice chill place to stop for a beer--I've taken several family members there for brews recently. If you're with people who like Miller/Budwiser/PBR, don't take them here if you'll be drinking. They don't serve that, nor do they serve anything like it. All of their beers are their own (with the exception of a North Peak, but they said they weren't serving it anymore last time I was in). All of there beers are also strong--in flavor, and some in alcohol. I tried their Noel Calabaza, got halfway through the glass, then asked the bartender the alcohol content--9%! No wonder I was already feeling lightheaded. This place gets very busy on weekend nights; last time we went there were no seats at either their downstairs or upstairs bar, but the staff tried to accommodate us and seemed to have it together. Their food is pricey--normal for dinner but too expensive for lunch I think. They do have lunch prices though. I've heard that they're going to change their menu seasonally but I haven't seen that yet. That being said, their food is very good. Great ingredients, simple, but delicious. Cobia sandwich is great, all of their pizzas are great (with gluten-free options), their burger is FANTASTIC (grass-fed beef, mushrooms, bacon, oh my!), salads are good too. They have some interesting-sounding desserts that I've yet to try. They also have a lot of non-alcoholic but inventive beverages, like a basil-lime iced treat. Atmosphere is totally fine for family dinners and good times with friends later.
(4)
Dana S.

This is one of the first places I've gone to in Ann Arbor, and I must say, I'm a fan! Initially I wasn't too impressed with the menu, but after settling on the truffle fries and a pizza, I was very happy with the selection... both were very delicious. I was also impressed with the waiter's beer recommendation- I'm not much of a beer drinker, and I told her that I want something light and not too hoppy and she suggested a brew that was right on point. Really nice atmosphere and didn't seem to get obnoxiously crowded. A solid choice.
(4)
A P.

Interesting food and cocktail menus, both of which are well prepared. The "Not just a BLT" sandwich was great. Compares favorably with many Ann Arbor 4 star places, so I'm not sure why its currently at 3.5
(5)
Genevieve E.

I've now been to JP Cafe twice. My first visit was for full dinner with a 6-top. It took a long time to get a table, because they only have 2 tables that seat 6. I had the truffled french fries as an appetizer. They were delicious, hot and crispy, just the way fries should be. For my main course I went with the truffle pizza. The crust was perfect and the toppings couldn't have been more delicious. I wanted to try the pumpkin-bay pots de crÃ¨me, but they were all out. The second visit was just for dessert and after dinner drinks. The late harvest Riesling was sweet, but not too cloying. The rustic pie and coconut milk ice cream left something to be desired. The pie was ice cold and was way too tart. The ice cream tasted like chalk and was just plain yucky. Luckily my husband was more than happy to eat the entire thing. He hates to waste food:-) On both occasions the service was attentive without being annoyingly so. Overall, I'd say stick with just drinks and pizza, as those seem to be the items that are most reliably good.
(3)
Jon C.

Well- probably the greatest new addition to Ann Arbor. I am not an owner but helped them open it. Just wanted to clear the air and be upfront. The place is really amazing and so different from any other micropub in the state. What were they thinking on the decor- crazy , wacky, totally unique. Ron and Laurie Jeffries are the beer side and Maggie Long is the Operating Partner and Head Chef. Lots of unreal food and plenty of vegetarian options- which is pretty unique for pubs. The food is more in style with a gastropub and really is fantastic- enough of a reason to go there. Remember it has just opened up, so give them some time to work everything out but so far the service has been fantastic. Now lets talk beverages. It is important to note that this is a microbrewery, winery and distillery and not a brewpub so they make everything they serve. Beer beer beer. What can be said about the beer??Ron is probably the sickest brewer in the world or maybe Universe. Take the time to check out his website and understand what he is actually making. I have read some of the reviews(most are very positive to SUPER positive) but some of the "negative" ones might just need to get a little more experience with Sour Beers aged in Oak Barrels.. JP beers will not, I repeat, will not, taste like the beers you drink in Michigan. I am not saying that you will end up loving the JP beers like I do but just want you to understand what you are drinking. These Belgian/French styles take some time to get used to drinking. It may take some hard work but keep drinking them and your palate will awaken. Actually took me 3-6 months but I pulled my bootstaps up and kept drinking and drinking- I did it:) Ron, is one of the most respected brewers in the industry and finally he has a pub devoted to his Award winning and unique beers. So go back in and enjoy like the rest of us. Read up on the styles and have fun giving your tastebuds and new friend- JP Brews.
(5)
Allison L.

I love coming here in the summer and sitting on the roof deck (shhh it's a secret). The grilled romaine salad comes with warm potato croutons (think mozzarella sticks but with potatoes in place of the cheese), I recommend it. You can enjoy a lot of variety here in their beer samplers and cheese boards. If you're coming for lunch, definitely get a sandwich with a zucchini pickle. My favorite sandwiches are the BLT and brie and chicken. There are also vegan/vegetarian options.
(4)
Liz P.

Went here once a long time ago, I want to say 2009/2010 when it first opened. Came here during art fair yesterday and was expecting a long wait but we got right in to a table on the 2nd floor! (awesome) Ordered the chicken and brie sandwich with a salad (choice of market salad or fries, had fries earlier in the day at Frita's though), it was fantastic. I never would have thought apricot jam would it fit in with grilled chicken and brie but it did. Also ordered a hard cider which was good, too, and local - from a brewery in Dexter. I would return to Jolly Pumpkin! And maybe try out their patio too.
(4)
Emily J.

One of my favorite places in Ann Arbor. Nice atmosphere, great drinks, and I've never had something from the menu I didn't like. You can't go wrong with one of the pizzas, and the truffle fries are a must. Great vegetarian selections.
(5)
alicia a.

Truffle Rosemary French Fries! ENOUGH, SAID!
(5)
Jessy L.

The truffled French fries were awesome but not as good as how awesome their beer selection is. Awesome friendly upstart staff too!
(4)
Jamie H.

Service was outstanding atmosphere was good. Great beer especially if you like sours. However the pumpkin beer doesn't taste like pumpkin at all.
(4)
Jessica R.

I've been loving Jolly Pumpkin since they first opened, so the only astonishment here is that I'd yet to write a review. As you'll see in my profile, and as has been true of my profile for years now, JP has my favorite meal in the city. The grilled romaine salad with chicken and warm potato croutons. I get melty just thinking about it. Further, friends have told me that I get a little dreamy-eyed, and simultaneously a little car-salesman-y--just talking about it. Beyond that salad, there are so many things to love about JP. I like the ambiance--populous yet intimate. I like the drinks--tasty sour beers and creative cocktails. And of course I love the food--the burger with cambozola, the snack boards (veggie and meat), the pizza... my goodness. So why just 4 stars? Two reasons. One, their reservation system (as in, the lack thereof) absolutely sucks. If you want to eat here on a Friday night, for example, you have to go downtime about an hour ahead of when you want to eat and then sit around--at their bar is their intention, I'm sure--with one of those vibrating coaster things that doesn't work if you stroll more than half a block in any direction. Two, while I am consistently wowed by that salad and my fiance is consistently wowed by the south pacific pizza, it's not generally a place I bring people to to wow *them* (that's more like Seoul Street or Frita Batidos). I'll still bring them here, though, for a more casual meal. Bonus: Nice outdoor seating upstairs!
(4)
Abi J.

LOVED EVERYTHING. We sat outside on the street and it was really nice. We wanted to sit on their AWESOME patio but they had a long wait- maybe next time we'll get there earlier. Service was great. Even though our server wasn't of age to drink, she was able to give good recommendations on all the beer and cocktail choices. GINGER COSMO. OMG. I ate here a month ago and I have yet to find a drink I like as much as this one. So refreshing. Normally I don't like super sweet drinks but this one was great. It sort of reminded me of a refreshing jolly rancher. Plus I love drinks with ginger beer in them. I ordered the burger. It was really good. Meat was grass fed, cheese was perfect, bun tasted so good. The fries were really good as well. Biggest regret of the evening was not ordering the truffle fries. I have told a few people about going there and every time they respond with, " did you get the truffle fries". Anyway, very reasonably priced, good ambiance, good food. I will definitely be back this summer!
(4)
Michael T.

The JP burger was okay, but the real highlight was the cone of truffle fries! They have some great housebrews, as well. All-in-all, a great place to visit in Ann Arbor, but certainly better places.
(4)
SJ J.

Great food and great beer. Reasonably price and nice bar ambience, darker than your restaurant atmosphere. Would recommend for evening out for the sour beer connoisseur.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of the sour aftertaste of an open-fermented beer, but I still love this bar for its fabulous menu and creative cocktails. Our server, Anna, was enthusiastic and accommodating. My husband enjoyed a few Jolly Pumpkin beers while I had one of their signature cocktails, the Pear Haymaker. We split the tofu salad and Fire and Smoke pizza...outstanding. Apparently the crust comes from a 130-year-old sour dough starter. It's amazing. This was my second visit to the Jolly Pumpkin and I'm sure it won't be my last. Why not give it a try?
(4)
Coll P.

We came here to get some beers and snacks and left wishing we were eating our main meal here! Their truffle fries with rosemary aioli are what dreams are made of!
(5)
Alex S.

Go for the po' boy and truffle fries.
(4)
Lili L.

This place is pure heaven. All of the food is phenomenal. I came here for the first time in 2010 when it had recently opened, with my boyfriend (now husband) when we first started dating to meet his parents for the first time. We had such a great time, food and drinks were excellent. Came back with my parents and they absolutely loved it. When my husband and I got engaged, my parents brought all their friends here to celebrate. A couple days before our wedding, we brought both of our families here for dinner. So this place is just an all around great place. We moved to Los Angeles two years ago, and this is always our FIRST request when we come home for the holidays to visit my parents. Came back last week before thanksgiving and had another awesome dinner. Their potato croutons are to die for. Order a side of them or order the romaine salad that they come with. Pizzas are great, burgers are great, you really can't go wrong with anything. Beer flights are great too. Oh, and my brother left his wallet there. We called the next day, and they were holding it in the safe for him. Anywhere else his wallet would have been gone! Great place, can't wait to return.
(5)
Jarvis A.

Lamb and sweet potato hash. It's only on the brunch menu, but I'm campaigning...YEP!!
(5)
Lyndsi W.

I'm gonna wish I could give this a 3.5 but since I can't and I adore their beer for once I will upgrade to a 4. The food was a bit hideous and the candied pineapple on the pizza was horrid. Everything else was just so so and kinda weird food and I live on the west coast now so nothing should be weird. But, it was. Their beer on the other hand is delightful! I love their white beer, their Noel...don't get me started about the Noel! It's a specialty beer only available during selected times and the flavor is deep and out of this world! I love the carbonation to their beer because it makes it a little different while still making me feel like I'm still drinking a beer! Their other restaurant in Traverse City is much much better for food and I would be willing to give this another chance if in town and stopping in but, for the most part I can just highly recommend their craft beer! The decor is cool and their logo is awesome and I always enjoyed my nights in here with my BF enjoying some of Ann Arbor and Michigan's best crafts, great memories!
(4)
Margie A.

Fantastic summer rooftop place to sample the beer and listen to live music. We got the Popeye pizza (with lemon zest) and the quinoa salad. Dinner was fresh and delicious!
(4)
Sean T.

All I can say is wow. I've only just moved to Michigan 2 months ago and was told by an acquaintance that I needed to try the Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a restaurant so quickly. We dined on a Sunday and it was a bit busy but still were seated almost immediately. Not only were we surprised by an interesting seasonal set of offerings but also an extremely attentive wait staff. We settled rather quickly on splitting the brie chicken apricot sandwich and a truffle pizza and were completely surprised when our waitress split the sandwich for us without even being asked (having overheard our discussion about splitting the pizza and sandwich). We were also offered samples of the beers we were considering without prompting. The food and drinks were superb, the truffle fries we ordered were well worth the upgrade, having a very subtle flavoring of truffle that wasn't overpowered by the salts for once. I think this is the first time I've gone to a restaurant in this price range and had anything that even resembled the actual flavors of a truffle. The pizza was also amazing, containing one of the best combinations of flavors I've ever tasted and the brie sandwich was gooey but fantastic. For what's offered the price is phenomenal and reasonable by any standards and the dÃ©cor is not just interesting but also fun. If you are in Ann Arbor and you don't stop by you've made a horrible mistake.
(5)
Nathan W.

Lamb Burger!? Truffle Fries!? The food here is incredible. The beer is mediocre, but locally brewed. This fine looking gastropub fits the area, has nice style, and is sure to satisfy your exploring taste. On an odd note, the chef seems to be obsessed with truffles, which I don't hold against him. There are worse ingredients to incorporate in every meal. I also did not remove any stars due to the proximity to the University of Michigan. Go Bucks.
(4)
Maddie L.

I ordered the cider, being not a beer person at all, and I deeply regretted that decision. My friends ordered a pitcher of their Saison Z and it was absolutely delicious. So, I guess the lesson here is: if you go to a place with "Artisian Ales" in the name you should probably get a beer.
(4)
Corbin T.

My friend recommended this place when I came up to visit him and the place was great. The sour beer is a must along with the truffle fries. For the main course I had the fried chicken and macaroni which was delicious. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Jennifer T.

This place has good beer and food. Love the Siren it's a favorite of mine. For food the steak salad is really good and if your looking to splurge try the Pumpkin Whoopi pies. They are delicious if you like pumpkin of course. It's definitely noisy and service is hit or miss. Love summertime and the outdoor seating on the street or the outdoor deck upstairs. I do wish they had later hours for a brewery and served food later. It is Ann Arbor after all.
(3)
Mike L.

Great sour beer good pizza, what more domyou want!
(4)
Kathleen B.

Love the patio seating upstairs and didn't have to wait long to be seated although it was a Wed night. We ordered nachos, meat lovers pizza and a couple of JP burgers - all of which tasted great. I asked my server to add lettuce and mayo to my JP burger - when the bill arrived to my surprise there was an added charge for a bit of shredded lettuce and a bit of mayo for my burger! Who would think that when you buy a $14 burger you have to pay extra for mayo and lettuce?!
(2)
Suki K.

We checked out this place for dinner on Friday. We had to wait, but got a text message in 20min. We ordered Po' boy sandwich and BLT. Our experience was very positive - good food, nice atmosphere, free coke refill, friendly waitress, great beer selection... I wish my BLT came with pickle..
(4)
Sarah H.

We were in town from Boston and The Jolly Pumpkin was like some our favorite restaurants in Cambridge- great atmosphere, delicious and artfully presented food, excellent brews and crafted cocktails, and the prices won't break the bank. It was after 9 pm on a Wednesday and this place was only one of a few on Main St. that wasn't empty. We had the nachos and the quinoa salad- both were excellent! We'll definitely go back the next time we're in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Benjamin M.

The beer here is sour. On purpose. If you're hip to that jive, this will be a destination for you. If not, come for the food instead. There's nothing, perhaps, that Jolly Pumpkin does better than anyone else in town, but it's all well above average. I've found the service to be excellent with one exception: the requirements for securing a table in the upper half of the establishment are unadvertised and seem to change on a regular basis. Why not just use the host stand to manage the upstairs AND downstairs? The pickles here are novel but, to this author, rather disgusting. Are they made with zucchini? I genuinely do not know.
(5)
Xiao Z.

Fantastic! I came here, all the way from Boston and was blown away by the amazing beer selection, great people, and terrific bar food. I'm certainly not a beer expert, but their sour beer selection is definitely well-known across the country and the locals swear by their vast catalog of beery goodness. But what struck me the most was the food: I've never been to a bar where they served truffle fries, truffle pizzas, tantalizing tofu salads and many other tasty treats. I strongly recommend this place to all visitors and beer lovers alike. Food: 4 stars Beer: 5 stars Staff: 4 stars
(5)
Marta D.

In my opinion, BEST RESTAURANT IN ANN ARBOR. I actually don't drink beer, so I can't comment on that, but to have a restaurant that serves up local and organic produce and meats, make going out to eat possible for me. Love everything I've ever had here!
(5)
Rachel D.

My fiancÃ© and I were in town for the afternoon and decided to peruse Yelp to find a good place for dinner. The other reviewers don't lie- this place is pretty good! We started with the farmers fritto. The vegetable was zucchini. The tempura batter was a little soggy, but the taste and the dipping sauce made up for it. I ordered the chicken and brie sandwich was pretty good. The side salad that came with it with fresh mixed greens, cucumber and cherry tomatoes didn't disappoint either! My fiancÃ© ordered off the seasonal menu and got a wild mushroom pasta. He said it had a ton of flavor and that he's glad he ordered it. I'm not a mushroom fan, but I tried it and liked it all right. The portions are pretty large. Maybe it's because we ordered an appetizer but we definitely both have enough left over for a good evening snack tonight or lunch tomorrow with a side salad or veggies. Unfortunately we were driving so we were unable to try their beers, but we'll probably come back at some point to test them out!! I should also mention that we had great service. Our server was friendly and attentive!
(4)
Claire H.

Our favorite Ann Arbor restaurant! Amazing beer, delicious truffle fries, burgers (lamb and beef), blt, and flat bread pizzas. We love that they use all local ingredients. The food is well worth the wait!
(5)
Ryan B.

Yes, 5 stars to the highly anticipated local ingredient pizzas, truffle fries, & good times. After many raving reviews, and being added to my bucket list, I finally made it to this fantastic establishment. First, it's such a cool vibe inside (especially after the sun goes down). Warm woods, golden lights, and cooking utensils hanging from the chandeliers. Then there's the food. Many have told me to get the truffle fries and the pizza, so I had to do both. Truffle fries: get better with every bite. Definitely something to split between a table of 3 or 4. I split it with 2, ended up eating half, and we both couldn't finish our main courses. Fire and Smoke Pizza: I love chicken pizzas w/ BBQ sauce, but I usually rely on pineapple to sweeten it up. This had no pineapple, and was so irresistible that I thought about it all evening and had to finish the leftovers before going to bed. Definitely a new favorite spot in town, and I will be back to devour more oer'dourves and work my way through the menu.
(5)
Rachel S.

I heard a lot of hype about this place and was sadly underwhelmed. I ordered the chicken and Brie sandwich and it was very bland. The truffle fries were really not all that great. Actually I would have preferred just plain ones after having tried them. Also I did not care for the basil dressing in my salad at all. Was very optimistic about this place and sad it did not become a new favorite!
(2)
Diane T.

Ughhhh their truffle fries are DELICIOUS. They have upper deck outdoor seating that is just beautiful in the summertime. I enjoyed my get together with a couple of friends the food was a great supplement. I'd like to go back and check out their selection of drinks/beer and of course get more truffle fries!
(4)
Dee W.

Inventive. Creative. Surprising. Tried the Grilled Romaine Salad the first time I visited and became a huge fan. Nachos are worth finding a parking place downtown to indulge in. Liked all the pizzas I've tried, especially the brunch egg pizza on Sundays only. Excellent hamburgers. In the summer, order the Limeade with Basil. I usually go non-alcoholic but you can add a spirit shot for a kick. I taken many out of town visitors here, with mixed reviews. The menu may be too non traditional for the less adventurous. But I love it. Not really a beer affectionado but have enjoyed the brews I've sampled. Bright flavors and original taste, just like the food.
(5)
James L.

Comfortable, nice, and food was good. Typical bar/restaurant. I'd go back if I'm ever in the area again.
(3)
Sandy D.

I love Micro brews! This is the place for some of the best! Burgers are the best, and pizza is a must!:0)
(5)
Michael S.

Truffle fries are my favorite! This place is good for relaxing and having a beer. The rooftop deck is pretty awesome in the summertime. Service is always good.
(5)
Cristina P.

Pretty good. Had chicken with brie. It was very rich but good. We ordered 2 large bottles of beer which totaled 30 dollars. Way way too expensive.
(3)
Christina W.

I was visiting Ann Arbor and my friends highly recommended this place for good local beers and delicious food. They mostly serve dark beers and IPAs, which I'm not the biggest fan of since I prefer light wheat beer...wish they had a bigger variety. The food was really good. We shared a margarita pizza and the mozzarella cheese was excellent! We also had a quinoa salad which had a great combination of flavors. The ambiance is great for groups. They have a decent sized back seating area which can fit big groups comfortably. Great place overall!
(3)
Kari A. F.

Awesome food- truffles fries were awesome infused with rosemary. A bit rich tho with the aioli. Quinoa salad w shaved veggies was superb!! And our server Kasey was extremely attentive and fast. We will def return.
(4)
Nicole L.

One of my very favorite downtown spots - especially the upstairs bar and rooftop deck. Their pizzas are always amazing (though I miss the Mediterranean one) - and the new Garden pizza with season produce is excellent. Brunch is also delicious, and their spicy Bloody Mary is one of my favorites in town. (Definitely try their craft cocktails!)
(5)
Steven B.

Service was fine. The menu is small though. Order a carnivores pizza. It was very good. The crust was made of sour bread dough, so it was on the thinner side which I liked. Beer selection is descent. In a good part of Ann Arbor to walk around and enjoy the sites.
(4)
Natasha P.

Wierd! I'm pretty sure I had already written my review of the Jolly Pumpkin, maybe I dreamed about writing it? Either way, we went here a while back so my memory is a little fuzzy. We were a big table (9 people), and we all had dinner and drinks. I had an hard apple cider which was ok; a little too dry for my liking. And I think I had the brie sandwich. It was tasty, but the not wow. My husband had ordered a burger (the JP Burger, I think) which was very ok. There was no mayonnaise or sauce or anything in it rendering it a little dry. We had also ordered some nachos, which had very little topping on it, we ended up eating a lot of plain nachos and I know the only menu says chicken nachos, but I don't ever remember any chicken on it. All in all, a great place to catch up with friends, and the food was decent; not bad, not great. I would give the Jolly Pumpkin 3 1/2 stars.
(4)
Krunal D.

Full disclosure: I am here a LOT, probably 2-3 times a month. The beer is amazing and in my opinion the best in town, the food is wonderful and uses quite a bit of locally-sourced ingredients (if you're into that sort of thing), and the staff is amazing. I have gotten to known many of the staffers/managers there, and they are always willing to take a few minutes to chat with you about the beer they brew, the food they serve and whatever game's on the TV. Food-wise, I tend to stick to their sandwiches or pizzas. I feel these two sub-menus are some of the most reasonably priced dishes on Main Street for the quality of food you get. The entrees are a bit much for my taste; I did order the duck when I had a coupon and while it was excellent, I don't think I would pay the list price for it again. But with their BLT or Brie Chicken sandwiches, I will order them over and over and pair them with something on tap. My only beer complaint is their inability to keep some of their best beers (in my opinion of course) on tap for seemingly longer than a week or so.
(5)
Brian B.

Drove to Jolly Pumpkin from valparaiso Indiana and was worth the 3 hour drive! This is one of my favorite breweries. All their beers are outstanding and the food matches it perfectly! I definitely want to come back
(5)
Mitch A.

We loved our pizzas and the service was good, we would return! While very cold at our table I think that was a random situation. My potato pizza was unique and hot, loved the rosemary!
(4)
K D.

I had heard about this place for several years and finally was dragged there by a coworker to try the famous burgers and truffle fries. Since it was a mid-workday lunch I opted for no alcohol so didn't have a chance to try their brews. Service was ok, waitress was friendly enough but took a tad longer than needed to get the fries as appetizers. they are definitely good, crispy and well seasoned. Worth the reviews. My coworkers got pizzas which looked good, almost a Neapolitan style and an individual portion size. Another coworker got the poboy and the last one got the JP Burger. The sandwiches looked good, but flavor I'm told was decent. I opted for the lamb burger served with a fried egg on top with a side salad. The burger was a little heavy and dry (which I can expect from lamb if not done right). The bun itself is probably a little heavier than I prefer and overall flavor was light. Overall OK. Atmosphere though is nice and comfortable bar style.
(3)
Richard R.

The roof is tough to beat in the warm months. I've had a few decent meals here, but there are generally a few better options in the area that do certain things better (if that's beer or food or cocktails). That roof though ... worth it.
(3)
Catie F.

Let me start by breaking it down - I'd give the food and the ambience a 4. The food maybe even a little better than that. But the service (at least on my first experience) was a two at best. The good: -Patio seating out front, upstairs and downstairs bar and tables, comfortable and inviting. Great rooftop seating as well (this is where we sat). -The beer list is long and interesting. Lots of seasonal specials and a really great selection even for someone like me who doesn't love beer. I was able to find a tart draught that I loved! -The food... Dinner menu is also pretty varied and very interesting. I love that they value vegetables and have some great looking veggie options, as well as incorporating them into their other dishes. We tried the red chicken nachos which were well prepared and delicious, clearly as "home-made" as nachos could be, with quality ingredients. I had a special - buckwheat gnocchi - which was DELICIOUS and filled with different colored tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and greens. Everything else on the table looked good as well. I also appreciate that you can get a salad with your sandwich instead of fries as a built-in option. Dessert - we were offered for free (due to service, which will follow) which was a pumpkin "whoopie pie" with ice cream. Being from NE I know what a whoopie pie is... and this wasn't one, but it was good. I also had tepid decaf coffee with it (probably again a function of the service). The bad: SERVICE Greeting on walking in was fine, and we were directed upstairs. Hosts/hostesses seemed helpful and actually I must say the bussers were great too. Our waitress took forever to greet us, took more than 15 minutes to bring us a drink and then apparently forgot to put in our order because all of the tables around us were two courses in before she even came over to tell us that "there was a computer error and the kitchen was working on our food now." The appetizer was dropped off by a food runner and we were not offered plates, napkins or anything like that... and the waitress NEVER came back to check on us the whole time it was on the table. Which was a long time, since dinner took forever to come. When dinner came, my side salad was missing and I informed the food runner. I never saw it, the waitress never checked on our meals and that was that. We were sort of offered dessert as an apology (we hadn't even said anything, but I think it was clear how badly things were going) though our waitress clearly wasn't happy that we wanted it - she said "if you guys are too rushed to have it, that's okay too." Then after taking my credit card for the bill, returned about 10min later informing me that "good news, the computers are running and we can charge your card... but I dropped it on the floor and I'm not sure if this is the right one." Um... what? I'll be back to try more dishes on the menu and more of the beers, but I'm really hoping for a different service experience next time.
(3)
Cherry H.

Was treated to lunch here today. I ordered the lamb burger, my date got the JP burger, and we both opted for the side salad instead of fries. Burgers were plenty filling and quite tasty. The side salad had a great flavored dressing on it. Hope I'll be in the area again soon so I can try some of the other interesting menu options. I had my eye on a chicken sandwich with apricot brie before settling on the lamb burger.
(4)
Kunal R.

Sit at the bar for a sour, sit upstairs for dinner, sit on the deck during the summer. The food and beverages are on point. The menu is really tasty for a place that is known more for its beer. They have several vegetarian options and are accommodating of substitutions for veggie items though you have to be firm and very nice when you ask. I like the Asian salad, the chipotle pizza and the roasted artichoke sandwich. The fries are really good as an appetizer and their wait staff is friendly. The deck is really great. This place would be a five except for two minor things. The mushroom sandwich is not very good and their hostess is kind of unfriendly. They have a nice system where they text you when your table is ready but the person up front is cold. It's also a bit inconvenient to have to talk to 3 different people to get a table upstairs, downstairs or on the deck.
(4)
Amanda F.

My friend and I decided to take a last minute road trip to Ann Arbor. The Jolly Pumpkin was our first stop. The sour beers are definitely an acquired taste. I liked the one I ordered, but my friend didn't like his as much as mine. I would suggest asking for a taste before committing to one! The bartender was adorable and accommodating. The decor was really awesome. We took the bartender's suggestion and ordered the truffle fries. They were delicious. The charcuterie plate was hit and miss. The meats were average but the pickled radishes were out of this world. It was worth it just for those. Anything negative said has to be countered by the awesome atmosphere and friendly staff. We will definitely be back to try more beer and one of their pizzas!
(4)
Gina W.

Great craft brewery that brews some amazing Belgian-style beers that even the Belgians are jealous of. The food is amazing too. I got the sautÃ©ed artichoke sandwich and it was superb. The atmosphere is classic pub with some eclectic-ness. A must visit when in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

I had a really bad experience here. I'm willing to give it another try, but ... just, terrible service and pretty meh food. So, the bf and I had planned on going to Cardamom after a pretty long day studying. It was closed. OK. We went to Frita Batidos. Surprisingly, it was closed due to maintenance (nothing on the website/during normal hours). OK. We are now extremely hungry and after consulting Yelp I suggest we go here. My empty stomach lead me astray. We are seated upstairs - it's very clean and doesn't seem to be busy, so already I'm optimistic "oh my gosh, we went at a perfect time!" No. False. We order truffled french fries, I order the artichoke sandwich and the bf orders a burger (we order this all at the same time). Waiter seems nice, and the appetizer arrives promptly. After we've been done with the appetizer for quite a long time the waiter approaches me and tells me that they can't make the sandwich because they already made the last one and I guess they don't have enough artichokes or something. OK? I decide on the lemony quinoa salad instead and the waiter scurries off. About ten-fifteen minutes after this, the bf gets his burger. It's another fifteen or more minutes and the bf's burger is partially consumed and I am just watching him eat his food. I am pretty frustrated at this point (and I must point out the restaurant is NOT busy). I've worked in a restaurant before and tried to put in the main course pretty quickly after the appetizer - and if for any reason we ran out of an ingredient we pushed the substitute order to the front of the line. This could be the kitchen's fault or the waiter's - the bf and I really weren't sure. Waiter comes up with salad and the bf is already done with his burger. He thought it was meh. The salad is pretty good (though a little too pricey, and frankly, we've been here for a pretty long time and I am just cranky now). The bf gets to watch me eat salad which is super fun. I didn't quite finish it - I push it aside and try to make it obvious I'm ready for the bill. I am trying to find the waiter. This is ridiculous. Again, I used to be a server, so I'm sympathetic to all restaurant workers - the job is stressful and frustrating. Then I notice the server is far behind me. Speaking with another server. Putting silverware in napkins. Pretty sure he's been there almost the whole time. He does not look over until I actually wave at him. I've been done for a pretty long time. I give him the stinkeye, receive the bill and finally pay. I spent well over an hour there for fries and a salad and the bf and I paid roughly what we would pay for a better, quicker meal at Zingerman's. Next time we'll probably go to Zingerman's.
(2)
Andrew B.

I've been coming to A2 for a year or so now for work. Every time I come I try to make a pit stop to the Jolly Pumpkin for some brunch and their killer breakfast pizza. It is delicious - with all sorts of cheese, fried eggs and sautÃ©ed onions of a fresh pizza dough. The decor is neat and the staff is always friendly. I even had a bartender remember me from a visit 6 months prior. Now that may say more about the audacity of my beard than his memory, but it was a nice touch. I have not yet made it for any other meal there but I need to give it a go next time because the brunch is consistently great.
(4)
J L.

Great food, service, and beer. What more is there to say. I'd recommend the JP burger with Truffle Fries. Some of the beers can be hit or miss but they'll likely sample them before you pick.
(5)
Emira R.

In reality I give the place 4.5 starts, but the rating here does not allow for that. Due to the 30 min wait for a table at What Crepe, our party of four decided to venture to another place for brunch. The day was beautiful, sunny, without a cloud in the sky, so why the hell not go for a walk? Upon arriving here, we were seated right away. The waitress showed up shortly after to take our drink orders. We also asked for two orders of truffle fries which arrived with a creamy garlicky/mayo aioli (which I loved to say the least). The fries were quite good, probably some of the best I have had. My coffee left a bit to desire: it wasn't as strong as I like taking it, but nothing too serious to fret over. Also, a little detail that made us laugh was that when we asked for some straws, the waitress brought only two.Oh well... Since I have a sweet tooth and I was in the mood for something sweet rather than savory at the moment, I ordered the french toast with smoked bacon. One of my friends had the lamb burger (not the braised, this had a fried egg as a topping) with a side of salad; the other friends had the cobb salad and what I thought was the carnivores pizza. The friends seemed happy with their food; I enjoyed the french toast, sweet and soft, with some berries for garnish. The lamb burger was delicious, I tried a bite of it! Overall, it was a good experience and I would like to go back and try some of the savory offerings.
(4)
Roab P.

If you like sour/wild/bottle conditioned ales, this is as good as it gets! They also have the North Peak line of beer as well. This is the cafe for jolly pumpkin that showcases the entire line of JP beers and pairings with amazing food. They also have the North Peak line of beer as well. The nachos with pickled red onions is a must try with Bam!
(5)
Ryan M.

For my money, you can't get much better food in Ann Arbor. There is nothing done in a boring way, from the beautiful appetizers of mussels and watercress to the wide variety of individual pizzas. Throw in some of the only sour beers you can find around anywhere, and I'm terribly happy. It's pretty enough inside to want to go to impress somebody, but it has enough going on inside that you can get lost in a casually loud guffaw-fest without ruining anyone else's time. Also, my 3 year old loves it there. So there's something for everyone.
(5)
Ziyan C.

Not bad, a lot of the food was hit or miss. Good vibe though, lots of energy, lots of people. We ordered mainly off the specials menu as the regular menu had essentially pizzas and sandwiches. We put in an appetizer order and were iffy on the entrees but did decide in the end. When the appetizer finally came, our server hadn't put in our order yet because he thought we were still deciding - what the heck.. we'd told him our final choices. That means we had to wait even longer for our food. Drinks: Ginger martini - lots of mixed drink choices on the menu; I went with this one as I love ginger. Pretty good flavor, but all the alcohol seemed to sink to the bottom so it basically became a straight shot at the bottom. Appetizer: Red Chicken Nachos - ok, where was the chicken? I'd forgotten the name of the dish and when I got my first piece of chicken when we were almost done, I asked if anyone else had tasted chicken. One of three had. Chicken w/ Orzo & Cheese - Chicken was great, tender, and the orzo and cheese was thick and creamy and tasty. Pork Belly in Curry - The pork was about 95% fat and 5% meat. I was expecting fat.. it is, after all, belly.. but I'm used to something more along the lines of 60% fat. Otherwise the flavor was good (not so much curry-tasting but still good), and the I think mashed potatoes went well too. Mussels & truffle fries - fries were a little stale, a little over cooked (too crunchy for my taste). Flavor of the soup the mussels were in - meh. We did ask for more bread to polish off the soup (dunno why in retrospect considering the soup was so-so), which our server quickly & gladly gave us. My friends chose this place as I was in town for one night.. not a bad choice, but I think we could've done better.
(3)
Nancy K.

Slowly but surely JP is improving. While I'll never like sours, the food has been getting better and better!
(4)
Jessica S.

I super loved my steak salad here, awesome. If it wasn't $15 I would have tried to take down another one lol. My brother liked his pizza. The menu was kind of minimal, which I normally like but I didn't like enough of the options personally. I only came for the salad though so it worked out. Nice staff, good decor.
(4)
Katherine P.

We stopped in for a quick bite and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really appreciate JP's usage of fresh, local ingredients. I had the Not Just a BLT and - YUM! Definitely one of the best BLTs I've ever had. My friend got the Grilled Romaine with Potato Croutons salad. The potato croutons tasted like a mozzarella stick merged with a potato skin. Pure deliciousness! Since we'd sampled JP beers before, we opted to try their mixed drinks. I can't recall what I had; I don't see it listed on their website. I think it had tangerine juice in it. It was..okay. My friend had the BlackBird. The taste packs a punch at first but it's quite yummy. Our server was attentive and very friendly. All-in-all, I really enjoyed the Jolly Pumpkin.I just wish they had a little bit more of an extensive menu. If you aren't in the mood for a sandwich, salad, or app - you're SOL.
(4)
Annette J.

What a patio! Honestly, one of the best places in Ann Arbor to sit and sip a drink on a sunny day. I was so glad I got to hop up there for one last warm day before the cold hits (although it looks like there are a few more chances this week if you hurry!). I already love the Jolly Pumpkin up in TC (as evidenced by my reviews) so I was thrilled to finally try the Ann Arbor location which is much closer to me, obviously. The Ann Arbor location is also closer to their actual brewery (in Dexter) which is, as far as I know, not open to the public so this is as close to the source as you're gonna get! Once again they have a great beer selection of both their brews and North Peak and they're reasonably priced. I was also happy to see quite the list of craft cocktails available for the season as well and they all looked fantastic. I didn't end up ordering any libations as I was watching my beverage intake but I made mental notes to try more than a few next time I was in. Our server was really friendly and showcased his beer knowledge by sharing some of his favorites off the menu. I ended up ordering the chicken and brie sandwich on focaccia with apricots which I enjoyed. It wasn't anything special but for the price point and the quickness it was great. The chicken was nice and juicy and grilled perfectly, the focaccia lent a bit of herb and buttery richness to the sandwich that was a complimented the melty brie. The apricots were a nice touch of sweetness that topped it off quite well. It didn't knock me out of the park like the meals I had up in the TC but for a quick, relatively healthy dinner on the patio it worked out perfectly for me. It came with a side of shoestring french fries which I promised myself I would only have a few of but I'm a sucker for shoestring and ended up eating way more than I had planned. Oh well! I REGRET NOTHING! I'm interested to come back and try some more of the beers and and beverages and of course the truffle fries! But so far so good, Jolly Pumpkin!
(4)
Bex G.

Really good nachos and the beer is good.
(3)
Ryan H.

Had the chili tofu sandwich. It was pretty good, would have liked a little more spice, not very spicy as it is. Bread was really tasty. Could be better with some kind of fresh element, like a nice bib lettuce or something. Overall an enjoyable sandwich, and it's nice that it's vegan without having to modify it.
(3)
Adam C.

Pretty nice atmosphere. Looks like your in for a real treat from the outside looking in. But it just didn't wow me. I had the po-boy with the battered fish which was cooked perfectly. It just would have been better as a "fish & chips" entree, not a typical po-boy batter. Though the beer was decent, the service was indeed great.
(3)
Suleman D.

Absolutely horrendous management including by the owner herself. Providing incorrect information about seating and reservations on multiple phone calls and changing the information on later phone calls preventing a large group from a specific organization to be able to host their dinner successfully. The owner apparently is unaware of how her employees are handling incoming requests and is assuming that they are following her instructions regarding reservations. Her response to accommodate their mistake was crude and unprofessional and very much boiler plate.
(1)
Liz W.

I have become a bit of a beer fan, a tiptoeing into the water newbie type beer fan but I am working on it. That being said I did not imbibe one here. I was seduced by a mysterious bit of happiness called a Black and Tan, a non-alcoholic (shocker) mix of ginger ale and artisan ginger beer. Yum. Party in my mouth. Ditto on the much recommended truffle fries with their rosemary kick. I am with Kate though that the sauce that comes with is a huge part of my delight with this item. We scoffed them down in a very unladylike fashion. I was already being uber evil food choice wise so I threw caution to the wind and also opted for a BLT. Their Not Just a BLT features applewood smoked bacon, arugula, oven roasted tomatoes, housemade mozzarella and salsa verde on toasted farm bread. It is swoon worthy and I must say their bacon was that happy perfection where it was neither floppy nor burnt. My friend enjoyed her Asian salad but I know she was secretly sad she did not indulge in the bacon feast with me.... I mean seriously eating tofu and veggies while your friend is splurging cannot be fun. I know, I have been there. Sadly it did not dim my delight any, I am awful. Happy stop. I need to return.
(4)
Kevin T.

Been to Jolly Pumpkin a few times. First time was to sample the local Jolly Pumpkin beer of which I had heard raves about. Subsequent times were with others who were there to "sample the beer of which they had heard raves about". Unfortunately, the beer is just not that great. Certainly below calling it "artisan". Better quality beer options elsewhere in Ann Arbor. Haven't tried the food, which I gather is pretty good. But...as the name of the establishment implies, I was there for another try at their beer which fell short.
(3)
Lindsay A.

My husband and I came here from Waterford for his birthday and we were not disappointed. Their beers are fantastic of course and we were able to try some we aren't able to get around here. The pizzas, like other reviewers have said are wonderful. We had the carnivore and the truffle pizzas. Everything had a nice balance of flavors, especially the mushrooms and goat cheese on the truffle pizza. The service at lunch was great and we got free dessert and a $10 coupon for it being his birthday. We will definitely be coming back here. I can't wait to try the rest of both the bar and food menus.
(5)
Ellen P.

We're fans of the Jolly Pumpkin on the Mission Peninsula, so when we visited Ann Arbor recently we thought wed check out the downstate iteration. The menus and ambiance are definitely different -- the Ann Arbor restaurant , which has a more formal dining area downstairs and a more lively bar area upstairs, seems to have an emphasis on dishes with a Continental-bistro feel, like truffle fries, and also has more vegetarian alternatives. We ordered the truffle fries as an appetizer, then tried, respectively, a potato-bacon pizza and a walleye po'boy. The pizza was...okay; I love potatoes in all forms and would perhaps have liked more of them, and less white sauce, on the pizza; and it was also a little skimpy in the bacon department. The walleye po'boy, on the other hand, was outstanding -- the walleye was perfectly fried, crispy but not oily or overbattered, and was topped with just a touch of chow-chow, the venerable end-of-summer mixed vegetable relish that's reminiscent of bread-and-butter pickles but with more textural and color interest. I'd definitely order that again, and hope that both restaurants have it on their menus. Among the beers we sampled with our meal included a smooth, not-too-dessert-y chocolate porter and Bam Noire, a tart ,dark farmhouse style beer that I found interesting but that my dining partners weren't too crazy about. One thing none of us were crazy about was the poor service we experienced on this particular evening -- our waiter was unfriendly and inattentive to the point where I wanted to say, "Look, dude, I know this is probably just a part-time gig to get you through grad school, but please do your job while you're on the job instead of acting like it's an unreasonable and insulting effort to bring us another glass of water." One star for him.
(3)
Kelly J.

Went to Jolly Pumpkin for pizza with my parents, and we all walked out raving about how amazing it was. The Mediterranean pizza is incredible, totally worth the price. The service was great, their mixed drinks were nice, and the outside seating is really beautiful in the summer!
(5)
Kiery W.

Overall just okay food, wasn't particularly impressed with the selection. Liked the truffle fries but were not quite as crisp as I would have liked. Husband liked his burger but my pizza was just okay. The best part about it was the sourdough crust.
(3)
Sylvonna R.

Since my first visit I have had the chance to come back again and actually try the food: WOW! SO good. I had a summer special bbq pork pizza that was amazing. The crust of the pizza is so delicious, and pizza here would be worth trying. For this visit I was able to sit up on the roof deck which has such a nice ambiance. Per usual the staff was very friendly and attentive and even willing to help me make up my mind about which pizza/beer selection I should order (which is always super helpful for someone who cannot make up their mind, like myself). I have to say the Jolly Pumpkin has impressed me both times I've visited and I will definitely be going back for more. This is a great place, I can definitely see it becoming one of my favorites in the downtown area!
(5)
Jessica W.

One of my first days in Ann Arbor, I had the good fortune of lunching at Jolly Pumpkin with some new friends. Having never heard of it, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in; it's not a big space, but it's tastefully designed and has an expansive selection of menu items. I'm a sucker for anything seasonal/local/sustainable, so I appreciated that they also value such things. The smashed chickpea panini ($9) was astoundingly filling. And tasty -- can't forget that. Our waiter was a bit busy, but he had a great attitude and didn't scorn us for making him split the check four ways. My only regret: Why did I not try the beer?! It wasn't that early in the day! Alas, I'll just have to return then, won't I?
(4)
Rachael F.

If you come here, do not get a salad. I say that not because the salads are bad (in fact they're really great), but because you would be missing out on the unbelievable other options that it has to offer. The first time I came here I got the smoked tofu salad, which was really original but pretty small, and I had major food jealousy when I looked around the table and saw the awesome looking sandwiches and pizza that my friends had ordered. Finally, I made it back for a round 2, and my friend and I split the Red Chile Tofu Panini and the Smashed Chick Pea Panini. My experience was enormously better the second time around - I would 100% recommend either of these choices. The truffle fries (even though I'm not a huuuuge truffle fan) are incredible to split. Also, you can't make a trip here without checking out the beer selection. They let you get pitchers, so the price really isn't that bad. Also, always fun to go when it gets close to Halloween season!
(4)
Dirk E.

Terrible service is the main feature of this Main St. venue. Starting with the sour looks from the hosting staff and continuing with the indifferent plate thumping, diner ignoring, completely clueless, wait staff. Relax at the end of your day not with a beer but by wrangling with rude, untrained hostess and the tangle of seating issues at Jolly Pumpkin. The hostess is prepared to make getting a seat a chore applying a variety of ridiculous rules to waiting in the various seating areas - downstairs, upstairs, outside. Don't bother to try reasoning with them, multiple empty tables is no reason to accommodate a potential patron. When it comes to wait staff for the most part the same sort of indifference to service applies. Have you waited 15 mins for your waiter to show up? No problem, that saves him/her a bit of time as he can greet you and take your drink and dinner order all at once then not return until its time for the check. Just a gripe from a one time patron? Nope. This place is across from my office and these sort of experiences happen all the time, in fact I was a previous member of their frequent diner program. Friends ask to join there so I have been back more than I care to remember. The terrible service issues are chronic, not one off, and they are getting worse as the restaurant ages.
(1)
Mark S.

When I want never fail beer, this is my bar! When I get in it's straight upstairs. the servers are great and quick with the samples. the only hard part is only choosing 2 or 3 to to start off with. The atmosphere is just what I like "were here for the beer" and the food ain't half bad eIther. I highly recommend the Fire and Smoke pizza oh soo good.
(5)
Jeremy K.

I loved the Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City, so I scheduled a Friday evening at the Ann Arbor location for a party of 8 on my birthday. Attempted to make a reservation 2 weeks out and was unable to make one for after 6. Hostess on phone indicated we could wait upstairs until our party arrived. Arrived at six with 2 of our 8, tried to put name in and wait upstairs. Was not permitted to get on waiting list until 5 of 8 members arrived. Asked if exception could be made, as we had called prior, brusquely told no. Went to wait upstairs on rooftop, that was not permitted though space was available. Noise upstairs way too loud. Revised plans and went to Melange across the street. Great decision! I love the beers, but this place lacked service. Badly.
(1)
C T.

A friend of mine went here on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. The food was great, the drinks were wonderful, but the environment was the best. But what impressed me the most is even on a Friday night when my friend and I wanted to sit down and catch up we took a table for five hours, not once did we feel pressured by the waitstaff to clear the table out for someone else. It was a very busy place and nearly all the tables and bar seats were taken. But we were able to enjoy our time without the pressure to leave. I appreciate an establishment that can let the guests have their own experience but be available if needed. I will definitely return!
(5)
Janelle R.

I went here for the first time last night with my parents - sort of amazingly that it was the first time since I grew up in Ann Arbor and have been back numerous times since Jolly Pumpkin opened. But anyway I digress. They had me at "beer selection." It's great. I had the diabolical IPA on draft which was awesome, and embarrassingly my parents and I all ordered the same thing - the steak salad - but it was so good we didn't care. Good service and atmosphere too. One warning: it does get pretty loud in there so if you're looking for a quiet night out this might not be your place. There is a young crowd there. We were there on a Friday night and had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated, but it was worth the wait. As we were waiting, servers passed by with tray-fulls of plates and everything looked beautiful.
(4)
Golnaz P.

My friend brought me here because she heard great things about this place. There was a wait, so we decide to wait at a bar. The drink menu is huge and it took me a while to decide on a drink. I finally ordered the seasonal pumpkin beer with a hint of chocolate. I didn't really taste the pumpkin or beer, but it was good. For dinner I settled on the grilled salad with chicken. There were pieces of backed cheese and dried figs in there, all topped with this creamy garlic dressing. It was delicious! The were very generous with the chicken too. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy and fun atmosphere for a great meal.
(4)
Artime M.

Quaint little bar with delicious but simple food.
(5)
Blair R.

Visited Jolly Pumpkin with the gals for a birthday brunch. The restaurant is def more of a lunch/dinner/drink destination than brunch destination, but we still enjoyed the experience. My only complaint was that the food took a pretty long time to come out for a relatively empty restaurant. Luckily, I was happy to leisurely chat and catch up with my friends. I ordered two eggs which came with potatoes and dressed greens. It was good but the potatoes could have used some more seasoning. I also had a side order of toast which came with some yummy jam. The other ladies at the table sampled the breakfast pizza, cobb salad, chickpea sandwich and steak salad. Everyone seemed pretty happy with their choice. At the end of the meal they brought our friend a free b-day dessert. I didn't love it but did love the thought! They also gave her a coupon for her next visit. I will for sure be returning for dinner and drinks but will probs go somewhere more brunchy when I am craving eggs.
(4)
JT M.

I've recently moved to Ann Arbor and apparently this was one of the first places I "just had to go to". So I did. It did not disappoint. The food is original and tasty. The beer selection is superb. The ambiance is exactly what I want out of a trendy pub/brewery. On top of it all, I was able to take my 2 year old son there and not feel like an outcast. They DO have a great "kids' menu" and accommodated us nicely!
(5)
Jennifer E.

I have mixed feelings about this place. I wanted to like it, especially after having the truffle fries, which were out of this world yummy. The house mad pickles were also very tasty. The beer was decent (except the spinach beer...oh god, WHY??) but not entirely to my taste. Unfortunately, the sandwiches we ordered were terrible. Both were bland, and my husband couldn't eat any of the bread on his because it was completely stale and hard- and they weren't too concerned when we pointed it out. i don't know if this was bad luck or just bad food. We may try again sometime, if just for the fries.
(3)
Nickie P.

We started with truffle fries, which I could not stop eating, and then I had the JP Burger and it was DELICIOUS! The melted Brie cheese and bacon on top is amazing, and my burger was cooked exactly the way I wanted it. JP has great brews, too. I love the Bam Biere. You gotta get it when you're there, because everywhere else that carries it has a huge markup! The only thing that I've gotten their and didn't really like was their pizza. It was nothing special, I will just stick with the fantastic burger!
(4)
Emily S.

This place is great! The food and drinks are great...but even more so the service is awesome. I have actually ended up here twice recently in a short amount of time, and both times I have been very impressed. The group I was with had numerous dietary restrictions (food allergies) and the servers we had were incredibly helpful and accommodating. The gluten free options are great and it's very nice to have servers who don't make you feel bad for asking a billion questions about the menus/potential allergens. Everything I tasted (burger, butchers plate, nachos, beer, cider) was delicious. I will definitely go back!
(5)
Porter R.

Started dinner with olives and chicken nacho appetizers. Nachos were tasty, but the olives were extremely salty. A friend got a side salad that was drown in dressing. However the quinoa salad I got was very good as well as the pizza. Friend also got the tofu sandwich with kimchi on it. She complained it was very salty and hardly finished half of it. I attempted to eat the other half, but the kimchi was extremely salty. I am not one to complain about salty foods, as most dishes in restaurants have high sodium content, but the kimchi turned my tongue to sandpaper. It was very unpleasant. I was even awoken multiple times during the night due to dry mouth. Even after drinking several glasses of water the sensation kept returning. The beers at Jolly Pumpkin were alright. I had the amber ale and it was decent, but nothing to write home about. Sour beers do not appeal to me so I probably will not return to this brewery in the future. Lastly, our waiter seemed to be very shy and difficult to get the attention of. This was especially critical with the saltiness of the food items and our need for full water cups.
(2)
Eddies R.

Have to start with the phenomenal line up of beers. Sober Humana is an untouchable collaboration with Kona brewing of Hawaii which uses local Michigan cherries to create a mouthwatering session brew. Madruga Obscura is an imperial stout...not for the untrained palette, but a reward to those who love flavor. Oro de calabaza...can't give this high enough praise. No wonder it's sought after worldwide!!! On to the food and service. Our bartender was great! Offered samples to assist in identifying the proper flavor for each of us, and suggestions based on a few simple questions, helping to steal me in the direction of the hoppier of two IPA's. Although we only had an app- nachos, and a sandwich- Red Chili Tofu, both were amazing. The nacho chips seemed house-made as they were thick fried chips that did not succumb to the intensity of their toppings. The black beans and avocados were fresh while the artisan cheeses were perfectly portioned to smother the chips. And the flavor of that red chile marinated chicken prevented the need for sour cream. Certainly a dining feat. On to the best vegetarian sandwich I've had, albeit I'm not a vegetarian. Once again the marinade was phenomenal rendering my tofu as top notch soy! Between that and the house-made Kimchi, it made me want to give up meat...ok, only for a couple hours. This is a must do stop for lunch on any visit to Ann arbor.
(5)
Kelly S.

Visions of truffle fries dance in my head
(5)
Robinson S.

Jolly pumpkin is a great place with great food and decent beer. I give it three stars because of their incompetency to place reservations. I recently went with my friends and we had placed a reservation. Upon arrival our name wasn't on the list. Really upsetting and frustrating. They should have a better system that let's ppl now that their reservation is confirmed. If they are not busy, it works really well. So make sure ur reservation is confirmed (ask them to send u an email or something) to avoid this from happening. And to those working there in charge of this... Take the appropriate steps to improve this system.
(3)
Keith A.

Simply put, there was absolutely zero way that I was coming to ann arbor and not visiting jolly pumpkin at least once (well, multiple times). I'm a big sour beer freak and jolly pumpkin is one of my favorites in that category. While it may not be cascade or one of the various wonderful belgian sours, it most definitely has it's own place in the talking category of quality sours. So, I naturally made it a point to visit here and visit I did. I came here early in the afternoon with a friend and while there were plenty of tables open, all of the seats at the bar were taken. Duly noted and that's something that is always good to see. A table was prepped for us and before we could order a beer at the bar, we were sitting down. Our waiter was on point and was great at handing out suggestions after I naturally got a bam. I was warned that the beer would be sour, but that's far from a biggie to me (lets just say that for me, the more sour the better). I could tell that this batch on tap was pretty young as it wasn't on the full funky side. I won't go into all of the technical stuff, but I personally like it more funky. Still, it's the classic bam and there is nothing wrong with that in the slightest. This is where it got good though, the waiter could tell my friend and I wanted something else and I was desperately hoping that the biere de mars was still there. No luck, but he quickly rec'd the La Parcela Pumpkin ale. Even better, it was last year's batch and we were able to get to it before it was declared a vintage batch, and thus much more expensive (this was $15, which is pretty much what it would be at retail). Enough about the beer for now. While my friend and I were here mostly for the beer, I did have to at least order some food. I decided on grabbing some truffle fries. It was nice that they offered us ketchup, but there was no way I was going to destroy the beauty of truffles with such a condiment. The aioli they had for it was more than perfect. I'm a jolly pumpkin fan, so yea, there is some bias. But, these are unique beers and if one considers themselves a beer fan, then they need to both try these beers and visit here if they get the chance.
(4)
Ashley G.

Got the JP burger as many others on Yelp have recommended and I was not disappointed! The atmosphere was great and the staff were very informative and prompt. If you have the opportunity to sit outside on their rooftop deck, do it!!
(5)
mariah c.

Ok, although I still would (and do) recommend this place, I have to say that now that they've been open for a spell, the quality control on the food is not as tight as it was in the beginning. While the tofu sandwich is still usually pretty reliable, I've gotten it a few times when the tofu didn't seem to be marinated enough to have the red chili flavor, or when there was just far too much kimchi and you couldn't taste much else. The grilled romaine salad is tasty, but served awkwardly. My advice on this entree salad is to ask for your dressing on the side, because otherwise, you *may* end up with a soup-ish consistency. I say *may*, though, because I've had friends get it and have the dressing seem to be just fine. The beer, however, is the star, and it's still great. The rooftop deck is fantastic, service is still friendly without being pushy, and the food is on-target 85% of the time. I just wish they could get the consistency on food down a little more, and I'd be there even more often.
(4)
Rachael W.

Can I give negative stars? I have waited a little while to write this review- my first and last visit was in Nov.2014- but I wanted to get some distance from this visit so I could be fair. We walked into a crowded Pumpkin after one of the coldest football games I have ever had the pleasure of sitting through eager to have a cold beer in a warm bar. We stood at the hostess stand for a good 10 minutes without acknowledgment while a huge line of frozen Wolverine fans gathered in line behind us and the hostess assured us that we would be seated next. There were 3 empty two-tops in view, and as the crowd behind us was starting to get annoyed that no one was being seated at the empty tables, something struck me in the back of my head- hard. I felt my knees get wobbly as i heard a commotion around me and realized that some dude from the second story of the bar -at least 25 feet above me- had dropped his Samsung Galaxy on my head. As people rushed around me- my husband took the initiative to sit me down at the empty table directly next to the hostess stand because the actual hostess did not react at all to the flying personal computer that just ricocheted off my head to right below her stand. As my husband was checking for and cuts on my skull, he had asked for some ice- duh- for me as I tried to gain my composure. Galaxys are pretty big phones and this one was completely smashed, as was its owner, who came down and apologized profusely to me and asked if I needed an ambulance and was legitimately sorry for his slippery, selfie fingers. The hostess brought the ice and as we determined that there was no cuts, no concussion, and that I had all my faculties intact and was generally okay aside from a large goose egg on the top of my head, we sat and waited for the manager to bring the insurance forms. We spoke to the manager and exchanged info for their insurance/got witness phone numbers and my husband ordered a round of beers. The waiter then appeared and asked if he could get us anything to eat (I guess getting a large cell phone in the back of your head gets us a table AND a waiter) so we ordered some fries and a soup along with our beers. After some "okay" IPAs and a decently good soup, I needed to leave because I was understandably not in the mood to be at this bar anymore. As we were finishing our beers the waiter asked if we wanted another round, we politely declined and then he handed us our check. Yup, we were charged for the pleasure of being assaulted at the Jolly Pumpkin and not even given the gratuity of two beers and 15 dollars worth of food. Classy. We paid the check (with tip-not the waiters fault) and left, bewildered and unimpressed. Negative stars for the Jolly Pumpkin.
(1)
Jessica I.

I'm hopelessly in love with sour beers, so Jolly Pumpkin was my first stop on our Michigan beer tour. The sours did not disappoint. They're awesome, and so was the lunch we had. The kitchen is really pumping out good food. My husband loved his sandwich and I really enjoyed my seasonal salad. As good as the food was, we were there for beer, and we tried everything they had on tap. As expected, I enjoyed every sour beer. It was the non-sours that were kinda disappointing. They're made by North Peak but served here, and they are heavy on IPAs and just not very memorable. Nothing bad, but nothing remarkable. Five stars for Jolly Pumpkin and its food, but docking a star for all those North Peak taps.
(4)
Lindsey S.

WOW - i was totally impressed today at Jolly Pumpkin. They re-did their menu... MAD PROPS and the upgrades are FANTASTIC. WARM ARTICHOKE SANDWICH - !! I was a little wary of trying this new sandwich on Olive Bread ( which is incredible) , inside is grilled artichokes, red peppers & goat feta & pepercini ... YOU MUST GO GET THIS SOON. With their PERFECTION of fries, this is one spot i would NOT skip the fries !! absolutely worth every single bite.
(5)
Jocelyn G.

Zero for points here!!! When my walleye sandwich arrived, I bit in. I was met with a mouthful of bones!!! I let the waitress know and she told me: "Well, it is fish after all." This was a first for bones in my fish sandwich! Not even an apology. I went to the restroom to find it dark, dingy, not so clean with water pouring in through the ceiling lights. I got back to our table to find the ceiling 2 feet away had begun leaking too! It was pouring onto the floor splashing us. We said we were moving to the waitress, who had not suggested it herself. She wanted us to move just another 2 feet away! We moved ourselves to a table where the ceiling was actually holding. A very miserable experience for both food and customer service. Horrible food and worse wait staff. Most likely they do not train their staff well. It actually took lthem 20 minutes before they began to clean up the wet mess on the floor.
(1)
Katie W.

I've only been here twice, but it's already become my favorite microbrew in Ann Arbor. The beers are wonderful, and really have a lot of flavor and intricacy compared to many other microbreweries I have frequented. It's also pretty spacious, so it's not too hard to get a table for the group. Great atmosphere inside, with cool decor. A definite spot to visit whenever you're in town!
(5)
Dan D.

A fantastic pub type bar with interesting and unique food and drink such as the Not Just a BLT Sandwich and non-alcoholic drink creations and tasty desserts such as the homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pie. I've been here three times and would consider this one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Thomas J.

Pizza is weird , they were reaching wayyyy to far by putting some of the items they put on the pizza, no sauce and lemon slices? It was weird. Prices are also a little high, but that is typical in downtown A2 , so its hard to knock them down for that. However I am a little put back by their menu. Also had an artichoke sandwich that just had an unusual flavor and the atmosphere here is just okay.
(3)
Seth K.

Super busy on Friday night, the chocolate stout was a touch watery for my taste, and the bartender can be difficult to reach, but stick it out. The food is fantastic. The warm artichoke sandwich hit the spot on a cold fall evening, and the side salad had a surprisingly zingy dressing that was to die for.
(4)
Lauren L.

Fantastic beer selection. The pizza with spinach and lemon slices is so fresh! So unique. I also like the app used to tell you when your table is ready- really convenient.
(4)
Sami E.

Jolly Pumpkin was absolutely impressive, one of the better brew pub experiences I have ever had (and I certainly know my way around a brew pub). On a recent trip to Ann Arbor we decided to dedicate our Saturday night to touring the local beer scene. We started with dinner and drinks at Jolly Pumpkin, the standard for the night was certainly set pretty high. I was excited to learn that this brew pub specializes in sour beers, a style that I admittedly am pretty unfamiliar with and sometimes have a hard time understanding. For my beer I decided on the "Noel de Calabaza" Belgian strong ale. Although I am not a fan of sour beers, I still enjoyed this one more than most. It was fruity and not overwhelmingly sour; perhaps this will be my gateway to the mysterious world of sour beers? While the beers were solid at Jolly Pumpkin, the food blew me away. I ordered the JP burger with a side salad. The Burger consisted of local grass fed beef, cambozola cheese (a blue cheese, I believe), crimini mushrooms, and apple wood smoked bacon on a challah roll. First off this thing was monstrous; the patty was piled high with thick cut bacon and a huge slab of cheese that over flowed from the burger. My patty was juicy and cooked mid-rare, the bacon was perfectly crispy, the strong taste of the cheese complimented the meat well and the bun was very fresh. When all was said and done, this was easily the best burger to ever grace my lips. Not only was the burger sublime, but all elements of the dish were locally sourced (most of the menu consists of locally sourced products). The service on this night was lacking, but to be fair they were quite busy. Our food came out quickly but it did seem like we were being rushed by the waitress. The food was reasonably priced, as was the beer. The beer selection was quite good and included beers from other breweries. They also have growlers available for pick up and bottled beers for sale. If you are in Ann Arbor this is a must stop for a drink and dinner. I for one will be dreaming of my meal here for a long time to come.
(4)
Roxanne T.

Amazing beers, incredible food and awesome service at the bar! I came here knowing that I love JP's sour beers and hoped to try something new since it's tough to get these beers in Northern California. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and wished that there was a Jolly Pumpkin cafÃ© in my hometown. A special shout out to Libby, she is the perfect example of a bartender. the right amount of service, great recommendations and personality.
(5)
Mark C.

Good food... A little pricey but good... I had the truffle pizza was quite tasty... Maybe could have used some dip for the crust... The appetizer French fries were a decent sized serving... Only minor complaint was they were Out of several beer options
(4)
Reed N.

An astonishing variety of house crafted sours and beers. I could not resist the Diabolical IPA, with its 6.66% declared ABV. The beer was bitter and smooth, with a very long finish. Best dessert one can have in my opinion.
(5)
Paige M.

I've been here a couple times now, and I've been quite satisfied each time. I've never had to wait for a table, and service has been friendly and prompt. I especially like that the portions aren't huge, and that the pizzas are a good size to share for a very reasonable price. Beers here are good, and pricing isn't too bad. I love a good sour beer, and although I haven't found one here that was as sour as I'd like, the flavors are just spot on. I would definitely stop in here just for drinks. I haven't tried any of the cocktails yet, though I've been told they are good. My sister had the non-alcoholic berry mojito and it was really good too, though maybe a touch too sweet. The food is also good. The steak salad is possibly one of the best menu items, in my opinion. I like that the food is a little different than typical bar food, while still being just pizza and sandwiches. My only complaint with the food is that it all seems to be fairly oily. For what it's worth, I thought the truffle fries were good, but not the greatest thing ever, as many others make them out to be. 4.5 star rating would be ideal. Good food, good beers, and good service. Points off for oily food and the beers not being as sour as I like (though there may be one out there I just haven't tried yet). Rounding up to a full 5 stars for being exactly what it's supposed to be - sour beers and not your average bar food.
(5)
Jedi Master Y.

We arrived and the entrance was pretty narrow. Somewhat hard to navigate with the congestion. They do have a very good sign in process that gives text message notifications when your table is ready. Menu choices were great. We ordered the Cobb salad, which was decadent. Very well done in my opinion. If you prefer light dressing on your salads, be sure to mention it as there was a lot on there. We ordered two pizzas. The carnivore pizza, as well as the "Fire And Ice". The tomato sauce on the carnivore had a unique taste. Good take on a traditional pizza. The bread was perfect. Not too soft, not too crispy. The fire and ice was good , but wasn't the favorite of the two. Also ordered their house amber ale. Being a big fan of amber ales, it was a pleasure to find it was the highlight of the meal. Ordered a growler to go. Staff was friendly and prompt even though it was busy. Food came our surprisingly fast so we had to adjust our movie time. We had a table for two, and the table space was a little cramped for our two pizzas and salad. Definitely recommend, will be back.
(5)
Katie K.

Oh I really want to give this place 4 stars but service was ridiculous. We came in for dinner close to 9, which, okay, is late for dinner but still, we were immediately sent upstairs to what seemed like the bar area and told to seat ourselves. We then sat for a few minutes before our server came over and said "are you eating too" and then just dropped menus and left. 10 minutes later we still weren't asked our drink orders or even given waters. Once our orders were taken, the food came out quick enough, but that was the last we saw of our server until he came back to drop off the check. Our water glasses were completely empty and had been for quite some time. That being said, the food was quite good. We will definitely give this place another shot and hopefully it won't be so slow next time.
(3)
Alexandra K.

Lots of people come here for some good beer and a nice meal. They have some really great bar food and because it is a brewery, the beer/ale is quite good. Plus you can't help but be in a jolly mood--am I right? Also, if you are over 21, their homebrew is delicious! -Grilled Chicken with Brie (free-range chicken breast, brie, apricot jam on sesame bread): this chicken was grilled just too much so the whole sandwich just tasted chalky. There was not enough brie and the apricot jam just could not overpower the charcoal chicken. -JP Burger (grass-fed beef with cambozola cheese, applewood smoked bacon on a challah roll): I opted out of the mushrooms but man was this still a delectable burger! Grass-fed is my kinda meat and it was thick and perfectly juicy. The bacon was nicely crisp and the challah was wonderfully mushy. -Truffled French Fries: these shoestring fries are deliciously doused in sea salt and rosemary aioli. They are perfectly oily, mushy and crispy. FINAL VERDICT: Whether you are seated upstairs or downstairs, the Jolly Pumpkin makes for a nice dining experience with high quality food pub fare.
(4)
Paul L.

The Jolly Pumpkin has a great atmosphere. The food was ok. I had the cheeseburger and it was ok. The fries were very good. I would eat here again but wouldn't rush out to go back
(4)
Christian G.

Sat at the bar on a Wednesday night. First experience here and I can't say enough great things. The bartender "V" directed us toward the right drinks and food and was VERY entertaining. It's not often I'm compelled to become a repeat customer off a first visit based on that great level of service. We were made to feel like regulars even though we stated we were from out of town. The butcher's board appetizers paired great with their craft beers and the ribs were delicious! If you like coconut milk get the Thai Boxer cocktail. Refreshing. The Bog cocktail was tasty too. For dessert we had the pumpkin whoopie pie. I'm not even a big fan of sweets but V didn't steer us wrong. Amazing. Overall I'm so impressed that we'll probably be back next week and we live over an hour away. Just because it's a brewery, and even if beer isn't your thing, try this gem out and sit at the bar.
(5)
Scott H.

A must stop when in Ann Arbor the truffle fries are killer and tried 2 more kinds of their pizza this round. Very good i must say. If you leave hungry it's your own fault
(5)
Derrick A.

This is my absolute favorite restaurant in ann arbor. i tend to always get the margherita pizza and a bam biere. also the farmer's fritto is delicious, depending on what is in stock that month. simply can't be beat. i also really like the interior decoration, it's a cool sort of "dark farmhouse" feel. but the back room which is beach/surfing theme doesn't really fit in, to be honest. the patio upstairs is really sweet but is only open when the weather is perfect.
(5)
Martin S.

Awesome food, cozy interior, and private outdoor seating upstairs or people watch on Main Street. I am not a big fan of the Jolly Pumpkin Beers, but I can see why some people are. They are not my style. I do like the North Peak brews that they have.
(4)
F B.

Establishment makes its own craft beer and liquor. There are no commercial brand liquors in case you're wondering. Beer and liquor are good. Place is popular. Fish sandwich was tasty. I also had appetizer bowl of olives which were served warm (that was odd) but there were no toothpicks, so you had to dip you fingers on them every time, which was annoying. The bartender said they had no toothpicks, which I thought was strange since every bar should always have toothpicks on hand at least for foo-foo umbrella drinks! Bar tending was very basic. No cocktail napkin nor coaster was provided with drinks. We had to find them ourselves at opposite corners of the bar. Training may be needed in serving etiquette.
(3)
Brandi H.

My companion and I went here on a steamy August evening. Initially, I'd arrived craving a burger, but when I saw the lemony quinoa salad on the menu, I couldn't resist. It was indeed the perfect choice for such an oppressively muggy day. That being said, I also had two bites of my date's burger and will definitely be returning to order it! (For a depressing contrast in dining experiences, see my review of Slow's Special Purpose burger.) Service was prompt, attentive, and pretty much awesome. The whole experience was nearly perfect -- except for the ENORMOUS HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK. (We were eating outdoors.) Before I'd even ordered, I twisted my ankle, DREW BLOOD, and spent the whole meal in pain. I do not want to associate such delicious food with bodily fluids and suffering. Somebody will eventually sue this business if they don't fix that mess. Seriously.
(4)
Sydney N.

This place is a must-go for young adults. It is affordable enough for a college student to be able to treat themself to a delicious meal. Had the truffle fries (with delicious dipping sauce) and they may have been the best fries of my life. The steak salad was also great, and I was impressed by how good the meat was. My date had the fried chicken special with brussels sprouts, and he loved his meal as well. For dessert we had coconut ice cream with fruit on top- amazing. Their beers are great as well!
(5)
Jason C.

I went here during a visit and found the place to be amazing. The bartenders were super knowledgeable and great with their recommendations. The beer was just awesome! I definitely plan to make it a regular stop anytime I'm in Ann Arbor. I also loved the cozy feel of the decor. It was a great reprieve from a cold, rainy day.
(5)
Bill R.

Jolly P's (that's what the cool kids call it) has quickly become my go to spot in Ann Arbor. The beer selection is fantastic as the have their own brews and have some North Peak taps as well. Their food is also outstanding. They do an awesome job of sourcing locally and the quality and freshness shows. Offering some of the best bar pizza's around, sandwiches are also on point. First time stopping in you gotta try the truffle fries. V is my bartender of choice because she serves pints with just the right amount of attitude that's reminiscent of my days in Boston.
(5)
Shannon S.

This place is North Peak with a different name for sour beers. We don't care for sours so we loved the North Peak beers because we love that place. Food is great.
(3)
J H.

I'm so glad I found this place.... Amazing food and service! Our waiter was awsome!! We will definitely be returning:)
(5)
Paul D.

Went here with my girlfriend over the weekend. Wow do they have delicious food! We shared a steak salad and margherita pizza. The steak was juicy and tender. They also make their own whiskey, which I thought was superb! Definitely a fun place to go.
(4)
Shannon C.

Jolly Pumpkin was a place in Ann Arbor that my boyfriend has missed since leaving, and I totally understand why. He raved about their pizza, but we went for sandwiches when we visited, and YUM. I got the grilled chicken with brie and my boyfriend got the walleye po'boy, both of which were excellent. We started out with the warm marinated olives, which were also very good. The most amazing thing there though were the truffle fries. They were amazing. I clumsily spilled the last half of them on the ground, so my dog got quite the treat (although I was tempted to pick them up off the ground and eat them myself, they were that good.) We also did flights of beer, which was not only a great deal for the amount of beer you got, but also delicious. I think my favorite was probably the seasonal pumpkin ale, the La Parcela. I also really liked the North Peak Diabolical IPA. Also, I alluded to this earlier, but their front patio is dog-friendly! This always earns a restaurant extra points in my book. I can't wait to get the opportunity to go back to Jolly Pumpkin, sit outside with my dog, and relax and drink some beer. An absolutely top notch experience,
(5)
Matt V.

Ben was a great bartender, made sure we had a good time and tried beers we loved. Great service on a stop to a brewery we had been looking forward to. Definitely try the Bam Biere! Great sour beer, never had it before. A must try! Thanks Ben
(5)
Jennifer J.

Jolly Pumpkin is always a treat! I love their sour beer and truffle fries. My friend who moved from the Ann Arbor area always asks me to bring some of their beer in a cooler when I go home to Chicago. I think their selection is great and I've never struggled to find an entree to order. The only negative I've experience is the loudness. It doesn't bother me, hence Jolly Pumpkin still gets 5-stars from me, but it bothered my mom when she took me out to dine here. Regardless, she enjoyed the food and had an overall positive experience
(5)
Mitch E.

What a holly jolly pumpkin! Easily a five star establishment. The Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery offered exactly what I was looking for my first evening in Michigan. I wanted a place where I can sit at the bar, get some good tasting beers, and enjoy some pub style food. This place hit the nail on the head. I loved everything about my experience. We sat down and started ordering several different types of beers they brew. All of which were good, but that sour wheat was the best. I don't recall its ABV, but it was above average and went down like water. The food was phenomenal. My friend and I split the lamb burger, the regular burger, and an order of their truffle fries. Both burgers were cooked to perfection. Real juicy and filled with flavor. Those truffle fries are no joke. They came with their own unique dipping sauce too, which I saved a bit for my burger. My bartender was super chill. The place is nice. The brews are wonderful. And my food was fantastic. What's not to like?
(5)
Li S.

Came here for a nice Sunday lunch. It's a quaint little place- tucked right into the shops on Main Street. They've got some outdoor seating, some indoor seating, and supposedly some nice rooftop seating as well. It was a little too warm out, so we opted to sit indoors. Overall the place is very inviting. Seating was comfortable, and it wasn't too loud. Our server was very friendly and gave us a lot of solid recommendations. He was very attentive and provided us with a great experience. They have an extensive drink menu (as they are a brewery), but I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of their food menu. Our food was served very promptly. I had the BLT (fresh house-made mozzarella, crispy applewood smoked bacon, arugula, roasted tomatoes, and salsa verde) and "upgraded", if you will, to the truffle fries on the recommendation of many Yelpers. The BLT was delicious, though the "rustic country bread" was quite hard and difficult to bite through. Perhaps if they had used a different bread this would have been the perfect BLT. The truffle fries were pretty good, but not quite as crispy as I would have liked. Overall I am very satisfied with my lunch at Jolly Pumpkin. I would definitely recommend having lunch here.
(4)
Jenn H.

Truffle chips any day!! The girls took me here for my first night out in ann arbor. I ordered basil limeade, fire and smoke pizza & stole a piece of market pizza (surprisingly good, even for the carnivore inside me) Fair service.. good atmosphere.
(4)
Samuel D.

What an awesome place. From the name of the brewery/ cafe to the decor and beers. Was lucky enough to have my cousin (local) show us around Ann Arbor since we were in town. Ive had a couple beers from jolly pumpkin in SD and it was a nice experience to come to their cafe/ brewery. Atmosphere: Came here during lunch on a Friday and it wasn't so busy surrounded by other restaurants in a busy college area. Jolly Pumpkin's entrance was somewhat of a speakeasy sense. Small entrance but upon walking in you come to a place with a great vibe and cafe feel. Food: had eatin' prior for lunch to coming here but had a chance to snack on the truffle fries amongst my group. Fries were crispy and seasoned perfectly with salt & rosemary aioli. Beer: Rozilla: sour (my favorite). tarty and refreshing taste. a nice sour bite that leaves your tongue wanting more. Luciernaga: sour. not as tart as the Rozilla but can taste a suttleness in it and has a sweeter finish to it. my fiancee': had a flight of tasters to try. i remember trying her chocolate stout. it has a nice milky arouma of coffee but the taste was so-so. They also have signature cocktails hence which I mentioned had some speakeasy feel about this place. Didn't get a chance to try any but will hope so when I come back to visit. Service: was good. we had a server that was brand new and didn't know much about beer but her lead knew her stuff. Overall: a fan of the place. tasty fries. great beers. an awesome place to hangout with a group. will definetly come back when I come to visit my mom's side of the family in Michigan.
(4)
Wayne P.

Homeboy in Carlton sweater upstairs said there's no seating outside. Literally minutes later, he sat table after table outside. I then asked if we could sit outside and he said "not sure, maybe if you cashout." He ended up sitting us in the worst location while there were literally 10 open booths upstairs. Our waitress Ashley is the reason why we didn't ask for a manager to complain, her service was great. My burger and bun were burnt black and I'm still picking black pieces of burnt bun out of my teeth. At least we had some beer to wash it down. JK, the beer is awful. Sour sweaty sock flavor for all of the beer. Seriously so bad. We'll never go to this place again. I'd give you zero stars if that was an option. Shame on you crapy hostess with Carlton sweatshirt. Shame on you.
(1)
Cecilia M.

Loved it! we had a special which included steak with duck fat fries and they kind of trumped the ruffle fries! yes, its possible! Also their basil slushy limeaid was incredible!
(5)
Heather J.

The red chicken nachos, truffle fries, and vegan chocolate cake are absolutely out of this world! Our server was fantastic, very polite and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is really nice, too. Even though it's a brewery, it doesn't have that overwhelming "bar" feel to it and is a great place to enjoy a meal whether you're drinking or not. All of the food seems to be locally sourced and mostly organic. The menu options weren't run-of-the-mill and they had decent options for vegetarians, as well. A+ all around.
(5)
The G T.

Good lamb burger, and sandwiches. Nice truffle pizza and truffle fries. But it's always pretty crowded - so avoid it on a Friday/Saturday night.
(4)
Joe L.

Ann Arbor is a college town, and college students aren't renowned for their big beer budgets (sometimes even Budweiser is an extravagance when Natural Light is so much cheaper) or refined palates (how else does Taco Bell stay in business). That's not to say there's no room for a craft brewpub with savory victuals to match, as evidenced by the Jolly Pumpkin, a first-class destination on both counts. The restaurant itself doesn't feel any different than your average college town bar, nice enough that you'd get your parents to take you but maybe not quite the place you go to impress a first date. Our server was super friendly with plenty of recommendations and patience for our questions. As all good brewpubs do, they offer tasting flights, in this case five pours for $10 which isn't a bad deal. Keep in mind, they specialize in sour beers, so even the familiar styles like Belgian witbier and saison will have a tartness you might not be expecting. The food is definitely a step or two above your average bar fare, with tasty truffle fries and aioli, fresh seasonal ingredients on chewy thin-crust pizzas, and fancy specials including a fantastic steak frites. I didn't go to the University of Michigan (and I'm done with school for this lifetime) but I'm a little jealous that they have such a great place to splurge once in a while if Mom and Dad send them back from winter break with a little pocket money. In my day we had to walk uphill through the snow ten miles each way to find good craft beer and truffle fries...
(5)
Marisa D.

Met up with some friends here for a beer. Staff as friendly be helpful. One of the bar tenders seemed to be new and a little unsure of what he was doing.
(4)
Sunny W.

Went here with some coworkers on a weekday night. Absolutely loved it. We shared a pizza, truffle fries, and ordered a few beers off the menu. For the pizza, they have a lot of unique flavors so I'd recommend trying those instead of ordering the classic margherita pizzas that you can get anywhere else. Pros: + Good prices (beers under $8, food under $20) + Large selection of their beers. I know a lot of people recommend the sour beers. + Good local vibe for the seating/atmosphere + Great location in the heart of midtown. + Truffle fries are a must-have! Would definitely come back again! What was funny/weird was their $85 fee for a lifetime membership. I didn't read up too much on it, but I remember we were all wondering if anyone would get that...
(5)
Paul W.

There may be better restaurants in Ann Arbor, but I haven't encountered any that are as consistently good as the Jolly Pumpkin. We've never walked out disappointed; a few times we've left reeling from a brush with culinary transcendence. Seriously, the best things JP makes are just that good. And the rest of the menu, or at least the portions of it I've sampled, is merely outstanding. A few items deserving special notice are: 1) the fried chicken special that appears from time to time--crispy coating, tender, juicy meat, just slightly chunky mashed potatoes on the side topped with savory homemade gravy; 2) the BLT that bites back at you with arugala, salsa verde, and roasted tomatoes; 3) The Popeye pizza (preserved lemon with spinach--you won't believe how good this is until you try it) and Fire and Smoke pizza. But the crown jewel is the JP Burger, the best burger I've found so far in Ann Arbor. Juicy with a rich, steaky flavor, unfailingly cooked to order, transformed from excellent to astonishing by the bacon and thick slab of cambozola on top (and if the cam isn't to your liking, they'll substitute another cheese). So, if the food is so dang good, why only four stars, you ask? That would be on account of the beer. Jolly Pumpkin specializes in sour beers, which I don't care for. For non-sourpusses like me, they offer North Peak brews, which are OK, though not top notch. A few times we've had one pint with our meal at JP, then wandered someplace else for the follow up. But seriously, I'd still eat at Jolly Pumpkin if all they had on draft was Blatz. Atmosphere is great. Dark wood panels, tin ceiling, an elaborately carved bar. The only down side is that the place can get a bit loud. They sometimes dim the lights a bit more than I'd like. Though again, far from enough to send me packing. Jolly Pumpkin is more likely than any comparable restaurant (casual/pub places) to offer a letdown-free night on the town. An Ann Arbor "must."
(4)
Sanjeev S.

Walked in late one afternoon - it was one of the few places that was open for a late, very late lunch. Had the lamb burger - it was delicious! They had an extensive beer selection and let me sample a few before I decided on their chocolate stout beer. I didn't enjoy the truffle fries, should have stuck to a salad. Their decor is cool, food is delicious and service really good! Will definitely return if I'm in the area again.
(5)
Adventurous Palate S.

It took 45 minutes for the drinks to get to us and the server never came back. We finished our warm beer and threw some money on the table. What a shame!
(1)
Holly J.

Friendly and knowledgable bartenders. Great food and good beer. The truffle fries are a must. We had the JP burger and the chicken sandwich. Both were delicious.
(4)
Chris C.

I love Jolly Pumpkin's beers so every time I get to Ann Arbor I make it a point to stop by this Brewpub. Last stopped by in April and had a very large party to accommodate. JPCB did an excellent job of letting us know what spaces they had available and when would be a good time. Splitting up the checks was also not a major problem and the server was quite efficient in dealing with all parts of the group. Good service on this part. One of the beers I got wasn't cold though, which seemed odd since it wasn't really a style that did well warm and I recall it being cold before. The others were good as always though and the server was happy to candidly tell us his favorites of the seasonal ones. The food was good to excellent--I wasn't that impressed with the sandwich that I got, but people who got pizza seemed quite happy. The mixed cheese and meats appetizer was pretty good as well, but a tad expensive for what you got. Prices seemed about normal for downtown Ann Arbor, but higher than what the food probably deserved on its own. I'll definitely be back, but will probably avoid the food and focus on the beer (and truffle fries).
(4)
Marinda H.

Friendly service, awesome warm atmosphere, and decent food to boot. Our group arrived around 10:30 p.m. on a weekend and everyone ordered different things - some apps, some entrees, some drinks, some desserts - our waiter was awesome and didn't seem phased by our eclectic order ;) The vegan choc cake was awesome and the nachos were super too. Will be back!
(4)
Allison F.

Jolly Pumpkin was the first stop in our Michigan Beercation. We were seated at the bar and had friendly service by the bartender. I tried a sample of their cider, but it was pretty awful... I do not recommend it. Instead, I decided to try a double of their house-distilled rye whiskey, and was extremely disappointed. The flavor was rough (think rubbing alcohol) and corn-y. I did not finish it. They lose a star for not having quality non-beer choices. Jake, on the other hand, had a nice experience with his flight of beers. He enjoyed all the samples he tried, and wasn't given any attitude when he asked for tastes of a couple more beers. We didn't end up eating here, but still had a nice leisurely time sitting at the rail. We'd probably come back, but I won't waste my money on their distilled liquors because messing up whiskey is just a shame.
(4)
Hema K.

One of the most interesting restaurants in Ann Arbor -- definitely worth a try no matter what your taste is! Lots of fresh local ingredients and unique flavor combinations - - not just your typical pub-style food. The truffle fries are AMAZING. I'm a huge truffle fan, so I asked for the pizza I ordered to be drizzled with truffle oil instead of olive oil. There was an extra charge for this, but unfortunately I wasn't very pleased with the outcome. The waiter did warn me against it, so I guess that's my fault :) For dessert we ordered the fried ricotta balls: absolutely one of the BEST desserts I've had in Ann Arbor. I cannot recommend it enough!!! Knocked off one star for service. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable about the menu but we had a few goof-ups while getting seated. We were shuffled upstairs and downstairs a few times after already waiting close to 20 mins, even though we had a reservation.
(4)
Elias S.

After researching some restaurants to try out in Ann Arbor, I came across this one and became interested due to its unique name! The atmosphere is very inviting; this place reminds me of a brewery, for they are known for their craft beers. Unfortunately, my friends and I weren't able to be sat at the roof top of the restaurant, considering that it opened at 4PM. Nonetheless, we were seated by the window; i guess that was close enough... I ordered their sandwich "Grilled Chicken With Brie!" I'd have to say, I surprisingly liked it. I didn't know the combination of the aged brie and apricot jam would complement each other so well. What topped it off was their truffle fries! Not the best truffle fries I've had, but pretty comparable to my previous experiences. If in town again, I'll definitely keep this restaurant in mind!
(4)
Chas M.

Don't remember having food but I DO remember having sour beers...many sour beers. I was in heaven. Tried a flight and most of them were great. Most we cant get back in Cleveland. Took a few bombers home. They are a rip-off at 15 apiece but I didn't realize till I left. Cool looking old building with a long bar. Lots of white chicks with dreads. Hillarious....yay for college towns!
(4)
Dia D.

We went here for Sunday lunch during winter break and it was pretty empty. My husband was having a craving for a Penn Station artichoke sub so we came here since they have a Warm Artichoke sandwich on the menu. We started with the Truffle Fries which were fantastic!! I had the Red Chile Tofu sandwich which was grilled tofu and kimchi. Sounds spicy, right? No, it was disappointingly mild. The sandwiches were large so we took half home. Our server was nice and professional. Food arrived quickly. The fries, two sandwich , tea, and Diet Coke cost $33.
(4)
Amy G.

Jolly Pumpkin has a good, diverse menu that caters to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. It is similar to ABC in this respect. The two restaurants are my favorite bar-type eateries in Ann Arbor, though they are difficult to compare because Jolly Pumpkin has a smaller menu, but I think more gourmet items overall and better quality cooking. In my opinion they are equally good, but Jolly Pumpkin is a bit fancier, with dim lighting and the ambiance for a classier date, whereas ABC is more casual and the perfect environment to chat loudly with a large group of friends for a couple hours. The boy and I shared the chickpea fries to start, and for my main I ordered the grilled romaine salad. The chickpea fries were thick blocks of chickpea meal with savory seasoning and came with a tomato jam, sort of like a sweeter ketchup. I really liked how they were crisp on the outside, but soft and piping hot once you cracked them open. They are similar to the polenta fries at Grizzly Peak. I was impressed with the creativity of the grilled romaine salad, which is essentially a deconstructed caesar salad. I had never heard of grilled romaine before, but eagerly dug into an entire head of romaine, rubbed with oil and imprinted with smoky grill marks. It comes with two "potato croutons," which are actually kind of like mozzarella sticks because they have cheese inside, and two large chicken breasts, a generous portion of meat. My least favorite part was the chicken because the large slabs of it was kind of unappetizing to eat. I think this dish could be improved if they cut the chicken into smaller pieces so that the meat was less chewy and had a more cooked texture. It is still fun to eat, though! I think Jolly Pumpkin has a really interesting menu, and I think it gives downtown AA a lot of character.
(4)
Kevin C.

Good steak, good beer selection, and nice atmosphere. Very friendly staff.
(4)
Kim H.

This is a great spot. Don't miss it if you're in Ann Arbor. They have a ton of great beers on tap. If you don't love sours, beware; they have a lot of 'em. The bartender was super knowledgeable and patient with all our questions. Their menu is surprisingly expansive. You could spend half a day here, easy. Loved it.
(5)
Kelly S.

We went for brunch and how tasty! We ordered the bacon & egg pizza, it didn't sound like it would work but oh boy it was good. Hubby got the smoked salmon & avocado sandwich, he loved it but I'm not big on smoked salmon. The truffle fries were delish!
(4)
Allison O.

I've been here many times and am always impressed by the both the food and drinks. Was last here Saturday afternoon for drinks and our waiter was very knowledgeable about the list of beers they offer, even offering samples before committing. The cherry wheat I had was great, as was the Blueberry Shrub cocktail. I wish we had been able to stay for dinner, as the seasonal menu looked fantastic!
(5)
Lauren C.

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is good, the food is amazing, and the service is great. The wait is always very long on weekend nights so I would recommend downloading the "NoWait" app that they use to manage people in line. If you download the app you can actually see the wait time and hold a place in line before you even get to the restaurant. It will text you when there is a table available and you will have about 10 minutes to get there and claim your table. On to the food... It was purely amazing. My party and I ordered the steak salad and the lamb burger with truffle fries. Let me just pause to say that the truffle fries are amazing and you can actually sub out your sides when ordering. It is well worth the price. The steak salad was also amazing as well as the burger. Needless to say I will be back soon!
(5)
Melissa J.

I enjoyed this place with my fiancÃ© and his cousins so it's a good place for groups. The decor is contemporary, but with a nostalgic feel. We came in the mid-afternoon so there was plenty of seating and no wait. Everyone who worked there seemed friendly and our servers were attentive. Our group ordered their beers and since many of us were novice beer drinkers, our main server who was training didn't hesitate to ask her supervising server to explain their selection and help each of us pick a beer that we'd like. I tried the beer flight of four 2-oz tasters. The price was average for around $8. I tried their stout, 2 of their sours, and their cherry wheat beer. It was nice that their beers were color coded and they had a pretty good selection of sour beers which my fiancÃ© likes. Their beers were good and easy to enjoy. We also had a plate of their truffle fries which I loved. They were perfectly soft in the inside and crispy on the outside with a hint of rosemary in the truffle oil. My fiancÃ© and I enjoyed the place so much and loved their Jolly Pumpkin emblem that we bought a shirt and hoodie for ourselves. They were expensive, but the quality was good. We would definitely visit again if we're ever in Ann Arbor again.
(4)
Ashley J.

Met up for drinks. I had the hard cider which was perfectly crisp. The bar was pretty empty and we were able to find seats at the bar without trouble. The food passing by looked like it deserved a try.
(4)
Sue N.

Decided to try this for dinner. Local beers are always tops on our list when choosing places! The waitress was quite knowledgeable on the beer list and, when I asked her opinion on the two beers I was considering, she immediately said that she'd bring me a taste of each! In addition to these two, she also brought over a taste of Forgotten Tales which had just been tapped. It was nice to be able to sample the three and ultimately selected the Forgotten Tales. Had the truffle fries and the fire and smoke pizza between two people and it was plenty of food. Both were awesome! Service was attentive but not rushed which was especially nice as it was a Friday night and there was quite a line at the door when we left.
(4)
Butta B.

Nothing but five stars for this fine establishment And the beer is just on believable Blanco is my Favorite beer of them all.
(5)
Jenny K.

Come here for the drinks. This is a beer house, more brewery than cafe. Yes, there are cafe-y food items--salads, sandwiches, greasy artisan-sounding appetizers and entrees, but it's more for the imbibing and catching up with good company factor than a foodie stop. Grab a beer and go to the upstairs deck where it's nice when the weather permits. All of the food I've had here tasted at once very heavy and yet not quite satisfying. Which is crazy, right?! Considering that so much satisfaction from food comes from the texture of delicious fats. I love fatty food. And I love alcohol. So, why am I not in love with this place that has a union of these two beloved categories of consumption? Oh I know, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I can't love it here just for the beer. This place is the adult version of Ashley's on State--a great selection of beers without all the scribbling on the table tops, no back packs in sight. But I think that's where the food menu loses me. A beer place specializing in artisan ales would, one would think, have great pubby food. Snacky things, fried sampler type things, decent burgers. But here, it all seems so serious and one ingredient overboard from being good, yet one ingredient shy of tasting on point. Their burgers here are BLAND. Yes, this despite that there's cheese AND bacon on it. I tried to save it with ketchup and aoili, but I couldn't resuscitate this burger. How can this be? Why did this burger get cooked without being seasoned? Disappointing. Nachos: you need to love black beans and pink pickled onions (why?) to appreciate this one. I say no. It may be popular here by default. And their salad, hmmm... Salad ok, sure, I'll order a salad. But a glorified caesar salad for $15, labeled "grilled romaine." Just called it a Caesar salad with a fancy crouton log. That was actually tasty. And the muscles are nice. But a bad burger just makes me sad.
(3)
Michael D.

On a friend's recommendation I went here with my family. Very good beer, great selection of vegetarian-friendly food, first rate salads. Their pizza was unremarkable but we enjoyed their burgers and the truffle fries are really excellent.
(5)
Amy C.

The appetizers here really make the place shine. Some friends highly highly recommended the mussels and truffle fries, and they weren't wrong about how good it was! The mussels required me to get a bit messy and use my hands, but it was worth it. It came in a bowl filled with a delicious, creamy soup and it was fun to scoop up some of the soup in the mussel shell and slurp them together. The truffle fries were also great. I split them with a friend, but there were so many that the two of us barely managed to finish! It comes with a great dipping sauce that adds another layer of flavor, and the fries themselves are thick, crunchy, and fried to perfection. Moving on to the entrees, I ordered Fire and Smoke pizza, which came topped with chicken, a sweet sauce, and some mozzarella and basil. The crust was thin and crispy, but in all honesty, the pizza wasn't extraordinary. I felt that I could find something similar at a lower-end restaurant like CPK, and there just wasn't anything in the pizza that really jumped out at me. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but at the same time, it'll take some digging to find the entrees that will really wow you.
(4)
Amanda R.

Dang, I left my review August 2013. Welll, it is getting close to August 2015 and this place has been in constant rotation of enjoyment. We have never had bad service here, we have never had bad food or bad drinks. Everything is always super laid back and we never feel rushed with anything. The prices are good for what you're getting and their special menu is constantly changing and consistently better each visit. After all this time going there I finally found my favorite beer from them last night, it's their seasonal Autumn Ale. If they have that when you visit, try a sample! We still enjoy their butchers board. you can't really go wrong with meats, cheeses, olives, etc. Their muscles can be hit or miss, not in flavor, but in the size of the muscle. Last night was the biggest we have ever received that we actually had to take a picture. I would recommend these either way if you dig muscles. Their Steak Salad is my go-to when I don't see anything on their special menu that has won me over, or if I just am feeling like being pretty good. All in all, this place has made it into being a staple for us from the food, service, and overall chill vibe. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but I wouldn't hesitate to check it out.
(5)
John M.

I like this place, but I am a big fan of sours. If you don't like tart beers, you may not like any of the stuff here. I'm always surprised by the pizzas I order. I generally don't expect anything ground breaking wen it comes to pizza, it's gets to the point where you feel like you've had every pizza. But the pizzas here are pretty different. I recommend trying them. My biggest gripe is how difficult it is to eat at the bar. The stools sit so far away from the bar, you literally have to hunch over and lean over your food to eat. But this is obviously a very minor issue. Give the place a try.
(4)
Reese S.

So good!!! I had the tofu sandwich and I was really impressed. Love that they use Brinery products. Lemon Quinoa Salad was also really great.
(5)
Kathy T.

I adore Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery! The people are always welcoming and drinks are great! I am so glad I found this cafe Downtown Ann Arbor! I was starving in the middle of showing houses and signing contracts and I saw the name and thought I would try it out and am I sure happy I did! I will be back soon.
(4)
Thomas B.

Great beer, friendly staff.
(5)
Julie O.

So much better than your typical bar food. And I do like bar food. We came here because we got to Ann Arbor late and the kitchen stays open til 11ish. And generally, we like breweries and cafes, so it seemed like a good choice. We had to wait maybe 10 minutes for a table, which was not a big deal as there was room to wait at the bar. The beers we tried were good, a little light for my taste but good quality and flavor at a reasonable price. And the bartender let me sample before I ordered. The food was good. Our server recommended the truffle fries and they did not disappoint. My not a BLT was amazing. Very good quality ingredients, and for sure not a typical BLT, with arugula, fresh mozz yum. The chicken brie apricot sandwich was also wonderful. Not fancy, but there is nothing wrong with casual, especially when the service is attentive and the food and drinks are better than average.
(4)
Rick E.

Atmosphere is cool... Stopped in for beer only..... Bartender was very cool....they feature sour beer... It was sour all right good thing they let us sample 1st.... Luckly they have a few non sour beers i had the diabolical.... One beer down and my head was pounding..... Good buzz bad headache I was done for the night at 7pm yuck!!
(2)
Jason A.

I went to Jolly Pumpkin while I was visiting some friends in Ann Arbor. It is a great bar. If the weather is permitting I would check out the patio on the second floor. Jolly Pumpkin in my opinion has some of the best cocktails in Ann Arbor. Also, they have a good selection of beers. The prices were reasonable and the service was great. I would strongly recommend this place to anyone if you are in the area. My views expressed are of my own and are from my personal experience from this establishment but may not reflect this actual establishment or someone else's experience at the establishment.
(4)
Shunda B.

My friends and I decided to come here after an event near Yspiltani - we arrived on Saturday afternoon and place wasn't crowded at all. The food was wonderful and I was actually surprised because i thought it was going to be that typical bar food but i was wrong. I had a "NOT JUST ANOTHER BLT" - literally that was name of the food with a sid e of fries; i wish they had more selections of light beer. Happy Eating!
(4)
Daniel L.

This is my favorite place in the USA. There is something about the place that really captures you, but when it comes to the truffle fries there is no competition. The JP burger is a must. When I come back to the good old A2 I always hit my favorite place.
(5)
Calvin M.

Enjoyed the rooftop and the pizza was absolutely delicious. However, it was sometimes tough to get the attention of the wait staff. I'm not sure if there were a ton of customers in the restaurant as opposed to the rooftop deck, but it was a little lax in my tastes. I like the deck, but at the moment I prefer the Detroit location over the Ann Arbor location. Ann Arbor wins for presentation and size, but Detroit wins on service.
(3)
Melissa S.

Not impressed though there is a lot of fuss over it. I've been there twice and both times I felt it was highly overrated and overpriced.
(2)
Sarrah F.

The Jolly Pumpkin is delicious! If you come here, make sure you get the truffle fries. They are shoestring, salted fries with the best Rosemary aioli ever. I've had both the lamb burger and the chicken Brie sandwich. They were both phenomenal. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
David G.

If you're looking for tasty beer and yummy food - this place is a great choice. I had a couple really good sour beers and the hamburger was one of the best I've had in a really long time. Plus, the truffle fries went really well with both the burger and the beers... cheers!
(5)
Dani S.

I finally decided to come here after hearing about the Truffle Fries on a buzzfeed article. I went here on an early Friday night with two other friends. We were directed to the upstairs portion of the restaurant, which was fine. We got seated immediately at a table meant for six people, so it was a bit of an awkward arrangement, but oh well. The waitress told us that they were out of water glasses at the moment so we'd have to wait for that. My friends ordered the Bam Biere beer and it came out less than 10 minutes later. I eventually got water after my friends got their beer. We decided to go with the Butcher's Snack Board and Truffle Fries as a starter. The meat/cheese board was pretty good. It had some picked radish, plenty of olives, beets (not a fan of beets, but they were a nice simple taste to go with the strong cheeses), crusty bread, dijon mustard (loved this touch!), two meats, and some cheeses (can't remember the specifics). I wished there was more meat, but I suppose if you're sharing this with only two people, it's perfectly fine! The Truffle Fries! I'm always a fan of fries and these were definitely worth it. Just smelling the fries was enough-- the rosemary made them so fragrant and tasty. They were salted with the truffle seat salt just right, and the garlic aioli went perfectly. My friend and I split a Truffle Pizza, and it was so delicious right down to the crust. It had goat cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, shitake mushrooms, truffle oil, and argula topped in the center. The goat cheese was creamy and went well with the mushrooms and the vinaigrette in the arugula. The crust was slightly chewy and slightly crispy and tasted amazing (apparently it's a sourdough crust!). Overall the food was pretty good for a brewery/cafe. Our server seemed rushed the whole time, which I would expect for a rush hour on a Friday night, so I'm not too picky about that. The atmosphere was pretty loud and dim, so I would definitely recommend this to people for a casual Friday night with some friends.
(3)
Linbo Z.

If a restaurant can make its french fry taste great, they must been thinking a lot when they cook. Mussels taste great. Pizza is Okey.
(4)
Anthony K.

Jolly pumpkin gets a lot of attention from everyone who lives in, or visits Ann Arbor. It's definitely worth trying and i can promise you won't be disappointed. We went as a group of eight and ordered just about the entire menu, things were of course better than others but those that were better did not make the others worse by any means! The fries are awesome! They are served in a cone shaped dish that just force you to dig in! Their burgers were delicious as well, nothing was really bad from the kitchen. The only reason for the four star rating was because it was too busy to enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)
Mansi S.

I found this place to be great becoz their kitchen is open late when everything else closes early during the weekdays in A2. Their potato pizza and chicken nachos are amazing! Even their red wine- I guess it's from grand traverse- is great. Service is pretty quick. Their truffle fries are to die for!! If u go to this place , u should not miss it!! The ambience is casual and they ate great for groups too. They also have a terrace seating during the summer months- I juz love it! Their ginger fusion cocktail is worth a try as well. Ok I guess this place has a few great things to try. So, dnt juz keep reading my review- GOOOOOOOOOO!!
(3)
Victoria B.

Great service!! Delicious food and big selection of beer!!! What more is there to say. I'm coming back next time I'm in town!
(4)
David M.

My son and I had a great experience. We had very friendly service. I had a great farmhouse ale and the truffle pizza (delicious!) My son had the carnivores pizza and promptly declared the Jolly Pumpkin his favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor! Dessert followed with the ricotta "donut holes" and did not disappoint!
(5)
Hannah S.

I had a thought that going here Halloween night would be a good idea and I was so right. I sunk in before the 6:30pm crowd and snagged a table early. All the staff was dressed in costumes, so I was amused as I watched The Dude abiding behind the bar and Jesus serving fries. I got the market pizza, which happened to be olive oil, brussel sprouts, mozzarella, and garlic. yum yum yum. The pizza is a perfect size for a really hungry person or someone like myself that always finishes everything. The crust was on the thinner side but it definitely wasn't a thin crust pizza. My friends the hulk, a jedi, and Rosie the Riveter were equally happy with their meals and drinks as well.
(4)
Florencia G.

Addictive truffle fries + a very interesting beer list. This is the perfect place for gathering with friends in a relaxed environment, with fun and nice staff (beard man!). The fries are so delicious, although they seem to have lost a bit of the truffle flavor that I remembered. Hope you are not cutting on that essential ingredient. The rest of the menu offers really good items. My favorite is the steak salad.
(4)
Jennifer T.

This was a great place to pop into for a mid-week lunch. The place was busy, yet had no problem getting seats. It was also interesting to see the age range of those who frequent this place. Seems like a place popular for young adults, but I saw young families and senior citizens alike too. The menu had a nice selection of entrees that utilized locally sourced ingredients, as well as some unique spins on common lunch items. I really liked my grilled chicken with brie and apricot jam. The chicken was very tender, and large portions of meat, and it was perfect combination with the soft brie and the sweetness of the apricot. I only wish I had more napkins from some of the grease from the cheese. This dish had no vegetables, so I"m glad I opted for the side salad, which was plentiful. Also, the "more than" BLT was also a nice twist, using sundried tomatoes instead of fresh steak tomatoes. FYI, pay $2 extra, and upgrade your fries to truffle fries, mmmm. Then berry mojito was made perfectly, and very refreshing, and I"m a fan that the place has some fun non-alcoholic options, on top of the their nice beer selection.
(4)
Julia R.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor. It's the first place I go to whenever I visit town. So many great memories from my years living in A2. Amazing food that never disappoints. I LOVE the pickled zucchini and also the mushroom sandwich. Highly recommend!
(5)
Amit G.

Not bad at all, good service and good food. Nothing amazing but like I mentioned, not bad at all.
(4)
Tom S.

Truffle fries, Not just a BLT and and a Weizen Bam for lunch......I love this town.
(4)
Andrew K.

I had the Tofu sandwitch. This used to be good, but they've changed it completely. Despite claiming to be "chile marinated tofu", there is no spice at all - there use to be. Quite disappointing. On the contrary, the kids had the chick pea fries which were spicy (! for kids??), and even to the adults did not have a nice flavor. The kids pizza was at a bunch of bred, with a few inches of sauce and cheese in the middle. Only the first few bites was anything other than crust. Ok, fine, maybe this is acceptable for an fancy "artisanal" pizza, but for a *kids* pizza? To top it off, the beer selection is pretty darn poor. Lots of varieties of beer that you either like, or hate. I love craft beer, and can find something I like easily at any other brewpub in town - but not here. To top our night off, the waitress didn't check back after delivering our food, ask about any drink refills / another beer, etc. We finally had to tackle another co-worker (there were 5 just standing around doing seemingly nothing, while ours had a stack of 5+ bills sitting by a computer). I certainly wouldn't consider this place a good deal price wise either. You're looking at $14-17 per person for what ought to cost half that. Given the selection of other places in the area, and the price of everything on the menu, I'd never return and certainly wouldn't recommend it. Too bad, since they do have a nice view and outdoor patio - so much squandered potential. I hope they fix the issues, although that seems unlikely as they seem to think they're pretty "cool", or just go out of business so some better place can move in.
(1)
Priya R.

Their flat breads are great, and their burgers are above average, and their truffle fries are amazing and addictive. The ambiance is also perefect for dinner or lunch. They have outdoor seating but only like two or three tables so if you plan on sitting outside it might be better to make a reservation. Inside, however, I've never had a problem finding a table. However the real reason I am reviewing this place is because of one drink. If you are here you HAVE to get the basil limeade (under the nonalcoholic drink section) and have them add a shot of their home-brewed tequila. It's going to MAKE your summer and will be the main reason you keep coming back to this place.
(4)
Heather A.

This is a review of the upstairs portion of the bar. Met a friend here who was participating in an impromptu B-school social so waited at the bar. Lots of people especially groups opt for table seating. I have no complaints about the bartender, their attentiveness or their willingness to recommend items from their menu. I tried the Bam Biere, a recommended beer featured in Men's Health Journal and quickly found that I do not enjoy sour beer. As a result my review of the Jolly Pumpkin is one that puts it in less than stellar light. I would definitely come back and order something that agrees with my tastebuds as I feel my rating may not be reflective of its true potential. With regards to the ambience, it resembles your typical bar with wood furnishings and standard barfare that I would like to try next time to ensure a more accurate review.
(3)
Chris J.

Went in today with the old boss for some lunch and had a great experience. Got the Lamb Burger which was a little sloppy but in that good way (a perfectly cooked fried egg will do that). The fries were good but ask for a side of aioli to dip in, you won't regret it. The service was excellent and quick for a lunch that took a little less than an hour. I'll be going back for libations when I don't need to be back at work afterward!
(4)
A. S.

Jolly Pumpkin has always been one of my favorites! Their food is great and in non-peak hours it is a quick meal that is worth the price! I know that it gets crammed during peak hours, but I promise, the food is so worth it. Their pizza's are one of the meals I miss most since moving away from Ann Arbor!
(4)
Mary D.

This was our first time visiting The Jolly Pumpkin and I could not have been more pleased! I ordered grilled chicken sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the jolly pumpkin burger. We also loved the truffle fries and the market salad! Our waitress, Kelly, was a rare gem! It's not often you find someone who truly loves her job! She patiently explained all of the new seasonal beers and suggested we sample some of her favorites! Her recommendations were spot on and we loved our IPA and sour beer choices! We will definitely be returning and can't wait to try the unique pizzas and several of the other awesome beers at Jolly Pumpkin! Food, beer and service were a solid 5 star rating!
(5)
Jennifer X.

It's not super common that that you get to go to a place whose alcohol is equally as great as its food. The beers I would describe as something between a hard cider and a pale ale. And yes, as everyone mentions, the truffled fries are pretty great.
(4)
Jen Z.

Friendly and good timing, but dirty, inaccurate website, and poor pairing knowledge. I asked for a recommendation of what to pair with steak, and an employee said "I don't know," but that he is the "most knowledgeable beer person here." I was hoping that a restaurant who serves beef and produces beer would know how to pair the two. Also, their website is not up-to-date. The patio is listed as "closed for winter," but it is in fact only closed today due to rain. Both times in the past few months that I came here, my chair or table bottom had globs of food hanging on. However, the friendliness and timing of servers were very good! TIP: Don't wear expensive clothing. TIP: If you want help pairing food with beer, ask google or a knowledgeable friend. Cheers!
(2)
Laura J.

Stopped in for a quick lunch at the bar. Excellent layered vegetable and quinoa salad. The vegetables were super thin shaved and so many different kinds it was fun to eat. The goat cheese didn't add but the corn and nuts were surprisingly delicious. Had to take off a point for snob factor. But hey it is Ann Arbor.
(4)
Dani F.

Amazing chocolate vegan cake and awesome steak salad! Great about allergies. Highly recommended!
(5)
Eric C.

Lamb Burger & Beer Flights for Lunch! Pure Bliss! Can't give 5-Stars because they don't mix anything!
(4)
Tameeka B.

Festive bar area downstairs, quiet and roomy dining area upstairs. The staff was very helpful when I couldn't decide which cider I wanted to try. Large beer list (this place is also a brewery). The truffle oil fries are worth a try and the pizza's are enough for 2.
(4)
Justin L.

Crowd's Relaxed, Outdoor seats, Plentiful beers To match your fancy, and fun chandeliers.
(3)
Ken M.

Came to check out the Michigan sour kings. I was not disappointed. Came in at around 5 and took a seat at the bar. Tim very quickly checked to see if I wanted food and produced a menu. I then enquired about sampler trays on their beer and he said sure. I had the fire & smoke pizza. It was out in 5 minutes, hot off the granite! Very flavorful with fresh ingredients. The fresh basil was just the right touch. Beers were solid to great. The Roja would give a Belgian Flanders red a run for its money. I don't know how long it's on but get here and try the Dandelion Rhubarb Saison. It's refreshing and really highlights the rhubarb.
(5)
Timothy B.

This was a truly embarrassing experience for the Jolly Pumpkin and anybody who works there. We went here on a Friday night and they said there was a 30-40 minute wait. We decided to hit Grizzly Peak then come back when the rush was off. Upon return, we were immediately seated upstairs. However, our waiter was terrible. He did not seem to have a good command of the beer menu, and was unenthusiastic about explaining the beers and the food. After placing our order for brews, it took over 10 minutes for them to be poured! The bar was no more than 10 feet from our table. We seriously contemplated leaving at that point wondering if he had even registered our beer orders. Two of us ordered sour beers and both of them were not good. The flavor was strange and tasted kind of like the flat bottom beer from a keg. My other two friends ordered the chocolate beer (I do not remember the name). Later on we were talking to a different waitress who one of our friends was related to and she asked us what were drinking. When the chocolate beer drinkers told her, she laughed and said, "That's actually a different beer you are drinking. We ran out of that a while ago." We were APPALLED! Our waiter did not tell them that he was pouring a different type of beer presumably assuming they wouldn't know the difference! What an atrocious way to run a business! Who gives you something other than you ordered without at least telling you! After we grudgingly finished our beers because we had to pay for them and might as well get our moneys worth, the waiter returned. Rather than offering us another beer, or asking if we wanted our check, he said, "Are you guys done?" in a menacing tone. We then asked for our checks and they returned in record speed (no surprise). Overall, this was one of the worst brewery experiences I have ever had and I do not think any of our party will return or recommend this place.
(1)
Chloe J.

My boyfriend and I went here to try the great food that sounded amazing from the menu. I'm from Atlanta, and we frequent pubs and love pub food and IPAs with a little flair. I was excited to try this food. We both ordered individual pizzas from the menu. They were small, way overpriced @ $13 each and lacking. I expected something amazing. They tasted flavorless and the crust (my favorite part) was dry. I considered a cheese plate as an appetizer ($13) and am glad I did not. We sat at the last patio table (the only one without an umbrella.) When two tables left, we asked if we might switch to a patio table with umbrella because the sun was beating down on us. Our server said there was a wait for those tables. Then all the sudden, there were 3 empty tables that sat there for the remainder of our meal. He apologized to us before we left about that. To the owner--Why would you have one frickin table with no umbrella? The food is plain, overpriced, rip off, and just a disappointment. I feel like the atmosphere and enticing menu is misleading, because what you get is less than mediocre.
(1)
Natasha M.

I have never had a negative experience here! I've been for birthday celebrations, dates and "family" dinners... Always good service, better food and a variety of delicious beers. It's unique (even for Ann Arbor) and is reasonably priced.
(5)
Mike E.

My wife and I visited the Jolly Pumpkin on a football saturday. After freezing our rear ends off through three quarters and into the fourth, we were ready for a little food, drink and warmth. We most definitely got all three. We had the mussels as an appetizer which were perfectly cooked and very clean (i.e., no grit whatsovever) and the sauce was superb. My wife ordered the artichoke heart sandwich which she loved and I had a cobb salad which was delicious. She had cocktails and I had a flight plus a few more -- their sours are in many cases a nice way to introduce yourself to the style, not overpowering like some west coast varieties can be. Dessert was the star of the evening -- a hot apple fig crisp (we were warned it takes about 20 min or more to prepare, so plan ahead). Definitely coming back!
(5)
Anthony S.

Jolly Pumpkin never disappoints in the way of interesting, unique, and tasty beers. What I love about this brewery is that any beer drinker can walk in and order something to suit their palette. Adventurous you are? (and for some reason you respond to Yoda-speak) I would recommend coming in, chatting with the friendly bar staff about what flavors you look for in a beer, and let them take you on a Jolly Pumpkin ride. This place is definitely worth that extra 15-20 minutes of trying to find a parking spot near Main St. Cheers!
(4)
Desi O.

I had a great time here! Brady introduced me to different beers and drinks and he was a great bartender! The beer was fantastic and unique and the atmosphere was comfortable and fun. I would recommend this place to anybody. Sit at the bar for extra fun!
(5)
Reese S.

So good!!! I had the tofu sandwich and I was really impressed. Love that they use Brinery products. Lemon Quinoa Salad was also really great.
(5)
Kathy T.

I adore Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery! The people are always welcoming and drinks are great! I am so glad I found this cafe Downtown Ann Arbor! I was starving in the middle of showing houses and signing contracts and I saw the name and thought I would try it out and am I sure happy I did! I will be back soon.
(4)
Thomas B.

Great beer, friendly staff.
(5)
Julie O.

So much better than your typical bar food. And I do like bar food. We came here because we got to Ann Arbor late and the kitchen stays open til 11ish. And generally, we like breweries and cafes, so it seemed like a good choice. We had to wait maybe 10 minutes for a table, which was not a big deal as there was room to wait at the bar. The beers we tried were good, a little light for my taste but good quality and flavor at a reasonable price. And the bartender let me sample before I ordered. The food was good. Our server recommended the truffle fries and they did not disappoint. My not a BLT was amazing. Very good quality ingredients, and for sure not a typical BLT, with arugula, fresh mozz yum. The chicken brie apricot sandwich was also wonderful. Not fancy, but there is nothing wrong with casual, especially when the service is attentive and the food and drinks are better than average.
(4)
Rick E.

Atmosphere is cool... Stopped in for beer only..... Bartender was very cool....they feature sour beer... It was sour all right good thing they let us sample 1st.... Luckly they have a few non sour beers i had the diabolical.... One beer down and my head was pounding..... Good buzz bad headache I was done for the night at 7pm yuck!!
(2)
Jason A.

I went to Jolly Pumpkin while I was visiting some friends in Ann Arbor. It is a great bar. If the weather is permitting I would check out the patio on the second floor. Jolly Pumpkin in my opinion has some of the best cocktails in Ann Arbor. Also, they have a good selection of beers. The prices were reasonable and the service was great. I would strongly recommend this place to anyone if you are in the area. My views expressed are of my own and are from my personal experience from this establishment but may not reflect this actual establishment or someone else's experience at the establishment.
(4)
Shunda B.

My friends and I decided to come here after an event near Yspiltani - we arrived on Saturday afternoon and place wasn't crowded at all. The food was wonderful and I was actually surprised because i thought it was going to be that typical bar food but i was wrong. I had a "NOT JUST ANOTHER BLT" - literally that was name of the food with a sid e of fries; i wish they had more selections of light beer. Happy Eating!
(4)
Daniel L.

This is my favorite place in the USA. There is something about the place that really captures you, but when it comes to the truffle fries there is no competition. The JP burger is a must. When I come back to the good old A2 I always hit my favorite place.
(5)
Calvin M.

Enjoyed the rooftop and the pizza was absolutely delicious. However, it was sometimes tough to get the attention of the wait staff. I'm not sure if there were a ton of customers in the restaurant as opposed to the rooftop deck, but it was a little lax in my tastes. I like the deck, but at the moment I prefer the Detroit location over the Ann Arbor location. Ann Arbor wins for presentation and size, but Detroit wins on service.
(3)
Melissa S.

Not impressed though there is a lot of fuss over it. I've been there twice and both times I felt it was highly overrated and overpriced.
(2)
Sarrah F.

The Jolly Pumpkin is delicious! If you come here, make sure you get the truffle fries. They are shoestring, salted fries with the best Rosemary aioli ever. I've had both the lamb burger and the chicken Brie sandwich. They were both phenomenal. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
David G.

If you're looking for tasty beer and yummy food - this place is a great choice. I had a couple really good sour beers and the hamburger was one of the best I've had in a really long time. Plus, the truffle fries went really well with both the burger and the beers... cheers!
(5)
Dani S.

I finally decided to come here after hearing about the Truffle Fries on a buzzfeed article. I went here on an early Friday night with two other friends. We were directed to the upstairs portion of the restaurant, which was fine. We got seated immediately at a table meant for six people, so it was a bit of an awkward arrangement, but oh well. The waitress told us that they were out of water glasses at the moment so we'd have to wait for that. My friends ordered the Bam Biere beer and it came out less than 10 minutes later. I eventually got water after my friends got their beer. We decided to go with the Butcher's Snack Board and Truffle Fries as a starter. The meat/cheese board was pretty good. It had some picked radish, plenty of olives, beets (not a fan of beets, but they were a nice simple taste to go with the strong cheeses), crusty bread, dijon mustard (loved this touch!), two meats, and some cheeses (can't remember the specifics). I wished there was more meat, but I suppose if you're sharing this with only two people, it's perfectly fine! The Truffle Fries! I'm always a fan of fries and these were definitely worth it. Just smelling the fries was enough-- the rosemary made them so fragrant and tasty. They were salted with the truffle seat salt just right, and the garlic aioli went perfectly. My friend and I split a Truffle Pizza, and it was so delicious right down to the crust. It had goat cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, shitake mushrooms, truffle oil, and argula topped in the center. The goat cheese was creamy and went well with the mushrooms and the vinaigrette in the arugula. The crust was slightly chewy and slightly crispy and tasted amazing (apparently it's a sourdough crust!). Overall the food was pretty good for a brewery/cafe. Our server seemed rushed the whole time, which I would expect for a rush hour on a Friday night, so I'm not too picky about that. The atmosphere was pretty loud and dim, so I would definitely recommend this to people for a casual Friday night with some friends.
(3)
Linbo Z.

If a restaurant can make its french fry taste great, they must been thinking a lot when they cook. Mussels taste great. Pizza is Okey.
(4)
Anthony K.

Jolly pumpkin gets a lot of attention from everyone who lives in, or visits Ann Arbor. It's definitely worth trying and i can promise you won't be disappointed. We went as a group of eight and ordered just about the entire menu, things were of course better than others but those that were better did not make the others worse by any means! The fries are awesome! They are served in a cone shaped dish that just force you to dig in! Their burgers were delicious as well, nothing was really bad from the kitchen. The only reason for the four star rating was because it was too busy to enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)
Mansi S.

I found this place to be great becoz their kitchen is open late when everything else closes early during the weekdays in A2. Their potato pizza and chicken nachos are amazing! Even their red wine- I guess it's from grand traverse- is great. Service is pretty quick. Their truffle fries are to die for!! If u go to this place , u should not miss it!! The ambience is casual and they ate great for groups too. They also have a terrace seating during the summer months- I juz love it! Their ginger fusion cocktail is worth a try as well. Ok I guess this place has a few great things to try. So, dnt juz keep reading my review- GOOOOOOOOOO!!
(3)
Victoria B.

Great service!! Delicious food and big selection of beer!!! What more is there to say. I'm coming back next time I'm in town!
(4)
David M.

My son and I had a great experience. We had very friendly service. I had a great farmhouse ale and the truffle pizza (delicious!) My son had the carnivores pizza and promptly declared the Jolly Pumpkin his favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor! Dessert followed with the ricotta "donut holes" and did not disappoint!
(5)
Hannah S.

I had a thought that going here Halloween night would be a good idea and I was so right. I sunk in before the 6:30pm crowd and snagged a table early. All the staff was dressed in costumes, so I was amused as I watched The Dude abiding behind the bar and Jesus serving fries. I got the market pizza, which happened to be olive oil, brussel sprouts, mozzarella, and garlic. yum yum yum. The pizza is a perfect size for a really hungry person or someone like myself that always finishes everything. The crust was on the thinner side but it definitely wasn't a thin crust pizza. My friends the hulk, a jedi, and Rosie the Riveter were equally happy with their meals and drinks as well.
(4)
Jennifer T.

This was a great place to pop into for a mid-week lunch. The place was busy, yet had no problem getting seats. It was also interesting to see the age range of those who frequent this place. Seems like a place popular for young adults, but I saw young families and senior citizens alike too. The menu had a nice selection of entrees that utilized locally sourced ingredients, as well as some unique spins on common lunch items. I really liked my grilled chicken with brie and apricot jam. The chicken was very tender, and large portions of meat, and it was perfect combination with the soft brie and the sweetness of the apricot. I only wish I had more napkins from some of the grease from the cheese. This dish had no vegetables, so I"m glad I opted for the side salad, which was plentiful. Also, the "more than" BLT was also a nice twist, using sundried tomatoes instead of fresh steak tomatoes. FYI, pay $2 extra, and upgrade your fries to truffle fries, mmmm. Then berry mojito was made perfectly, and very refreshing, and I"m a fan that the place has some fun non-alcoholic options, on top of the their nice beer selection.
(4)
Julia R.

Hands down my favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor. It's the first place I go to whenever I visit town. So many great memories from my years living in A2. Amazing food that never disappoints. I LOVE the pickled zucchini and also the mushroom sandwich. Highly recommend!
(5)
Amit G.

Not bad at all, good service and good food. Nothing amazing but like I mentioned, not bad at all.
(4)
Tom S.

Truffle fries, Not just a BLT and and a Weizen Bam for lunch......I love this town.
(4)
Andrew K.

I had the Tofu sandwitch. This used to be good, but they've changed it completely. Despite claiming to be "chile marinated tofu", there is no spice at all - there use to be. Quite disappointing. On the contrary, the kids had the chick pea fries which were spicy (! for kids??), and even to the adults did not have a nice flavor. The kids pizza was at a bunch of bred, with a few inches of sauce and cheese in the middle. Only the first few bites was anything other than crust. Ok, fine, maybe this is acceptable for an fancy "artisanal" pizza, but for a *kids* pizza? To top it off, the beer selection is pretty darn poor. Lots of varieties of beer that you either like, or hate. I love craft beer, and can find something I like easily at any other brewpub in town - but not here. To top our night off, the waitress didn't check back after delivering our food, ask about any drink refills / another beer, etc. We finally had to tackle another co-worker (there were 5 just standing around doing seemingly nothing, while ours had a stack of 5+ bills sitting by a computer). I certainly wouldn't consider this place a good deal price wise either. You're looking at $14-17 per person for what ought to cost half that. Given the selection of other places in the area, and the price of everything on the menu, I'd never return and certainly wouldn't recommend it. Too bad, since they do have a nice view and outdoor patio - so much squandered potential. I hope they fix the issues, although that seems unlikely as they seem to think they're pretty "cool", or just go out of business so some better place can move in.
(1)
Florencia G.

Addictive truffle fries + a very interesting beer list. This is the perfect place for gathering with friends in a relaxed environment, with fun and nice staff (beard man!). The fries are so delicious, although they seem to have lost a bit of the truffle flavor that I remembered. Hope you are not cutting on that essential ingredient. The rest of the menu offers really good items. My favorite is the steak salad.
(4)
Priya R.

Their flat breads are great, and their burgers are above average, and their truffle fries are amazing and addictive. The ambiance is also perefect for dinner or lunch. They have outdoor seating but only like two or three tables so if you plan on sitting outside it might be better to make a reservation. Inside, however, I've never had a problem finding a table. However the real reason I am reviewing this place is because of one drink. If you are here you HAVE to get the basil limeade (under the nonalcoholic drink section) and have them add a shot of their home-brewed tequila. It's going to MAKE your summer and will be the main reason you keep coming back to this place.
(4)
Heather A.

This is a review of the upstairs portion of the bar. Met a friend here who was participating in an impromptu B-school social so waited at the bar. Lots of people especially groups opt for table seating. I have no complaints about the bartender, their attentiveness or their willingness to recommend items from their menu. I tried the Bam Biere, a recommended beer featured in Men's Health Journal and quickly found that I do not enjoy sour beer. As a result my review of the Jolly Pumpkin is one that puts it in less than stellar light. I would definitely come back and order something that agrees with my tastebuds as I feel my rating may not be reflective of its true potential. With regards to the ambience, it resembles your typical bar with wood furnishings and standard barfare that I would like to try next time to ensure a more accurate review.
(3)
Chris J.

Went in today with the old boss for some lunch and had a great experience. Got the Lamb Burger which was a little sloppy but in that good way (a perfectly cooked fried egg will do that). The fries were good but ask for a side of aioli to dip in, you won't regret it. The service was excellent and quick for a lunch that took a little less than an hour. I'll be going back for libations when I don't need to be back at work afterward!
(4)
A. S.

Jolly Pumpkin has always been one of my favorites! Their food is great and in non-peak hours it is a quick meal that is worth the price! I know that it gets crammed during peak hours, but I promise, the food is so worth it. Their pizza's are one of the meals I miss most since moving away from Ann Arbor!
(4)
Mary D.

This was our first time visiting The Jolly Pumpkin and I could not have been more pleased! I ordered grilled chicken sandwich and my boyfriend ordered the jolly pumpkin burger. We also loved the truffle fries and the market salad! Our waitress, Kelly, was a rare gem! It's not often you find someone who truly loves her job! She patiently explained all of the new seasonal beers and suggested we sample some of her favorites! Her recommendations were spot on and we loved our IPA and sour beer choices! We will definitely be returning and can't wait to try the unique pizzas and several of the other awesome beers at Jolly Pumpkin! Food, beer and service were a solid 5 star rating!
(5)
Jennifer X.

It's not super common that that you get to go to a place whose alcohol is equally as great as its food. The beers I would describe as something between a hard cider and a pale ale. And yes, as everyone mentions, the truffled fries are pretty great.
(4)
Jen Z.

Friendly and good timing, but dirty, inaccurate website, and poor pairing knowledge. I asked for a recommendation of what to pair with steak, and an employee said "I don't know," but that he is the "most knowledgeable beer person here." I was hoping that a restaurant who serves beef and produces beer would know how to pair the two. Also, their website is not up-to-date. The patio is listed as "closed for winter," but it is in fact only closed today due to rain. Both times in the past few months that I came here, my chair or table bottom had globs of food hanging on. However, the friendliness and timing of servers were very good! TIP: Don't wear expensive clothing. TIP: If you want help pairing food with beer, ask google or a knowledgeable friend. Cheers!
(2)
Laura J.

Stopped in for a quick lunch at the bar. Excellent layered vegetable and quinoa salad. The vegetables were super thin shaved and so many different kinds it was fun to eat. The goat cheese didn't add but the corn and nuts were surprisingly delicious. Had to take off a point for snob factor. But hey it is Ann Arbor.
(4)
Dani F.

Amazing chocolate vegan cake and awesome steak salad! Great about allergies. Highly recommended!
(5)
Eric C.

Lamb Burger & Beer Flights for Lunch! Pure Bliss! Can't give 5-Stars because they don't mix anything!
(4)
Tameeka B.

Festive bar area downstairs, quiet and roomy dining area upstairs. The staff was very helpful when I couldn't decide which cider I wanted to try. Large beer list (this place is also a brewery). The truffle oil fries are worth a try and the pizza's are enough for 2.
(4)
Justin L.

Crowd's Relaxed, Outdoor seats, Plentiful beers To match your fancy, and fun chandeliers.
(3)
Ken M.

Came to check out the Michigan sour kings. I was not disappointed. Came in at around 5 and took a seat at the bar. Tim very quickly checked to see if I wanted food and produced a menu. I then enquired about sampler trays on their beer and he said sure. I had the fire & smoke pizza. It was out in 5 minutes, hot off the granite! Very flavorful with fresh ingredients. The fresh basil was just the right touch. Beers were solid to great. The Roja would give a Belgian Flanders red a run for its money. I don't know how long it's on but get here and try the Dandelion Rhubarb Saison. It's refreshing and really highlights the rhubarb.
(5)
Timothy B.

This was a truly embarrassing experience for the Jolly Pumpkin and anybody who works there. We went here on a Friday night and they said there was a 30-40 minute wait. We decided to hit Grizzly Peak then come back when the rush was off. Upon return, we were immediately seated upstairs. However, our waiter was terrible. He did not seem to have a good command of the beer menu, and was unenthusiastic about explaining the beers and the food. After placing our order for brews, it took over 10 minutes for them to be poured! The bar was no more than 10 feet from our table. We seriously contemplated leaving at that point wondering if he had even registered our beer orders. Two of us ordered sour beers and both of them were not good. The flavor was strange and tasted kind of like the flat bottom beer from a keg. My other two friends ordered the chocolate beer (I do not remember the name). Later on we were talking to a different waitress who one of our friends was related to and she asked us what were drinking. When the chocolate beer drinkers told her, she laughed and said, "That's actually a different beer you are drinking. We ran out of that a while ago." We were APPALLED! Our waiter did not tell them that he was pouring a different type of beer presumably assuming they wouldn't know the difference! What an atrocious way to run a business! Who gives you something other than you ordered without at least telling you! After we grudgingly finished our beers because we had to pay for them and might as well get our moneys worth, the waiter returned. Rather than offering us another beer, or asking if we wanted our check, he said, "Are you guys done?" in a menacing tone. We then asked for our checks and they returned in record speed (no surprise). Overall, this was one of the worst brewery experiences I have ever had and I do not think any of our party will return or recommend this place.
(1)
Chloe J.

My boyfriend and I went here to try the great food that sounded amazing from the menu. I'm from Atlanta, and we frequent pubs and love pub food and IPAs with a little flair. I was excited to try this food. We both ordered individual pizzas from the menu. They were small, way overpriced @ $13 each and lacking. I expected something amazing. They tasted flavorless and the crust (my favorite part) was dry. I considered a cheese plate as an appetizer ($13) and am glad I did not. We sat at the last patio table (the only one without an umbrella.) When two tables left, we asked if we might switch to a patio table with umbrella because the sun was beating down on us. Our server said there was a wait for those tables. Then all the sudden, there were 3 empty tables that sat there for the remainder of our meal. He apologized to us before we left about that. To the owner--Why would you have one frickin table with no umbrella? The food is plain, overpriced, rip off, and just a disappointment. I feel like the atmosphere and enticing menu is misleading, because what you get is less than mediocre.
(1)
Natasha M.

I have never had a negative experience here! I've been for birthday celebrations, dates and "family" dinners... Always good service, better food and a variety of delicious beers. It's unique (even for Ann Arbor) and is reasonably priced.
(5)
Mike E.

My wife and I visited the Jolly Pumpkin on a football saturday. After freezing our rear ends off through three quarters and into the fourth, we were ready for a little food, drink and warmth. We most definitely got all three. We had the mussels as an appetizer which were perfectly cooked and very clean (i.e., no grit whatsovever) and the sauce was superb. My wife ordered the artichoke heart sandwich which she loved and I had a cobb salad which was delicious. She had cocktails and I had a flight plus a few more -- their sours are in many cases a nice way to introduce yourself to the style, not overpowering like some west coast varieties can be. Dessert was the star of the evening -- a hot apple fig crisp (we were warned it takes about 20 min or more to prepare, so plan ahead). Definitely coming back!
(5)
Rachael W.

Can I give negative stars? I have waited a little while to write this review- my first and last visit was in Nov.2014- but I wanted to get some distance from this visit so I could be fair. We walked into a crowded Pumpkin after one of the coldest football games I have ever had the pleasure of sitting through eager to have a cold beer in a warm bar. We stood at the hostess stand for a good 10 minutes without acknowledgment while a huge line of frozen Wolverine fans gathered in line behind us and the hostess assured us that we would be seated next. There were 3 empty two-tops in view, and as the crowd behind us was starting to get annoyed that no one was being seated at the empty tables, something struck me in the back of my head- hard. I felt my knees get wobbly as i heard a commotion around me and realized that some dude from the second story of the bar -at least 25 feet above me- had dropped his Samsung Galaxy on my head. As people rushed around me- my husband took the initiative to sit me down at the empty table directly next to the hostess stand because the actual hostess did not react at all to the flying personal computer that just ricocheted off my head to right below her stand. As my husband was checking for and cuts on my skull, he had asked for some ice- duh- for me as I tried to gain my composure. Galaxys are pretty big phones and this one was completely smashed, as was its owner, who came down and apologized profusely to me and asked if I needed an ambulance and was legitimately sorry for his slippery, selfie fingers. The hostess brought the ice and as we determined that there was no cuts, no concussion, and that I had all my faculties intact and was generally okay aside from a large goose egg on the top of my head, we sat and waited for the manager to bring the insurance forms. We spoke to the manager and exchanged info for their insurance/got witness phone numbers and my husband ordered a round of beers. The waiter then appeared and asked if he could get us anything to eat (I guess getting a large cell phone in the back of your head gets us a table AND a waiter) so we ordered some fries and a soup along with our beers. After some "okay" IPAs and a decently good soup, I needed to leave because I was understandably not in the mood to be at this bar anymore. As we were finishing our beers the waiter asked if we wanted another round, we politely declined and then he handed us our check. Yup, we were charged for the pleasure of being assaulted at the Jolly Pumpkin and not even given the gratuity of two beers and 15 dollars worth of food. Classy. We paid the check (with tip-not the waiters fault) and left, bewildered and unimpressed. Negative stars for the Jolly Pumpkin.
(1)
Jessica I.

I'm hopelessly in love with sour beers, so Jolly Pumpkin was my first stop on our Michigan beer tour. The sours did not disappoint. They're awesome, and so was the lunch we had. The kitchen is really pumping out good food. My husband loved his sandwich and I really enjoyed my seasonal salad. As good as the food was, we were there for beer, and we tried everything they had on tap. As expected, I enjoyed every sour beer. It was the non-sours that were kinda disappointing. They're made by North Peak but served here, and they are heavy on IPAs and just not very memorable. Nothing bad, but nothing remarkable. Five stars for Jolly Pumpkin and its food, but docking a star for all those North Peak taps.
(4)
Anthony S.

Jolly Pumpkin never disappoints in the way of interesting, unique, and tasty beers. What I love about this brewery is that any beer drinker can walk in and order something to suit their palette. Adventurous you are? (and for some reason you respond to Yoda-speak) I would recommend coming in, chatting with the friendly bar staff about what flavors you look for in a beer, and let them take you on a Jolly Pumpkin ride. This place is definitely worth that extra 15-20 minutes of trying to find a parking spot near Main St. Cheers!
(4)
Desi O.

I had a great time here! Brady introduced me to different beers and drinks and he was a great bartender! The beer was fantastic and unique and the atmosphere was comfortable and fun. I would recommend this place to anybody. Sit at the bar for extra fun!
(5)
Lindsey S.

WOW - i was totally impressed today at Jolly Pumpkin. They re-did their menu... MAD PROPS and the upgrades are FANTASTIC. WARM ARTICHOKE SANDWICH - !! I was a little wary of trying this new sandwich on Olive Bread ( which is incredible) , inside is grilled artichokes, red peppers & goat feta & pepercini ... YOU MUST GO GET THIS SOON. With their PERFECTION of fries, this is one spot i would NOT skip the fries !! absolutely worth every single bite.
(5)
Jocelyn G.

Zero for points here!!! When my walleye sandwich arrived, I bit in. I was met with a mouthful of bones!!! I let the waitress know and she told me: "Well, it is fish after all." This was a first for bones in my fish sandwich! Not even an apology. I went to the restroom to find it dark, dingy, not so clean with water pouring in through the ceiling lights. I got back to our table to find the ceiling 2 feet away had begun leaking too! It was pouring onto the floor splashing us. We said we were moving to the waitress, who had not suggested it herself. She wanted us to move just another 2 feet away! We moved ourselves to a table where the ceiling was actually holding. A very miserable experience for both food and customer service. Horrible food and worse wait staff. Most likely they do not train their staff well. It actually took lthem 20 minutes before they began to clean up the wet mess on the floor.
(1)
Katie W.

I've only been here twice, but it's already become my favorite microbrew in Ann Arbor. The beers are wonderful, and really have a lot of flavor and intricacy compared to many other microbreweries I have frequented. It's also pretty spacious, so it's not too hard to get a table for the group. Great atmosphere inside, with cool decor. A definite spot to visit whenever you're in town!
(5)
Dan D.

A fantastic pub type bar with interesting and unique food and drink such as the Not Just a BLT Sandwich and non-alcoholic drink creations and tasty desserts such as the homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pie. I've been here three times and would consider this one of my favorite restaurants in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Sami E.

Jolly Pumpkin was absolutely impressive, one of the better brew pub experiences I have ever had (and I certainly know my way around a brew pub). On a recent trip to Ann Arbor we decided to dedicate our Saturday night to touring the local beer scene. We started with dinner and drinks at Jolly Pumpkin, the standard for the night was certainly set pretty high. I was excited to learn that this brew pub specializes in sour beers, a style that I admittedly am pretty unfamiliar with and sometimes have a hard time understanding. For my beer I decided on the "Noel de Calabaza" Belgian strong ale. Although I am not a fan of sour beers, I still enjoyed this one more than most. It was fruity and not overwhelmingly sour; perhaps this will be my gateway to the mysterious world of sour beers? While the beers were solid at Jolly Pumpkin, the food blew me away. I ordered the JP burger with a side salad. The Burger consisted of local grass fed beef, cambozola cheese (a blue cheese, I believe), crimini mushrooms, and apple wood smoked bacon on a challah roll. First off this thing was monstrous; the patty was piled high with thick cut bacon and a huge slab of cheese that over flowed from the burger. My patty was juicy and cooked mid-rare, the bacon was perfectly crispy, the strong taste of the cheese complimented the meat well and the bun was very fresh. When all was said and done, this was easily the best burger to ever grace my lips. Not only was the burger sublime, but all elements of the dish were locally sourced (most of the menu consists of locally sourced products). The service on this night was lacking, but to be fair they were quite busy. Our food came out quickly but it did seem like we were being rushed by the waitress. The food was reasonably priced, as was the beer. The beer selection was quite good and included beers from other breweries. They also have growlers available for pick up and bottled beers for sale. If you are in Ann Arbor this is a must stop for a drink and dinner. I for one will be dreaming of my meal here for a long time to come.
(4)
Roxanne T.

Amazing beers, incredible food and awesome service at the bar! I came here knowing that I love JP's sour beers and hoped to try something new since it's tough to get these beers in Northern California. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and wished that there was a Jolly Pumpkin cafÃ© in my hometown. A special shout out to Libby, she is the perfect example of a bartender. the right amount of service, great recommendations and personality.
(5)
Paige M.

I've been here a couple times now, and I've been quite satisfied each time. I've never had to wait for a table, and service has been friendly and prompt. I especially like that the portions aren't huge, and that the pizzas are a good size to share for a very reasonable price. Beers here are good, and pricing isn't too bad. I love a good sour beer, and although I haven't found one here that was as sour as I'd like, the flavors are just spot on. I would definitely stop in here just for drinks. I haven't tried any of the cocktails yet, though I've been told they are good. My sister had the non-alcoholic berry mojito and it was really good too, though maybe a touch too sweet. The food is also good. The steak salad is possibly one of the best menu items, in my opinion. I like that the food is a little different than typical bar food, while still being just pizza and sandwiches. My only complaint with the food is that it all seems to be fairly oily. For what it's worth, I thought the truffle fries were good, but not the greatest thing ever, as many others make them out to be. 4.5 star rating would be ideal. Good food, good beers, and good service. Points off for oily food and the beers not being as sour as I like (though there may be one out there I just haven't tried yet). Rounding up to a full 5 stars for being exactly what it's supposed to be - sour beers and not your average bar food.
(5)
Jedi Master Y.

We arrived and the entrance was pretty narrow. Somewhat hard to navigate with the congestion. They do have a very good sign in process that gives text message notifications when your table is ready. Menu choices were great. We ordered the Cobb salad, which was decadent. Very well done in my opinion. If you prefer light dressing on your salads, be sure to mention it as there was a lot on there. We ordered two pizzas. The carnivore pizza, as well as the "Fire And Ice". The tomato sauce on the carnivore had a unique taste. Good take on a traditional pizza. The bread was perfect. Not too soft, not too crispy. The fire and ice was good , but wasn't the favorite of the two. Also ordered their house amber ale. Being a big fan of amber ales, it was a pleasure to find it was the highlight of the meal. Ordered a growler to go. Staff was friendly and prompt even though it was busy. Food came our surprisingly fast so we had to adjust our movie time. We had a table for two, and the table space was a little cramped for our two pizzas and salad. Definitely recommend, will be back.
(5)
Katie K.

Oh I really want to give this place 4 stars but service was ridiculous. We came in for dinner close to 9, which, okay, is late for dinner but still, we were immediately sent upstairs to what seemed like the bar area and told to seat ourselves. We then sat for a few minutes before our server came over and said "are you eating too" and then just dropped menus and left. 10 minutes later we still weren't asked our drink orders or even given waters. Once our orders were taken, the food came out quick enough, but that was the last we saw of our server until he came back to drop off the check. Our water glasses were completely empty and had been for quite some time. That being said, the food was quite good. We will definitely give this place another shot and hopefully it won't be so slow next time.
(3)
Thomas J.

Pizza is weird , they were reaching wayyyy to far by putting some of the items they put on the pizza, no sauce and lemon slices? It was weird. Prices are also a little high, but that is typical in downtown A2 , so its hard to knock them down for that. However I am a little put back by their menu. Also had an artichoke sandwich that just had an unusual flavor and the atmosphere here is just okay.
(3)
Seth K.

Super busy on Friday night, the chocolate stout was a touch watery for my taste, and the bartender can be difficult to reach, but stick it out. The food is fantastic. The warm artichoke sandwich hit the spot on a cold fall evening, and the side salad had a surprisingly zingy dressing that was to die for.
(4)
Lauren L.

Fantastic beer selection. The pizza with spinach and lemon slices is so fresh! So unique. I also like the app used to tell you when your table is ready- really convenient.
(4)
Alexandra K.

Lots of people come here for some good beer and a nice meal. They have some really great bar food and because it is a brewery, the beer/ale is quite good. Plus you can't help but be in a jolly mood--am I right? Also, if you are over 21, their homebrew is delicious! -Grilled Chicken with Brie (free-range chicken breast, brie, apricot jam on sesame bread): this chicken was grilled just too much so the whole sandwich just tasted chalky. There was not enough brie and the apricot jam just could not overpower the charcoal chicken. -JP Burger (grass-fed beef with cambozola cheese, applewood smoked bacon on a challah roll): I opted out of the mushrooms but man was this still a delectable burger! Grass-fed is my kinda meat and it was thick and perfectly juicy. The bacon was nicely crisp and the challah was wonderfully mushy. -Truffled French Fries: these shoestring fries are deliciously doused in sea salt and rosemary aioli. They are perfectly oily, mushy and crispy. FINAL VERDICT: Whether you are seated upstairs or downstairs, the Jolly Pumpkin makes for a nice dining experience with high quality food pub fare.
(4)
Paul L.

The Jolly Pumpkin has a great atmosphere. The food was ok. I had the cheeseburger and it was ok. The fries were very good. I would eat here again but wouldn't rush out to go back
(4)
Christian G.

Sat at the bar on a Wednesday night. First experience here and I can't say enough great things. The bartender "V" directed us toward the right drinks and food and was VERY entertaining. It's not often I'm compelled to become a repeat customer off a first visit based on that great level of service. We were made to feel like regulars even though we stated we were from out of town. The butcher's board appetizers paired great with their craft beers and the ribs were delicious! If you like coconut milk get the Thai Boxer cocktail. Refreshing. The Bog cocktail was tasty too. For dessert we had the pumpkin whoopie pie. I'm not even a big fan of sweets but V didn't steer us wrong. Amazing. Overall I'm so impressed that we'll probably be back next week and we live over an hour away. Just because it's a brewery, and even if beer isn't your thing, try this gem out and sit at the bar.
(5)
Scott H.

A must stop when in Ann Arbor the truffle fries are killer and tried 2 more kinds of their pizza this round. Very good i must say. If you leave hungry it's your own fault
(5)
Derrick A.

This is my absolute favorite restaurant in ann arbor. i tend to always get the margherita pizza and a bam biere. also the farmer's fritto is delicious, depending on what is in stock that month. simply can't be beat. i also really like the interior decoration, it's a cool sort of "dark farmhouse" feel. but the back room which is beach/surfing theme doesn't really fit in, to be honest. the patio upstairs is really sweet but is only open when the weather is perfect.
(5)
Martin S.

Awesome food, cozy interior, and private outdoor seating upstairs or people watch on Main Street. I am not a big fan of the Jolly Pumpkin Beers, but I can see why some people are. They are not my style. I do like the North Peak brews that they have.
(4)
Mark C.

Good food... A little pricey but good... I had the truffle pizza was quite tasty... Maybe could have used some dip for the crust... The appetizer French fries were a decent sized serving... Only minor complaint was they were Out of several beer options
(4)
Reed N.

An astonishing variety of house crafted sours and beers. I could not resist the Diabolical IPA, with its 6.66% declared ABV. The beer was bitter and smooth, with a very long finish. Best dessert one can have in my opinion.
(5)
F B.

Establishment makes its own craft beer and liquor. There are no commercial brand liquors in case you're wondering. Beer and liquor are good. Place is popular. Fish sandwich was tasty. I also had appetizer bowl of olives which were served warm (that was odd) but there were no toothpicks, so you had to dip you fingers on them every time, which was annoying. The bartender said they had no toothpicks, which I thought was strange since every bar should always have toothpicks on hand at least for foo-foo umbrella drinks! Bar tending was very basic. No cocktail napkin nor coaster was provided with drinks. We had to find them ourselves at opposite corners of the bar. Training may be needed in serving etiquette.
(3)
Brandi H.

My companion and I went here on a steamy August evening. Initially, I'd arrived craving a burger, but when I saw the lemony quinoa salad on the menu, I couldn't resist. It was indeed the perfect choice for such an oppressively muggy day. That being said, I also had two bites of my date's burger and will definitely be returning to order it! (For a depressing contrast in dining experiences, see my review of Slow's Special Purpose burger.) Service was prompt, attentive, and pretty much awesome. The whole experience was nearly perfect -- except for the ENORMOUS HOLE IN THE SIDEWALK. (We were eating outdoors.) Before I'd even ordered, I twisted my ankle, DREW BLOOD, and spent the whole meal in pain. I do not want to associate such delicious food with bodily fluids and suffering. Somebody will eventually sue this business if they don't fix that mess. Seriously.
(4)
Sydney N.

This place is a must-go for young adults. It is affordable enough for a college student to be able to treat themself to a delicious meal. Had the truffle fries (with delicious dipping sauce) and they may have been the best fries of my life. The steak salad was also great, and I was impressed by how good the meat was. My date had the fried chicken special with brussels sprouts, and he loved his meal as well. For dessert we had coconut ice cream with fruit on top- amazing. Their beers are great as well!
(5)
Jason C.

I went here during a visit and found the place to be amazing. The bartenders were super knowledgeable and great with their recommendations. The beer was just awesome! I definitely plan to make it a regular stop anytime I'm in Ann Arbor. I also loved the cozy feel of the decor. It was a great reprieve from a cold, rainy day.
(5)
Bill R.

Jolly P's (that's what the cool kids call it) has quickly become my go to spot in Ann Arbor. The beer selection is fantastic as the have their own brews and have some North Peak taps as well. Their food is also outstanding. They do an awesome job of sourcing locally and the quality and freshness shows. Offering some of the best bar pizza's around, sandwiches are also on point. First time stopping in you gotta try the truffle fries. V is my bartender of choice because she serves pints with just the right amount of attitude that's reminiscent of my days in Boston.
(5)
Shannon S.

This place is North Peak with a different name for sour beers. We don't care for sours so we loved the North Peak beers because we love that place. Food is great.
(3)
J H.

I'm so glad I found this place.... Amazing food and service! Our waiter was awsome!! We will definitely be returning:)
(5)
Paul D.

Went here with my girlfriend over the weekend. Wow do they have delicious food! We shared a steak salad and margherita pizza. The steak was juicy and tender. They also make their own whiskey, which I thought was superb! Definitely a fun place to go.
(4)
Grace K.

Loved the truffle pizza! Perfectly cheesy and truffle-y! and the mussels in a creamy sauce... MmMm. Men's Journal was right on with the Bam Biere as one of the top 25 beers. It has got to be one of the best I've ever had! I was a little apprehensive about the tart/sour description, but don't worry, it has just the slightest hint of tart. I also enjoyed the Bam Noire for those that want a darker beer, but the Bam Biere is my fave. Service was excellent, everything about this joint in downtown Ann Arbor has won me over. I'll make it a point to visit whenever I'm in town! 'til next time... ~
(5)
Daron D.

Came here on a beautiful night, so why not have a drink on their beautiful rooftop patio. This mite be one of the better spots to have a drink in the summer time because of the rooftop incentive. Food wise I just had the truffle fries, which was really good (not the best in Ann Arbor however as I have heard), however just stick with the aioli they give you because the ranch here is nasty. As for the beers, they are really good (had the chocolate stout, bam Bierce which is the best, and the amber beer), a bit high, but I have seen worse. Overall a nice little place for beer and chilling.
(4)
Lylian D.

I love their Bam Biere! Their JP Burger and fries are so freaking good. Melted cambozola cheese on medium rare patty with the best pickled zucchinis EVERR!! Come on, how much better can life get?! When I come here with a couple friends to drink, I always have to order zucchinis for them to try and snack on! Everyone always loves them! Porchetta is also very delicious. I've tried their Meat Pizza and it was a bit too salty, but I am willing to try the other pizza pies on my next visit. This place has a great vibe and cool atmosphere. I love going to the second floor and getting a table nearest to the window to take a peek of the bustling Main St. scene. Take friends, take family, or take your lover! There's something for everyone.
(4)
Rachel A.

This place is exactly what you would hope to find In a solid Ann Arbor bar- great beers, friendly service with good tunes playing, multi level ambiance and great food. Every plate that comes out by your table looks better than the last. Every time I visit AA we are sure to stop here for a diabolical IPA and their quinoa salad (which you may laugh about, but it's huge and filled with fresh veggies and herbs and the dressing is incredible!).... I crave it all the way from Cleveland, it's that good. This bar is definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for a cozy drink with a small group of friends and something tasty done right.
(4)
C Y.

So sad for those who are allergic to tree nuts and peanuts. We really want to eat here but their kitchen isn't set up to avoid cross-contamination and many food suppliers they use also handle nuts. But they get 3 stars for honest, knowledgeable answers!
(3)
Sluk S.

My very, very favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor. I live for the Red Chili Tofu and the Popeye's pizza. The Calabaza Blanca beer is amazing (unfortunately they haven't had it lately on tap). That being said, I still love this place. Good service and the kid's menu is really generous portions for $5.00.
(5)
Brian W.

Great food, good menu and organic ketchup (really?). Cozy but fairly loud, at least at lunch. Server took our order and brought our food, but no follow up or attention to refills or removing dirty dishes. Food and atmosphere get 4+, service gets a generous 2.3.
(4)
Nancy C.

I had NO IDEA that jolly pumpkin had such a cute rooftop patio! Surely, it only took me 4 years to find that out...better late than never, I suppose. I've always known they had a good beer selection and solid food, but not being a beer aficionado, I've never been especially compelled to come to Jolly Pumpkin. However, with this new discovery, I will most certainly be back (at least, during the warm months) just to enjoy the rooftop ambiance. Plus, it certainly doesn't hurt that they have awesome truffle fries and truffle pizza!
(4)
Celeste F.

I'm in love with this place. The beer is awesome, but the FOOD is what really takes the cake. Try the Truffle Fries and the Farmer's Fritto. So so good!
(5)
Bob L.

A downtown gem. The selection of sour beers is consistently mouth-watering, and the food measures up. Perhaps the burger is slightly characterless, and so what; order something else. The Popeye pizza is a consistent hit. So are the truffle fries. Service is never less than gracious and attentive. A good adult place. Trek over to the Alley Bar if you need to knock a few more back after midnight.
(5)
Melissa S.

We went here twice when we were in town, once at night and once during the day. We only had drinks so I can't judge the food. The place is a microbrew and the beer is incredible. They have a variety of different types. I especially enjoyed their mixed drinks, which were $8/cocktail but probably had 2 shots of liquor in them, though they didn't even taste alcoholic. Great place to go with friends who want to go out and don't drink! They have cocktails without alcohol that are fun too! Minus one star for the service. It was a bit slow when we were there at night and then when we were there during the afternoon, they forgot our drinks. However, the waiter did comp two beers when they forgot our drinks and we didn't get them for about 20 minutes. Also, we wanted to watch a particular game at the bar and the waitress was amenable to us changing the station. Not all bars do that! Great place to check out with a friend to grab a drink. It's not too loud too so you can definitely have a nice conversation with someone over a beer.
(4)
Beth H.

Myself and a coworker met other work counterparts at Jolly Pumpkin for 'happy hour'. If you haven't been to this location, the 'happy hour' is only at the their tiny bar. There are no food specials and only $1 off draft beers. Why have a happy hour then? We walked in looking for our party. We asked the hostess station if we could move to another table, as we had one more than the four top and asked to sit at a 6 top in the deserted front of the restaurant. They tried to direct us upstairs instead, where it was dead and plenty of room. We insisted on the table and were seated. Not a good way to start off a visit, by feeling like they are trying to shove you off, despite a request. I had the truffle pizza. It was good, but misleading. Had three (literally three) mushrooms on the whole pizza. My coworker order the Magerhita and it was bare too. We both expressed that we don't expect our pizzas to be loaded, but to at least not look like the pizza is seriously lacking, espeically for a personal size pizza for $12. It was tasty though. Nice crust and good combo of flavor choices on the menu. I do enjoy a good beer and was looking forward to a nice cold pint, but I just didn't get it here. I asked the woman that organized the outing, why she choose the Jolly Pumpkin when there are much better happy hours all around. She just wasn't aware. I shared my Yelp list of best happy hours in Ann Arbor, with her. Can't wait for the next one. Happy Hours rock, just not here.
(2)
Mathias B.

The beers are pretty amazing here, though they weren't the first place I had tried them. They are generally sweeter, but do have a range of tastes. As for food, the pizza we ordered was quite amazing. It was loaded with mushrooms and an awesome-tasting sauce. Overall, I'd definitely recommend trying this place at least once. You'll likely find something you enjoy. It has a great atmosphere, good drinks, and tasty food.
(4)
L. G.

Wont go back and will never purchase their beer again. Staff (mostly manager) was very rude to us Saturday while we stopped there for a 30th bday brew crawl. Telling us we couldn't sit somewhere for fear of falling through the floor when we had as many people as they did chairs in that area. And how is does that place even pass a safety inspection then!?!? He could have said it much more tastefully. Too many other awesome Michigan beers to support whose staff was more than welcoming through out the day.
(1)
Patrick T.

Great beer. Try the bam biere. The truffle fries are very good. They had this thai basil and coconut cocktail which was delicious.
(4)
Eric R.

Thanks for ruining my birthday.... Checked our name into your system. There were two open tables and we were the only people waiting... Your super rude host was not helpful or apologetic and said there's a 10 minute wait for each person ahead of us even if they aren't here.....amazingly bad service. Open tables for a long time = u captured profit. Birthday ruined
(1)
Raquel D.

This place has amazing beverages! Didn't stay to eat, but did experience the funky decor and really great service from the bartender. Would definitely come back.
(3)
John H.

I enjoy this place. I end up here most of the times I come to Ann Arbor. This one is infinitely better than the traverse city location. Both in food and customer service. The menu is always good with local ingredients. I'm trying the market pizza this time. Sounds good. Hope it's good... I've yet to have a bad meal so I'm not worried.
(4)
Mimi T.

I was a little hesitant to eat here since there has been a slew of terrible reviews lately. We had an officer's dinner here and so glad we did. So we ordered both types of fries (Truffle and chick pea). Truffle fries were delish with some sort of white aioli sauce. The chickpea fries were interesting at best. Glad I tried it but I don't think I would order it again. It came with some tomato jam that I just didn't think complimented the chickpeas that well. Maybe something tangier would've been better or an assortment of dipping options. I love the salads. I ordered the grilled romaine with chicken and I must say I was impressed. I never thought to grill romaine but it definitely gave it another level of flavor that went well with grilled chicken. The dressing was delicious and didn't overpower the other flavors. I also love any salad with dates so this was a winning combo. I tried some of the steak salad and veggie pizza with soy cheese. Everything was awesome! I was surprised how much I like the soy mozzarella. It could get a little pricey with all the drinks but at least it was worth it. The bog was phenomenal especially since I asked for it with less syrup since I'm not that big into overly sweet drinks. Maybe they actually read the reviews and changed things up or they just got their act together. Whatever it was, so glad they did it. Can't wait to come back and try the other interesting options on the menu.
(4)
Joe F.

Great sour beers! But some of the bartenders need to be more enthusiastic about their craft, and for the love of God, STOP WITH THE HIPSTER VIBE. Service wasn't bad, just not very personable. Take away is, great beer.
(3)
Jenny R.

Great food! We were in town for a conference and ate at the Jolly Pumpkin with some friends. The pizza I had was great and the portobello sandwich my husband had was pretty good to. The kids pizza was huge and ended up feeding our two toddlers and our friends 4 year old (and it only cost $5.00!). It had nice atmosphere and the staff was friendly. It didn't make such an impression on me that it would be one of those "you HAVE to go here every time you visit Ann Arbor" type of places, but I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as well.
(4)
Andrew D.

Great pub in heart of Ann Arbor. They went all out with giving it the olde English look. Only been for lunch and never been disappointed. First, the beers are excellent. Don't be afraid to ask for a few samples to get the right choice. The IPA is very good, last time I enjoyed a Blonde (who doesn't). Good service, and also a nice bar to sit at. Food wise I have not seen a bad plate. The BBQ chicken pizza is good and also really like the chicken, Brie and jam sandwich. Definitely one for your list in Ann Arbor
(4)
Alice S.

Jolly Pumpkin made a pretty good location to grab a casual dinner, and the atmosphere was as expected. The server was professional, and the prices weren't too bad. I would consider returning in the future!
(4)
Alex H.

I really like the food at Jolly Pumpkin. They have truffle fries that are the best I've had, and their sour beers are supposed to pretty dang good too! Recommended: The grilled romain salad was surprisingly good. My girlfriend got it with tofu which was also grilled so that it had a smoky and slightly acidic flavor, and I got it with chicken which was grilled and moist.
(5)
MaryLiz S.

I came back a second time with only my mom this time. She only goes for "normal" American food -- nothing exotic. So this place is a good compromise when you have to eat out with someone who has zero tolerance for anything "exotic." Plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. Ya know, some days ya just don't want any meat. So I got the smashed chickpea panini this time. I liked the arugula. Yum! Maybe I should have asked for a little hot sauce to fill out the flavors, but it was OK the way it was. It was a lot quieter in the back room. Before, when we sat right next to the window, the hard surfaces + loud conversation at the very talkative nearby table = a headache for me. I noticed all the cute ghosts hanging from the ceiling in that back room. If you're after ambiance, this place has it. I'm surprised my mother didn't object to the skulls and Halloween stuff, but she apparently came for the food. It was quite appropriate that we were there shortly before Halloween. Our wait person was there when we needed her. I loved the pumpkin whoopee pie I chose for dessert. Hey, I just had to splurge. It had enough pumpkin pie-type spices to hit all my pleasure centers. Rather than sweet and cloying, I'd say it was just right.
(4)
Shane M.

6/5 for the beer, nuf' said. Ok ok the food is top notch as well, as a vegetarian the options are numerous. My meat eating companion said "this is the best BLT I've ever eaten". So pretty good right?
(5)
J. H.

I have never seen a text message table wait system before, quite cool and well though out. Table for four on a Saturday night we were told 40-60 minutes and probably only waiting 20, just enough time to enjoy a chocolate stout (quite tasty). We sat upstairs and while sharing the meat platter (good) and mussels (VERY good) appetizer I also had a wet hopped IPA brewed with Michigan grown hops. Not super hoppy, but quite good nevertheless. The lady and I split two entrees: the popeye pizza and the beef and bacon burger with truffle fries. Burger was excellent, really had a great beer flavor to it. Fries went very quickly- quite good. Popeye pizza was good, could have used a little less lemon on top, but I get the flavor profile they were going for. All in all I will be back and I will recommend to others. Food is very good. Beer I would say lacks some "pop" and I will not be seeking out their brews the way I seek out Bell's, Founders and Shorts.
(4)
Kelsey D.

Amazing drinks, salad, Mac and cheese with fried chicken and vegan chocolate cake! Service was on point as we'll.
(5)
Mandi C.

Delicious pizza, must try the truffle fries! Good to grab some drinks and appetizers, have a delicious lunch or dinner! The daily menu changing keeps it fresh and interesting for frequent flyers.
(4)
Eleni K.

Truffle Fries. AAAAMAZING!!!!! One of the best appetizers I have ever had!! We split a pizza for lunch. It was tasty, but a little soggy towards the middle. Great fun atmosphere and I would love to return!
(4)
Roy A.

I've only tried the beers and I became smitten with this place. They specialize in sour brews and they do not disappoint. Also, the locale has a very nice atmosphere!
(5)
Adam L.

I didn't eat here so I can't comment on the food but the beer was amazing and the service was great. The bartender took the time to go over the beers with me and let me try a few samples. I really liked the atmosphere of the place and now I can't wait to come back and eat.
(4)
Marie L.

This place makes me so happy. First, the beer is good. It didn't blow me away, but it's solid and the prices are perfect. The food and the service were amazing. They have a super large selection of veggie options. Everything looked delicious! We weren't super hungry, so we ended up with a few appetizers, instead of entrees. The only downside was I found their menu to be confusing. They hand you a large menu in a wooden binder - but most of it is specials that are only available on certain days or only for lunch. The pages are titled with the availability, but I still found it to be confusing.
(4)
Fi G.

Truffle fries are a must! It's a close second to the ones I had a CafÃ© Julia. Nice to know it's here on the mainland. They have quite a few selections to choose from for a beer flight. For those that don't care for beer the cocktails available will please you. Had their vegan chocolate cake for dessert. Turned out nicely. The pairing with chocolate coconut ice cream was a sweet surprise. Also, the staff were amazing. Would definitely return if I come back into town
(4)
Jackie K.

My second experience here was awesome! We got the potato pizza, chicken nachos, and the BLT with truffle fries. The fries were AMAZING - best fries I've ever had. The service was quick and nice. We met the manager who was wonderful (when she found out our first meal here was not a five star experience she invited us back so the Jolly Pumpkin could redeem itself and it certainly did)! Wonderful customer service - great food.
(4)
Katie K.

My friend and I stopped in for beers last night. We decided just to dut at the downstairs bar. Our bartender, Maura, if i remember correctly was fantastic. She knew her ales and helped ti navigate iur choices impeccably. Friendliest staff in Ann Arbor!
(5)
Margaret V.

Really cool place! As others have mentioned, the patio is great. I'm not too much of a beer fan, so I didn't partake in any ale's, but I was with two friends that enjoyed the variety of micro brews offered and said that there was something to meet any beer lovers' interest. I and. another friend enjoyed a few glasses wine. They don't have a huge selection, but have some very nice white and red wines. Better yet, a lot of them are from MI! They also offers soda's, iced teas, and a really cool variety of cocktails. The food is great! Between the five of us, we had three BLT's, a carnivore pizza, and a burger. All were fantastic! In addition, the coconut milk ice cream, pumpkin whoopee pies, and ricotta fritters were great. I can't comment on the fries that come with some of the sandwiches, but the salad and house red wine vinaigrette, which is the other side option is fantastic. The service was outstanding. We were seated at one table and wanted to move, they accommodated us. We sat for hours drinking, eating, visiting and laughing and they were very attentive and friendly. This place will become one of my "staples"
(4)
Edwina S.

Bam is thier top seller... But it's a IPA... And I don't like IPAs. The beer has some nifty brewing techniques if you are into that kind of thing. The food is reasonably good. I love a good chicken sandywitch. Love me some brie. Wondering how they could mess up a brie and chicken sandywitch?! Apricot jam... without chilli to counterbalance? /Facepalm Truffle fries are good. Trout was good (well cooked), but the stuff in comes on I can do without. The mushroom Pizza (not a pizza fan)... hello baby, come to momma!!! Definately worth a visit. (PS... Bog cocktail.... yes please... right here right now!!!)
(4)
Jacqueline S.

Love this place! The brewery is awesome, great selection of brewskis. If you come here you have one job: order the truffle fries- you will NOT regret it and I swear it's worth every delicious calorie. The atmosphere is fun- great for groups, for a date, or just to grab drinks. Service is always great- awesome location right on Main Street. One of my favorite spots in Ann Arbor!
(4)
Amy B.

Good beer. Good food. Outstanding service. Great location. Here's a tip, the waitperson told us that the one of the desert items was made in house fresh to order. I would call it berry cobbler, if I recall correctly they called it a berry crisp. Either way, it was delicious and a highlight of our visit.
(3)
Shannon C.

Jolly Pumpkin was a place in Ann Arbor that my boyfriend has missed since leaving, and I totally understand why. He raved about their pizza, but we went for sandwiches when we visited, and YUM. I got the grilled chicken with brie and my boyfriend got the walleye po'boy, both of which were excellent. We started out with the warm marinated olives, which were also very good. The most amazing thing there though were the truffle fries. They were amazing. I clumsily spilled the last half of them on the ground, so my dog got quite the treat (although I was tempted to pick them up off the ground and eat them myself, they were that good.) We also did flights of beer, which was not only a great deal for the amount of beer you got, but also delicious. I think my favorite was probably the seasonal pumpkin ale, the La Parcela. I also really liked the North Peak Diabolical IPA. Also, I alluded to this earlier, but their front patio is dog-friendly! This always earns a restaurant extra points in my book. I can't wait to get the opportunity to go back to Jolly Pumpkin, sit outside with my dog, and relax and drink some beer. An absolutely top notch experience,
(5)
Matt V.

Ben was a great bartender, made sure we had a good time and tried beers we loved. Great service on a stop to a brewery we had been looking forward to. Definitely try the Bam Biere! Great sour beer, never had it before. A must try! Thanks Ben
(5)
Jennifer J.

Jolly Pumpkin is always a treat! I love their sour beer and truffle fries. My friend who moved from the Ann Arbor area always asks me to bring some of their beer in a cooler when I go home to Chicago. I think their selection is great and I've never struggled to find an entree to order. The only negative I've experience is the loudness. It doesn't bother me, hence Jolly Pumpkin still gets 5-stars from me, but it bothered my mom when she took me out to dine here. Regardless, she enjoyed the food and had an overall positive experience
(5)
Mitch E.

What a holly jolly pumpkin! Easily a five star establishment. The Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery offered exactly what I was looking for my first evening in Michigan. I wanted a place where I can sit at the bar, get some good tasting beers, and enjoy some pub style food. This place hit the nail on the head. I loved everything about my experience. We sat down and started ordering several different types of beers they brew. All of which were good, but that sour wheat was the best. I don't recall its ABV, but it was above average and went down like water. The food was phenomenal. My friend and I split the lamb burger, the regular burger, and an order of their truffle fries. Both burgers were cooked to perfection. Real juicy and filled with flavor. Those truffle fries are no joke. They came with their own unique dipping sauce too, which I saved a bit for my burger. My bartender was super chill. The place is nice. The brews are wonderful. And my food was fantastic. What's not to like?
(5)
Li S.

Came here for a nice Sunday lunch. It's a quaint little place- tucked right into the shops on Main Street. They've got some outdoor seating, some indoor seating, and supposedly some nice rooftop seating as well. It was a little too warm out, so we opted to sit indoors. Overall the place is very inviting. Seating was comfortable, and it wasn't too loud. Our server was very friendly and gave us a lot of solid recommendations. He was very attentive and provided us with a great experience. They have an extensive drink menu (as they are a brewery), but I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of their food menu. Our food was served very promptly. I had the BLT (fresh house-made mozzarella, crispy applewood smoked bacon, arugula, roasted tomatoes, and salsa verde) and "upgraded", if you will, to the truffle fries on the recommendation of many Yelpers. The BLT was delicious, though the "rustic country bread" was quite hard and difficult to bite through. Perhaps if they had used a different bread this would have been the perfect BLT. The truffle fries were pretty good, but not quite as crispy as I would have liked. Overall I am very satisfied with my lunch at Jolly Pumpkin. I would definitely recommend having lunch here.
(4)
Jenn H.

Truffle chips any day!! The girls took me here for my first night out in ann arbor. I ordered basil limeade, fire and smoke pizza & stole a piece of market pizza (surprisingly good, even for the carnivore inside me) Fair service.. good atmosphere.
(4)
Samuel D.

What an awesome place. From the name of the brewery/ cafe to the decor and beers. Was lucky enough to have my cousin (local) show us around Ann Arbor since we were in town. Ive had a couple beers from jolly pumpkin in SD and it was a nice experience to come to their cafe/ brewery. Atmosphere: Came here during lunch on a Friday and it wasn't so busy surrounded by other restaurants in a busy college area. Jolly Pumpkin's entrance was somewhat of a speakeasy sense. Small entrance but upon walking in you come to a place with a great vibe and cafe feel. Food: had eatin' prior for lunch to coming here but had a chance to snack on the truffle fries amongst my group. Fries were crispy and seasoned perfectly with salt & rosemary aioli. Beer: Rozilla: sour (my favorite). tarty and refreshing taste. a nice sour bite that leaves your tongue wanting more. Luciernaga: sour. not as tart as the Rozilla but can taste a suttleness in it and has a sweeter finish to it. my fiancee': had a flight of tasters to try. i remember trying her chocolate stout. it has a nice milky arouma of coffee but the taste was so-so. They also have signature cocktails hence which I mentioned had some speakeasy feel about this place. Didn't get a chance to try any but will hope so when I come back to visit. Service: was good. we had a server that was brand new and didn't know much about beer but her lead knew her stuff. Overall: a fan of the place. tasty fries. great beers. an awesome place to hangout with a group. will definetly come back when I come to visit my mom's side of the family in Michigan.
(4)
Wayne P.

Homeboy in Carlton sweater upstairs said there's no seating outside. Literally minutes later, he sat table after table outside. I then asked if we could sit outside and he said "not sure, maybe if you cashout." He ended up sitting us in the worst location while there were literally 10 open booths upstairs. Our waitress Ashley is the reason why we didn't ask for a manager to complain, her service was great. My burger and bun were burnt black and I'm still picking black pieces of burnt bun out of my teeth. At least we had some beer to wash it down. JK, the beer is awful. Sour sweaty sock flavor for all of the beer. Seriously so bad. We'll never go to this place again. I'd give you zero stars if that was an option. Shame on you crapy hostess with Carlton sweatshirt. Shame on you.
(1)
Joe L.

Ann Arbor is a college town, and college students aren't renowned for their big beer budgets (sometimes even Budweiser is an extravagance when Natural Light is so much cheaper) or refined palates (how else does Taco Bell stay in business). That's not to say there's no room for a craft brewpub with savory victuals to match, as evidenced by the Jolly Pumpkin, a first-class destination on both counts. The restaurant itself doesn't feel any different than your average college town bar, nice enough that you'd get your parents to take you but maybe not quite the place you go to impress a first date. Our server was super friendly with plenty of recommendations and patience for our questions. As all good brewpubs do, they offer tasting flights, in this case five pours for $10 which isn't a bad deal. Keep in mind, they specialize in sour beers, so even the familiar styles like Belgian witbier and saison will have a tartness you might not be expecting. The food is definitely a step or two above your average bar fare, with tasty truffle fries and aioli, fresh seasonal ingredients on chewy thin-crust pizzas, and fancy specials including a fantastic steak frites. I didn't go to the University of Michigan (and I'm done with school for this lifetime) but I'm a little jealous that they have such a great place to splurge once in a while if Mom and Dad send them back from winter break with a little pocket money. In my day we had to walk uphill through the snow ten miles each way to find good craft beer and truffle fries...
(5)
Marisa D.

Met up with some friends here for a beer. Staff as friendly be helpful. One of the bar tenders seemed to be new and a little unsure of what he was doing.
(4)
Sunny W.

Went here with some coworkers on a weekday night. Absolutely loved it. We shared a pizza, truffle fries, and ordered a few beers off the menu. For the pizza, they have a lot of unique flavors so I'd recommend trying those instead of ordering the classic margherita pizzas that you can get anywhere else. Pros: + Good prices (beers under $8, food under $20) + Large selection of their beers. I know a lot of people recommend the sour beers. + Good local vibe for the seating/atmosphere + Great location in the heart of midtown. + Truffle fries are a must-have! Would definitely come back again! What was funny/weird was their $85 fee for a lifetime membership. I didn't read up too much on it, but I remember we were all wondering if anyone would get that...
(5)
Paul W.

There may be better restaurants in Ann Arbor, but I haven't encountered any that are as consistently good as the Jolly Pumpkin. We've never walked out disappointed; a few times we've left reeling from a brush with culinary transcendence. Seriously, the best things JP makes are just that good. And the rest of the menu, or at least the portions of it I've sampled, is merely outstanding. A few items deserving special notice are: 1) the fried chicken special that appears from time to time--crispy coating, tender, juicy meat, just slightly chunky mashed potatoes on the side topped with savory homemade gravy; 2) the BLT that bites back at you with arugala, salsa verde, and roasted tomatoes; 3) The Popeye pizza (preserved lemon with spinach--you won't believe how good this is until you try it) and Fire and Smoke pizza. But the crown jewel is the JP Burger, the best burger I've found so far in Ann Arbor. Juicy with a rich, steaky flavor, unfailingly cooked to order, transformed from excellent to astonishing by the bacon and thick slab of cambozola on top (and if the cam isn't to your liking, they'll substitute another cheese). So, if the food is so dang good, why only four stars, you ask? That would be on account of the beer. Jolly Pumpkin specializes in sour beers, which I don't care for. For non-sourpusses like me, they offer North Peak brews, which are OK, though not top notch. A few times we've had one pint with our meal at JP, then wandered someplace else for the follow up. But seriously, I'd still eat at Jolly Pumpkin if all they had on draft was Blatz. Atmosphere is great. Dark wood panels, tin ceiling, an elaborately carved bar. The only down side is that the place can get a bit loud. They sometimes dim the lights a bit more than I'd like. Though again, far from enough to send me packing. Jolly Pumpkin is more likely than any comparable restaurant (casual/pub places) to offer a letdown-free night on the town. An Ann Arbor "must."
(4)
Sanjeev S.

Walked in late one afternoon - it was one of the few places that was open for a late, very late lunch. Had the lamb burger - it was delicious! They had an extensive beer selection and let me sample a few before I decided on their chocolate stout beer. I didn't enjoy the truffle fries, should have stuck to a salad. Their decor is cool, food is delicious and service really good! Will definitely return if I'm in the area again.
(5)
Adventurous Palate S.

It took 45 minutes for the drinks to get to us and the server never came back. We finished our warm beer and threw some money on the table. What a shame!
(1)
Chris C.

I love Jolly Pumpkin's beers so every time I get to Ann Arbor I make it a point to stop by this Brewpub. Last stopped by in April and had a very large party to accommodate. JPCB did an excellent job of letting us know what spaces they had available and when would be a good time. Splitting up the checks was also not a major problem and the server was quite efficient in dealing with all parts of the group. Good service on this part. One of the beers I got wasn't cold though, which seemed odd since it wasn't really a style that did well warm and I recall it being cold before. The others were good as always though and the server was happy to candidly tell us his favorites of the seasonal ones. The food was good to excellent--I wasn't that impressed with the sandwich that I got, but people who got pizza seemed quite happy. The mixed cheese and meats appetizer was pretty good as well, but a tad expensive for what you got. Prices seemed about normal for downtown Ann Arbor, but higher than what the food probably deserved on its own. I'll definitely be back, but will probably avoid the food and focus on the beer (and truffle fries).
(4)
Marinda H.

Friendly service, awesome warm atmosphere, and decent food to boot. Our group arrived around 10:30 p.m. on a weekend and everyone ordered different things - some apps, some entrees, some drinks, some desserts - our waiter was awesome and didn't seem phased by our eclectic order ;) The vegan choc cake was awesome and the nachos were super too. Will be back!
(4)
Allison F.

Jolly Pumpkin was the first stop in our Michigan Beercation. We were seated at the bar and had friendly service by the bartender. I tried a sample of their cider, but it was pretty awful... I do not recommend it. Instead, I decided to try a double of their house-distilled rye whiskey, and was extremely disappointed. The flavor was rough (think rubbing alcohol) and corn-y. I did not finish it. They lose a star for not having quality non-beer choices. Jake, on the other hand, had a nice experience with his flight of beers. He enjoyed all the samples he tried, and wasn't given any attitude when he asked for tastes of a couple more beers. We didn't end up eating here, but still had a nice leisurely time sitting at the rail. We'd probably come back, but I won't waste my money on their distilled liquors because messing up whiskey is just a shame.
(4)
Hema K.

One of the most interesting restaurants in Ann Arbor -- definitely worth a try no matter what your taste is! Lots of fresh local ingredients and unique flavor combinations - - not just your typical pub-style food. The truffle fries are AMAZING. I'm a huge truffle fan, so I asked for the pizza I ordered to be drizzled with truffle oil instead of olive oil. There was an extra charge for this, but unfortunately I wasn't very pleased with the outcome. The waiter did warn me against it, so I guess that's my fault :) For dessert we ordered the fried ricotta balls: absolutely one of the BEST desserts I've had in Ann Arbor. I cannot recommend it enough!!! Knocked off one star for service. The waitstaff was very knowledgeable about the menu but we had a few goof-ups while getting seated. We were shuffled upstairs and downstairs a few times after already waiting close to 20 mins, even though we had a reservation.
(4)
Holly J.

Friendly and knowledgable bartenders. Great food and good beer. The truffle fries are a must. We had the JP burger and the chicken sandwich. Both were delicious.
(4)
Elias S.

After researching some restaurants to try out in Ann Arbor, I came across this one and became interested due to its unique name! The atmosphere is very inviting; this place reminds me of a brewery, for they are known for their craft beers. Unfortunately, my friends and I weren't able to be sat at the roof top of the restaurant, considering that it opened at 4PM. Nonetheless, we were seated by the window; i guess that was close enough... I ordered their sandwich "Grilled Chicken With Brie!" I'd have to say, I surprisingly liked it. I didn't know the combination of the aged brie and apricot jam would complement each other so well. What topped it off was their truffle fries! Not the best truffle fries I've had, but pretty comparable to my previous experiences. If in town again, I'll definitely keep this restaurant in mind!
(4)
Chas M.

Don't remember having food but I DO remember having sour beers...many sour beers. I was in heaven. Tried a flight and most of them were great. Most we cant get back in Cleveland. Took a few bombers home. They are a rip-off at 15 apiece but I didn't realize till I left. Cool looking old building with a long bar. Lots of white chicks with dreads. Hillarious....yay for college towns!
(4)
Dia D.

We went here for Sunday lunch during winter break and it was pretty empty. My husband was having a craving for a Penn Station artichoke sub so we came here since they have a Warm Artichoke sandwich on the menu. We started with the Truffle Fries which were fantastic!! I had the Red Chile Tofu sandwich which was grilled tofu and kimchi. Sounds spicy, right? No, it was disappointingly mild. The sandwiches were large so we took half home. Our server was nice and professional. Food arrived quickly. The fries, two sandwich , tea, and Diet Coke cost $33.
(4)
Amy G.

Jolly Pumpkin has a good, diverse menu that caters to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. It is similar to ABC in this respect. The two restaurants are my favorite bar-type eateries in Ann Arbor, though they are difficult to compare because Jolly Pumpkin has a smaller menu, but I think more gourmet items overall and better quality cooking. In my opinion they are equally good, but Jolly Pumpkin is a bit fancier, with dim lighting and the ambiance for a classier date, whereas ABC is more casual and the perfect environment to chat loudly with a large group of friends for a couple hours. The boy and I shared the chickpea fries to start, and for my main I ordered the grilled romaine salad. The chickpea fries were thick blocks of chickpea meal with savory seasoning and came with a tomato jam, sort of like a sweeter ketchup. I really liked how they were crisp on the outside, but soft and piping hot once you cracked them open. They are similar to the polenta fries at Grizzly Peak. I was impressed with the creativity of the grilled romaine salad, which is essentially a deconstructed caesar salad. I had never heard of grilled romaine before, but eagerly dug into an entire head of romaine, rubbed with oil and imprinted with smoky grill marks. It comes with two "potato croutons," which are actually kind of like mozzarella sticks because they have cheese inside, and two large chicken breasts, a generous portion of meat. My least favorite part was the chicken because the large slabs of it was kind of unappetizing to eat. I think this dish could be improved if they cut the chicken into smaller pieces so that the meat was less chewy and had a more cooked texture. It is still fun to eat, though! I think Jolly Pumpkin has a really interesting menu, and I think it gives downtown AA a lot of character.
(4)
Kevin C.

Good steak, good beer selection, and nice atmosphere. Very friendly staff.
(4)
Kim H.

This is a great spot. Don't miss it if you're in Ann Arbor. They have a ton of great beers on tap. If you don't love sours, beware; they have a lot of 'em. The bartender was super knowledgeable and patient with all our questions. Their menu is surprisingly expansive. You could spend half a day here, easy. Loved it.
(5)
Kelly S.

We went for brunch and how tasty! We ordered the bacon & egg pizza, it didn't sound like it would work but oh boy it was good. Hubby got the smoked salmon & avocado sandwich, he loved it but I'm not big on smoked salmon. The truffle fries were delish!
(4)
Allison O.

I've been here many times and am always impressed by the both the food and drinks. Was last here Saturday afternoon for drinks and our waiter was very knowledgeable about the list of beers they offer, even offering samples before committing. The cherry wheat I had was great, as was the Blueberry Shrub cocktail. I wish we had been able to stay for dinner, as the seasonal menu looked fantastic!
(5)
Lauren C.

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is good, the food is amazing, and the service is great. The wait is always very long on weekend nights so I would recommend downloading the "NoWait" app that they use to manage people in line. If you download the app you can actually see the wait time and hold a place in line before you even get to the restaurant. It will text you when there is a table available and you will have about 10 minutes to get there and claim your table. On to the food... It was purely amazing. My party and I ordered the steak salad and the lamb burger with truffle fries. Let me just pause to say that the truffle fries are amazing and you can actually sub out your sides when ordering. It is well worth the price. The steak salad was also amazing as well as the burger. Needless to say I will be back soon!
(5)
Melissa J.

I enjoyed this place with my fiancÃ© and his cousins so it's a good place for groups. The decor is contemporary, but with a nostalgic feel. We came in the mid-afternoon so there was plenty of seating and no wait. Everyone who worked there seemed friendly and our servers were attentive. Our group ordered their beers and since many of us were novice beer drinkers, our main server who was training didn't hesitate to ask her supervising server to explain their selection and help each of us pick a beer that we'd like. I tried the beer flight of four 2-oz tasters. The price was average for around $8. I tried their stout, 2 of their sours, and their cherry wheat beer. It was nice that their beers were color coded and they had a pretty good selection of sour beers which my fiancÃ© likes. Their beers were good and easy to enjoy. We also had a plate of their truffle fries which I loved. They were perfectly soft in the inside and crispy on the outside with a hint of rosemary in the truffle oil. My fiancÃ© and I enjoyed the place so much and loved their Jolly Pumpkin emblem that we bought a shirt and hoodie for ourselves. They were expensive, but the quality was good. We would definitely visit again if we're ever in Ann Arbor again.
(4)
Ashley J.

Met up for drinks. I had the hard cider which was perfectly crisp. The bar was pretty empty and we were able to find seats at the bar without trouble. The food passing by looked like it deserved a try.
(4)
Sue N.

Decided to try this for dinner. Local beers are always tops on our list when choosing places! The waitress was quite knowledgeable on the beer list and, when I asked her opinion on the two beers I was considering, she immediately said that she'd bring me a taste of each! In addition to these two, she also brought over a taste of Forgotten Tales which had just been tapped. It was nice to be able to sample the three and ultimately selected the Forgotten Tales. Had the truffle fries and the fire and smoke pizza between two people and it was plenty of food. Both were awesome! Service was attentive but not rushed which was especially nice as it was a Friday night and there was quite a line at the door when we left.
(4)
Butta B.

Nothing but five stars for this fine establishment And the beer is just on believable Blanco is my Favorite beer of them all.
(5)
Cecilia M.

Loved it! we had a special which included steak with duck fat fries and they kind of trumped the ruffle fries! yes, its possible! Also their basil slushy limeaid was incredible!
(5)
Heather J.

The red chicken nachos, truffle fries, and vegan chocolate cake are absolutely out of this world! Our server was fantastic, very polite and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is really nice, too. Even though it's a brewery, it doesn't have that overwhelming "bar" feel to it and is a great place to enjoy a meal whether you're drinking or not. All of the food seems to be locally sourced and mostly organic. The menu options weren't run-of-the-mill and they had decent options for vegetarians, as well. A+ all around.
(5)
The G T.

Good lamb burger, and sandwiches. Nice truffle pizza and truffle fries. But it's always pretty crowded - so avoid it on a Friday/Saturday night.
(4)
Jenny K.

Come here for the drinks. This is a beer house, more brewery than cafe. Yes, there are cafe-y food items--salads, sandwiches, greasy artisan-sounding appetizers and entrees, but it's more for the imbibing and catching up with good company factor than a foodie stop. Grab a beer and go to the upstairs deck where it's nice when the weather permits. All of the food I've had here tasted at once very heavy and yet not quite satisfying. Which is crazy, right?! Considering that so much satisfaction from food comes from the texture of delicious fats. I love fatty food. And I love alcohol. So, why am I not in love with this place that has a union of these two beloved categories of consumption? Oh I know, I'm not much of a beer drinker, so I can't love it here just for the beer. This place is the adult version of Ashley's on State--a great selection of beers without all the scribbling on the table tops, no back packs in sight. But I think that's where the food menu loses me. A beer place specializing in artisan ales would, one would think, have great pubby food. Snacky things, fried sampler type things, decent burgers. But here, it all seems so serious and one ingredient overboard from being good, yet one ingredient shy of tasting on point. Their burgers here are BLAND. Yes, this despite that there's cheese AND bacon on it. I tried to save it with ketchup and aoili, but I couldn't resuscitate this burger. How can this be? Why did this burger get cooked without being seasoned? Disappointing. Nachos: you need to love black beans and pink pickled onions (why?) to appreciate this one. I say no. It may be popular here by default. And their salad, hmmm... Salad ok, sure, I'll order a salad. But a glorified caesar salad for $15, labeled "grilled romaine." Just called it a Caesar salad with a fancy crouton log. That was actually tasty. And the muscles are nice. But a bad burger just makes me sad.
(3)
Michael D.

On a friend's recommendation I went here with my family. Very good beer, great selection of vegetarian-friendly food, first rate salads. Their pizza was unremarkable but we enjoyed their burgers and the truffle fries are really excellent.
(5)
Amy C.

The appetizers here really make the place shine. Some friends highly highly recommended the mussels and truffle fries, and they weren't wrong about how good it was! The mussels required me to get a bit messy and use my hands, but it was worth it. It came in a bowl filled with a delicious, creamy soup and it was fun to scoop up some of the soup in the mussel shell and slurp them together. The truffle fries were also great. I split them with a friend, but there were so many that the two of us barely managed to finish! It comes with a great dipping sauce that adds another layer of flavor, and the fries themselves are thick, crunchy, and fried to perfection. Moving on to the entrees, I ordered Fire and Smoke pizza, which came topped with chicken, a sweet sauce, and some mozzarella and basil. The crust was thin and crispy, but in all honesty, the pizza wasn't extraordinary. I felt that I could find something similar at a lower-end restaurant like CPK, and there just wasn't anything in the pizza that really jumped out at me. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but at the same time, it'll take some digging to find the entrees that will really wow you.
(4)
Amanda R.

Dang, I left my review August 2013. Welll, it is getting close to August 2015 and this place has been in constant rotation of enjoyment. We have never had bad service here, we have never had bad food or bad drinks. Everything is always super laid back and we never feel rushed with anything. The prices are good for what you're getting and their special menu is constantly changing and consistently better each visit. After all this time going there I finally found my favorite beer from them last night, it's their seasonal Autumn Ale. If they have that when you visit, try a sample! We still enjoy their butchers board. you can't really go wrong with meats, cheeses, olives, etc. Their muscles can be hit or miss, not in flavor, but in the size of the muscle. Last night was the biggest we have ever received that we actually had to take a picture. I would recommend these either way if you dig muscles. Their Steak Salad is my go-to when I don't see anything on their special menu that has won me over, or if I just am feeling like being pretty good. All in all, this place has made it into being a staple for us from the food, service, and overall chill vibe. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but I wouldn't hesitate to check it out.
(5)
John M.

I like this place, but I am a big fan of sours. If you don't like tart beers, you may not like any of the stuff here. I'm always surprised by the pizzas I order. I generally don't expect anything ground breaking wen it comes to pizza, it's gets to the point where you feel like you've had every pizza. But the pizzas here are pretty different. I recommend trying them. My biggest gripe is how difficult it is to eat at the bar. The stools sit so far away from the bar, you literally have to hunch over and lean over your food to eat. But this is obviously a very minor issue. Give the place a try.
(4)
Kunal R.

Sit at the bar for a sour, sit upstairs for dinner, sit on the deck during the summer. The food and beverages are on point. The menu is really tasty for a place that is known more for its beer. They have several vegetarian options and are accommodating of substitutions for veggie items though you have to be firm and very nice when you ask. I like the Asian salad, the chipotle pizza and the roasted artichoke sandwich. The fries are really good as an appetizer and their wait staff is friendly. The deck is really great. This place would be a five except for two minor things. The mushroom sandwich is not very good and their hostess is kind of unfriendly. They have a nice system where they text you when your table is ready but the person up front is cold. It's also a bit inconvenient to have to talk to 3 different people to get a table upstairs, downstairs or on the deck.
(4)
Amanda F.

My friend and I decided to take a last minute road trip to Ann Arbor. The Jolly Pumpkin was our first stop. The sour beers are definitely an acquired taste. I liked the one I ordered, but my friend didn't like his as much as mine. I would suggest asking for a taste before committing to one! The bartender was adorable and accommodating. The decor was really awesome. We took the bartender's suggestion and ordered the truffle fries. They were delicious. The charcuterie plate was hit and miss. The meats were average but the pickled radishes were out of this world. It was worth it just for those. Anything negative said has to be countered by the awesome atmosphere and friendly staff. We will definitely be back to try more beer and one of their pizzas!
(4)
Gina W.

Great craft brewery that brews some amazing Belgian-style beers that even the Belgians are jealous of. The food is amazing too. I got the sautÃ©ed artichoke sandwich and it was superb. The atmosphere is classic pub with some eclectic-ness. A must visit when in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Elizabeth S.

I had a really bad experience here. I'm willing to give it another try, but ... just, terrible service and pretty meh food. So, the bf and I had planned on going to Cardamom after a pretty long day studying. It was closed. OK. We went to Frita Batidos. Surprisingly, it was closed due to maintenance (nothing on the website/during normal hours). OK. We are now extremely hungry and after consulting Yelp I suggest we go here. My empty stomach lead me astray. We are seated upstairs - it's very clean and doesn't seem to be busy, so already I'm optimistic "oh my gosh, we went at a perfect time!" No. False. We order truffled french fries, I order the artichoke sandwich and the bf orders a burger (we order this all at the same time). Waiter seems nice, and the appetizer arrives promptly. After we've been done with the appetizer for quite a long time the waiter approaches me and tells me that they can't make the sandwich because they already made the last one and I guess they don't have enough artichokes or something. OK? I decide on the lemony quinoa salad instead and the waiter scurries off. About ten-fifteen minutes after this, the bf gets his burger. It's another fifteen or more minutes and the bf's burger is partially consumed and I am just watching him eat his food. I am pretty frustrated at this point (and I must point out the restaurant is NOT busy). I've worked in a restaurant before and tried to put in the main course pretty quickly after the appetizer - and if for any reason we ran out of an ingredient we pushed the substitute order to the front of the line. This could be the kitchen's fault or the waiter's - the bf and I really weren't sure. Waiter comes up with salad and the bf is already done with his burger. He thought it was meh. The salad is pretty good (though a little too pricey, and frankly, we've been here for a pretty long time and I am just cranky now). The bf gets to watch me eat salad which is super fun. I didn't quite finish it - I push it aside and try to make it obvious I'm ready for the bill. I am trying to find the waiter. This is ridiculous. Again, I used to be a server, so I'm sympathetic to all restaurant workers - the job is stressful and frustrating. Then I notice the server is far behind me. Speaking with another server. Putting silverware in napkins. Pretty sure he's been there almost the whole time. He does not look over until I actually wave at him. I've been done for a pretty long time. I give him the stinkeye, receive the bill and finally pay. I spent well over an hour there for fries and a salad and the bf and I paid roughly what we would pay for a better, quicker meal at Zingerman's. Next time we'll probably go to Zingerman's.
(2)
Andrew B.

I've been coming to A2 for a year or so now for work. Every time I come I try to make a pit stop to the Jolly Pumpkin for some brunch and their killer breakfast pizza. It is delicious - with all sorts of cheese, fried eggs and sautÃ©ed onions of a fresh pizza dough. The decor is neat and the staff is always friendly. I even had a bartender remember me from a visit 6 months prior. Now that may say more about the audacity of my beard than his memory, but it was a nice touch. I have not yet made it for any other meal there but I need to give it a go next time because the brunch is consistently great.
(4)
J L.

Great food, service, and beer. What more is there to say. I'd recommend the JP burger with Truffle Fries. Some of the beers can be hit or miss but they'll likely sample them before you pick.
(5)
Emira R.

In reality I give the place 4.5 starts, but the rating here does not allow for that. Due to the 30 min wait for a table at What Crepe, our party of four decided to venture to another place for brunch. The day was beautiful, sunny, without a cloud in the sky, so why the hell not go for a walk? Upon arriving here, we were seated right away. The waitress showed up shortly after to take our drink orders. We also asked for two orders of truffle fries which arrived with a creamy garlicky/mayo aioli (which I loved to say the least). The fries were quite good, probably some of the best I have had. My coffee left a bit to desire: it wasn't as strong as I like taking it, but nothing too serious to fret over. Also, a little detail that made us laugh was that when we asked for some straws, the waitress brought only two.Oh well... Since I have a sweet tooth and I was in the mood for something sweet rather than savory at the moment, I ordered the french toast with smoked bacon. One of my friends had the lamb burger (not the braised, this had a fried egg as a topping) with a side of salad; the other friends had the cobb salad and what I thought was the carnivores pizza. The friends seemed happy with their food; I enjoyed the french toast, sweet and soft, with some berries for garnish. The lamb burger was delicious, I tried a bite of it! Overall, it was a good experience and I would like to go back and try some of the savory offerings.
(4)
Roab P.

If you like sour/wild/bottle conditioned ales, this is as good as it gets! They also have the North Peak line of beer as well. This is the cafe for jolly pumpkin that showcases the entire line of JP beers and pairings with amazing food. They also have the North Peak line of beer as well. The nachos with pickled red onions is a must try with Bam!
(5)
Ryan M.

For my money, you can't get much better food in Ann Arbor. There is nothing done in a boring way, from the beautiful appetizers of mussels and watercress to the wide variety of individual pizzas. Throw in some of the only sour beers you can find around anywhere, and I'm terribly happy. It's pretty enough inside to want to go to impress somebody, but it has enough going on inside that you can get lost in a casually loud guffaw-fest without ruining anyone else's time. Also, my 3 year old loves it there. So there's something for everyone.
(5)
Ziyan C.

Not bad, a lot of the food was hit or miss. Good vibe though, lots of energy, lots of people. We ordered mainly off the specials menu as the regular menu had essentially pizzas and sandwiches. We put in an appetizer order and were iffy on the entrees but did decide in the end. When the appetizer finally came, our server hadn't put in our order yet because he thought we were still deciding - what the heck.. we'd told him our final choices. That means we had to wait even longer for our food. Drinks: Ginger martini - lots of mixed drink choices on the menu; I went with this one as I love ginger. Pretty good flavor, but all the alcohol seemed to sink to the bottom so it basically became a straight shot at the bottom. Appetizer: Red Chicken Nachos - ok, where was the chicken? I'd forgotten the name of the dish and when I got my first piece of chicken when we were almost done, I asked if anyone else had tasted chicken. One of three had. Chicken w/ Orzo & Cheese - Chicken was great, tender, and the orzo and cheese was thick and creamy and tasty. Pork Belly in Curry - The pork was about 95% fat and 5% meat. I was expecting fat.. it is, after all, belly.. but I'm used to something more along the lines of 60% fat. Otherwise the flavor was good (not so much curry-tasting but still good), and the I think mashed potatoes went well too. Mussels & truffle fries - fries were a little stale, a little over cooked (too crunchy for my taste). Flavor of the soup the mussels were in - meh. We did ask for more bread to polish off the soup (dunno why in retrospect considering the soup was so-so), which our server quickly & gladly gave us. My friends chose this place as I was in town for one night.. not a bad choice, but I think we could've done better.
(3)
Annette J.

What a patio! Honestly, one of the best places in Ann Arbor to sit and sip a drink on a sunny day. I was so glad I got to hop up there for one last warm day before the cold hits (although it looks like there are a few more chances this week if you hurry!). I already love the Jolly Pumpkin up in TC (as evidenced by my reviews) so I was thrilled to finally try the Ann Arbor location which is much closer to me, obviously. The Ann Arbor location is also closer to their actual brewery (in Dexter) which is, as far as I know, not open to the public so this is as close to the source as you're gonna get! Once again they have a great beer selection of both their brews and North Peak and they're reasonably priced. I was also happy to see quite the list of craft cocktails available for the season as well and they all looked fantastic. I didn't end up ordering any libations as I was watching my beverage intake but I made mental notes to try more than a few next time I was in. Our server was really friendly and showcased his beer knowledge by sharing some of his favorites off the menu. I ended up ordering the chicken and brie sandwich on focaccia with apricots which I enjoyed. It wasn't anything special but for the price point and the quickness it was great. The chicken was nice and juicy and grilled perfectly, the focaccia lent a bit of herb and buttery richness to the sandwich that was a complimented the melty brie. The apricots were a nice touch of sweetness that topped it off quite well. It didn't knock me out of the park like the meals I had up in the TC but for a quick, relatively healthy dinner on the patio it worked out perfectly for me. It came with a side of shoestring french fries which I promised myself I would only have a few of but I'm a sucker for shoestring and ended up eating way more than I had planned. Oh well! I REGRET NOTHING! I'm interested to come back and try some more of the beers and and beverages and of course the truffle fries! But so far so good, Jolly Pumpkin!
(4)
Bex G.

Really good nachos and the beer is good.
(3)
Ryan H.

Had the chili tofu sandwich. It was pretty good, would have liked a little more spice, not very spicy as it is. Bread was really tasty. Could be better with some kind of fresh element, like a nice bib lettuce or something. Overall an enjoyable sandwich, and it's nice that it's vegan without having to modify it.
(3)
Adam C.

Pretty nice atmosphere. Looks like your in for a real treat from the outside looking in. But it just didn't wow me. I had the po-boy with the battered fish which was cooked perfectly. It just would have been better as a "fish & chips" entree, not a typical po-boy batter. Though the beer was decent, the service was indeed great.
(3)
Suleman D.

Absolutely horrendous management including by the owner herself. Providing incorrect information about seating and reservations on multiple phone calls and changing the information on later phone calls preventing a large group from a specific organization to be able to host their dinner successfully. The owner apparently is unaware of how her employees are handling incoming requests and is assuming that they are following her instructions regarding reservations. Her response to accommodate their mistake was crude and unprofessional and very much boiler plate.
(1)
Nancy K.

Slowly but surely JP is improving. While I'll never like sours, the food has been getting better and better!
(4)
Jessica S.

I super loved my steak salad here, awesome. If it wasn't $15 I would have tried to take down another one lol. My brother liked his pizza. The menu was kind of minimal, which I normally like but I didn't like enough of the options personally. I only came for the salad though so it worked out. Nice staff, good decor.
(4)
Katherine P.

We stopped in for a quick bite and I was very pleasantly surprised. I really appreciate JP's usage of fresh, local ingredients. I had the Not Just a BLT and - YUM! Definitely one of the best BLTs I've ever had. My friend got the Grilled Romaine with Potato Croutons salad. The potato croutons tasted like a mozzarella stick merged with a potato skin. Pure deliciousness! Since we'd sampled JP beers before, we opted to try their mixed drinks. I can't recall what I had; I don't see it listed on their website. I think it had tangerine juice in it. It was..okay. My friend had the BlackBird. The taste packs a punch at first but it's quite yummy. Our server was attentive and very friendly. All-in-all, I really enjoyed the Jolly Pumpkin.I just wish they had a little bit more of an extensive menu. If you aren't in the mood for a sandwich, salad, or app - you're SOL.
(4)
Liz W.

I have become a bit of a beer fan, a tiptoeing into the water newbie type beer fan but I am working on it. That being said I did not imbibe one here. I was seduced by a mysterious bit of happiness called a Black and Tan, a non-alcoholic (shocker) mix of ginger ale and artisan ginger beer. Yum. Party in my mouth. Ditto on the much recommended truffle fries with their rosemary kick. I am with Kate though that the sauce that comes with is a huge part of my delight with this item. We scoffed them down in a very unladylike fashion. I was already being uber evil food choice wise so I threw caution to the wind and also opted for a BLT. Their Not Just a BLT features applewood smoked bacon, arugula, oven roasted tomatoes, housemade mozzarella and salsa verde on toasted farm bread. It is swoon worthy and I must say their bacon was that happy perfection where it was neither floppy nor burnt. My friend enjoyed her Asian salad but I know she was secretly sad she did not indulge in the bacon feast with me.... I mean seriously eating tofu and veggies while your friend is splurging cannot be fun. I know, I have been there. Sadly it did not dim my delight any, I am awful. Happy stop. I need to return.
(4)
Kevin T.

Been to Jolly Pumpkin a few times. First time was to sample the local Jolly Pumpkin beer of which I had heard raves about. Subsequent times were with others who were there to "sample the beer of which they had heard raves about". Unfortunately, the beer is just not that great. Certainly below calling it "artisan". Better quality beer options elsewhere in Ann Arbor. Haven't tried the food, which I gather is pretty good. But...as the name of the establishment implies, I was there for another try at their beer which fell short.
(3)
Lindsay A.

My husband and I came here from Waterford for his birthday and we were not disappointed. Their beers are fantastic of course and we were able to try some we aren't able to get around here. The pizzas, like other reviewers have said are wonderful. We had the carnivore and the truffle pizzas. Everything had a nice balance of flavors, especially the mushrooms and goat cheese on the truffle pizza. The service at lunch was great and we got free dessert and a $10 coupon for it being his birthday. We will definitely be coming back here. I can't wait to try the rest of both the bar and food menus.
(5)
Ellen P.

We're fans of the Jolly Pumpkin on the Mission Peninsula, so when we visited Ann Arbor recently we thought wed check out the downstate iteration. The menus and ambiance are definitely different -- the Ann Arbor restaurant , which has a more formal dining area downstairs and a more lively bar area upstairs, seems to have an emphasis on dishes with a Continental-bistro feel, like truffle fries, and also has more vegetarian alternatives. We ordered the truffle fries as an appetizer, then tried, respectively, a potato-bacon pizza and a walleye po'boy. The pizza was...okay; I love potatoes in all forms and would perhaps have liked more of them, and less white sauce, on the pizza; and it was also a little skimpy in the bacon department. The walleye po'boy, on the other hand, was outstanding -- the walleye was perfectly fried, crispy but not oily or overbattered, and was topped with just a touch of chow-chow, the venerable end-of-summer mixed vegetable relish that's reminiscent of bread-and-butter pickles but with more textural and color interest. I'd definitely order that again, and hope that both restaurants have it on their menus. Among the beers we sampled with our meal included a smooth, not-too-dessert-y chocolate porter and Bam Noire, a tart ,dark farmhouse style beer that I found interesting but that my dining partners weren't too crazy about. One thing none of us were crazy about was the poor service we experienced on this particular evening -- our waiter was unfriendly and inattentive to the point where I wanted to say, "Look, dude, I know this is probably just a part-time gig to get you through grad school, but please do your job while you're on the job instead of acting like it's an unreasonable and insulting effort to bring us another glass of water." One star for him.
(3)
Kelly J.

Went to Jolly Pumpkin for pizza with my parents, and we all walked out raving about how amazing it was. The Mediterranean pizza is incredible, totally worth the price. The service was great, their mixed drinks were nice, and the outside seating is really beautiful in the summer!
(5)
Kiery W.

Overall just okay food, wasn't particularly impressed with the selection. Liked the truffle fries but were not quite as crisp as I would have liked. Husband liked his burger but my pizza was just okay. The best part about it was the sourdough crust.
(3)
Sylvonna R.

Since my first visit I have had the chance to come back again and actually try the food: WOW! SO good. I had a summer special bbq pork pizza that was amazing. The crust of the pizza is so delicious, and pizza here would be worth trying. For this visit I was able to sit up on the roof deck which has such a nice ambiance. Per usual the staff was very friendly and attentive and even willing to help me make up my mind about which pizza/beer selection I should order (which is always super helpful for someone who cannot make up their mind, like myself). I have to say the Jolly Pumpkin has impressed me both times I've visited and I will definitely be going back for more. This is a great place, I can definitely see it becoming one of my favorites in the downtown area!
(5)
Jessica W.

One of my first days in Ann Arbor, I had the good fortune of lunching at Jolly Pumpkin with some new friends. Having never heard of it, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in; it's not a big space, but it's tastefully designed and has an expansive selection of menu items. I'm a sucker for anything seasonal/local/sustainable, so I appreciated that they also value such things. The smashed chickpea panini ($9) was astoundingly filling. And tasty -- can't forget that. Our waiter was a bit busy, but he had a great attitude and didn't scorn us for making him split the check four ways. My only regret: Why did I not try the beer?! It wasn't that early in the day! Alas, I'll just have to return then, won't I?
(4)
Rachael F.

If you come here, do not get a salad. I say that not because the salads are bad (in fact they're really great), but because you would be missing out on the unbelievable other options that it has to offer. The first time I came here I got the smoked tofu salad, which was really original but pretty small, and I had major food jealousy when I looked around the table and saw the awesome looking sandwiches and pizza that my friends had ordered. Finally, I made it back for a round 2, and my friend and I split the Red Chile Tofu Panini and the Smashed Chick Pea Panini. My experience was enormously better the second time around - I would 100% recommend either of these choices. The truffle fries (even though I'm not a huuuuge truffle fan) are incredible to split. Also, you can't make a trip here without checking out the beer selection. They let you get pitchers, so the price really isn't that bad. Also, always fun to go when it gets close to Halloween season!
(4)
Dirk E.

Terrible service is the main feature of this Main St. venue. Starting with the sour looks from the hosting staff and continuing with the indifferent plate thumping, diner ignoring, completely clueless, wait staff. Relax at the end of your day not with a beer but by wrangling with rude, untrained hostess and the tangle of seating issues at Jolly Pumpkin. The hostess is prepared to make getting a seat a chore applying a variety of ridiculous rules to waiting in the various seating areas - downstairs, upstairs, outside. Don't bother to try reasoning with them, multiple empty tables is no reason to accommodate a potential patron. When it comes to wait staff for the most part the same sort of indifference to service applies. Have you waited 15 mins for your waiter to show up? No problem, that saves him/her a bit of time as he can greet you and take your drink and dinner order all at once then not return until its time for the check. Just a gripe from a one time patron? Nope. This place is across from my office and these sort of experiences happen all the time, in fact I was a previous member of their frequent diner program. Friends ask to join there so I have been back more than I care to remember. The terrible service issues are chronic, not one off, and they are getting worse as the restaurant ages.
(1)
Mark S.

When I want never fail beer, this is my bar! When I get in it's straight upstairs. the servers are great and quick with the samples. the only hard part is only choosing 2 or 3 to to start off with. The atmosphere is just what I like "were here for the beer" and the food ain't half bad eIther. I highly recommend the Fire and Smoke pizza oh soo good.
(5)
Jeremy K.

I loved the Jolly Pumpkin in Traverse City, so I scheduled a Friday evening at the Ann Arbor location for a party of 8 on my birthday. Attempted to make a reservation 2 weeks out and was unable to make one for after 6. Hostess on phone indicated we could wait upstairs until our party arrived. Arrived at six with 2 of our 8, tried to put name in and wait upstairs. Was not permitted to get on waiting list until 5 of 8 members arrived. Asked if exception could be made, as we had called prior, brusquely told no. Went to wait upstairs on rooftop, that was not permitted though space was available. Noise upstairs way too loud. Revised plans and went to Melange across the street. Great decision! I love the beers, but this place lacked service. Badly.
(1)
C T.

A friend of mine went here on a Friday night for dinner and drinks. The food was great, the drinks were wonderful, but the environment was the best. But what impressed me the most is even on a Friday night when my friend and I wanted to sit down and catch up we took a table for five hours, not once did we feel pressured by the waitstaff to clear the table out for someone else. It was a very busy place and nearly all the tables and bar seats were taken. But we were able to enjoy our time without the pressure to leave. I appreciate an establishment that can let the guests have their own experience but be available if needed. I will definitely return!
(5)
Janelle R.

I went here for the first time last night with my parents - sort of amazingly that it was the first time since I grew up in Ann Arbor and have been back numerous times since Jolly Pumpkin opened. But anyway I digress. They had me at "beer selection." It's great. I had the diabolical IPA on draft which was awesome, and embarrassingly my parents and I all ordered the same thing - the steak salad - but it was so good we didn't care. Good service and atmosphere too. One warning: it does get pretty loud in there so if you're looking for a quiet night out this might not be your place. There is a young crowd there. We were there on a Friday night and had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated, but it was worth the wait. As we were waiting, servers passed by with tray-fulls of plates and everything looked beautiful.
(4)
Golnaz P.

My friend brought me here because she heard great things about this place. There was a wait, so we decide to wait at a bar. The drink menu is huge and it took me a while to decide on a drink. I finally ordered the seasonal pumpkin beer with a hint of chocolate. I didn't really taste the pumpkin or beer, but it was good. For dinner I settled on the grilled salad with chicken. There were pieces of backed cheese and dried figs in there, all topped with this creamy garlic dressing. It was delicious! The were very generous with the chicken too. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy and fun atmosphere for a great meal.
(4)
Artime M.

Quaint little bar with delicious but simple food.
(5)
Blair R.

Visited Jolly Pumpkin with the gals for a birthday brunch. The restaurant is def more of a lunch/dinner/drink destination than brunch destination, but we still enjoyed the experience. My only complaint was that the food took a pretty long time to come out for a relatively empty restaurant. Luckily, I was happy to leisurely chat and catch up with my friends. I ordered two eggs which came with potatoes and dressed greens. It was good but the potatoes could have used some more seasoning. I also had a side order of toast which came with some yummy jam. The other ladies at the table sampled the breakfast pizza, cobb salad, chickpea sandwich and steak salad. Everyone seemed pretty happy with their choice. At the end of the meal they brought our friend a free b-day dessert. I didn't love it but did love the thought! They also gave her a coupon for her next visit. I will for sure be returning for dinner and drinks but will probs go somewhere more brunchy when I am craving eggs.
(4)
JT M.

I've recently moved to Ann Arbor and apparently this was one of the first places I "just had to go to". So I did. It did not disappoint. The food is original and tasty. The beer selection is superb. The ambiance is exactly what I want out of a trendy pub/brewery. On top of it all, I was able to take my 2 year old son there and not feel like an outcast. They DO have a great "kids' menu" and accommodated us nicely!
(5)
Jennifer E.

I have mixed feelings about this place. I wanted to like it, especially after having the truffle fries, which were out of this world yummy. The house mad pickles were also very tasty. The beer was decent (except the spinach beer...oh god, WHY??) but not entirely to my taste. Unfortunately, the sandwiches we ordered were terrible. Both were bland, and my husband couldn't eat any of the bread on his because it was completely stale and hard- and they weren't too concerned when we pointed it out. i don't know if this was bad luck or just bad food. We may try again sometime, if just for the fries.
(3)
Nickie P.

We started with truffle fries, which I could not stop eating, and then I had the JP Burger and it was DELICIOUS! The melted Brie cheese and bacon on top is amazing, and my burger was cooked exactly the way I wanted it. JP has great brews, too. I love the Bam Biere. You gotta get it when you're there, because everywhere else that carries it has a huge markup! The only thing that I've gotten their and didn't really like was their pizza. It was nothing special, I will just stick with the fantastic burger!
(4)
Emily S.

This place is great! The food and drinks are great...but even more so the service is awesome. I have actually ended up here twice recently in a short amount of time, and both times I have been very impressed. The group I was with had numerous dietary restrictions (food allergies) and the servers we had were incredibly helpful and accommodating. The gluten free options are great and it's very nice to have servers who don't make you feel bad for asking a billion questions about the menus/potential allergens. Everything I tasted (burger, butchers plate, nachos, beer, cider) was delicious. I will definitely go back!
(5)
Porter R.

Started dinner with olives and chicken nacho appetizers. Nachos were tasty, but the olives were extremely salty. A friend got a side salad that was drown in dressing. However the quinoa salad I got was very good as well as the pizza. Friend also got the tofu sandwich with kimchi on it. She complained it was very salty and hardly finished half of it. I attempted to eat the other half, but the kimchi was extremely salty. I am not one to complain about salty foods, as most dishes in restaurants have high sodium content, but the kimchi turned my tongue to sandpaper. It was very unpleasant. I was even awoken multiple times during the night due to dry mouth. Even after drinking several glasses of water the sensation kept returning. The beers at Jolly Pumpkin were alright. I had the amber ale and it was decent, but nothing to write home about. Sour beers do not appeal to me so I probably will not return to this brewery in the future. Lastly, our waiter seemed to be very shy and difficult to get the attention of. This was especially critical with the saltiness of the food items and our need for full water cups.
(2)
Eddies R.

Have to start with the phenomenal line up of beers. Sober Humana is an untouchable collaboration with Kona brewing of Hawaii which uses local Michigan cherries to create a mouthwatering session brew. Madruga Obscura is an imperial stout...not for the untrained palette, but a reward to those who love flavor. Oro de calabaza...can't give this high enough praise. No wonder it's sought after worldwide!!! On to the food and service. Our bartender was great! Offered samples to assist in identifying the proper flavor for each of us, and suggestions based on a few simple questions, helping to steal me in the direction of the hoppier of two IPA's. Although we only had an app- nachos, and a sandwich- Red Chili Tofu, both were amazing. The nacho chips seemed house-made as they were thick fried chips that did not succumb to the intensity of their toppings. The black beans and avocados were fresh while the artisan cheeses were perfectly portioned to smother the chips. And the flavor of that red chile marinated chicken prevented the need for sour cream. Certainly a dining feat. On to the best vegetarian sandwich I've had, albeit I'm not a vegetarian. Once again the marinade was phenomenal rendering my tofu as top notch soy! Between that and the house-made Kimchi, it made me want to give up meat...ok, only for a couple hours. This is a must do stop for lunch on any visit to Ann arbor.
(5)
Kelly S.

Visions of truffle fries dance in my head
(5)
Keith A.

Simply put, there was absolutely zero way that I was coming to ann arbor and not visiting jolly pumpkin at least once (well, multiple times). I'm a big sour beer freak and jolly pumpkin is one of my favorites in that category. While it may not be cascade or one of the various wonderful belgian sours, it most definitely has it's own place in the talking category of quality sours. So, I naturally made it a point to visit here and visit I did. I came here early in the afternoon with a friend and while there were plenty of tables open, all of the seats at the bar were taken. Duly noted and that's something that is always good to see. A table was prepped for us and before we could order a beer at the bar, we were sitting down. Our waiter was on point and was great at handing out suggestions after I naturally got a bam. I was warned that the beer would be sour, but that's far from a biggie to me (lets just say that for me, the more sour the better). I could tell that this batch on tap was pretty young as it wasn't on the full funky side. I won't go into all of the technical stuff, but I personally like it more funky. Still, it's the classic bam and there is nothing wrong with that in the slightest. This is where it got good though, the waiter could tell my friend and I wanted something else and I was desperately hoping that the biere de mars was still there. No luck, but he quickly rec'd the La Parcela Pumpkin ale. Even better, it was last year's batch and we were able to get to it before it was declared a vintage batch, and thus much more expensive (this was $15, which is pretty much what it would be at retail). Enough about the beer for now. While my friend and I were here mostly for the beer, I did have to at least order some food. I decided on grabbing some truffle fries. It was nice that they offered us ketchup, but there was no way I was going to destroy the beauty of truffles with such a condiment. The aioli they had for it was more than perfect. I'm a jolly pumpkin fan, so yea, there is some bias. But, these are unique beers and if one considers themselves a beer fan, then they need to both try these beers and visit here if they get the chance.
(4)
Ashley G.

Got the JP burger as many others on Yelp have recommended and I was not disappointed! The atmosphere was great and the staff were very informative and prompt. If you have the opportunity to sit outside on their rooftop deck, do it!!
(5)
mariah c.

Ok, although I still would (and do) recommend this place, I have to say that now that they've been open for a spell, the quality control on the food is not as tight as it was in the beginning. While the tofu sandwich is still usually pretty reliable, I've gotten it a few times when the tofu didn't seem to be marinated enough to have the red chili flavor, or when there was just far too much kimchi and you couldn't taste much else. The grilled romaine salad is tasty, but served awkwardly. My advice on this entree salad is to ask for your dressing on the side, because otherwise, you *may* end up with a soup-ish consistency. I say *may*, though, because I've had friends get it and have the dressing seem to be just fine. The beer, however, is the star, and it's still great. The rooftop deck is fantastic, service is still friendly without being pushy, and the food is on-target 85% of the time. I just wish they could get the consistency on food down a little more, and I'd be there even more often.
(4)
Robinson S.

Jolly pumpkin is a great place with great food and decent beer. I give it three stars because of their incompetency to place reservations. I recently went with my friends and we had placed a reservation. Upon arrival our name wasn't on the list. Really upsetting and frustrating. They should have a better system that let's ppl now that their reservation is confirmed. If they are not busy, it works really well. So make sure ur reservation is confirmed (ask them to send u an email or something) to avoid this from happening. And to those working there in charge of this... Take the appropriate steps to improve this system.
(3)
Rachel D.

My fiancÃ© and I were in town for the afternoon and decided to peruse Yelp to find a good place for dinner. The other reviewers don't lie- this place is pretty good! We started with the farmers fritto. The vegetable was zucchini. The tempura batter was a little soggy, but the taste and the dipping sauce made up for it. I ordered the chicken and brie sandwich was pretty good. The side salad that came with it with fresh mixed greens, cucumber and cherry tomatoes didn't disappoint either! My fiancÃ© ordered off the seasonal menu and got a wild mushroom pasta. He said it had a ton of flavor and that he's glad he ordered it. I'm not a mushroom fan, but I tried it and liked it all right. The portions are pretty large. Maybe it's because we ordered an appetizer but we definitely both have enough left over for a good evening snack tonight or lunch tomorrow with a side salad or veggies. Unfortunately we were driving so we were unable to try their beers, but we'll probably come back at some point to test them out!! I should also mention that we had great service. Our server was friendly and attentive!
(4)
Ryan B.

Yes, 5 stars to the highly anticipated local ingredient pizzas, truffle fries, & good times. After many raving reviews, and being added to my bucket list, I finally made it to this fantastic establishment. First, it's such a cool vibe inside (especially after the sun goes down). Warm woods, golden lights, and cooking utensils hanging from the chandeliers. Then there's the food. Many have told me to get the truffle fries and the pizza, so I had to do both. Truffle fries: get better with every bite. Definitely something to split between a table of 3 or 4. I split it with 2, ended up eating half, and we both couldn't finish our main courses. Fire and Smoke Pizza: I love chicken pizzas w/ BBQ sauce, but I usually rely on pineapple to sweeten it up. This had no pineapple, and was so irresistible that I thought about it all evening and had to finish the leftovers before going to bed. Definitely a new favorite spot in town, and I will be back to devour more oer'dourves and work my way through the menu.
(5)
Rachel S.

I heard a lot of hype about this place and was sadly underwhelmed. I ordered the chicken and Brie sandwich and it was very bland. The truffle fries were really not all that great. Actually I would have preferred just plain ones after having tried them. Also I did not care for the basil dressing in my salad at all. Was very optimistic about this place and sad it did not become a new favorite!
(2)
Diane T.

Ughhhh their truffle fries are DELICIOUS. They have upper deck outdoor seating that is just beautiful in the summertime. I enjoyed my get together with a couple of friends the food was a great supplement. I'd like to go back and check out their selection of drinks/beer and of course get more truffle fries!
(4)
Dee W.

Inventive. Creative. Surprising. Tried the Grilled Romaine Salad the first time I visited and became a huge fan. Nachos are worth finding a parking place downtown to indulge in. Liked all the pizzas I've tried, especially the brunch egg pizza on Sundays only. Excellent hamburgers. In the summer, order the Limeade with Basil. I usually go non-alcoholic but you can add a spirit shot for a kick. I taken many out of town visitors here, with mixed reviews. The menu may be too non traditional for the less adventurous. But I love it. Not really a beer affectionado but have enjoyed the brews I've sampled. Bright flavors and original taste, just like the food.
(5)
James L.

Comfortable, nice, and food was good. Typical bar/restaurant. I'd go back if I'm ever in the area again.
(3)
Sandy D.

I love Micro brews! This is the place for some of the best! Burgers are the best, and pizza is a must!:0)
(5)
Michael S.

Truffle fries are my favorite! This place is good for relaxing and having a beer. The rooftop deck is pretty awesome in the summertime. Service is always good.
(5)
Cristina P.

Pretty good. Had chicken with brie. It was very rich but good. We ordered 2 large bottles of beer which totaled 30 dollars. Way way too expensive.
(3)
Claire H.

Our favorite Ann Arbor restaurant! Amazing beer, delicious truffle fries, burgers (lamb and beef), blt, and flat bread pizzas. We love that they use all local ingredients. The food is well worth the wait!
(5)
Christina W.

I was visiting Ann Arbor and my friends highly recommended this place for good local beers and delicious food. They mostly serve dark beers and IPAs, which I'm not the biggest fan of since I prefer light wheat beer...wish they had a bigger variety. The food was really good. We shared a margarita pizza and the mozzarella cheese was excellent! We also had a quinoa salad which had a great combination of flavors. The ambiance is great for groups. They have a decent sized back seating area which can fit big groups comfortably. Great place overall!
(3)
Kari A. F.

Awesome food- truffles fries were awesome infused with rosemary. A bit rich tho with the aioli. Quinoa salad w shaved veggies was superb!! And our server Kasey was extremely attentive and fast. We will def return.
(4)
Nicole L.

One of my very favorite downtown spots - especially the upstairs bar and rooftop deck. Their pizzas are always amazing (though I miss the Mediterranean one) - and the new Garden pizza with season produce is excellent. Brunch is also delicious, and their spicy Bloody Mary is one of my favorites in town. (Definitely try their craft cocktails!)
(5)
Steven B.

Service was fine. The menu is small though. Order a carnivores pizza. It was very good. The crust was made of sour bread dough, so it was on the thinner side which I liked. Beer selection is descent. In a good part of Ann Arbor to walk around and enjoy the sites.
(4)
Natasha P.

Wierd! I'm pretty sure I had already written my review of the Jolly Pumpkin, maybe I dreamed about writing it? Either way, we went here a while back so my memory is a little fuzzy. We were a big table (9 people), and we all had dinner and drinks. I had an hard apple cider which was ok; a little too dry for my liking. And I think I had the brie sandwich. It was tasty, but the not wow. My husband had ordered a burger (the JP Burger, I think) which was very ok. There was no mayonnaise or sauce or anything in it rendering it a little dry. We had also ordered some nachos, which had very little topping on it, we ended up eating a lot of plain nachos and I know the only menu says chicken nachos, but I don't ever remember any chicken on it. All in all, a great place to catch up with friends, and the food was decent; not bad, not great. I would give the Jolly Pumpkin 3 1/2 stars.
(4)
Krunal D.

Full disclosure: I am here a LOT, probably 2-3 times a month. The beer is amazing and in my opinion the best in town, the food is wonderful and uses quite a bit of locally-sourced ingredients (if you're into that sort of thing), and the staff is amazing. I have gotten to known many of the staffers/managers there, and they are always willing to take a few minutes to chat with you about the beer they brew, the food they serve and whatever game's on the TV. Food-wise, I tend to stick to their sandwiches or pizzas. I feel these two sub-menus are some of the most reasonably priced dishes on Main Street for the quality of food you get. The entrees are a bit much for my taste; I did order the duck when I had a coupon and while it was excellent, I don't think I would pay the list price for it again. But with their BLT or Brie Chicken sandwiches, I will order them over and over and pair them with something on tap. My only beer complaint is their inability to keep some of their best beers (in my opinion of course) on tap for seemingly longer than a week or so.
(5)
Brian B.

Drove to Jolly Pumpkin from valparaiso Indiana and was worth the 3 hour drive! This is one of my favorite breweries. All their beers are outstanding and the food matches it perfectly! I definitely want to come back
(5)
Mitch A.

We loved our pizzas and the service was good, we would return! While very cold at our table I think that was a random situation. My potato pizza was unique and hot, loved the rosemary!
(4)
K D.

I had heard about this place for several years and finally was dragged there by a coworker to try the famous burgers and truffle fries. Since it was a mid-workday lunch I opted for no alcohol so didn't have a chance to try their brews. Service was ok, waitress was friendly enough but took a tad longer than needed to get the fries as appetizers. they are definitely good, crispy and well seasoned. Worth the reviews. My coworkers got pizzas which looked good, almost a Neapolitan style and an individual portion size. Another coworker got the poboy and the last one got the JP Burger. The sandwiches looked good, but flavor I'm told was decent. I opted for the lamb burger served with a fried egg on top with a side salad. The burger was a little heavy and dry (which I can expect from lamb if not done right). The bun itself is probably a little heavier than I prefer and overall flavor was light. Overall OK. Atmosphere though is nice and comfortable bar style.
(3)
Richard R.

The roof is tough to beat in the warm months. I've had a few decent meals here, but there are generally a few better options in the area that do certain things better (if that's beer or food or cocktails). That roof though ... worth it.
(3)
Catie F.

Let me start by breaking it down - I'd give the food and the ambience a 4. The food maybe even a little better than that. But the service (at least on my first experience) was a two at best. The good: -Patio seating out front, upstairs and downstairs bar and tables, comfortable and inviting. Great rooftop seating as well (this is where we sat). -The beer list is long and interesting. Lots of seasonal specials and a really great selection even for someone like me who doesn't love beer. I was able to find a tart draught that I loved! -The food... Dinner menu is also pretty varied and very interesting. I love that they value vegetables and have some great looking veggie options, as well as incorporating them into their other dishes. We tried the red chicken nachos which were well prepared and delicious, clearly as "home-made" as nachos could be, with quality ingredients. I had a special - buckwheat gnocchi - which was DELICIOUS and filled with different colored tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and greens. Everything else on the table looked good as well. I also appreciate that you can get a salad with your sandwich instead of fries as a built-in option. Dessert - we were offered for free (due to service, which will follow) which was a pumpkin "whoopie pie" with ice cream. Being from NE I know what a whoopie pie is... and this wasn't one, but it was good. I also had tepid decaf coffee with it (probably again a function of the service). The bad: SERVICE Greeting on walking in was fine, and we were directed upstairs. Hosts/hostesses seemed helpful and actually I must say the bussers were great too. Our waitress took forever to greet us, took more than 15 minutes to bring us a drink and then apparently forgot to put in our order because all of the tables around us were two courses in before she even came over to tell us that "there was a computer error and the kitchen was working on our food now." The appetizer was dropped off by a food runner and we were not offered plates, napkins or anything like that... and the waitress NEVER came back to check on us the whole time it was on the table. Which was a long time, since dinner took forever to come. When dinner came, my side salad was missing and I informed the food runner. I never saw it, the waitress never checked on our meals and that was that. We were sort of offered dessert as an apology (we hadn't even said anything, but I think it was clear how badly things were going) though our waitress clearly wasn't happy that we wanted it - she said "if you guys are too rushed to have it, that's okay too." Then after taking my credit card for the bill, returned about 10min later informing me that "good news, the computers are running and we can charge your card... but I dropped it on the floor and I'm not sure if this is the right one." Um... what? I'll be back to try more dishes on the menu and more of the beers, but I'm really hoping for a different service experience next time.
(3)
Cherry H.

Was treated to lunch here today. I ordered the lamb burger, my date got the JP burger, and we both opted for the side salad instead of fries. Burgers were plenty filling and quite tasty. The side salad had a great flavored dressing on it. Hope I'll be in the area again soon so I can try some of the other interesting menu options. I had my eye on a chicken sandwich with apricot brie before settling on the lamb burger.
(4)
Stephanie B.

Super unique food that is definitely worth the price. My favorite is the chicken sandwich with Brie cheese and apricot jam. Not something I'd naturally put together, but an incredible taste. The truffle fries and beer selection are both great. Wonderful ambience as well.
(5)
Rachel F.

I came here to meet friends, and read the rave reviews on the truffle fries. I walked into an overpromise and underdeliver situation. Not bad, but my taste buds were searching for more flavor. JP could learn a thing or two from Umami Burger's truffle fries.
(3)
Hari M.

We had a courteous receptionist and a friendly waitress and a great selection of beers. Food - they have some specials and regular pizzas and and sandwiches. Did not try food. But will try when I back here again. Awesome ambience and overall friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Ryan T.

"Sour beer?" I say to the waitress. Yup that's their gig. They're a really awesome place. I'm not sure that I can hang with all the sourness of their craft-artisan-local-small-batch-hand-brew-Âwhatchamacallit but this is a place I have taken just about everyone who's made the pilgrimage to A2 to pay me a visit. First off, the staff here is very friendly and will gladly let you try any of their beers on tap. The Bam Biere is touted by Men's Journal as one of the best 24 beers or some nonsense. The Bam Biere IS amazing. Admittedly one of their less sour beers so it's a bit against the grain with their whole M.O. but I digress... Food here isn't why I'd come here but if we're gonna call Jolly Pumpkin a bar, this is the best bar food around town. Their truffle fries are always a big hit! My only gripe here is that their happy hour is only 1 buck off beers if you're sitting at the bar. The last waitress we had said they're working on revamping that.
(5)
Athreya R.

The food was average here...just average. Nothing special but not completely inedible. I wish this place was a bit more simple but they seem to complicate good wholesome food with all kinds of organic this and free range that but I feel like it could be a simple pub and still do well. Overall, 3/5 for being average.
(3)
Jennifer H.

Well I just showed up to join my friends and apparently the staff has been very rude about adding people to our table, so we are leaving and I didn't even get to try it out. When we asked for our checks they seemed relieved, Way to go for customer service.
(1)
Sean L.

Awesome food. Award winning beer. My only knock on the place is that their signature brewing yeast tends to give all their beers the same sour undertone. That said, my family loves it. If the weather is nice, be sure to sit in the rooftop deck area.
(5)
Jenna L.

The pizza alone warrants four stars. I've only been here once, but I would love to go back. There is typically a long wait on weekends for dinner. It seems to be well deserved, their pizzas are served on deliciously soft, supple light hued bread. The bread tastes like a cloud with seasoning. The cheese is melted in a subtle, calculated way for maximum enjoyment, not too much, not too little. You can choose from a list of pizzas with sets of toppings, I had something with spinach and truffle oil on it. The flavors meshed well, you can tell the pizzas are thought-out with finesse. Portion size is good too, each pizza has 6 large slices. The jolly also has a selection of good drinks, the martini I had was decent tasting though could have been stronger, not that memorable. We barely saw our server though it was efficient enough I suppose... Pizza was just as delicious a day later as leftovers, and just as tender. No refrigeration or microwaving required.
(4)
Amy B.

I'm going to start off my review with a caveat. Like most relationship issues, the problems that Jolly Pumpkin and I have are both of our faults. My fault: I'm not really that into Belgian beer. I have this mental image of myself as someone with a refined palate, but when it comes down to it, I know I don't really appreciate this particular style of beer. Jolly Pumpkin excels at Belgian beers. It's their specialty, and Belgians comprise the bulk of the draft beer list. I don't really like the beer that much here, but I have to claim the blame for this one. Their fault: The food is very inconsistent. Sometimes, it's awesome. I've had their margharita pizza and been blown away by its simple deliciousness; ditto the fire and smoke pizza. Othertimes, it's kinda bad. I've had that same fire and smoke pizza and been blown away by its simple craptitude. And some of their food doesn't work for other reasons. The smashed chickpea sandwich I ate last night tasted pretty good but fell apart all over my plate, and the eggplant inside was hard to bite through. What a mess. Also their fault: Change the dang light fixtures. Yes, they look cool, but I am SO TIRED of banging my head on them. I'm not even that tall. Our waitress banged her head on one while taking our order! They've got to be raised before someone puts an eye out. If you, unlike me, are a fan of Belgian beers, I do recommend trying Jolly Pumpkin. Their staff appears knowledgeable about their offerings and eager to provide feedback. I also admire that they have many creative vegetarian options throughout the menu. As for me, Jolly Pumpkin and I have decided to break up on friendly terms. If we run into each other again, we'll behave like grown ups and share a (not so) tasty beer.
(2)
Kellie W.

This is more like a 3.5. Sometimes when I'm freezing, walking home from work in the frigid snow I daydream about a summer evening where I'm on the roof of Jolly Pumpkin or Palio and it's hot and I'm sipping a delicious beer (Diabolical, please). Then I'm brought back to the cold reality of winter as I slip on the ice. Jolly Pumpkin's food is pretty good, my top choices are the cobb salad, the pacific pizza (tangy!) and, a friend introduced me to these earlier this week, the truffle fries- YUM. I wouldn't classify the food as amazing, but it issss good. You can tell they use high quality ingredients. I like that the place has artisan pizzas, but that there are plenty of other choices too. It's a good group spot. The JP beer is sour, which really isn't my thing, but I like the North Peak (sister brewery) brews they serve. And even though I'm not a sour beer drinker, I like that JP owns their brews and has a distinct edge. The decor is nice and, in the summer, the deck is awesome- it's their gem. The service is OK. Aside from the pizzas, I think the prices are a tad high.
(3)
Bryan B.

This burger is at the top of the list for Ann Arbor burgers. I already ate and my mouth is watering just thinking about the potential of eating this burger again. It's not low-calorie, it's downright disturbing if you think about how many steps it would take to burn this off, so don't think about it. Just eat it, perhaps take a picture of it and make it your new facebook profile picture, then sit back and take a full belly nap. It's good.
(5)
Linda S.

This has become one of our favorite spots in Ann Arbor. I love, love, love the chicken nachos with the freshly made chips to order. The beer is so interesting and delishiously sour, it is addictive. My favorite is the Roja. I also like the Popeye pizza with just the right amount of toppings and cheese-it is yummy! The service is generally good and the staff is very helpful when asked to assist in making menu choices, for both food and beer. Wednesday sandwich night is great too-lots of new interesting choices every Wednesday.
(4)
Joss K.

On a recent frigid Sunday, my dining partner and I elected to test out the brunch service at the Jolly Pumpkin on Main Street. I have long been a big fan of their grilled romaine salad with chicken--on the regular menu--but was eventually swayed to the brunch menu's offerings; this was, after all, our goal. I decided on the daily special omelette--surely won over by the piquillo peppers and homemade mozzarella it was purportedly packed with--and I was not disappointed in the least. I will say, however, that it was, well, an omelette, the likes of which I can make in my own kitchen. This is neither good, nor bad, but simply is. My dining comrade, on the other hand, chose the unfortunately-named "eggs on cheesy bread"--which turned out to be incredible. Thick slices of grilled baguette topped with perfectly sautÃ©ed Brussels sprouts, fried eggs, and cheese rounded out a noteworthy plate of creative-yet-comforting fare. And I don't even like Brussels sprouts. The service was charming, efficient, and the coffee hot enough to warm one through and through, if not the richest cup in town. The Jolly Pumpkin has been a long-standing favorite of mine and of many, and their newish brunch service is a welcome addition to downtown's offerings--particularly because it's available on Saturdays, which in and of itself is more than most dinner establishments can boast. They may not be the most elaborate place in town, but what they attempt to do, they do very well. When not brunching, who doesn't appreciate a place that offers diners at the same table a lovely full dinner or just a sandwich? There is function in flexibility, and thusly I'm a fan.
(4)
Jeff R.

Even if you can't (or aren't inclined) to drink more than one sour ale at a sitting, the Jolly Pumpkin delivers both diverse beer (all sours) and an interesting food menu. Highly recommended for this type of restaurant/brew pub.
(5)
Fred H.

Amazing food. Had the lamb burger and truffle fries. Beers aren't as impressive, had the parcela (seasonal) and bro de calabaza.
(4)
Laura C.

let's update this baby since I have been there twice in the past week :) oops. their rooftop patio isn't extremely beautiful, but it's cool to be up high and outside, right? yep! they also have a new cider-- North Peak-- since I last wrote. YUM! JP is one of the busiest spots in town, and when you try their food (burger. fries. awesomeness!) and their beers, you'll see why!
(5)
Michelle W.

I went here with a good friend for dinner on a busy Friday night. I really enjoy the atmosphere here & the place was PACKED! We had to wait a few for a table, but grabbed a beer at the bar (they let you sample first so you won't get stuck with something you hate). I got the porter, I'm a dark beer kind of girl & this was pretty good. I like that they have TONS of veggie options on the menu!! After a difficult battle, I decided on the chickpea sandwich, which was delicious! It had a little bit of something in it that was tangy & gave it a nice kick. I would love to come back and sample some more of their menu next time I'm back in town. The veggies were all fresh & had flavor (Yay! amazing for winter time!). To sum it up: YAYAY a veggie friendly food place with yummy beer!
(4)
Jennifer S.

This place is great! I love it because it's a place for burgers and sandwiches and salads but with a twist. It's a little more upscale but definitely not fancy. There's a huge beer menu that my husband and his friend enjoyed the heck out of. I'm not a big beer drinker so I can't speak to the beer menu too much, but for people like me there was also an extensive cocktail menu. I actually didn't try a cocktail but they looked amazing, and I will definitely try one next time. As for food I got the chicken and brie sandwich which had an apricot jam on it, and it was sooooo mouth wateringly good. I literally dream about it, and can't wait to go back and get another one! I got a side salad with my sandwich with the house vinaigrette and that was also very good. Also, instead of a pickle with the sandwiches you get a picked zucchini which was actually very good. I'm not a zucchini fan, but I really liked the picked one with the sandwich! We had our two year old son with us and he was able to get a little fruit cup because all he wanted was fruit and french fries...the fries are also adult friendly and DELICIOUS. This place is a chain and we actually live closer to the Dexter location so we will definitely be hitting that one up next. I have nothing bad to say about it!
(5)
Beck E.

Okay, first order of business: TRUFFLE FRIES. For $5, this is an appetizer worth trying at least once and sharing with your friends. Even my boyfriend, whose tastebuds can only distinguish between two flavors ("good" and "not good"), could tell that these fries tasted different/non-standard (but still fell under "good" for him). I had the smashed chickpea panini with the house salad. The pickled zucchini spear I could have done without (it was weird), but half the sandwich, the salad, and 1/4 of the fries filled me up for the rest of the night. (Unfortunately, I did not get to try any of the beers, as I'm not allowed to drink for at least a week after a series of poor decisions these past few days...) Our waiter was friendly and very accommodating, which I'm really not accustomed to after being snubbed by all the waitstaff at ABC and Grizzly Peak for the last 4.5 years! Two in my party wanted a sampler but could not think of any particular beers and asked the waiter to surprise him--and he happily obliged. The decor in the back room was really strange though, and I have to knock a star off my rating for that. Besides the walls being cluttered with photos of people whose relation to the restaurant is unclear, there are shrunken voodoo heads hanging from the ceiling! Yes, they're fake, but GROSS! I wish I'd never looked up.
(4)
Meagan R.

Some of the best beer I've ever had, but the food was terrible. Not only was there not much of it, but it was overpriced and not very good. But the beer, go for the beer!
(3)
Katie Y.

I have always enjoyed coming here- great food, incredibly friendly employees, and a fantastic choice of beers. Try the chickpea "fries"- so delicious!
(4)
Martha R.

I went w/ my dad for a little lunch the other day, and was excited to try this place out after a visit a while back to the brewery for a little tour. The pizza was a bit under-cooked, so it was a pretty weak crust. I did like the flavor of the truffle pizza - but the sauce was so runny that it caused the crust to almost completely disappear (i.e., it was so mushy you couldn't tell it was there). The pork "rueben" was just okay as it was lacking flavor. The atmosphere is relaxing and inviting... and the beer was quite delicious. I had the straight-up IPA (forgot the name - not high alcohol, not pumpkin-flavored), which was quite tasty. Our waiter was hardly to be found though (not sure why since it wasn't really that busy)... which caused us not to bother with a second beer. I really wanted to love this place a little more. With a little work on the food and service, I think that it could definitely lure me in more often. I'm happy to try something different next time though... maybe the truffle pizza and pork rueben aren't the way to go.
(3)
Sarah K.

Awesome beers and tasty food. Definitely recommend the truffle pizza. Even on a football weekend, everything went smoothly with a minimal wait time for a table. Service was excellent.
(5)
Colleen M.

We visited the pub while on vacation in Michigan. The food was very good. It seemed a little pricey but that may be the norm for downtown Ann Arbor. My mushroom, goat cheese and truffle oil pizza was amazing. We had the hummus starter - 3 varieties - and they were all very tasty. While the food was good, I was surprised to find that they were out of many of their beers. I tried an ale which, while not my first choice (they were out), was very good. So bottom line - good food but disappointing that they were out of their main attraction - artisan ales.
(3)
Kelly E.

Best brewery pub in 2A. I love that their beers are sour - it's such a nice change from the traditional lager, porter, ale routine. You can order a large bottle for 2 or 3 people (especially if you're not sure if you like sour beer). The food is delicious. The ingredients are locally sourced. I happen to be very into the locally-sourced model but, even if you're not hippy-go-lucky like me, the local food tastes freshier and more crisp. I promise. My only complaint is that they run out of certain beers on tap really quickly. But that's the curse of small batch; there is only so much to go around!
(5)
Peter T.

Do this: order a Bam Biere, order a Red Chile Tofu sandwich (upgrade fries to truffle), and order a bowl of warm olives if you have a friend to share them with. You're welcome, Pete
(5)
Satya C.

My favorite place in AA for great beer and food. The truffle fries are to die for!
(4)
Melissah L.

I was surprised by this restaurant because I am not particularly fond of the other restaurants owned by this management company (Cafe Habana, Blue Tractor and Grizzly Peak Brewing Company). Jolly Pumpkin has a similar atmosphere to it's sister restaurants-- casual, but comfortable, and little bit trendy. The food here is different, they serve mostly pizza, sandwiches and salads, but every dish is made more interesting with unique ingredients to make creative combinations. For example, I once ordered the Red Chile Tofu sandwich... It was a tofu sandwich with pickled cabbage on bread. What a brilliant combination! It was light and refreshing, but filling at the same time. My favorite thing about this restaurant, however, is that they offer soy mozzarella on all of the pizzas! I am lactose intolerant but I used to eat pizza all the time, and boy do I miss it. I love the Fire and Smoke pizza, but I want to try them all (juuuust because I can). Other great picks are the South Pacific pizza and the truffle fries.
(4)
Mike D.

I've been a fan of Jolly Pumpkin's ale for around eight years now, and have wanted to get over to try their food for a while. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and found it was pretty full. Luckily there was a small table that had just opened up, so the wait was short. The table wasn't great, wedged between a wall and another table with only a foot or two to spare, which resulted in butts in our faces as people squeezed in and out. I had the BLT with salad as the side, and truffle fries to share. The BLT was a hit and miss. The rustic country bread was good and the mozzarella was spot on, but the bacon was very fatty and pretty floppy. It was also laid on heavy and was overpowering enough that I ended up pulling it out by the time I had the second half of the sandwich. The impromptu grilled cheese that resulted worked well. The truffle fries were nicely flavored, a good sized portion, and served with a quite good dipping sauce. I wanted to try the chicken nachos, but didn't want to go overboard. My wife had the Warm Artichoke Sandwich, based on rave reviews seen here. She was less than impressed, stating that it had a lot of different flavors that just did not work well together. She did like the olive bread, but ate half before getting bored and moving on. Overall the food looked good on paper, but fell flat. The service was pretty darn slow, but luckily I was just a lazy Saturday afternoon. I was going to award only two stars, but I will give it three since I imagine that is where it would be if I had some of their great beer to go with the food. I'll probably stop in again to try some of the other offerings in the future.
(3)
Robyn T.

I remember trying Jolly Pumpkin beer at a tasting in Frankenmuth and not really liking it. I gave it another shot since I had tasted about 15 other beers that night as well. Hmm, I think I can honestly say I'm not a fan. The hubs and I went and I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. The perfectly lit room with the earthtone walls and dark wood is just my style of place. We settled upstairs in a very crowded and noisy room. That doesn't bother me but if you don't like noise and chaos, stick with the bottom floor. The hubs ordered a La Roja and I ordered a Calabaza Blanca. Be prepared, it's a wine bottle sized bottle of beer so you better like it! Unfortunately, hubs REALLY didn't like his and said it tasted like red wine and not beer. We were out $14 for a beer he only had a sip of. My beer was ok, but didn't knock me off my feet. I ordered the chicken & brie sandwich and hubs ordered a carnivores pizza. Both were fantastic! The chicken and brie made a wonderful couple. There's also an apricot spread which compliments the other ingredients perfectly. I know it kind of defeats the purpose, but I would come back for the food and order a soda.
(3)
Hymae W.

I have been here a couple times and they are always busy. Which is what i always expect for anything good in Ann Arbor. The most recent time i went it was just for drinks with a group of friends. We found a table upstairs (its first come first serve up their). We started with a flight of beers which were all excellent and it was all downhill from there. All the beers were excellent. i wish i could give you more insight but I enjoyed the beer so much that everything is a little hazy. We did order some fries at some point that were excellent. It was a good time and I will be back again. Oh i should note that there was some hard cider here for those poor souls who are gluten free
(4)
Greg L.

Five stars alone for the beer. It's hard finding good sour beers and this place helps fill the void in the midwest.
(5)
Heather S.

My first experience with the Jolly Pumpkin happened to be on a blind date. A blind date in itself is awkward so seeing a place where we wouldn't be the only people on a Tuesday night was a relief. Not being from Ann Arbor I had a little trouble finding parking and then finding the bar, but regardless I made it there in one piece. We headed straight upstairs for a table and for a Tuesday night in February the place was pretty busy! For me this is always a good sign - bodies in a bar during the early week means the place has some hitting/staying power with the local drinkers. Downstairs was packed so we headed upstairs where we could hopefully find a seat. The servers were quick to bus a table off for us and we set about navigating our way through the beer selection. Our server was helpful in offering up choices for what our particular tastes were. My date chose an IPA and I settled for a North Peak Cider. After the as-to-be-expected awkward small talk, we decided to decide on dinner. My date ordered the JP Burger with a side salad. And by the way he ate most of it, I don't think he hated it. I had the Grilled Flatbread with Three Spreads. Delicious! I make my own hummus so I can be a little particular about it, but the Red Pepper Walnut spread was beyond good. I think out of the three it was the only one I finished! I wished I had been hungrier because some of the other vegetarian options (Red Chile Tofu and a Smashed Chickpea sandwich) sounded great too. I was tempted to try one of their speciality cocktails - I was told that the Blackbird was amazing. Unfortunately, I called it quits after two drinks. Since I wasn't paying I didn't spend too much time looking over the prices. But from what I gathered, they were comparable to any of the other gastropubs in the area. The service was great, quick on refills and food was brought out in a timely manner. At no time did I feel like we were being rushed or that the server was hoping we would close out. And I dropped my scarf on the floor twice and each time, a staff member was nice enough to pick it up and put it on the back of my chair for me without me even noticing. Overall, I'd head back here with my girlfriends for some food and catch up in the early part of the week or maybe venture out for some drinks on a weekend. I want to go back and try some beers on the deck!
(4)
Anna K.

Stopped in for a bite to eat and some drinks with a friend. The drinks were good - there was a nice selection of seasonal cocktails. As a huge bacon lover, I had to try the "Not Just a BLT." It's like a gourmet BLT - swap the lettuce with peppery arugula, fresh tomato with oven roasted tomato, and add cheese! The sandwich tasted great, but was a bit greasy for my liking. Also, ordered the truffle fries which were delicious and had the just the right amount of truffle oil.
(4)
Susan O.

Had a wonderful dining experience here on graduation weekend, starting with the friendly staff who took our reservation. Our waitress, Casey, handled our table of 7 like a pro - great service. We all loved our food. Sorry to disagree with the earlier reviewer, but that chicken and brie sandwich was one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. Good food, good beer, good service. We would definitely make a point of eating here again.
(4)
Gerry B.

Always better each time I visit, third time is more than a charm. Every menu item was hot, tasty and deliciious. Dessert was no disappointmen, try the Vegan Chocolate Cake even if you aren't a Vegan, or the Whoopie Pumpkin Pie offering. Each was a definite treat.
(5)
Amy V.

Definitely A-ok. I had a great chicken/brie sandwich, it was so good. The atmosphere is loud, tough to catch up with friends. The reviews were mixed from my companions. If you're in the area, it's worth a try.
(3)
Phaedra Y.

Seriously, the waitress has serious attitude problems. We had a group of 7 and she approached us in a very haughty manner. We let this rolled off our backs and just focused ordering the food and socializing in our circle. Food came - got the pizza - fire and smoke? Decent - I would give it a 3 star. As for Thai Bomber drink - 2 stars for that.. seriously felt like not alcohol in there for $9. I ask the waitress for a box to go - she said ok - came back - no box - had to ask her again - I think she was starting to get irritated. Now finally on to the bill, instead of asking us int he beginning if we wanted separate checks - she gave us our bill all together. One of our friends had to separate the bill. She ranged it up - basically charged everyone wrong on the separate bill receipt. At this point we were all frustrated and she was getting pissed off from her own stupidity. Seriously - the bill took 40 mins to solve - that is just RIDICULOUS!! i've never wasted this much time out of my life waiting for a bill. Anyways, I will probably never come back to this place. The beer is great, but the service - poor enough to make me never to come back
(1)
Caroline C.

Jolly Pumpkin has a very good gluten-free beer on tap. The flavors are a little strange - spicy and fruity and odd, but it all somehow comes together to be quite pleasant. I go for the beer. The food is... meh. I've had probably half the menu here and every single time I eat here I think: "I could have made something better at home." They have gluten-free bread, so those with gluten allergies can eat any of their sandwiches, but I wouldn't recommend it. I don't know... the food here just makes me sad, because it really isn't that hard to make something that tastes good. Even their nachos underwhelmed me, and those are about the hardest dish to screw up. The truffle fries are good though, they are really thin and crispy and nicely spiced. When I go now I usually just order a GF beer and the fries. Oh and I like the ambience, they have a nice warm soft glow type thing going on. It's quite pleasant.
(3)
Jacqueline K.

Not a good place for Celiacs or if you have any other allergies. The staff is not familiar with what is in the kitchen or what can be substituted out. My Celiac mother got sick last time we ate here and was made very uncomfortable by the waitress, so we will not be back.
(2)
Ryan L.

A friend was in town from Olympia, WA and we met up for lunch. I suggested JP because 1) it was different 2) they served beer and she needed one and 3) they have a lot of vegetarian foods. The service was excellent. Our server was named "A" and he was an absolute darling. Interestingly he had a tattoo of a giant Q but his name was A. I guess you wouldn't get a tattoo of your own name, so that may make sense. Perhaps Q was his mother, or father, or he liked the inventor in James Bond movies. The beer was interesting. I got to try a sample of the Bam. Our server described it as tasting like kombucha, which did not sound good. The sample tasted ok but was not my favorite. My friend said it tasted like baby asprin. I don't know what that tastes like but it's interesting if you can imagine. I tried the Amber Ale next and it was really good. In addition to beer there were some other cocktails, but they only have rum and vodka (I think) for the cocktails. There were some interesting ones. The food has a lot of interesting options including gluten free and vegan options. I got a grilled cheese that was on focaccia bread with a gooey white cheese and balsamic marinated yellow peppers. I thought the bread was too thick for a grilled cheese and the cheese was too gooey. I thought that the peppers didn't provide enough of a flavor and it needed something else. I also thought it smelled like feet. The portion was huge and it came with a lot of fries. I took half of it to go and it made my car smell like feet. The soup of the day was vegetarian french onion. I thought it was nice they served a vegetarian version of french onion soup since the traditional beef broth doesn't really add much to the soup and really should be vegetarian anyway. I feel for the vegetarians. I give the Jolly Pumpkin 3 stars for trying hard, great service, a cool location and being a microbrewery. I think the food was a little lacking and did not have an over all interesting flavor profile. I will definitely have to return to try something else and hopefully I'll upgrade my rating. Comparing similar places, I would suggest Grizzly Peak nearby for a local brew and good food. Jolly Pumpkin is definitely for the more adventurous.
(3)
Javier G.

Average portion, slightly pricy, and tastes okay.
(3)
Chris D.

This might just be my favorite place to grab a burger and beer in Ann Arbor. Right on main street, great vibe in side, not to mention delicious gourmet burgers and sandwiches. Wide selection of beers brewed in house as well as other fantastic local beers. Make it happen.
(5)
Damian M.

The Good: -Food & Drink: Very good pizzas and burgers. Love the food and they have great quality for money for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! As for drinks, the Jolly Pumpkin offers a wide variety of drinks and beers - their own, in-house brews as well as North Peak beers -Service: Regarding service, the verdict is mixed. The front-of-house team seems to have it together and are always warm and helpful when I walk in. As for waitstaff, in one occasion I had a mediocre beer and the waitress didn't hesitate to remove it from my bill and bring me another. In another occasion, a similar thing happened with a friend: He ordered a beer, didn't like the taste, and it was immediately replaced. -Great ambiance and I love their patio deck! The Bad: - Service: In another occasion, however, I ordered food and then a few minutes later asked if I could add mushrooms on the burger. The waiter (a bearded, plump fellow) was totally inflexible and quite rude telling me it wasn't possible because the order was already in. I was slightly annoyed and embarrassed in front of my friends. This is NOT the way you should ever treat a customer. As a restaurant you must always be flexible and cater to the customer's needs whatever they may be. -The dumpsters in the alley: They need to sort out the smell wafting up from the alley especially for customers they sit at the back of the patio deck. Conclusion: They seriously need to coach their waitstaff to be more accommodating and the drinks menu could be cut down. However, I do love their drinks and food and I would go definitely back and recommend it to friends! Excellent food and beers.
(4)
Amanda B.

We came here around 9 P.M. on Thursday evening looking for a few drinks and appetizers to share. Generally speaking, I don't expect much from the food in brew pubs. The name of the game is usually the beer, which is completely acceptable. However, at this place, I wished that I would've been more hungry for sandwiches because those around us that had ordered them, looked delicious. Instead, my husband and I settled for sharing the Truffle French Fries and the Three Cheese Granite Baked Pizza. The french fries, overall, were very nice. A few fries here and there were a bit limp, but mostly, they were crispy and had just the right amount of rosemary sprinkled on. The pizza was lovely. The cheese was nice and rich, but not overly so. The broccolini added a nice hint of color and flavor to the pizza as well. Our beers were also very good. My favorite was the Famer's Ale but others we tried were quite fun too! This seemed like a great place to go and do exactly what we did...drinks and appetizers. However, I'm sure a nice casual dinner would be lovely as well. Overall, I'd definitely go back assuming I lived there!
(4)
Wanda V.

Good truffle fries. Good beer. Crappy service. Burger was bad. Steak salad was soggy. Serve was inattentive and rude after I made one change in my order. Gave a broken glass. Again good fries and good beer but not worth coming to again.
(1)
Michael B.

Not sure what others said about this place as my wife read the reviews, but went here because the hotel suggested it. You can look at my other reviews to know I am not easy to please. I'd drive to Ann arbor just to eat at this place again. There was an Irish place across the street that looked really good too. Also, not sure who said bad for kids--our guys loved it!
(5)
Tattooed Vegan Travelers T.

**All of our reviews focus mostly on the restaurant's veggie and vegan options and/or veggie flexibility. Please read the comments to determine if our ratings are applicable to you** Vegan & Veggie Heaven!!! Trendy breweries tend to have absolutely nothing to eat for vegans and vegetarians besides fries and the occasional Boca burger. This place is the exception! From the amazing flatbread spread, to the smoked tofu salad, to the red chili tofu sandwich, to the vegan chocolate cake, this pub will keep your veggie taste buds screaming for more! and they have enough meaty options that your meat eating friends won't roll their eyes like they do when you suggest to go to that other veggie heaven in town :-).
(5)
Erin C.

They got rid of their South Pacific pizza :( The new menu is ok but that pizza was the main reason I came here so I have no reason to go back.
(3)
Mark S.

After hearing the hype from a ton of people, I was thoroughly underwhelmed. I've always know it to have a super long wait, and they don't allow you to call ahead. We came in with a group of 5 after 8PM, and were told 1-1.5 hour wait. I saw a sign for different hours for their upstairs section, so I asked what that was about. The hostess told me that it was a more casual environment with open seating. So I went upstairs and sat down at a table, only to be told that it wasn't open seating, and that there was a hostess upstairs. I told the upstairs hostess what I was told downstairs, and that I still didn't quite understand the difference, but we had 5 people and wherever we could sit we'd be happy with. After about 5 minutes, she seated us upstairs. We ended up with a table so no big deal, but you'd think that they could either accurately describe upstairs vs. downstairs, or maybe if there's two different hostesses, they could communicate between the two because with the same menu, no one really cares where they sit. After reading the menu online and reading about the farms where they get their food and how they make their own alcohol, I was definitely excited. Nearly everything let me down though. The beer sampler was served almost warm, and was nothing too special compared to other craft beers in the downtown area. A friend had a whiskey drink that tasted like tequila, and my wife had a mojito that she said tasted like lime juice. As for the food, again just average. A couple friends got pizzas that were OK but not great, my wife got the chicken and brie sandwich which was the best of the bunch, and I got a porchetta sandwich which I didn't want to finish. The spinach was too much and too soggy, and the pork was tough and stringy, and actually hard to tear apart from the sandwich as you took a bite. The fries were good, and I actually really liked the pickled zucchini spear instead of a pickle, but that's about it. I would definitely have been upset had we waited 1-1.5 hours for that meal.
(2)
Jenny J.

Red Chili Tofu Sandwich--you are almost too delicious. As a vegetarian--I get bored of veggie burgers, but this sandwich is SO tasty. There were a good amount of other veggie options as well. My partner got a meat covered pizza which he said was really good. Can't wait to come back and try the truffle fries!!
(4)
Bob S.

Let me begin my review by stating they have great beer! It was good. For dinner, I had the Artic Char. Way too salty! It just wasn't good at all. $23 bucks down the tube for that. Our waiter was unapologetic. My wife got the vegetarian pizza, and it was very good, although too mushy..probably a little undercooked. If it had been crispy, it would of been excellent. The kids did not touch the chicken strips because they were OVERcooked. We couldn't win, fish too salty, pizza undercooked, chicken strips overcooked. Our waiter had the personality of mildew. Don't think I will be back, except maybe for a beer.
(2)
Kate R.

I enjoyed my time at Jolly Pumpkin. Honestly, I was very impressed with their truffle fries.... I'm a sucker for good french fries. They have a stellar selection of beer - as would be expected - as well as a unique selection of cocktails. Their black bean soup was very good, but I was a little disappointed with my sandwich. I ordered the sweet & spicy cobia sandwich, which had a great flavor profile but the slaw on the sandwich made the bread a bit soggy and difficult to eat. I can honestly say though that based on what I saw on their lunch and dinner menus, I could probably go back a hundred times and try all the various dishes I thought sounded amazing... too bad convention only expects us to order one entree... :-) Honestly though, I can't wait to go back and try other menu items! Places like Jolly Pumpkin with their eclectic menus and great beverage options can never get old!
(4)
Flamedrinker F.

Do this joint. Seriously. Do it. Killer food, killer beer. Traveling home from a family event , we stopped here on the advice of my nephews girlfriend. She goes to Michigan. I come from a college town and this felt like a great place in a great city. Their homebrews are stellar. We came on a Tuesday after the first sunny weekend in a long time and they were out of most of their beers. We had the Diabolical. Super hoppy and went well with the food. The chef has talent. He needs to get out in the world a bit more, but does an awesome job. Fries were perfectly crispy and salted. The wife had sausage and pepperoni pizza. Crisp sourdough pie. 10-12 inch personal size. very good. I had the porcetta sandwich. House made bread was OK but it wasn't porcetta. It was just sliced pork loin with a pinch of shaved fennel and a basil mayo. The plate had a spear of pickled zucchini. Great idea in theory, but didn't play well in my mouth. I will recommend this place highly to anyone. P.S. Chef, come see me in NYC.
(3)
David C.

Beers are good. Thought the Yuzu beer was pretty creative
(4)
A.J. S.

After driving home from a long trip, on the way back to Detroit we decided to stop at the Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Company's restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor. Jolly Pumpkin is one of the leading breweries in the country in terms of of craft brewing, they have a special brew called "Perseguidor" for which thousands of people lineup every year when it is released. One this specific trip we happened to luck out and be there for the release of their Biere De Mars, which is another season beer they do. I was pretty happy by our luck, and got to try the beer, which was excellent, we also had the Vicious (another very good beer), and the Bog Beast. Ambiance - There was a nice setting to the place. The lights appeared to be some very good mismatched vintage glass. The layout was nice enough, the flooring was interesting. Service - The service was very attentive and very good, the server knew all about the beers, and was willing to answer any questions we might have had. Food - We ordered truffled french fries, and Tofu Cracklins. Next time I go, I want to try one of their sandwiches, but didn't get around to get it next time. It was an extremely interesting meal, and well worth it. Drinks- As always Jolly Pumpkin is one of the best breweries in the states, if not in the country.We took some a bottle of the Mars home. I would definitely go back!! :) **VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY**
(5)
Emily D.

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor, mainly due to the availability of gluten free beer and sandwiches on the menu, but now that there are plenty of other celiac friendly places downtown, the Jolly Pumpkin is starting to lose its appeal for me. My main complaints: - The menu NEVER CHANGES, and their specials are always $20 or more - Sandwiches are way overpriced - They don't offer GF pizza (even Domino's offers gluten free pizza!) - Their GF beer is a little too hoppy for my tastes - Their cider tastes like apple-flavored water (every time I've tasted it, the server has blamed it on a bad batch, but I'm starting to think it's just bad) Step up your game, Jolly Pumpkin! I really do want to find reasons to like you again.
(3)
Brian B.

Came here today for yet another beer release, second one in two days. I have to say this place is fantastic. While waiting for the beer event to happen, I ordered a Not Just a BLT sandwich. Holy crap it was good. Toasted bread, smoked bacon, fresh mozz, arugula, roasted tomatoes. Fantastic. Everything was crisp, fresh, and tasted great. Definitely a must have again. Their beer is the main attraction to Jolly Pumpkin. The style is not for everyone. I believe all are oak aged and bottle conditioned. I've had most of the regular offerings. I recommend the Oro de Calabaza if you want some lighter. Reminds me of champagne. Bam Biere may be their most popular one. I enjoy them all.
(5)
Julianne S.

Good beer, creative food choices and kick-ass outside/patio area in the summer. I'd definitely recommend coming in the summer for beers and dinner, or just beers. Sit outside if you can!
(4)
Michael S.

First time there, but not the first I've had their beer. Actually, I didn't have any of their beer. I did have a nice cask ale from Grizzly Peak. I wanted to try some of theirs, but they were out of the two I would have ordered. As I'm not a Belgian fan, I opted for the cask one, which was delicious, BTW. Their not having more than a few of their brews got the star deleted. The food, on the other hand, was mighty fine. I had the Grilled Chicken with Brie. There was so much, that I had plenty to take home. When I looked at the price on the menu, I thought it was a bit much, but the quality and the quantity made it a great deal. The staff was attentive and the decor was quite pleasing. All in all, a good experience. I might not go back for the beer, but would for the food.
(4)
Chiwei L.

IT IS ABOUT FREAKING TIME! Ann Arbor Main Street just got a bunch more interesting, and surprisingly, it's a brewery! I pretty much loath most of the food downtown, finding it uninspiring and expensive, but the Jolly Pumpkin seems to be doing a lot right. This restaurant oozes character and warmth, and pretty much everybody will enjoy it's charms. There were a ton of people here, but you never felt crowded or assaulted with noise. We created a nice little spot at the bar and started with a beer sampler to get us started. I like lighter beers, so the "Diabolical" was my favorite of the bunch. We then cracked open the menu. Now I got to say, i've never been super impressed with the food at brewery's, which tends to be the wasteland of generic burgers, wings, and beer cheese soup. At the "JP" we were very very impressed with the fresh approach to pub food, and we ended up wanting to order most of the menu. In retrospect, I think we didn't order well, since after we got our food, we saw dish after dish of amazing things that I wish I had ordered. That being said the salumist chopped salad was fresh and flavorful (if a little ordinary)l, and the truffle sour dough pizza was earthy and delicious. So what were those other dishes? The burger looked fantastic. The tofu salad looked amazing. (I know, tofu right?) The truffle french fries whispered sweet nothings into my nose. The cheese board looked damn respectable. Obviously, this will become our new A2 Hangout so I guess I'll have plenty of time to work my way through the menu. Parting Shot. The prices here definitely are on the higher side. The salad was 13 dollars, and it felt a little small, certainly compared to the huge J alexander chicken salad for the same price. The pizza was also 13 dollars, and I could probably eat 2. The burger, $13 dollars, seeing a pattern? Either way, I am very happy about this Gem at 311 Main. P.s. some nice vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options. update: Hamburger = Great. Smoked Tofu = ashtray. Got to talk with the manager, and she was very open to constructive criticism, so i wouldn't be surprised for some tweaking.
(5)
Jon B.

boo-urns. I went here on a slow tuesday evening. And the service was slow. Why is it I can't get a GD beer in this town from someone without a nose ring or some other silly attempt to look "different"? But if weird looking severs aren't your thing either, then you wont be impressed with the food or the beer. This is the Midwest, if there is one thing a restaurant should never fuck up, it is cooking a burger. If I am paying 13 bucks for a burger, it better be cooked perfectly. I gave them an easy order, a burger well done, all you do is cook the shit out of that burger and I am a happy man, but their cook must have flunked out of mcdonalds because the thing was rare. To top off the experience the chocolate stout I ordered was served warm, (and was a pretty bland stout) when I complained the waitress told me that's how they serve it in the UK to enhance the flavor. You say serve me a warm beer in the USA? I say bullshit. I've been to the UK and they don't serve your goddamn beer warm.
(1)
Deborah P.

Great atmosphere! They only carry their own spirits - which is a great novelty! They make their own spirits - beer, wine, vodka, gin, and rum. If you are particular this might not be good because they don't have any other typical options. Overall- great place!
(4)
Sophie A.

Fantastic brewpub in Ann Arbor. I was very pleased with the beer selection, food, and service here. Also, has a fun, non-pretentious atmosphere.
(5)
Zachary J.

Got the run around from the hostest. Told to go up stair to sit outside on roof terrace because they alternate seating. Go upstairs and was told it was a 40 minute wait. Come back down stairs only to see the people behind us get the outside streetside table we asked for. Left and went across to Gratzi. Was seated immediately with a smile.
(1)
Barnaby F.

BEST BALANCE OF FOOD AND BEER IN TOWN. There are some thoughtful reviewers who got in ahead of me, so I'll try to avoid unnecessary repetition. My experience was very positive- staff is inexperienced but eager to please. I went midafternoon, so no crowd problems. I wound up ordering a delightful pairing of the complex "Golden Manitee Belipago" with a Three Onion truffled soup. Quite simply a King's Lunch. Outstanding. With the Truffles on my tongue, I went for the Truffles Fries, which were fantastic, but served in a completely unnecessary Belgian-Styled cone. Too much pastiche- they look, smell, and taste better right off the plate.
(4)
Sara G.

I've returned many times and have been sorely remiss about updating my review! Just a few things warrant this: 1. Their burger. One of the best in town. Consistently delish. BURGERHEAVEN (or burgerhaven?). 2. Their steak and potato salad. Warm fingerling chunks and melt-in-your-mouth grass-fed flat iron steak mixed over greens. 3. Their cocktails. Try them, they're creative and scrumptious.
(4)
April C.

I was really excited to try Jolly Pumpkin and my expectations were exceeded. The ambiance and staff are wonderful and the food was great. We ordered the truffled fries which are such an indulgence (I wanted to order more!) and I ordered the pizza with bacon, pineapple, and scallions. The pizza was perfectly done and paired well with the Bam Biere, which was also pretty tasty. Definitely a place I will be coming back to again and again.
(5)
Mr. E.

If you are going for just beer, do it during happy hour. The food is overpriced, and honestly- not that amazing. This place tries so hard to be eclectic and unique it gets lost in the quality of service and food. Then again, a lot of places in Ann Arbor have done that. If you like ambiance and atmosphere, this is a good spot to socialize and people watch. Upstairs is interesting, but the sound really bangs around your head from the wood floors and the walls. Makes it hard to hear much of anything at times. Seriously, happy hour is the only time I will go in here. Otherwise, forget it.
(3)
Allison L.

I love coming here in the summer and sitting on the roof deck (shhh it's a secret). The grilled romaine salad comes with warm potato croutons (think mozzarella sticks but with potatoes in place of the cheese), I recommend it. You can enjoy a lot of variety here in their beer samplers and cheese boards. If you're coming for lunch, definitely get a sandwich with a zucchini pickle. My favorite sandwiches are the BLT and brie and chicken. There are also vegan/vegetarian options.
(4)
Liz P.

Went here once a long time ago, I want to say 2009/2010 when it first opened. Came here during art fair yesterday and was expecting a long wait but we got right in to a table on the 2nd floor! (awesome) Ordered the chicken and brie sandwich with a salad (choice of market salad or fries, had fries earlier in the day at Frita's though), it was fantastic. I never would have thought apricot jam would it fit in with grilled chicken and brie but it did. Also ordered a hard cider which was good, too, and local - from a brewery in Dexter. I would return to Jolly Pumpkin! And maybe try out their patio too.
(4)
Emily J.

One of my favorite places in Ann Arbor. Nice atmosphere, great drinks, and I've never had something from the menu I didn't like. You can't go wrong with one of the pizzas, and the truffle fries are a must. Great vegetarian selections.
(5)
alicia a.

Truffle Rosemary French Fries! ENOUGH, SAID!
(5)
Jessy L.

The truffled French fries were awesome but not as good as how awesome their beer selection is. Awesome friendly upstart staff too!
(4)
Jamie H.

Service was outstanding atmosphere was good. Great beer especially if you like sours. However the pumpkin beer doesn't taste like pumpkin at all.
(4)
Jessica R.

I've been loving Jolly Pumpkin since they first opened, so the only astonishment here is that I'd yet to write a review. As you'll see in my profile, and as has been true of my profile for years now, JP has my favorite meal in the city. The grilled romaine salad with chicken and warm potato croutons. I get melty just thinking about it. Further, friends have told me that I get a little dreamy-eyed, and simultaneously a little car-salesman-y--just talking about it. Beyond that salad, there are so many things to love about JP. I like the ambiance--populous yet intimate. I like the drinks--tasty sour beers and creative cocktails. And of course I love the food--the burger with cambozola, the snack boards (veggie and meat), the pizza... my goodness. So why just 4 stars? Two reasons. One, their reservation system (as in, the lack thereof) absolutely sucks. If you want to eat here on a Friday night, for example, you have to go downtime about an hour ahead of when you want to eat and then sit around--at their bar is their intention, I'm sure--with one of those vibrating coaster things that doesn't work if you stroll more than half a block in any direction. Two, while I am consistently wowed by that salad and my fiance is consistently wowed by the south pacific pizza, it's not generally a place I bring people to to wow *them* (that's more like Seoul Street or Frita Batidos). I'll still bring them here, though, for a more casual meal. Bonus: Nice outdoor seating upstairs!
(4)
Abi J.

LOVED EVERYTHING. We sat outside on the street and it was really nice. We wanted to sit on their AWESOME patio but they had a long wait- maybe next time we'll get there earlier. Service was great. Even though our server wasn't of age to drink, she was able to give good recommendations on all the beer and cocktail choices. GINGER COSMO. OMG. I ate here a month ago and I have yet to find a drink I like as much as this one. So refreshing. Normally I don't like super sweet drinks but this one was great. It sort of reminded me of a refreshing jolly rancher. Plus I love drinks with ginger beer in them. I ordered the burger. It was really good. Meat was grass fed, cheese was perfect, bun tasted so good. The fries were really good as well. Biggest regret of the evening was not ordering the truffle fries. I have told a few people about going there and every time they respond with, " did you get the truffle fries". Anyway, very reasonably priced, good ambiance, good food. I will definitely be back this summer!
(4)
Michael T.

The JP burger was okay, but the real highlight was the cone of truffle fries! They have some great housebrews, as well. All-in-all, a great place to visit in Ann Arbor, but certainly better places.
(4)
SJ J.

Great food and great beer. Reasonably price and nice bar ambience, darker than your restaurant atmosphere. Would recommend for evening out for the sour beer connoisseur.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of the sour aftertaste of an open-fermented beer, but I still love this bar for its fabulous menu and creative cocktails. Our server, Anna, was enthusiastic and accommodating. My husband enjoyed a few Jolly Pumpkin beers while I had one of their signature cocktails, the Pear Haymaker. We split the tofu salad and Fire and Smoke pizza...outstanding. Apparently the crust comes from a 130-year-old sour dough starter. It's amazing. This was my second visit to the Jolly Pumpkin and I'm sure it won't be my last. Why not give it a try?
(4)
Coll P.

We came here to get some beers and snacks and left wishing we were eating our main meal here! Their truffle fries with rosemary aioli are what dreams are made of!
(5)
Alex S.

Go for the po' boy and truffle fries.
(4)
Lili L.

This place is pure heaven. All of the food is phenomenal. I came here for the first time in 2010 when it had recently opened, with my boyfriend (now husband) when we first started dating to meet his parents for the first time. We had such a great time, food and drinks were excellent. Came back with my parents and they absolutely loved it. When my husband and I got engaged, my parents brought all their friends here to celebrate. A couple days before our wedding, we brought both of our families here for dinner. So this place is just an all around great place. We moved to Los Angeles two years ago, and this is always our FIRST request when we come home for the holidays to visit my parents. Came back last week before thanksgiving and had another awesome dinner. Their potato croutons are to die for. Order a side of them or order the romaine salad that they come with. Pizzas are great, burgers are great, you really can't go wrong with anything. Beer flights are great too. Oh, and my brother left his wallet there. We called the next day, and they were holding it in the safe for him. Anywhere else his wallet would have been gone! Great place, can't wait to return.
(5)
Jarvis A.

Lamb and sweet potato hash. It's only on the brunch menu, but I'm campaigning...YEP!!
(5)
Lyndsi W.

I'm gonna wish I could give this a 3.5 but since I can't and I adore their beer for once I will upgrade to a 4. The food was a bit hideous and the candied pineapple on the pizza was horrid. Everything else was just so so and kinda weird food and I live on the west coast now so nothing should be weird. But, it was. Their beer on the other hand is delightful! I love their white beer, their Noel...don't get me started about the Noel! It's a specialty beer only available during selected times and the flavor is deep and out of this world! I love the carbonation to their beer because it makes it a little different while still making me feel like I'm still drinking a beer! Their other restaurant in Traverse City is much much better for food and I would be willing to give this another chance if in town and stopping in but, for the most part I can just highly recommend their craft beer! The decor is cool and their logo is awesome and I always enjoyed my nights in here with my BF enjoying some of Ann Arbor and Michigan's best crafts, great memories!
(4)
Margie A.

Fantastic summer rooftop place to sample the beer and listen to live music. We got the Popeye pizza (with lemon zest) and the quinoa salad. Dinner was fresh and delicious!
(4)
Sean T.

All I can say is wow. I've only just moved to Michigan 2 months ago and was told by an acquaintance that I needed to try the Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor. I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a restaurant so quickly. We dined on a Sunday and it was a bit busy but still were seated almost immediately. Not only were we surprised by an interesting seasonal set of offerings but also an extremely attentive wait staff. We settled rather quickly on splitting the brie chicken apricot sandwich and a truffle pizza and were completely surprised when our waitress split the sandwich for us without even being asked (having overheard our discussion about splitting the pizza and sandwich). We were also offered samples of the beers we were considering without prompting. The food and drinks were superb, the truffle fries we ordered were well worth the upgrade, having a very subtle flavoring of truffle that wasn't overpowered by the salts for once. I think this is the first time I've gone to a restaurant in this price range and had anything that even resembled the actual flavors of a truffle. The pizza was also amazing, containing one of the best combinations of flavors I've ever tasted and the brie sandwich was gooey but fantastic. For what's offered the price is phenomenal and reasonable by any standards and the dÃ©cor is not just interesting but also fun. If you are in Ann Arbor and you don't stop by you've made a horrible mistake.
(5)
Nathan W.

Lamb Burger!? Truffle Fries!? The food here is incredible. The beer is mediocre, but locally brewed. This fine looking gastropub fits the area, has nice style, and is sure to satisfy your exploring taste. On an odd note, the chef seems to be obsessed with truffles, which I don't hold against him. There are worse ingredients to incorporate in every meal. I also did not remove any stars due to the proximity to the University of Michigan. Go Bucks.
(4)
Maddie L.

I ordered the cider, being not a beer person at all, and I deeply regretted that decision. My friends ordered a pitcher of their Saison Z and it was absolutely delicious. So, I guess the lesson here is: if you go to a place with "Artisian Ales" in the name you should probably get a beer.
(4)
Corbin T.

My friend recommended this place when I came up to visit him and the place was great. The sour beer is a must along with the truffle fries. For the main course I had the fried chicken and macaroni which was delicious. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Jennifer T.

This place has good beer and food. Love the Siren it's a favorite of mine. For food the steak salad is really good and if your looking to splurge try the Pumpkin Whoopi pies. They are delicious if you like pumpkin of course. It's definitely noisy and service is hit or miss. Love summertime and the outdoor seating on the street or the outdoor deck upstairs. I do wish they had later hours for a brewery and served food later. It is Ann Arbor after all.
(3)
Mike L.

Great sour beer good pizza, what more domyou want!
(4)
Kathleen B.

Love the patio seating upstairs and didn't have to wait long to be seated although it was a Wed night. We ordered nachos, meat lovers pizza and a couple of JP burgers - all of which tasted great. I asked my server to add lettuce and mayo to my JP burger - when the bill arrived to my surprise there was an added charge for a bit of shredded lettuce and a bit of mayo for my burger! Who would think that when you buy a $14 burger you have to pay extra for mayo and lettuce?!
(2)
Suki K.

We checked out this place for dinner on Friday. We had to wait, but got a text message in 20min. We ordered Po' boy sandwich and BLT. Our experience was very positive - good food, nice atmosphere, free coke refill, friendly waitress, great beer selection... I wish my BLT came with pickle..
(4)
Sarah H.

We were in town from Boston and The Jolly Pumpkin was like some our favorite restaurants in Cambridge- great atmosphere, delicious and artfully presented food, excellent brews and crafted cocktails, and the prices won't break the bank. It was after 9 pm on a Wednesday and this place was only one of a few on Main St. that wasn't empty. We had the nachos and the quinoa salad- both were excellent! We'll definitely go back the next time we're in Ann Arbor.
(5)
Benjamin M.

The beer here is sour. On purpose. If you're hip to that jive, this will be a destination for you. If not, come for the food instead. There's nothing, perhaps, that Jolly Pumpkin does better than anyone else in town, but it's all well above average. I've found the service to be excellent with one exception: the requirements for securing a table in the upper half of the establishment are unadvertised and seem to change on a regular basis. Why not just use the host stand to manage the upstairs AND downstairs? The pickles here are novel but, to this author, rather disgusting. Are they made with zucchini? I genuinely do not know.
(5)
Xiao Z.

Fantastic! I came here, all the way from Boston and was blown away by the amazing beer selection, great people, and terrific bar food. I'm certainly not a beer expert, but their sour beer selection is definitely well-known across the country and the locals swear by their vast catalog of beery goodness. But what struck me the most was the food: I've never been to a bar where they served truffle fries, truffle pizzas, tantalizing tofu salads and many other tasty treats. I strongly recommend this place to all visitors and beer lovers alike. Food: 4 stars Beer: 5 stars Staff: 4 stars
(5)
Marta D.

In my opinion, BEST RESTAURANT IN ANN ARBOR. I actually don't drink beer, so I can't comment on that, but to have a restaurant that serves up local and organic produce and meats, make going out to eat possible for me. Love everything I've ever had here!
(5)
Sarah W.

I have to say that on the many occasions I have been to the Jolly Pumpkin I have never been disappointed. The service has always been good and friendly, and the food and drink are fantastic. I have tried many different things on the menu and have enjoyed them all. It is so easy at some restaurants to get a favorite and just stick with it, but at the Jolly Pumpkin I'm always trying different things because I'm so confident that everything will be good. My favorites so far have been the JP bugger, the Chicken and Brie sandwich, and the Truffle Pizza. On top of their food being fantastic, this is a brew pub that actually produces some really great beer.
(5)
Cynthia L.

Great food and nice ambiance. Bathroom situation is not the best but it is what it is.
(4)
Megan M.

Jolly Pumpkin just rescued my summer productivity levels. I'm not a very diligent writer, and the heat in my un-air conditioned home gives me a great excuse to watch Hulu instead of actually finishing this darn paper. I wracked my brains to think of a bar in Ann Arbor with air conditioning and wireless (I find beer loosens reluctant typing fingers better than coffee) and good snacks, and suddenly wondered whether JP had wifi. I sauntered in and interrogated the host behind the stand. He readily acceded that they have wireless, that the bar upstairs is open seating, and told me where to find the outlets. I'm in love. I happen to love sour beer, and so the offerings on tap are right up my alley - the spring sour was mouth-puckeringly good. The upstairs bar is almost empty and the wireless works perfectly well . . . TOO well, in fact: note that I'm writing a yelp review instead of my paper. My requirements for good snacks were met with the nachos, on which they nicely replaced the chicken with tofu. They were delicious, and I loved the pickled onions (I may need to do some soul-searching re: this overwhelming taste for sour things). Jolly Pumpkin: thank you for meeting my desperate academic needs. I will be back, again with my laptop, and now that this review is done, I'll be able to concentrate on writing a paper in your cool, cool refuge from the summer heat.
(4)
Lindsey W.

Love the atmosphere, love the beer, love the pizzas. The burgers are great too. Definitely a place to try! Didn't love the the walleye they have as a seasonal right now, very bony and not seasoned, the orzo mac n cheese with chicken looked great though! They offer vouchers if you go in on you birthday that are good for a month!
(4)
Joseph F.

Great food and beer. Second level is quaint.
(4)
Liz M.

Can you say truffle fries? YUM! I just love them. I am always pleasantly surprised with each item I order. I also love the flat bread with spreads trio. I LOVE all the sandwiches, but among my favorites are the Piquillo Pepper and Mozzarella, burger, and the BLT. The pizzas are great too. Nice kids menu which is always a huge plus in my book. I also highly recommend the beer sampler. With so many award winning beers, how could you possible choose! This is the only way to go. Truly the best feature of Jolly Pumpkin!! A wonderful spot on Main Street. Lovely to sit outside in the summer, warm and cozy in the winter and the roof deck is the best place in Ann Arbor to enjoy a drink anytime the weather permits!!
(5)
Adam D.

Jolly Pumpkin is a great place for brick oven sourdough pizzas. I don't drink myself but they have a wide beer selection that a few people in our party indulged in. Service was great and they have a nice rooftop patio as well.
(4)
Dora C.

Truffle coma via fries and pizza - check. The desire to do work after a North Peak IPA - uncheck.
(4)
Christina R.

Had the smoked tofu salad, sans tofu. Substituted with chicken breast. It was fabulous. Great atmosphere and location. I'd probably like the Jolly Pumpkin even more if I was into beer.
(5)
Brian L.

Great, gluten free beer & burgers too!
(4)
Eric M.

Very good and interesting beers they got brewing at the Jolly Pumpkin. Great food too.
(5)
Shane B.

Jolly Pumpkin is one of my few go-to places in Ann Arbor when guests come in from out of town or I just want to have a good dinner with my wife without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is quite nice without being fancy, with dark woods, high ceilings, and not-too-distracting muted LCD TVs by the bar. The food is almost always great, and at least good, with frequently updated specials. The prices range from cheap ($5 for a healthy portion of truffle fries) to moderately expensive ($25 for one of the fancier specials), with a nice amount of grub in the $8-$12 range - excellent sandwiches, pizzas, etc. The pizzas are routinely amazing and probably the steal on the menu. JP's beer is some of the most well-regarded in the country amongst beer geeks like myself. Their house yeast strain lends a tart (not sour) character to their JP-branded beers, which makes them match food very well IMO. They have a few house beers on tap full-time, and new seasonal taps appear on the menu frequently. For those who aren't into even slightly sour Belgian-style beers, they carry more "normal" drink like a wheat, amber, and IPA, and also have a pretty wonderful cocktail menu. Service is usually quite good, and most importantly it's one of the few places I can usually get sat at with a few friends on a Friday night. One of my favorite places to eat and drink in the city.
(5)
Aaron B.

Lot's of people like Ann Arbor. This can only be explained by low standards and a lack of decent expectations. Jolly Pumpkin is quintessential Ann Arbor: not especially bad, but not special (though they will claim to be and the naive will believe it), and somehow consistently disappointing. I have friends that like to go here, but I've never had anything here that impressed me in any way, and the service is often sketchy, and the place is always loud. So if you're the kind of base-pleasure plebeian who thinks Ann Arbor has lots to offer and is a mindless sucker for whatever gimmick and spiel is thrown at you, then you'll probably also like Jolly Pumpkin (see how many others do). But it's nothing special, and if you go to a real city then almost every similar place you'll go will be better than this.
(2)
Bryan F.

I'm not much of beer drinker and came here on a date. I had one of the sour beers which was amazing! I also had the pacific pizza which was amazing, something about the pineapple really made the pizza. Now that I think about I didn't see the waitress much, which was good being that I was on a date anyhow. Pretty cool place!
(4)
Adrienne S.

My little sister was in town and I was looking for a place that had truffle fries like Larkburger in Colorado where my sister lives. I found The Jolly Pumpkin! She and I had been to the JP up near Traverse City and were excited to go. The place was loud & hopping, the truffle fries were quickly devoured and the truffle pizza was perfectly cooked and awesome! Can't get enough of truffles! The JP beers are all 'sour' style so they're not my thing but since they carry other brewery's beers I found one I liked. Definitely worth the trip! Hugs, A
(4)
Honest R.

Most of the time, local brews suck..... but this place is great! The beer is great, the food is pretty good, and the atmosphere is excellent. The staff is friendly and attentive. This is a great place to hang out and enjoy a few beers with some friends, or even a decent spot for a date. I highly recommend the trufle fries, pumpkin ale, and the "bam" beers.
(5)
Susan C.

JP needs to step it up. They have all the ingredients to be a stellar spot, but they miss the mark more times than not. The truffle fries are very good, but they could be GREAT, if they were just fried a little hotter or longer. The grilled romaine salad with potato croutons and grilled chicken -- what a fabulous concept! Too bad when mine came out it looked like it was assembled by a drunk with hook-hands. Really, I don't need a whole head of romaine on the plate. It would have been an entirely different, and superb, dish if they only grilled hearts of romaine or just taken the time to evenly grill the whole head. A recent standout was the pineapple cardamon martini, which struck the absolute perfect balance between flavors, and was a generous pour to boot. I'm definitely a fan of their spirits, which help fill the gap created when Leopold Bros. left town. My dining companion's ginger martini was a serious letdown though, again showing their consistency in not quite achieving a wonderful experience from start to finish. The experience that you WANT to have there, but never quite get. The funny thing is, which definitely works for them, I'm eager to go back and give it another try.
(3)
E L.

I ordered the tofu sandwich and truffle fries, which were both fantastic, but service could have been speedier. A family was seated nearby, got their orders, ate, and left by the time we even got our food. (We had been seated first.)
(3)
Kate B.

I've been back another 1/2 dozen times and I must say that JP has cleaned up their menu! Everything that I've ordered has been: consistent, hot/to temperature when brought to the table, well-seasoned, fresh/high-quality. Bravo JP! my faves: - Butcher's and Gardener's snack boards. They do NOT skimp on the good stuff. You will likely need to order more bread. - JP Burger...order with Brie or cheddar instead of the Cambazola - it's too rich and overpowers the other flavors - but Oh Mama, mmmmmmm! - Truffle fries. The Bernaise-ish mayo dipping sauce *swoon*, I would hazard renaming these "Heroin Fries". - Truffle and Fire -n- Smoke pizzas are the best. - Any "special" salads that contain beets and fingerlings...are always well-made and very filling. - Non-alcoholic drinks...I've tried them all and they are very good! Nice to have a selection that is not "Derp, coke/pepsi, sprite, orange". The lime-basil is good - get it on the rocks instead of with crushed ice. The two-ginger's ale is also nippy and delish.
(4)
Valerie E.

I love the look of the JP's flea-market slightly Halloween-y decor. The logo looks like a Salem tombstone, the bar is antique and ornate, and the menus are held to the boards with mousetraps. The downstairs dining room is usually packed during peak hours, we have had better luck getting seated upstairs. My best friends are vegan, so Jolly Pumpkin is one of the places where we can find something for everyone. They even have soy cheese available for the pizzas. I've enjoyed both the truffle pizza and the South Pacific pizza. I'm not the biggest french fry fan, however the truffle fries are fantastic. In the summer, I ordered the duck two ways; I wasn't a fan. The price was high for what what served. JP has a seasonal menu, and beets were in season. I had already ordered the beet and goat cheese salad, and when my entree arrived, it was accompanied with beets as well. Serious overkill. I won't order it again. The beers are what makes the Jolly Pumpkin famous, but I'll leave the beer review to the true aficionados. Although I enjoy a great beer, I cannot resist the cocktail menu at the JP because they are absolutely phenomenal. They are made with fresh juices and spices and are unique. I had a rhubarb martini there that I can't get out of my head. They are expensive, but worth the splurge.
(4)
Lauren L.

After my first visit to Jolly Pumpkin last night, I found myself wishing that my morning coffee and bagel were truffle fries. When lunchtime rolled around, I ate my leftover fire & smoke pizza (chicken, chipotle tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and fresh basil on a thin, crispy-chewy crust), which was delicious--but I still wanted truffle fries. I am now in the process of convincing my husband that he should pick up truffle fries for dinner. Truuuuffle friiiiies. Fries aside, I really enjoyed my time at the restaurant. My friend and I rolled in at 7 on a Saturday night and were seated almost immediately. The place is dimly lit and elegantly rustic and cozy. For drinks, I asked our server which of their cocktails was most awesome, and he suggested a martini that wasn't even on the list, some sort of strawberry-cranberry concoction with pureed strawberries that was fresh and delicious and not too sweet. My friend got the bam biere because it's hard to pass up something hailed as one of the top 25 beers in America. After her first sip, she said, "I could definitely see this as being one of the top 25 beers." I had a sip as well, and it had really bright flavors and was definitely one of the more unique brews I've tasted. We got SO much food. The truffle fries came packed in a large paper cone, and I'll admit we did polish those off. But I was only able to eat less than half my pizza, which comprised six fairly generous slices. My friend got the chicken and brie sandwich, and one half was about the size of her face. We both enjoyed the sandwich, and she said the accompanying salad was light, crisp, and tasty. This was a solid dining experience, and I'd definitely recommend the place. Please get the truffle fries.
(4)
Tom C.

This is a review specifically for the newly christened deck: (if you know me you already know I'm a big fan of the restaurant, staff, beer, and food). The full deck took forever to open. In the past a small section was open but as of two days ago the full deck is finally open! It adds about 1/3 more capacity to the restaurant. What's best is that the summer sun doesnt set on it until 645 or so which is way better than the restaurants at street level. This may have just become my favorite deck/patio in town. The wicker is comfortable, the space is open, and the heaters extend the hours. It's not perfect though. The wifi doesn't reach to the whole deck. The wicker tables have a hard time balancing glasses. (a little plastic or glass tops would help). Having said that, if there were power outlets out there I'd never leave. If you want me this summer, you know where to find me...on the deck at JP.
(5)
David T.

Visited this past weekend, showed up at four o-clock and were the only people on the upstairs patio! Overall, a bit underwhelming from the hype I've heard in the beer sects regarding Jolly Pumpkin. Meat entrees, sandwiches, salads, pizza. Meh. Also, Wild Mushroom Risotto as your vegetarian entree option? Really? Get with the times. The beer was also a 3/5. Unfortunately I was expecting 5/5 but many of them were not very complex and one-sided. Hope they can make it after all of the hype dies down.
(3)
Lily K.

Fried chicken special was out of this world! Crispy, fragrant, juicy. Creamed corn was fresh and delicious and the mushrooms were colorful and earthy. Bonus, our toddler loves the hummus and berries!
(4)
Nicole R.

Ain't nothing more jolly than beer, is what I'm sayin'. Let me start by saying this: Jolly Pumpkin is not for everyone. It puts the fun in funky, but their tastes won't suit everyone's palate. That being said, I think this place is the pumpkin's knees. First, location: a prime spot on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. It's got a bit of a whacked-out hipster vibe, so it fits right in with the city and the people fit right in with it. Their chandeliers are made of giant steel utensils and the Nightmare Before Christmas-esque artwork from their award-winning beers adorn the walls; plus they've got an enormous upstairs deck that's sublime in the summer. Second, the beer. I'm a beer snob; I admit it. The funkier the better (I'm the girl who drank Foran's out of New Holland's El Mole Ocho, and don't you forget it), and if there's one thing Jolly Pumpkin's ales are, it's FUNKY. They make Belgian- and French-inspired farmhouse ales, and they specialize in sours. Don't like sours? Don't go here. La Roja and Bam Noire are where it's at, and are sold in 750mL bottles (like wine). For craft beer enthusiasts, Jolly Pumpkin is a mecca. For those who buy their beer in buckets, it's a culture shock. ("That bottle of beer costs $13!?!") Like I said, it's not for everyone. Third, the food. They make a tremendous effort to source locally and sustainably (such as with their Cobia sandwich, a fish which is not over-farmed), and they are also very vegetarian- and vegan-friendly with gluten-free options as well. With that, I must once again note: the menu's a little funky. Think truffled French fries and red chile tofu sandwiches. It's essentially a bar menu, filled with apps, salads, sandwiches, and pizza, but it's a bar menu at a place that serves expensive sour beer that is bottled in numbered batches as opposed to a place that serves $2 22-oz. drafts of light American pilsner. It's all about perspective, people. The one time I ate here I had the truffle pizza with creamed shittake mushrooms; goat, parmesan, and housemade mozzarella cheeses; truffle oil and arugula dressed with red wine vinaigrette. In other words, not quite your average garbage dump pizza loaded with sausage, pepperoni, ham, bell peppers, onions and olives. It's fancy-funky food for fancy-funky beer. I ate the HELL out of that pizza, but I like strong, pronounced, unique flavors and wouldn't feign to recommend something like this to just anyone. The service is friendly and the crowds are decent on off-days at off-times (Friday and Saturday nights you're dealing with the same college party crowd you'll get just about everywhere in downtown A2). Sit up at the bar on a Wednesday afternoon and expect to get involved in beer-talk with a fellow connoisseur while you enjoy some truly gourmet pub grub. But if fancy beer's not your bag, this isn't your bar.
(4)
Jennifer H.

Despite its loud music and always being crowded, this is one of my favorite places to eat in Ann Arbor. The trio hummus plate with the unlimited servings of pita is amazing and their steak salad is delicious! Their other sandwiches dishes have been not disappointing, as well as their fries! Whenever a guest comes into town and I want to show them a fun Ann Arbor environment, I take them here. Highly recommended!
(4)
Heather C.

Whether going out for an impromptu date or a laid back night out with friends, Jolly Pumpkin is my go to spot. I've really enjoyed nearly all their beers, although it is different (sour) than any other beer I've had, so some people may not like it. I especially liked their seasonal Fuego del Otono, really yummy. The food is pretty good, but I've had experiences in the past that were not memorable. The truffle fries - delicious. The grilled romaine salad was surprisingly good as well, with these cheesy fried potato croutons that were amazing. Mostly, just remember that this is slightly upscale bar food, not 5 star dining. I've always had a good time here, and often see people I know. Head upstairs if you're just looking for a beer and a snack. Service has always been pleasant. This is a great and affordable spot if you're looking to hang out on Main Street.
(4)
Rebecca S.

I tried this place on a whim one weekend, and I'm SO glad I did. It's an eclectic little place in a great part of the downtown area, with so many options I'm sure I'll be back a million times before I can order the same thing twice. Their Basil Limeade is really, really sweet, but a refreshing summer drink. Also, their truffle fries are SO good...you really should have someone there to share with you, or you're guaranteed to finish them by yourself. As someone with a lot of food allergies, I appreciate that this place not only offers food grown at local farms, but that they offer a lot of allergy free options that you can substitute in their regular menu items. I had a soy grilled cheese which was so good, and the staff was very knowledgeable about what entrees contained certain allergens. Overall, I'm a big fan and I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Jon T.

I've had quite a few of their beers and just recently checked out the bar while I was in my old stomping grounds. The bar is very....well, bland. It looks like they kicked out the last tenant and opened up shop for the most part. There's nothing there to make it feel any more special than any other casual place in town. Having seen what other craft brew pubs are doing, this misses the mark. What I was really disappointed about was that there were only 3 beers on tap...including two of which from North Peak...aka sister company. I know they specialize in the large bottle format but figured their own restaurant would have beers on tap to encourage the patrons to try a bunch of different offerings. To be fair, the bartender was great and we had a chance to chat for awhile. I also didn't eat, so I have no clue how the food is. I had hoped this would be a unique establishment to match their unique beers. So, I go with a 3, thinking a 2 might be a bit harsh. My recommendation, if you like the beer, visit your local grocery store.
(3)
Lauren I.

A friend brought me here for drinks and yesterday and I can say that I was impressed with the cocktail; it was called "Blackbird" and it was just as enticing and mysterious as the name promised it would be. Slightly sweet and fruity with little gems of blackberry and shreds of mint mixed in. Very tasty indeed. Sadly, the food wasn't the best. Nothing ont he menu sounded that amazing to me so I went with the best I could find - the grilled chicken and brie sandwich. As other diners have mentioned, I think it could be described better as "Bread with brie, chicken, and jam. Presented as a sandwich" Reading the menu I had fantasized about gooey-creamy brie and explosions of flavor but what I got was Panera. Maybe even worse because the sandwich was warm and the cheese at more of a Silly-Puddy texture instead of lava, which is what I wanted. My fries were on the cold side too. Not bad but I wouldn't order it again. Maybe other menu items have more promise, but I'm a little reluctant to go back and try. And the truffle fries, which I had ordered after reading all of the oohs and aas from yelp, were OK, but tasted like they'd been sitting a while, on par with an average order of fries at McDonalds. Really they were just regular fries, plus some truffle seasoning that was shaken on I imagine. (Regular fries + truffle seasoning = truffle fries?) Come for the drinks, but skip the food.
(3)
Jenny L.

pizza, fries, beer. fancified with truffles. i approve.
(4)
Erin H.

I have eaten here several times and it's a nice solid addition to the local scene. I greatly enjoyed their popular Belgian beer, but recently didn't really love the other 2 beers I tasted. The vibe is nice here and the food is good. I have enjoyed the Margherita Pizza and burgers and sandwiches. It can be loud so the smaller room in the back is nice if you want a quieter spot.
(3)
Dani A.

Jolly Pumpkin I had such high hopes for you, your logo is cute, you brew your own beer, and you decorate nicely. But sadly as with most things that get over hyped, you let me down. I will start by saying I had the Bam Noire which I did really like. And my husband was a huge fan of the fact that they brew their own soda (he's a nerd). We ordered some fries and 3 spread appetizers. Their hummas is very good and my friend was raving about the fries (I am not a fry person so I am bias). As for entrees, the menu is limited. There are sandwiches and pizzas. And everything is very pricey. In the words of my husband "that better be the best f***ing BLT ever made for $12" which is the average price of their sandwich or burger. The pizzas run about the same. I had the Margerita pizza and was fairly happy, but to be honest it wasn't worth its price. Everyone else opted for the pizza as well and no one was as happy as me, but nothing was inediable. So they get three starts, one off because we were all wishing there were more options on the menu and one off for the high prices. It was nice enough, but I won't be going back anytime soon.
(3)
Edward C.

I'm just going to post my notes about this restaurant. I think it sums up my experience pretty well. Red chile tofu sandwich with marinated tofu, kimchee, relish, and radishes. Full of flavor, but slathered in oil (probably what makes it so flavorful...). Vegan! Tasty. Just greasy. And there's vegan chocolate cake on the menu!
(4)
Ari G.

Ordered the spinach and cheese pizza topped with asparagus. Have to admit, the beer choices scared me so I stuck to the cocktail menu. Absolutely LOVED the grapefruit and honey cocktail. A great Main St. eat.
(4)
Dharma A.

Another great thing I've recently discovered about this place....their cocktails! Several really creative ones with things like balsamic vinegar (trust me, it's good), fresh basil, and berries, to name just a few awesome ingredients. They also have delicious alcohol-free concoctions. Rooftop seating is a plus.
(4)
cassie r.

Stop three on the first annual Michigan Brew Tour 2010. After reading a recent MSN.com article listing Jolly Pumpkin Ales as one of the top five breweries in the country, I sensed this third stop was going to involve discovering a lot of new favorites. And it did. The Oro de Calabaza was my first purchase - apparently the NYT voted this beer the best belgian style microbrew in the U.S. of A. The NY Times apparently knows their beer, cuz it was DAMN good. Like best of nation good, for sure. Subsequent purchases included the Calabaza Blanca (again, Belgian amazingness), Bam Noire and Madrugada Obscura (Belgian's know their brews). Our waiter Frank was especially helpful, willing to answer our endless questions and provide recommendations for beers we might enjoy. We left with an armful of bottles, and hopes that we could find these adult bev delights in Chi-town.
(4)
Jessa B.

One of my most favorite places in Ann Arbor. As a vegan, the vegan friendly menu is super exciting! I am OBSESSED with the red chile tofu sammy. It is KILLER. I literally crave that, the rosemary truffle fries and the pickled zucchini when I leave. I come here minimum once every other month. The beers are awesome too! Visitors love this place as any true beer lover knows how great their drafts are!
(5)
Lisa H.

I have been here a number of times for both food and drinks, but mostly for drinks. My most recent visit was the other day for drinks and truffle fries with a small group of people from work. If you are looking for a happy hour with good drink and appetizer specials, the Jolly P. is definitely not the place to come. The only happy hour special they run is $1 off drinks and appetizers, and that's ONLY if you sit at the bar. I don't know about you, but I find it kind of difficult to sit and have a conversation with a group of friends while sitting in a line. The specialty cocktails and beer/ale and the truffle fries (what they are famous for, I think) are definitely worth the trip, though. I had the lemon-thyme lemonade (can't remember the name completely, but alcoholic), which was very good and a little dangerous since you couldn't really taste the alcohol. It was sweet and refreshing. My co-worker had the blackbird (again, can't remember the name, but again, alcoholic), which was also good, but not as sweet as I would have expected. Still, it was refreshing. The cocktail menu changes with the seasons, so you will always find something different on the menu. Another thing I like is that the restaurant has 3 very good non-alcoholic cocktails, which is really nice for people that want something fancy, but do not drink alcoholic. The beer/ale list is great, which is not surprising considering this is a brewery and distillery. The list is extensive featuring many of the brewery's own beers as well as other local and artisan crafted beers. The wine list is small and go elsewhere if you are looking for your standard Kendall-Jackson or Yellow Tail. As far as I could tell, the Jolly Pumpkin's focus on local, Michigan made products is even reflected in their wine list featuring wines from wines from Peninsula Cellars in Old Mission Peninsula, MI. When I eat here, I generally order from their large sandwich menu. The prices are a little steep for a sandwich ($11-$13), but the sandwiches are pretty big/filling and I think you get fries on the side. All of the menu items feature seasonal and local produce/ingredients from local, Ann Arbor area farms and companies. This menu is also extremely vegetarian/vegan friendly. When I come here with my non-vegetarian friends, they can order meat and I can order vegetarian. What's even nicer is the veg menu is not just composed of pasta dishes, The Jolly Pumpkin's veg dishes actually have protein in them! The only critique I have about the sandwiches is that they are a little greasy, but you can ask for them to go easy on the oil. The atmosphere is really nice and rustic. You feel kind of like you are in a tavern or a barn, which fits perfectly with the restaurant's focus. Every time I go I am seated right away, generally in a booth (maybe I go at less busy times). I never feel like I have to yell for anyone to hear me, so I like that I can have a conversation with my friends when I go there. Yay! I'm a fan.
(4)
Joe H.

First - let me say that I am a sucker for nearly all of Jolly Pumpkin's beers. They're so different - sour, funky, & assertive. Last night I had the pleasure of trying Pomegranate infused Bam Noire on cask - a real treat. Second - I'm a sucker for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever they're available. Jolly Pumpkin tries their hardest to stick close to this mantra. I've been here twice now & have really enjoyed everything. The atmosphere is laid back - no loud music blaring & the people are usually a chill crowd. The service has been tremendous. Servers are very knowledgeable & willing to help - they know a great deal about the beer, which is nice for those unfamiliar with JP's style. The food is excellent, too. The pizza, cooked on granite, has a crust made from a 100+ year old starter. The crust is crisp & chewy and the toppings are fresh. The carnivore's pizza is spicy & meaty - definitely worth a try. There is also a gluten-free crust that is brought in from Avalon in Detroit. Gluten-free crust is slightly sweet & dense - really good. The burger is top-notch. Grass-fed beef, Cambozola cheese, Berkshire bacon, mushrooms, tomato, & lettuce. The beef is leaner than most, so order medium. The sharp/gooey cambozola matches perfectly with the salty, crisp bacon, earthy mushrooms, and buttery beef. Porchetta sandwich is a pork lovers dream. There is some chew required with this sandwich, but the flavors are excellent, especially the sauerkraut & well seasoned shaved pork. Another must try is the vegan "ice cream". Made with coconut milk, both the chocolate & vanilla have a creaminess & depth of flavor unmatched by their cow's milk cousin. Check out Jolly Pumpkin if for no other reason than to try some of the best beer being brewed, but if you don't try the food, you're doing your stomach a great disservice.
(5)
Evan T.

Their menu looked great online so we gave it a try. We wouldn't go back for dinner but would try again for drinks/apps. The good: Beer; I had a cherry porter which had a nice mild cherry taste, not overpowering. Appetizer; tempura battered kohlrabi was unique and delicious. They know how to deep-fry! The bad: Service was a little slow. The ugly: I had a special polenta with wild mushrooms and goat cheese. The first few bites from the edges were pretty good but the center of the dish was disguistingly cold. I ate what i could and they comped two of our beers (which helped i guess), but didn't offer to bring me a new one and I definitely left hungry....
(3)
brent b.

A limited menu, but everything is made really well. You don't need 100 choices when you go out to eat! Awesome beer. Probably my favorite restaurant in AA.
(4)
Amy S.

I don't know if I've been here enough times to draft a well-rounded review. I have had one two star, two four star, and one five star experience there. I'm not the biggest fan of their brews, but the staff is super friendly and the food has been, across the board, good. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Furthermore, they have a pretty amazing back patio. I'm not sure anyone's quite discovered it yet, but once they do, I'm sure it will be packed every warm day. The back patio is the PERFECT place to project movies, by the way. I'm really hoping they decide to do that.
(4)
Stephanie C.

I have been here a few times and gotten a few different entrees and tried a few of their beers. I'm nowhere near being a beer connoisseur (I leave that up to my boyfriend), but I really do enjoy there inventive beers. Over the summer, I had a hibiscus beer that was pink and looked like it'd taste like Kool-Aid, but thankfully did not. My boyfriend and I have shared the Grilled Flatbread with Three Spreads which was pretty good, but nothing special. On one occasion I had the Not Just a BLT sandwich, which was pretty darn good. We've also had a couple of the pizzas, which are great. I don't see it on their current menu online, but this past summer, we had the chicken nachos, which were good (I mean, how can you mess up nachos?!) and slightly different than the typical nachos appetizer that you see on every menu, which is nice. Overall, the food and beer are a bit inventive and always please the taste buds. It's not mind-blowing food, but still very satisfying. I enjoy the atmosphere and I've always had good service, even during the busy dinner rush. I know it's Ann Arbor and JP is on Main Street, but I think the prices are a bit high for the portion sizes. Being a college student, I don't have that much extra cash lying around and wish I could visit JP more often.
(4)
Ariel W.

I've been to Jolly Pumpkin a total of 3 times. All my friends love this place, but I wasn't very wowed my first 2 times. I tried their burger and their truffle oil fries the first two times. I wasn't impressed. I feel like I've had better burgers and I'm personally a fan of thicker cut fries. The third time I went, I was BLOWN AWAY. I had their Red Chile Tofu sandwich and it was amazing. The flavors of the tofu and the homemade kimchi was spectacular. I have been dreaming about this sandwich and can't wait to go back. I think people just need to try different things on their menu and eventually will find one thing that will make them come back for more.
(4)
Jonas L.

After trying the entrees, I must raise Jolly Pumpkin to four stars. In addition to their beers, they got good pizza and sandwiches to match. A more than worthy alternative to all the lame, bland restaurants that litter Main Street. To recap, Jolly Pumpkin is mainly about beer. I liked the Bam Noire, but a recent taste was a bit disappointing. For the summer though, they have Bam Weizen, which is quite delicious. What surprised me is that their pizzas and grub are quite good too! In fact, in this town, I think they and Silvio's would be my choice, pure quality-wise. Jolly Pumpkin's pizza has excellent crust that has bite and is chewy at the same time. The toppings are quite good and I enjoyed both the truffle and three cheese. The tofu sandwich is surprisingly delicious, even though I wish the kimchi were spicier. My favorite new place in town.
(4)
Molly H.

So, all I can say is I must have been a few sheets to the wind when I had those red chicken nachos because after recommending them to my mom on a recent visit, seeing her disappointment and then trying them myself, I regretfully have to rescind my "Best Ever Restaurant Nachos" claim. The order she received apparently had no chicken at all. We seriously were trying to decide if certain pieces were chicken, cheese or a pickled onion. Yikes. The taste was ok, but mostly really bland. So either this was a bad batch or I'm delusional. Bummer! Now that the bad's out of the way, I had the salad with grilled romaine and potato croutons (!!) and loved every single minute of consumption. What a perfect winter salad--smoky, crispy and satisfying. My ginger martini and the pineapple adult beverage I had for dessert were both all right, but nothing to write home about. Overly sweet and lacking subtlety. Our server was excellent. The four of us split the appetizer with 3 types of dip including a hummus (very good) and a walnut spread (FANTASTIC) and quickly ran out of pita bread; when we asked our server for more she was 2 steps ahead, with an order already in. What a gal! All in all, we had a great time. My cousin loved her pizza, my aunt loved her salad (something with grilled tofu?) and my mom, well, she had a good time at least. Everyone was especially impressed by the menu.
(3)
Christine N.

I've only been once but I would visit again. Our table ordered 2 beer flights to share and enjoyed most of the beers provided. Any we didn't enjoy was based mainly on style preference, not "bad beer". Our table also ordered truffle fries to split. They were wonderful. I ordered a burger. It was large, juicy and great flavor. I can't remember what the rest of the table ordered but everyone enjoyed their food. They have lots of veggie options and use local ingredients. I look forward to trying something different next time.
(4)
Chris C.

This place is goooood. Highlights are the soothing dark wood interior, the truffle fries, the oven fresh pizza, the Bam Biere, and the Calabaza Blanca. I also like the gluten-free Belipago Manatee, but it's been hit-or-miss among my friends. Agreed, Nicole and Mei, it is funky and a tad froo-froo, but dang it, sometimes I just a want a funky froo-froo dining experience to frame a mouth-watering pizza and cold, tasty beer.
(4)
Amelia H.

The beer here is insanely good (I had one called the LuciÃ©rnaga), and so is the pizza. We had the Hawaiian pizza, and the pineapple was candied - first time I've seen that. Even so, it was delicious. The waitstaff was also really friendly, and the atmosphere is low-lit and cozy. It was around 10:30, just before the kitchen closed at 11, but they were still really accommodating - didn't seem grudgey about taking late-night orders at all. Definitely going back.
(5)
Julia Q.

It was really fun here! The food is exceptional, the beer sampler was fun, and the staff was really friendly! My pizza islander was amazing. I regretted ordering it as soon as I did, b/c it's something I could get anywhere-pineapple, bacon- nothing special, right. Wrong! It was the most unique, delicious pizza ever! Crust was light and crunchy, there was just enough sauce, and he pineapple was candied?!? It was so different and delicious! The kids chicken strips were on the chewy side, but there was enough of other foods to keep her happy!
(4)
Tara L.

I love Jolly Pumpkin beer and I really wanted to fall in love with their restaurant and give it 5 stars but I couldn't. The waitress kept on asking us whether we had tried different things on the menu after we had ordered them. It quickly became annoying...yes we've had several of your beers before, that's why we're here, yes, we know what whoopie pies are. It really detracted from the dining experience although my husband tried to remind me that the waitress had probably gotten complaints from other customers and that's why she kept asking but for frick's sake, just let me order what I want. The service other than that was only so-so. The people sitting next to us who just ordered beer got much better service...I don't care if they were regulars, a restaurant should treat everyone like potential regulars. The dip trio appetizer was pretty good. The hummus was really garlicky and the edamame dip was good although the edamame flavor was completely hidden and we couldn't remember what the dip even was but I did like it. The unlimited grilled flat bread was really good. My in-laws got a margherita pizza which didn't look that appetizing to me. It has an insane amount of cheese on it and not a lot of basil and tomato. Eric and I shared a Hawaiian style pizza which should have been really good. The sauce was excellent, tangy and slightly spicy and while I loved the dried pineapple which offset what little bacon was on the pizza, it would have been much better in much smaller pieces placed evenly over the pizza rather than in huge chunks. And MORE bacon please. The sweet of dried pineapple is an intense and overwhelming flavor and could have been better in smaller doses. I was very excited for the pumpkin whoopie pie and it was very good but it didn't have the same texture and lightness that I've come to associate with whoopie pies. The pumpkin cakes were more like harder cookies than light cakes and the filling was a dense buttercream type filling. If I hadn't been expecting something more like a whoopie pie, I would have absolutely loved it without hesitation. I did still really really like it and the ginger cream that came with it was heavenly. My in-laws shared the fried apples which were pretty boring except for the coconut milk ice cream....that was yummy. I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted to love this place but if I ever go back, I am just going for beer. We have a pitcher of Bam Biere and some of their Noel Christmas beer and they were both outstanding.
(3)
Lyndsy S.

I love going to micro brewery's but never have been treated so snobbishly, was seated in the far back away from any other patrons that might see us. the table was so uneven we almost spilled our very expensive beer. the food was good the beer was good, the staff and ambiance was atrocious. we left after the first round of beers and went to bagger daves. that place is truly awesome.
(1)
Ally N.

I'm so much a fan of the North Peak chain of breweries (Grizzly Peak/JP/Blue Tractor in Ann Arbor, and North Peak in TC) that I thought I'd like Jolly Pumpkin just as much. Boy, was I wrong. Maybe it's because I'm an ex-vegetarian and am now a Certified CarnivoreÂ® (okay, omnivore, whatever), I found JP's menu to be a bit... well, douchey. Then again, it is main street A2, so whatever. The food was a bit expensive for the serving sizes I seem to recall, and this place just gives the overall feeling of trying way too hard. I wanted dessert, so I got the vegan chocolate cake and thought it was pretty dang awful, actually. It was dry and the taste was... off. The beer I got was OK, but I'm not a huge fan of belgians, as it turns out. The one my fiancee got, which was a guest brew, was amazing, so kudos to JP for serving it. Also, instead of being seated out in the main bar area, or even in the cool loft upstairs, we got seated in the weird backroom with all of the odd Hawaiian decorations. I don't know what it had to do with ANYTHING else. It was strange. I'd never go here on my own accord, but that's not to say I'd never set food in here again. If I have a work party or whatever that takes place here, I'd probably go and just get that chocolate beer again.
(2)
Meghan W.

Jolly Pumpkin has one of the most unique and inviting atmospheres in Ann Arbor. The staff is extraordinarily friendly and I always feel most welcome when I visit. I have never before tasted a "sour beer" and frankly I wasn't too sure I wanted to...but my friends got me to try and I was overwhelmed with grief that i had just now discovered how amazing they are. Since, I have tried their (and excuse my slaughtering of the spellings, I'm sure) the Maracaibo, the Oro de Calabaza, Bam Biere/Noir, and the Amber. I was please with all of them except for the Amber...which seemed a bit like a beer/wine hybrid. The mixed drinks are just as unique and intimidating as the beer. One daring cocktail is called Pineapple and Cardamon...holy crap it holds a cardamon filled punch. You have to really be in love with that particular spice to enjoy this drink. My favorite of those was the Thai Boxer...it had coconut and herbs mixed with ginger beer and is simply divine. I'm pretty sure their alcohols are pretty high proof, so proceed with caution when sampling these drinks. Anyway. i love it. You should go.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

I'm an enthusiastic omnivore, but I'll second Mariah C's comments about the vegetarian menu - so often it's an afterthought, but at Jolly Pumpkin, the vegetarian options are as appealing, if not moreso, than the omnivorous ones. I've had and enjoyed both of the tofu salads, and our friend Mike said that he had dreams about the tofu sandwich after his first visit to JP in the early fall. Really, there's not a thing on the menu that I wouldn't like to eat. And I don't care that that sentence contains a double negative. I haven't tried many of their beers, but based on the other reviews, I'll just give you this word of caution: don't come here looking for "lite" beers or for the sort of mediocre stuff you can get at the other A2 brew pubs. JP is not that kind of brew pub. It's the kind of brew pub where beer connoisseurs queue up for hours to get limited releases like Perseguidor. The kind of place where two good beers will get you bombed, and where you will pay a price commensurate with quality. I think JP is a fantastic addition to the A2 downtown scene, I look forward to many delicious beers and meals here in the future.
(5)
Carl S.

Food was OK, nothing like the TC location though. Except the truffle fries - which were excellent! Hostess and waitress were great, but the bartender was very very arrogant and rude - what an a$$!!!!!!
(2)
Jay W.

Need to be able to give this thing 2 ratings... 5 for beer, 1 for food. I've eaten dinner here twice and the first time it was a burger and it was OK. Nothing special, but OK. The beer was excellent. The tempura fried squash was delicious. Beware of their tempura fried appetizer because the vegetable changes. I didn't get it the second time because it was zucchini. The second time I ordered a smoked tofu salad. YUK. Usually smoking food enhances an existing flavor, e.g. bacon, salmon. Tofu has no flavor, it is usually seasoned. I was expecting a nice seasoned tofu with a little smoke flavor. No. This smoked tofu was like eating a burned down house. gross. That said, the beer was delicious. The lemon cardamon vodka martini drink that I ordered was very interesting too. Suggestion: don't eat food here. Drink things here.
(2)
Chelsea Z.

Jolly Pumpkin was my second lunch excursion in Ann Arbor within a month, and I am more than pleased with both of my selections. (I tried Jerusalem Garden the first time.) I was first drawn to JP by its facade. The rustic, whimsical decor appeared warm and inviting. After stepping inside, I am sure that JP's ambiance is more than skin deep. Price-quality match is important to me, and I feel that JP met this match. The food is good, but not overly priced. Five-dollars for delicious truffle fries that could feed a party of four, and $10-12 for an artisan sandwich or salad is appropriate. If I had to recommend lunch to a friend, I would suggest JP. If I came back to Ann Arbor, I would try JP again - and bring friends. That is about the best endorsement of an establishment I can make.
(4)
Clare G.

Came here one fine Friday date night for both of our first times. We were very pleasantly surprised with every aspect--getting a quiet table in the back, having a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable server who made recommendations, and having excellent appetizers and salads for dinner. This is definitely a great place if you are health conscious/vegetarian, etc. The tempura vegetable appetizer called the Farmer's Fritto was recommended as a restaurant favorite and I can see why. I was impressed with the presentation of both the grilled romaine with warm potato croutons salad and the asian layered tofu salad. The first was actually so filling I could not finish. Two halves of romaine were actually roasted with a grilled chicken on top, fresh figs, toasted walnuts, and a delish roasted garlic dressing. The warm potato croutons were massive--the size of egg rolls and cheesy tasting. I cannot remember the names of the beers we tried --I know we ended picking the sour ones --but our server was very willing and generous to let us sample about 5 before the meal! Have to return for the rooftop deck this summer!
(5)
Taste-LIFE D.

We stopped by the Jolly Pumpkin for lunch on a recent trip to Chicago. We had the grilled chicken with brie, sweet and spicy cobia, truffle fries. Both sandwiches had way too much bread, Not a problem as we carved out a large section of bread. The fries were overrated. We expected more. It was just some fries. The brie overpowered the chicken. The cobia was tasty, very moist. The pickles and cucumbers gave it a unique flavor. Overall, we thought it was just okay. We'd be willing to give it another shot.
(3)
Troy W.

My girlfriend and I went during the Ann Arbor Art Fest, amazingly we got a table right away. We ordered a flight of 9 beers, each one was great and i don't even remember which was my favorite! The Hamburger was awesome and the pickled zucchini on the side was a nice surprise, I loved it!
(4)
Elizabeth B.

Jolly Pumpkin, it's time you ROLL home to dexter. I waited over an hour the past Saturday night to eat dinner at the Jolly Pumpkin. Being parked at the bar would normally not be an issue, I don't mind waiting and getting a pre dinner cocktail, however there are no cocktails, drinks are limited to basement beer and up north michigan wine. The atmosphere leaves much to be desired, out of town couples on both sides, huge dirty mirror in front and obnoxious immature bar tender's banter filling the air. The beer is'nt cold, you can't get a decent drink, why have a bar??? I saw at least 3 girls pull up their animals print tube tops at the bar. enough said. This is a full review. I did have dinner. Nothing special, asked for no chicken on the salad, needless to say chicken was on my salad. You can get these acclaimed sandwiches at Izzy's for the 1/2 the price. I would like to see a venue more worthy of Ann Arbor because we are foodies at heart and know something when we see it, and I'm sorry to report this is not the place. Take the 50 dollars you will spend here on warm beer and buy a good bottle of wine at grange. The problem is simple.... no sophistication and no true ann arbor vibe. If i wanted to have dinner at a Dexter joint, I would get in my car and drive the thirty miles west.
(2)
Theresa F.

I want so much for Jolly Pumpkin to be five stars -- they are getting there, and I think many of their bugs they need to work out are simply because they just opened. Their beer is just delicious. I really enjoyed their gluten free beer, and really appreciate they have that option! They also have gluten free pizza crust -- yay! Now I have two places -- here and Sylvio's -- where I can forget that I have a wheat and dairy allergy and just gorge myself on pizza. My husband has had their Octoberfest special, La Parcela, and the Bam Biere, and he really loved all of them. And he's a craft brew guy too, homebrewer and all, so his opinion counts for something, I think :-) Now, we've only ventured upstairs thus far, and mostly during Tuesdays and Thursdays to listen to their live music. We have ordered most of the menu items on the upstairs menu, and we've been mostly satisfied. When their truffle chips are crunchy, they are deeeeeeeelicious. But, we've also ordered them and they've been as wilty as cooked spinach -- yikes. Our server tried to bring us new ones, but those were wilty and chewy too. Hhhmm. And most of the time the pizza was great -- a couple of times we felt the toppings were a bit on the scant side. And a friend had the grilled cheese and was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bread on her plate. So, there's some consistency in their food prep I believe (and hope!!) they'll work it out. When that happens, I will certainly be updating my review! I am really pleased with the service, the live music choices, the beer, the location, the ambience... and the upstairs is a great place to go with a larger group. I really appreciate the vegan and gluten free choices they have, and I look forward to venturing downstairs to explore that menu.
(3)
Eric P.

I've only actually been here once and did not have food. But I feel I have to defend it against those who say the beer is no good. I love Jolly Pumpkin beer! I've actually never had one I didn't like; I've tried many at Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG) events. The atmosphere of the upstairs area of the bar is also one of the better atmospheres in Ann Arbor. I hope to try it again soon, maybe get some foods.
(4)
Patrick K.

I've been hearing whispers about Jolly Pumpkin in beer circles for the past couple of years. I finally made it there last night and they did not let me down. The place was packed but the atmosphere was great. It was the perfect stop for a freezing cold fall night. Everyone there was having a good time, The food was good and the beer was great! I had the Bam Bierre, a sour farmhouse style ale. This is one of my favorite styles and the Jolly Pumpkin did did it right. The menu was interesting as well and while I didn't have the pizza, quite a few folks in our party did and raved about it. I'll be going back again soon.
(4)
Ian P.

The odds are good that the goods are odd. Someone said it best in a review I read. The beers that are ordinary sounding, well are pretty ordinary...definitely nothing to tell anyone about. The beers that are more "exotic" basically fall flat. Kind of a disappointment in the beer department. The chickpea sandwich was pretty good, although my fries were a bit cold. All in all a mixed bag.
(3)
Tyler B.

I think I had desert here once, but that's neither here nor there. You don't want my food reviews, let's talk booze... I know a bit about beer. Well, at the very least I've drank a lot of it and I know what I like. I spend a lot of time at Grizzly Peak because I have a membership and its cheap. I stick to the seasonals and usually find something I like. ABC is tasty and I love their lefty politics, but there's nothing there that I ever HAVE to have. And yes, I miss Leopolds and their giant, drunk inducing beers. But Jolly Pumpkin (IMHO) has the best across the board brews of any place in A2. It's all complex flavors that will leave you tasting more until the point that you need to call a cab (unless you are as good at life as I am and can stumble home from here.) Plus, the staff asks your name and expects you to become a regular. There may be something to that. So while I'm not about to abandon A2's other well worthwhile brewpubs, The Pumpkin while sit atop my first choices for a drink or three for the foreseeable future. As someone who spends an inordinate amount of time in taverns, I implore you to take heed to my review.
(5)
Anthony P.

I'm definitely a fan! The sour beer is unique and delicious (they provide samples if you are new to sour beer), they regularly update their menu with new beer, the waitstaff is excellent, and the food is pretty good. I gave JP four stars because their restaurant week menu was sub par (and not a good deal) and the lamb that I has was only mediocre. The rest of the food is excellent, you can't go wrong with their pizza or sandwiches. I highly recommend Jolly Pumpkin!
(4)
Carrie B.

Pumpkin Wheat: A+ Service: A+ Food: B+ We had no qualms about the brew or the service--both were fantastic from the bar to the waitress. We waited maybe 10 minutes (and before a show at The Ark at that) to get a table and were greeted with smiling faces. The decor was fun, the bathrooms were clean (although the one on the main floor opens directly onto a few tables, so make sure you lock the door!), and the menu looked great. We enjoyed the rutabaga-pear soup (fabulous) and the fries were fairly tasty. My husband got the Hawaiian pizza, but the ingredients were so spread out that, while they were delicious, they were hard to taste together to get the full flavor. The pizza portion, though, was admirable. I got the "grilled cheese," which I can only sum up as delicious cheese, lifeless and tasteless peppers, and a wad of dry, brick-like focaccia. I don't know if the cook was having a bad day or they recycled someone else's sandwich, but it was flavorless and dense. I tried to scrape off the cheese, which was melted perfectly, but it was sullied by dull yellow peppers and wet, salty balsamic. Add something to this one, Jolly Pumpkin! We would try them out again, as I'm a firm believer that it was too cool of a place to be a permanent fail. I say give them a shot and tell me what I should eat aside from the grilled cheese!
(4)
KT T.

Skip this place. The food is mediocre, the atmosphere is lacking. Probably due to high prices. The price for a butchers block was $15, yet i was served meijer meat and cheese. Not what I expected as the server highly recommended it. Also there was some TERRIBLE fennel slaw and GROSS marinated beats. The quality was despicable. Tasted like dirt, no joke. I mentioned that I didn't approve the food, the server just danced around it and said, "you never know what you'll get with the butchers block." SWEET The only reason I'm giving two stars is because their beer is pretty good.
(2)
Melissa M.

I had just not went to Jolly Pumpkin since they opened because, Ann Arbor has so many breweries that I didn't believe it could be anything that new! After our first experience I was so impressed that we went back three days later! The beer I knew would be great but I was really impressed by the food. ~ we had pizza on both occasions the spicy the first time and meat the second. Both were great but I really loved the spicy one it was perfecly balanced. ~ The truffled fries we had both times and they were great the second time we had to fight my five year old daughter for them! She wanted to eat the garlic mayo that came with them by itself! ~ On the second visit we also had the noodle salad which was light and delicous you just need to make sure you mix it up completley because the tofu sucked up all the dressing. My daughter also had their basic burger and really dug it. Both times the service was top notch. the second time we were there they were obviously busy but our server managed to keep up just fine. The first time we were later so they were a little slower and we had some questions on merchandise and our server went above and beyond, She was just great! We will defintley be back soon!
(4)
Ellen C.

I was a fan of the food here, but not the atmosphere. The truffle fries were delicious (aren't they always?) and the rosemary really adds another dimension to them. I wasn't a huge fan of the spicy mayo that accompanied, but the fries were great alone. My friends all said they preferred the Bam Noire to the Bam Biere, so I went with that (even though the Bam Biere is the nationally ranked one) and I think I made the right choice. It was the perfect level of darkness, and didn't overwhelm my salad. For my entree I had the asian salad, which I loved the tofu in. I was a bit baffled by how many cold rice noodles I had compared to salad elements, but I loved the flavor. The atmosphere was a bit too loud for me- difficult to talk, a ton of drunk people even at 8pm. I think next time I'll try a weeknight.
(4)
Justin D.

Nice place. Both the food and the drinks here are unique. I usually get the truffle pizza when I come here. I haven't gotten to try their beers yet, but they have an interesting assortment of mixed drinks all made with their own spirits. I got a drink which had rye whiskey, grapefruit juice and maple syrup. It went together really well. I wouldn't suggest their dark and stormy though. I suspect when I got it the bartender didn't put any rum in it. I didn't taste it, and if there was any rum in it, then it was the least dark and stormy dark and stormy that I've ever had.
(4)
Brad T.

As a new parent, I was a bit concerned about bringing our baby to the bar, no matter how nice and smoke-free it was advertised as. Luckily, the Jolly Pumpkin was a wonderful surprise as both a new restaurant and a pretty laid back, friendly place. Let's get the "baby in the bar" part of this review over real quick: we came down to meet friends, we weren't tying one on, and this place isn't exactly the 8-Ball. It's a family-friendly brew pub that was incredibly polite and helpful when it came to managing a 2-month old baby. If you're a parent on the fence about going here, don't sweat it, they couldn't have been cooler about it. As I arrived I was introduced to some kind of dip/hummus plate (I didn't get a chance to get the official name) which had an edamome-based hummus that was totally great. I didn't have a chance to try much beer, but the Stout was decent and the people around me seemed to like some of the other home brews more. My wife and I split the truffle pizza, a delicious blend of goat cheese, creamed mushrooms, arugula, and a thin, crispy crust (my favorite kind). It was an instant winner, the kind of beer-friendly snack food that suddenly turns into a meal because you can't stop eating it. I have to admit that the best thing I tried here was not food or alcohol; the basil limeade might sound straight-up weird, but it's a "can't miss." Seriously, take fresh-squeezed limeade and add basil and you've got the most awesome flavor combination I've tried in a while. If you go here and don't try the basil limeade, you've missed the secret weapon on the menu. The service was really good, the parking was typical Main Street parking (for you out-of-towners, that means "sucky"), they were busy but not obnoxiously busy, and the look and layout of the place was conducive to friendly table-to-table conversations AND private group seating, depending on your mood. I've only got one visit under my belt but it was a winner, and you can bet I'll be back sooner than later.
(4)
Hans A.

for sure try the pizzas here. another pointer: they will let you try little cups of all the beer! I have always had a good meal here. The waitstaff wear cool t-shirts!
(4)
Ruth G.

I'm a big fan of JP's delicious bottled brews, so when I was in Ann Arbor, I had to check out the new location. Ambiance gets an A+. The lighting is comfortably dim, but not so dark as to obstruct view like some seedier metro Detroit establishments. Unique and aesthetically appealing light fixtures hang above each table, and the walls are adorned with artwork made familiar by bottle labels. Good tunes, like Regina Spektor and Wilco. DRINKS Excellent selection, but not for self-proclaimed "beer fans" who generally prefer Budweiser. You can get most of JP's brews in their characteristic wine-sized bottles. The pricing on these run $11-$15, which isn't a bad pub markup from grocery store prices. There aren't a ton of draft selections, but what is available is superb. I had a hard cider. Locally brewed ciders make bottled varieties like Woodchuck taste like unsatisfying soda pop. This was particularly delicious - cloudy with a natural apple flavor, tart, but not so much that it gave me heartburn. A good light addition to any meal. My date described his Bam Biere as "simply perfect" and "a great accompaniment to any sandwich." Good amount of hops, balanced without an unpalatable bitterness, and a natural herby flavor. FOOD Yum, yum! The menu is very creative and offers unique spins on traditional pub offerings. There is something for everyone, including kid-friendly options like pizza and french fries. There are also several vegan options that looked absolutely delicious. My burger was amazing, and my date loved his pork sandwich. The real show-stopper was the desserts. The pumpkin whoopie pie with coconut ice cream and fresh berries was a unique and tasty blend of flavors. The chocolate pudding was intense and delicious. Everything was presented with artistic skill. Absolutely amazing. SERVICE A+! It was busy, but we were well-cared for. When there was a minor issue with a plate, they addressed the problem AND gave us two free desserts, which was an unexpected surprise. Overall this was a great experience! Well worth the price. JP beers are unique - sour mash, artistic labels, the size of the bottle, creative brews, etc. The restaurant was no different. This was a real treat. I'd love to see one opened closer to Detroit!
(5)
Sherri T.

Two great things that go great together: good micro-brews and cheese platters. I don't care if you're hungry or not; when you go to Jolly Pumpkin, get one of their cheese platters! We arrived on a Saturday afternoon outside of football season, and it wasn't easy to get a table. There was no space at the bar, and a group of eight was trying to get seated. (That group may be waiting still.) The host wasn't any happier to see my party of three than she had been to see the party of eight, however. She seemed flustered and stressed. The bar was very busy, and we were lucky to get a table (especially since I had already disclosed that we were there to drink...not to eat). When we did order, however, we did order food and not just beer. We had passed a table with a cheese and meat tray on our way in. We fell to temptation, and ordered the butcher's snack board (cured meats, cheeses, roasted and marinated vegetables, olives, fresh breads). No, seriously. You need to order this. It goes great with Madrugada Obscura. Trust me. I would love to go back for lunch or dinner sometime. If I get this chance, I will try to go at an off time again (the middle of an afternoon between meal times) because I have a feeling this place is always packed...packed with good reason...It's great!
(4)
Karl H.

Service is good Food is good depending on what you order. I tried the porchetta. Almost as bland as Connor O'Neills (which means bad). Pretty bad when I was expecting good. The burger is damn good. It better be for $13. Grass fed beef is tasty, and the cheese on it was very good. The beer is good, but expensive however. It's not overpowering like some microbrews tend to be. The beers have a drier, smoother taste than some of the other A2 microbrews. Some belgian styles for sure... The service is very good and the staff is attentive. Good beer, late-night pizza and burgers. Prepare to blow your wad if intend on getting drunk though...
(4)
Kate M.

Stopped into the Jolly Pumpkin for lunch with coworkers a few weeks ago. My initial impressions: the decor was cool; pub-like but with sophistication. I loved the chandeliers dripping with forks + spoons and the dark wood accents. The high ceilings are nice and airy but it does lend the place a bit too much acoustic power - it was pretty loud in there and the talking/lunch din seemed to carry. It was tolerable, though. Our table sampled a few beers which all got enthusiastic votes, the steak salad, pork sandwich, and smoked chicken pizza. All solid choices and served relatively quickly. Tons of the menu items looked tasty and it was hard to pick what to try first. Our server was nice but actually a little too chatty. Hopefully this just stems from the place still being a little green. Prices are great for lunch - everything was in the $8-$12 range - which is great. I'll definitely be back to try this place again.
(4)
Shelby H.

We went there on a Sunday afternoon and it was quite busy. We were able to get a seat right away at the bar for two of us. It took us a few minutes to get waited on. The beer we got was good, but not the best I've had. The food was quite good - we both got side salads and a pizzas. I'd go back if I'm in Ann Arbor again.
(4)
Tony C.

Maybe I was looking for too much. What I was really hoping for was a place that had beer as good as Arbor Brewing Company, but food as good as Grizzly Peak, all in one place. We all know this is the problem in Ann Arbor: You want a damn good beer, but you also want to eat more than the garlic fries at Arbor Brewing, so what do you do? I was really hoping Jolly Pumpkin would've been my savior, but alas, it is not. The Beer: Strangely enough, their house beer, the bams, just weren't that great. In fact, the closest beer I'd compare it to would be Stroh's. Now, while I don't have a problem drinking a cold, frosty Stroh's, I also wouldn't use the word "artisan" to describe it. The IPAs were OK, but they were nowhere near my Sacred Cow IPA that is near and dear to my heart from ABC. The Food: Not bad, but overpriced. When a restaurant charges over $10-12 for a sandwich, my socks need to be blown off. They weren't even loosened. Was it bad? No. Was it great? Nope. Meh. I still prefer the food at Grizzly Peak more. I do like the decor. The service was pretty good as well. However, other than someone inviting me to eat with them here and my feeling guilty enough to go with them because I've been avoiding that person for the past several months, I can't see any other way I'd come here over GP or ABC. One thing that might bring me in is the whole place is non-smoking and that's great for those of us who have little kids. In fact, this place was packed with kids. And why not? Once you have kids, the alcohol becomes even more important.
(3)
Jessica K.

My boyfriend and I were walking along Main St., trying to find a place that wasn't crowded so we could sit outside. Unfortunately, it was a beautiful evening so outside dining was scarce. Anyways, we've both been wanting to try the Jolly Pumpkin so we went inside and upstairs to the bar. Annoyingly, the outside patio seating was first come first serve, and they had no way of keeping a queue so we watched the door like hawks to see who was leaving. Since it was going to be a little while, we ordered a few drinks. Drinks - I ordered the Cran Strawberry cocktail (I may have the name wrong). It was DELICIOUS. It's made with muddled strawberries and homemade cranberry vodka. The only downside is that I wish it came in a bigger glass, not a martini glass. I also had the Archangel beer which was made with Michigan cherries. It was way way too frothy/foamy for my liking, but the North Peak Diabolical IPA was GREAT! After our drinks, I saw a couple leaving, and I literally bolted for the patio, leaving my boyfriend to grab my purse and our drinks. :) We ordered the Farmer's Fritto as an appetizer, which is fresh, seasonal veggie that's tempura-ed with a dipping sauce. DELISH. I highly recommend it. Sadly, my main meal was atrocious. I've never met a salad I didn't like...until the Asian Layered salad. The ginger lime dressing was bland and the rice noodles were not hard enough but not cooked enough either. We also ordered the Fire and Smoke pizza which was good. Not amazing but definitely worth trying. Bottom line...the atmosphere is pleasant and the prices were decent. What disappointed me was that although most of the food and drinks tasted great (minus the horrible salad), the descriptions are better than the actual taste.
(3)
Garrett P.

What's up with the decor? I don't get it. The beer was not that good. I wanted an IPA and I guess they don't have an IPA on draft. They are a brewery that doesn't have an IPA on draft. I drank a belgian somethingorother. It was good. The pizza was good too. I don't know, maybe I was just in a bad mood or the server was to fratty. I didn't much enjoy it. So yeah, two stars= 'Meh. I've experienced better.' I don't get it.
(2)
Reesa T.

Nom Nom DRINK! I am in love... Seriously, Jolly Pumpkin just makes me happy. GREAT beer meets good food, good service and a cool ambience. No joke, I want to steal the lighting fixtures! Tofu Cracklins' - wow. I've never had tofu in that way before but I liked it... a lot. I seriously recommend giving them a try. I've rather liked JP's brews for awhile now, getting some whenever I am in Michigan, but now that this place is open... its something of a destination in my mind already. I hate to be too concise, but all i can say is yummy and good and i like and pretty inside and gushing on and on about a place so lovely.. while I sit so far away (in Seattle....) I guess if you are in Ann Arbor and looking for a place to go- get yourself to JP and enjoy it for me. 5 stars- all well earned!
(5)
Josh W.

My second experience was a bit disheartening I found out that a few of the sauces were that we were assured were Vegan were in fact not! The 3 spread appetizer has cheese in at least one dip. The dipping sauce for the tofu crisps was also not vegan because it contain fish sauce! Ugh. On top of menu missinformation I think their beer is over priced and it has always been warm when I receive it. Jolly Pumpkin had a nice reception when they came to Ann Arbor I think this is going to quickly fade with this poor service and high prices.
(2)
Andrea M.

Let's get right down to it and talk about... DA BEER (no,not da Bears football) I'm one tough cookie when it comes to pleasing me with beer. And, Ann Arbor has a lot of beer- some good, some bad. Don't get me wrong- I_heart_beer, but it takes more than a pretty name and a splash of some popular flavor combination to make me fall in love. Tonight I tried the "Bam Noire" because I looove dark beers. I gave it a chance, but here's the skinny- Unfortunately the body was lackluster, bordering on medium bodied, not that full, rich, dark, sit-down-in-your-stomach heaviness that I enjoy with nice dark, bitter Russian stouts. This was not a Russian stout, just to clear that up. I believe the "Bam Noire" touted itself as having notes of coffee and plum. I didn't get that out of it, but then again, that may have been hindered by the scent and taste of the dish washing detergent that was blaringly evident from my first whiff and taste. No need for me to belabor the point on this. My significant other had their seasonal offering and said, while it was okay, it wasn't what he expected from a micro-brewery. Both he and I expected more from brewers transforming themselves into restaurateurs, and we both hope that JP is not watering down their offerings (so to speak, not literally) to cater to a mass audience's taste. [SIDE NOTE ON ANOTHER DRINK: I resigned myself to having a Basil Limeaide due to not wanting a beer from their menu. A word of caution- this is a frozen drink. I had no idea it was going to be frozen. I wanted a refreshing, cool, watery limeaide with a hint of crushed basil, but I felt like I had been duped by a frozen-margarita-like thing. ] THE FOOD I opted for the Mediterranean pizza which sported goat cheese, eggplant, onions, Kalamata olives and preserved lemon. It sounded good, but fell rather flat upon tasting it- there was no layering to the flavors. A bit of salt, pepper, and/or garlic would have set off the other flavors. I really wanted more preserved lemon on there, as there was maybe 4 slivers on the entire pizza. Granted, preserved lemon could overwhelm and I know it was meant to compliment, but I wanted more bites of it and was searching for it. There may have been another cheese on there, but whatever it was, it did not contrast the goat cheese. I will say that they goat cheese was mild, so for me, that was a plus and the crust thickness, or thinnness (?) was perfect for a thin pizza. With a little spice, the pizza could be better. Luckily there are about 6 other offerings around the same price ($10) that are probably worth trying. THE OVERALL MENU What I did find odd was the main menu has offerings of appetizers, salads, pizzas and sandwiches. They bring you the specials and entres menu separately, but that was not the odd part. The pricing on the main menu makes sense and is actually quite moderate, bordering on inexpensive. However, the entres menu falls into a higher-moderate priced range that just does not mesh with the lower-priced main menu counterpart. It seems as if they're trying to do too much to cater to different demographics, while not offering enough necessarily. Speaking of which, I did not feel they had enough beers on tap to choose from. There were 5-6 that I counted. When they handed us the small tri-fold menus, I thought that was the drink menu only. Upon second glance I discovered it was the entire menu. I almost asked my s/o to leave too since the menu had sandwiches and pizza, no entres, until we got the other paper menu later. OVERALL I want to give JP 3 stars, in fact I hope to return and perhaps be able to. My significant other reminded me of waaay back in the day when Ann Arbor Brewing opened its downtown restaurant after being a brewery and it was a rocky road to get to be the star of Ann Arbor beer. So, I am willing to give JP a chance to shine with some time and experience. My suggestions? JP- get more beers on your menu pronto. More diverse offerings too. Ann Arbor has a lot of foodies and beer fiends who are officiandos for what we want, what we like and ultimately what we love. We want to love you, so seduce us with something... Also, to patrons or newcomers, go on an off night at an off time. What do I mean? Go on a Wednesday night between 5-6:30 at the latest, or some other week night early. Jolly Pumpkin is NOT worth the 40 minute wait that you will have to endure if you go anytime on the weekend. Sorry JP, but you're not yet worthy of a long wait. I hope to see JP develop into a well-honed, well-crafted microbrew based restaurant. Focus on the beer!
(2)
Allie K.

Jolly Pumpkin has two things that make me really like it -- gluten-free beer and gluten-free pizza. I really like the options for pizza-building, especially the candied pineapple and the assortments of cheese (I like the fresh mozz best). They also have a good selection of vegetarian food, and a lot of interesting, tasty non-alcoholic drinks (like basil limeade, yum). That being said, I've found that the service has been consistently poor and the prices seem a little high. I spent 20 minutes waiting to get into the restroom there once and when the door finally opened, there was an employee in there -- with a cash drawer! I'm hoping she just wanted a secluded place to count the money, but it struck me as a little gross, not to mention inconvenient. I was there a few weeks ago thinking I would grab a pizza but it took our server over 25 minutes to come back for an order and by that time we decided just to leave. So, if you're patient I think JP can be a good experience. If you're in a hurry and really need attentive service, I would recommend elsewhere.
(3)
Ruthie L.

So here's the deal. Let's start with the needs improvement portion. The beer. We got a sampler of every single beer in this joint. And none of us really liked ANY of the beers. There were 5 of us, 3 guys, 2 girls. Statistically, I think that's relevant enough to be odd. So I wouldn't get beer here again, which is sad considering it's a microbrewery. The food, on the other hand, is pretty darn good here. It's very eclectic, they use lots of fun ingredients. And they use some local ingredients as well, which is really cool. I had the fire and smoke pizza and I really enjoyed it. I almost finished the whole thing, which is rare for me. Bottom line: I would go back to eat, but would order a glass of water with my meal.
(3)
Rebecca W.

Come for the beer, stay for the pizza. We stopped in here for a Saturday lunch with friends a few weeks ago....we stuck to water and iced tea this time, but totally overindulged in the pizza. We tried four different ones: fire and smoke, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and meat lovers....and they were all awesome. (Fire and Smoke is still my favorite). Is it weird that the brewery has the best pizza in town?
(4)
Shannon U.

OK, full disclosure, I used to work at Jolly Pumpkin so I am slightly biased. Although, I guess there is something to be said for the fact that I worked there for a year and still want to come back to eat, drink and be generally merry. At any rate, I had dinner tonight with my Dad and it was excellent as always. We started out with an IPA for him and a Thai Boxer for me. If you are a mixed drink kind of person, the Thai Boxer is where it is at. I have tended bar for many years and have never come across a drink with such an interesting combination of flavors. Cilantro and coconut milk? Strangely delicious is all I can say. It was my Dad's first experience with truffle fries (a flavor he was turned on to after watching an episode of Leverage), and he was suitably impressed like most people who partake. For dinner he had the Grilled Romaine Salad (an excellent option for anyone who is new to the JP menu) and I had the Gnocchi dinner special (which was A-MA-ZING, hats off to you Maggie and your culinary expertise). We had a thoroughly enjoyable time and were provided with most excellent service by JP (the bartender).
(5)
Pebbles And Bam Bam A.

Jolly Pumpkin's staff and service are good, as is their ambiance. However, their beer - the primary draw to a restaurant like this - is really disappointing. I've gone to J.P. 3-4 times and tried different brews each time, always convinced I simply hadn't had the right one. But every time, I'm very disappointed, and I often have to actively try to finish the beer I ordered. Poor quality aside, they only offer *their* beer, wine, and hard alcohol. So if you don't like it, you don't have any other options. Their food is okay. Not bad but also nothing special. For example, they have a good pizza selection, and the flavor of their pizzas is pretty good, but they're also way too greasy. During our latest visit, we ordered the flatbread appetizer. Probably a third of the flatbread was completely black (burnt). Overall, there are many other restaurants and breweries nearby that I would recommend over J.P.!
(2)
Paul T.

Love their Traverse City location. Ann Arbor is a close second!
(5)
Rory F.

We came to Jolly Pumpkin on a Tuesday night in mid-May, after most of the undergraduates have left town, so it wasn't too busy and we were seated immediately. Service was good and the food came out fast. I tried the Bam Noire and then the IPA and my companion had the Bam Biere. All three were interesting and complex and were a step above your average cookie cutter brewery fare. I liked the Bam Noire enough that I picked up a couple of 750 ml bottles to take back to DC and share with my friends. After hearing about the truffle rosemary french fries, I had to try them. I can say that they lived up to all of my hopes and dreams. The warm, marinated Kalamata olives were also great, but they serve you a HUGE bowl, easily enough for a table of four to share. I had the truffle pizza and it was not bad, but a little soggy. I'd give it 3 out of 5 pepperonis on the pizza scale. It was a good size and filling though, I ended up taking about half of it to go. The crust was really good and just the right amount of chewy. Overall the ambiance was pretty cool, and I would certainly go back next time I'm in Ann Arbor and try some of the other beers. I'd also like to check out the outdoor area in the summertime.
(4)
Travis C.

The Bam Noire is good, and they have an excellent selection of other craft beers (Tortuga Ale Company Chocolate Stout... sexual chocolate in your mouth). I had the fire & smoke pizza and truffle fries, both of which were not only tasty but delicious as well. We sat outside on a beautiful summer evening which only heightened the atmosphere. Inside it seemed kind of loud, so I can imagine it might be hard to talk unless you go on a weekday (we were there on a Friday night).
(5)
Nan B.

Finally found someone to go here with me! i've loved Jolly Pumpkin beers since I worked at a bar which served the Bam years ago. The beer is totally awesome. Food: I had a steak salad which was pretty bland with the meat overcooked, and my friend had a "Not Just a BLT" which was pretty much just a BLT. The fruit fly thing is true, too. There was a fruit fly well within my beer. I get that it happens, but you know, clean the taps and towers!
(3)
Duncan S.

Jolly Pumpkin is a better end brew pub with nice long bar and large amount of seating for diners, including some outdoor tables and chairs. Nice mood music, slick interior and a couple of TV screens for sports. Early on a Sunday night the crowd was mainly mid-30's, nicely dressed and not many college kids. Beer range is really solid, all Jolly Pumpkin product with a wide variety of draft selections and bottles. I had the 9 beer sampler, which is a fantastic way to try out the beers on offer. Disappointingly, a few of the varieties were not available on draft. Food is your typical bar food maybe raised a notch. Starting with olives, which were a good size serve and tasty. Followed by pizza which was pretty decent, not overly exceptional. Service very warm and friendly.
(4)
Mallory L.

I love Jolly Pumpkin. I love their beer, I love their food, and I love the atmosphere and decor. Several of their beers kind of taste the same to me... but they are great if you're a fan of sour beer (farmhouse ales) like I am. I really love their pizza...yum. I just wish it was a bit more affordable so that I could visit a lot more frequently.
(5)
Nick H.

All three of my visits to JP have been excellent. The wait staff know how to describe their beers - to the extent that their sublime flavors can be captured by words. The pizza has been satisfying and always complimentary to their beers. Twice now I've had their Fire & Smoke pizza - it hits an excellent balance between the spicy and smoky flavors evoked in the name. Although Jolly Pumpkin's prices might seem steep for beers and pizza, it is well worth it. My beer-nut friend introduced me to JP and I am very grateful. That said, their beers aren't for the timid. If you are looking for bud light, look elsewhere.
(5)
Tom A.

I'll certainly be back for some beer and snacks. Dinner didn't quite do it for me, but will try again since it's a week old restaurant still getting its groove on. JP beers are really great, if you really like beer. They are interesting 'artistic' brews, often with tart & funky flavors. When I was the beer buyer at a restaurant, I sold JP products (Bam & Calbaza Blanca) but I got really sick of people saying, "yeah, I don't think I like pumpkin beers..." and I've been hoping Ron would change the name of the brewery ever since.. His beers don't fit pigeonholes, which is a blessing and a curse, because if you have to describe every one instead of saying "it's like a pilsner" etc, things get tired. Back to the restaurant -- decor is a mix of comedy club left overs, south pacific tiki, family photos... the 20 foot tall barrel light on the stairs is pretty sweet. Service was fine, nice, reasonably fast etc. Training was still going on so when we were there there were approximately 5 customers per server. Food was a ok. Truffle fries were solid. Pizza (Mediterranean) was decent, but highly irregular in shape with extremely uneven distribution of toppings -- a 3 inch toppingless crust on a 11 inch pizza? Chick pea sandwich turned out to be full of red peppers, which wasn't mentioned on the menu, which makes it inedible for me, but my friend seemed to like it. Every vegetarian sandwich, and most other vegetarian items, are all about peppers, which really annoys me. Sandwiched come with fries, with no expressed options to sub for salad, which would have been preferred as we ordered truffle fries. or a vegetable, maybe? Food is relatively expensive. One beer note: the beers in the "Bam" series have almost nothing in common with each other. "Bam Bier" is my favorite. The "Bam Noir" and "Autumn Bam" aren't so much departures as completely different beers. Good luck Ron & co !
(3)
Sara C.

The hubs and I find ourselves choosing JP nearly every time we want to get a bite. It just keeps getting better! The flatbread appetizer with three dips is so good and so filling, it's really a meal in appetizer clothing. The roasted red pepper and walnut dip is the stuff of legend. Beerwise; the Magrugada Obscura is delicious. And the La Roja has such immense complexity, it reminds me more of a wine then a beer. Every cask is different. Love!
(5)
Richard B.

Some of the best tasting beers I've ever had. The Bam Biere is light and sweet and the Siren Amber Ale is complex and delicious. Overall, a fantastic experience. If you're in the area, you definitely need to check it out.
(5)
zin b.

Duck 2 Ways, described as 'back-forty acres roasted breast-leg confit and sweet potato hash-lacinato kale caramelized onion-bacon-apple cider.' The duck confit was earthy, meaty and salty with a nice ducky flavor. The kale was cooked to perfection: emerald-green and a sharp, palate-cleaning offset against the heavy gravy. Eat Mor Kale! I loves me some ducky darkness, but this was too far over to the dark side of the force for me. Cubed sweet potatoes and onions could not resist being assimilated into the borg of gravy, overcooked to my taste. They would have had me at hello with al dente sweet potatoes and braised onions to match the kale, and half or less of the gravy.
(4)
kim d.

We were downtown on a warm summer evening trying to decided between and outdoor dinner at Zingermans or Jolly Pumpkin. We decided to try J.P. as I read somewhere that they have an outdoor rooftop dining area. Well, rooftop couldn't have a worse atmosphere. It's basically a plain wood fence and a white wall surrounding a hot rooftof. Your view is of other dirty rooftops and their a/c units, and there is no color anywhere. It's like the desert of rooftops. I would definitely reccomend eating inside or on the street as opposed to this "oaisis" The beer was good and the server helpful with a sample when we asked questions. We had sandwiches which were very standard-Zingermans would have been a much better choice. We had to laugh at our order of truffle fries, its like Mcdonalds fries in a cone type stand with a cup of mayonaise on the side. I didn't taste any truffle flavor, just some sea salt. So, go for the beer but skip the food. Or even better-just go to Dominicks....
(2)
Mariah T.

Jolly Pumkin has one of the best bar food in town. Their food is mostly organic and local, which is a huge plus for me. It's a bar where you can actually go to get good food, drink well, and have fun. It IS packed--especially on the weekends--so expect a long weight time. During the summer, the outdoor patio is fun & often there's a nice breeze. I do have to say I'm more a fan of their food than their beer, but it's often my "go to" bar in town. I highly recommend their tofu or chicken salads. They are amazing!
(4)
Mark E.

I've been there for lunch and dinner a couple of times. I have to say - I thought the food was fantastic. The porchetta sandwich was excellent, the burger was perfect, the BLT special (with sun dried tomatoes) amazing, and great pomme frites. My wife and I went with some co-workers and friends and everyone agreed that they have great food - people seemed to particularly like the pizza. That was very early on. Since then, we've had a couple of missteps where people were less than fully satisfied with their food, so I don't know if it is just luck, lack of consistency generally, or if they've had trouble maintaining the excellent quality they had early on, just after opening. Anyway, the beer is awesome. Definitely give this place a chance. Up until the last couple of visits, I would have said that this is my new fave casual restaurant in Ann Arbor. I'm really not a fan of the other Main Street offerings. Looking forward to when the roof-top patio opens up.
(4)
O'Shea J.

I don't particularly care for their beers except for the chocolate stout. However, the food is awesome. The truffle fries are incredible, and cost only $5. If you order one serving for the table, be prepared to watch that shit disappear fast, so get at least two orders. The tempura veggie platter is awesome as well. I like the wait staff, and I like the decor. The rooftop dining experience is so cool during the morning. Bring some sunglasses and get a bloody mary here. Truffle fries go good with that, as well as life in general.
(5)
Warren W.

My fiance and I were looking for a place to eat for lunch. We came across the Jolly Pumpkin and decided to stop in. Although I do love beer, I feel lunch is a little too early for it. Thus, I wish I had come for dinner. To start the meal I ordered the soup of the day which was a chipotle sweet - potato soup. It was absolutely delicious. I wish I had ordered two bowls, one to start and one for a meal. It had a nice balance of sweetness and smoky heat. Couple this with a cold, wintery day made it perfect. For the main entree, I ordered their version of a BLT. This version had some mozerrella and basil. It was almost a caprese sandwich with bacon in it. It was absolutely delicious. Good thing I didn't order that second bowl. I had the option of upgrading to the truffle fries which I happily did. My fiance wasn't able to finish her fries which made me happy so I could eat more. My fiance ordered their burger which was also flavorful. It was a little dry, but this was not fault of the restaurant as she had it cooked to well done. My preference would have been medium. Overall, this meal was very satisfactory and I will definitely be back for dinner...and some beer.
(5)
Fred H.

First off, I'll start by saying that as a beer geek, I had been informed about what they do here stylistically, (Belgian/French Country/Farmhouse Sour), and knew that it isn't necessarily my preference. But despite that, I heard that they're good at what they do, and was open to expanding my tastes and experiencing excellence... (Plus, on this particular Saturday night, it was the one brewpub downtown with the least sports bar-like atmosphere) The bartenders were cordial enough and knowledgeable, though the samples they offered were the best help for making my drink decisions. I thought the Tortuga Chocolate Stout would be right up my alley, but it turned out to be like a farmhouse version of something that I'd expect to be more British; I was expecting chocolate milk, but who wants sour chocolate milk? Alas, it was not what I had hoped for. I ended up opting for the Bam Noire. Not as "Noire" as I like, but it actually went down quite nicely, (and pretty quickly), Again, farmhouse-like, but with a darker malt character. More dark-ruby than black though. Next I wanted to try their version of an IPA. I had a taste of the Belipago, (I think), but again, the farmhouse funk overwhelmed my expectation of an IPA's hop character, so I asked for a glass of their closest approximation of a hop-bomb. I tried, and ended up ordering a Diabolical IPA, (I think), which had more of the citrus-y pine-y flavor that I expected, though it still had the same rustic country base. I wouldn't say that any of the beers that I drank were bad in any way; they had a great drinkability, the carbonation and serving temp was right, probably the most enjoyable sour beers that I've had, but I think I've confirmed that this just isn't my style. As for the food, all I had were the Truffle Fries, which people seem to rave about. They were OK. The rosemary was dominant, and about half way through the cone-shaped serving, I got an occasional whiff of truffle. Not sure if they were fresh-cut in the kitchen, seemed kind of like frozen to me. Would be better if they were cut a bit bigger, for some soft and mealy potato innards, but as is, they were kind of crusty. The mayo/aioli on the side was good. Basically, a slightly fancied up version of fries w/mayo, which I do like. Not really complaining for $5, but I don't really get the hype. Overall, I'd say that I have an appreciation for what they're doing, though it's definitely not for me.
(3)
S K.

Beers very good. No complaints. Anything over 3 stars for the food is completely over rated. I can make better pizza at home or from Trader Joes and the burger, while not bad, was not even close to a much cheaper Five Guys (though, alas, none in Ann Arbor). Truffle fries fine but our first order was cold and we had to send them back. $1 McDonald's fries are just as good!
(3)
AJ O.

Great back patio atmosphere. Consistently excellent service. Broad menu - something for everyone. Bonus points for being vegan-friendly! The Red Chile Tofu was amazing!
(4)
MichiganFoodie S.

I really like the late night drinks and meat and cheese platter. There are a couple items on the platter I wish I could substitute (i.e. beets, and some pickled item), but overall pretty good and also great service every time I've gone!
(4)
Topher D.

once a waiter acknowledged us this place became fantastic. Locally grown, largely organic food, awesome selection of beers and knowledgeable staff. Can't complain at all
(4)
Laura K.

We were so excited about this place, being a non-smoking bar/pub. We were soooo disappointed. The beer that we had was horrible (and yes I know and appreciate good beer), and they don't have a full bar, so you can't even get something else (unless you want their house vodka). I got their pizza (with their limited upstairs menu), and it was very dry. I have been back hoping it was a fluke, but my friends and I have been thoroughly disappointed each time. I keep hearing about their amazing beer, and the NY Times even rated their Belgian ale as the best. Perhaps I will have to try again...because I REALLY want to like it!
(2)
Harold C.

I notice Yelpers across the country slamming brewpubs, almost always for their mediocre food. And I don't want to sound pretentious, but the truth is that most of the people slamming these nationally renown breweries don't know sh*t about beer, which is what they should actually be focusing on in these reviews. I've never eaten at Jolly Pumpkin, mostly because I don't go to breweries looking for a great meal. When I was at Rogue, a world-class brewery in Newport, Oregon, I had fish and chips. And they were good. But I didn't go to Rogue for fish and chips, and if you're going to Jolly Pumpkin for groundbreaking New American cuisine and angelic service, you shouldn't be reviewing it. (By the way, the Rogue brewpub has 2 or 3 stars. Mostly from people slamming the food and service.) In the end, though, it doesn't matter. These famous breweries and brewpubs don't need stellar Yelp reviews to succeed, because people will drink good beer, no matter how many anal retentive Yelpers complain that they got a dirty look from the bartender for asking for a Heineken. Beer people have Ratebeer and Beer Advocate for guidance. And, in the case of Jolly Pumpkin, they don't even need those websites. Because in the beer world, Jolly Pumpkin is that famous. The beer tastes "weird" because it's good. It's crafted with love, care, and intelligence. This is a Belgian-style brewery. Most breweries you've been to are probably in the Anglo-Germanic tradition. So don't be surprised if there isn't an IPA on tap. There's probably a saison, or some kind of lambic. Those are going to taste weird to you if you've never had them. But trust me. It's good. You'll learn to like it if you keep drinking it. Is the Halloween-themed decor tacky? Yes. Can the service be underwhelming? Sure. Do they occasionally have a mediocre beer on tap? Absolutely. But remember, this is just a bar-- a bar that serves some of the most creatively conceived and delicious Belgian-inspired wild ales in North America.
(5)
Meg F.

I am a big fan of Jolly Pumpkin beer and started making frequent trips to Dexter to stock up about a year ago. I've tried the Ann Arbor Jolly Pumpkin restaurant a couple of times now and enjoyed it. The beer, of course, is great. The food is solid - lots of unusual ingredients for a pub. I really enjoy their rosemary fries - very yummy. The atmosphere is fantastic - I love the mish-mash of hanging lights, and it always feels very laid back and pleasant. The wait staff are also very friendly and extremely prompt. For the service alone I'd go there. I would give it 4 stars, but I just tried to make reservations for a wedding celebration dinner and I was told they don't take reservations. Too bad - it would have been really nice to celebrate there! EDIT: Try the vanilla coconut milk ice cream. It is out of this world. I would sell my soul to JP in order to have the recipe.
(3)
John M.

Great burgers. Amazing Truffle Fries. Spectacular beer. Try the pool out if you're feeling adventurous!
(5)
Elizabeth M.

The food: decent. I got the Prime Steak Salad. I ordered the meat medium rare and it came out medium well. Still tasty. The truffle fries were great.. The service was really slow and the restaurant was empty. Our waitress was friendly, though. I'd go back and give it another try.
(2)
David S.

WOW. I hadn't heard much about this place, as it is surrounded by Main Street Venture places and other fancy places. I decided on a whim to take my girlfriend there, mainly because I knew she'd get a kick out of the name. But wow. Top notch (for what it is). It's not trying to be anything more than a brewery that also does some interesting food items, and the menu consists of mainly sports-bar type items (pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and some main plates). However, the concoctions they come up with are perfectly executed. The pizzas are very good -- my favorite is the Fire & Smoke. Sandwiches are great as well -- while the "Not Just a BLT" will run you $13, it's the best BLT I've ever had (real slab bacon). This place is known for their beers, which do not disappoint. Like most people, the Bam Noire is my favorite (and an award-winner). Supposedly the truffle fries are the best thing on the menu, and I haven't tried them yet -- next time!
(5)
Mike R.

I came to Ann Arbor to visit my family over Thanksgiving and my sister recommended this place for its excellent handcrafted beer and great food. One half of that equation was accurate for me -- the beer is great. I wasn't too impressed with the food. My sister and I split the flatbread and dip, which was decent. The flatbread looked like store-bought pita pocket bread that was tossed on the grill for a few seconds to give it grill marks. The three dips that accompany the bread are excellent -- especially the bean dip, which is a sweet and spicy complement to the ordinary bread. We also split a salad, which showed up at our table as a bunch of uncut romaine hearts, with the rest piled on top. I'm all for 'deconstructed' salads, a la Top Chef, but this just looked like laziness to me. Our main dish was a flatbread pizza, which had an excellent crust but was extremely salty. I would recommend the pizza only if the chefs held back on the sodium. Now, onto the beers: I was really impressed, which makes sense as Jolly Pumpkin is primarily a brewery and only recently has gotten into food. My hands-down favorite was the Bam Biere, which was a light and flavorful beer that has a fantastic aftertaste. The Dragon Ale was also quite good. My verdict should be pretty obvious after reading the review: go for the beer, but skip the food. There are a lot of better places nearby on Ann Arbor's Main Street.
(3)
Dj M.

they definitely know beer. Space has a cool vibe. Food, safe to say is mediocre.
(2)
emily l.

Amazing chocolate stout and truffle french fries with aoli! I sometimes dream about the french fries - that's how good they are. I also love love love that they offer vegan options (especially for dessert!). They are also happy to substitute tofu into any of their meat sandwiches which is really nice. Overall, I've had pretty good service here and the food is pretty tasty. And I just plan like what they do and how they do it.
(4)
D. S. H.

Probably my favorite place in Ann Arbor. The ambiance is cozy. Great place to sit on a cold fall/winter night and have a few pints. I find the beer to be akin to ambrosia, but I should say that this place specializes in Belgian and sour beers. If you aren't a huge fan of Belgians and sours, you might find yourself disappointed. The food isn't the best I've had, but is generally good. The best thing on the menu is by far the truffle fries and aioli. It pairs fantastically with the beer.
(4)
Chad C.

Along with Grizzly Peak, one of the best choices in downtown Ann Arbor for microbrew fans.
(4)
G C.

Yet another Ann Arbor restaurant that thinks it's great, but isn't. The best thing I can say about it is that the menus are very well written. Both of our sandwiches sounded delicious. Unfortunately they weren't. My cobia sandwich was bland except for the overwhelming flavor of cilantro, which they used way too much of. The baguette wasn't really a baguette, more like an enormous sponge that you might use to grout tile. My dining partner's pork belly sandwich was slightly better but still pretty so-so. Fries were average. Beer was sort of interesting but not great. Almost $50 for two mediocre sandwiches and some beer? No thank you.
(2)
Alison R.

Heard a review about it so went down and checked it out. The beer was great, and if you can't make up your mind they have 35 cent samplers.. which helped us choose one! We ordered the truffle pizza and the pita bread which came with different hummus dips, both were amazing. The pizza was probably the best I've had. The service is also great for such a new restaurant, very friendly and fast!
(5)
David R.

I've continually been amazed by Jolly Pumpkin. I've been working my way through the pizzas (at the.moment I'm a fan of the South Pacific). Today my girlfriend ordered the JP Burger, and I was surprised to find that the sandwiches weren't listed on the menu just to fill space. The couple bites I had of the burger were great. Brie as cheese? I love it.
(4)
Sara H.

Excellent place! Thank you for coming to Ann Arbor!!! I LOVE pubs but I've become a bit of a gourmet food snob so I'm always torn between where I want to go- pubs for the atmosphere, or gourmet restaurants for the good. Jolly Pumpkin's got both. Of course, I went on Halloween. Very appropriate. The squash soup was amazing. I would've eaten two bowls of it if I could. The truffle pizza was very good but I would've liked to see a bit less cheese and more mushrooms. One person had the smoked tofu salad- very interested and well done. Another had the steak salad, which he seemed to enjoy. I had the pumpkin-vanilla bean vodka, which had a smooth finishing taste. Our waitress was terrific, very helpful, and friendly. She was quite efficient, serving our table and the table across from us at the same time. And for birthdays.... it was my birthday as well.... They gave me a free pumpkin dessert (very, very much like a pumpkin pie filling!!), a beer glass, and a $10 gift card! Definitely go for birthdays if not into the "trio" across the street.
(5)
Mei O.

One of their staffers messaged me to address my issues. Which was nice, but I'm still wary about the food issues. And apparently the glasses they serve their beer in is the appropriate style.
(3)
Mary L.

Went for a lunch with my husband on one Saturday. I had sweet & spicy cobia sandwich, and my husband had the burger with everything on. My sandwich was decent: with the French baguette and the pickled daikon and carrots and cilantro, it sort of reminded me of Vietnamese sandwiches. My husband enjoyed the burger, but the beer he had (some kind of amber ale) came not chilled... That was a big no no for a brewery, so that's why the three stars.
(3)
Todd A.

The two stars is for the overall experience. I'd give the beer five stars. Everyone in our party very much enjoyed their beers, which were unusual and interesting. The beer selection was pretty limited. Many beer offerings on their lists and menus were unavailable. Two stars for that. The service also gets five stars. Our waitress was accommodating and efficient. The food was OK, but uninspiring. We had a burger, a fish sandwich, and an Asian salad. All were competently executed, but did not distinguish themselves from other offerings around town. Food options are limited. They have a few standard entrÃ©es at steep prices on a specials menu, but there is no such section of their menu, which is sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. The ambiance was OK, kinda low-rent that was trying to be trendy and missed the mark. Two-and-a-half stars here. As for being kid-friendly, well, kinda-sorta. They have high chairs and a child menu - good. They have changing tables in the rest rooms - also good. The rest rooms are so dark that you can't see to change a child and no supplemental light, not even one you can turn on when you need it, is supplied at the changing tables - BAD. This needs to be fixed. Pronto. One star! Jolly Pumpkin in A2 is best experienced as a place to drink beer and eat a light meal without a small child along for the ride. It's not great if you want a more significant meal or have a baby in diapers along for the trip.
(2)
C L.

I like this spot, there's a good variety of beers / wine and the crowd is boisterous and young. The food is a bit better than your typical pub grub. They serve mostly sandwiches, salads (portions are big), cheese plates and finger foods. I also like the wait staff, I've never experienced slow or rude service. It's a super versatile place meaning it's appropriate for bringing coworkers, meeting a professor or catching up with friends from out of town. Oh.... and the fries are great, I would definitely order those.
(4)
B B.

Yummy pizza, best I've had in A2. Thin crust, both crunchy and chewy - such fantastic texture. Flavorful sauce, quality ingredients, lovely fresh basil. I had the fire and smoke pizza, which is a chicken pizza. Absolutely delicious truffle fries, omgggg. perfectly seasoned and crispy. Normally i am a fan of softer, mealier fries, but these crispy treasures were a must-have. Also, very nice burger. Huge with good meat (haha!). You'll want this cooked no more than medium. If you can handle it, rare is a good way to go b/c it comes out more medium rare. I didn't care for the cheese, but I'm not a fan of soft cheeses. Next time I would get cheddar. Though I actually preferred the pizza more, so that's the better route. Service was great, friendly, respectful and efficient. We had a group of 16 and no hassles whatsoever. A bit pricey, 11" pizza was $13ish, same for burger I think. But worth it for the ambiance, service, and food. They didn't do an auto-gratuity for our large group, though I gave 20% b/c everything was a solid A. Can't comment on beer or dessert b/c I didn't partake tonight.
(4)
Barbara C.

Enjoyed this relatively new spot. The Asian salad was one of the more unique dishes I've had with pickely dressing and tofu with sesame seeds. Very healthy and unique. The six tables outside in February were quite a kick as far as the scenery and enjoyment of their ales. Enjoyed it.
(3)
Brian K.

The Jolly Pumpkin beer isn't the best, but they have North Peak brews too, which I'm more partial to. The food is pretty great. Definitely try the truffle fries - delicious.
(4)
hugh p.

This place has really grown on me. At first is was all about the pizzas which are great, but it turns out their entree specials are really good too. I'm a really big fan of the coconut ice cream desserts as well. I can't speak to the beer because I don't drink, but the food is really good. Waits can get pretty crazy at peak times so be prepared for that.
(4)
Chris L.

Great beer. Love the lambics. Food menu strays away from typical bar food and uses local ingredients. Pleasantly surprised by the quality.
(4)
Jennifer L.

LOVE Jolly Pumpkin! Not only do they have the best beer in town they are also big supporters of Peace Neighborhood Center, a community outreach center for low-income families. Take my advice and eat there as often as you can. It will do your belly and heart good!!
(5)
Kassandra F.

There are a lot of things on this menu you won't find anywhere else nearby, which makes it a winner in my book. I've been there twice. The first time I had a special which I described as a glorified pig-in-a-blanket. It was a sausage with goat cheese in a homemade bread that came with a dipping sauce and fried - great combination of flavors! My friend had a truffle ravioli that looked like a masterpiece! The second time I had the three dip appetizer and a burger. The ap had a edamame dip - which I really liked - edamame is a favorite ingredient that I don't find often. But I was especially partial to the roasted red pepper dip. (Mouth just started watering thinking about it!) The burger was tasty and moist, but one of my favorite things about this place - and one of the simplest - is how much I love the pickled vegetables that garnish the entrees. It's very hard to decide what to get, so I guess I'll just have to keep going. I will say that their menu seemed on the shorter side to me, but with the inventiveness within it - I'm not sure if I'm worried about it yet.
(4)
Carley M.

we loved our experience at the jolly pumkpin, my husband loved his chicken with brie and apricot jam and my chickpea sandwich was so much better then I thought it would be. Cool atmosphere, a little pricey but not horrible. It was a packed house in there and I think we got our food in like 10 mins, we were very impressed by that.
(5)
Neil T.

Great menu, great staff and rotating beers. If you go there, DEFINITELY try the truffle fries. Keep in mind last call for alcohol in the restaurant (downstairs) is around 11pm, but the bar upstairs is open until 2am. Have the Bam Biere (it's good), but don't be shy about trying others.
(4)
Elizabeth P.

My husband and enjoyed a date night here last weekend. We had the truffle fries for a starter and they were fantastic. Our server was attentive and knowledgable about the beer, which was good. My pale ale was fine, but nothing amazing. I ordered shrimp and grits off of the seasonal menu. They were really, really good, but overpriced at $25. My husband liked his burger. Overall it was a good experience, just a little overpriced for a bar and very loud.
(4)
Casey C.

Went on a Thursday night and sat upstairs. Great service and appetizers (truffle fries, nachos). The sour beers are interesting. I enjoyed one and then switched to a nice bottle from their fairly good list. Had the pizza which was also really good. It was yummy and a great night out with friends at a place where we could all find something to like and hear each other talk!
(4)
Jessica J.

I want to love you Jolly Pumpkin, but I just can't-yet. Every beer we have tried here, we have hated. We always ask for a recommendation and suggest a beer to our server who always says "ummm I don't like that beer personally". And that happens every time we go and try to order a new one. Drinks-they make their own spirits too....yuck. Every time I got a mixed drink here I couldn't figure out why it was so bad. Well that's why. They don't sell anything but their own liquor here. Food-it's OK. It's by far not the worst I have had in Ann Arbor, but it's not always great. I got a pretty upset stomach on the steak salad I had last time. Truffle Fries are to die for though. All and all, I will go if friends are going but no longer go out of my way to suggest it anymore.
(2)
Nick P.

Came here for Sunday lunch/brunch- pizza was good, blueberry pancakes were excellent.
(4)
Alicia M.

I want to give JP 5 stars but (and I know I'm in the minority for this), I just don't like their beer. Everything has an odd soapy bitterness on my palate. What I do like are the veg options (many vegan). The asian layered salad is by far my favorite (rice noodle base, lime, tofu, cashews, etc.), although not totally filling, which gives me an excuse to order the flatbread/spreads trio for a starter. The darker wood interior is nice, although the upstairs patio seating isn't all it's cracked up to be (you're basically enclosed without any view). Their non-alcoholic drinks do make up a bit for the beer (especially the basil limeade).
(4)
Adam H.

Great beers and the truffled french fries are fantastic
(4)
Donald H.

I hardly ever hang out on Main Street but it's been 3 nights at Jolly Pumpkin in the first week and I'm liking the new perspective. Have sampled a few beers and like the Autumn. Not fond of the gluten free one, but good to know that's an option. The fried peppers appetizer was tasty, though I wanted a few more in my serving cone. The mediterranean pizza was solid fare. Decor is pretty good and it feels spacious enough - not too packed together. JP is worthy of bringing me back to Main St. on a regular basis.
(4)
Dan R.

Had the pizza at the upstairs...killer. Also had the flight of small beers, the Bam Noire is stellar.
(4)
jim g.

This place opened just opened a few days ago and they're already doing lots right. The food selection is broad and thoughtful, our wait person (Angela) was very helpful, explaining the menu and drink options. The steak salad had quite scrumptious beef though could have benefited from more greens. I had the sliced pork sandwich. This was not as yummy as the steak in the salad but tender and juicy (could have used more zip). The beer, of course, is known for its flavor and complexity and lives up to this. We did not try the Michigan produced wines and their Michigan spirit production thus far is limited to vodka. We sat outside in the soon to be gone Michigan sun. The inside looks warm and welcoming (with an upstairs I didn't explore). All in all this place looks like a fun restaurant , set up with the care and thought of their award winning beers.
(4)
Teeks L.

Expensive but worth it. Truffle fries are the best thing on the menu, which has a lot of excellent dishes. Good selection of beers and ciders on tap, and decent mixed drinks (although this is not the best bar if your whole crowd is mixed drinks folks). Pretty decent turnover during busy times (never more than 20 min for a group of five or less) but it's difficult (i.e., takes anywhere up to an hour) to seat big groups (bigger than 7 or 8). It's loud during peak times, so if you are going for a date try to go to happy hour or a little after the dinner rush (after 9).
(4)
Kyle S.

we came to the jolly pumpkin with a group of friends that are all bartenders at a pub that carries jolly pumpkin beer! we love the beer so we wanted to check out the place for ourselves! not only do we love the beer but the food was amazing and our waitress was hillarious and pretty hot too! we tried to steal her away to come work for us but she kindly declined our offer. so now we have another reason to come back to the jolly pumpkin...the beer, food, and a hot little waitress named marua! we will be back for sure!
(5)
Dave Y.

looks kinda just like another brew-pub in downtown a2, and it is. we tried 2 or 3 times to come here but the waits were like 2 hours! finally made it in on a saturday night, and sure it looks pretty much just like abc, grizzly peak, etc. outside and in. i think the food is slightly better tho. there is never anything, anything on grizzly peak's menu that makes me want to order it, it's all just standard uninteresting food; the menu here is a little bit better, and the food is very tasty. i had some kind of pizza and an agua fresca. it was about the weirdest and most un-agua fresca agua fresca i've ever had, but at least it was tasty. the beer at these places are all pretty decent. can we sustain another one of these places here? apparently. still, it's better (and more pleasant) to come to one of these places rather than sell your soul and go to ashley's
(4)
Anne M.

Smoked tofu salad - strange, but really delicious! Too bad they only had beer and vodka. Me likey gin. Good atmosphere, good service.
(4)
Amanda G.

I went to the Jolly pumpkin with my boyfriend and parents for a weekend dinner and loooooved it. The waitress was great, really attentive and brought over samples of all of the beers we asked about (plus one we hadn't - which is what my boyfriend ended up ordering). Then there was the food, I had the South Pacific pizza and it may be the best pizza I've ever had. The pineapple was absolutely amazing, the tomato sauce was smoky (great with the sweet pineapple) the bacon was crunchy and a little sweet. I will definitely be ordering it again. Someone had the chicken, brie and apricot sandwich, which was good but would have been great with an additional side of apricot (not quite enough for my sweet-tooth). My parents adored the truffle pizza, and my mom loved the pizza crust. The pizzas are big enough to split which makes the prices really reasonable ($7-8 a person for the meal plus drinks). Even without splitting you can get something delicious for dinner and spend between $11 and $14 (food only).
(5)
Brad D.

The beer is out of this world, and the food is a perfect match to the beer! I love the Calabaza Blanca. Best beer I have ever had. The grilled chicken and brie sandwich was awesome. Although, I took 1/ 2 of it home because it was huge. Overall, the portions are big, the food is local, organic, and you can see how much love goes into every entree or beer!
(5)
Jillian D.

damn. i wish i lived in ann arbor. i was in town for the michigan/ohio state game, and hung out here not once but twice. yes, it was that good!! on friday night, we rolled in super late, and jolly pumpkin was happy to provide us with carry out eats - and road sodas too!! we sampled a beer at the packed bar while our food was prepped. not 15 minutes later, we had fresh hot entrees and a sixer of locally brewed ale to take back to my brother's pad. the chili tofu sandwich is AMAZING!!!! spicy and chewy and delicious. i ordered the truffle fries, but couldn't tell the difference between them and the regular fries. oh well. and the beer...oh man! i love a good micro brew. we came back for more beer on sunday afternoon - the perfect way to ease into the afternoon. atmosphere is really cool. and the bartender was friendly and cool as well. i hope i make it back here!
(5)
Mike P.

got sick from jolly pumpkin food tonight 3-23-12. cheese plate plus beer....must have been the cheese plate. too bad usually a favorite. food poisoning no other explanation. not a good night
(1)
Mike O.

Food pretty good. Good veggie options. Beer on tap has ben OK.
(4)
Todd E.

Been twice now and have been happy both times. Last time out I ordered the Butcher's Board for an app and then the Truffle Pizza for dinner. Both were quite good. Butcher's board was little light on meats for supposedly being the meat and cheese board, but the sausage that was on there was good and the cheeses were great. Truffle pizza is yum if mushrooms are your thing. Their beers are pretty solid too.
(4)
brooke h.

Very good food, large portions. Had fries with truffle salt and chicken brie sandwich with side salad, plus a pint of the Bam beer. Loved it all, though the bread for the sandwich should have been smaller. It was yummy, but the chicken and brie were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bread surrounding them. Took a full half of my sandwich home for lunch. Yum! Ate it all on the rooftop beergarden-- so awesome to be outside on a beautiful summer night. Also looking forward to it over the winter, since there are heaters up there.
(4)
Todd E.

I dunno. I went to the Jolly Pumpkin on the Old Penninsula and the menu was A LOT more creative and interesting. I was really looking forward to the blue cheese wedge salad, which was no where to be found on the Ann Arbor menu. This place basically serves up overpriced sandwiches and pizzas, but they do have a lot of veggie options. They were out of two beers (on a game night!) and the beer I did drink was just okay. So, I tried a local $9 Cab Franc that was borderline disgusting. I could not believe the amount of people clammoring to get in - it must be a novelty thing because it's so new.
(2)
Janine S.

Certainly, among the many nice looking restored buildings in downtown ann arbor, my group of coworkers, if anyone, would find the worst one. We did the "do you want this no do you want that maybe" walk among all the restaurants, and finally decided on this one. First impressions: clean with funky decor. I liked the kitchen utensil chandelier, but that was about it. The menu looked decent, if not a bit too heavy on the fried food and greasy side. Prices were reasonable, although that was the least of our worries. The service was the only really plus side, as our waitress was very enthusiastic and did not seem to hate her job. I ordered the grilled chicken salad, and what came puzzled me. A head of romaine lettuce, liteally laid at the bottom of the dish, with a piece of dried, cut up grilled chicken on top. Oh yeah, and a sprinkling of random figs and nuts. Looked unappetizing, and was unsurprisingly dry. All my coworkers as well as myself did not finish our dishes, maybe each of us ate half, and the rest thrown away. Their wine selection was decent, as well as their truffle fries. However beware the large and greasy portions, I wish at least they would make the food more appetizing looking, if nothing else.
(2)
Anja L.

I went out for some dessert one night, and ended up at the Jolly Pumpkin, even though I didn't want to go there--soley because of the name (I donno why! I hate it!) They have cool decor and good beer, though I didn't try it. They have a pretty good selection of Michigan wines for a beer place, but the white selection is much better than the red. We also tried their closest thing to a gin and tonic they have (they don't carry gin) which was a juniper infused vodka and tonic which was awesome. We tried two desserts which were excellent. The vegan chocolate cake with coconut milk ice cream was to die for! and they offered a fruit plate with gourmet chocolate which is hard to find in the US but was just right. We also tried the truffle fries, which were delicious as well, but were very salty (the truffle is in the salt, so it sort of makes sense). The service wasn't very good, three different possible waiters kept passing us by avoiding our calls for attention. The bartender was very rude as well. When we did finally get out waiter he was very nice and apologetic, but seemed inexperienced and a little confused. All and all, I'm going to check this place out again.
(4)
Illi F.

Just ate here for the first time a few weeks ago, and I'll be going back for my birthday dinner. Here's why: amazing martinis, and a willingness to bend over backward for my food allergies. The pineapple cardamom martini here is AWESOME. As in, "the best martini I've ever tasted"-awesome. It really packs a punch, but the flavors are so balanced that you can't feel any alcohol aftertaste. Probably the best martini I've had in Ann Arbor, and possibly the best one I've ever had period. I also love that they make pizzas with soy cheese. Because I have multiple food allergies, I called ahead to make a reservation and confirm that soy cheese was on the menu. My boyfriend and I got their version of a Hawaiian pizza which had crumbles of smoked bacon, candied pineapple, and sesame seeds, served on a delicious thin crust. He got regular cheese on his half, I got soy cheese. It was awesome!!! Some restaurants that claim to have soy cheese available buy the really awful stuff, but Jolly Pumpkin definitely found a good supplier. It was the first time I've been able to have a pizza in a restaurant in 15 years! We also got the chicken nachos which we thought were great, although we do agree they were hard to eat. The chips were homemade, and our server was able to give my boyfriend his half with cheese so that I could enjoy them as well. The chicken was great, loved the avocado, and the cilantro really added a great flavor if you could get everything in one bite. They were very filling. If beer is your thing, my boyfriend ordered both the Noel and the Nightmare, and I had a few sips of each. Very good! This would be the place to take your girlfriend who "doesn't like beer" and show her what she is missing (I speak from experience). My only complaint is that the place gets busy, but the bar is a good place to wait for your table if there's space, and the bartenders will make sure you get a drink you love.
(5)
Erin G.

Since they opened, I've been here and gotten takeout many times. It's a nice chill place to stop for a beer--I've taken several family members there for brews recently. If you're with people who like Miller/Budwiser/PBR, don't take them here if you'll be drinking. They don't serve that, nor do they serve anything like it. All of their beers are their own (with the exception of a North Peak, but they said they weren't serving it anymore last time I was in). All of there beers are also strong--in flavor, and some in alcohol. I tried their Noel Calabaza, got halfway through the glass, then asked the bartender the alcohol content--9%! No wonder I was already feeling lightheaded. This place gets very busy on weekend nights; last time we went there were no seats at either their downstairs or upstairs bar, but the staff tried to accommodate us and seemed to have it together. Their food is pricey--normal for dinner but too expensive for lunch I think. They do have lunch prices though. I've heard that they're going to change their menu seasonally but I haven't seen that yet. That being said, their food is very good. Great ingredients, simple, but delicious. Cobia sandwich is great, all of their pizzas are great (with gluten-free options), their burger is FANTASTIC (grass-fed beef, mushrooms, bacon, oh my!), salads are good too. They have some interesting-sounding desserts that I've yet to try. They also have a lot of non-alcoholic but inventive beverages, like a basil-lime iced treat. Atmosphere is totally fine for family dinners and good times with friends later.
(4)
Kenny B.

Too many of their beers are ultra sour, but some are excellent. I love all the pizzas and the truffle fries, but haven't been blown away by the rotating meal specials
(4)
Inez L.

Not bad, but... It's not some place I'd go to often. Their beer is a hit or miss sometimes. If you drink enough of it you might get used to a beer that you don't particularly like. So, EH. The Fire & Smoke pizza needs some more flavor, maybe some more spice. Their vegan chocolate cake with mocha frosting is soo good! I might just go back for that in a to-go box. But overall the food isn't bad but it's pretty expensive for it. Which means I'll more than likely choose something else over it.
(3)
T. S.

The truffle fries are heavenly. Can be noisy, if you want to talk sit in the back room or upstairs. They make their own martinis, too.
(4)
Dana S.

This is one of the first places I've gone to in Ann Arbor, and I must say, I'm a fan! Initially I wasn't too impressed with the menu, but after settling on the truffle fries and a pizza, I was very happy with the selection... both were very delicious. I was also impressed with the waiter's beer recommendation- I'm not much of a beer drinker, and I told her that I want something light and not too hoppy and she suggested a brew that was right on point. Really nice atmosphere and didn't seem to get obnoxiously crowded. A solid choice.
(4)
A P.

Interesting food and cocktail menus, both of which are well prepared. The "Not just a BLT" sandwich was great. Compares favorably with many Ann Arbor 4 star places, so I'm not sure why its currently at 3.5
(5)
Genevieve E.

I've now been to JP Cafe twice. My first visit was for full dinner with a 6-top. It took a long time to get a table, because they only have 2 tables that seat 6. I had the truffled french fries as an appetizer. They were delicious, hot and crispy, just the way fries should be. For my main course I went with the truffle pizza. The crust was perfect and the toppings couldn't have been more delicious. I wanted to try the pumpkin-bay pots de crÃ¨me, but they were all out. The second visit was just for dessert and after dinner drinks. The late harvest Riesling was sweet, but not too cloying. The rustic pie and coconut milk ice cream left something to be desired. The pie was ice cold and was way too tart. The ice cream tasted like chalk and was just plain yucky. Luckily my husband was more than happy to eat the entire thing. He hates to waste food:-) On both occasions the service was attentive without being annoyingly so. Overall, I'd say stick with just drinks and pizza, as those seem to be the items that are most reliably good.
(3)
Jon C.

Well- probably the greatest new addition to Ann Arbor. I am not an owner but helped them open it. Just wanted to clear the air and be upfront. The place is really amazing and so different from any other micropub in the state. What were they thinking on the decor- crazy , wacky, totally unique. Ron and Laurie Jeffries are the beer side and Maggie Long is the Operating Partner and Head Chef. Lots of unreal food and plenty of vegetarian options- which is pretty unique for pubs. The food is more in style with a gastropub and really is fantastic- enough of a reason to go there. Remember it has just opened up, so give them some time to work everything out but so far the service has been fantastic. Now lets talk beverages. It is important to note that this is a microbrewery, winery and distillery and not a brewpub so they make everything they serve. Beer beer beer. What can be said about the beer??Ron is probably the sickest brewer in the world or maybe Universe. Take the time to check out his website and understand what he is actually making. I have read some of the reviews(most are very positive to SUPER positive) but some of the "negative" ones might just need to get a little more experience with Sour Beers aged in Oak Barrels.. JP beers will not, I repeat, will not, taste like the beers you drink in Michigan. I am not saying that you will end up loving the JP beers like I do but just want you to understand what you are drinking. These Belgian/French styles take some time to get used to drinking. It may take some hard work but keep drinking them and your palate will awaken. Actually took me 3-6 months but I pulled my bootstaps up and kept drinking and drinking- I did it:) Ron, is one of the most respected brewers in the industry and finally he has a pub devoted to his Award winning and unique beers. So go back in and enjoy like the rest of us. Read up on the styles and have fun giving your tastebuds and new friend- JP Brews.
(5)

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Address : 311 S Main St
Ann Arbor, MI, 48104
Phone (734) 913-2730
Website https://www.jollypumpkin.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 12

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

311 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery Menu

Appetizers

Salads

Sandwiches

Lunch Specials - Granite Baked Pizza

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery

Appetizers

Salads

Sandwiches

Lunch Specials - Granite Baked Pizza

Desserts

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