Sidetrack
56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI, 48198
Sidetrack Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Ypsilanti for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ypsilanti for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Ypsilanti for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
56 E Cross St
Ypsilanti, MI, 48198 - Phone (734) 483-1035
- Website https://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Mon, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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Michael K.
Great burgers! Awesome large beers as well
(5)Zack S.
Solid burgers.
(4)Xiao M.
This place is great. The burger with pulled pork and coleslaw is amazing. Don't forget to try their hand cut sweet potato fries and the pulled pork quesadilla. They also have a fantastic beer selection and great happy hour specials. I went to school in Ann Arbor, but it seems like the best places to eat are in Ypsi.
(5)Rebecca M.
I have lived in Ypsilanti for many years, and have eaten and drank here many times. Each time I leave I am in no hurry to return. The food is good, especially the yam fries. They also have a great late night happy hour, and many awesome beers on tap. What I generally dislike about this place is the atmosphere and service. The tables are all crammed together very very tightly. I often feel as if I am sitting at strangers tables while there, or constantly have strangers running into me because my table is in the isle way. Additionally it typically takes a very long time to get drinks here. I know that the staff is busy, and they are apologetic about long wait times, but it seems that there are just not enough of them to wait on everyone there. If you were thinking about eating here I would recommend lunch. It's not as crowed, and I can usually get in and out pretty fast.
(3)Taurean V.
Came in here the other night with two things on the agenda: fried pickles and beer. We ordered their "famous" fried pickles and could not have been more disappointed. They were sizable spears, easily the most girthy fried pickles ever... unfortunately they were stupid soggy and the unappetizing beer batter fell right off. Eating giant hot, wet pickles with no breading is just kind of gross. On the non-suck hand, they have a respectable MI beer menu which I was very pleased with. Seeing Founders on tap without driving to Grand Rapids was a huge plus. The inside is very cozy and a nice atmosphere, cramped but in a good way. I'll be back for happy hour for sure, just not with fried pickles on the mind.
(3)Jordan G.
The best place to eat in Ypsilanti, sitting on the patio enjoying a very wide array of beers on tap and the famous Amtrak burger makes for a great evening in Ypsi.
(4)Meg F.
I just moved to the area and have to say Sidetrack is already a favorite of mine. I really like the atmosphere which is casual and relaxed. Good food at really reasonable prices. It's a particularly great restaurant for out of town guests as it's suitable for kids and adults alike. My nephew loved getting to see the train rush past, and my father loved the fact that they have beer pickles on their menu, and my friends love their selection of beer. I can tell I'll be going back again and again over the years.
(4)Douglas B.
This is one of my two favorite places to eat in Ypsi. Incredible burgers with a Great micro brew feel. I don't have a bad thing to mention about the waiting staff either. My only gripe with the place would be that even when they aren't too busy it always feels a little cramped or cluttered. If you aren't sitting down at your table, you are more than likely going to be in someones way. Other than that, great food, good people... it's a great place for a casual dinner.
(4)Nan B.
5 stars for the awesome beer selection and fantastic happy hour prices -1 star for the typically failing service -1 star for the mediocre food
(3)Heather S.
We adore Sidetrack, with kids or without. Their specials are usually really good, and the regular menu is packed with fun alternatives to more usual greasy fried bar food. Sit outside when it's nice and if you're lucky a train will roll through while you're there. In winter try to get a seat within view of the fireplace. If you go with kids, make note that there isn't a kids' menu. To me that's a plus - we order off the appetizer menu for them, which offers lots of great fresh options (hummus! pita pizza! turkey chili!). It's not a quick in-and-out place. The pace is a little slower, food is cooked for real and takes a little longer than your average chain restaurant. We've always had great service (and we've tested the patience of a few of our servers with our two little kids), and enjoy sitting back and relaxing during our time there. I esp. appreciate it that they bring a carafe of whatever you're drinking (water, Coke, whatever) to your table first thing. The burgers are terrific, the burger alternatives are equally tasty, and the strawberry shortcake is wonderful (when strawberries are in season, of course!). I really like the hand-cut sweet potato fries and spicy dipping sauce. The minute they start offering milk for the kids, I'll come back and give them 5 stars -- other than that, they're perfect.
(4)Heather K.
Sidetrack is absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Ann Arbor area. I keep coming back time and time again, and I'm always pleased. Sidetrack is primarily a place for burgers, and the burgers are great. Cooked to order, with a huge assortment of toppings you can mix and match the way you please, I get something different every time and am always happy. You have the choice of no fries, pub fries, or sweet potato fries. They have two types of sliders too, but the one time I got them they were a little overcooked, so I'll just stick with the regular burgers. But another great thing about this place is the variety. They have far more vegetarian fare than most other places around. Tempeh ruben? Check. Black bean burger? Check. It's not the best vegetarian the area has to offer, but if you're with a mixed crowd, the vegetarians won't feel left out as they pick at their salads. The beer selection is great, with plenty of local brews and servers who are knowledgeable about the beer menu. Beer comes in 16 and 22 oz sizes. They also have a martini menu that I just find confusing, but if you like sweet crazy martinis, apparently Sidetrack has you covered. Finally, the can't miss items: *deep fried pickles *sweet potato fries *Bell's Hopslam seasonal on tap
(5)Carmen O.
Rated one of the best burgers in the US by GQ magazine I was intrigued to try it and wasn't disappointed. The burger was delicious and the onion rings were AMAZING! They could have been bracelets they were so big. Also good were the Irish egg rolls (I think they were called that). These were ham & swiss, and pickled rolled and fried in an egg roll. All very tasty!
(4)Tyler B.
There's a reason that one's first thought upon entering Sidetrack is "Holy crap this is a fire marshal's nightmare," - a place this good needs all the table space it can get. So while during prime lunch or dinner rushes you'll likely be sitting a__holes to elbows, that's the only criticism I could ever render. Great beer, exquisite food. Any person who's ever used the term 'bar food' as a derogatory owes Sidetrack an apology. And if you're lucky enough to be dining when the train goes by, to quote Ayesha "Its really an experience."
(5)Patrick H.
This is one of my favorite places to go when I want a good beer at a great price. I miss this place more and more now that I live so far away. The food is very good and the staff has always been at least alright. When they are busy sometimes they won't get back to you for awhile so get that next round ordered when you can! Despite the sometimes not great service this place still kicks it with five stars.
(5)Bryan P.
Sidetrack is absolutely one of my favorite spots in all of Washtenaw County. It has great bar food and an excellent selection of beer on tap. The service may not always be lightning quick, but in the 5 years I've been going it's never been so bad as to become irritating. Sidetrack supposedly has great hamburgers, but as a vegetarian I can't attest to their quality. But, if your vegetarian like me, I can tell you there are some great vegetarian options. For appetizers I like deep-fried pickles and their HUGE fried mushrooms. As far as entrees go, the tempeh burger is pretty good, but I prefer the tempeh philly. It's super delicious. If you're looking for a spot to sit outside, enjoy the weather along with some beer and maybe food, Sidetrack is the place. Also the train might fly by really fast and freak you out for a second, which is always fun.
(5)Mary F.
Since the outdoor seating area was completed a few years ago, the Sidetrack has been a nice place to meet a few friends and have some drinks on a hot summer night. The much-vaunted burgers in all honesty, have never wowed me. The bun's always greasy. The famous Sweet Potato Fries have always come to our table either soggy or burnt. Truthfully, the food's average at best. I think the real attraction for most is the vast beer selection. On all but the coldest nights, get a table outisde as the tables inside are placed cheek by jowl. Order quickly as service can be slow on a busy night. Mixed drinks at the Sidetrack are over-iced so get yours with a minimum of ice if you want to taste the base ingredient. The noise level is expectedly loud so if you're in the mood to solve the problems of the world or have a quiet discussion, this may not be the best place. Still, it's a refreshing and authentic change of pace from downtown Ann Arbor and the staff are a whole lot nicer and more professional, with minimal U of M "M"attitude. But you know what the real pull is for us? Plentiful parking. Not having to deal with Ann Arbor parking is reason enough for us to come here.
(3)Mary M.
Homies and Sidetracks ... doesn't get any better. The late-night Happy Hour special, half-price liquor on Fridays, always makes me swoon for martinis, which doesn't usually happen otherwise. Great beer selection (Great Lakes Brewing Co!) and sumptuous artichoke-spinach dip. Good times, always ...
(5)Mei O.
The burgers were definitely good. Do I think they are one of the best burgers in the country? Nope. But did I have a happy tummy filled with yummyness? Yes! And they make some pretty yummy mixed drinks. I definitely recommend going when the weather is nice so you can sit outside, have a good drink and eat some fantastic food.
(4)Chris V.
There's nothing I can say about Sidetrack that hasn't already been said. My summation: it's probably the best place to drink and eat at the same time in Ypsi. The food is bar food done right - just as greasy as I like it while being equally hearty and scrumptious. While uncharacteristic for a bar food joint, Sidetrack has great veggie dishes, too. The choices on tap, while not comprehensive, are always dependably drinkable and affordable. I live just 5 minutes away, so this is the perfect place to bring friends from out of town. Sidetrack is terrific for groups, just be prepared to wait a little bit. This is a great alternative to similar places in Ann Arbor (some would even say better). If you live in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area and you haven't been here yet, you're doing something wrong.
(4)Jacob W.
I don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said by a million people, but Sidetrack is one of the best finds in the Ann Arbor area. Fantastic burgers, excellent beer and drink selection, and great salads, among other dishes. Service is usually excellent, including carafes of non-alcoholic soft drinks so you can refill yourself. Great setup of condiments at every table. I always call ahead and make a reservation, although since they opened up the room next door, it's less likely to be so busy that you'd have to wait. But still, it's nice to have a set table waiting when we arrive. One of my favorite places in the area, somewhere I'll miss when I move away.
(5)Bethany P.
I got takeout from this restaurant while I was in town. The menu looked great, I ended up getting a burger and some onion rings. Unfortunately, I also ended up getting lost on my way back to my hotel, and ended up eating a cold burger and soggy onion rings when I finally arrived there 45 minutes later. However, even cold and soggy the food was good (which says something!) I try not to weep when I think about how good the food would have been if it was hot. The place seemed super fun, it wasn't as crazy crowded as it seemed it would be from reading the reviews on here, but I did go a bit later on. They didn't give me a receipt when I picked up my order, and I didn't notice until I got back to the hotel. This bugged me a bit, as I need to submit receipts to be reimbursed for meals when I am traveling for work. Overall, I enjoyed it, would recommend it, and would go back if I was in the area again.
(4)Caitlen L.
One of my very favorite restaurants in Ypsi. The tempeh burger is so good (my mouth is watering just thinking about it) and it's great for me because it's easily ordered vegan (without cheese and without the dipping sauce for the fries). It boggles my mind how the tempeh could even be so good, and I've tried to duplicate it at home but it can't come close to Sidetrack. The sweet potato fries are also to die for! The only complaint I have is in regards to the restaurant setup. The restaurant is just so small for the amount of people they usually try to seat. On a packed night, I can barely squeeze into my chair (how do handicapped/disabled people even get through this restaurant?) and the noise level is so much that a lot of the time it's hard to hear any conversation. The wait staff is overall very friendly, although there was one incident where we waited about an hour and a half for our food (not sure if this was the fault of the waiter or in the kitchen- but either way, we were not pleased). I'd recommend Sidetrack to anyone, but if you're in a hurry, consider doing carry out.
(4)Holly H.
My favorite restaurant of all time. Seriously. There's something here for everyone, which makes it a good place to take several people with a range of tastes. My favorites: -Fish tacos -Grilled chicken/peppers salad (can't think of the name of it right now) -Hobo sandwich -BBQ plate They have an amazing craft beer selection. The atmosphere is historic and inviting, and we've always had great service. Wouldn't change a thing.
(5)Nia S.
I love this place. The atmosphere is just really cool and fits a lot of different tastes. I like the taxidermy personally, but in general any place with good food AND good beer is a win in my book. They have the best burgers in the area - really flavorful and juicy and their hand cut fries are perfect. The service is almost always great as well, which says a lot because they are often quite busy. Try their banana bread ale, super delicious and not available at most places.
(5)Eric A.
While I've had bad service at this place from time to time and the food is definitely better on some days than others, I'm still giving this place four stars. They don't have the most extensive beer selection in the world (although it definitely holds its own) but they have some really unique and great stuff you wont find anywhere else. Also, the hamburgers are amazing. All of the food is great (especially the black bean tacos) but the burgers really stand out. If you like burgers and beer, this is your place. The salmon is also pretty good. Overall, great place. Unfortunately there are a few instances in my memory preventing me from giving this place 5 stars but no one is perfect. Still the best restaurant in Ypsilanti.
(4)Jordan C.
Good food and good beer - can't go wrong. There are plenty of vegetarian options (YAY!) A great selection of craft beers! The only negative is that it is always super crowded. Overall, this is a great place to grab grub and beer with friends!
(5)barbie b.
Sidetrack is totally overrated. Maybe people are just desperate for a decent beer list....I know I am. Living in Ypsilanti, loving craft beer and good burgers, it would be logical for me to LOOOOVE Sidetrack...unfortunately the service of the staff is so laughably bad it's starting to reflect poorly on me for giving them so many chances. I've been to ST 4 times now. The first 3 were among the most disappointing experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. 1. I went to the Short's Brewery TapTakeover, as it is my favourite brewery. Sidetrack's website indicated lots of ~fun~ and ~free beer swag~. I was hoping to get a shirt or at least a sticker! I asked my waitress and she said she had no idea what I was talking about, whatever. I ordered a beer and 20 minutes later it arrived. I then had the idea to get a sample paddle, as I was at the tap takeover, and wanted to taste as many as I could. After deciding and ordering my paddle, I waited another 20 minutes to be told they "didn't do those anymore"....only to see other diners with them. I paid for my first beer and left. I later spoke with management about the lies on their website and they had nothing but silly excuses...which makes sense, given the staff they employ. 2. I went back with a friend for a snacky lunch. On my previous visit, I had eyed the bavarian ham sandwich that in emboldened letters, also included honey mustard. I ordered a dish of french fries, asked for a side of honey mustard only to be told they "didn't carry that"...disregarding the sandwich with it as the main condiment, I guess. 3. Was unable to order as I sat on the patio for 30 minutes before getting water. 4. WOW! I can't believe I went back. But I guess 4th times a charm. I went with my mother on a Friday night and ordered a burger which was absolutely perfect. blimpy does it better, cheaper, and with better service. never again, ST.
(1)Tim L.
Had my first visit on September 21. We had a late lunch. Service was great and attentive. We ordered mac n cheese with andouille and a burger with pulled pork and slaw. The good: - Food was good for pub grub, but not phenomenal. - Awesome selection of tap beers. I tried a paddle so I can get a sampling of different beers. I love that they did that. - In addition to the paddle we sampled, we were offered a taste of several other beers that were generous and quite good to boot. - Cool ambience for a historic bar. We actually got to see the 1:15 Amtrak stop across the street to pick up passengers. What made the Sidetrack 4 stars is the quality of the food, the high quality and selection of beers coupled with the value. We will definitely be back for more!
(4)Travis Z.
Sidetracks has a great menu that has lots of options for whatever you're feeling. They have great vegetarian options and a vast beer selection on tap. It makes it even more fun when a train comes by while you are there.
(5)Sam T.
Great burgers and great beer selection. Sweet potato fries and the sauce that went with them were phenomenal. My wife and I will be going back very soon.
(5)Megan M.
Most amazing Gorgonzola Tenderloin. Great price, great fool. And this new manager, Harry Tattoo is an amazing dude!
(5)MItch R.
Best Burger in the area, and great home made fries. As a local EMU student, I eat and drink here very often. The beer selection is vast and delicious, with many great local and seasonal brews. The place to be in Depot Town. For that fact its a little hipster sometimes, but hey that's Depot Town for you.
(5)Samm B.
Smells AWFUL! Food is mediocre at best. Their draft beer gives you bubble guts, probably because they don't clean their taps properly or at all. Filthy place to eat and drink. Customer service, service in general is a joke here. Only thing keeping them open is their location and happy hour deals.
(1)Jenni H.
Sidetrack is definitely an Ypsi staple. To say that they have an extensive menu is an understatement--my favorite item is the tempeh philly. Whatever they grill that tempeh with makes it delicious...and if you're feeling extra-indulgent, make sure you get the side of ranch for dipping--yum! If you want something a little healthier, the salads are usually fresh--my personal favorite is the Michigan Harvest Salad. And I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I don't actually like their "house specialty" beer battered pickles. They're just whole pickle spears that the fry. I must prefer places that slice them up like potato chips and serve 'em with a dipping sauce. As for the atmosphere, this place can get loud and somewhat claustrophobic when it's full. There is an outdoor patio space that is really nice in the summer, and I feel a bit like a little kid when I get excited by a train going by. The service is hit or miss and they have a large beer selection, but not a lot of options for non-beer drinkers.
(3)Sara C.
Sidetrack is my go-to in the 'hood. In the winter, it's warm and cozy - and in the summer, it's the perfect place to sit with drinks on the patio. From grabbing dinner to late night happy hour (yes, LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR - HALF-OFF beverages!) drinks, you really can't go wrong. Always great beers on tap. Not a beer drinker? They've got fancy cocktails, too. Food favorites: -Fish tacos -Portobello burger -Pub chips -Mozz sticks (seriously, what do they do to make them so good here?) Be warned: it gets a little crazy on the weekends, so if that's not your thing, come during the week.
(4)Kelly J.
Sidetrack's is great, it's my favorite bar in Ypsi. They have tons of craft beers on tap, a great happy hour, custom cocktails at decent prices, and amazing food. Their cheeseburger soup is amazing, and their tempeh burger is not only the best tempeh burger I've ever had, but one of the best burgers I've had, period. The prices are great and you really can't beat their menu. It's a great place. The only reason it's not five stars is that it's not uncommon to get slow service at Sidetrack (it's often packed,) where it's impossible to get a second drink or a bill. It's actually a pretty common occurrence--the fact that I'm rating four stars tells you how good the food and drinks are. The bad service can be overlooked. I recommend going during non-peak hours if you want quick service and drink refills.
(4)Billy L.
Sidetrack Bar and Grill has a nice atmosphere to it, even if there is a bit much taxidermy for my tastes. Seems pretty busy anytime I've been there, so keep that in mind if visiting during a busy meal time. My pulled pork sandwich was OK, with a good tasting sauce and not too soggy like some pulled porks tend to be. The sweet potato fries, however, were very soggy and a bit of a disappointment. The dipping sauce they came with wasn't as good as I've had with sweet potato fries at other restaurants. In the past, I've had cheeseburgers here and they were all pretty good.
(3)Chris P.
Really cool place to get some drinks. I'm sure the burgers are better than the one I ordered (or at least I have been told as much). Ordered a double burger with cheese which was well not mid rare as I asked. They have some descent in house chips and fries. Affordable prices and tin ceilings which are very period. The bar tender had ADD and couldn't keep anything straight which was surprising but not a huge deal. Adam richman voted this place best burger... I didn't find it anything special but good for a bar and some fried potatoes.
(3)Doug V.
This was one of the first restaurants I tried when I moved to the area back in 2008. There is so much to talk about. The beer selection is great and the food is pretty good. My favorites are the gorgonzola tenderloin, french dip sandwich, and their burgers are awesome as well! The chili is also fairly good and I would consider it if you're looking for an appetizer. The friend pickles are great as well, but tend to sit pretty heavy before having a meal. The service here is usually pretty good, but I've had a couple bad experiences. This is a great place to take family or friends from out of town who don't want to try anything out of the ordinary. Think menu like Applebee's, only food with actual taste.
(4)Joshua T.
The good news is that the majority of the servers are excellent now and from that standpoint, the service has improved substantially. The only thing that irks me is the fact that it seems every diner who walks in the door stands there awkwardly for five minutes waiting for someone to seat them. They typically do not have a dedicated hostess except for the weekends, which I've seen cause a couple people to turn around and walk out the door. It seems like it'd be worth paying someone $8/hour to not have each dining experience begin awkwardly. The food is consistently good and I love their happy hour. They've started mixing up their beer list more frequently and have some great beers on tap. I'll continue to regularly come here, but it would be so easy for them to be almost perfect that it might make me unnecessarily harsh on them.
(4)Ashley G.
Sidetrack is one of my favorite restaurants ever. Everything from the atmosphere, to the food to the staff are exceptional. Just thinking about their cajun fries and extensive craft beer menu makes me happy! Just a heads up that you will likely be waiting for a table if you go at peek times (i.e., dinner), but it is well worth the wait! I highly recommend venturing down there when the weather is nice so you can sit outside.
(5)Matt P.
This is a restaurant that has extraordinary potential and little finesse. So, a bunch of us go there to celebrate the graduation of 2 students from Michigan Law, and despite the valiant efforts of one of the moms, the place totally negated our existence. We arrived to a barren room, devoid of appetizers - which they admitted and eventually gave the group for free. Unlike any restaurant run with intelligence, these guys gave us a harried waitress who not only had to serve the 20 of us, but god knows how many in another room. This poor soul finally delivered our food 2.5 hours after we ordered it. Why did we stay? Because, the event of having two young adults successfully becomes lawyers is far more fun than late food, and we had a ball reconnecting with friends and relatives from both coasts. The bottom line is that the event, thank God, made the food secondary. Ultimately, I ate some decent fish tacos, others had fun eating fried pickles. These guys do know how to cook...ah but to manage - they need help. Fortunately, you only go to Law School once!
(2)Lydia T.
Love the beer selection and the Bloody Mary bar on Sunday! Also they have good food! I get the clams. And also the salads are great! Friendly staff!
(5)Ciara C.
This place is cute! I went here for brunch with some girls from work. The food was great! and it was nicely decorated (It was also the Holidays so it was decorated festively which made it extra nice). There were also a couple of fireplaces which made the atmosphere great for a having brunch and chit-chatting with the girls.
(4)Chelsea U.
The portabella burger is amazing! With sweet potato fries... Ugh! I crave it on a weekly basis... The deep fried zucchini is another personal favorite
(5)Andres G.
I heard that they had some of the best burgers in America so we went to check it out. The Amtrak Burger is REALLY GOOD! Either this place is really small or we showed up during a prime rush. Otherwise, the burgers are fantastic.
(4)Emily B.
Call ahead so you don't have to wait long. They don't have much space for waiting. Food and service was pretty good. Drinks option are good. I know they specialize in beer, but the wine list lacks.
(4)Jerin R.
Waitress was knowledgeable about gluten free options for my wife. The medium rare burger I ordered was a little toward the medium well side, but the place was packed, so it's forgivable. It was good quality beef. They have a fair beer selection, and good menu.
(4)Monica W.
Apparently, they were named one of Maxim's best burgers in the country. I had to see for myself. Their food takes hella long to be served, and frankly the Burger+Wait time pales in comparison to Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger. Another time, I came and had the gazpacho. It was awful, and tasted like sour salsa with a scoop of cream cheese in it.
(2)Heather H.
Great beer selection. Great old atmosphere. The daily specials are consistently delicious. Food is a little expensive and service has been spotty. However, when I pick where we go to dinner, I usually pick Sidetrack.
(4)Liz W.
I have scaled back my burger eating, the 1/3 lb here works really well for me I have decided. It is juicy, tasty, happy and perfect. My husband can struggle with the double stack, he is less picky than I am at any rate. He really never complains about his food issues though, unlike me. Since I work right around the corner, this has become a hangout for us. I love the variety of beer on tap and the well poured mixed drinks. When I am not imbibing I also appreciate that they bring you a whole carafe of your non alcoholic beverage of choice, including water. I have branched out and explored the menu and have found happiness beyond burgers. Shocking, I know. I am a big fan of their summer salad plate with chicken salad, potato salad, avocado, hard boiled egg, cucumber and strawberries. My husband is more of an admirer of the fried chicken and strawberry salad. Really though all the salads I have sampled have been worth a whirl. If you struggle with picking between a burger and a salad they offer a cheeseburger salad that is the best of both worlds. The baked salmon here with asparagus was a delight. I am not a huge fan of wild rice but they found me a substitute lickety split after spying my appalled look as they brought it to the table. The goat farm quesadillas make me happy. The fish tacos were likewise a very satisfying pick one evening. The BBQ pork sandwich is worth a try too. Of course if you are looking for fried up goodness you cannot go too wrong here. The Irish pub egg rolls with the pickle, ham and cheese jazzed up with whole grain mustard are very pleasing. The fried clams are happy too. I am a big fan of the onion rings as I mentioned before but I have found the sweet potato fries with their horseradish sauce dip can definitely make choosing a fried side harder. Skip the regular fries though, trust me. The only other miss in here is the much buzzed about gazpacho. Too heavily spiced and overly blended for my taste. I prefer a tangy and chunky gazpacho myself. This has a chili type taste (cumin?) that is overpowering and unpleasant to my palate, it messes with the freshness of the veggies IMO. You may feel differently though, its probably more a matter of my personal taste because it seems plenty popular with everyone else. Give it a try if you have not, just be warned that it is not only the crowded restaurant area that feels claustrophobic, the bathrooms have that vibe too. So very tiny. Yikes.
(5)Gary K.
Burgers reign and the beer selection is hard to compete with because it is so diversified.
(4)Salernitana A.
Stick one of their fried pickles in my ear and I'll follow you anywhere. Best burgers in SE Michigan, although being from California the smoke can really get to you sometimes. PLEASE CONSIDER GOING SMOKEFREE!
(5)Bruce S.
We've eaten here several times and they are consistent in delivering a positive experience. Good food, fair prices, friendly and attentive service. The outdoor seating is really nice in the warmer months. The Michigan salad is delicious, as are the sweet potato fries. Actually, there are several delicious menu items available here, which we've had numerous times. We've only been there during the day though when things are quieter though, so I have no idea what they are like at night when they are in bar mode.
(4)Dr R.
Good beer selection, great burgers. Their dining area can be loud and crowded, but it is still a good place to grab a couple of drinks and some food.
(4)Emily M.
5 stars for the food! I love everything I put in my mouth at sidetrack. The bar has a great selection, and they have many inventive drinks. The Mac and Cheese is amazingly salty, cheesy, and good. The southwest eggrolls are always an amazing app. The reason this review gets 2 stars is for the atmosphere, and service. We have eaten at sidetrack probably over 50-100 times over the course of 5-6 years, but sporadically so we'd probably never get picked out as semi-regular guests. My husband, friends and I normally love dining outside on their patio and watching the trains go by, and appreciating good food in nice weather.... That all changed on our most recent visit. The service is usually hit or miss (usually miss) and we rarely see the same server twice. On this particular occasion, we were eating on the patio and our server was not overly friendly (nothing new) but she got the job done. I'm pretty sure she forgot about putting our order in though. She was inside and glanced out at us, and suddenly had the "OMG, I forgot about their order" look-- I'm a former server and restaurant manager, so I know that look when I see it. She came out about 10-15 minutes later and said "You doing okay? your food will just be a couple more minutes" (CLASSIC server coverup for "I forgot about putting your order in, so I'm trying to cover my A$$ so you're not mad for waiting longer than you should have.") That didn't really bother me though, because we're human, and I've done the same thing before. We received our meal about 10-15 minutes after that. What bothered me most was that there was a group of young boys playing catch with water bottles and screaming on the patio area being supervised by a 11-13 year old girl who was screaming at them to behave while the parents were inside getting trashed. A pedestrian who was trying to cross the street got hit with water when the kids "ball" broke on the sidewalk right by her. Sometimes an adult would come out and yell at the kids, and sometimes a couple of them would come out and "converse" with each other (if you can call their shrill, suburban mom, jibber-jabber "conversation") and with the kids, but the kids did not stop being noisy. This went on for the entirety of our meal. (so about 30 minutes to an hour) Our lunch companion (who dines at this establishment quite often) shrewdly pointed out that one of the shrill ladies was the owner. So basically she totally condoned the actions of her grandson who was among the boys, and his little friends. Thank you Linda French for allowing us to enjoy spending $40 on lunch at your establishment while your grandson and his friends provided entertainment in the form of screaming, throwing things, and generally acting like animals. Lucky for you we'll probably still come back because we like the food, but if we encounter your grandson and his little friends being disruptive mongrols while we're trying to enjoy our meal, you can expect us to dine-and-dash. Thanks!
(2)Malinda M.
I moved here from Wisconsin and this was the first restaurant I went to in Michigan and needless to say the menu is amazing. Being a vegetarian sometimes makes it hard to go to pub like this BUT they have options for everyone that taste amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND but the service can be slow because of how busy it gets so keep that in mind. You will have to wait a little time for a table, more time for a server , and longer for food. Worth the wait I promise.
(4)Vince S.
Located in historic Depot Town this place really does make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The food here is always good and the beer selection is fantastic. My personal favorite is the white fish sandwich and a pint of Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. The custom burger option is always good too. I've been to Sidetracks dozens of times and never had a disappointing experience with the food or staff. It can get really busy at times but that's to be expected in a place this good. During the warmer months you can sit outside and watch the train go roaring by while shaded under colorful umbrellas sipping on your favorite drink. Or sit out back under a huge canopy with fans to cool you off.
(5)Shirley H.
The most recent time I went, I got a side order of mac n cheese and have to say, I wasn't impressed with it but Sidetracks is still my all time favorite bar in Michigan. I absolutely love the specials after 11pm and their appetizers are all really good. I love that this bar is so laid back and everyone that goes there, for the most part is chill and not acting a fool. There burger's are pretty impressive too!
(4)Lili L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Michigan. Always consistent. We ALWAYS order the fried pickles because they are absolutely delicious. Everything else on the menu is good too (burgers, sandwiches, egg salad, gazpacho during the summer). You can't go wrong. After 11 pm is their happy hour and most drinks are half off!
(5)Esther H.
As soon as I arrived in Michigan, Byoung Kyu S. & Lan H. told me that the one place to eat is Sidetracks. It was a great recommendation. The place sounds promising when you read the quote on the side of the building - "Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" quoted by Benjamin Franklin. I had high hopes for this place and it didn't fail. We were seated right by the train tracks where the train zoomed right by us during lunch. The service was great. People are very kind and patiently waited on us. Our waiter even helped to recommend a good local beer for me to try. (The Amber Blonde) The beer I chose went divinely with my Gorgonzola Tenderloin cooked at medium rare. It was accompanied by some soft warm sweet potato fries and a jalapeno dipping sauce and three stems of asparagus. The entire lunch was great! I was happy and buzzed. =)
(5)aRgh l.
Fish tacos....Eh. Their slight kick saved them. Stick with the burgers and the fries! Beer....awesome selection. Stick with the beer and stay away from the shots - still trying to figure out one....
(3)Aaron B.
Great pulled pork sandwich. Fries were also really good. Prices were about average for most of the area's nicer bars.
(4)Sam G.
You know what got me through last winter in Michigan? Hot cider spiked with a helluvalot of whiskey consumed while sitting next to Sidetrack's fireplace. Warms the tummy and the tuchus! The christmas lights and the cozy interior soothed the soul and made winter more romantic and dreamy than pathetic and dreary. The burgers are indeed pretty tasty, though also fairly 'classic.' [god DAMMIT michigan, stop putting mayo on everything - NO MAYO]. Their sweet potato fries are FIIIIIIINE, girl. Put that in my mouth, now. [and my Polish blood rejoices at the horseradish sauce... which is also probably mayo]. Love the amish chicken and their fish tacos aren't too shabby. Hit happy hour and you'll get a gigantic mug of microbrew on tap for a ridiculously low price (around 3 bucks I think? everything got blurry after drink two with the meds and all...). I don't know how I feel about the place in the summer. Sure it's nice to sit outside but I don't know. The service seems to get a little more spotty and the whole place feels more 'family restaurant' than 'quirky pub.' I do, however, love the train plowing by directly next to the patio. Makes one heck of a dynamic experience. Winter love, summer commitment issues.
(3)Kathleen C.
I just have to review this spot again. It's fantastic! The spot is always packed, yet the staff never seems rushed and is always friendly. While I wish that my burger came with fries, the prices are so reasonable that I don't mind adding a side (fries, fried zucchini as my mom had or whatever the case may be). Adding any topping you want to your burger is also a plus. Avocado and swiss - delish! I've been to this spot many times and it always makes me happy. The atmosphere is one of dive bar combined with hitching post. It's really adorable and a great spot for a casual dinner. There are quite a few outdoor spots as well - all charming. Definitely a must visit in the area! p.s. the MIchigan wines are pretty good, too.
(5)John M.
Food is good, beer list is good, service is terrible. I went to Sidetrack with a couple friends. We immediately questioned why we went to Sidetracks because the service is always horrible. As usual the service was horrible, the waitress walked away while I was in mid sentence more than one time, there was no engagement from the waitress what so ever. While we were complaining about the service a waitress from Wurst Bar, Jaz, tapped me on the shoulder just to say Hi because she was also drinking at Sidetrack. What made it even better was that she knew me by name even though she had only waited on me once. I was so blown away that me and my friends tabbed out and went to Wurst bar. Granted every restaurant has its bad days, Sidetrack seems to always have a bad day when I visit. Next time I won't waste my time and I'll go right to Wurst Bar.
(2)Liz R.
My all time favorite college digs. I'm still coming back here a decade later! Great sweet potato fries and horseradish sauce, absolutely fresh beef for the juicy burgers, great atmosphere (not so conducive to actually hearing a convo, but eh) I love that they added a back patio. Everything they make is good quality. The salads and dressings are homemade and fresh... just a great place to get a beer with an old friend.
(5)Steven H.
Their fries can use some work they taste a little burnt. But their burgers are great! Plus their happy hour is worth it.
(4)Amy W.
One star for stellar beer list and fun drinks. One star for fabu outside seating, location, and being the place to see and be seen in Ypsi. One star for the excellent happy hour. As for the food... no stars at all from this Vegan gal. The cross-contamination on the grill is at such a high level that your tempeh will arrive enrobed in a thick layer of meaty grease and studded with chunks of flesh. Such a shame, too, because they have ample veg-friendly selections, including a Philly, burger, and salads topped with tempeh. I've been eating here off and on since the lat 90s and this is a long-standing issue. Other vegan notes: The black bean burger contains egg as a binder. Daiya cheese is now available but you'll need to get it on a plain salad. The grilled veggies on the pita pizza fall victim to the meat-palooza on the grill. I recommend the following: Guacamole (fairly sure this does not contain sour cream), side salad, maybe they'll do a pita pizza with Daiya and no grilled veggies? Ah well. Get some great Michigan beer and you'll feel better.
(3)Jennifer E.
I think we've eaten here more than any other place in Ypsi since we got here. It's pretty enjoyable, reasonably tasty, and the atmosphere is fun. They have decent vegetarian options, tasty salads, good appetizers. The sweet potato fries are excellent, the mac and cheese is fattening and delicious. The desserts are kinda meh, though- too sweet, too large, and sometimes (carrot cake) a little stale. Also, how on earth can apple pie be out of season? (Note to restaurant owners everywhere: please stop putting a quart of bland vanilla ice cream on top of every dessert! Also: Why is a slice of cherry pie so hard to find in the cherry capital of the Northeast?!) I do get peeved though, because when we turn up with kids we always get shuttled to the annex, even when the main room has tables. It makes us feel like second-class citizens. Likewise, the service can be a little annoying- nothing worse than a server interrupting dinner conversation just to ask if you like your food- then doing it two more times. Blegh, stop that! :P
(4)Jessa B.
Yummo! This place is simply amazing. The menu has everything from burgers to vegan tempeh tacos. The fried zuchinni is seriously SO good, and they have some of the best onion rings around! I always get the black bean burger. It is homemade in house! The beer selection is great, and I can even get some Short's Brewery in there! The place is huge, but broken up to be intimate. The best time to go is in the summer, the patios are so much fun to hang out with friends at! LOVE this place and go all the time.
(4)Hailey W.
Been to Sidetracks multiple times and I don't plan on ever stopping! The food is good, the drinks are great (and pretty darn cheap during happy hours after 11pm), and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out with some friends. The only problem we've ever had is sometimes it's really really busy! Which means that the place is crowded and very VERY noisy and the wait staff is hard to come by. Pretty great place regardless!
(4)Jill S.
Worst service ever. Out of town visitors are second rate here. Others were seated before us and we were seated in front of the back door and had to wear our coats to eat.
(1)Great Lakes L.
We've always been a big fan of Ypsilanti's Depot Town. Partially because it's the host of the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, which is a magical distinction in and of itself. But we also love it because of the enormous character of its bars and restaurants. The Sidetrack was the last remaining place for us to visit, so our trip here was highly anticipated. Thankfully, Sidetrack didn't let us down. We arrived at 5:30 on a cold, snowy Friday evening in February and were greeted by a warm fire, friendly staff, and thankfully zero wait for a table (however by the time we left, folks were lined up to be seated). Any place that has a separate beer menu is always awesome, especially when loaded with local Michigan craft beer. Sidetrack met both these criteria, and we were lucky enough to visit when they still had Bell's Hopslam on tap. The menu is chock full of "hand crafted" burger options, which is Sidetrack's specialty. We sampled a basic cheeseburger and it was delicious and cooked to perfection. We also opted for the Louisiana White Fish Sandwich and WOW was it great - the fish was flaky and delicious, and the "twangy" sauce and pepperjack cheese vaulted it over the top. The server was very attentive and when we stayed a bit longer to finish our beers after the bill had already been paid, she never once made us feel like we needed to get a move on. This was a pleasant departure from many other restaurants whom shall remain nameless. If you're looking for a restaurant with charm, great food, an eclectic beer selection, look no further than Sidetrack. We will definitely return and would 100% recommend this place to others.
(4)Michael S.
If you love burgers, you have to go to Sidetrack. It was ranked by GQ magazine as having one of the best burgers and also mentioned on Oparah. Don't let that deter you. One of the knocks against this place is the service. It can get really busy and the waitstaff can't seem to keep up. The food besides the burgers is also very good, but trying a burger should be your top priority. You have the opportunity to choose your own toppings. If you can't decide, I recommend getting bacon, blue cheese, and tomato. Definitely order it medium-rare so you can truly appreciate the full flavor. If you are there in the summer, be sure to wash it down with a pint of Bell's Oberon.
(5)Shaun Garth W.
great food, great local place to hang out. I'm a big fan of the Cheeseburger salad....not the most likely combination, by by golly it works! only downside can be inexplicably slow service. but if you go in expecting it you won't bed too stressed.
(4)Todd A.
I was very impressed with my burger and fries. The only disappointment was NOT seeing a train go by!
(4)Nick S.
Wish I could give a 3 1/2, but they deserve better than a 3-star, so 4 it is. I love this place, go there all the time. The burgers are delicious and the beer specials are great. The problem? The wait staff is (usually) *awful*. It's not uncommon to wait 15 minutes for a beer even if there aren't a lot of people there. Recently this has been (slightly) improving, but I go often (because, as I said, the food and specials are great) and I've rarely had what I would define as "good" service.
(4)Brian M.
A true classic. Coolest bar/restaurant around. At 35 I'm not sure I can deem an establishment a throwback, but this joint is just that.
(5)Anne Y.
My husband isn't a yelper so he told me to yelp this place. He would probably give Sidetracks a 5. This is his favorite burger joint. He first heard about this place because it was raved about in the GQ magazine. I heard about it from oprah. It's solid for their burgers. I've had the Mac&Cheese burger and the Veggie burger called Tempeh buger. The vegetarian burger was amazing! Its a soy burger. Even my husband thought it was amazing. The size of the burgers aren't large enough to split. I heard the mac and cheese dish was good too. As far as salads, the big Michigan salad is always good. It has dried cherries slices of apples and pears. You also get a choice of grilled chicken, black bean burger or tempeh (soy burger). The wings are solid. The hubby likes the fried pickles. I'm not a big fan of fried pickles.. so my opinion doesn't count on them. The restaurant looks like a standard midwest bar. Its right next to a railroad track abd the train comes by every so often. It has a comfortable atmosphere. The service is friendly. They take kinda long in coming out with the meals. Can't wait to try the other burgers
(4)Jeanette H.
Find myself wating to spend more and more time here, especially on evenings where I want to spend time relaxing with friends just chatting the evening away. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming and relaxing - especially if you can get a table by the fireplace and the patio is fun in the summer. The drink menu is expansive ranging from rotating beer selections (just recently had a "Banana Bread" beer that was fantastic if you like your beer a little sweet) to unbelievable martinis. The food is excellent - I really like the turkey sliders (these might be seasonal so make sure you get there before they rotate off the menu). Like some other reviewers, I have to admit that the service can be a bit hit or miss, but the atmosphere, drink selection and food more than make it worth overlooking this inconsistency and worth the trip.
(4)Sarah T.
I came here while i was visiting some friends in ypsi and this place was delicious. they had an impressive array of burger options with all sorts of toppings you could choose from. they were delicious and interesting and we had a great time!
(4)Cathy W.
I have loved Sidetracks since I started my undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University. If you're going to go to Sidetracks, you must get the pickles- it's what they're known for. I also suggest the house salad, it comes with dried cherries, cukes, and tomatoes. The pub egg rolls are also delicious (deep fried egg roll with swiss cheese, ham, and a dill pickle) with ranch dressing. If you like a good burger-- Sidetracks is known for, and has been recognized for their burgers. I also love the "You Can't Tune A Piano, But You Can Tune-A-Fish" sandwich-- tuna salad with cheddar cheese, tomato, and russian dressing. YUMMY!! I long for Sidetracks when I am back home in North Carolina and do what I can to get to Sidetracks each time I get back to the Mitten. If you've never been there and are looking for something new to try-- definitely go to Sidetracks. Ask for Amy Lynn... she's the best server that they've got!!
(5)Bruce F.
We were in Ypsilanti and decided to go down to Depot Town and try The Sidetrack. We have been by it many times, but it was always crowded and we would try something else. We went in and tried some menu items other than burgers and had mixed results. The fried cheese sticks were just OK, but the fried Zucchinis the best we've ever had! My daughter ordered a Cheese Steak and I tried a piece and it was extremely dry and for the price, I thought it would come with fries, not potato chips. My wife had the Shepard's Pie, which came out looking like a piece of an oven baked sandwich and was very dry as well. It did come with a dressing size container of thin gravy, which helped to flavor it up a little bit. I had the Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage and it was pretty good and creamy. I think a Polish Sausage might have been more flavorful though. The waitress was very helpful and attentive and brought the girls a Martini and a Long Island Iced Tea each, which they seemed to really enjoy. I was not that impressed with the selections, but I will be back that way again this summer and will probably try the burgers. 3 stars for now, but I'll be back...
(3)Hans A.
Sidetrack is hearty flavorful bar food. You can sit right by the railroad tracks and it is pretty sweet when a train goes by during dinner. The fish and chips are done right, and everything people say about how good the burgers are is correct. Plus you can get a fried pickle appetizer. I have had inconsistent service there more than once, so if your food doesn't show up bug the waiter in case they have forgotten about you.
(4)Karen T.
Having frequented Sidetrack for the last decade, I've slowly noticed an establishment fall into decline. Will Sidetrack return to what it once was? I'm not sure. The Happy Hour is the best in town - but since the smoking ban, the bar smells like urine - yes, urine, as in: pee, piss, waste, a bathroom - the bathroom from "Trainspotting" at times. Is there a sewage leak in the basement? After getting piss drunk on cheap beer, you won't notice. I find it odd that this is the only establishment where I've found myself wishing the smoking ban wasn't passed (and I smoke!). Service: you'll probably wait for a table if it's at night, wait an additional 10 minutes for someone to even notice you, receive your drinks 15 minutes later and then get asked about food an additional 20 minutes after that. Food: Then, after receiving your food, something will be wrong - Fries are typically soggy - Burgers aren't cooked to what you ordered - soup tastes very "off" (was that really too much salt? YES) - steak is OVER COOKED - greens in salads aren't fresh. (And damnit, even the fried pickles typically taste like they were cooked 20 minutes ago, so they're soggy too. And they were my favourite) Drinks: Decent bloody mary's - bartenders know their stuff. If Sidetrack were a bar strictly, no food, it would be lovely. However - overrated, gross food coupled with horrible service and the smells of pee have pushed me to every other bar in Ypsilanti.
(2)Seoung L.
Finally got to try Sidetrack after years of hearing it about from friends. I was very satisfied with my meal and the overall experience. I think the beautiful weather and eating outside in a shade for late lunch really made meal stand out. I ordered the hamburger just because it was featured as the top 20 burger in USA by GQ magazine. Well it wouldn't be in the top 20 hamburger I have eaten but the hamburger was decent. It was juicy but it wasn't bursting with flavor. I got the sweet potato fries and it was good but again not the best I had and I think Zingerman's was way better. Tried the Mac and Cheese and it was pretty tasty but also not good as Zingerman's, Slow's, or Clarkston Union. I absolutely loved that they give you a carafe of whatever drink you order so you don't need to ask for a refill. The little things like this makes me recommend a place. The waiter was very good and I loved the outdoor seating area. I really liked their menu and I do want to try more meals in the future. I see that they had a huge vegetarian option and looked delicious. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Trevor M.
Went here for late night burgers and some deep fired pickles and we were not disappointed to have made that decision. The burger was cooked perfectly (However once you get it I usually turn the burger upside down otherwise the bottom bun can get soaked in grease). I really enjoy the fries, pickles and overall atmosphere. Thanks Sidetrack
(4)Richard L.
Before I repeat what everyone else says -- if you're looking for WiFi the listing says no, but you can pick up the Free Ypsi Wireless service on the Sidetrack side in some places, and from any of the outdoor patios. My favorite place. The burgers are the draw and they don't disappoint -- you won't find better flavor anywhere. I always opt for the double-decker Amtrak burger, but the single 1/3 pounder suffices for smaller appetites. I'll always miss the half pound option, but I must admit the Amtrak burger that's replaced it is an improvement. If there's a weakness, it's that the bun doesn't really hold up its end of the bargain but that becomes a minor quibble after about two bites. Also not to be missed on a stop at Sidetrack are the chicken wings, they're just spicy enough and don't need any extra sauce or flavoring. The beer list and frequent half-price happy hours are the cherry on top, whether you want to drink your usual standby or a nice local selection, it's likely available and reasonably priced.
(5)Emily P.
Oh, dear God. Want to be carded FOUR TIMES in the course of four drinks? Then come here - and be prepared to wait an hour for each round. The servers were standoffish and oblivious. (They'd sit down with other patrons, letting our drinks languish god-knows-where and then bring us the wrong orders.) The only redeeming quality of this place is the outdoor patio, where the occasional train will pass within feet of you - leaving you to fantasize about throwing yourself in front of it rather than actually paying for the excruciating experience you've just had. Normally I'd dull the pain with another round, but at Sidetrack it's never gonna show up.
(1)Chad T.
I love Sidetrack. I've been going to Sidetrack for years. I used to go there once or twice a week when I lived in the area, now that I moved to Plymouth I only get here once or twice a month. The happy hour rocks. Best happy hour in town. The beer selection on tap and in bottle is awesome. They feature quality brews from Michigan and around the world - this isn't the type of place where you go to drink cheap swill like anything made from Budweiser, Miller, or Coors. The food is great too. Great burgers, deep fried pickles are great, and the hand cut sweet potato fries are to die for. The Mac and cheese is also a favorite. Truthfully I've never had a bad meal here, everything is great. I usually sit at the bar, on occasion I have sat in the dining room or on one of the patios. The back patio is dog friendly. This is a huge plus as there have been several times over the years when I have stopped by for a quick beer for me and water for my Golden Retriever while out for a walk. I give special kudos to any business which is dog friendly. This is not a sports bar, you don't go here to watch a game you go here to drink quality brews and have great conversation with your friends and the regulars. There is only one TV there and it isn't even turned on all the time. This is a good thing as TV's in bars and restaurants kill conversation. Highly recommended!
(5)Pete P.
I've been to Sidetrack a few times and I'd have to say they are pretty consistent with their food. The burgers are good, nothing to complain about but I'm not sure they're one of the best in the country (as has been written about them). The fries SUCK!!! They are so wimpy and limp, no crispiness to them at all. I've complained to the waitstaff and each time they say that they've been sitting too long after frying, which is not something I want to hear as a customer. They also say they're working on it, which is an excuse if you ask me because I've heard it several times separated by a few months each time. Those fries might appeal to Lamar Latrell from Revenge of the Nerds( "check out Lamar's limp-wristed throwing style") but that's about it. The service here is okay not great either and with the high noise level, you have to shout your order here at times. I do like the old-timey decor but thye've got to make some changes to get me to come back. It'll be a few more months at least.
(2)Ryan B.
Attended a b-day dinner with my friend last week here and had an average restaurant experience. The nationally renowned handcrafted burger was good, but not that good. I actually prefer Sava's or Ruby Tuesday's Burgers over theirs. What should be nationally renowned is their Beer-Battered Zucchini. Definitely stole the taste test! Like the burger, the service wasn't extremely special. I wish they would have rolled out the red carpet on my friend's b-day. That may make my review a little biased, but this definitely is not on my top restaurant list. Reason for my return would be to have those Zucchini again.
(3)diane t.
Where else can you get really good food cooked to order at 1 am ? No place in Ann Arbor - with food this good, and for this price. Did I mention The Happy Hour ? The most generous happy hour hands down around. I should say the -2 Happy Hours, because they have 1/2 price liquor and 3 dollar 1/2 liter drafts both from 4-6 AND from 10pm-1am Monday thru Friday. $3 Newcastle Ale on draft and good food and a fireplace? That's as good as it gets.
(5)David M.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet! As my second favorite burger place in the area, that's pretty egregious of me. I certainly haven't had everything Sidetrack has to offer, but I can tell you from first-hand experience that the burgers here are awesome. If Krazy Jim's Blimpie Burgers aren't your thing, because you like thick, juicy burgers (I kind of feel dirty saying it like that), this is definitely your place. Since I am a fan of little charred burgers, I've also had the sliders here, and they are incredible. Another must-try are the deep fried pickles; this isn't the only place I've seen them, but it's not exactly the most common thing in the world, and they're great, even if a little too filling. Ann Arbor folks, this is definitely worth the drive.
(5)Dave W.
Great pub, always an amazing selection of draft beers. The burgers are way better than they should be. The rest of the menu is solid and has really good vegetarian options. Thank god no one told sidetracks that they are located in Ypsilanti otherwise they would likely shut down or start serving Costco food
(4)Shelly M.
Great burger and the beer battered fried pickles were fabulous. I love the feel of this place, the fireplace, the wood, it is just a really cool place to go. Service was great even though they were packed. The menu is pretty great, I can't wait to go back and try the black bean taco's.
(4)Andrew S.
Eh... it's okay, you won't be disappointed, but you surely won't be impressed. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the beer-battered pickles with ranch dressing to complement my Hopslam beer, which was obscenely overpriced in my opinion. However, the actual entrees which were ordered - baked salmon and black bean burger - were underwhelming. The baked, stuffed salmon was not stuffed. To the side of the salmon, there was a little bit of artichoke, but it was by no means infused. The salmon did not taste fishy, but the cooking technique is best described as rudimentary, with a hefty helping of spice to hide this fact. The black bean burger was bland and the fries it came with were borderline soggy. Not necessarily disappointing, but a little bit offending. All in all, sidetrack is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a few beers (as long as you are not concerned about money at all). The environment is calm and the location is comfortable. Enjoy, but be forewarned - the food is best experienced after one or two alcoholic beverages have been ingested.
(3)David S.
Great burgers and you choose the fixings. Sweet potato fries and onion rings are also very good. Extensive draft and bottled beer selection, featuring Michigan brews. Attentive and friendly Midwestern service. Reasonably priced. Small parking lot, but more parking available across the street. We were in town for the Ann Arbor Arts Festival and this is close-by. Enjoy.
(4)Mike B.
Nice draft beer selection,food is good,outdoor seating is great.
(4)Darin E.
I can't believe I have lived 15 min east of here for 15 years and never heard of this place before Yelp. (Yay Yelp!). It was "Cruise" night and the streets were busy with a throng of car enthusiasts. Not sure if (a) we were going to be able to overcome our aversion to smoky bars, and (b) get a table on a busy night, we entered with trepidation. We were immediately greeted by the hostess and led to our table-for-two, squeezing between a row of tables and the long antiquey bar, back around the corner to a table right smack dab in server-traffic-alley. Dont'cha hate that? Well, they moved us immediately upon request and I am glad - I would have hated to have walked out on the experience we ultimately had. Not really taking note of the fact that the hostess didn't ask us for our smoking preference, I was delighted to neither smell any smoke nor see any ashtrays -- No smoking except the front porch (Yay!) We started by sampling a $2.95 mug from the well-rounded menu of tap beers. I settled on the Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious from Bellaire, "Up North" Michigan ( shortsbrewing.com/brews.… ). This brew lived up to its namesake flower, Humulus Lupulus, with a bright crisp palate and a bitter, hoppy nose and finish. A nice relaxed summer evening atmosphere spurred our conversation and casual examination of the interesting architecture, railroad paraphernalia and breweriana. This place has genuine character - the type that interior designers "draw their inspiration from" (i.e. copycat) when they come up with the junk-nailed-to-walls theme-du-jour for the chain restaurants we get in Canton, or the movie Office Space for instance. This place was interesting and comfortable though, and definitely didn't leave us with a case of the Mondays. The only - 'flair' I saw was a black bandaid with white skull-and-bones, and a lisp-inducing tongue piercing. The food was good, maybe even very good. We started with the Irish Egg Rolls -- "Pickles stuffed with ham and cheese....". Actually it was an egg-roll sized/shaped wonton stuffed with a quarter spear of dill pickle and some ham & swiss. Great idea, but really the execution was not quite there for me. The tastes mixed well, especially when combined with the zippy coarse mustard found on the side. I wish they had scooped the seeds out of half of a pickle, and stuffed it like they said they were going to. The proud claims of winning the Chili cook-off several years in a row tempted me to sample a cup. I went with the non-smothered option to get a clear view of what was going on with this dish: Meat, beans and red sauce. Nice and simple, very nice heat, no big chunks of green bell pepper or other adulterations. This was maybe the highlight of the night. I highly recommend it to any Chili lovers out there. The "Driver" mini-burgers were very good as well, but I think for $9 you should be able to expect them to be served on something a bit nicer than Dinner Rolls from the Aunt Millie bakery (or whatever simulacrum their buyer chose). If I want sliders I go to White Castle - When you sell me "gourmet" mini burgers, I shouldn't be able to roll the bun up into little sticky balls of marshmallow fluff. Maybe that's just me, but just sayin'. Still, the Gorgonzola, perfectly caramelized onions, and smoky bacon dressed a very nice mini-pattie that more than made up for the sub-par bread. We saw the onion rings go by headed to some other tables and decided to top things off with a shared order. The cook must be watching too much FoodNetwork or something, because we got a 'deconstructed' nouveau cuisine version and had to reassemble the onion and breading at the table. A bit too greasy for me on the tail end of a full meal, but I can see why they are popular. The evening was nicely capped by the AmTrak train going by as we wandered off through the cars and cruisers. We'll be back!
(4)Emilia J.
The food at Sidetrack is good. So is the beer. Plus their Butt Warmers are delicious on a cold winter day after a sledding adventure at Riverside Park. I have to admit that I've only eaten here once, and had the BIG Michigan Harvest Salad with tempe and sweet potato fries. YUM. The dressing on the salad was amazing- a raspberry vinaigrette whose perfect contents I'm still trying to figure out.. On this particular evening our table was close to the fire. The one weird thing: the giant dead moose head and other animal heads sticking out of the walls. I swear one of them looked exactly like my dog, and it was a little disturbing.. Other than that, food was good, atmosphere was good, beer was good, service was pretty good, a bit busy, but hey- when I waitressed in the past I was too!
(4)John S.
"Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin This is one of my favorite quotes and Sidetrack had me the minute I walked in the door with this quote on the back of the server's t-shirts (I took one home.) Not only did I enjoy 3 outstanding local brews served by a knowledgable 'beer drinking' bartender, but I also sampled some unique food. The Irish Pub Egg Rolls (which are actually ham and cheese wrapped around a pickle and all deep fried in an egg roll) were some of the most unique, delicious appetizers I've had. I followed that with the Gourmet Sliders (mini burgers topped with blue cheese, carmelized onions, and bacon)...I would say that they live up to the "Top 20 Burgers" in the country claim! I travel a lot and always try to hit the local spots. This was one of the better local flavors joints I've been to. You don't think of Ypsilanti as a haven for great local pubs, but this one fits the bill. I'll be back if business brings me back to Ypsi!
(5)April J.
Sidetrack is great. It has particularly great burgers (though they're still not my favorite). I've tried several things on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. The one downfall is how crowded it gets. There are frequently waiters or waitresses standing over you just because there's nowhere else for them to be. If you're claustrophobic, find somewhere else. Anywhere else. Otherwise, pretty good.
(4)Lisa W.
This place has enough reviews, but I would like to add that they have deep fried everything. Deep fried PICKLES even. They also grind their own meat, meaning they have hands down THE best burger 'round these parts. And I rarely ever eat red meat. I am a super picky snob -- not really a poser vegetarian or anything. I'm just cautious of where my red meat comes from. The reason I am not giving this place five stars is because every time I order my burger medium rare, it always comes noticeably overcooked. But it still tastes good, and I am the type of person who hates overcooked meat. Do you not eat burgers because you are on a diet? Then you can get a freaking HAMBURGER SALAD. How genius is that??? Their fries are hand cut, and they have cool looking coolers for their liquor. Check it out. Did I mention they have deep fried PICKLES? Because they have deep fried pickles. AND they have naked lady pictures on their walls, along with prized dead animals, and deep fried zucchini also.
(4)Clarence C.
The hamburger is good. Made with a tasty slab of ground meat. Neatly stacked pieces of fresh lettuce, tomato and onion--not wilted, not aged in a prep table. Bun toasted on the grill. There's a good chance it will be one of the best burgers you ever eat. I like my fries crispier and skinnier. Are they using the right kind of potatoes? A hamburger with a side of fries and a 25-ounce mug of Oberon (not quite a pitcher, but close) set me back a little over $16. It was worthwhile. The waitstaff was attentive, but not invasive. Nice decor. Wood wainscoating, Antique railroad memorabilia, stuffed moose head over the fireplace, and a barbershop pole. Another good thing: the kitchen is open until 2 a.m.
(4)Joel S.
They have the best happy hour and bar food I know of. The only problem is, it's also the best happy hour and bar food everyone else knows of. It gets crowded and during peak hours the service can be really slow. But if you want some great drinks for half of what you should be paying, and some of the best made food for a bar, you have to try it. There is great outdoor seating, and it's always a good time. It does get a little loud inside, but it's worth it. If I could give 4.5 stars I would, the slower service is the only thing keeping it from a perfect 5.
(4)Will M.
Im a creature of habit and this is my habitat. Good food, best happy hour around. sunday - wendsday 9pm - 1am 3 dollar 25oz micro brews and half off shots and rocks drinks. weekends happy hour is 11pm - 1am. I prefer to sit on sidetracks side as opposed to frenchies, its usually a more liveley crowd.
(5)Jeff S.
id give them a 4 or better but the inconsistency is just heart breaking. the beer selection is great. awesome balance between familiar michigan brewed beers and high quality, high ABV, hard to come by michigan brewed beers. I'm a burger enthusiast. theirs is pretty good, but if they would spruce it up in the burger bun department, perhaps a choice that wouldn't soak up all the juices and thus fall apart leaving me with a flimsy patty with a soggy small piece of bun in between my thumb and index finger. I'm no pro but I've also had dinner there with a friend who ordered a salad that was insanely dressed. he returned it, got another where they offered literally zero dressing. I read an article in GQ including them in the top 20 burgers you need to try or something like that. likely story........ oh also. heads up management, your kitchen staff is visibly eating food on the line.
(3)Daniel B.
We love Sidetracks! The food is tasty and the selection of beers is awesome. The fried pickles are the best! Go early, if you go on weekend evening after 7 except to wait for a table and a really crowded bar!
(4)Jason L.
One of my favorite places for food and drinks in ypsi. They have some amazing burgers and awesome drink specials.
(5)Bryant B.
This is one of my favorite places in the area and truly a great experience and a great value. It is almost always busy around dinner time, so be prepared to wait a bit. There is really no waiting area either, so if there are no stools open at the bar it can be a little tight and awkward. The place has a cool ambiance, but the tables are packed in tight. It definitely feels cramped and loud. The servers really have to weave their way around the tables and people. To me, these are just minor details because both the food and the service speak for themselves. Everything I've had here has been great. The gorgonzola tenderloin is one of my favorites. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, the salads are also really good and more creative than most I've had. My girlfriend always raves about the turkey reuben and the mac & cheese. For me though, I have a really hard time straying away from the burger. It's always cooked to perfection and super juicy. DO get the sweet potato fries. I'm not sure what the sauce is they're served with, but it definitely works well. The bar is well stocked. They have a decent wine selection and usually a few Michigan beers on tap. Even at its busiest times, the service has been good and the food comes fast.
(5)Mike R.
other than the puke smell when you first walk through the door the food is excellent
(4)W R.
Gotta love Sidetrack! Excellent food and atmosphere make it the best restaurant/bar in Ypsi, and it's worth driving a good distance to get there. Love the cozy bar and the fireplace in the winter.
(5)Matt B.
Great food, good atmosphere...passable service. That sums up Sidetrack in a nutshell. I would say Sidetrack's a victim of its own success, but I'm not sure. The place is frequently packed to the gills, and I often wonder if that fact is why the service can be substandard sometimes. However, the food is really good (the deep-fried pickles are awesome), the environment is kitschy, and the selection of food is pretty impressive, too. They've got what is arguably one of the best burgers in Ypsi - great flavor all around and just a really great experience...when the service is on. Their takeout service is kind of dodgy, though. More than once I've been told 20 minutes and it's more like 30-35. They also deliver, apparently, but I've never tried it. Checks tend to run between $8 and $12 on average.
(4)Jason b.
The burger is fantastic! If you just want a burger, come here and try it out.
(5)Iffat B.
******Actually a 3.5********* I had to try this place because it was voted one of the top burgers (#19) in the country by GQ magazine. I drove about 45 minutes to get here and wasn't disappointed. The burger was good, but after having the Miller's burger (which is #8 on the list), this one didn't seem as good. I felt somewhat spoiled because had I tried it before I had the Miller's burger, I probably would have fallen in love with it. The beef was juicy and was good topped with American cheese. The best part about this place was the hand-cut fries dipped in the house horseradish sauce. Yummy! If I ever go back to Ypsilati, I would definitely stop in for some fries and horseradish sauce. As for another burger, I'd have to pass.
(3)Chris P.
I would give 3.5 stars if I could but I will round up due to Sidetrack's charm and good beer selection. I want to start off with this statement: Sidetrack's burgers are supposedly some of the best in the States, while they are definitely good, they are certainly not some of the best. The food here is generally very good for the money, and I have no complaints except for the bland big-box-mart tortilla chips that they serve which really doesn't do their homemade salsa justice. Sidetrack's location in Depot Town is a love and hate relationship and defines this place more than any other factor. First of all, the proximity to EMU and Ann Arbor are fantastic as are the railroad tracks just feet from the building, but Depot Town remains a questionable place indeed even with all the updates and nightlife. Parking behind Sidetrack is highly recommended so you are not hustled or mugged in Depot Town, this has actually happened to someone I know near the old train depot. The beer selection is pretty vast and includes many local favorites (Arbor Brewing Co, Short's, Bell's, etc) but remains quite expensive when there is no happy hour (~$4-5 per pint) which is in-line with Ann Arbor prices (but this is Ypsilanti!). The happy hour is also so sporadic day to day that it is very difficult to know when you are going to pay a fortune for your beer or get one of the best bargains in Washtenaw County for on-tap craft beer. Sidetrack is usually understaffed so the service is pretty good compared to how many people are actually working. They have crammed so many tables into this place that claustrophobia may be a problem for some. This place is also so crowded at night that I usually come during the day.
(4)Euge C.
I'm not from Ann Arbor. I'm not from MI. I'm not even from the Midwest. I'm from California, a land where we are pretentious about everything. Food is just one of the few things we think we do better than everyone else. We even have a place called "In-N-Out" that we swear makes the best burgers in the world. We are silly monkeys, because Sidetrack's burger makes me want to move here. Three times I have tried to eat just a single burger only to eat another. I cannot really describe it to anyone. "...it's just...just the burgeriest burger I've ever had..." It's a burger that should make the whole state proud.
(5)Miike G.
Fried pickles, amazing burgers and beer selection. Best depot town joint ever!
(5)Eduardo R.
Amazing place. The atmosphere is fun, yet quiet enough to have conversations. The food tastes really good, and is pretty cheap too. Great place to go to with small groups. If you go here, try the fried pickles, they're delicious. Also, their happy hour has some of the cheapest prices on drinks I've ever seen ($1-$3). Will definately go again.
(5)Todd G.
Have been here once, to try the famous burgers. I probably won't go back. The burger was ok, kind of (ok it was drenched) greasy and raw, not med rare. Sweet potato fries were good, not as good as others I've had. Building is kind of cool, and waitress was nice. What really put me off was the unbearable noise level. It was early evening on a spring weekday, and it was the noisiest restaurant I have ever been in! Good for a spin with drunken housemates, would not recommend for a date, unless you really don't want to converse with him / her!
(3)Sandra C.
The hamburgers are amazing, especially when topped with cheese and grilled onions. And the sweet potato fries are awfully good. The only negatives are that the service can be slow and the tables are crowded kind of close together.
(4)Tim K.
By far my favorite restaurant of all time. I've had more good times here than pretty much anywhere else. For a vegetarian, the food cannot be beat with the shear amount of variety. Try the southwestern egg rolls, you won't be disappointed. The happy hour drink prices are the best I've ever seen, and the selection of beer on tap is overwhelming. During the summer I suggest sitting outside and waiting for a train to pass by. Truly a unique experience. During the winter months you can enjoy your meal and drinks next to a roaring fireplace. This place is literally my 'Cheers', because every time I venture in there I end up seeing more friends. Also a great place for large parties because their satellite bar, Frenches, just a hallway away, is free to book. People often complain about it being very crowded, but this is for good reason. Sidetrack is the best!
(5)Mark L.
It's exactly what you would expect. Good quality tasty simple food and a good selection of beverages. Great outdoor patios.
(4)Theresa F.
I think our experience would have been a bit better, thus meriting more stars, if we hadn't got stuck at the tiny a** table right next to the waiter ordering station. on top of that, we had made a reservation! argh. when we asked to move they said we would have to wait 1/2 hour, which we weren't willing to do. That said, I recollect tasty food and good beer, and all-in-all, a fun atmosphere. Lots of character, and a kind of appeal that attracts us low-key, irish-pub loving, local microbrew dwelling folk. I expect the next time we visit, we will have a better experience.
(3)Diana K.
I'm a sucker for fish tacos with sweet salsa (as opposed to the more commonly used tomato salsa) and I'm also a sucker for sweet potato fries (seeing a trend here?). On this particular late-night dinner, I was not disappointed. The portions are generous, but more importantly, the flavors are spot-on. Plus, I love the summer crowd, sitting outdoors near the street-front and waiting for the train to roll by. I'd avoid the back patio... no street life and your view is of a parking lot.
(4)Marc M.
I used to frequent the Side Track with my parents (it's still a favorite of theirs). The food was always good and straight forward. It is a pet peeve of mine when establishments substitute simple ingredients for ad hoc embellishments that never come out tasting right. If you're looking for a decent sandwich spot, Side Track is a good choice.
(4)Kyle S.
I like the atmosphere here. Everyones chill. The selection of drinks was good happy hour has awesome drink prices. You should order a "Carmel apple" it's a mix of beer. Also they have an outside area too so you don't have to be confined to the smokey bar
(5)Kaiping S.
awesome burgers and great selection of beer. lemme say that again. awesome burgers and great selection of beer. you really cannot go wrong with any burger on the menu. the only thing holding this place back from a fifth star are the fries - i found them to be very meh. they did not tickle my fancy as i'm not huge on slightly soggy, limp fries. be sure to ask for their horseradish sauce for dipping your fries in. that sauce is something else. but sweet potato, regular, and cajun fries by themselves aren't so great. but just remember why you go here - awesome burgers and great selection of beer.
(4)Ben W.
Came here for the world-famous burger, have to say it didn't live up to the hype. Not a bad burger, but I couldn't consider it competitive at a national, let alone state level. Pedestrian presentation. Nothing unexpected or creative in the trimmings department.
(3)Joanna F.
Love this place! Great atmosphere inside and I hear it's even more fun to chill outside when the weather is nice. Had a delicious black bean burger and AWESOME sweet potato fries. Deep-fried mushrooms were tasty but a little expensive for basically four (medium-large) mushrooms. Draft beer selection is great! The service was mediocre but about what I'd expect on a busy Friday night. Looking forward to coming here regularly in the summer.
(4)Stuart D.
The food was decent but the service was lacking. Right when the food arrived the server asked if everything looked correct and then never came back until everyone had finished eating. The server could have fixed a problem about some poorly cooked fries, but instead we were forced to ask for the fee to be removed from the bill. Lastly, the bills arrived without request and we had to ask for dessert. I kind of expect that the server asks about further needs prior to bringing the bill. I understand that it we were there on a Friday night, but I wouldn't have called the place "slammed", simply busy.
(3)Kathi M.
A loud atmosphere but great food. The pan fried mushrooms were very very good. I can see how their hamburgers are rated top 20 in the US! Now if the guys can stop talking about football.. :p.
(4)Ricky S.
Sidetrack is easily the best bar in Ypsilanti. The burger is the best in the state and every night till close its half off drinks. The vibe is very hipster and it always smells like pee in there and the music is soft and that's why I can't give it 5 stars.
(4)Kelly H.
Last time we were in Ypsi, we stopped here for beers, then after seeing their burgers on Man vs Food we had to come back to try them! Unfortunately, the service was so slow on a Sunday night! We were told the kitchen was running behind after placing our orders. Got our beers and drank right through those before any hope of our food arriving. Then it all came at once, the fried pickles, my husbands Amtrak Double Decker and my Mac Attack burger. Um, by 'Mac Attack' did you mean three noodles with a slice of American cheese? The pickles were yummy and the cajun fries were good and my burger was cooked great. We will have to stop again soon to give it another chance. Or just stick to the beers...
(4)Mitch E.
Drinks, food, and an endless supply of scared reactions on people's faces as the train comes flying by. On my recent trip to Michigan I came in to Depot Town in Ypsi. I loved Sidetrack so much, it's the only place I came to twice. The smells in the place are wonderful. Great looking food. I unfortunately didn't get to taste any of it. Those deep fried ravioli were real tempting, however I had stuffed myself prior to coming here both times. And one of those meals weren't that good. Should have just ate here. That burger is also heavily regarded. The beer selection is nothing to be messed with here. Taps from all over, and many Michigan based beers. The bartenders are fantastic. Super friendly and easy to talk to. The crowd is great, and you can start up a conversation with people at the bar. Unless you're a creeper..... then don't do that. In fact, just leave. The place has real charm. The building is right on the edge of the block. Right next to the railroad tracks. If you're lucky enough a train will come blazing right by. They even have some seats outside next to the action, if you need some excitement. If in Ypsi, do yourself a favor and come on by.
(5)James K.
I have been to Sidetrack many times, but it had always been after a few drinks at the Beer Fest. My wife really wanted to try something new, so she decided this place. We ended up showing up when there was a car show going on outside. It was a nice summer day, so walking around then dinner was a great idea. We didn't even have to wait for a table like you would have expected with that many people out. The food was pretty good, but nondescript. I am pretty sure my wife and I both had the burger. While the food wasn't bad, it wasn't anything memorable. The reason I only gave it 3 stars is because that place is really cramped. I felt like I was sitting right on top of the table next to us. Plus it was a nice warm summer day, so the inside felt just slightly oppressive to me. With the windows and doors open there were a smattering of flies also. I am sure in the winter when everything is shut up the inside would feel a little better, but still cramped. As I have been here a couple times most for drinks, I would still recommend this place if you want to have a beer in the area. Especially if you can sit outside. However dinner on the inside when its busy and warm out is not something I can reccomend.
(3)David M.
This is a side of Metro Detroit that we are not familiar with so...Yelp! We were going to a function in Ypsilanti and used our usual formula 4+ stars and 100+ reviews. Sidetrack made the short list and was our final selection. It was relatively easy to find and there is street parking as well as a parking lot in the back; if they're really busy, the lot fills up. Since the menu stated that Sidetrack was well known for their burgers, I ordered the deluxe burger with hand cut fries and Reiko had salmon which was done about right, meaning not dry, and was tasty. The burger was big, done medium, as I ordered, and the fries were really good. The service was about right, no hovering but always nearby, friendly, and pleasant, and the prices were reasonable for the portions and quality of the food they offer. As we finished the meal, we knew we had to order the (HUGE) Strawberry Shortcake to top it off. We were not disappointed; in fact, other customers had come in and were waiting to be seated and saw The SS and asked if it was OK to take a picture. We said sure and then, after taking my pictures, proceeded to devour it. We'll be back anytime something takes us to that part of town.
(5)Andrew P.
Sidetracks is a bit of a hidden gem in Ypsilanti. Unlike other spots, this place is pretty busy while having adequate parking. The burgers are delicious but it's also a great place to grab drinks. If you are looking for a delicious burger and fries for under $14 or just looking to check out a bar in Ypsilanti, Sidetracks is a must!
(5)Maureen M.
We went to Sidetrack before the beer fest for some food. This is probably my 2nd visit. It's been a few years. My 1st experience was pretty good. They had an awesome burger with a fried egg on it. It was worth the cholesterol spike. This was not the best experience. The layout of the restaurant is a little crammed. We were seated at a table for 2 in the corner. It was sort of awkward. Service was a bit slow and it took a long time for the food to come out. I get it, they're busy. I ordered the Frenchie Dip with fries, and my husband ordered the reuben with fries. My sandwich was ok. The au jus was pretty good. The fries, however, sucked. They were soggy and limp. We were so hungry, we didn't say anything. We were limited on time as well. I knew it would take at least 20 minutes to get new fries. The bathroom is just gross. It's clear that it has always been like this. They seem to have issues with plumbing. One stall was out of service and had overflowed at some point. The water in the other stall just kept running. That is not comforting when you're in there. lol The 1st time I was here, the sink was backing up. So, the burger is awesome, but the rest makes it just OK. They also have a decent draft beer list. That's a bonus! I want to like it more, so maybe next time it'll be a better experience.
(3)David K.
I had heard of this place for years, but never made it to ypsi. to try it. The family took me today for my birthday. It was a very nice setting, a nice day, and great food.. The waitress was very attentive and accomodating. Cicken in the fajitas was slightly dry but I enjoyed it nonetheless. And they have Not Your Fathers Root Beer.
(5)Candiss W.
When looking for a nearby place with a good burger, I came across this gem in the Yelposphere. The reviews were pretty cool positive so we decided to give it a go. I had the 1/3rd pound burger, medium with aioli, cheddar, Swiss, grilled onions, mushrooms and fries. My hubby had the turkey burger with sweet potato fries. Both were very good. The burgers were juicy and coked perfectly. Overall, great burger and fries. I'll be back.
(4)Suzy B.
I wish I could give this place 6 stars! This is our go-to place when we are in Ypsilanti. The service is always great and we love the atmosphere of the place! We never tire of building our own amazing burgers and the fresh cut fries are always on point! I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered here. We brought my mom here too and she delighted in the moose head fireplace and the Amtrak train bolting by during our dinner.
(5)Michael L.
After many visits I'm updating my review from 4 to 5 stars. Basically, the food and service are so consistently good that the missteps by individual staff clearly don't reflect the business's overall treatment of customers or dedication to food and atmosphere. My food recommendations remain the same though: you can't go wrong with the perch, wings, hamburgers, or strawberry salad. However, other great eats include the tenderloin, Guinness float, and occasional specialty burger. The beer selection remains one of the best in the area and the staff is not wishy-washy about providing recommendations on food or drink. This place has something for everyone and should be on your list.
(5)Zach W.
Very nice little place. Has a room for events, and has really good food and drinks. Service was also awesome. Will definitely have to come back for more!
(5)Gerald B.
Well, I'm an Amtrak engineer who has rolled by this place at least a hundred times, so naturally I had to get the Amtrak double decker cheeseburger. It was pretty good. A little bland for my taste. The atmosphere of this place made it great. Service was a little too slow. Our server was extremely nice, but she seemed a little too busy. My curiosity has been satisfied. The experience was pleasant, but not pleasant enough to go out of my way to return.
(3)C M.
What a great burger! Just had a regular burger but my daughter had the Mac Attack. Everything was prepared as described and as ordered. Will definitely recommend and go back.
(5)Sean H.
I love this place. The decor the area all contribute to the ambiance. I really loved the train station to core the old trains the signs the pictures and being right next to the railroad tracks really takes it home. Now on to the food. let's see how can I explain this how about Deeeeeeeeelicious. I had the soup awesome a burger awesome the mac and cheese awesome and then awesome again the next day it was so delicious that when I receive the bill which I thought was pretty decent cost considering the quality of the food I didn't even bat an eye it was a trip well made deliciously ate and wonderfully ready to go back matter fact I'm thinking of heading there now see you later.
(5)Jessica H.
The longest wait for everything. Ask Siri for the worst bar in Ypsi and she sends you here. I have had several staff member be downright rude. The redeeming qualities here are the black bean burger and good happy hour.
(2)Adam G.
I'll keep this short and to the point. Delicious burgers. Cold beer. Amazing sweet potato fries. Great service and outside seating for when the weather is nice.
(5)Pedro E.
Amtrack burger is my number one choice with double Swiss and lt, mayonaise. Really good beer selection, the staff is really nice and quick service. Every time I go I leave satisfied so try it out. Sidetracks is the best is depot town.
(5)ScotandNancy M.
Service wasn't that great. Purple hair girl waited on us. Didn't ask how our meal was. Seemed like we were a bother. Another server had white shoes on that we're extremely dirty. He had an ugly pony tail sticking out of the top of his head. Food was good. Dessert was excellent (Strawberry Shortcake). It's enough to feed 4 people.
(4)Jeff B.
This place is a solid two, but an amazing fun five star building and interesting crowd make it impossible to rate under a three. I visited in a Saturday for dinner and the place was packed. My party of 2 ended up sitting at an awkward table that felt as if it was in the middle of an aisle. And the seating is *cramped*. This is not the place to go if you want a quiet conversation. Service was a struggle. Our waitress came by once during the meal and took over 10 minutes to bring us our check and took an additional 10 minutes to bring back the credit card. Service wasn't particularly friendly either, although I would imagine if you were a local this would be different. I ordered the Mac and cheese bbq burger and it was not spectacular. There was so little Mac and Cheese on top that it might as well have not been there at all. It was smaller than I expected and, while filling, was definitely something I could have made at home. Cajun fries were horribly over seasoned. The draft list is solid though! The gorgeous restaurant construction is truly fun to look at though and if I were stopping in for a drink with friends as part of a long night this place would be great (if you're seated at the bar and don't have to deal with the temperamental wait staff). Just avoid this place if you want amazing food or amazing service. If you're looking for an acceptable townie bar this place is fine.
(3)Leif L.
After an absence of a year and a half, I went back because my landlord gave me a gift card. The first burger I ordered was so greasy the bun was soaked through and the fries seemed like they had been through a micro wave. My friend ordered the yankee pot roast and her food was cold. It was clear it had been sitting around for a while because the gravy had a skin on it. When my replacement burger showed up, it too was dripping with grease. The fries, while fresher, still seemed off. The state of the food seems to confirm what I suspected last time I went and that is the waitstaff is over worked and no matter how hard they try, there is no way they can do their jobs. Both times I talked to the manager, she was polite in the most phoney of ways. I have been to Aubries, Maiz and Caffe Ollie multiple times and was never disappointed. The only bad restaurant in Depo Town.
(1)Adam D.
Fish tacos and raspberry tea were awesome. A few in our group got burgers and said they were amazing. The sweet potato fries were not that great but the sauce was so good you could have drank it.
(5)cee g.
I definitely have a contentious relationship with Sidetrack. On the one hand, I enjoy their food. Aside from some occasional inconsistencies, they do great Midwestern standards (like burgers and sweet potato fries) and have plenty of vegetarian options. I also dig their beer selection and happy hour deals. On the other hand: the service. I live in the neighborhood and used to come in regularly with my family or friends. Now, I don't need to feel like I"m in Cheers or anything, but I would like to feel like I'm not inconveniencing the staff by spending my money. That's exactly how everyone there - from servers to managers and the owner (who for some reason yelled at us in the parking lot one day) - have made us feel on separate visits. I've actually been to chain restaurants nearby where the staff is more courteous and attentive. So (again, I live a couple of blocks away), while I like the idea of supporting a local business and do eat out regularly, we consciously avoid Sidetrack just to save ourselves a negative experience. I wish it weren't that way. I wish the restaurant in my neighborhood didn't make me wish I had either gone somewhere else instead or maybe just stayed home.
(3)JT M.
Went there a little bit ago with some friends and my first impression when I walked in was "Wow!" I feel at home. The place has that warm cozy feel to it. I recommend a table in the back by the fire. The drinks are great, service was prompt and pleasant, the people are welcoming, and management is courteous and helpful. Each person I went with ordered a different dish that I got to sample. Each burger, pasta, and fish platter had a unique genuine taste that I would certainly go back for. I had a great time and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
(5)Erin B.
Great spot for outdoor seating. They have a great beer selection and our waitress had awesome recommendations. The sliders are the real reason I wanted to write a review--both the regular and gourmet are something to write home about. The perfect size with tender juicy meat and melty gooey cheese. The carmelized onions topping the sliders are sweet and delicious. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Jakub B.
A great Depot Town restaurant, one of the most famous I would say in Ypsilanti, I haven't met anyone from around here that hasn't eaten at it (which says a lot). I've been here many times, mostly for any one of their delicious burgers (something they are famously known for). I always enjoy the beer selection and finish off my meal with the yummy sweet potato fries (with horseradish.. mmm) As others have noted, be sure to try OTHER things on the menu. not just the burgers. I have tried a couple items and was always pleased with the result.
(5)tony a.
Everyone knows that Sidetrack is on the GQ top 20 list and it should be. I have been here 3 or 4 times and each time had the burger which is consistently a fantastic burger, my companion says it is the toasted bun that gives it the edge over Miller's. The appetizers are also great, the fried pickles, mushrooms and clams are all wonderful. There is also a large selection of beers on tap including a wonderful German wheat. One last note- the service has been great every time I have been here, seated quickly, served with care and friendliness. Great place. Best regards, tony
(4)Alex G.
I was brought here by local friends, went there a little after midnight... they had a "Late Happy Hour" which was awesome! LOTS of beers on tap... They had a good atmosphere for a Tues night. Ordered Queso dip, which everyone devoured. the mac-n-cheese side.. I wanted to live in it. Also ordered the hawaiian shrimp quesadillas on special... they were sooo tasty. Our server was really nice and helpful. Love the place, would like to check it out on a weekend when we come back!
(5)Orval Ale S.
Damn good at what it does and been doing it forever. Burgers and beverages are worth the drive from wherever you are. The mushrooms here will not leave you bleeding from below the waist.... Go load up now.
(5)Johnathon S.
Sidetrack is my favorite restaurant. The Yankee pot roast is amazing. Great food, good beer, great service. I hardly ever have a complaint when I come here and I come about twice a month if not more.
(5)Meggie S.
Sidetrack is hands down my choice spot in Ypsi. They have spoiled me with their happy hour. I've never been unhappy with a meal there. If you never try the southwest egg rolls, you are seriously missing out. Sweet potato fries, beer-battered pickles, black bean burger, pot roast dinner, chili, quesadillas... all SO good. The patio makes for an awesome place to relax outside in the summer as well. It does get quite crowded, however. Even with the use of Frenchies next door, if you're there during happy hour on the weekends expect to wait for a table. I wouldn't recommend going with a large group, as it always ends up being a little too squished and chaotic. The waitstaff aren't perfect, but that can be attributed at least partly to the fact that it's always so crowded. On several occasions I've gotten a drink or my entree and not seen anyone again for quite some time. They had one waiter in particular who was very rude to my friends and I on several visits as well. They seem to be improving quite a bit, though, as I've been really happy with my service on my last several visits. I believe that they're doing some remodeling and that there will be more space in the future, which will probably improve service and comfortability overall. Can't wait!
(4)Christopher F.
Located right in the heart of Depot town, these burgers keep me coming back to a place otherwise I prob would not step foot in. When you come here you are coming here for the burgers, cooked to order, and one of the tastiest burgers I have ever had. The bread is soft and also really good. In addition, to the burgers, I would recommend Fried pickels, zucchanni, and clams all really good. Also at night they have pretty good happy hour sales. Inside has a very rustic Michigan fell, neat atmosphere and great service. Parking is ok they have a small private lot if full just go over to frog island park a block away located next to farmers market and you should find parking there. The reason for the point deduction, the burger comes with only lettuce and grilled onions for $5.75 by the time you add tomatoes and cheese or bacon your burger comes to about 8-9 dollars. (After my experience at Blimpys, this restaurant really deserves a 5) However, this is still one of the best burgers I have had and, I continue to frequent this establishment often.
(5)Kristen C.
I love their patio in the summertime. They've also got a great beer selection, awesome fried pickles, and even though I always tell myself I'm not going to get the Hippie Sliders (black bean burger goodness), I always end up getting them because they're SO wonderful.
(4)John F.
Great beer selection. My girlfriend and I were in town for her sisters graduation from EMU and Christmas the family went to Sidetracks for the post grad ceremony dinner. The place was packed so maybe the food suffered a little as a result. Or maybe it was just me kind of like when you go for a movie, hyped as the best film to arrive in cinema ever. So you get those high expectations and then only find it so-so. I mean the actual burger was great, but my fries were barely cooked and already that fry soft and cold after sitting out to long. They marketed the burger as having avocado, but only the residual from another burger must of made it on, as I couldn't find much evidence. Ample bacon though, no of that 1 skinny fake bacon slice and plentiful cheese. Can't wait to give this place another shot, when they are not as busy. You could tell the staff and even managers were slightly overwhelmed.
(3)Matt D.
I love the burgers, great beer menu and has a hometown pub atmosphere. Really great patio in summer and fantastic fireplace in winter. For a "homey" place with consistently good food, this place won't disappoint.
(5)Gretchen G.
This place makes up for the hood rat rep many people think of when they hear the word Ypsilanti. Food is delicious, and you can't beat the 1/2 off happy hour for appetizers and tap. Must haves are the portabella mushroom burger, the original burger, and Frog Island Amber ale.
(5)Mevei I.
Great burger. Period. My friends and I went there for my first time and of course, I had the burger. Tasted really great--however as I was finishing up half of it, I realized the 2nd half was under cooked (like raw) so I had to send it back. They brought a whole new burger quickly and it was cooked to perfection! Tasted so good. Service wasn't fast, but we had a lot to talk about so it was fine. If we were in the rush, we would have gotten aggravated with the delay tho. Overall, best burger in town! Can't wait to return!!
(4)Wally S.
It's been a long time since I was at Sidetrack. I keep hearing how great it is, we wanted burgers so decided to try it again. Atmosphere: The inside of this place is beautiful. Brick, loads of woodworking, but the rows between the tables are really tight. It's also extremely noisy and rather dark. I had lots of difficulty hearing our waitress when she was trying to take our order and also had trouble reading all of the small typeface on the menu. Maybe I'm just getting old. Beer: They have a real large choice of beer. Wife and I both had 25 ouncers, both were treat albeit I would have enjoyed it much more during happy hour; I'm cheap. Food: The burgers were very good although the 1/3 pound burger seemed a bit small. Meat was great, not too fatty, but not too dry and cooked to my liking . Many topping are available to build your own burger although mine was a bit messed up since neither I nor the waitress could hear what was said during the order. Fries were "blah". I mean really. They were soggy, cold, just plain boring and they were $2.00 over the price of the burger; nothing included here. The savior of the evening of course is the deep fried pickles. Oh my .... These are a must have. You really don't even know what to imagine until you tasted a hot, deep fried, pickle dipped in ranch dressing. It's all about taste, it's all about texture, but it's also about burning the roof of your mouth. Be careful. Sidetrack is a good place to go.. a bit too expensive for what I got, but not much so. Also... I guess I enjoy burgers more when I get them at dives.. I like them juicy and messy. I didn't get this at Sidetrack , but I'll say that they do have one of the best "cultured" burgers that I've tastes.
(3)Ethan T.
Loud and fun with a great mixture of college students, and professionals. Since I do not live in Detroit anymore this place has become a welcome home type stop. No matter what time my flight arrives this is my first stop once I leave the airport. The bar itself, where I always sit, has a comfy feel to it. Short enough where conversations can be had from on end to the other, and so the bartender can always see when you are in need of anything. Note, the bartenders here are awesome. Coming home means I default to Labatt Blue, which this place has on tap, as well as several other beers and a full bar. Staying consistent and somewhat mundane, I always order the cheeseburger and fries, and I am always glad I did so. The burger is good size and filling, while the fries are a nice thick cut, and oh so good with mayonnaise. The TV's are always set to local sports, and this is a great place to watch a Michigan football game, or a Red Wings game. The place is never empty, but is much more crowded at night, still the service will not be lacking. There is nice outside seating and a great number of table inside as well, so no problem getting a seat when ever you show up. I will be back here soon, and I can't wait!
(5)Brent W.
Get out of here. One-star reviews are often reserved for singularly bad experiences, sometimes reflecting an impulse, knee-jerk reaction to a waiter's bad day. Let me assure you, this is not the case. I have not one, but **FOUR** outstandingly horrible experiences at Sidetrack, and I am pleading with anyone who reads this review to think again before patronizing this restaurant, ostensibly a 'local favorite'. I moved to the small town of Ypsi for business. I just relocated from the heart of the Los Angeles downtown area, so the small-town feel of Ypsi was completely new to me and trying to make it comfortable I wanted to quickly make a good impression on what seems to be the central restaurant in town, Sidetrack. Obviously they didn't wish the same to me. 1) I went with some coworkers after work, being assured that the burgers are excellent and that the beer selection won't disappoint. I'll give it to them, they do have a nice selection, although I'm not a connoisseur, I was satisfied. The burger was fine, nothing special. But for 2$ more, they gave about a dozen overcooked 'fries'. Not too happy with this. The waitress tries to get us to get dessert, and two friends cave, hearing that "two cheesecakes should be good for them". Note that only two people want dessert, and the waitress advised we get two. They come, and not only are the desserts clearly family-sized, they are 10$ each. Not happy. 2) On the second occasion, not ready to write this restaurant off, I had an 11$ tab and put a 20$ bill out. The waitress took it and after a considerable amount of time, did not return the change. I asked her politely, "excuse me, could I get my change?" She answered in a clear huff, "oh, I didn't know you wanted your change back", as if it was pennies we were talking about, and as if I was really going to tip her 80%. Don't flatter yourself girl. 3) On a third case, again trying to hope it's just been a slew of bad days for the wait staff, I visit again. It's happy hour from 4-6, and the beers are really cheap. Now this is usually a great deal, in the case that they actually honor happy hour. I order a beer, along with the rest of my friends, at about 5:30. We have some good conversation, and I'm feeling a bit peckish, so I order that mediocre burger at about 6:30. When we're done, we all get the checks, but to my great surprise [maybe not] my bill does not have the happy hour price for the drink. On calling the waitress' attention to this, she shrugs it off, saying, "oh, because you ordered something after happy hour the whole bill timestamp changes and we can't give you the discount." Excuse me? I did not leave a tip. Now, listen. I understand that often the tip is shared among the cook staff and even 'just' 10% is considered an insult, I did work on wait staff before and I know how it is. But this does not fly. 4) The last and final time I visited Sidetrack, don't worry, I had enough reservations about going, but it was a coworker's goodbye party and the bosses had not yet witnessed the horrible treatment. Again good conversation was going and I was in an okay mood, so I again ordered the burger. When it arrived, I took a large bite and was horrified to find out there was a SHARD OF GLASS in my burger. I have a dozen witnesses to the fact that there was a dime-sized piece of glass in a piece of food I did not previously touch. No injury. I was in too much shock to believe that things could be this much worse at this restaurant, so one of my more outspoken friends called down the waitress and indignantly pointed to the glass I was holding. WITHOUT A SINGLE APOLOGY, she says, "let me take that. We'll make you another one." The manager immediately summons a wait staff meeting in clear view of our table and has a futile little talk with them "this is unacceptable" all that jazz. She then comes over to me doesn't waste half a breath on apologizing, then procedes to grill me on how and when I found the glass. The point of the conversation was not apologetic, it was to figure out how it got there and try to convince me that "we don't do this". She kept saying "thank you for letting me interrogate you" and "it must be a problem with the source" "we don't even have this kind of glass". She mentions nothing about 'on the house' or 'sorry'. In the end, they have the magnanimous generosity of comping JUST THE BURGER, not even my drink or the sides. Meanwhile, we've been sitting there for about two hours now and the waitress keeps coming to clean up unnecessarily ('are you done YET?' -with our half full beers), clearly wanting us to leave. On leaving, no staff says 'thank you' or 'thanks for coming.' ----- I do not rate things with one-star. I also do not cuss. But this place was a fucking awful piece of shit to me. I'm glad that other people have had good experiences, but if you are like me and really appreciate and reward good service with tips and patronage, avoid Sidetrack at all costs.
(1)Scott P.
Great menu with some unique items. (Sweet potato fries with horseradish sauce were awesome!) excellent beer selection too. And friendly, attentive staff. What more could you ask for? I will definitely be back.
(4)Dea A.
Hands down, the BEST onion rings I've EVER had. I'm drooling just thinking about these massive, amazing onion rings. The rings are thick, and not being an raw-onion-kind of person I feared that they wouldn't be cooked all the way through. But wow. WOW. They were cooked perfectly and they were sweet! And totally balanced with the salty amazing batter. I cannot comment on anything else about this place... because honestly, I was a little buzzed after the Beerfest and can't recall about service, smokiness, or beer menu. The only thing I remember... is those onion rings. Omg.
(4)Becky C.
I've heard wonderful things about Sidetrack so I was thrilled that I was finally able to pay the restaurant a visit today. To break down my review a bit, I would give Sidetrack 2 stars for service and 4 stars for food. My enthusiasm for finally making a visit to Sidetrack was tempered immediately when we walked into the door shortly after they first opened at 11am. Judging by the annoyed looks on their faces, the waitstaff did not seem particularly pleased that they already had customers. This was further confirmed by waiting over 10 minutes for our menus and then overhearing them say, "Who has the table in the front?" with the response being, "No one." A waitress eventually took our orders but mainly disappeared for the rest of our meal despite the fact that there were only about 3 other parties in the restaurant. Consequently, I've concluded that the level of service may not be completely related to how busy the restaurant may get at times. On a more positive note, I really enjoyed my black bean burger with lettuce, tomato, and sweet potato fries! I'm a huge fan of veggie burgers and sweet potato fries and thought both were excellent. The cheddar cheese on the burger was a nice complement to a very tasty black bean patty and the fries had a nice crisp to them, which is important because sweet potato fries can often be mushy/soggy. I also ordered a hot tea, which included at least 7 teas bags and an extra pot of water, which was a lovely touch. Given how cozy the restaurant was and how much I enjoyed my food, I definitely plan to return. Given that it was a Sunday morning and I'm not a morning person either (especially on the weekends), I'm also hopeful that the service might be a little better next time too.
(3)Brian L.
Best restaurant in Ypsilanti period. Best beer selection, great menu, reasonable prices. The atmosphere feels real not fake or forced. Just a great local business, for when you get sick of all the chains. It can get extremely crowded, if you like elbow room go during off peak hours.
(5)Dawn S.
This is the place I go when I'm looking for food in or near Ypsilanti. The fried pickles---you cannot not order them. This place is great for Microbrews, Burgers (yes, with a capital B), fish tacos, black bean tacos or burgers, and pretty much anything you order from the menu. Service is what you'd expect in a busy, but laid back college down bar & grill. Every time I go I forget to ask if they still the non-hooded sweatshirts on the wall. Check it out.
(5)Chris S.
What aspects of a restaurant should have more influence over a rating? Food? Drinks? Specials? Service? Crowd? Atmosphere? I find myself really struggling with this one. Sidetrack hands down has some of the best food in the region. By far. They have a huge selection of vegetarian options that makes be very happy, but also have tons of localized and seasonal offerings. I tend to go with the veggie Reuben and ALWAYS start with the fried pickles. If you like fried pickles, sidetrack's are the best I've ever had. Now onto beer. Their selection is again, huge. They have tons of local brews as well as some not-so-local ones. And their happy hour? sheesh. It is nightly, and its a late night one. You can get 32 ounce beers for $3.75. Count me in. For some reason, though, it seems that most of the times when I order beer, it comes out warmer than it should be. For an ale, this is somewhat acceptable, but for lagers and the like, slightly warmer than normal makes for a pretty gross beer. This place is always jammed. Always. It doesn't matter when you go, but there is always a huge crowd, and often quite diverse. You get a large number of college students and young people, but it is also in a way a community gathering spot where the young and old alike flock. Now let's talk about the worst part of the restaurant because up to this point I've really only said good things. Their service sucks. It is some of the worst in the area. So what do you do when you have the best food, and worst service? It's tricky. Really tricky. They are always slow. They often forget items, bring appetizers out with your main dish, are rude, difficult, etc. I've been many times, and just about every visit some sort of issue arises. I wish I could read more into the cause of this, but I really can't. And it seems to me that the owners have no desire to change. You can be proud that you serve good food and come back, but when your service is lousy, your employees will receive less tips, and thus their productivity goes down. So solution: if you want good service to match your food, demand it from your employees. Put your foot down and demand excellence. Similarly, maybe try hiring some more waiters/waitresses. Since the place is always jammed, maybe an issue is that staff is always overworked. Another issue is the building, and its smell. It always had a nasty odor to it, but depending on when you go, is masked by something cooking in the kitchen. The odor is a bit like mold and moisture. So where do I end? Where do my stars set? As difficult as it is, I think with the noted issues, 2.5 stars is as high I can give, rounding up to 3. That's 2.5 stars that could easily become 5. Sidetrack! Get it together. Your food is outstanding, but your service is worse than what someone would receive at a 24 hour coney island. That should be a sign that you have a problem.
(3)Byoung Kyu S.
Love this place! Great beer selection and a diverse menu. On my last trip, I got the chicken pot pie. It is HUGE and VERY tasty!
(4)Sly F.
Sidetracks. It has been a place where we all who live here at Ypsilanti have traipsed to for their late night happy hours. We've all shivered somewhat impatiently at the front area, as that darned foyer is just not big enough for the four, six, twelve plus groups that huddle together for warmth as they wait for a table to free up. And really, that's the one complaint I can really have about the place. The front door is drafty. But it's a door. It opens. It closes. And thus, drafts are created. I can't really even call it a complaint. More of an annoyance that no one can really fix unless they layer more (another sweater, mum!) And really, that doesn't hold up to when the warm air of late spring finally breaks through the cold grasp of our stubborn Michigan weather. That means there's outdoor seating! Less wait time and more drinking time! Anyways, I could go on about the charm and quanitness of the décor and history of the building. But that is what google searches and reporters are for. I'm hear to tell you the dealy-o. As we are nestled comfortably against the buttocks of Eastern Michigan University, Sidetracks is still fairly riddled with drunk college girls and boys giddy over the fact they are getting a HUGE GLASS of beer for the cheapest you can get on town. It's a good deal. They don't realize it yet but it is. Sidetracks has the largest variety of crafted beers available on draft in the city. Which is awesome. As a person who detests anything that sounds like Bud or Miller or Pabst, I often throw up in my mouth when I go into a bar that only offers the generic beers I can buy from my local CVS Pharmacy. Not the case in Sidetracks. They also don't punish you for having this preference (fetish) as it is all drafts on their lists. The only downfall is you don't get the GINORMOUS mugs of beer if the ABV % is a certain percentage. Responsibility and all that. But really, that's okay, because it's maybe 3 beers out of a list of 24 and I can't get my panties in a wad over the fact that an expensive microbrew just may have some restrictions for profit reasons. Hands down, this is the most bang you can get for you buck in regards to quality beer for the cheapest price. You win, Sidetracks. You win. Also there is The Keg down the street, all the beers that I want and nearly all of them available at Sidetracks as well. It's not the same as draft, but I digress. Sidetracks will not give up on the fact that they were listed in a magazine like seven years ago as the best burgers. Take what advertising you can get I suppose, but I don't think they really need that. Their burgers hold up on their own. As they've been more creative with their burgers in the last two years, I really can't complain. New recipes and combination of flavors do not scare me. I like change, and Sidetracks somewhat stubbornly holds on to their tradition. You'll have your standard pub fare. As I have eaten and drank at Sidetracks to the point that it is now one of those places people suggest and you're like "Ehh, I'm BORED of that place." Or that I go to and I can look around and say, "Hey remember when we got REALLY drunk in that corner and then Ray broke up with his girlfriend and she came in here and punched him all the night before our big exam?" Well that story doesn't really fit with my point, but the point is their food is consistent despite the predictable flavor - and has been for the long years I've been a patron to it. This is not a coney island however. Their food is great and average in price. The portions are medium to small. Their desserts are always awesome. They have a seasonal dessert in the summer that you should always try which is a mountain of ice cream, shortbread, and strawberries. If you haven't had their ice-cream brownie that needs to be rectified immediately. Go get one. Now. Bring a friend, it's huge. Every once in a while, we still get a craving for a Sidetracks burger. We only go during happy hour though because you really can't beat a tankard of micro-brewed beer and a freshly grilled burger. Depending on the day of the week will dictate how long your wait is, the type of seating you may get, and how irritated you waitress/waiter will be. Weekdays are slow, save for lunch happy hour. Thursday night picks up and it continues to do so until Sunday. Luckily they have Frenchie's, the building next door as additional seating. While much quieter than the main building, I always feel like service is much slower, but it could just be due to the overall slower pace that is prevalent on the Frenchie's side of the bar. I should note that everything in my previous review still stands strong - save for the smoking comment as the ban went in place in 2010. I just felt Sidetracks has earned an additional star as I've grown in my understanding of bars and foodfare that the area has to offer.
(4)Molly H.
Still a fan of Sidetrack, but just have to put in my two cents about a decidedly sub-par black bean burger - bland and mushy on the inside with weird crunchy bits on the outside. My sweet potato fries were also limp and wet. Awesome service and tasty drinks, though, and the price was right! And their guacamole is really delicious--we could see them making it in the back! Just should have gotten that awesome Chicken Margarita Salad again!
(4)Tom B.
I have watched this place progress my entire life... Sometimes I feel like it maybe getting to big for it's britches. We all have to remember this is Ypsilanti. Ypsi is full of all different types of people and was built/survives on a blue collar mentality. This mentality is why Sidetrack has done so well... The family/staff, food, and specials set this place apart. Linda French is amazing. She is very involved with the community and business. The place oozes her style and personality. She is always hanging out at the thursday night cruises and reminisces with all the life long ypsiers. If you get the pleasure of having Lisa as your server consider yourself lucky! She is awesome! The Food is good and has a good price tag. There catering is really good. We have used them @butmanford and always have a good experience. And speaking of price there is not a place anywhere that has a better happy hour. The only thing I'm not sure of is the turn over of staff. Seems like some good people have left this place in a hurry. Love You Sidetrack!!
(5)A S.
I was really disappointed in both the food and the service. They have great reviews about their burgers including local and national reviews. I've honestly had better burgers at Wendy's and Five Guys. The patties were flavorless and the bun was boring. The menu choice of toppings did nothing to excite me so I opted for just cheese. I was provided generic squirt bottles for ketchup and mustard. I would think a place that provides itself on its burgers would understand that the brands of condiments its serves are important. As for service, they were busy when I visited, and I sat at the bar. The bartender didn't seem to have sense of urgency, and when I gave her my order, she finished washing 15 glasses, took a phone call, and delivered food to other diners before entering my order. I was able to watch her the entire time. I also requested no tomato, and yet I received tomato. This can be a kitchen mistake sometimes, but then I noticed on my bill it said "w/tomato" so it was her fault. No worries I removed it. She did keep my Diet Coke filled, but was very slow to bring my bill after I requested it and slow to close out the check when I provided my American Express. Looking back I still tipped 20%, not quite sure why, I guess I just wasn't thinking about it. Incidentally a college kid came in looking for a credit card that he left the night before. He sat at the bar for 10 minutes before the bartender acknowledged him, the she said the manager was coming. Another 20 minutes passed and they finally brought him his credit card. He left $2 for the ice water they gave him while he waited. He was honestly more polite than I would have been waiting. Also, the restroom which I visited on my way out was disgusting. Poorly lit, graffiti on the walls, terrible smell, and not disabled accessible. A poor restroom always makes me worried about how clean the kitchen is. I guess it was good I went to the restroom after I ate...
(1)Jeff M.
I love sidetracks. It really has a cool atmosphere. It's local, and I am diggin that. The burgers are great. There is a reason the made GQ's top 20 in America. The Irish egg rolls are great. The fried pickles are top notch. Onion rings are spot on. Beer selection is fantastic. You can drink lots of local here. The seasonal selection is always good. Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. I own the shirt... Nothing left to say.
(5)Barbi P.
I have only heard good things about the burgers here so I was excited to try one. I made the mistake of getting the mini burgers and the just aren't the same. Mini burgers take a little extra work since they are so much smaller, they just seem to either be raw or over done and mine were definitely over done. Even covered in bacon and blue cheese it tasted dry. On my next visit I ordered a regular burger and it was much better. So stick with the full size :) My favorite part about eating here is getting the fried zucchini. It is light and fluffy and delicious and just everything fried zucchini should be. Actually after the first time I had it here I decided to start making my own at home because it turned out so good. The ranch the serve it with is also really good. The decor here is also really nice. It is only feet away from the train tracks (pay attention when you are leaving the parking lot or you might end up on the tracks...oops) so there are a few nods to trains but it isn't cheesy or overdone.
(4)Quoc D.
Wanted to try some local craft beer so I came here on a Tuesday at about 8p. Party of 5 seated in the back away from all the noise possibly due to the fact we had an elderly relative with us. We were actually the only party back there. Waitress was somewhat spaztik and almost seemed like she was rushing the whole time we were dining yet service was slow. Odd?! Someone dropped our appetizers so they ended up coming out with our burgers. No biggy. Onion rings too salty. Eggrolls cooked a little under so they were a bit chewy. We actually ordered the quesadilla but these came out instead. She apologized and took them off the check. The mac cheese burger was okay. Not great nor bad but I would not order again. Now on to the original reason for coming... the tap list. Pretty good mix of local and outsider craft brews. I asked if they served flights as I wanted to sample as many beers as possible. Unfortunately they do not according to the waitress but they do serve a paddle of beers with 5oz pours. Wait... what?! I understand they have a rotating list but way too many typos on the menu. Not to mention not showing the entire name of some of the craft beers or showing the ABV of each beer available. If I were a brewery I would think twice about distributing to them. I wish I could give them a 2.5 but since they do serve decent brews I'll give them a 3. As far as returning not gonna happen.
(3)Brian W.
Huge beer selection, awesome fish tacos. Can't go wrong with their fried pickles and mushrooms. Loud bar atmosphere but well worth it for the food.
(4)Joseph S.
I'm going to be be blunt on this one: Like the food, love the happy hour, hate the service. If you're going to dine at Sidetrack, be sure to do it during the off hours and never order a drink from your server during happy hour. One of the last times I was there it was with a large group on a busy night, and it easily took the server over 60 minutes to make one round. I get that they were busy, but seriously? Sixty minutes is far too long in between visits to the table, regardless of hour busy you are. Oh, and the burger that everybody raves about, all I have to say about it is, "Meh, not for me."
(2)Mr. Critic X.
Best Bar around the Ypsi/A2 area. Great food and good # of beers available of tap. Fried pickles and wings are the best here!
(5)Eva F.
I'll start out by saying that I rarely eat out anywhere without checking Yelp first, and often make a point of going to some of Yelp's best-loved places. Sometimes these places live up to expectation, sometimes they exceed them. And then there are times when you go, did I sit down in the wrong restaurant? Mr. F and I were wondering why we sat down at all in this one, considering that it was absolutely freezing. And painfully slow. And crowded of course, though that was expected (per Yelp). The positives: The historic details of the building are quite nice. Mr. F enjoyed his Ypsi Gypsy. And his mac and cheese with sausage. The negatives: My sweet potato fries were cut very thick and not really cooked. The burger, the much-lauded, Yelp-recommended, burger-to-end-all-burgers burger, was just OK. I'm not a great cook, but everything tasted like something I could make myself. Mr. F's meal was a special, which was supposed to come with soup. I asked the server about this, and she brought soup at the same time as the meal, and then we were charged separately for it. We were so cold and so tired of waiting at that point, we didn't dispute the $3 charge--I rather wish we had, now. Maybe we'll give them another chance someday. You know, when it's *not* a cold day in hell.
(2)Benjamin M.
Consistently $5-$10 less than a comparable meal in Ann Arbor, Sidetrack is worth the trek out. The fries are good, if inconsistently so. The burgers are dandy, as are the fish and chips and fish tacos. The fried pickles are delicious, but superfluous, given the portion size of the entrees. The black bean burger is homemade and quite tasty, if you swing that way. All in all, decent. We've eaten there lots, had relatively few mishaps. The real thrill is getting the bill at the end of the night. How reasonable! If you go on Friday, you might have to wait a bit. There are probably other restaurants in Ypsi, but I've never been to one.
(4)Shane B.
You ever have a place that you can't really peg if you like it or not? Sidetrack is definitely one of those places for me. I've been there 4 times and am still undecided. Pros: - Can almost always get seated even during times when an Ann Arbor restaurant would be packed. - Fair prices for pretty good grub. - Good beer on tap at all times. - Wide variety of food on the menu - burgers, pastas, sandwiches, apps. Cons: - Servers almost always seem disinterested in serving you. If I'm waiting on an appetizer I know is done by now and I see you coming back in from a smoke break, I'm gonna be a little peeved. - The beer menu is stagnant. It's almost always the same exact beers on tap. Bottles fluctuate a little, but I don't care to get bottled beer when I eat out. - Can be very loud, even when it's not crowded. The tables are close together and ambient noise is high. - The menu is somewhat boring at times. They don't really push the envelope in any way, shape, or form. It's simple grub, which isn't necessarily a BAD thing, but sometimes you are just like "I don't want ANYTHING on this menu". Long story short, it's a good place to go for a big beer, simple American food, and not have to wait around. Their happy hour prices are pretty absurd, too, if you happen to catch them.
(3)Janis C.
Been here many times. Not certain why I haven't reviewed before. Last night's experience was superb and with that fresh in my mind a review I will do. The Sidetrack's ambiance is a big appeal to me. Lot's of old wood furnishings, momentos of the past in Ypsi and the fireplace. That fireplace is such a nice touch on a dreary, rainey Michigan early evening. The melodies of Al Green's Love and Happiness and others playing overhead added to my warm fuzziness. Then of course there is the sixteen draft beer selections. (Does Woodchuck Amber Cider count as a beer?) Bottle selections are up to fifty. Including Left Hand Brewery's 400lb. Monkey, say what? Our server Drew was very knowledgable and patiently answered all my questions. I finally settled on the Bell's HopSlam, which turned out very much to my liking. The food menu is varied. There are burgers, chicken pot pie, fish tacos, mac and cheese to baked salmon choices. My S.O. went with a burger and onion rings and was happy. I choose the Gorgonzola Tenderloin, which was served up with mashed redskin potatoes and fresh asparagus.This was excellent. The meat was both tender and flavorful. The potatoes were tasty and the asparagus was cooked with a slight crispness left in. Drawbacks, well yes. The Sidetrack is such a popular spot that you need to arrive early or late to find parking. Or go on a nice day and stretch out your legs. It's worth the walk.
(4)Ann J.
I just don't get it, everybody loves this place but I am not a believer. It is loud and cramped, and not particularly clean. All of the seating is uncomfortable, you are either getting your chair bumped, or feel completely trapped, and if you are seated within 20ft. of the bathroom it stinks! Everyone raves about the extensive beer list, but they are overpriced and always out of the beer I would like to try. The food is ok, nothing I would ever crave.The service is ok if they feel like serving you, and recently the manager went out of his way to be rude to one of my friends for no good reason at all. The only good thing about this place are the bartenders, and the fact that it is so close to better bars. Unfortunately, I get dragged in to sidetrack all the time when we ypsi bar crawl, and always dread it. I hate wasting money and time here.
(2)Jim M.
This is worth a trip on it's own, but if you happen to be in the area looking for a meal, it is a must stop! Outstanding food, outstanding atmosphere, great service, and great beer! I bring out-of-town visitors here on a regular basis, and they never fail to have a good time.
(5)Esther Y.
Sidetrack is a place you definitely have eat at if you live in the area. Their burgers are delicious! We've had their regular burgers, their special with mac & cheese, their black bean burger, and everyone has been great. Service is always friendly here the beers on tap are great, and it's just an easy place to go grab a burger and a beer.
(4)Andrew R.
Best burgers around They have the best burgers! The variety of toppings is huge and you can order just about any kind of burger your heart desires. The beef itself is very taste and always cooked exactly how you'd like. They also have a great beer selection. They have been called one of the best burger spots in Michigan (and the country...thanks GQ magazine) and I agree! My only complaint might be that the layout of the restaurant is very tight, so you'll make friends with the table next to you (like it or not).
(4)Lauren L.
For me, Sidetrack is a place where memories are created. It's where birthdays are celebrated, where our relocated friends want to go when they come into town for a visit, where you get a group of old friends together for a good time. I've been a regular since I celebrated my 21st birthday there six years ago. The servers come and go and the mixed drinks are hit or miss, but there's a certain charm that keeps me coming back. And OK, happy hour keeps me coming back. It's hard to beat half off all liquor and a couple bucks for 20-something ounces of tasty, tasty beer (huge selection on tap, with plenty of local selections). They have local wines now, too, but unfortunately wine is not discounted for happy hour. I believe happy hour is 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. to midnight on Sundays. Since I go to Sidetrack for happy hour, the food I consume is usually an appetizer or a burger. I'm not a huge fan of red meat, but I love me some Sidetrack burger, preferably with pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and a side of sweet potato fries (better with ranch than with the horseradish sauce, in my opinion). The fried pickles are a hit, as are the southwest egg rolls, Irish pub egg rolls, and mozzarella sticks. I'm also a fan of anything that comes with tortilla chips (queso dip, nachos, spinach and artichoke dip). You can probably skip the chicken wings and the pita pizza, though. If you want dessert, get the strawberry shortcake when it's in season. It's ten bucks, but it's delicious and huge. HUUUGE. Share it with everyone at the table! The ambiance is cozy, but even better when it starts to get a bit chilly outside; they have fireplaces indoors and fire pits on the patio. Sometimes when the place is busy, you'll get seated at Frenchie's next door, which is owned and staffed by the same people. You can totally rent out Frenchie's for free! It would be a fun place for a big party or even a casual wedding reception. Last order of business: the train. There's a reason this place is called Sidetrack, and it's tradition to raise your glasses in a toast when the train goes by. Sadly, the tradition is dying. Help us bring it back! Save the train toast!
(5)mariah c.
Ample outdoor seating is lovely at Sidetrack. I'd much rather cheer for a passing train here rather than get crammed into many of the jam packed outdoor street-side tables on Ann Arbor's Main Street. I just discovered the BBQ pork sandwich here, which is honestly pretty amazing. Flavorful, hearty, and the dang thing may even replace the veggie philly as my favorite sandwich here... and the veggie philly is a tough act to follow! Add in giant mugs of cheap Bell's and other Michigan beer, and I honestly have no choice but to up Sidetrack to 5 stars. For what it is, it's just about perfect to me.
(5)Mark S.
What can you say that hasn't already been said about the Sidetrack? Great bar food at reasonable prices in an atmosphere loaded with charm. A bit noisy at times, but hey, it's a bar and it sits on a railroad track! Congrats to Linda and the crew for another great year and for the new expansion plans. Keep it up! See you Friday night!
(4)Jennifer V.
Okay, so this place is pretty good. But at the same time, I'm confused as to how Sidetrack regularly ends up on "The Best Burgers in the U.S." lists. Yes, they serve a great burger, but it's not THAT great. I'm more impressed with their beers than their burgers. That being said, their burgers are of good quality meat and toppings. My annoyance with them? You can't really change anything about them (in particular, the sliders). Like, I asked if I could have cheddar instead of American cheese, and they said no. Seriously. WTF? Are the patties frozen with the cheese on them? That's the only thing that makes sense. I like the place, but I'm annoyed with their apparently stringent "no substitutions" rule. It's happened more than once. I was unaware it was THAT much work to switch out cheeses.... Yeesh. The place can also be a freakin' nightmare to find parking. Get there early, or don't go on a weekend night. Those are my tips for ya, kids.
(3)Kevin S.
Great burger. Great Irish egg rolls. Great Fries :)
(4)Jason F.
Meh..... it was alright. The food is good, not great. They have a hefty beer selection, but it's pricey if you don't hit happy hour. The setup and ambience is still good.
(3)Brittney T.
I love Sidetrack! I have been coming here since I was a little girl. The place has a very local and homey atmosphere, which I love. They also have great beers to choose from, especially during happy hour they have such wonderful specials. I think this place is really know for their awesomely huge sweet potato fries, especially alongside a burger, MMM!!! My favorite thing is the deep fried pickles, dipped in ranch, these are a must try!! I have tried several things on the menu and all that I have has been great. The negative thing about sidetrack is the seating. Later in the evening the restaurant gets packed, fast. In the summer they have the luxury of sitting outside but in the winter the place is super small and sometimes you can feel crowded. All in all, I love Sidetrack, and it's Ypsilanti tradition :)
(5)Anya P.
Why I like Sidetrack of Ypsilanti Michigan, by: Me I like sidetrack because the food is tasty. It is always well prepared and not complicated. Sidetrack's also has very good drinks. Particularly the martinis, which are correctly made with no little ice chunks. I like sidetracks because they have pretty things on the walls and are right next to the railroad tracks, which makes the setting kinda romantic. I like to go there on Sundays when it's quiet. The End.
(4)Vince B.
Went there for lunch. Nice Portions and the Sweet Potato Fries were so good they made me wanna slap my momma!
(4)Chris B.
They're known for their burgers and the reputation is well deserved. They're definitely above average burgers. But there is much much more to try. They have an Irish egg roll appetizer that is different and yummy (ham, pickles, and cheese in an egg roll with spicy mustard). The fries are fantastic as well - both the "regular" and the sweet potato fries. We haven't had anything bad and it's all been above average pub fare. The place can get packed and loud. In the winter it can be cold if you are seated near a door or window (it's an old historic building that isn't insulated well). The tables are a bit close together and you can be seated in a high traffic aisle on occasion. In the summer they have an outside table are that us very nice. When the Amtrack train passes by it's quite a thrill since it goes through at a fast clip. They have some neat old furniture and baubles on the wall that add to the ambiance. And finally, it's nice to support local non-chain restaurants like this. I'd much rather funnel my $'s to interesting places like this that support my community than an anonymous and carbon-copy Applebees/Chilis/Ruby Tuesdays/etc/etc/etc. Check this place out and feel good about supporting Depot Town Ypsilanti too.
(4)Missy C.
I love to take clients here when they are buying a home in Ypsilanti. The hamburgers are the best in all of the Ann Arbor area. They enjoy not only the food but the venues authenticity. In the summer it is fun to sit on the patio and hopefully be there when the train goes through Depot Town.
(5)Thedude A.
Recently moved to the Ypsilanti area and the general consensus amongst my neighbors was that Sidetrack has the best burgers in the area. I gave them a try recently for lunch. The exterior and interior was very nice looking. Maybe this and the glowing recommendations got my hopes up too high. Inside, the restaurant was small, which is good, but very cramped, which is not. It felt as if we were eating in a phone booth. It was lunch but it took the waitress a good 10 minutes to appear and take our order. When she did she was not very friendly. No chit chat, not even a hello. I ordered the famous burger. After a standard wait the food arrived. The burger was nice sized and looked good. When I picked it up to take a bite, the bottom bun was soaked and fell apart to my touch. Very disappointing. Also the burger was.....a burger. Nothing special, in fact tasteless. Certainly not worth the price especially with the Sidetrack soggy bun. On one visit it appears that this establishment is content to rest on its reputation. I have seen this with other restaurants and bars. Hopefully that is not the case here. The wait staff was standoffish, not real friendly ( may be a bad day), and the food was bland.
(2)K P.
I live very close to Sidetrack so go here quite a bit despite my three star rating. The good: pretty solid burger, awesome sweet potato fries, great MI beers on tap, shady outdoor seating and lots of it for summer & cozy fireplace inside for winter, close to my house The bad: very loud and the tables are waaaaaaaay too close together, very slow & mediocre service considering there seem to be a zillion people working there, bathrooms are often nasty, little menu variety So, yeah, about 3 stars. Not terrible, but not awesome.
(3)Stephen H.
I cant believe I have not reviewed Sidetracks yet. The food is ok, I have a special affinity for the burgers and the fish tacos. I dont care for microbrews that much but this is just my opinion. I think what really makes this place special is the service is always really good considering how much business the place does. Second, the location is in a very quaint, historic part of ypsi. Third, the patio out back and on the side are great if you want to sit outside and catch a buzz with some good grub. Fourth, happy hour starts at 10pm and thats when the place gets really packed. Huge beers are like 2 bucks.
(3)Hymae W.
I love sidetracks but their staff continues to disappoint me. We have the same angry and bitter waiter for the last 3 visits. He just acts so inconvinced whenever we ask for anything. Food is still excellent.
(3)Jeffrey C.
Sidetrack -is- Ypsilanti.
(5)Jen S.
I really love this place. I have a soft spot for it and I always will... until the DAY I DIE. No, but more seriously, I say that because this is the best "classic American" restaurant around here -- maybe even one of my favorite restaurants around here period. It's just a fun place to come and get really good food and beer. I've tried a few different dishes and have enjoyed each one, but I think I'm now going to remain faithful to the shepherd's pie. I really like the atmosphere with all the animal heads (and I'm a animal advocate) and fireplace and all the wood. I don't know -- I just really enjoy this place and maybe it's because I've given up hope on finding really good restaurants in the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area. The only downside is that there can be a LONG wait for a table and the "waiting area" is about the size of a shoebox so it can be awkward.
(5)Elizabeth S.
I've never gotten anything there I haven't liked. Even as a vegetarian, there are plenty of delicious options. Plus, have you heard about their happy hour yet?? My favorites: Fish tacos Portobello mushroom burger Goat cheese quesadillas Southwest egg rolls My mouth is watering just thinking about SIdetrack & all it's wonderful patio, delicious food, giant beer glory....
(5)Brenda M.
Love that they buy local when possible, so that deserves a star right there. I had a grilled cheese, my husband had a burger, which he said was "pretty good". My grilled cheese had two slices of American that were cold in the middle. A place that has mac and cheese with gorgonzola and other cheeses plus chorizo should really do a better grilled cheese. Our fries were cold as well. What saved the meal was the house made Ranch dressing for the soggy fries, and the chocolate cheesecake that came from the Queen of Hearts bakery down the street. That was AWESOME. Service was "ok" neither great or bad. I can see why Sidetrack is popular. If someone suggested we go there, I would, but I wouldn't go out of my way again on my own. The decor was cute and they did have a huge selection of beer, so maybe that's what draws so many people here.
(3)Jane X.
The burgers here are definitely worth the drive out from Ann Arbor. I thought our waitress was funny because when we asked her for burger recommendations she said "i hear the Handcrafted burger is pretty good but I dont eat meat". Odd considering the place is known for their burgers. Otherwise great service. Bold choice of decor (animal heads on the wall) considering Ann Arbor is right next door. Though I haven't gone yet, I can imagine doing a late night Sidetrack run with friends since they open until 2am!
(3)Jenn V.
I lived in the area for many years and used to frequent Sidetrack all the time for late night drinks. It was always a chill (sometimes rowdy) crowd and an enjoyable place to go. Question is, how did I NEVER try their food in the 8 years I lived there? Jeez, I was missing out. My friend and I met for a drink, and being that neither of us are the type to turn down an opportunity to eat, we browsed the menu. DEEP FRIED PICKLES? Say what? (Mind you, this was Day 1 of my diet..) Holy cow, they were absolutely delicious, and their ranch is really good. I got an egg salad sandwich w/ fries, but only ate the fries. Unfortunately I didn't think to ask the waitress if their were onions in the sandwich (which I despise), and it was loaded with them. Oh well.. it looked good! The server was friendly and prompt, for as busy as they were (on a Monday night too.. wow!) and the prices are still really reasonable. I have been dreaming of those deep fried pickles and ranch for the last 2 days, and can't wait to go back for more (although my butt certainly wishes I wouldn't..)
(4)Amy C.
Love the hippie sliders, fish tacos,clams, and chicken strips!!! Plus they have great variety of beer on draft. But the BEST is the bloody mary bar every Sunday!!
(5)Mae S.
Food was so-so to good, but service was definitely bad -- orders took forever to come out. Cream for coffee didn't arrive until the coffee was drunk up (in desperation). Waitress appeared to be annoyed when we mentioned the lack of coffee cream, and to expect us to find this level of service fine Food details: Fish taco was good. Veg. salad had some excessively wilted yucky bits of green along with the ok parts, and the dried cherries were all stuck together. Cesar salad with chicken was blah. Strawberry shortcake huge -- served 4 easily, but fewer berries than our companions remembered from an earlier order. Hamburger was fine. Bottom line -- I might go back if the right people invited me, but I'd argue in favor of somewhere else.
(2)Rebeka M.
I have been here twice so far and both times I have ordered hamburgers. Really delicious and fresh meat, with a good selection of fresh toppins (das right, "toppins"). What I really love are the thick cut sweet potato fries... delicious! And they know how to cook a rare burger, so that is a plus for all you pink meat lovers out there (double entendre? you decide). Great prices too and quite a good selection of brews on tap.
(4)Jonathan H.
I like this place. For a good burger joint outside of the Ann Arbor area, come to Sidetrack. It's actually not that far of a drive (about 10-15 min from Ann Arbor) and is located in a hip looking part of Ypsilanti (if there's even one). I had the handcrafted burger with American cheese and it did not disappoint. The meat was juicy and you can tell that the meat is fresh ground meat. The fries were also tasty, however after 10-15 minutes they start becoming soft. I personally like my fries crispy, so I was disappointed that they started to go soft. Also had the Deep Fried Pickles. Honestly ordered this because of all the reviews it received on Yelp and it wasn't bad. If you're a pickle fan, then you'll enjoy it. The portions are large and the pickles are juicy. After the 3rd pickle, I got tired of it though. It's good to share with 2-3 people. The happy hour specials sounded pretty good as well, but I doubt I'll make the commute from Ann Arbor just for the special. Great place to check out!
(4)Ally N.
When I first moved to the Ypsi area (well, Pittsfield), my roommate warned me away from Sidetrack, so I never went. I have no idea why - I really like it! Depot Town is adorable. I think it's because he was kind of sheltered, from A2, and never had set foot in Ypsi until he ended up at EMU for grad school. I love happy hour. I love the fried pickles. I love the french fries and the music they play. I love the atmosphere and sitting on their patio(s). I thought I'd love the burgers, but I thought they were kind of meh. Not bad at all, mind you! A good, solid burger. However, perhaps they were just a bit oversold. The service is kind of hit-and-miss. I've never had a waitress that's stood out and been amazing. It does take a while to get served because this place is pretty much always packed. AND I did come in here once and ended up paying twice what I'd expected because apparently it wasn't happy hour YET. Even though it had been every other time I'd come in around 9pm, but whatever. Also, maybe it's because my previous haunt was Ashley's, but not a whole lot of variety as far as what's on tap. However, I really like every beer that's on tap. Now that I live so close to Depot Town, I think this will be my new haunt.
(4)Laurent S.
Great burgers (and sliders), as well as a great selection of regional craft beers on tap.
(4)Bobbi O.
Searching Yelp for one thing brought me to Sidetrack..."Deep Fried Pickles". I did not leave unhappy. I also tried some chili and thought it was great. They also had an interesting martini list I'd like to try sometime. I will be going back and now that I'm local to the area, it'll be more likely.
(4)Troy W.
Service was either very busy or overwhelmed. I asked for a 2nd beer twice and it never came, which was very disappointing because I had never tried that particular beer before, some kind of strawberry shortcake ale. Everyone says to try the hamburger but as we had had one the night before (at another restaurant) I did not want to try another. We did have the fried pickles which were pickle spears and i was expecting chips or slices, my fault. We split a club sandwich which was nothing special. I will go back sometime when I am in the area and hope they are not as busy, and I'll want a hamburger.
(3)Bill B.
The waitress was incompetent, but I suppose that can happen anywhere. My partner openly, explicitly, and at length explained that he wanted no cheese on his sandwich. Twenty minutes later our two sandwiches came, his with cheese. The replacement took five minutes, which shows what they can do. What gripes me the most is that the prices of the beers on tap are not listed. The only option offered for finding them out is to ask the waitress the price of each, one at a time, after which she would be willing to go ask the manager, and bring back the reply. So be warned: Sidetracks doesn't want you to make choices based on the grubby, lowering basis of price. We operate on a higher plane at Sidetracks. Perhaps this is the same mentality that decided to leave the dollar signs off those 8 or 10 dollar mixed drinks on the menu. Maybe even dollar signs make you think more about money than the management wants you to.
(2)Kirsten F.
The best burgers! My boyfriend and I have a running debate between Sidetracks and Blimpie Burger, I prefer the former. The difference is thickness, Sidetracks has juicy, thick burgers, while Blimpie's are thin and greasy. It's your preference, they are both really good. Sidetracks has an amazing selection of food and I've never had anything I didn't like. They also carry a lot of local and regional beers, which are always excellent. Decent prices and nice staff. This place gets busy past 7pm on the weekends and sometimes it can be crazy, but the staff has always been great.
(5)Megan M.
Sidetrack's excellent happy hour deserves top billing. They offer anything on tap (which includes some hyper-local microbrews, like Frog Island Amber) in a giant 25-oz mug for the bargain basement price of $2.95. This alone merits a visit, but the food is phenomenal too. Apparently their meaty burgers are beloved by GQ, but their vegetarian editions are hands-down the best bar food I've ever eaten. The tempeh rueben or burger are both to die for; the tempeh is incredibly well-marinated and savory. I love anywhere that offers vegetarian sliders, and Sidetrack does them as black bean with salsa and cheese on incredibly soft white buns. The only thing that keeps my rating from 5 stars is the seating. The side patio is the best; inside can get just the tiniest bit crowded and noisy. But, then again, it's a neighborhood bar!
(4)Jonathan W.
Wow, what a great burger! I was in the mood for a burger so I looked for on yelp for somewhere I have not been and saw the reviews for this place. So I picked up a friend and headed here for lunch. I ordered a Cheeseburger and it was awesome. Just what I look for in a burger, big, juicy, and good beef. None of that pre-pattied crap here. Easily blows millers and redcoat out of the water. For me this is the best burger I have had in the Detroit area.
(4)Erica K.
So I think technically I was in Frenchie's which seems to be an extra room tacked onto Sidetrack. In any case, I had a delicious burger and I still can't get over how cheap beer is outside of Chicago. So you might be wondering why only 3 stars. The issue is that I was there for a rehearsal dinner. When we arrived they didn't have enough tables set up to accommodate the party, so people (including the bride's parents) had to sit at the bar. The back of the room was crowded with another party, which is not what the bride and groom were told. They were told they would have the whole room. So that was just kind of a customer service fail. They also didn't seem staffed to handle the big party, despite reservations and a set menu with fewer choices having already been established. In the end it worked out, but it was just a bit stressful arriving and having no seats for guests. The food was good though and like I said, you can't beat the price of their giant beers. I would totally recommend this place for hanging out and drinking, especially later in the evening when their beers go on super special.
(3)Eric G.
So although I have lived in this area for almost 2 years now, I somehow missed this place. After being told that this spot was ranked top 20 burgers in the U.S by GQ magazine of course I have to try it out. Yet another hungover sunday I make my way down. I got the create your own 1/2 pound burger, with gorgonzola, roasted red pepers, mushrooms, bacon, lettuce and tomato along with some amazing hand cut sweet potato fries. Wow. This is just a great burger, o ?
(4)Rick F.
Newbies to Ypsilanti, we tried this place on our first night in town. We loved it so much we went back the next night! The burgers were delicious -- as advertised. Fish tacos and Fish and Chips were also excellent. Service was friendly and quick, despite a pretty large crowd. All in all, a great place to eat and drink.
(5)Bonita G.
Wow, so disappointed after our dinner here last night. The two of us were charged over $50 for dinner...living in Chicago I don't even expect to spend that much at a casual bar/grill for dinner. The good: great beer selection, presumably good happy hour although we didn't get to enjoy it. fried pickles were yummy but not what I was expecting (they were spears instead of slices). The bad: drinks only have happy hour prices listed. I knew it wasn't happy hour during our meal, but i figured normal beer prices couldn't be that bad for drinks not deemed "special" by asterisks. Nope, unfortunately not the case. I should've asked before I ordered anything because the three beers we ordered were all $6-7 for a PINT of draft beer. The mac and cheese was soooo goopy and a very small portion for $10. My burger was almost $14 and it came out overcooked and bland. The garlic fries I paid extra for were scorched and limp with barely a dusting of garlic powder. Even the fried egg on my burger was burnt. Our server was okay, but she didn't even question if my food was okay when she cleared my barely touched plate. TL;DR: come here for happy hour but don't waste your money otherwise. And good luck finding parking.
(1)William B.
Service : 4/5 .. I come here with my dog,and I'm glad they are very acommodating to her. We usually sir at the back patio. Food: 3/5 I do like their tempeh burger and black bean sliders. They have good vegetarian option. Their fries are inconsistent and I wished they use real garlic and chopped parsley for their garlic parmesan fries. Especially if they are charging extra. .. really! It is not that difficult to make ok food become great and amazing if you use fresh ingredients! Trust me, people will like your garlic fries better! You are not steak'n shake. Your priced point is way above them, therefore you should produce better fries. Ambience/Decor: 3/5 .. I guess it is ok for neighborhood restaurant /bar. It is cute in some way. I love the colorful umbrellas outside. Cleanliness: 1/5 ..please get this number up. Your bathroom is filthy! Please get them cleaned up every 30 minutes. Your hallway to the bathroom is stinky. Please get them cleaned up... you probably need to replace the carpet. I'm sure there's mold underneath those nasty carpet. This makes me wonder on how clean your kitchen is. :( Overall experience: 2.5/5 I would make this higher is you clean up the place... maybe it is time to remodel the place, get rid of the carpet and clean the bathroom. I would come back here but probably won't use the bathroom. But I have to warn people not to be surprised if they got sick.
(2)Jenny K.
The food. Wowza! Let me tell you, the burgers and fries here can be marketed in a Pure Michigan ad. No but seriously, in all honesty, Sidetracks, is my cure to a bad case of PMS or even a sad day. Their fried mushrooms make me so happy. Sure, they're battered and fried, but once they hit that cold cup of ranch and I wash it down with an icy draft beer or a carafe of coke, I de-stress INSTANTANEOUSLY. And their burgers are so juicy. I like their blue cheese and bacon sliders if I'm feeling dainty or sometimes I get whatever's their burger of the day special--always a bargain! Sweet potato fries, freshly cut regular fries, they're both so good here, made even more heavenly with their awesome ranch. RANCH! Also wonderful here is the Yankee Pot Roast. The gravy is boss and the sweet carrots it comes with, yum, just the right hint of sweet and veggie to balance out my meat-and red-skin-mashed-potatoes-with-gravy-all-over-Âcravings. It's like the real home-cooked American meal my Korean mother could never make. And I love them for it. Thank you. FYI, parking is easy behind the restaurant or along River Street and yes, it's really besides an operating railroad track. Think of it as a cheap dinner and a show!
(5)John H.
Update: I used to be a regular, but it has gone downhill. My friend got food poisoning there, and after sitting in a restaurant that smelled terrible I had enough and left a negative review. Then last week I went to meet a friend there (not my first choice) and didn't get served. No wonder they have good reviews - Leave a good review or else!
(1)Amanda I.
This place was great! Met my friend and her family here for dinner on a Sunday night. I read that it can get kind of busy, so we made reservations, just in case. They have a pretty good beer selection (living in CO with all of the microbreweries, I've gotten a little spoiled), including a Kombucha based one that my friend bought. I wouldn't be able to drink a whole glass of that drink, too tart. I do remember seeing one where you could have it infused with fresh mangoes... Mmm I want to try that next time. Anyways, I ordered the Mac attack burger, which had bacon, some Mac and cheese, and a little bbq sauce. It wasn't as big as I feared, thankfully, and it really was very tasty. I switched the Cajun fries out for sweet potato fries. I wish they offered a honey based sauce for those fries, it would be amazing. My friend's sister had to send her steak back to get it cooked a little longer, but our server was really great. Very friendly and patient with us as we decided what we wanted. We also ordered the strawberry shortcake for dessert, which was enormous. I don't think it tasted THAT great (I would have liked it sweeter, with the shortcake a bit more moist), but it definitely was memorable because of the size, haha. Overall, great food and price in an area where I wouldn't expect this kind of restaurant. I would definitely return for more.
(4)Cameron T.
I have never had a bad experience at the Sidetrack as far as the food and drink goes. The service can be inconsistent, but the happy hour pricing can make you forget about how long you waited for the drink.
(4)Mary Y.
On a super crowded Saturday evening, I visited Sidetrack. I love the burgers, always cooked just right for my taste. The sweet potato fries don't taste like fries. They taste baked. The snozberries taste like snozberries. Ok, just making sure you're still reading. They have an ample beer menu, full of great choices. I've yet to come in the summer to sit on the patio, but I will. They have Magners in the bottle here, so that puts it up a few notches for me. The service was great despite the crowd. The only gripe I have is the tables were a little close together. I also love the inside of the building, so many great things to catch like door details and ceiling details. A lovely space. See you again, Sidetrack.
(5)William C.
I walked in and sat down. Only drink menus at the table. As I got up to leave after a few minutes, and an attractive young woman, (who turned out to be the owners daughter), asked me if I had been helped yet. I replied no, and she quickly found someone to seat me. I was very impressed. I love the vibe of this place. I ordered the fish tacos. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give them a 3 on the tacos. Ambiance was a 10. Customer service an 8. The 3 because I have had some pretty good fish tacos here in Michigan and California. Best in Michigan and perhaps the country were at the now defunct Fish x2 in Spring Lake, MI. (They certainly did not go out of business due to their tacos!) I will most certainly be back to Sidetrack. Will try something other than the fish tacos.
(3)Bob C.
The food was good and at a good price, the service was poor. But had a great time with friends
(3)Nathan W.
I *LOVE* Sidetrack. You will get consistently excellent food and consistently excellent service. And the burgers are scintillating.
(5)Bella M.
I love the atmosphere of Sidetrack but the food has really gone down hill. I ordered the fish tacos again thinking they may have improved but nope. The queso appetizer had a handful of chips with it. The food is bland & overpriced. Will return for a drink but not food.
(2)Jim I.
Came here many times over the years before I was a foodie. As a drinkie, I enjoyed many beers, but my fiance said we need to eat here. So we did. Yes its one of the best Burgers in Washtenaw County, Michigan and the craft beer selection is huge. The fries had a fresh potato taste as if they were just picked and cut. Whether you like Oprah or not ( I do not), it never hurts to have your place endorsed on her show due to the fact that she is an undeniable media giant. We will be back and next time we will eat outside so maybe we can be feet away when the train goes by. That was cool. Very good Hamburgers! Expect a wait... unless you can get here at 455pm before everybody gets out of work.
(5)Bethany O.
Always lovely here -- outstanding service, love the rear shaded patio with flowers. Summer salad with pears, walnuts, dried cherries, gorgonzola. Refreshing Chardonnay after an afternoon gardening.
(4)Jeffrey T.
This place is so close to being just absolutely amazing. It's been a staple in ypsi for years. If your looking for some good food and a great beer selection then this is your place. The happy hour is probably the best in the area. I understand this is a family owned business. Great to support local places.
(4)Lyndsi W.
I really enjoyed myself here one late night. I have only been here a couple of times I remember the food being very good. Chili- I remember to be great! Cheese and raw onions on top are the best! Fries- were great! If I remember correctly someone got the burger and it's not too bad either. They are open late and serve food pretty late from what I remember and it's a great spot to grab a drink AND some food on most any night of the week. Right in the downtown area of Ypsi and it's really nice down there with all the bars and restaurants to choose from. I always have had a great time here and hope to be back to visit one of these times I'm home to Michigan to visit!
(5)Steph W.
This is an all around cool spot to go to for lunch, dinner, evening cocktails or to watch a game. They have typical bar food but they also have a variety of other items. They are known for really good hamburgers. The parking is not the best here. Service is good. The drinks are excellent. They do not skimp on the liquor like some restaurants. This place has a historical vibe to it. Reminds me of cheers. The only drawback is the women's bathroom. It is stuck in the past and is in serious need of updating.
(4)Amy G.
It seems like Sidetrack is most popular for their burgers, but I ordered the stuffed salmon. You can order it stuffed or not, and it comes with asparagus and brown rice so at least feels like a healthier option in a bar-type joint. The boy is a big fan of their Thanksgiving turkey burger sliders, which really is a good deal in that it is four sliders plus sweet potato fries and gravy. The sliders are cute because they include mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For a sit-down restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, Sidetrack is not too expensive either, a good college area establishment. Our waiter was very friendly too. I would recommend Sidetrack to anyone as an affordable, comfortable restaurant with no-frills but satiating food.
(4)Geoff W.
Many places claim the best burger but Sidetrack Bar delivers. Great service. This is not a white tablecloth establishment but if you want great ford and device in a casual atmosphere, Sidetracks is the place. Located in historic depot town, it is a fun area of town. Two trains passed through while we dined. Highly recommend it.
(5)Kris A.
I decided to give Sidetrack a shot while in the area one day that my sister was in town from Florida. We were looking for a decent place to eat and the guys at work had been singing high praises about the place, so I thought "why not". It's got a very eclectic decor with no shortage of things to catch the eye. The history is rich with stories of patrons gone by, which added to the atmosphere. They boast the "Best Burger" & "Award Winning Chili", neither of which challenge I can pass up. We both ordered basic cheeseburgers. Burger, Cheese, Bun. That's it. No fancy accompaniments. Nothing to mar the pure cheeseburger experience. The side dish - Chili of course! Loaded with cheese, onions, and crackers? HELL NO! Plain, unadorned Chili. The food came forthwith (actually it was a little slow for the time of day, but I'll let that slide) and I proceeded to take pictures and examine the bounty. The burger had a slice of cheese on top & bottom both, good touch. I ordered it medium rare but it was closer to medium well. The bun was a white bread with sesame seeds, and toasted to perfection. The burger flavor was excellent and soon had me forgetting that it was a little overly cooked for my tastes. It was juicy & flavorful, and the toasted bun paired with it perfectly! The chili smelled good and had a pleasant presentation that clearly indicated "home made" versus canned, It was a very good mixture of beef, beans, and chunky tomato. The seasoning were a good blend, though there was no real "heat" to it (which I understand in a restaurant). Overall it rates in my top 5 restaurant chili's of all time. I'll be going back to Sidetrack in the near future. There a a LOT of great items on the menu & I'm looking forward to trying more of them, and having another bowl of chili!
(4)Natasha P.
Sidetrack is good but standard fare. Tasty burgers and a good selection of beer. Their make your own burger is reasonable and always an option, however, expect a wait for a table. They are always busy even on the weekdays. My last visit to sidetrack I had the fish and chips. The fish was very well fried, absolutely crisp on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. The tartar sauce it came with was also excellent. The four stars are for their consistently good food and the fact that they have hard cider on tap. :)
(4)Chris G.
The burgers are as good as advertised. The beer selection is favorable as well. However, the other food items that I have tried have been a little lacking. If you like to be happy, then just get a burger and a nice Michigan brew.
(4)Joyce C.
To start off, food is 5 stars but service is 3 stars. Waitress was super nice but super, super slow and forgetful. I got a delicious burger with mac & cheese inside while my sister got their Memorial Day Special, a burger with two different kinds of cheese, bacon, onions, etc. I thought mine was great, it came with cajun fries which I definitely could have done without. Burger was more than enough. Extensive beer menu along with helpful descriptions. Unfortunately, we only saw happy hour prices on the menu so there was a little surprise when the bill came. If you're lucky like we were, you'll have a train drive by on the tracks while you're eating! Cute spot, we loved Ypsilanti and Depot Town was adorable.
(4)Kelly V.
Easy to find, decent parking, nice staff, pretty good list of beers and good burgers. If you want something besides burgers, I recommend you eat somewhere else first and just come for the beer. I have tried nearly everything that is not red meat on this menu, and they were all mediocre at best. The food is slow to come out even when they are not busy. All the more reason to just come for drinks.
(2)T.J. G.
Like everything about the place, particularly all the vintage railroad and brewery paraphernalia on the walls. The two massive back bars here are killer. Oh...you want to know about food... All the sandwiches here rock, but I prefer the Bavarian Ham & Swiss. It comes with a honey mustard, which I usually hate, but this had enough spice to satisfy even me. My wife had the mini-burgers, which she found "yummy." Great beer selection as well. A must stop if your in Ypsi.
(4)Ashley T.
Solid food and atmosphere. Not the place to go if you mind being close to your fellow diners. Their burgers, club sandwich and Mac and cheese are all winners in my book. If it's in season and you are with a group try the strawberry shortcake also, it's massive and delicious. Only downsides are that the service can be lackluster and the wait for food is usually 30+ minutes, those are the things that are keeping it from being 5 stars for me.
(4)Emily L.
The food and the staff are incredible, especially Hope, the manager, and our server Jason. I have nothing other than great things to say...I'll be back again this weekend!
(5)James H.
Sidetrack is a phenomenal place. I went there just for lunch, but I really, really hope to go back for dinner and a drink sometime. Their beer selection is through the roof with a ton of local options. Their dining menu is broad, but it seems they do everything quite well. Service is outstanding, even if the food (for me anyways) can take awhile. Their array of seating options is one of my favorite parts. You can sit outside on either of their two patios, or one of the 3-4 tables they have out on the sidewalk; both are great on a nice day. Inside seating is nice too. Classy looking bar for those going solo. Can't say enough good things. Can't wait to go try it again.
(5)Mees F.
On a cold winter's day, it's best not to sit by the window. Being so drafty, you would think they'd pull the table away from the window. I guess they want your body temp to be as cold as their food. We ordered the small side of macaroni and cheese to split. It's cold pasta that has been coated in a cold, cheese white sauce. Would've helped if they had thrown it in the oven. When we told the server it was cold, she took it back to the kitchen to warm it up. The must've nuked it because the noodles came back tough. On to dinner....I ordered the French Dip. If you like a small sandwich with dry, well-done roast-beef, this may be to your liking. I was not impressed. The fresh-cut french fries were cold. The cole-slaw was dry, like it had been sitting in the refrigerator uncovered for a few hours. My friend got the burger and onion rings. I've had the burgers here before and they are nothing special. My friend agreed. It's just not one of those burgers you crave. The onion rings were good, but cut very thick. You need a knife and fork to eat them. I prefer a smaller cut on my rings. My coffee was cold. Doubt I'll be back.
(1)Leslie R.
this place is so extremely mediocre. I don't know what the fuss is or why so many people recommend it. I think it must be its history. the food is subpar and very overpriced. how do you get away with charging is much for a burger and then not include fries. the burger was very grisly and the fried zucchinis were beyond greasy. the bear is overpriced and the selection isn't great. the service did nothing to recover this place from the disappointment of overpriced and gross food. do yourself a favor and stay away.
(1)Mia M.
I've been coming to Sidetrack's a lot lately. The inside is crowded and the service is hit or miss, but that's because of the aforementioned crowdedness. I try my best to avoid coming on weekends because there seating arrangement leaves much to be desired when they're packed full of people. There's quite a few vegetarian options here and while I've tried most of them, I tend to get the same thing. My go-to order is a black bean burger and fries. Their sweet potato fries are alright, and whatever sauce comes out with them is definitely interesting; I never get it myself, though. Price wise, things are about average. The food is slightly above average. The service is average. I find myself here out of convenience more than anything else, but I don't dislike it.
(3)Kayla F.
I can't give Sidetracks less than 5 stars, that would be blasphemy. This is a long long time favorite, I've been coming here since I was a kid and I'm still coming here. Pros: The food/menu, the atmosphere. Very high quality food for a real good price and it's always consistent. I recommend the South West Egg Rolls for an appetizer, they are delicious and to die for. I always (these days) order the Louisiana White Fish Sandwich because it's heavenly, usually with a side of sweet potato fries (best sweet potato fries I've personally ever had). They have vegan/vegetarian options too, as the owner is vegan herself! And if you're in a mood for beer, this is the best place to be. They have everything you could desire. Overall the dining experience is fabulous. More pros, the atmosphere is awesome. Yes, it's very crowded, but the place is so loud that you never feel awkward or invasive. The decor is interesting and historical without feeling outdated or cheesy. Plus there is a lot of outside seating (so you can watch trains pass by) which is nice too. They've recently bought both of the buildings next to them, so there are a lot of options for huge parties, or for people who want a quieter dining experience (ask to be seated in Frenchies side if you want a quieter experience). Cons: The only real "complaint" I can imagine someone having is that I've personally never had good service from the staff here. They'll seat you, take your order, get you whatever extras you want, but almost constantly every time I come here I eventually become completely forgotten about. I personally don't mind because I don't like over attentive staff members, but I can imagine this being a complaint for some people. The staff are usually not very friendly, they are very BUSY, but having come from a family of restaurant workers and owners, I completely understand. This place is always bustling. I've never dealt with overtly rude staff, but they are very nonchalant and preoccupied. Overall, it's probably one of my top 5 restaurants of all time. I love the place, I highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to have a good meal and some good drinks and loud conversations. It's a must for anyone just visiting Ypsilanti, don't miss out on it! *Note on the noise level, they now own two other buildings. If you eat on Frenchies side, it's gonna be very quiet. I don't even think they play music over there. However, Sidetrack side, it's VERY loud during dinner.
(5)Emma C.
Pretty good food and service, very crowded but really the only annoying thing was listening to the dumb ass conversations of the college crowd customers talking about how brilliant they are but I guess the people I went to college with were the same way for the most part. Great beer selection.
(3)Ben P.
Absolutely the best place to eat in Ypsilanti, and worth the drive from other local areas. Don't miss out!
(5)Patti K.
Our daughter and her boyfriend took is to lunch at Sidetrack while we were visiting. The food was delicious and fresh. I had fish & chips, everyone else had burgers with the exception of our youngest daughter who had a club sandwich (which was gigantic!). Really great food and great service.
(5)Julia A.
We loved this bar during our time in Michigan. Our out of town guests found it charming. Vast selection of beers. Really tasty food.
(4)Rebecca S.
Meh. My family wanted to get together for dinner, so on Saturday morning we made reservations for 8 later that evening. We arrived on time, and were promptly taken back to a table for 6 people that was missing 4 chairs. Let me just repeat: they crammed 8 of us (that had reservations) at a table for 6 people, with 4 chairs. They had to grab 4 more chairs - when we expressed disappointment at the situation, they apologized and said "we can get a bigger table for you if you want to wait 30-45 minutes". I'm not joking. We didn't want to wait so we crammed into our seats and hoped for the best. Our server wasn't with us until 15 minutes after we were sat. A carafe of water was brought out, but there were no water glasses at the table...none were brought out even after we asked. We ordered drinks, which took another 15 minutes. When we finally ordered, the food came out pretty quickly. The only reason that I'm not giving this review 1 star is because the beer selection is good, and the food was delicious. However, the food wasn't good enough to overcome the ridiculously terrible customer service. This place doesn't deserve a second chance, and I won't bring anyone here again.
(2)Ryan B.
Cozy restaurant, right across from the train station. You can tell they have grown, and expanded over the years. The restaurant seemed to go on forever. The food was excellent, and the service was very fast.
(4)Natalie J.
I have yet to have a bad meal here! I highly recommend the fish and chips for dinner, but if you're just looking for an appetizer then you HAVE to try the Irish Pub Egg Rolls. I was a little apprehensive because it didn't sound like something I'd like, but based on the waitresses recommendation I tried it and am so glad I did! The Santa Fe Quesadilla is also a good one to have as well.
(5)Claire C.
Awful. Never will return. The burgers are good, fries are mushy and mediocre. 5 out of 6 people at our table were served and we waited over an hour for the 6th's entrée. Our server was nowhere to be found in the two hours we sat there. Drink glasses say there empty even though we were ready to pay for additional cocktails. The tables around us were also ignored and their orders were wrong. I don't know how they could ever be this busy, as the service is mediocre, go to a Red Robin or any other major burger chain for better service and food. Such a shame for what was a proud restaurant in downtown Ypsi. Best burger my butt. I will warn all my friends away from this place. Such a shame. We were once long time patrons, we'll have to find another place without the long wait times and a burger worth the $10.
(1)Jack N.
On 7/16/15 I visited the SideTract and ordered the MESS OF PERCH dinner. I had the same dinner last year and it was the worst meal. Nothing changed in the twelve months interval! Still deep fried! Still dry & tasteless! Still 10% fish and 90% breading! I! You would assume A MESS means a lot of perch. Wrong...three small pieces. Shame on me for making the same mistake twice! Never again!
(1)Darin L.
This place is always busy but still finds a way to make it happen. My only complaint are the number of tables and how closely they are placed. Makes it a bit noisy, crowded, and feels like everyone is listening to your conversation. Also, because of how busy it is, the service isn't instantaneous. I realize many people complain about it being "slow", but honestly, I tend to understand that when a place is busy, you kind of have to wait a little. Regardless, I've never felt as if I've had to wait an extraordinary amount of time...all wait times have been reasonable. The food is mostly very good. I've tried a variety of things and haven't found anything I don't like yet. Obviously, the burgers are really good and one of the few places that actually cook it to order correctly (medium rare for me). The Reuben is great as is the chili, sliders, clam strips, fish, etc. The bar is also outstanding with a large variety of beers (Michigan and imports) as well as a great liquor selection (I'm partial to bourbons and they have quite a few). Outside seating is great, especially in the back away from the street traffic. The prices are also reasonable. I'll be back often!
(5)Paul P.
Best burgers in the Ann Arbor area. I would avoid the fries because they can be a little soggy and instead get the fried pickles because they are amazing.
(5)Liz R.
Scored the last tiny two-top in the place. Ordered way too much food because it was our first time, and we're piglets. Started with the deep fried pickles. Spears, which is Ken's preference. I thought the breading was a bit thick and the app was overall greasy. Ken had the chili, which we both thought was delicious. We each got burgers and split onion rings (I've already told you we ordered too much, so stop with the eye roll...). Ordered our burgers pink, and they came cooked through. Heck, one side of mine was crunchy burnt. NOT medium by any stretch of the imagination. The rings, like the pickles, were heavily battered and greasy. Ranch should not slide off! My boozy drink was served in a chipped martini glass. I showed it to our waitress, who had the bartender transfer my drink (plus any potential glass chips) to a new glass rather than remaking. Uhm, thanks. Tables are close together. Parking was rough. Food was average. I'm glad we tried it, if only to take it off my bookmark list.
(2)Andrea F.
Always love coming to sidetracks...weather its lunch, dinner or happy hour! Service is most efficient during lunch however the bar can be a bit slow late at night. Sweet potato fries, sliders and the spinach artichoke dip is a must!
(5)B C.
We LOVE Side Track Frenchies!!!!! They have THE BEST food at this establishment, along with a trendy environment! Their club sandwich is the BEST I have ever had, and they make a mean burger, too! They have 2 great bars, outdoor seating, and an event room that you can reserve for parties or business meetings. If you are lucky to have a train whiz by at 65mph, you are lucky! After all, it's not called Side Tracks for nothing! One of our favorite spots! Check it out!
(5)Sarah W.
I went here for lunch with 5 other diners. We were greeted and taken care of promptly by the server and someone else who took out drink orders. I ordered the black bean burger on a gluten free bun. It came with two slices of cheddar and salsa, lettuce, and tomato. The bun was toasted. It was awesome!! I was in town for only a few days, I will be doing everything I can to recreate this at home! I ordered sweet potato fries with it, the came out cold, so I asked the server if she or the cooks could reheat them for me. Two minutes later she came back with a plate of hot sweet potato fries! It comes with a zingy horseradish dipping sauce, it's a perfect combo with the sweet fries. I wish there was one of these in pittsburgh!
(5)Ryan M.
Great black bean burger and sweet potato fries. Expansive selection of draft beers. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Abigail S.
The fried avocado app was super delicious. The gourmet mini sliders were yummy!! Love the new front opening!
(4)M D.
I live for the Reuben w/the side of sweet potato fries w/the speacil sauce. OMG! SOOOOOO good. I also liked how management let us sample a few beer flavors before we made a decision on which one we wanted
(5)Penny B.
I've always loved Depot town the people the restaurant the food just the atmosphere alone is a great thing to experience so we would me and my husband decided to get married we decided we would like to do it there and we contacted sidetracked made an appointment with them and went on time only to find that we got pushed aside ignored and then when it came time for us to talk with them about it they acted like our money wasn't good enough for them. I don't know about you but when somebody treats me that way it really hurts my feelings alot and I wouldn't recommend anybody to go there they're just mean and hateful
(1)Sarah W.
When I first moved to Ypsi, it seemed like everywhere I went they were raving about the burgers at Sidetrack - and rightly so. They are really good burgers. They kind of pushed their luck a little with the "burgers to eat before you die" business. I have consistently left Sidetrack with a belly full of amazingness, but I wouldn't quite give them credit for life-changing, other-worldly, or bucket-list burgers. It's a burger worth driving out of your way for - just not like, super far out of your way. But with slightly tempered expectations, you should go. Great food. Great beer list. Great job accommodating the gluten free people and vegetarians and various and sundry other dietary proclivities without making a big thing of it. And a genuinely nice neighbor. They are champions and cheerleaders for all things Ypsilanti. Case in point: they opened up two hours early today so people could come in after the Color Run. Not only did they welcome idiots covered in brightly colored corn starch to make a giant mess of their restaurant, they made us a special burger. Apparently running a 5K entitles me to double cheese and double bacon. And a fried egg. And it was delicious.
(5)Laila M.
We checked Sidetrack out because it was on some best burger list or another (like, every one). It f*&king deserves it. The burgers here are so good. TOO good, probably. They're good on a white bun, wheat bun, or pretzel bun. They're good with an egg and the tastiest damn bacon imaginable. They're good with any type of cheese. They're good when you're sober, or when you got trashed at the nearby BeerFest and need to sober up. They are ALWAYS good. They cure all unhappiness. I usually like well-done crispy fries, and these are pretty flaccid. BUT I DON'T CARE. They are also delicious. Especially dipped in ranch (I know) or soaking up that delicious burger grease elixir. This is a messy meal, but it really is top-notch. As far as appetizers and desserts, I'm inexperienced. I had an appetizer ONCE - southwest eggrolls. They were as good as everything else here. I'm ALWAYS too stuffed full of beer and burgers to try the dessert. And speaking of beer... Sidetrack's selection is fantastic. Always something new to try for the craft beer enthusiast (though I almost always stick to my Edmund Fitzgerald - $3.25 for 25oz or something at happy hour). Good happy hours. In the summer, sit in the back patio. Even better, in the winter, ask for a seat next to the fire. It's heaven. No bad words about Sidetrack from me. I'm making myself salivate, and it's happy hour right now...
(5)Jeff H.
Alright.... Where do I start. I frequently come hear for a couple beers and a burger, big mistake today. I wanted to throw my burger on the floor! This thing was served to me on a saucer! A saucer! And it was overcooked, ordered fries with my burger and I had to ask a random server to grab my fries. My girlfriend ordered a club sandwich and the bread wasn't toasted and the fries were cold. Place is a good joint but need a whole new kitchen staff. The "cooks" have no pride or experience with what they do.
(1)Alix M.
Great service and great food! Was not disappointed at all.
(4)Radha K.
Pretty standard pub-style eatery. Good service, alright food, good beer...nice place to hang out, it seems like. I had the "spicy" chicken wings off the appetizer menu and they were just breaded wings. If you want that extra spice, make sure you ask for hot sauce or something. Everybody else got the Mac Attack burger which was pretty good. Cajun fries were also quite good!
(2)Hannah S.
So I went here on a healthy day, so not a typical review for me! I ordered the house salad and a cup of chili. The house salad was yummy, dried cherries included. The chili came in a snazzy mug with an assortment of crackers. The decor was very homey and fun, complete with animal heads and fireplaces. I'll look forward to coming here again to enjoy the burgers (they even had a Kevin Bacon burger!) Parking is a little tight behind the building but there are additional lots nearby. You shouldn't have to pay :)
(4)Billy B.
I've eaten here so many times over the years that I think we have covered everything on their menu three times over. The draft selection is outstanding. Great Happy Hour!!!!! I guess my only complaint is that they don't have a FRI. dinner Happy Hour. They are known for their burgers and rightly so. I honestly have not eaten a bad thing off of the menu. They have two of my favorite appetizers ever. The fried pickles and the artichoke dip are to die for. Pulled Pork, Fish n Chips, Louisiana Fish Sammy, Black Bean Tacos, and the Crispy Chicken Strawberry Salad are just a few of my favorites. Can't forget the Billy Burton Mac Attack (which is named after me!!!) I won a design your own burger contest and I am still getting free burgers. This is probably my #1 favorite restaurant in the AA/Ypsilanti area (I would eat there more often if they had a Friday Dinner Happy Hour). B
(5)Will B.
Love their BBQ Hamburgers!!! UH-MAZING! The sweet potato fries and onion rings are great as well. I wonder if they genetically enhance the onion because they are HUGE! HUGE!
(5)Damon L.
Enjoy the Burgers alot (which they are known for). You can tell they are hand made and not the frozen or pre-made stuff. Great side items. You know you got it right when the Onion Rings are made the "real" way with that thick deep fried crust (hey, this isn't planet fitness so drop the healthy for an hour or two). Nice selection of beer and overall a great bar atmosphere. The building in Depot Town and by the RR really makes the place and it's even better in the summer time. Some small downsides would be the place can be very crowded and busy - which makes for cramped quarters and often delays in service. That is probably more the norm and if your looking to take a family of 6, 8, 10 out - your going to be cramped. No large industrial booths here. But the staff are usually really friendly and you can tell they are doing their best running around. Overall - you can't go wrong and as long as your not some nitpicky person - you'll enjoy being in an environment that doesn't have a golden arch and getting food that is very good.
(4)Claytonian C.
Sidetrack's is one of my favorite places to eat in all of Michigan. Great burgers, fried pickles, Bell's beer and they serve food late.
(5)Jinny S.
Went here twice a couple weeks ago. First time, got eaten alive by mosquitoes outside and the waitress was nice enough to find us a table inside. Second time we went, service was not nearly as good. A conversation with the owners confirms that service is their biggest complaint. On the plus side, the food is decent. Especially for the wide variety of options they offer. The beer is cheap too (as it is in most of Ypsitucky), but their beer list is outdated so I ended up asking for two beers in a row that they didn't have anymore.
(3)Celeste J.
Crowded? Yes. Mediocre service? Yes. Awesome burgers and onion rings? Hell yes! Sidetrack makes a burger that lives up to the hype, the best onion rings I've ever had, and their bar concocts some of the tastiest mixed drinks around. As other reviewers have pointed out, the wait staff moves like molasses, but if you go in with low expectations for service and have some time to kill, the food makes it worth the wait.
(3)Max G.
ok. my first ever yelp. i mean a bar and grill in humble ypsilanti, michigan is what it is right? would it ever be allowed in to the zagat pantheon alongside (insert favorite new york chicago san francisco bistro here)?probably not. but it should be. my philly steak hoagie, my friend's perch on pasta, i would rate 3 stars. the appetizer, beer battered pickles i would rate 10 stars. the red wine i had was delicious(thanks for choosing it for me denise). so i average out the quality of the main courses with that of the appetizer and wine and arrive at a full five stars. the wait was as extensive as it was worth it, made bearable by the beers we had at the bar. we scored outside seating and saw a train go by. i love the atmosphere of depot town. i used to live in san francisco and sidetrack is comparable to the SF Brewery in North Beach minus the panhandling and insanity. everything exists along side everything surrounding it. i love sidetrack for the not half bad food, stellar pickles, good drinks and ambiance. in the words of Lou Reed. such a perfect day. world class. repeat...effin...W O R L D C L A S S !!!.
(5)Laura K.
Sidetrack has the best burger around along w/ some very good and cheap local beer. I've tried some of their other sandwiches, but was pretty disappointed (their club is monstrous, but actually lacks flavor). I will stick with their awesome burgers and great onion rings! I would recommend calling ahead because it can get pretty crowded!
(4)Kurtiss B.
You can't beat their happy hour, laid back environment, and their burgers are out of this world. An added bonus is that I met my girlfriend here about a year ago, so I love this place.
(4)Matt R.
Two words: Good Burgers! Sat on the patio here after the Beer Festival. Started with the deep-fried pickles (wait, what?). You heard me. Soo good, and i don't even really like pickles. Had their famous burger, and it lived up to it's rep. They make them good here. My only knock was the fries, not super crispy. Note to Sidetrack: Don't serve starchy undercooked fries with such an awesome burger..step it up! The service was a tiny bit slow but it was their busiest day of the year (beer festival) and we werent in a hurry. Tons of beers on tap including some local specialty brews. Nice job. This is a can't miss in Ypsilanti..
(4)Erin G.
Sidetrack has great burgers, and a fairly good bar. However, I went during the shadow art fair and they were pretty busy. So busy in fact that it took about an hour to get a few burgers, which were just ok (they forgot my onions) and fries that weren't even cooked through. I didn't bother sending them back because it probably would have taken another hour. They seemed to be very attentive to those who were ordering drinks and didn't seem to care much about those of us who didn't have a lengthy bar tab. I've been other times when the service was just fine and the food was good, but this time was so bad it's tainted how I feel about the place.
(3)George C.
The place is good the food is good but it's just to darn expensive for bar food. Would return just not often.
(3)Devon A.
I'm always half expecting to see Hemmingway's ghost hanging out at Sidetrack. This place has great atmosphere, complete with taxidermy and a nice fireplace. The food and beer selections are both very good. I've heard the hamburgers are outstanding. I just starting eating meat after 15 years of being a vegetarian. and I hope to try the burger soon. However, vegetarians, this menu has a decent selection of food for you too. Prepare to toast a passing train, if you are so lucky.
(4)emeril l.
Yum! Burgers are quite tasty and don't weigh you down afterwards. They have an extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, tacos. Sweet potato fries are cut a bit thick, but I love 'em anyway. They should serve the horseradish sauce with all their fries! 10 beers on tap, if I recall...including STELLA Artois which is a must if you've never tried it. A fine Belgian brew and a rarity to find on tap.
(4)Jennifer S.
I don't even like burgers, but I came all the way from California just to get Sidetrack's burgers. Well, ya I had to visit the boyfriend too. You get this perfectly thick patty with the cheese melted just right. And it's cheap, you can get a burger w/o fries for just $5.50. It's totally crowded/packed/no room to move your chair inside, but it's part of the atmosphere. Oh and I love the giant moose heads on the wall!
(5)r c.
Went here on valentine's day. Although they were very busy, service was still very good - we never had an empty glass. For an appetizer, We ordered deep fried pickles - their's are spears so they don't get as soggy like some others I've tried. I orderd a burger and it was AWESOME. Cooked medium, exactly as ordered! Very juicy and perfect amount of toppings. Sweet potato fries were steak fry size so you could taste the potato. I tried 2 of the martini's which were both very good. My hubby ordered the shepard's pie first. It came with no gravy (server said it should have) but either way he didn't care for it. He sent it back and ordered fish and chips instead. Very quick to get that out so he could enjoy his meal with the rest of the table. He did enjoy the fish and chips- it was a very generous portion. They apologized for skipping the gravy on the pie and only charged for the 2nd meal. Very fair since it wasn't their fault he didn't like the first meal. The beer selection was very good. Didn't try dessert but saw a few go by the table and they were HUGE! The prices were very reasonable. I will defintely be dining here again soon.
(5)Amy W.
The food is consistently good. but the service is inconsistent at best. at worse a waitress yelled at us for asking for the parts of our meal that did not come out with our plates. As far as i am concerned i never have to step foot in a place where a waitress will cause a scene when you ask for your food. A manager did apologize for the horrific behavior of the new waitress. but someone's newness to a job does not excuse such behavior.
(1)Alisa O.
Food and drinks were great, but service is awful. It was especially bad tonight, when the manager and a waitress both were very combative and rude when my friend told them her bill was not correct. The manager did not want to correct it and tried very hard not to correct it until another waitress who had actually given us attention (who was not assigned to our table) took our side in the matter. This madness was all the end of the night, but for the rest we had struggled with trying to get drinks and service and occasionally watched waitresses avoid our table. We were not rowdy or acting out, there were just a few of us having a few drinks. Absolutely ridiculous treatment from the staff that will definitely cause them to lose service. I was even considering Frenchies as a place to hold my wedding reception next year but have now ruled it out due to the consistently bad service I have had there and the outrageous treatment tonight.
(2)Dharma A.
I dig this place. I've been a handful of times, most recently last night with friends for dinner and beers. If you're a hardcore vegetarian you may be put off by the numerous taxidermied (is that a word?) animals on the walls. Right by the train tracks in downtown Ypsi, Sidetrack has a homey, comfortable feel and great food and beer. The burger is spectacular as are their french fries (they seem like they might be handcut). I had the chili last night and though it is apparently award-winning, I thought it was so-so. Good, but it didn't blow my mind. They've got great, local beers on tap and sitting there with friends, in front of the fireplace, sippin' on my IPA was pretty close to perfect.
(4)Mighty M.
My boyfriend's family lives in Ypsi, so I frequent Depot Town from time to time. We went here for lunch this week, and it's so nice to eat here now that smoking is banned. It's a restaurant/bar. They have a lot of vegetarian options, which is always awesome. Their sweet potato fries are delish, especially with the dip they serve with them. I had the tempeh tacos. They tempeh they make here has a great texture and taste. I highly recommend for vegetarians.
(4)Dave Y.
this place is pretty awesome. it's just so AMERICAN. this should be like the archetypal good american food place, in depot town, across the street from a car museum, next to a rail track, in ypsilanti. the food is sooooooo good and so cheap. the burgers are excellent, but they're not your gourmet shee-shee fancy burger like the counter or something. they're just good 'ole homestyle awesome burgers w/ thick patties. and the fried zucchinis are really good, too. i think the beer was also reasonably priced. i LOVE this place. this is definitely one of my favorite places around here
(5)J O.
Usually the food is good but sometimes it is really bad and not cooked all of the way. It's really expensive and super crowded except on off hours. Sometimes the owner is in there yelling at the staff. Once I heard her call them all stupid for not recharging their pager things. It was very uncomfortable...
(2)Dawn C.
I Brought some friends to Sidetracks who were form out of town. I own and run another business in Depot Town. I just got off work. I hadn't eaten. My friends and I wanted to get a drink and have some food. I came in a have something small with me to snack and tide me over while we waited and the bartender made it his mission to go over board with his attitude about it. I go in there all the time. Usually it's a decent experience. The food is usually pretty good. Usually the wait staff is really on top of it. But the bar tenders there always have some kind of attitude. On this particular night The bartender was way overly rude and condescending. He could have asked me to put away what I had. Instead he was mean and rude to the point that I will never go there again. I would advise anyone to go to Aubrie's instead because they have better food and they treat people a lot better too. Don't spend your hard earned money at a place that doesn't appreciate it.
(1)Barbara C.
Their black bean burgers are the best! I can skip their sweet potato fries though. Overall, you always get a good meal at a good price and good service here. Like it for that alone, reliability.
(4)Margot F.
Charming, cheap, versatile, and unpretentious. The side of the building that faces the eponymous railroad tracks has a gilded sign with the quote, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Everything about Sidetrack is approximately that casual, simple, and delightful. And not as hackneyed. The menu is full of playful pub fare from fish n chips to baked brie to standard dinner entrees like grilled salmon and chicken salads. The burgers are apparently nationally famous thanks to GQ, the eggrolls filled with ham, cheese, and pickle are allegedly delightful, and the vegetarian fare is remarkably inventive for a pub. My friend was mystified, and pleased, by the tempeh philly melt he ordered and my sweet potato fries were delish. It's not haute cuisine, it's not even close, but unlike its Ann Arbor neighbors, it's not priced as if it were. And then there's the aforementioned beer. They have an extensive menu featuring lots of local brews, including bottles from micros in Ann Arbor. The weeknight happy hours are just absurdy cheap--you probably have enough change in your couch to get drunk. Other drinks are listed in the little laminated cocktail menu features a picture of the first regular martini drinkers to frequent Sidetrack back in the 1940s. The bathrooms and bar cabinets and decor are charming in only the way things that have been around that long are. Five star status because on top of all that, they manage minor problems with perfect grace. We were seated near the front window, and then realized it was crawling with flies, so they happily moved us to a different table. One of my friends ordered the vegetable quesadilla and chomped into a chunk of chicken. She let the server know, and she removed the entree from the bill and moments later a manager came over to apologize. Service was prompt, sincere, efficient, and corrected before we even had time to be fussed.
(5)the actual s.
i LOVE sidetracks. they have fantastic burgers! and don't get me started on the fried stuff. the have the BEST onion rings you will ever have! their spinach artichoke crab did is amazing. their spinach feta quesadillas are great too! enough about the food, lets talk about beer. they have great beer on tap and they have a great happy hour! you get great beer in 25 oz mugs for only 2.95 and all shots are half off. their happy hours fluctuate. I'm not what time it starts on which days but i know on the weekends it starts at 11pm. I'm pretty sure their is a after noon one too but I'm not 100% sure. but you defiantly need to go to this place! whether you need food or would like to have a brew, this is the spot!
(5)John K.
Go there. Very good experience. The 'go to' place for group gatherings.
(4)Josh W.
Mmmmm Black Bean Burgers!!! MMmmm Portobella Mushroom Burgers!!! Mmmmmmmmm Black Bean Tacos!!! Mmmmm Big azz cheap imported beer!!!! Sidetrack is the place to eat in drink in the Wash.
(5)Bill B.
The food is at best inconsistently average, service is average, and don't look into the kitchen/server area when you walk past. I gave this place several tries and the only reason I can think that people like it is because it has a decent atmosphere, nice outdoor seating, an okay beer selection, and are drunk by the time they eat. It's a decent place to have a drink and meet up with some friends, but I would never recommend this place for the food.
(2)Maria P.
A lot of people I know really like this place, I'm just giving it 3 stars. The beer list is extensive and it sounds like they have a great happy hour, but I have never tried it. Here's my biggest peeve: the menu descriptions do not match the food you actually get, which is mediocre at best. I got a Mexican salad-type thing, which had about 2 pieces of lettuce in it - not my idea of a salad. I have also gotten the goat cheese & chicken quesadillas, which are actually tacos, so don't be fooled. The chicken in both dishes was dry and unsavory. Maybe that's what I get for ordering Mexican dishes at a pub. I will say that the mini driver burgers are good, from what I remember, and a friend swears by the onion rings. The place is TINY and they cram in as many people as they can. The outdoor seating is hit or miss: sit in the front as the bathroom ventilation area fans straight into your face on the back patio (EW). The service is also hit or miss, and I would have to say I've had more bad experiences with service than I have had good. Still, I will stick with my 3 stars and will try again, because it is a fun place and I know eventually I will find something on the menu that comes out the way I expect it to.
(3)gordon m.
Best black bean burger ever! Great after hours menu, fantastic beer selection, reasonable prices. What else can you ask for!?
(5)A. T.
Good burgers, but I dunno if they're as good as the top-20-in-the-country-as-pronounced-by-GQ thing would suggest. Nice feel to the restaurant even when it gets busy. Great selection of local brews on tap.
(4)Ian H.
$2.95 ginormous beers at a happy hour that goes until 1am. yes please and thank you. one point off for burning the roof of my mouth with piping hot deep fried pickle juice.
(4)Andrew M.
Sidetrack was a welcome stop after a long bike ride from A2. Great food, good service and a fun atmosphere. I didn't get to try the burgers, but after reading the other reviews I'll have to schedule a return trip. The fish and chips were a little bland but the beer and atmosphere improved the experience.
(3)Erich Z.
Great great great burgers, fun crowd, but I have to emphasize crowd! The place is packed most of the time! Be ready to wait for your seat and food!
(4)Jenny J.
Great selection of food and beer. Good atmosphere.
(4)Adam M.
this place have a cool idea of having a night time happy hour it starts at 11pm or so. they have a huge beer list for all around the world. the biggest reason i go there is because they have the local beer frog island on tap it is good on summer days you can sit outside and enjoy some food or a cold drink it is the best bar in Ypsilanti
(5)Dave M.
I enjoy this bar. The service is usually pretty good and the location is decent. It's actually right next to train tracks and you get a big Amtrak shaking the bar ever 20-30 minutes or so, it's kind of funny. Not a good place to get stumbling drunk for obvious reasons...I'll bet at least one person every few years gets hit by the train. The food here is actually pretty good for bar fare. I really like the hummus. Pretty good beer selection as well.
(4)Nancy C.
Delicious burgers and extensive beer selection. I got the mac attack (heart attack on a plate) and it was awesome! Burgers are sized perfectly so you don't feel like vomiting after finishing an entire one by yourself. Lots of options for things to add on to your burger, my friend got the whole portobello and avocados added on to his burger...granted the burger got pretty pricey after the additions, but at least it was delicious!
(4)Eric M.
Service here is prompt and friendly. I met up with friends here after work on a Friday to relax and shake off the week with a couple of beers and conversation. I probably wont go back because it is extremely loud...you can only talk to the person right next to you. 5 stars because they do their job very well...just not my kind of scene
(5)Sarah R.
The portions are pretty big and anything I've every had was very fresh and tasty. I had the pear-apple-chicken salad and it was very filling. My dining partners really enjoyed their dishes as well.
(4)Henry C.
I visit the Ypsilanti area often and make a point of coming here! Great burgers and sandwiches....where do I begin?? Pulled Pork is flavorful and tasty. Amtrak double decker burger, mac n cheese burger....the list of delicacies goes on and on! Go for the informal, casual atmosphere, go for the large menu, etc. Just go and give it a try, you wont be disappointed!
(5)Rosemarie C.
I have been to Sidetrack many times. I love their large section of craft beers-24 on tap-and their vegetarian menu options, which include black bean tacos, a black bean burger, tempeh burger, and tempeh Philly. Of course they also have burgers and sandwiches for all you meet lovers too. I went yesterday for the first time in a couple of years. I was happy to see they have expanded and the place is quite larger than it used to be. We had dinner reservations and were promptly seated. Our server was quick and friendly. We ordered drinks and appetizers. The fried zucchini and spinach and artichoke dip were amazing. I don't like pickles but I heard the fried pickles were very good as well. I ordered the tempeh Philly and it was delicious. Another person in my party ordered the club and wasn't crazy about it , it was so tall she had trouble eating it. My only complaint was the fries. We all paid $2 for sweet potato fries. They were hot and looked cooked, but were soggy on the inside- gross. If you are in depot town I highly recommend you check this place out! Make reservations though as waits can get long.
(4)Lylian D.
I was very excited to try Sidetrack since I have heard great things about their burgers and booze. After some time in Ann Arbor, I finally made time to try it for dinner with the Bo. I was in the mood for steak and he wanted a big burger. Parking was very easy to find. It is very dark in this restaurant. I know it's a bar, but dim lighting always irks me. I'd like to be able to see my dining partner. Okay, rant over. The waitress seated us to a window table, and man did the Bo complain about the cob webs, dust, and flies in the crevices of the window. I'm sure they would have moved us if we asked for another table, but we didn't want to be a bother, plus we were really hungry and just wanted to order, eat, and go on home. We decided to not have drinks this time and just get what we came for: the Gorgonzola Tenderloin and Amtrack Double Decker Cheeseburger. Gorgonzola Tenderloin: The fillet steak was tender but didn't have enough seasoning, or even salt. I didn't like the gorgonzola cheese that topped the steak. It overpowered the steak. My steak was also a tad overcooked. I wanted it medium rare, but it was medium. Sad day. Amtrack Double Decker Cheeseburger: I tried a bit of the Bo's burger. It was very good. I should have gotten the burger! Darn. He was very hungry, so I didn't ask for another bite, even though I disliked my entree. The ground beef patties were very tender, moist, and juicy. Fries: They came out hot, crispy, & yummy. I would say that Sidetracks deserves a 3.5. I just can't round up to a 4 until I try more items. Next time I go to Sidetracks, I am going to get the Famous Handcrafted Burger. I'll let you know how it goes!
(3)Jim W.
I really like the perch dinner and the strawberry short cake. The service is quirky but my puppy can join me on the front sidewalk or rear patio.
(4)nancy h.
Been going to the Sidetrack for years. The have expanded, there are 3 dining areas now. The menu has expanded- but we still get the burgers and love them every time. We tried the veggie burger last time and it was good, too. It is our go to place when we want a good burger and a great selection of draft beers! It is near the train, that goes by often and fun to dine on the outside patio and take in the scenery of Depot town, Yosilanti!
(4)Brittany H.
Service was ok but took awhile for beers. Ordered burgers medium and got burgers well done. Sent back and still received medium well. Manager agreed that the burgers were not prepared as requested. Fortunately the manager removed the burgers from the bill but overall disappointed by what I had heard.
(2)Dani F.
Our fav- wings and perch is the best around. We come often and enjoy everything we have ordered except the deep fried avocado- yuck! They did allow us to get something else instead though which is great. The staff are great and our #1 spot
(5)Elizabeth Y.
Created Yelp! account just to write this review... Giving no stars wasn't an option... Today was my third and final return to Sidetrack. Each time has been marked by terrible service. We wanted to go somewhere different to watch the U of M game, but wanted to stay local, so Sidetrack was the decision. Since it is just my husband and I, we always sit at the bar. Upon arrival, it was at least 5 minutes until the bartender returned to her station where she proceeded to throw down menus in front of us without a hello or a nicety. We got our first round of drinks and ordered an appetizer, the Irish Spring Rolls. While it was delicious, rather small for the price. She placed it in front of us without napkins or silverware and walked off. We had to reach in front of other patrons to take care of ourselves. Each time we finished our drinks, they stayed empty for multiple minutes. When shift change came, our bartender complained about how horrible her day was. The new bartender still ignored our need for drinks and just talked to the patrons next to us. A third bartender came in and he finally recognized that my husband needed a drink and took care of him. We decided we were going to get some food to go, along with a growler (to go draft beer). The first bartender asked to cash us out since she was leaving. Had she had better customer service skills, she could have made a lot more money, had she just paid a bit more attention. We are great tippers, upwards of up to 25% to 30%. Next, I ran to the restroom and came back and none of the bartenders offered to take care of us, so we left. I understand service can be slower at a table, but we were at the bar. The bar was not full! We went over to Aubree's, where they know us and we are always appreciated. Sidetrack staff, it takes 10 seconds to lose a customer and they will tell people about their poor experience for at least 12 years. You can guarantee that I will be sharing this with family, friends, and strangers. (I would just like to mention that my husband and I are so low maintenance. We come in for a drink or two, order food to go, and then leave. We don't ask for crazy stuff).
(1)Jayson H.
As a stranger to the town this is based on a single experience. We came in to Sidetrack because it was the highest rated restauarant in Ypsilanti. When we walked in, the place was packed, as much seating as they have there was still a short wait to be seated. There was a noticably pungent unpleasant aroma in the air. I ordered a diet coke and they bring a small carafe of additional soda incase you dont want to wait for a refill. timely? maybe. but then you have some flat pop for the rest of the evening. there was also a little cup of dried out pickles on the table. im not sure what that was about. i ordered a cheeseburger which you have to build your own paying for each ingredient separately. when my order eventually came, none of the htings i ordered were even on it. i just had a basic hamburger with cheese. lovely. the area we were sitting in smelled so horrible i didnt want to wait for them to correct it. i just splashed on some ketchup, asked for the bill and gtfo. will not return.
(2)James B.
Went here last night which was Friday. Busy place but got right in which accounts for the one star. It was five of us and only three of us had dinner; food was good. Service was the worst I've had in a long time. I don't usually call servers out by name on here because I'm a server myself but Jason, you need help on your basic people skills to make any money in the service industry. We were not greeted with a hello but instead "what do you want to drink". Side note: my patron on the rocks with a little bit of lime juice is an easy drink to make and they messed it up. It was all lime juice. Anyways, I had to get up and get my own water from the beverage gun TWICE because my server was nowhere to be found. There were a few servers hanging out at the little wait station where one of them went to squirt the others with the beverage gun and got my whole table wet. We said something and the one waitress was apologetic but the manager who overheard said nothing to us. It was a giant circus and the servers were acting like children in a play place, except our server. I don't know what he was acting like because I never seen him. There was no clear management and I think the one manager I noticed was washing dishes behind the bar. You should hire a bar back. And the manager should be managing these children servers and checking on tables who get squirted with the water gun. I won't ever return.
(1)Margaret V.
Its hard for me to give this restaurant a definite 4 star rating. It's more like 3.5. I visited last Saturday before going to the automotive museum. Like others have mentoined, it gets pretty packed! Not a lot of space between the tables. Since it was just myself I sat a small table across from the bar area. Andrew, the waiter took my drink order and gave me a menu. If you order a soda, they give you a small carafe so that you don't need to order refills (but they will refill the carafe if you finish it). I ended up getting the 4 mini burgers with cheese and grilled onions and a side of their "english chips". Do not be fooled! The menu says mini burgers, but in actuality, they are quite big. I think they may be larger than the regular sized burger. They were pretty good. The meat was nicely seasoned and there were large slices of grilled onion on the small rolls. I was kind of dissapointed about the chips. I kind of expected chips, but I should have known better. There is a difference in what us in America consider a chip and what folks in England consider a chip. They ended up being large, very think rounds of sliced potato. That would have been fine, but I don't think they were really cooked thoroughly enough. I would have just ordered fries if I had know that, or better yet, ordered the burger. There would have been enough food. Service was on the slow side, but as I mentioned above, they were pretty packed. They have a nice bar and it appears they serve a lot of craft beers as well as wine and liquor. I would give the Sidetrack a 3 for food (it was good, but nothing overly fantastic) and then another star for the service.
(4)L K.
Nice place , just don't ever let the host sits your group by the back restroom, you can smell anything released from the restroom..the door are kept open most of the time..yuck!
(3)Raven T.
I just got a table next to the fireplace and had the AmTrack burger with pepper jack and crispy fries... With a glass of red wine. Just delicious!
(5)Lisa S.
My husband and I just ate here. It looked really fun on the outside, so we decided to give it a try. It has a cool pub feel and we got there about 7:45 on Saturday night. The waiter was not super friendly, but offered some suggestions when asked. We ordered the queso for an appetizer. Huge mistake! It look 30 mins and was basically heated up velveeta with a little salsa. It was the worst queso I have ever had. Our dinner took 45 mins. I ordered the bacon cheese burger with American cheese and a side of fries. The fries were a little soggy and wish they were crispier. The burger was really good. It was really think and cooked perfectly. My husband had the fish and chips. The fish had a really heavy batter, but the chips were really good. Overall I would recommend this place for drinking a beer, but not for food.
(2)Rick S.
I'm giving this place 3 stars, mostly because the others at my table seemed to enjoy their food. The burgers and fries looked great, and that's what was said about them. I ordered the ruben...big mistake. It was tiny, lacked much corned beef, and I have no idea where the kraut was! It was supposed to come with "English chips" I guess I had something else pictured in my mind when I got regular old wavy chips from a bag...I really should have sent this back, but I was hungry and if send anything back, I won't eat anything they bring back to me...I just get it taken off the bill (figure it out!). The beer that I ordered was warm...the first one was cold, but after that...yuk. The service wasn't great, but not the worst I've had, I guess. The place is cool looking, kind of an old building that kinda reminds me of some of the places in Detroit. I guess I'd give them another try, just because everyone else liked it. If you decide to eat here, don't expect to be blown away by this place...then if you are it'll be a pleasant surprise!
(3)Steven M.
Just amazing. I got the Mac Burger. It had bacon, mac and cheese and BBQ sauce. The meat was incredible quality. The Mac and cheese would have been amazing on its own. This place is such a little gem. They have a great old time atmosphere and awesome music. Highly recommend if you are looking for an unreal burger!
(5)Caleb C.
I'm not going to speak about the atmosphere, the drinks, or the service. I think they are all good. this is going to be a review of the Burger. This is the best burger in Washtenaw County. I'm not saying this flippantly I truly feel like I've had the best the area has to offer. (I have not eaten a burger at Chop House or Knights even though I've had Knights beef at many location around the city). the burger is similar to maybe a burger at five guys in the way its a smaller patties with a sesame seed bun, but the similarities stop there this burger is made with a much higher quality of ingredients and you can really taste it. do yourself a favor and get a burger with chedder the grilled onions and don't forget the bacon, I beg you don't forget the Bacon.
(5)Shane H.
Atmosphere was great. Got a "mac attack" burger and fries - perfectly portioned. Burger was top notch. Will be back soon.
(4)Rick E.
Bathroom was a mess! Urinal over flowing. Seating was tight in the dining area. Tyipical college town bar feel. Food was good and the beer selection was great. Overall I liked the place and I will return.
(3)Paul W.
Eaten here a number of times over the years and had some good things...and not so good things. Tempeh philly, fried pickles are standout items here, and the beer list is very good. Remember enjoying the gorgonzola tenderloin entree I got once, along with most of the sandwich items I've tried. It actually had been a long time since we'd gone there when we returned last Sunday to try the burger--which is alleged to be exceptional. I can't see why. Problem #1, the bun--hard, dry, stale, , as if stored in freezer for weeks then thawed in a toaster. I"m not saying that's what they did, but that was the effect. The meat was nothing special, though it did come cooked medium, as ordered, which is something that doesn't often happen. But it wasn't particularly flavorful or juicy. The gorgonzola and grilled onions I had on top didn't add much flavor. Even leaving aside the bun issue, this was a very average to slightly below average burger. While I've had better things here in the past (which is why I give three instead of one or two stars), this last outing leaves me a little cool on the idea of returning.
(3)Joe B.
Had to stop while visiting the area. The black bean burger was just as good as the last time we ate here. We have tried so many recipes to find one as good and as of yet have not found one.
(4)jim A.
The Sidetrack is a classic place that may have "jumped the shark". They've expanded so much that the food can take 45 minutes to come when they are busy. The food is usually solid, until it's not. Today we had a crazy experience. Yesterday I got a marketing email from them for "free burger Monday's". Buy one get one free. We ordered our burgers, showed the waitress my iPhone with the coupon and thought we were good.... Until the bill came. The waitress said her boss said we MUST HAVE A PRINTED COUPON. I asked why do we need to kill a tree? I obviously have the coupon. No matter. Spoke to the manager. She was useless. We got screwed out of a burger. The burger was very good, but the experience left a bad aftertaste in my mouth.
(2)Amy B.
The thing that I love about Sidetrack is that they always have choices for vegetarians. That's kind of rare for a bar that most people think of for burgers. Sidetrack also holds a warm place in my heart for introducing me to deep fried pickles many, many years before they showed up on anyone else menu. Always crowded but never slow and always with a great drink selection the Sidetrack is an experience not to be missed. Then you can hangout and do a little window shopping in Depot Town too.
(4)Karla T.
I love Sidetrack's every time I come! It's my go-to when family and friends come to visit because it's THAT good. Burgers = delicious! Sweet potato fries = delicious! Beer selection = amazing! And everything else I've eaten or anyone else has with me has been just as good as the burgers. I'm not even a burger person and I always have a tough decision between ordering something new or sticking to a delicious and juicy burger. (My mouth is watering now...) Staple in Ypsi that I'll definitely continue to frequent!
(5)Pete S.
One of my top 10 favorites. I had the shepherds pie special last time and it was great. Very innovative. Perfect with two pints of Stella!
(4)Allison F.
I've recently been introduced to the wonder that is Sidetrack. I'm only upset I never decided to come sooner. I've been visiting with friends during Sidetrack's happy hours, where most drinks are half-off. They make a mean Long Island, let me tell you, and for $3.50, you're really getting your money's worth. My husband especially loves Sidetrack's selection of beers on tap. His most recent discover is Bell's Captain Spontaneous. A huge 25-oz pour is only $3.xx when you come during happy hour! In addition to their wonderful drinks (and prices), I've become quite enamored with their cheese sticks. We've all had cheese sticks before right? We should all know the difference between good ones and bad ones... Bad ones have thick, tasteless cheese and sticky, fish stick-like breading with no flavor. Good ones have delicious gooey cheese and crunchy, seasoned breading. Sidetrack has the best restaurant cheese sticks I've ever had... and I'm quite the cheese stick connoisseur. We've tried a few of their other food offerings including their mini burgers, chicken gumbo, black bean tacos, onion rings and English chips. They've all been great. I recently tried their ham & Swiss sandwich on pretzel bun and I swore I went to heaven! The salty of the ham with the sweet of the bun was just incredible. I don't think this place can do any wrong, really. Sidetrack is a bit loud and lively, so don't come here expecting a quiet drink. It's a college town, after all. But if you want a great atmosphere, beyond-reasonable happy hour specials, good eats and excellent beard-watching, give Sidetrack a visit!
(5)Michael S.
Been going here for years. Never had a bad experience here ever. Food has always been awesome Service is equally awesome I do not recomend the fish tacos. Try to avoid the restrooms, they are gross and disgusting, and are nothing but glorified porta-johns With all the remodeling going on recently you would think they would address that situation.
(5)Koren M.
I really think this place is a great hidden gem. My waiter John (name was on the ticket) was exceptionally impressive. His customer service skills were very unique to a bar atmosphere, he was so nice and attentive I really wish I could have given him a bigger tip. I tried the beer battered pickles, they were very delicious! They were different because usually when you get fried pickles they are sliced up, nope! these were the longer size. Maybe a whole pickle split into 5 pieces but it was scrumptious. The beer and alcohol selection was extensive. I'm a fan! Oh my goodness- I wrote this nearly a year ago and it never posted!!! I love John he was always good to me. I have moved to Washington D.C- He wished me well- I will forever have memories of this place. thanks!
(5)Erica S.
Delish!! This is the 2nd time we've stopped on the way home from a sports game in Detroit. Burgers are one of the best I've ever had. Others in the group had a French dip, chili , fried ravioli, & gazpacho . Dylan , our server whom we've had both visits is awesome!
(5)Kristi D.
LOVE IT ! I got the Amtrak burger and it was super cool that while eating my burger an Amtrak train went by ( I guess thats where the name comes from). This is super affordable, with 2 burgers, a beer ( which was only about $3 for a huge glass), soda, and dessert our bill came up to about $30. You cant beat that ! Speaking of dessert, we got the strawberry shortcake. It was surprisingly very very big. It came with ice creme on the plate and fresh cut strawberries. One thing I didn't like too much about the strawberry shortcake was that the biscuit that it came on was a bit hard, but good none the less. Whenever Im in Detroit I will make it a point to go to sidetrack.
(5)Beverly 'Bobbi' J.
This is a great restaurant with excellent service. I would recommend that anyone visiting Ypsilanti come enjoy their fabulous service.
(5)Mehgan H.
So amazing. Two words: Strawberry Shortcake. If you only need one reason to go, that is it. It is the best strawberry shortcake that I've ever had. And not only is that delicious, but their burgers and fries are SO great! Get the sweet potato fries - very yummy. If you haven't been, you must go there this summer!
(5)Derek F.
This place is worth the trip. Food is fresh, beer selection is good. Lots of veggie choices, nice back patio where they allow dogs. Staff nice and polite. Casual and relaxed with good food. I recommend.
(4)Michael K.
I'm going to preface this by saying that I've only ever been here once, so maybe they just had a really awful night. That said, I doubt I'll ever go back. They're supposed to be known for their burgers, but the one I got was greasy, the mac and cheese on it was not good (a slice of cheese would have been better), and the one strip of bacon was chewy. The fries on the side weren't crispy either, so they were pretty much a write off. I can get a better burger for half the cost a lot closer to home. Also, as another poster noted, they list only happy hour prices for beer, then charge you $5.95 for a pint instead of $3.25. Even with the food being mediocre this wouldn't have been a bad experience (hey, the beer was good and I drank it with good friends), but this was the worst service I have encountered in years. We were there for more than three hours, in part because it took an hour for us to even place our food order. From the time we ordered food our waitress (Jessica from the receipt) talked to us twice: once when delivering the food, and once when delivering the checks. No questions of if we were enjoying the food, or if we wanted anything else. The only saving grace was that this prevented me from being over charged for more beer, since I never had the chance to order a second. Had the waitress not forgotten to add in a minimum gratuity for a larger party we would have been asking to talk to a manager to ensure she got nothing. I normally leave at least an 18% tip, while she got about 10% from me, and a normally generous friend of mine left more like 1%.
(1)George P.
I usually go here a few times a year. Overall, I'm pretty happy with their beer selection and menu. 3 outdoor seating options (two segregated front patios, one covered back patio). Being in the heart of Depot Town is a bonus. Plenty of parking options, too. The bathrooms keep me from giving this a 5. A few negative points: They're usually packed at peak hours, so service can sometimes seem slow. Their servers don't always know the menu in detail (ie: ingredients, etc.). Bathrooms seem like they really need a gutting + refurbishing. It's a bar, so, if you're turned off by that stale beer smell that all bars have, probably should go somewhere else.
(4)Dennis W.
I had the misfortune of attempting lunch there today. I was with several friends and we were working on a Habitat for Humanity project. Told them when we were seated we were in a hurry. We were seated with six of us right away, and then we had to wait about 15 minutes for our order. Not too bad. After we ordered, then the wait began. We had a limited time for lunch, and waited over an hour for a meal that never showed. The manager came out at that point, apologized and then said they'd wrap the food and give it to us gratis to go. Then we waited another 20 minutes and ended up leaving because we had work to do. This was an absolutely abysmal trip and we went hungry. If anyone has any interest in making this travesty right, my email is mydoc@hotmail.com . Otherwise, you've lost the business of six customers and their friends. I'll be posting this to all the other social media I know as well if I've not heard from anyone by E.O.B. Monday. Good day.
(1)Matthew S.
I've been here twice. The food is excellent, good beer selection. I recommend the fish tacos.
(5)Al M.
Thinking health conscious this day, I opted for the Turkey Burger on Whole Wheat with lettuce, tomato, and a combo of fresh onions and sautéed onions. Unfortunately, I should have known better than to order turkey at a beef joint. This place is often held up as one of the best burgers in the Metro area but not when it comes to turkey! My T-burger seemed overcooked, dried out and not at all what I was anticipating. While the food was only so-so, I always enjoy the atmosphere at the "Track" with the old mahogany bar and turn-of-the-century tin ceiling panels. This one was on me for ordering turkey...thus the 3 stars. Next time in the door it will be their juicy and delicious beef burger!
(3)Hedge H.
Pretty crummy and not like it use to be. We didn't come for the brand name, we came for great food and great service. Fail- the server was horrible and messed up our order and most of the tables around us. Sidetracks has gone down hill to say the least. The only reason they didn't get one star is two other staff helped bail her out.
(2)Rick P.
Sidetrack has great burgers and the club sandwich is good too. Their beer and bourbon selection is perfect too. Basically it's a bar with great food and drinks. The only complaints I have are the cleanliness and the wait staff. I don't know if it's the setup they have (why does the bar have to wash every cup in the restaurant) or just inexperienced staff, but it seems like they get confused and flustered easy. The place is dark which is fine, but is like to see a but more lighting and a good though cleaning.
(4)Justin T.
Sidetrack has some of the best burgers I've had in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Juicy, good sized portions, gluten free buns for my friend, options for seasonings, accompanied by tasty fries and great beer. Not five stars because there have been a couple times (maybe out the of 8-10 times I've been there) where the burger has come out overdone and not juicy at all. However, each time they were very willing to take it back and redo them, and the burgers then are their usual deliciousness. I really appreciate their enthusiasm and the pride they take in their food. Great atmosphere, casual, always lively, never too loud. Price is very reasonable. Love coming here any chance I get.
(4)Deb M.
I just adore this place and it had been a while since we visited. It's not exactly around the block from us...and with all of the deep fried goodness served here, that's probably a good thing. It was a Friday night and we were having dinner with friends. Not having any solid plans for anything after dinner, we thought why not Sidetrack? We knew it was going to be busy...and that was fine. Although we weren't quite prepared to wait slightly over an hour for our dinner. You know how you feel when you've talked up a place to your friends and then things fall a little flat. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the usual Sidetrack experience. Had it only been the wait I would have given more stars. I had ordered the sliders - I love a good burger but am one of those weird people who aren't fond of pink burger meat. I normally order sliders or no burger at all because nobody really believes you when you say 'well done' any more. The waiter assured me that they don't even ask how you want the sliders cooked because they are always well done. Well, after the hour wait for our food they came out totally RAW inside. Ick. It was obvious that they were rushing the orders because the outside was charred. I didn't care for the way the waiter handled the situation by saying they are always well done and kinda shrugging his shoulder. The manager did take them off the bill. I heard complaints about wait times from other tables as well. I'll chalk it up to a busy night that was being poorly managed and leave it at that. The experience won't stop me from going back. And my friends agreed that the food was really good (thankfully I was the only one with issues with my meal). I just hope this doesn't set a precedence - because I really do adore this joint!
(3)Martha V.
Great burgers, friendly service, outstanding beer list, and Sidetrack has a great buzz. Not to mention good root beer. There is outdoor seating in the summer, but our last trip was in late November around 5 on a Friday. We got seated ( a party of 2) in the bar area right away, but we had anticipated a bit of a wait as that would be typical. I ordered the sliders and my husband got a bowl of chili and we split fries (just the regular ones). All extremely tasty, served hot by a nice server. This is not necessarily a great place to watch a game. The main seating area doesn't have big screens or anything, but there are some TVs. It is, however, a great place to have a burger, order a beer from their long list of micro brews and standard favorites, and hang out for a bit. We like to come into Ypsi for dinner before/after events in Ann Arbor as it is on the way for us and the restaurants tend to be a little less crowded. Sidetrack is an exception to this, but it is worth a bit of wait if you encounter one. Parking is interesting in Depot Town. There is a lot behind the restaurant, but it fills up. There is some street parking as well.
(4)Krystle S.
So besides a great beer menu I find problems with consistentcy here. The service is very hit or miss. The food is hit or miss or sometimes very "meh". They always seem to run out of something and don't know it until 5 minutes after you asked for it. The delivery service is a wreck, I live less then 5 miles away and have been occasionally told they don't delivery to my address (after I ordered, was charged and called to see what was taking so long they told me they would not no matter what deliver to me yet they had in the past and it took 7 full days for the charges to be refunded) and the price on upcharges can very from .50 to $2 depending apparently on the server and/or day. The staff has high turnover and one of the managers was a complete jerk and lost this business an over $2000 business party. The burgers I have ordered, when they come out temped as asked have been good but really it's so inconsistent that I normally just pass on the food. Really wished this place had some standards and it would improve dramaticly.
(2)Erin B.
I've been holding off on reviewing Sidetrack, because it's such a staple of Ypsilanti. Like a bad relationship, I keep giving Sidetrack a chance. Every time I say, "That's it! I'm never going back!" one of my friends will drag me back again. Why do I have this aversion to such a beloved restaurant? First off, the staff is rude, dismissive, inattentive, & argumentative. It starts when you first enter. There doesn't seem to be a clear host at the door, so patrons pile up in the entryway. When enough people pile up, the host & about 2 other staff members will all swarm on the host station & argue in front of everyone about where they should be sat. Once we get a table, we sit for a good 10-15 minutes before being greeted. We'll order drinks, & it's another 15-20 minutes before those arrive. While waiting, we are usually approached by another server who asks to take our drink order & then stomps off in a huff when we say, "Thank you, but someone already took our order." I assume this means it's a cutthroat "you get tables yourself" kind of environment. I'm all for good-ol'-fashioned competition, but really. You had 15 minutes to approach us while we were sitting there wondering if we were invisible. If someone else swooped in after that, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you somehow have a legitimate reason why you waited 20 minutes before walking over to us & are pissed that server Joe got there before you, take it up with him. The customer should never get sucked in to your unprofessional work drama. Nor should the customer have to get up to find you after her food came out wrong, get up again for napkins, & have to argue with you that plain fries are not the same as garlic fries, even when they remake your garlic fry order & the difference is visible. On to the environment: Sidetrack has been in Depot Town since 1980. You'd think in 34 years they would find time to fix the women's bathroom sink. If you turn the faucet even remotely to warm, you get 1st degree burns. Their solution for the past 5 years has been a note on the dingy bathroom mirror stating, "Caution! Water is very hot!" Not only that, but the bathroom smells so moldy you can taste it if you sit too close. The bar itself is old & classic. The decor is kitchy but pleasing - taxidermied animals & old road signs - but cleanly it is not. I once sat at the bar with my friend & chatted with the bartender. While talking, I watched the bartender take dirty pint glasses, do a double-dunk into soapy water, a double dunk into what used to be rinse water but was now grey & soapy, & then put the glasses on the server station for use. There was no wiping the lipstick stains off the rims of the glass, no sanitizing in a dishwasher. After an hour of this (I had to make sure I was actually seeing what I was seeing), I stopped the bartender in mid-sentence & said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude, but are you seriously just dunking dirty glasses into a few tubs & sending them out for use?" The bartender immediately stopped talking to us & refused to make eye contact for the rest of the night. Think you'll be safe if you just drink out of a straw? Think again! Their refill system is to give you a fresh glass of water, cola, etc., then put a carafe on the table so you can refill your drink yourself. This works for the staff, as they're so inattentive you'd never get refills otherwise. But, take a look around & watch the servers as they bus tables & serve drinks. Those carafes never get dumped out. Say you drink half your carafe of coke & leave. The next patron who walks in & orders a coke will get the rest of your carafe plus a top off to make it look full. Ever wonder why the cola tastes flat after you refill your drink? That's why! Think about how many people cough & sneeze at their table or chew with their mouth open while talking. You're welcome. Let's talk about the food. Most of the food there is actually quite delicious. It's a shame that the environment is so awful. I've ordered a Linda's Big Spring Salad for takeout only to open the box & find that they had dropped the lid to my balsamic dressing in a vat of barbecue sauce & just capped the sticky sweet lid on there & sent it out. I've watched servers bus tables & go to the side salad station to make salads with no gloves, no tongs, just filthy bare hands after picking up grease-soaked napkins & silverware off the floor. I've grease-skated on the floors so soaked with dropped food you could create the Ypsi Ice Capades if they moved the tables. And, I've sent drinks back because by the time I actually got it, it was a fruit fly mass grave. Sidetrack Bar & Grill is a vindictive health department official's wet dream complete with abuse from the servers. Go somewhere else... ANYWHERE else!
(1)Michael S.
I can't believe I've not yet reviewed this place, but I guess it's been a while since I've been there. I've gone here for years and have never had a bad meal. Yesterday was no exception. I opted for their new offering of mini turkey burgers. A pretty clever recipe, I might add. On top of each of the four burgettes was mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. A cup of gravy was provided for dipping. It came with a side of their best around sweet potato fries. Thanksgiving in July! Great stuff. My SO had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, which she enjoyed, as she always does. They have full bar with an outstanding selection of beer, both on tap and in bottles. They started filling growlers from their taps since the law was changed. I need to go get some Fuller's ESB. Service was great. Our waitress was great, allowing us to wait for a couple of people who never did show. It wasn't too long, though. Food and beverages came quickly and were at the appropriate temperatures. So many places to go. If only all were like this.
(5)Joey Z.
Only had the burger here on a monday lunch. It lacked seasoning and the fries werent all that great either. But it's not so bad that i'm not willing it give it another shot next time i make my way into ypsi.
(2)Aaron B.
Great food, decent prices, and lots & lots of beer on tap!
(5)Bob K.
After going over the menu twelve or thirteen times, settled on the Mac Attack Burger with Cajun fries. Friend got the pulled pork sandwich. Have had the standard, award-winning burger many times, first time getting anything else in ages. The Mac Attack Burger was just as impressive, if a bit potentially messy (you'll need a fork and knife to eat it if you're trying to be polite). Top-tier beer selection, plenty of craft beers. Love that I had the option of a lambic. Definitely not the roomiest place to grab a bite in Ypsi but certainly worth the trip if you're around.
(5)Ann Arbor R.
Had dinner at the Sidetrack a couple weeks ago and it was awful. Our (very rude) server took our order, plopped it down in front of us and never came back. He was near our table, messing around behind the bar with other staff. I had a burger with a soggy bun, along with soggy fries. It was actually cold when he brought it to me. We had to ask someone else (the manager, I think) for silverware, napkins and our bill. We were never asked if we'd like a refill or how our meals were. I think the Sidetrack is still going strong on it's past reputation and it's beer selection. I have had good meals and good service there in the past, but the last few times I've eaten there it hasn't been an enjoyable dining experience.
(1)J M.
Reliably great food, fun atmosphere, full bar, awesome beer selection!
(5)Steffyn R.
Amazing burgers. A great little hidden gem in depot town. It can be a tad expensive for just a lunch, but if you're planing on spending some time in depot town, stop in for a beer and a burger.
(4)Dan M.
Still the best place to get a burger and a beer around! I love this place!
(5)Brian G.
A really excellent burger. Other items good too. Nice atmosphere. It will be busy on the weekends but worth it. Best place in Ypsilanti.
(4)Tim M.
I love this place. It can be crowded at times but food and service make it worth the wait. It is really cool when a train comes by. If you like to sample beer, they have a nice selection.
(4)Sylvonna R.
Talk about diversity...Sidetrack has a wonderfully crafted menu and ALL the food is AMAZING! This is yet another one of those places that I eat at far too regularly to admit...let's just be honest, Sidetrack makes me happy my fridge is never stocked. This is a local favorite and you really can't go wrong; always packed, super busy, and always oh so GOOD! Best burger EVER and a great place to hang out, eat great food and have a good beer. The patio is the best place in Ypsi to hang out when weather permits! Service can be hit or miss; I have had some of the best service here as well as some of the worst. I take it all with a grain of salt because the food is SO amazing and the atmosphere is so laid-back and carefree I can't hold it against them. All in all I think Sidetrack is one of the best restaurants and coolest places to hang out in Ypsi; heck, this place is even a contender with some of the restaurants on Main St. in Ann Arbor...so if you're on the other side of town it is totally worth the drive!
(5)Andrew K.
Went through ypsi and was told we had to stop here. It was packed as it should be on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered and it took 40 minutes for the appetizers to come out and they forgot my friends beer but gave us a free order of mozzarella sticks so that was rad. The burgers were insane in a good way, so juicy and perfect. Took a while to get the food but man was it worth it.
(4)Sarah L.
Very good atmosphere. Food is consistently delicious though a bit expensive for a bar-type experience.
(5)Arleen G.
The best pot roast hands down anywhere!! The gravy is so delicious, and I love the burgers .. The black bean tacos are great with the sweet potato fries .. I love this place!!
(5)Scott K.
The price is nice for a burger rumored to be the best in the area. I ordered it medium and got medium well, but I didn't mind. I ordered the Mac Attack burger with Cajun fries - Mac and cheese and bacon on the burger! The bacon was fantastic, crispy, thick, and generous. The Mac was a kind of ziti with multiple cheeses. I finished everything. The iced tea is clearly brewed, and they gave me a carafe, first thing. As for atmosphere, it reminds me a little of an old saloon, with aged wood floors, tin square ceiling, and a classic bar. Today, the area above the bar is covered in cobwebs and orange lights for Halloween. They have a ton of beer options, though I didn't try them today. I'm looking forward to saving room for their fried pickles and bread pudding next time!
(4)Daron D.
Best bar in Ypsilanti and i will tell exactly why. For one the happy hour: 1/2 off all alcohol drinks and 3.25 for big mugs of beer (probably have about 20 on tap). For two the appetizers: All are at a good price (between 6 and 7). The spinach and artichoke dip is probably top 3 or 5 best spinach dips i done ever had, seriously its that good. The spicy wings are also super good (probably 3rd best in the area behind knights and french quarter and are also sauce less). For three the burgers: The burgers are as good as advertised, and in my opinion probably best burger in the city of Ypsilanti. Also the garlic aioli on the burger takes it to another level. For four the Fries: these fries are slap your momma good. Similar to five guys or bagger Dave fries, but on another level (especially if you add the garlic seasoning to them, then they go up two levels) Overall i think that this is top of line when your talking Ypsilanti establishments and in the grand scheme of things, it is just a flat out good place.
(5)James R.
I had the Yankee pot roast and it was phenomenal. The carrots and mashed potatoes take a damned good roast to a whole new level. I tried my wife's fries and those were awesome too. It's quite loud and busy inside, but cozy up next to the fireplace.
(5)Heidi R.
I love the atmosphere and food at Sidetracks. Black bean burger is my favorite (and I'm not even a vegetarian!) Great beer selection including local beers. Depot Town is the best!
(5)Laure M.
Saturday lunch before a wedding in Michigan. Pub downtown by the rail road, little patio outside. I ordered the pulled pork and BBQ sauce quesadilla. It was good, spicy BBQ sauce, moist pulled pork in 2 grilled flour tortillas. Served with a ranch a BBQ sauce. It could have used more cheese but it was good. My husband for the double decker burger with cheddar cheese and home made fries. It really liked it and said it was a legit burger :)
(3)Jadranka H.
This place came highly recommended, not sure why. Went in about 1pm and it had a steady flow of traffic and I guess we got prime seating right in the front window, from what I was told. Not much to look at but a traffic light and cars, so no beautiful curb appeal. The place however had that rustic look and feel, I'd rather have had sit in the middle of the restaurant to appreciate that. They had an enormous menu options, so there is something there for everyone. I got a sandwich which normally comes with chips, but upgraded to wedge French fries at a cost. They were soggy, greasy, non-wedge and tasteless. I just thought it was my fries but my friend complained that his sweet potato fries were just as bad. Not sure if they weren't busy in the frying department, but it tasted like they were sitting around and refried them to warm them up. Either way that just turned me off, if there's an up charge make sure it's worth it, because I wish I stayed with the chips! I could of settled for McDonald fries right now! I won't be back!
(3)Sandie L.
I liked it. Good burgers (meat was delicious) and good fries. The inside decor has a couple of stuffed animal heads and a bit of a train theme going, and gave off a cool ambience to eat in. Would recommend.
(4)Laura S.
We enjoy Sidetrack's burgers and casual atmosphere. The burgers are always cooked to perfection, and as a pickle lover, I appreciate that they always have a big dish of pickles at the table. Their selection of beers is extensive, so it makes for a great burger and beverage every time. I only give 4-stars because I do wish they had a children's menu - it is often hard to find items that the kids can eat. We have young kids and you would think a burger place would be a bit more family friendly by having some smaller, less expensive dishes for kids.
(4)Fi G.
Decent burgers. Should have gotten the fries instead of the chips which were soft. Would probably be better if they were crispy. Friendly waitstaff. Food and drink prices won't break the bank. They have beer flight. You can opt for the 25 beer flight or the more manageable 5 beef flight
(3)Chelsea H.
I love Sidetrack. I love that it is cheap, and has tempeh, and fun fried things, and a great beer list. I think we all can agree on this. What I do not love is THE SMELL. It is like a combination of malt vinegar, feet, and dirty mops. Sometimes it is so bad that I want to leave. But then, oh hey! It's happy hour and beer is so cheap! I guess I'll put up with the smell, but I really wish it wasn't there.
(4)Christina H.
This place is amazing! I love all the vegetarian options they offer. Food is always delicious, and the staff are great. Every time I have family or friends visit me from Florida, I bring them here and they all loved it!
(5)Charles W.
best burger ever...hands down...great beer, great burgers, great prices. get to sidetrack
(5)Stephanie K.
Went with 5 friends on a Saturday for my first time. They weren't incredibly busy (Saturday evening, yes, but multiple open tables and no waiting line from what I could see), yet they were running out of glasses. My table had at least 4 empty glasses that we moved to the end of the table for their convenience (and my friends already had other glasses/beverages in front of them), yet the server came once or twice and didn't bother taking one or two back with her. We also so many glasses on abandoned tables, so maybe if they bussed them they wouldn't have been running out of glasses. The bathroom wouldn't lock, which was inconvenient but not the end of the world. I liked how they had a back area which had tables that could seat 8 (or more, maybe). Our food took 45 minutes since we ordered, which isn't absolutely terrible but man, we were all quite hungry and no one ordered anything "difficult" as far as cooking level or time and our server never reassured us ("oh your food will be right out", etc.) so we were actually contemplating paying for our drinks and leaving. By the time the food came we had been there an hour-ish. Two out of four people that had fries with their meal received cold fries. The Cajun fries were really good, the sweet potato fries were tasty but not great. The Phillysteak hoagie was delicious, but would've tasted better hot. Still, really, really good. I tried whatever burger my husband got (and tried looking at the menu online to see if I could remember but nothing jumped out at me) and his burger was fantastic. Again, it would've tasted better hot. One couple at our table shared the fajitas. It looked like a great sharing portion if you don't want to stuff yourself. At least they came out on a very hot cast iron skillet. Overall, good food but not worth the wait if you're ready to eat. Maybe I'll try them again though and hope for better service.
(3)Andy L.
I went here for lunch on a Saturday and the food was very good. I had the bbq burger with Cole slaw. It was messy as expected and delicious. The bbq wasn't just bbq sauce but included a bbq pulled pork as well as the hamburger patty and Cole slaw. To start out we ordered the fried pickles and spinach artichoke dip for appetizers. The fried pickles were among the best I ever had. The breading wasn't soggy but nice and crispy. The pickles were warm and juicy. They came with a delicious horseradish sauce. Though I didn't have a beer, my fiance did have a glass of B. Nektars Zombie Killer. They have a most excellent drink selection, including bacon infused vodka. I will be back for sure.
(4)Cynthia M.
The awful service started right at the hostess stand, where we were totally ignored for several minutes while the hostess held a long conversation with a server. Much longer wait after we were seated to have a server acknowledge us and take our drink and food order. it took nearly 30 minutes for drinks to arrive (but not my water. That arrived after the food, which was another 30. minutes. All the food was good but I can't reward bad service/management/training. Basics, people.
(2)Jess C.
Great burgers and beer! Its true what they say, right off the sidetracks of the train in downtown Ypsilanti. They have a great second bar on the other side that serves food as well and is great if you just want to have a conversation with a group of people. They also have a nice outdoor patio area and great parking! Don't forget to try the sweet potatoe fries!!
(4)Beck E.
The Mac Attack Burger I had last night was quite good, and so were the happy hour specials... but immediately upon arrival, we noticed that the hostess who seated us was visibly pissed off about something. This may have led to our table being totally neglected for 25 minutes with the four of us getting explosively hangry (hungry + angry) and me eating half of the container of pickles at our table before I managed to flag a waitress down and ask who our server was. She responded gracefully with "Oh, I don't know, but I would be happy to help you guys!" She was wonderful. The tall skinny miserable-looking girl who we eventually determined was originally supposed to be our waitress (we didn't see a sign of her until an hour in...) was not. Anyway, I ordered the giant deep-fried mushrooms, which were awesommmmmmme, but that could have been because I was starving. The Mac Attack on brioche was also good--I could tell that the meat & bun were what was awesome about it though, and next time I'll stick to a regular burger. I swapped out the Cajun fries for sweet potato fries, which tasted fine with the garlic mayo, but they looked burnt? I definitely hope to return to try some of the other menu items, but hopefully we won't be neglected again.
(3)April C.
I already loved Sidetrack. I think the food is great, the waitstaff is always friendly and knowledge, and I love the atmosphere. Today, I found out I could love it even more. I had the Reuben Sandwich. You would think it would be just like any ol' sandwich but then, you would be wrong. The meat is incredibly flavorful and instead of big slices, it is a pile of shredded corned beef that mixes well with the sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese. I ate about half and had the leftovers for dinner and warmed up, it was just as good. Do yourself a favor and order this with a big ol' bloody mary and call it a day.
(5)Renee B.
First time here but have heard amazing things. Had the ham and cheese sandwich on pretzel bun, it was excellent. Veteran had filet chicken gumbo and salad and he stated it was the best soup he's ever had. We were seated right away even though they were busy. Excellent customer service. Prompt. Will definitely be coming back to try their beers.
(5)Mark M.
Great beer selection...but you'll never get a seat at the cramped bar. ( there's like 6 seats) Above average pub fare ...average service. I eat here probably once a month as it's the best menu in Depot town...and I live across the street. I guess I just hate how crowded it is and they suck for watching a game but the beer lineup and food is pretty firkin awesome.
(3)Greg N.
Was looking for a place before the concert at EMU last night. Decided on Sidetracks for party of four. I have been here maybe twice in the past 15 years, Yelp reviews looked good, so why not. My 'Mac attack' burger was creative and wonderful. The Kevin Bacon burger got a strong thumbs up at our table and my wife classified the black bean burger as the best she has had. Parking can be a challenge in Depot Town, so suggest you drop the others at the door and only one park/walk. Also suggest a reservation (which we had :) as there was a 45 min wait in Friday @ 5:30pm.
(5)I G.
Wow we had the worse experience ever. Took my wife and two of her sisters and our three kids here.(one sister was visiting from New Orleans and I was hyping this place up) It took for ever for us to get a table even though it was a Tuesday and there were empty tables. Finally we were seated way in the back, probably because we had kids. Then the host tells us we only have one menu for you at the moment and we will give you more once some are free. Seriously?!? Our waiter took our drink orders and we waited. Mean while we still were sharing one menu. We finally asked the table of businessmen next to us if we could borrow theirs. Oh and we still were waiting for our drinks. Finally our waiter takes our order. I ordered the crispy fish sandwich with a side of tarter sauce. So we waited and waited. Our appetizer came but a different waitress brought it. As soon as she left we realized we had no plates. I flagged down our main waiter for plates but he looked annoyed when I asked. Well that never came. We used napkins for plates. Then we waited for our main meal. Another waitress brought our food which was ok until my wife picked out a burnt piece of something in her salad. Not sure what it was. Then her onion rings had raw batter inside. I had my crispy fish minus the tarter sauce I asked for. Would have asked again but our main waiter never once came to see how we were doing nor refill our drinks. We had to ask another waitress for drinks. Meanwhile the table of businessmen were also getting frustrated and complained to the manager due to the long wait for service. I finished my fish sandwich and finally our main waiter brings me my tarter sauce. Kind of comical really. We all really had enough so I asked to speak to the manager. Oh did I mention it's Tuesday? Can't imagine Friday. So to conclude the manager discounted our meals. She apologized but seemed fake and shrugged it off as if complaints were a norm. I seriously have never seen wait staff in an establishment look so frazzled before. I mean this place was just a hot mess. I ate at Olive Garden the other day and had a young maybe 18 year old waitress and she was on point. Checked up on us, refilled drinks without even asking. Just saying. Wow I just can not see how this place gets 4/5 stars.
(1)Tyler S.
I've only been here a couple times - and apparently they're known for their burgers, which I don't eat - but the menu has lots more to choose from. The first time I came I think I got the BBQ pork sandwich, which was probably good - but forgetful. Yesterday I went with a group of friends for dinner and wasn't impressed with the service. At one point a train came by! That was fun. I'd give them another chance for sure.
(3)Allison L.
I highly recommend the beer battered pickles and the banana nut beer! My boyfriend and I tried this place three weeks ago and we have been back three times already. The banana nut beer is so delicious, it's like banana bread in a glass. The menu has something for everyone.
(4)Greg V.
Nice Little local bar with good food. I would recommend it.
(4)Melissah L.
I'm writing this review from my couch, right after dinner and drinks at Sidetracks. I'm not gonna lie... I had to change into my stretchy pants the second I got home and I don't think I'll be moving from my spot for the rest of the night-- I ate and drank that much. Besides the fact that I now feel like a meatball... I had such a great time tonight! Sidetracks is a fantastic place for an outing with friends. They have great beers; delicious food; a casual, fun atmosphere and friendly service. Our waitress was a complete doll-- she handled our special requests cheerfully and even split the appetizers and dessert across all of our bills without us even having to ask. I was impressed. My group and I indulged tonight. We ordered onion rings and beer battered pickles as appetizers and the ice cream brownie sundae for dessert. This was the first time I've ever had fried pickles... obviously anything deep fried is tasty but these were totally drool-worthy. (I might have burned the roof of my mouth trying to eat them too quickly...) The onion rings were humongous, and delicious too! Dessert was good. For an entree, I ordered the Mac Attack burger with cajun fries. After so many beers and appetizers, I wasn't even hungry by the time my meal came, but how was I supposed to resist a freshly grilled burger topped with thick bacon and macaroni and cheese? Uh the answer is I didn't. I only managed to eat half of it, but I'm sure you can tell that I was delighted with my order . The cajun fries (and the sweet potato fries for that matter) weren't anything special though, I wish I could have replaced them with deep fried pickles! In terms of beer, my friend was ecstatic to see her favorite Belgian beer, Delerium, on the menu (recommended, it's great). We split the sampler paddle, in which we chose a pineapple IPA, Woodchuck Cider, the Christmas Ale and Delerium. The Christmas Ale was really unique, be sure to try this one too! By all means... you can see those 5 stars above my review... go to Sidetracks!!!!
(5)Scarlett A.
The food here is the only reason why I come. I've prob been here 50+ times simply because of the food. The staff is almost always slow and rude(not all the time but 75%) it smells like a port a John in the back and it's really freaking loud. The vegetarian selection is the bomb though.
(3)Mike G.
I've never been to sidetracks before. I've only heard about it and my wife and co-workers have gone there several times. I heard the burgers are the best. So, we went there this past Saturday after taking our daughter to an easter egg hunt. My wife ordered the Mac and Cheese. I thought about getting that, but i opted for the Amtrack burger. I tried my wifes Mac and Cheese and it was AWESOME!!! I should've paid extra and got a side of that. My burger I ordered medium well. Got the burger and it was the BEST DAMN BURGER I have eaten!!! My wife (who always says a burger is just a burger) was even surprised when the burger was still juicy considering i ordered it medium well... Price isn't cheap, but I would pay it again. In fact, I wanted to go back the next day, but my wife said no. I'll be taking my daughter back there this coming week for lunch I am that impressed by this place. If i would make a food bucket list, I would put this on my list...
(5)Crystal K.
Great service, and great food which is elevated past standard pub fare. It really has character and the exceptional staff really make the difference.
(4)Josh C.
I've recently gotten into the tradition of visiting good ol' Sidetrack on a weekly or near-weekly basis. After my eleven-hour workday each Thursday, I tend to pop in with a group of friends to unwind and relax over Happy Hour drinks and good quality pub grub. The place is always quite busy and, therefore, loud, but the service remains consistently attentive nonetheless. How strong the drinks are varies week by week, depending probably on who is tending and who the server is, but I've never been disappointed in them (though I definitely prefer them on the stronger weeks). The prices at Happy Hour can't be beat, either way. My group meet-ups are always quite the mixed bag - some people are ordering from the taps, others want mixed beverages; some are omnivores, others vegetarian and vegan - but Sidetrack successfully addresses the needs of the lot of us, regardless. I'm partial to the Long Islands and English Chips, though the Black Bean Burger is to die for, same as the Ichibad Pumpkin Ale, Sweet Potato Fries and Cajun Fries. Come on through and see for yourself.
(5)Lisa G.
I moved away from Michigan a couple months ago. It's 10:30 at night and I'm thinking about a Sidetrack burger. Their mac attack burger is awesome, I've never had anything like it. So cheesy and juicy! The deep fried pickles are full spears, which I liked even better than the regular chips you usually get. They have a great beer selection. No matter what time of year, they always had my favorites on tap - Vanilla Java Porter, Oberon, etc. Service is great, staff is friendly. I'm going to cut this review short though because I'm going to try to replicate a mac attack burger. Although I know it won't come close to the real thing! Fun fact - A train derailed in 1929 and hit the building. They didn't rebuild, now that missing chunk is the patio area. It's considered a fun fact because nobody died in that crash.
(5)Elizabeth N.
Have been sitting here with my family for over an hour, asking after our food and being told "it is coming any minute" just to now be told that "we lost the ticket." I don't care how it tastes anymore. I just want to leave.
(1)Parin P.
Flight of four Loved the dogfish IPA Their burger with BBQ Pork on the top was delicious and very juicy !
(5)Melanie T.
Sidetrack is the best summer evening hangout in the Ann Arbor area. Forget about busy and noisy Main Street. Head out to Ypsi to enjoy their amazing patios. The food is always fresh and the burgers are the best in Washtenaw county. Try the Amtrak... They also now have strawberry shortcake back on the menu. This one you will have to share. It's huge. If you like beer this is the place to go...these guys have an amazing selection of local beers. But its not only beer and burgers although that is what it is know for. Make sure to take a look at the wine list and there is a full bar. But what is so amazing about this place is that it is a buzzing, vibrant and fun place in the summer and in the winter its so cozy in front of the fireplace you might never want to go home ....
(5)Annette J.
One of my favorite places for a beer and burger in SE Michigan. And don't even get me started on the fried pickles! I don't even really like pickles that much (I have to be in the mood) but throw em in batter and deep fry them in oil and I am totally on board! Also the onion rings? AWESOME. I usually get those instead of the fries. I agree with Jennifer E that the desserts aren't really that fab. I've never had anything that truly knocked me out and I'm a total sweet tooth so that makes me a bit sad face. Not a huge problem, though since I usually load up so much on apps, entrees, and beer, I rarely have room for a sweet. This place is forever hoppin' which can be a little overwhelming if you're not into being around people or you're claustrophobic. Luckily there is the lovely patio for some fresh air if you're feeling a little wound up. Just bring your bug spray if you're prone to mosquito bites like me. I also love it when an Amtrack roars by as I'm in mid sip of my beer. What a rush! The decor in there is so cozy and welcoming. Lots of fun signs on the walls, dark wood paneling, big windows that face the awesomeness that is Ypsi's Depot Town. I just love being in there. The service admittedly can be hit or miss. I've had some servers who were really on the ball and some who I see so little by the time we have to ask for the check I can't remember who it was that was helping us. But in the end I forgive because the food is so good, the beer options are so great, and the atmosphere is so fun and lively. One of my favorite spots in the area, hands down!
(4)Steve M.
Solid. 24 beers on tap. Half dozen decent bourbons on the shelf, $3.25 Big Oberon drafts at Happy Hour. I was just here for a beer, but has a good"up North" decor. Have a daily specials menu, looks about $10 a meal. I'd go back if I was in town.
(4)Jiah C.
I relied on my server's (solicited, yes) food suggestions all night. It worked out. Service was timely, and the gourmet mini burgers were surprisingly dericious! Their blue cheese dressing is now in my top 5. My boyfriend got the club sandwich, and I have to say that they were delightfully stacked in heaps and just the right proportion of everything to make one bite explode with club sandwich-ness. I know I'm in a happy place when I'm impressed with a club sandwich and sliders. What is going on. Next time I will try one of their massive special burgers. The one with the mac and cheese seems to be calling my name...
(4)Stacey S.
Great happy hour drinks and their onions rings are to die for! Cannot wait to go back!
(5)Tess B.
Sidetrack is LOUD LOUD LOUD, but so worth the damage to your eardrums. Their drinks own Aubree's/Sticks across the street (THEY HAVE A BLENDER!). The desserts are great. I love the patio spaces. I don't think I've had anything other than appetizers/drinks/desserts here, so I'm no help beyond that. Go forth, and enjoy! Remember- Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy! - Benjamin Franklin. ;)
(5)Patrick T.
Sit outside if you can. You're right next to the train tracks (hence the name of the place!). The burgers are good, and the place is open late. The drink specials aren't bad either. Good place to decompress after a long day at work.
(3)Lucinda P.
My family went to Sidetrack on a Sunday at 1:00 pm in late December to celebrate our eldest daughter's birthday. We had called ahead to ensure seating would be available as there were 14 of us. Upon our arrival, we were surprised to find the restaurant was not busy at all - only a few tables were occupied. We were pointed to our long table and saw that it was arranged for 12. We added a couple chairs ourselves which wasn't a big deal, but that really began what was to become the worst restaurant experience as a group that I (or others in my group) have ever encountered. A waitress did check in with us promptly and took drink orders. However, she was anything but prompt about bringing the soft drinks and water. When she did come, she didn't deliver several of our drinks and didn't seem to realize it. When she swept back by our table, we again requested the iced teas, Coke and coffee she had forgotten and she reacted as though she was hearing the request for the first time. She came back and deposited carafes of iced tea and diet coke but didn't bring the glasses to accompany it. So when my father's coffee finally arrived and was cold and we still didn't have glasses, we decided it was time to find someone and complain. My daughter, the birthday honoree, went up to the hostess and explained we had been there over 30 minutes and several of us still hadn't received beverage service. The hostess said she would pass the information on and we continued to wait. The same waitress returned to our table and we pointed out we didn't have napkins and the coffee was cold. After a time, my mother decided we had waited long enough for these basic services and she went off in search of the manager. The manager came to our table and apologized for the lousy service and said she was taking over and would make sure we were taken care of. We told her what we needed to complete our beverage needs and she had those items delivered to us. But then the manager disappeared and the same waitress was back in charge of our table. I could go on in more excruciating detail of how the appetizers (fried pickles x2) took over an hour to arrive and how the food came out a tray at a time. I could go on to tell you how my own entree (simple hamburger with carmelized onions and fries) wasn't delivered and how that same waitress again failed to notice. The manager came by again and I reported that I was still waiting for my order. I'll suffice to say that by the time my burger arrived , several members of our group had already finished. It took an unnecessarily long time to get our checks and the manager told us we would be comped our 2 appetizers as apology for the terrible service. The waitress - the same waitress we had asked to be replaced twice- billed me for one order of the pickles. I told her the manager said they would be no charge and she responded brightly "Oh, both orders are free?" It is unfathomable to me how the service could be that bad and the waitress was completely clueless that anything was amiss. If the manager who said she would make sure we were taken care of, had actually followed through and done that, some of us might be willing to return. (Though not with a large group) Since she did not, we are all in agreement we will not return. A real shame that our experience was so bad that we are relieved we have no birthdays to celebrate for a few months. Sidetrack left a really bad taste in our mouths.
(1)Becky S.
The analogy I would use for Sidetrack is Grandma's kitchen. More specifically Grandma's kitchen after she really should have stopped cooking. They must have gotten used to people telling them it was good so they felt ok not trying very hard anymore. The food here is made with good intentions, maybe decent ingredients, but none of it turns out worth a shit. I came here because they were supposed to have the best burger around, but I think my source was reflecting on their drunk undergrad days because this was not good at all. The burger was greasy and seemed like they microwaved the whole thing again just to get the bread and toppings just as soggy as the meat. The sweet potato fries had to be the WORST I have ever had. They were large.undercooked and tasted no different than super processed white potato fries. Good thing they gave me such a small portion or I would feel bad throwing them away. As for the place itself, it must be good for drinking because there is no way you'll find a place to sit. They also have three or four disjointed parking lots with about 10-15 spaces each that were all full. You can order online, but I hoped we could sit down and eat so I didn't test this option. Overall this was not worth the drive, seemed like a younger EMU crowd and a big fat waste of money to try and eat here. Compared to the looks of the rest of the town it is probably way better than most of the other options.
(2)Ryan O.
Service is spotty at times, but the beer options and burger quality are AWESOME!
(4)Peggy F.
A wonderful...NOT on the menu item is,, thick sliced , beer batter breaded & then deep fried bacon...served w/ creamy ranch for dipping!! Not for the faint or low cholesterol diet!!! I.... Am so a fan of these!!!
(5)Crystal R.
Wow. This place is amazing. Tony and I were across the street checking out the food co-op when I saw Sidetrack across the street. I told him that this place was a big deal on Yelp, and that we should go check it out. I am so glad that we did. We ordered the fried zucchini as an appetizer- which is probably the best I've had. Normally, they are long skinny strips fried- these were large ones, cut on an angle, that were large slices, with just the amount of batter that they were not too heavy or seemed too "fried" like tempura sometimes can. Tony and I split the Mac and cheese with Andouille sausage along with a burger- that had macaroni and cheese on it as well. Both were very good. I wasn't as impressed with the cajun fries, but I heard their sweet potato ones are much better- so I know now for next time. I can't wait to try this place out again!
(5)Janine C.
Although a beloved by locals the food is ok. Portions have become smaller over the years and the place is in need of a major cleaning. It feels very grungy walking in and you can scald yourself if you need to wash your hands in the restroom. Most of the fare here you can find elsewhere with a cleaner environment. I think it's seen better days.
(3)Jonathan W.
Wow, what a great burger! I was in the mood for a burger so I looked for on yelp for somewhere I have not been and saw the reviews for this place. So I picked up a friend and headed here for lunch. I ordered a Cheeseburger and it was awesome. Just what I look for in a burger, big, juicy, and good beef. None of that pre-pattied crap here. Easily blows millers and redcoat out of the water. For me this is the best burger I have had in the Detroit area.
(4)Erica K.
So I think technically I was in Frenchie's which seems to be an extra room tacked onto Sidetrack. In any case, I had a delicious burger and I still can't get over how cheap beer is outside of Chicago. So you might be wondering why only 3 stars. The issue is that I was there for a rehearsal dinner. When we arrived they didn't have enough tables set up to accommodate the party, so people (including the bride's parents) had to sit at the bar. The back of the room was crowded with another party, which is not what the bride and groom were told. They were told they would have the whole room. So that was just kind of a customer service fail. They also didn't seem staffed to handle the big party, despite reservations and a set menu with fewer choices having already been established. In the end it worked out, but it was just a bit stressful arriving and having no seats for guests. The food was good though and like I said, you can't beat the price of their giant beers. I would totally recommend this place for hanging out and drinking, especially later in the evening when their beers go on super special.
(3)Eric G.
So although I have lived in this area for almost 2 years now, I somehow missed this place. After being told that this spot was ranked top 20 burgers in the U.S by GQ magazine of course I have to try it out. Yet another hungover sunday I make my way down. I got the create your own 1/2 pound burger, with gorgonzola, roasted red pepers, mushrooms, bacon, lettuce and tomato along with some amazing hand cut sweet potato fries. Wow. This is just a great burger, o ?
(4)Rick F.
Newbies to Ypsilanti, we tried this place on our first night in town. We loved it so much we went back the next night! The burgers were delicious -- as advertised. Fish tacos and Fish and Chips were also excellent. Service was friendly and quick, despite a pretty large crowd. All in all, a great place to eat and drink.
(5)diane t.
Where else can you get really good food cooked to order at 1 am ? No place in Ann Arbor - with food this good, and for this price. Did I mention The Happy Hour ? The most generous happy hour hands down around. I should say the -2 Happy Hours, because they have 1/2 price liquor and 3 dollar 1/2 liter drafts both from 4-6 AND from 10pm-1am Monday thru Friday. $3 Newcastle Ale on draft and good food and a fireplace? That's as good as it gets.
(5)David M.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet! As my second favorite burger place in the area, that's pretty egregious of me. I certainly haven't had everything Sidetrack has to offer, but I can tell you from first-hand experience that the burgers here are awesome. If Krazy Jim's Blimpie Burgers aren't your thing, because you like thick, juicy burgers (I kind of feel dirty saying it like that), this is definitely your place. Since I am a fan of little charred burgers, I've also had the sliders here, and they are incredible. Another must-try are the deep fried pickles; this isn't the only place I've seen them, but it's not exactly the most common thing in the world, and they're great, even if a little too filling. Ann Arbor folks, this is definitely worth the drive.
(5)Dave W.
Great pub, always an amazing selection of draft beers. The burgers are way better than they should be. The rest of the menu is solid and has really good vegetarian options. Thank god no one told sidetracks that they are located in Ypsilanti otherwise they would likely shut down or start serving Costco food
(4)Shelly M.
Great burger and the beer battered fried pickles were fabulous. I love the feel of this place, the fireplace, the wood, it is just a really cool place to go. Service was great even though they were packed. The menu is pretty great, I can't wait to go back and try the black bean taco's.
(4)Andrew S.
Eh... it's okay, you won't be disappointed, but you surely won't be impressed. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the beer-battered pickles with ranch dressing to complement my Hopslam beer, which was obscenely overpriced in my opinion. However, the actual entrees which were ordered - baked salmon and black bean burger - were underwhelming. The baked, stuffed salmon was not stuffed. To the side of the salmon, there was a little bit of artichoke, but it was by no means infused. The salmon did not taste fishy, but the cooking technique is best described as rudimentary, with a hefty helping of spice to hide this fact. The black bean burger was bland and the fries it came with were borderline soggy. Not necessarily disappointing, but a little bit offending. All in all, sidetrack is a great place to meet friends and enjoy a few beers (as long as you are not concerned about money at all). The environment is calm and the location is comfortable. Enjoy, but be forewarned - the food is best experienced after one or two alcoholic beverages have been ingested.
(3)David S.
Great burgers and you choose the fixings. Sweet potato fries and onion rings are also very good. Extensive draft and bottled beer selection, featuring Michigan brews. Attentive and friendly Midwestern service. Reasonably priced. Small parking lot, but more parking available across the street. We were in town for the Ann Arbor Arts Festival and this is close-by. Enjoy.
(4)Mike B.
Nice draft beer selection,food is good,outdoor seating is great.
(4)Melissah L.
I'm writing this review from my couch, right after dinner and drinks at Sidetracks. I'm not gonna lie... I had to change into my stretchy pants the second I got home and I don't think I'll be moving from my spot for the rest of the night-- I ate and drank that much. Besides the fact that I now feel like a meatball... I had such a great time tonight! Sidetracks is a fantastic place for an outing with friends. They have great beers; delicious food; a casual, fun atmosphere and friendly service. Our waitress was a complete doll-- she handled our special requests cheerfully and even split the appetizers and dessert across all of our bills without us even having to ask. I was impressed. My group and I indulged tonight. We ordered onion rings and beer battered pickles as appetizers and the ice cream brownie sundae for dessert. This was the first time I've ever had fried pickles... obviously anything deep fried is tasty but these were totally drool-worthy. (I might have burned the roof of my mouth trying to eat them too quickly...) The onion rings were humongous, and delicious too! Dessert was good. For an entree, I ordered the Mac Attack burger with cajun fries. After so many beers and appetizers, I wasn't even hungry by the time my meal came, but how was I supposed to resist a freshly grilled burger topped with thick bacon and macaroni and cheese? Uh the answer is I didn't. I only managed to eat half of it, but I'm sure you can tell that I was delighted with my order . The cajun fries (and the sweet potato fries for that matter) weren't anything special though, I wish I could have replaced them with deep fried pickles! In terms of beer, my friend was ecstatic to see her favorite Belgian beer, Delerium, on the menu (recommended, it's great). We split the sampler paddle, in which we chose a pineapple IPA, Woodchuck Cider, the Christmas Ale and Delerium. The Christmas Ale was really unique, be sure to try this one too! By all means... you can see those 5 stars above my review... go to Sidetracks!!!!
(5)Scarlett A.
The food here is the only reason why I come. I've prob been here 50+ times simply because of the food. The staff is almost always slow and rude(not all the time but 75%) it smells like a port a John in the back and it's really freaking loud. The vegetarian selection is the bomb though.
(3)Mike G.
I've never been to sidetracks before. I've only heard about it and my wife and co-workers have gone there several times. I heard the burgers are the best. So, we went there this past Saturday after taking our daughter to an easter egg hunt. My wife ordered the Mac and Cheese. I thought about getting that, but i opted for the Amtrack burger. I tried my wifes Mac and Cheese and it was AWESOME!!! I should've paid extra and got a side of that. My burger I ordered medium well. Got the burger and it was the BEST DAMN BURGER I have eaten!!! My wife (who always says a burger is just a burger) was even surprised when the burger was still juicy considering i ordered it medium well... Price isn't cheap, but I would pay it again. In fact, I wanted to go back the next day, but my wife said no. I'll be taking my daughter back there this coming week for lunch I am that impressed by this place. If i would make a food bucket list, I would put this on my list...
(5)Crystal K.
Great service, and great food which is elevated past standard pub fare. It really has character and the exceptional staff really make the difference.
(4)Josh C.
I've recently gotten into the tradition of visiting good ol' Sidetrack on a weekly or near-weekly basis. After my eleven-hour workday each Thursday, I tend to pop in with a group of friends to unwind and relax over Happy Hour drinks and good quality pub grub. The place is always quite busy and, therefore, loud, but the service remains consistently attentive nonetheless. How strong the drinks are varies week by week, depending probably on who is tending and who the server is, but I've never been disappointed in them (though I definitely prefer them on the stronger weeks). The prices at Happy Hour can't be beat, either way. My group meet-ups are always quite the mixed bag - some people are ordering from the taps, others want mixed beverages; some are omnivores, others vegetarian and vegan - but Sidetrack successfully addresses the needs of the lot of us, regardless. I'm partial to the Long Islands and English Chips, though the Black Bean Burger is to die for, same as the Ichibad Pumpkin Ale, Sweet Potato Fries and Cajun Fries. Come on through and see for yourself.
(5)Lisa G.
I moved away from Michigan a couple months ago. It's 10:30 at night and I'm thinking about a Sidetrack burger. Their mac attack burger is awesome, I've never had anything like it. So cheesy and juicy! The deep fried pickles are full spears, which I liked even better than the regular chips you usually get. They have a great beer selection. No matter what time of year, they always had my favorites on tap - Vanilla Java Porter, Oberon, etc. Service is great, staff is friendly. I'm going to cut this review short though because I'm going to try to replicate a mac attack burger. Although I know it won't come close to the real thing! Fun fact - A train derailed in 1929 and hit the building. They didn't rebuild, now that missing chunk is the patio area. It's considered a fun fact because nobody died in that crash.
(5)Elizabeth N.
Have been sitting here with my family for over an hour, asking after our food and being told "it is coming any minute" just to now be told that "we lost the ticket." I don't care how it tastes anymore. I just want to leave.
(1)Jess C.
Great burgers and beer! Its true what they say, right off the sidetracks of the train in downtown Ypsilanti. They have a great second bar on the other side that serves food as well and is great if you just want to have a conversation with a group of people. They also have a nice outdoor patio area and great parking! Don't forget to try the sweet potatoe fries!!
(4)Parin P.
Flight of four Loved the dogfish IPA Their burger with BBQ Pork on the top was delicious and very juicy !
(5)Peggy F.
A wonderful...NOT on the menu item is,, thick sliced , beer batter breaded & then deep fried bacon...served w/ creamy ranch for dipping!! Not for the faint or low cholesterol diet!!! I.... Am so a fan of these!!!
(5)Annette J.
One of my favorite places for a beer and burger in SE Michigan. And don't even get me started on the fried pickles! I don't even really like pickles that much (I have to be in the mood) but throw em in batter and deep fry them in oil and I am totally on board! Also the onion rings? AWESOME. I usually get those instead of the fries. I agree with Jennifer E that the desserts aren't really that fab. I've never had anything that truly knocked me out and I'm a total sweet tooth so that makes me a bit sad face. Not a huge problem, though since I usually load up so much on apps, entrees, and beer, I rarely have room for a sweet. This place is forever hoppin' which can be a little overwhelming if you're not into being around people or you're claustrophobic. Luckily there is the lovely patio for some fresh air if you're feeling a little wound up. Just bring your bug spray if you're prone to mosquito bites like me. I also love it when an Amtrack roars by as I'm in mid sip of my beer. What a rush! The decor in there is so cozy and welcoming. Lots of fun signs on the walls, dark wood paneling, big windows that face the awesomeness that is Ypsi's Depot Town. I just love being in there. The service admittedly can be hit or miss. I've had some servers who were really on the ball and some who I see so little by the time we have to ask for the check I can't remember who it was that was helping us. But in the end I forgive because the food is so good, the beer options are so great, and the atmosphere is so fun and lively. One of my favorite spots in the area, hands down!
(4)Steve M.
Solid. 24 beers on tap. Half dozen decent bourbons on the shelf, $3.25 Big Oberon drafts at Happy Hour. I was just here for a beer, but has a good"up North" decor. Have a daily specials menu, looks about $10 a meal. I'd go back if I was in town.
(4)Jiah C.
I relied on my server's (solicited, yes) food suggestions all night. It worked out. Service was timely, and the gourmet mini burgers were surprisingly dericious! Their blue cheese dressing is now in my top 5. My boyfriend got the club sandwich, and I have to say that they were delightfully stacked in heaps and just the right proportion of everything to make one bite explode with club sandwich-ness. I know I'm in a happy place when I'm impressed with a club sandwich and sliders. What is going on. Next time I will try one of their massive special burgers. The one with the mac and cheese seems to be calling my name...
(4)Stacey S.
Great happy hour drinks and their onions rings are to die for! Cannot wait to go back!
(5)Tess B.
Sidetrack is LOUD LOUD LOUD, but so worth the damage to your eardrums. Their drinks own Aubree's/Sticks across the street (THEY HAVE A BLENDER!). The desserts are great. I love the patio spaces. I don't think I've had anything other than appetizers/drinks/desserts here, so I'm no help beyond that. Go forth, and enjoy! Remember- Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy! - Benjamin Franklin. ;)
(5)Patrick T.
Sit outside if you can. You're right next to the train tracks (hence the name of the place!). The burgers are good, and the place is open late. The drink specials aren't bad either. Good place to decompress after a long day at work.
(3)Melanie T.
Sidetrack is the best summer evening hangout in the Ann Arbor area. Forget about busy and noisy Main Street. Head out to Ypsi to enjoy their amazing patios. The food is always fresh and the burgers are the best in Washtenaw county. Try the Amtrak... They also now have strawberry shortcake back on the menu. This one you will have to share. It's huge. If you like beer this is the place to go...these guys have an amazing selection of local beers. But its not only beer and burgers although that is what it is know for. Make sure to take a look at the wine list and there is a full bar. But what is so amazing about this place is that it is a buzzing, vibrant and fun place in the summer and in the winter its so cozy in front of the fireplace you might never want to go home ....
(5)Greg N.
Was looking for a place before the concert at EMU last night. Decided on Sidetracks for party of four. I have been here maybe twice in the past 15 years, Yelp reviews looked good, so why not. My 'Mac attack' burger was creative and wonderful. The Kevin Bacon burger got a strong thumbs up at our table and my wife classified the black bean burger as the best she has had. Parking can be a challenge in Depot Town, so suggest you drop the others at the door and only one park/walk. Also suggest a reservation (which we had :) as there was a 45 min wait in Friday @ 5:30pm.
(5)Laure M.
Saturday lunch before a wedding in Michigan. Pub downtown by the rail road, little patio outside. I ordered the pulled pork and BBQ sauce quesadilla. It was good, spicy BBQ sauce, moist pulled pork in 2 grilled flour tortillas. Served with a ranch a BBQ sauce. It could have used more cheese but it was good. My husband for the double decker burger with cheddar cheese and home made fries. It really liked it and said it was a legit burger :)
(3)Becky S.
The analogy I would use for Sidetrack is Grandma's kitchen. More specifically Grandma's kitchen after she really should have stopped cooking. They must have gotten used to people telling them it was good so they felt ok not trying very hard anymore. The food here is made with good intentions, maybe decent ingredients, but none of it turns out worth a shit. I came here because they were supposed to have the best burger around, but I think my source was reflecting on their drunk undergrad days because this was not good at all. The burger was greasy and seemed like they microwaved the whole thing again just to get the bread and toppings just as soggy as the meat. The sweet potato fries had to be the WORST I have ever had. They were large.undercooked and tasted no different than super processed white potato fries. Good thing they gave me such a small portion or I would feel bad throwing them away. As for the place itself, it must be good for drinking because there is no way you'll find a place to sit. They also have three or four disjointed parking lots with about 10-15 spaces each that were all full. You can order online, but I hoped we could sit down and eat so I didn't test this option. Overall this was not worth the drive, seemed like a younger EMU crowd and a big fat waste of money to try and eat here. Compared to the looks of the rest of the town it is probably way better than most of the other options.
(2)Ryan O.
Service is spotty at times, but the beer options and burger quality are AWESOME!
(4)Lucinda P.
My family went to Sidetrack on a Sunday at 1:00 pm in late December to celebrate our eldest daughter's birthday. We had called ahead to ensure seating would be available as there were 14 of us. Upon our arrival, we were surprised to find the restaurant was not busy at all - only a few tables were occupied. We were pointed to our long table and saw that it was arranged for 12. We added a couple chairs ourselves which wasn't a big deal, but that really began what was to become the worst restaurant experience as a group that I (or others in my group) have ever encountered. A waitress did check in with us promptly and took drink orders. However, she was anything but prompt about bringing the soft drinks and water. When she did come, she didn't deliver several of our drinks and didn't seem to realize it. When she swept back by our table, we again requested the iced teas, Coke and coffee she had forgotten and she reacted as though she was hearing the request for the first time. She came back and deposited carafes of iced tea and diet coke but didn't bring the glasses to accompany it. So when my father's coffee finally arrived and was cold and we still didn't have glasses, we decided it was time to find someone and complain. My daughter, the birthday honoree, went up to the hostess and explained we had been there over 30 minutes and several of us still hadn't received beverage service. The hostess said she would pass the information on and we continued to wait. The same waitress returned to our table and we pointed out we didn't have napkins and the coffee was cold. After a time, my mother decided we had waited long enough for these basic services and she went off in search of the manager. The manager came to our table and apologized for the lousy service and said she was taking over and would make sure we were taken care of. We told her what we needed to complete our beverage needs and she had those items delivered to us. But then the manager disappeared and the same waitress was back in charge of our table. I could go on in more excruciating detail of how the appetizers (fried pickles x2) took over an hour to arrive and how the food came out a tray at a time. I could go on to tell you how my own entree (simple hamburger with carmelized onions and fries) wasn't delivered and how that same waitress again failed to notice. The manager came by again and I reported that I was still waiting for my order. I'll suffice to say that by the time my burger arrived , several members of our group had already finished. It took an unnecessarily long time to get our checks and the manager told us we would be comped our 2 appetizers as apology for the terrible service. The waitress - the same waitress we had asked to be replaced twice- billed me for one order of the pickles. I told her the manager said they would be no charge and she responded brightly "Oh, both orders are free?" It is unfathomable to me how the service could be that bad and the waitress was completely clueless that anything was amiss. If the manager who said she would make sure we were taken care of, had actually followed through and done that, some of us might be willing to return. (Though not with a large group) Since she did not, we are all in agreement we will not return. A real shame that our experience was so bad that we are relieved we have no birthdays to celebrate for a few months. Sidetrack left a really bad taste in our mouths.
(1)Crystal R.
Wow. This place is amazing. Tony and I were across the street checking out the food co-op when I saw Sidetrack across the street. I told him that this place was a big deal on Yelp, and that we should go check it out. I am so glad that we did. We ordered the fried zucchini as an appetizer- which is probably the best I've had. Normally, they are long skinny strips fried- these were large ones, cut on an angle, that were large slices, with just the amount of batter that they were not too heavy or seemed too "fried" like tempura sometimes can. Tony and I split the Mac and cheese with Andouille sausage along with a burger- that had macaroni and cheese on it as well. Both were very good. I wasn't as impressed with the cajun fries, but I heard their sweet potato ones are much better- so I know now for next time. I can't wait to try this place out again!
(5)Janine C.
Although a beloved by locals the food is ok. Portions have become smaller over the years and the place is in need of a major cleaning. It feels very grungy walking in and you can scald yourself if you need to wash your hands in the restroom. Most of the fare here you can find elsewhere with a cleaner environment. I think it's seen better days.
(3)Caitlen L.
One of my very favorite restaurants in Ypsi. The tempeh burger is so good (my mouth is watering just thinking about it) and it's great for me because it's easily ordered vegan (without cheese and without the dipping sauce for the fries). It boggles my mind how the tempeh could even be so good, and I've tried to duplicate it at home but it can't come close to Sidetrack. The sweet potato fries are also to die for! The only complaint I have is in regards to the restaurant setup. The restaurant is just so small for the amount of people they usually try to seat. On a packed night, I can barely squeeze into my chair (how do handicapped/disabled people even get through this restaurant?) and the noise level is so much that a lot of the time it's hard to hear any conversation. The wait staff is overall very friendly, although there was one incident where we waited about an hour and a half for our food (not sure if this was the fault of the waiter or in the kitchen- but either way, we were not pleased). I'd recommend Sidetrack to anyone, but if you're in a hurry, consider doing carry out.
(4)Holly H.
My favorite restaurant of all time. Seriously. There's something here for everyone, which makes it a good place to take several people with a range of tastes. My favorites: -Fish tacos -Grilled chicken/peppers salad (can't think of the name of it right now) -Hobo sandwich -BBQ plate They have an amazing craft beer selection. The atmosphere is historic and inviting, and we've always had great service. Wouldn't change a thing.
(5)Nia S.
I love this place. The atmosphere is just really cool and fits a lot of different tastes. I like the taxidermy personally, but in general any place with good food AND good beer is a win in my book. They have the best burgers in the area - really flavorful and juicy and their hand cut fries are perfect. The service is almost always great as well, which says a lot because they are often quite busy. Try their banana bread ale, super delicious and not available at most places.
(5)Eric A.
While I've had bad service at this place from time to time and the food is definitely better on some days than others, I'm still giving this place four stars. They don't have the most extensive beer selection in the world (although it definitely holds its own) but they have some really unique and great stuff you wont find anywhere else. Also, the hamburgers are amazing. All of the food is great (especially the black bean tacos) but the burgers really stand out. If you like burgers and beer, this is your place. The salmon is also pretty good. Overall, great place. Unfortunately there are a few instances in my memory preventing me from giving this place 5 stars but no one is perfect. Still the best restaurant in Ypsilanti.
(4)Jordan C.
Good food and good beer - can't go wrong. There are plenty of vegetarian options (YAY!) A great selection of craft beers! The only negative is that it is always super crowded. Overall, this is a great place to grab grub and beer with friends!
(5)J M.
Reliably great food, fun atmosphere, full bar, awesome beer selection!
(5)Steffyn R.
Amazing burgers. A great little hidden gem in depot town. It can be a tad expensive for just a lunch, but if you're planing on spending some time in depot town, stop in for a beer and a burger.
(4)Dan M.
Still the best place to get a burger and a beer around! I love this place!
(5)Brian G.
A really excellent burger. Other items good too. Nice atmosphere. It will be busy on the weekends but worth it. Best place in Ypsilanti.
(4)Tim M.
I love this place. It can be crowded at times but food and service make it worth the wait. It is really cool when a train comes by. If you like to sample beer, they have a nice selection.
(4)Sylvonna R.
Talk about diversity...Sidetrack has a wonderfully crafted menu and ALL the food is AMAZING! This is yet another one of those places that I eat at far too regularly to admit...let's just be honest, Sidetrack makes me happy my fridge is never stocked. This is a local favorite and you really can't go wrong; always packed, super busy, and always oh so GOOD! Best burger EVER and a great place to hang out, eat great food and have a good beer. The patio is the best place in Ypsi to hang out when weather permits! Service can be hit or miss; I have had some of the best service here as well as some of the worst. I take it all with a grain of salt because the food is SO amazing and the atmosphere is so laid-back and carefree I can't hold it against them. All in all I think Sidetrack is one of the best restaurants and coolest places to hang out in Ypsi; heck, this place is even a contender with some of the restaurants on Main St. in Ann Arbor...so if you're on the other side of town it is totally worth the drive!
(5)Andrew K.
Went through ypsi and was told we had to stop here. It was packed as it should be on a Saturday afternoon. We ordered and it took 40 minutes for the appetizers to come out and they forgot my friends beer but gave us a free order of mozzarella sticks so that was rad. The burgers were insane in a good way, so juicy and perfect. Took a while to get the food but man was it worth it.
(4)Sarah L.
Very good atmosphere. Food is consistently delicious though a bit expensive for a bar-type experience.
(5)Arleen G.
The best pot roast hands down anywhere!! The gravy is so delicious, and I love the burgers .. The black bean tacos are great with the sweet potato fries .. I love this place!!
(5)Scott K.
The price is nice for a burger rumored to be the best in the area. I ordered it medium and got medium well, but I didn't mind. I ordered the Mac Attack burger with Cajun fries - Mac and cheese and bacon on the burger! The bacon was fantastic, crispy, thick, and generous. The Mac was a kind of ziti with multiple cheeses. I finished everything. The iced tea is clearly brewed, and they gave me a carafe, first thing. As for atmosphere, it reminds me a little of an old saloon, with aged wood floors, tin square ceiling, and a classic bar. Today, the area above the bar is covered in cobwebs and orange lights for Halloween. They have a ton of beer options, though I didn't try them today. I'm looking forward to saving room for their fried pickles and bread pudding next time!
(4)Billy L.
Sidetrack Bar and Grill has a nice atmosphere to it, even if there is a bit much taxidermy for my tastes. Seems pretty busy anytime I've been there, so keep that in mind if visiting during a busy meal time. My pulled pork sandwich was OK, with a good tasting sauce and not too soggy like some pulled porks tend to be. The sweet potato fries, however, were very soggy and a bit of a disappointment. The dipping sauce they came with wasn't as good as I've had with sweet potato fries at other restaurants. In the past, I've had cheeseburgers here and they were all pretty good.
(3)Chris P.
Really cool place to get some drinks. I'm sure the burgers are better than the one I ordered (or at least I have been told as much). Ordered a double burger with cheese which was well not mid rare as I asked. They have some descent in house chips and fries. Affordable prices and tin ceilings which are very period. The bar tender had ADD and couldn't keep anything straight which was surprising but not a huge deal. Adam richman voted this place best burger... I didn't find it anything special but good for a bar and some fried potatoes.
(3)Ciara C.
This place is cute! I went here for brunch with some girls from work. The food was great! and it was nicely decorated (It was also the Holidays so it was decorated festively which made it extra nice). There were also a couple of fireplaces which made the atmosphere great for a having brunch and chit-chatting with the girls.
(4)Chelsea U.
The portabella burger is amazing! With sweet potato fries... Ugh! I crave it on a weekly basis... The deep fried zucchini is another personal favorite
(5)Doug V.
This was one of the first restaurants I tried when I moved to the area back in 2008. There is so much to talk about. The beer selection is great and the food is pretty good. My favorites are the gorgonzola tenderloin, french dip sandwich, and their burgers are awesome as well! The chili is also fairly good and I would consider it if you're looking for an appetizer. The friend pickles are great as well, but tend to sit pretty heavy before having a meal. The service here is usually pretty good, but I've had a couple bad experiences. This is a great place to take family or friends from out of town who don't want to try anything out of the ordinary. Think menu like Applebee's, only food with actual taste.
(4)Joshua T.
The good news is that the majority of the servers are excellent now and from that standpoint, the service has improved substantially. The only thing that irks me is the fact that it seems every diner who walks in the door stands there awkwardly for five minutes waiting for someone to seat them. They typically do not have a dedicated hostess except for the weekends, which I've seen cause a couple people to turn around and walk out the door. It seems like it'd be worth paying someone $8/hour to not have each dining experience begin awkwardly. The food is consistently good and I love their happy hour. They've started mixing up their beer list more frequently and have some great beers on tap. I'll continue to regularly come here, but it would be so easy for them to be almost perfect that it might make me unnecessarily harsh on them.
(4)Ashley G.
Sidetrack is one of my favorite restaurants ever. Everything from the atmosphere, to the food to the staff are exceptional. Just thinking about their cajun fries and extensive craft beer menu makes me happy! Just a heads up that you will likely be waiting for a table if you go at peek times (i.e., dinner), but it is well worth the wait! I highly recommend venturing down there when the weather is nice so you can sit outside.
(5)Matt P.
This is a restaurant that has extraordinary potential and little finesse. So, a bunch of us go there to celebrate the graduation of 2 students from Michigan Law, and despite the valiant efforts of one of the moms, the place totally negated our existence. We arrived to a barren room, devoid of appetizers - which they admitted and eventually gave the group for free. Unlike any restaurant run with intelligence, these guys gave us a harried waitress who not only had to serve the 20 of us, but god knows how many in another room. This poor soul finally delivered our food 2.5 hours after we ordered it. Why did we stay? Because, the event of having two young adults successfully becomes lawyers is far more fun than late food, and we had a ball reconnecting with friends and relatives from both coasts. The bottom line is that the event, thank God, made the food secondary. Ultimately, I ate some decent fish tacos, others had fun eating fried pickles. These guys do know how to cook...ah but to manage - they need help. Fortunately, you only go to Law School once!
(2)Lydia T.
Love the beer selection and the Bloody Mary bar on Sunday! Also they have good food! I get the clams. And also the salads are great! Friendly staff!
(5)Andres G.
I heard that they had some of the best burgers in America so we went to check it out. The Amtrak Burger is REALLY GOOD! Either this place is really small or we showed up during a prime rush. Otherwise, the burgers are fantastic.
(4)Emily B.
Call ahead so you don't have to wait long. They don't have much space for waiting. Food and service was pretty good. Drinks option are good. I know they specialize in beer, but the wine list lacks.
(4)Liz W.
I have scaled back my burger eating, the 1/3 lb here works really well for me I have decided. It is juicy, tasty, happy and perfect. My husband can struggle with the double stack, he is less picky than I am at any rate. He really never complains about his food issues though, unlike me. Since I work right around the corner, this has become a hangout for us. I love the variety of beer on tap and the well poured mixed drinks. When I am not imbibing I also appreciate that they bring you a whole carafe of your non alcoholic beverage of choice, including water. I have branched out and explored the menu and have found happiness beyond burgers. Shocking, I know. I am a big fan of their summer salad plate with chicken salad, potato salad, avocado, hard boiled egg, cucumber and strawberries. My husband is more of an admirer of the fried chicken and strawberry salad. Really though all the salads I have sampled have been worth a whirl. If you struggle with picking between a burger and a salad they offer a cheeseburger salad that is the best of both worlds. The baked salmon here with asparagus was a delight. I am not a huge fan of wild rice but they found me a substitute lickety split after spying my appalled look as they brought it to the table. The goat farm quesadillas make me happy. The fish tacos were likewise a very satisfying pick one evening. The BBQ pork sandwich is worth a try too. Of course if you are looking for fried up goodness you cannot go too wrong here. The Irish pub egg rolls with the pickle, ham and cheese jazzed up with whole grain mustard are very pleasing. The fried clams are happy too. I am a big fan of the onion rings as I mentioned before but I have found the sweet potato fries with their horseradish sauce dip can definitely make choosing a fried side harder. Skip the regular fries though, trust me. The only other miss in here is the much buzzed about gazpacho. Too heavily spiced and overly blended for my taste. I prefer a tangy and chunky gazpacho myself. This has a chili type taste (cumin?) that is overpowering and unpleasant to my palate, it messes with the freshness of the veggies IMO. You may feel differently though, its probably more a matter of my personal taste because it seems plenty popular with everyone else. Give it a try if you have not, just be warned that it is not only the crowded restaurant area that feels claustrophobic, the bathrooms have that vibe too. So very tiny. Yikes.
(5)Gary K.
Burgers reign and the beer selection is hard to compete with because it is so diversified.
(4)Emily M.
5 stars for the food! I love everything I put in my mouth at sidetrack. The bar has a great selection, and they have many inventive drinks. The Mac and Cheese is amazingly salty, cheesy, and good. The southwest eggrolls are always an amazing app. The reason this review gets 2 stars is for the atmosphere, and service. We have eaten at sidetrack probably over 50-100 times over the course of 5-6 years, but sporadically so we'd probably never get picked out as semi-regular guests. My husband, friends and I normally love dining outside on their patio and watching the trains go by, and appreciating good food in nice weather.... That all changed on our most recent visit. The service is usually hit or miss (usually miss) and we rarely see the same server twice. On this particular occasion, we were eating on the patio and our server was not overly friendly (nothing new) but she got the job done. I'm pretty sure she forgot about putting our order in though. She was inside and glanced out at us, and suddenly had the "OMG, I forgot about their order" look-- I'm a former server and restaurant manager, so I know that look when I see it. She came out about 10-15 minutes later and said "You doing okay? your food will just be a couple more minutes" (CLASSIC server coverup for "I forgot about putting your order in, so I'm trying to cover my A$$ so you're not mad for waiting longer than you should have.") That didn't really bother me though, because we're human, and I've done the same thing before. We received our meal about 10-15 minutes after that. What bothered me most was that there was a group of young boys playing catch with water bottles and screaming on the patio area being supervised by a 11-13 year old girl who was screaming at them to behave while the parents were inside getting trashed. A pedestrian who was trying to cross the street got hit with water when the kids "ball" broke on the sidewalk right by her. Sometimes an adult would come out and yell at the kids, and sometimes a couple of them would come out and "converse" with each other (if you can call their shrill, suburban mom, jibber-jabber "conversation") and with the kids, but the kids did not stop being noisy. This went on for the entirety of our meal. (so about 30 minutes to an hour) Our lunch companion (who dines at this establishment quite often) shrewdly pointed out that one of the shrill ladies was the owner. So basically she totally condoned the actions of her grandson who was among the boys, and his little friends. Thank you Linda French for allowing us to enjoy spending $40 on lunch at your establishment while your grandson and his friends provided entertainment in the form of screaming, throwing things, and generally acting like animals. Lucky for you we'll probably still come back because we like the food, but if we encounter your grandson and his little friends being disruptive mongrols while we're trying to enjoy our meal, you can expect us to dine-and-dash. Thanks!
(2)Malinda M.
I moved here from Wisconsin and this was the first restaurant I went to in Michigan and needless to say the menu is amazing. Being a vegetarian sometimes makes it hard to go to pub like this BUT they have options for everyone that taste amazing! HIGHLY RECOMMEND but the service can be slow because of how busy it gets so keep that in mind. You will have to wait a little time for a table, more time for a server , and longer for food. Worth the wait I promise.
(4)Vince S.
Located in historic Depot Town this place really does make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The food here is always good and the beer selection is fantastic. My personal favorite is the white fish sandwich and a pint of Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. The custom burger option is always good too. I've been to Sidetracks dozens of times and never had a disappointing experience with the food or staff. It can get really busy at times but that's to be expected in a place this good. During the warmer months you can sit outside and watch the train go roaring by while shaded under colorful umbrellas sipping on your favorite drink. Or sit out back under a huge canopy with fans to cool you off.
(5)Shirley H.
The most recent time I went, I got a side order of mac n cheese and have to say, I wasn't impressed with it but Sidetracks is still my all time favorite bar in Michigan. I absolutely love the specials after 11pm and their appetizers are all really good. I love that this bar is so laid back and everyone that goes there, for the most part is chill and not acting a fool. There burger's are pretty impressive too!
(4)Lili L.
One of my favorite restaurants in Michigan. Always consistent. We ALWAYS order the fried pickles because they are absolutely delicious. Everything else on the menu is good too (burgers, sandwiches, egg salad, gazpacho during the summer). You can't go wrong. After 11 pm is their happy hour and most drinks are half off!
(5)Esther H.
As soon as I arrived in Michigan, Byoung Kyu S. & Lan H. told me that the one place to eat is Sidetracks. It was a great recommendation. The place sounds promising when you read the quote on the side of the building - "Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" quoted by Benjamin Franklin. I had high hopes for this place and it didn't fail. We were seated right by the train tracks where the train zoomed right by us during lunch. The service was great. People are very kind and patiently waited on us. Our waiter even helped to recommend a good local beer for me to try. (The Amber Blonde) The beer I chose went divinely with my Gorgonzola Tenderloin cooked at medium rare. It was accompanied by some soft warm sweet potato fries and a jalapeno dipping sauce and three stems of asparagus. The entire lunch was great! I was happy and buzzed. =)
(5)Mevei I.
Great burger. Period. My friends and I went there for my first time and of course, I had the burger. Tasted really great--however as I was finishing up half of it, I realized the 2nd half was under cooked (like raw) so I had to send it back. They brought a whole new burger quickly and it was cooked to perfection! Tasted so good. Service wasn't fast, but we had a lot to talk about so it was fine. If we were in the rush, we would have gotten aggravated with the delay tho. Overall, best burger in town! Can't wait to return!!
(4)Sam G.
You know what got me through last winter in Michigan? Hot cider spiked with a helluvalot of whiskey consumed while sitting next to Sidetrack's fireplace. Warms the tummy and the tuchus! The christmas lights and the cozy interior soothed the soul and made winter more romantic and dreamy than pathetic and dreary. The burgers are indeed pretty tasty, though also fairly 'classic.' [god DAMMIT michigan, stop putting mayo on everything - NO MAYO]. Their sweet potato fries are FIIIIIIINE, girl. Put that in my mouth, now. [and my Polish blood rejoices at the horseradish sauce... which is also probably mayo]. Love the amish chicken and their fish tacos aren't too shabby. Hit happy hour and you'll get a gigantic mug of microbrew on tap for a ridiculously low price (around 3 bucks I think? everything got blurry after drink two with the meds and all...). I don't know how I feel about the place in the summer. Sure it's nice to sit outside but I don't know. The service seems to get a little more spotty and the whole place feels more 'family restaurant' than 'quirky pub.' I do, however, love the train plowing by directly next to the patio. Makes one heck of a dynamic experience. Winter love, summer commitment issues.
(3)Kathleen C.
I just have to review this spot again. It's fantastic! The spot is always packed, yet the staff never seems rushed and is always friendly. While I wish that my burger came with fries, the prices are so reasonable that I don't mind adding a side (fries, fried zucchini as my mom had or whatever the case may be). Adding any topping you want to your burger is also a plus. Avocado and swiss - delish! I've been to this spot many times and it always makes me happy. The atmosphere is one of dive bar combined with hitching post. It's really adorable and a great spot for a casual dinner. There are quite a few outdoor spots as well - all charming. Definitely a must visit in the area! p.s. the MIchigan wines are pretty good, too.
(5)John M.
Food is good, beer list is good, service is terrible. I went to Sidetrack with a couple friends. We immediately questioned why we went to Sidetracks because the service is always horrible. As usual the service was horrible, the waitress walked away while I was in mid sentence more than one time, there was no engagement from the waitress what so ever. While we were complaining about the service a waitress from Wurst Bar, Jaz, tapped me on the shoulder just to say Hi because she was also drinking at Sidetrack. What made it even better was that she knew me by name even though she had only waited on me once. I was so blown away that me and my friends tabbed out and went to Wurst bar. Granted every restaurant has its bad days, Sidetrack seems to always have a bad day when I visit. Next time I won't waste my time and I'll go right to Wurst Bar.
(2)Dea A.
Hands down, the BEST onion rings I've EVER had. I'm drooling just thinking about these massive, amazing onion rings. The rings are thick, and not being an raw-onion-kind of person I feared that they wouldn't be cooked all the way through. But wow. WOW. They were cooked perfectly and they were sweet! And totally balanced with the salty amazing batter. I cannot comment on anything else about this place... because honestly, I was a little buzzed after the Beerfest and can't recall about service, smokiness, or beer menu. The only thing I remember... is those onion rings. Omg.
(4)Amy W.
One star for stellar beer list and fun drinks. One star for fabu outside seating, location, and being the place to see and be seen in Ypsi. One star for the excellent happy hour. As for the food... no stars at all from this Vegan gal. The cross-contamination on the grill is at such a high level that your tempeh will arrive enrobed in a thick layer of meaty grease and studded with chunks of flesh. Such a shame, too, because they have ample veg-friendly selections, including a Philly, burger, and salads topped with tempeh. I've been eating here off and on since the lat 90s and this is a long-standing issue. Other vegan notes: The black bean burger contains egg as a binder. Daiya cheese is now available but you'll need to get it on a plain salad. The grilled veggies on the pita pizza fall victim to the meat-palooza on the grill. I recommend the following: Guacamole (fairly sure this does not contain sour cream), side salad, maybe they'll do a pita pizza with Daiya and no grilled veggies? Ah well. Get some great Michigan beer and you'll feel better.
(3)Jennifer E.
I think we've eaten here more than any other place in Ypsi since we got here. It's pretty enjoyable, reasonably tasty, and the atmosphere is fun. They have decent vegetarian options, tasty salads, good appetizers. The sweet potato fries are excellent, the mac and cheese is fattening and delicious. The desserts are kinda meh, though- too sweet, too large, and sometimes (carrot cake) a little stale. Also, how on earth can apple pie be out of season? (Note to restaurant owners everywhere: please stop putting a quart of bland vanilla ice cream on top of every dessert! Also: Why is a slice of cherry pie so hard to find in the cherry capital of the Northeast?!) I do get peeved though, because when we turn up with kids we always get shuttled to the annex, even when the main room has tables. It makes us feel like second-class citizens. Likewise, the service can be a little annoying- nothing worse than a server interrupting dinner conversation just to ask if you like your food- then doing it two more times. Blegh, stop that! :P
(4)Hymae W.
I love sidetracks but their staff continues to disappoint me. We have the same angry and bitter waiter for the last 3 visits. He just acts so inconvinced whenever we ask for anything. Food is still excellent.
(3)Jeffrey C.
Sidetrack -is- Ypsilanti.
(5)Jen S.
I really love this place. I have a soft spot for it and I always will... until the DAY I DIE. No, but more seriously, I say that because this is the best "classic American" restaurant around here -- maybe even one of my favorite restaurants around here period. It's just a fun place to come and get really good food and beer. I've tried a few different dishes and have enjoyed each one, but I think I'm now going to remain faithful to the shepherd's pie. I really like the atmosphere with all the animal heads (and I'm a animal advocate) and fireplace and all the wood. I don't know -- I just really enjoy this place and maybe it's because I've given up hope on finding really good restaurants in the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area. The only downside is that there can be a LONG wait for a table and the "waiting area" is about the size of a shoebox so it can be awkward.
(5)Great Lakes L.
We've always been a big fan of Ypsilanti's Depot Town. Partially because it's the host of the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, which is a magical distinction in and of itself. But we also love it because of the enormous character of its bars and restaurants. The Sidetrack was the last remaining place for us to visit, so our trip here was highly anticipated. Thankfully, Sidetrack didn't let us down. We arrived at 5:30 on a cold, snowy Friday evening in February and were greeted by a warm fire, friendly staff, and thankfully zero wait for a table (however by the time we left, folks were lined up to be seated). Any place that has a separate beer menu is always awesome, especially when loaded with local Michigan craft beer. Sidetrack met both these criteria, and we were lucky enough to visit when they still had Bell's Hopslam on tap. The menu is chock full of "hand crafted" burger options, which is Sidetrack's specialty. We sampled a basic cheeseburger and it was delicious and cooked to perfection. We also opted for the Louisiana White Fish Sandwich and WOW was it great - the fish was flaky and delicious, and the "twangy" sauce and pepperjack cheese vaulted it over the top. The server was very attentive and when we stayed a bit longer to finish our beers after the bill had already been paid, she never once made us feel like we needed to get a move on. This was a pleasant departure from many other restaurants whom shall remain nameless. If you're looking for a restaurant with charm, great food, an eclectic beer selection, look no further than Sidetrack. We will definitely return and would 100% recommend this place to others.
(4)Michael S.
If you love burgers, you have to go to Sidetrack. It was ranked by GQ magazine as having one of the best burgers and also mentioned on Oparah. Don't let that deter you. One of the knocks against this place is the service. It can get really busy and the waitstaff can't seem to keep up. The food besides the burgers is also very good, but trying a burger should be your top priority. You have the opportunity to choose your own toppings. If you can't decide, I recommend getting bacon, blue cheese, and tomato. Definitely order it medium-rare so you can truly appreciate the full flavor. If you are there in the summer, be sure to wash it down with a pint of Bell's Oberon.
(5)Shaun Garth W.
great food, great local place to hang out. I'm a big fan of the Cheeseburger salad....not the most likely combination, by by golly it works! only downside can be inexplicably slow service. but if you go in expecting it you won't bed too stressed.
(4)MItch R.
Best Burger in the area, and great home made fries. As a local EMU student, I eat and drink here very often. The beer selection is vast and delicious, with many great local and seasonal brews. The place to be in Depot Town. For that fact its a little hipster sometimes, but hey that's Depot Town for you.
(5)Samm B.
Smells AWFUL! Food is mediocre at best. Their draft beer gives you bubble guts, probably because they don't clean their taps properly or at all. Filthy place to eat and drink. Customer service, service in general is a joke here. Only thing keeping them open is their location and happy hour deals.
(1)Anne Y.
My husband isn't a yelper so he told me to yelp this place. He would probably give Sidetracks a 5. This is his favorite burger joint. He first heard about this place because it was raved about in the GQ magazine. I heard about it from oprah. It's solid for their burgers. I've had the Mac&Cheese burger and the Veggie burger called Tempeh buger. The vegetarian burger was amazing! Its a soy burger. Even my husband thought it was amazing. The size of the burgers aren't large enough to split. I heard the mac and cheese dish was good too. As far as salads, the big Michigan salad is always good. It has dried cherries slices of apples and pears. You also get a choice of grilled chicken, black bean burger or tempeh (soy burger). The wings are solid. The hubby likes the fried pickles. I'm not a big fan of fried pickles.. so my opinion doesn't count on them. The restaurant looks like a standard midwest bar. Its right next to a railroad track abd the train comes by every so often. It has a comfortable atmosphere. The service is friendly. They take kinda long in coming out with the meals. Can't wait to try the other burgers
(4)Jeanette H.
Find myself wating to spend more and more time here, especially on evenings where I want to spend time relaxing with friends just chatting the evening away. The atmosphere is cozy, welcoming and relaxing - especially if you can get a table by the fireplace and the patio is fun in the summer. The drink menu is expansive ranging from rotating beer selections (just recently had a "Banana Bread" beer that was fantastic if you like your beer a little sweet) to unbelievable martinis. The food is excellent - I really like the turkey sliders (these might be seasonal so make sure you get there before they rotate off the menu). Like some other reviewers, I have to admit that the service can be a bit hit or miss, but the atmosphere, drink selection and food more than make it worth overlooking this inconsistency and worth the trip.
(4)Sarah T.
I came here while i was visiting some friends in ypsi and this place was delicious. they had an impressive array of burger options with all sorts of toppings you could choose from. they were delicious and interesting and we had a great time!
(4)Cathy W.
I have loved Sidetracks since I started my undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University. If you're going to go to Sidetracks, you must get the pickles- it's what they're known for. I also suggest the house salad, it comes with dried cherries, cukes, and tomatoes. The pub egg rolls are also delicious (deep fried egg roll with swiss cheese, ham, and a dill pickle) with ranch dressing. If you like a good burger-- Sidetracks is known for, and has been recognized for their burgers. I also love the "You Can't Tune A Piano, But You Can Tune-A-Fish" sandwich-- tuna salad with cheddar cheese, tomato, and russian dressing. YUMMY!! I long for Sidetracks when I am back home in North Carolina and do what I can to get to Sidetracks each time I get back to the Mitten. If you've never been there and are looking for something new to try-- definitely go to Sidetracks. Ask for Amy Lynn... she's the best server that they've got!!
(5)Bruce F.
We were in Ypsilanti and decided to go down to Depot Town and try The Sidetrack. We have been by it many times, but it was always crowded and we would try something else. We went in and tried some menu items other than burgers and had mixed results. The fried cheese sticks were just OK, but the fried Zucchinis the best we've ever had! My daughter ordered a Cheese Steak and I tried a piece and it was extremely dry and for the price, I thought it would come with fries, not potato chips. My wife had the Shepard's Pie, which came out looking like a piece of an oven baked sandwich and was very dry as well. It did come with a dressing size container of thin gravy, which helped to flavor it up a little bit. I had the Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage and it was pretty good and creamy. I think a Polish Sausage might have been more flavorful though. The waitress was very helpful and attentive and brought the girls a Martini and a Long Island Iced Tea each, which they seemed to really enjoy. I was not that impressed with the selections, but I will be back that way again this summer and will probably try the burgers. 3 stars for now, but I'll be back...
(3)Hans A.
Sidetrack is hearty flavorful bar food. You can sit right by the railroad tracks and it is pretty sweet when a train goes by during dinner. The fish and chips are done right, and everything people say about how good the burgers are is correct. Plus you can get a fried pickle appetizer. I have had inconsistent service there more than once, so if your food doesn't show up bug the waiter in case they have forgotten about you.
(4)Karen T.
Having frequented Sidetrack for the last decade, I've slowly noticed an establishment fall into decline. Will Sidetrack return to what it once was? I'm not sure. The Happy Hour is the best in town - but since the smoking ban, the bar smells like urine - yes, urine, as in: pee, piss, waste, a bathroom - the bathroom from "Trainspotting" at times. Is there a sewage leak in the basement? After getting piss drunk on cheap beer, you won't notice. I find it odd that this is the only establishment where I've found myself wishing the smoking ban wasn't passed (and I smoke!). Service: you'll probably wait for a table if it's at night, wait an additional 10 minutes for someone to even notice you, receive your drinks 15 minutes later and then get asked about food an additional 20 minutes after that. Food: Then, after receiving your food, something will be wrong - Fries are typically soggy - Burgers aren't cooked to what you ordered - soup tastes very "off" (was that really too much salt? YES) - steak is OVER COOKED - greens in salads aren't fresh. (And damnit, even the fried pickles typically taste like they were cooked 20 minutes ago, so they're soggy too. And they were my favourite) Drinks: Decent bloody mary's - bartenders know their stuff. If Sidetrack were a bar strictly, no food, it would be lovely. However - overrated, gross food coupled with horrible service and the smells of pee have pushed me to every other bar in Ypsilanti.
(2)Seoung L.
Finally got to try Sidetrack after years of hearing it about from friends. I was very satisfied with my meal and the overall experience. I think the beautiful weather and eating outside in a shade for late lunch really made meal stand out. I ordered the hamburger just because it was featured as the top 20 burger in USA by GQ magazine. Well it wouldn't be in the top 20 hamburger I have eaten but the hamburger was decent. It was juicy but it wasn't bursting with flavor. I got the sweet potato fries and it was good but again not the best I had and I think Zingerman's was way better. Tried the Mac and Cheese and it was pretty tasty but also not good as Zingerman's, Slow's, or Clarkston Union. I absolutely loved that they give you a carafe of whatever drink you order so you don't need to ask for a refill. The little things like this makes me recommend a place. The waiter was very good and I loved the outdoor seating area. I really liked their menu and I do want to try more meals in the future. I see that they had a huge vegetarian option and looked delicious. Can't wait to come back!
(4)Trevor M.
Went here for late night burgers and some deep fired pickles and we were not disappointed to have made that decision. The burger was cooked perfectly (However once you get it I usually turn the burger upside down otherwise the bottom bun can get soaked in grease). I really enjoy the fries, pickles and overall atmosphere. Thanks Sidetrack
(4)Richard L.
Before I repeat what everyone else says -- if you're looking for WiFi the listing says no, but you can pick up the Free Ypsi Wireless service on the Sidetrack side in some places, and from any of the outdoor patios. My favorite place. The burgers are the draw and they don't disappoint -- you won't find better flavor anywhere. I always opt for the double-decker Amtrak burger, but the single 1/3 pounder suffices for smaller appetites. I'll always miss the half pound option, but I must admit the Amtrak burger that's replaced it is an improvement. If there's a weakness, it's that the bun doesn't really hold up its end of the bargain but that becomes a minor quibble after about two bites. Also not to be missed on a stop at Sidetrack are the chicken wings, they're just spicy enough and don't need any extra sauce or flavoring. The beer list and frequent half-price happy hours are the cherry on top, whether you want to drink your usual standby or a nice local selection, it's likely available and reasonably priced.
(5)Alex G.
I was brought here by local friends, went there a little after midnight... they had a "Late Happy Hour" which was awesome! LOTS of beers on tap... They had a good atmosphere for a Tues night. Ordered Queso dip, which everyone devoured. the mac-n-cheese side.. I wanted to live in it. Also ordered the hawaiian shrimp quesadillas on special... they were sooo tasty. Our server was really nice and helpful. Love the place, would like to check it out on a weekend when we come back!
(5)Orval Ale S.
Damn good at what it does and been doing it forever. Burgers and beverages are worth the drive from wherever you are. The mushrooms here will not leave you bleeding from below the waist.... Go load up now.
(5)Johnathon S.
Sidetrack is my favorite restaurant. The Yankee pot roast is amazing. Great food, good beer, great service. I hardly ever have a complaint when I come here and I come about twice a month if not more.
(5)Chad T.
I love Sidetrack. I've been going to Sidetrack for years. I used to go there once or twice a week when I lived in the area, now that I moved to Plymouth I only get here once or twice a month. The happy hour rocks. Best happy hour in town. The beer selection on tap and in bottle is awesome. They feature quality brews from Michigan and around the world - this isn't the type of place where you go to drink cheap swill like anything made from Budweiser, Miller, or Coors. The food is great too. Great burgers, deep fried pickles are great, and the hand cut sweet potato fries are to die for. The Mac and cheese is also a favorite. Truthfully I've never had a bad meal here, everything is great. I usually sit at the bar, on occasion I have sat in the dining room or on one of the patios. The back patio is dog friendly. This is a huge plus as there have been several times over the years when I have stopped by for a quick beer for me and water for my Golden Retriever while out for a walk. I give special kudos to any business which is dog friendly. This is not a sports bar, you don't go here to watch a game you go here to drink quality brews and have great conversation with your friends and the regulars. There is only one TV there and it isn't even turned on all the time. This is a good thing as TV's in bars and restaurants kill conversation. Highly recommended!
(5)Pete P.
I've been to Sidetrack a few times and I'd have to say they are pretty consistent with their food. The burgers are good, nothing to complain about but I'm not sure they're one of the best in the country (as has been written about them). The fries SUCK!!! They are so wimpy and limp, no crispiness to them at all. I've complained to the waitstaff and each time they say that they've been sitting too long after frying, which is not something I want to hear as a customer. They also say they're working on it, which is an excuse if you ask me because I've heard it several times separated by a few months each time. Those fries might appeal to Lamar Latrell from Revenge of the Nerds( "check out Lamar's limp-wristed throwing style") but that's about it. The service here is okay not great either and with the high noise level, you have to shout your order here at times. I do like the old-timey decor but thye've got to make some changes to get me to come back. It'll be a few more months at least.
(2)Ryan B.
Attended a b-day dinner with my friend last week here and had an average restaurant experience. The nationally renowned handcrafted burger was good, but not that good. I actually prefer Sava's or Ruby Tuesday's Burgers over theirs. What should be nationally renowned is their Beer-Battered Zucchini. Definitely stole the taste test! Like the burger, the service wasn't extremely special. I wish they would have rolled out the red carpet on my friend's b-day. That may make my review a little biased, but this definitely is not on my top restaurant list. Reason for my return would be to have those Zucchini again.
(3)barbie b.
Sidetrack is totally overrated. Maybe people are just desperate for a decent beer list....I know I am. Living in Ypsilanti, loving craft beer and good burgers, it would be logical for me to LOOOOVE Sidetrack...unfortunately the service of the staff is so laughably bad it's starting to reflect poorly on me for giving them so many chances. I've been to ST 4 times now. The first 3 were among the most disappointing experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. 1. I went to the Short's Brewery TapTakeover, as it is my favourite brewery. Sidetrack's website indicated lots of ~fun~ and ~free beer swag~. I was hoping to get a shirt or at least a sticker! I asked my waitress and she said she had no idea what I was talking about, whatever. I ordered a beer and 20 minutes later it arrived. I then had the idea to get a sample paddle, as I was at the tap takeover, and wanted to taste as many as I could. After deciding and ordering my paddle, I waited another 20 minutes to be told they "didn't do those anymore"....only to see other diners with them. I paid for my first beer and left. I later spoke with management about the lies on their website and they had nothing but silly excuses...which makes sense, given the staff they employ. 2. I went back with a friend for a snacky lunch. On my previous visit, I had eyed the bavarian ham sandwich that in emboldened letters, also included honey mustard. I ordered a dish of french fries, asked for a side of honey mustard only to be told they "didn't carry that"...disregarding the sandwich with it as the main condiment, I guess. 3. Was unable to order as I sat on the patio for 30 minutes before getting water. 4. WOW! I can't believe I went back. But I guess 4th times a charm. I went with my mother on a Friday night and ordered a burger which was absolutely perfect. blimpy does it better, cheaper, and with better service. never again, ST.
(1)Tim L.
Had my first visit on September 21. We had a late lunch. Service was great and attentive. We ordered mac n cheese with andouille and a burger with pulled pork and slaw. The good: - Food was good for pub grub, but not phenomenal. - Awesome selection of tap beers. I tried a paddle so I can get a sampling of different beers. I love that they did that. - In addition to the paddle we sampled, we were offered a taste of several other beers that were generous and quite good to boot. - Cool ambience for a historic bar. We actually got to see the 1:15 Amtrak stop across the street to pick up passengers. What made the Sidetrack 4 stars is the quality of the food, the high quality and selection of beers coupled with the value. We will definitely be back for more!
(4)Travis Z.
Sidetracks has a great menu that has lots of options for whatever you're feeling. They have great vegetarian options and a vast beer selection on tap. It makes it even more fun when a train comes by while you are there.
(5)Sam T.
Great burgers and great beer selection. Sweet potato fries and the sauce that went with them were phenomenal. My wife and I will be going back very soon.
(5)Megan M.
Most amazing Gorgonzola Tenderloin. Great price, great fool. And this new manager, Harry Tattoo is an amazing dude!
(5)Jenni H.
Sidetrack is definitely an Ypsi staple. To say that they have an extensive menu is an understatement--my favorite item is the tempeh philly. Whatever they grill that tempeh with makes it delicious...and if you're feeling extra-indulgent, make sure you get the side of ranch for dipping--yum! If you want something a little healthier, the salads are usually fresh--my personal favorite is the Michigan Harvest Salad. And I know I'm probably in the minority here, but I don't actually like their "house specialty" beer battered pickles. They're just whole pickle spears that the fry. I must prefer places that slice them up like potato chips and serve 'em with a dipping sauce. As for the atmosphere, this place can get loud and somewhat claustrophobic when it's full. There is an outdoor patio space that is really nice in the summer, and I feel a bit like a little kid when I get excited by a train going by. The service is hit or miss and they have a large beer selection, but not a lot of options for non-beer drinkers.
(3)Sara C.
Sidetrack is my go-to in the 'hood. In the winter, it's warm and cozy - and in the summer, it's the perfect place to sit with drinks on the patio. From grabbing dinner to late night happy hour (yes, LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR - HALF-OFF beverages!) drinks, you really can't go wrong. Always great beers on tap. Not a beer drinker? They've got fancy cocktails, too. Food favorites: -Fish tacos -Portobello burger -Pub chips -Mozz sticks (seriously, what do they do to make them so good here?) Be warned: it gets a little crazy on the weekends, so if that's not your thing, come during the week.
(4)Kelly J.
Sidetrack's is great, it's my favorite bar in Ypsi. They have tons of craft beers on tap, a great happy hour, custom cocktails at decent prices, and amazing food. Their cheeseburger soup is amazing, and their tempeh burger is not only the best tempeh burger I've ever had, but one of the best burgers I've had, period. The prices are great and you really can't beat their menu. It's a great place. The only reason it's not five stars is that it's not uncommon to get slow service at Sidetrack (it's often packed,) where it's impossible to get a second drink or a bill. It's actually a pretty common occurrence--the fact that I'm rating four stars tells you how good the food and drinks are. The bad service can be overlooked. I recommend going during non-peak hours if you want quick service and drink refills.
(4)Adam D.
Fish tacos and raspberry tea were awesome. A few in our group got burgers and said they were amazing. The sweet potato fries were not that great but the sauce was so good you could have drank it.
(5)Matt D.
I love the burgers, great beer menu and has a hometown pub atmosphere. Really great patio in summer and fantastic fireplace in winter. For a "homey" place with consistently good food, this place won't disappoint.
(5)Gretchen G.
This place makes up for the hood rat rep many people think of when they hear the word Ypsilanti. Food is delicious, and you can't beat the 1/2 off happy hour for appetizers and tap. Must haves are the portabella mushroom burger, the original burger, and Frog Island Amber ale.
(5)cee g.
I definitely have a contentious relationship with Sidetrack. On the one hand, I enjoy their food. Aside from some occasional inconsistencies, they do great Midwestern standards (like burgers and sweet potato fries) and have plenty of vegetarian options. I also dig their beer selection and happy hour deals. On the other hand: the service. I live in the neighborhood and used to come in regularly with my family or friends. Now, I don't need to feel like I"m in Cheers or anything, but I would like to feel like I'm not inconveniencing the staff by spending my money. That's exactly how everyone there - from servers to managers and the owner (who for some reason yelled at us in the parking lot one day) - have made us feel on separate visits. I've actually been to chain restaurants nearby where the staff is more courteous and attentive. So (again, I live a couple of blocks away), while I like the idea of supporting a local business and do eat out regularly, we consciously avoid Sidetrack just to save ourselves a negative experience. I wish it weren't that way. I wish the restaurant in my neighborhood didn't make me wish I had either gone somewhere else instead or maybe just stayed home.
(3)JT M.
Went there a little bit ago with some friends and my first impression when I walked in was "Wow!" I feel at home. The place has that warm cozy feel to it. I recommend a table in the back by the fire. The drinks are great, service was prompt and pleasant, the people are welcoming, and management is courteous and helpful. Each person I went with ordered a different dish that I got to sample. Each burger, pasta, and fish platter had a unique genuine taste that I would certainly go back for. I had a great time and enjoyed myself thoroughly.
(5)Erin B.
Great spot for outdoor seating. They have a great beer selection and our waitress had awesome recommendations. The sliders are the real reason I wanted to write a review--both the regular and gourmet are something to write home about. The perfect size with tender juicy meat and melty gooey cheese. The carmelized onions topping the sliders are sweet and delicious. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Jakub B.
A great Depot Town restaurant, one of the most famous I would say in Ypsilanti, I haven't met anyone from around here that hasn't eaten at it (which says a lot). I've been here many times, mostly for any one of their delicious burgers (something they are famously known for). I always enjoy the beer selection and finish off my meal with the yummy sweet potato fries (with horseradish.. mmm) As others have noted, be sure to try OTHER things on the menu. not just the burgers. I have tried a couple items and was always pleased with the result.
(5)tony a.
Everyone knows that Sidetrack is on the GQ top 20 list and it should be. I have been here 3 or 4 times and each time had the burger which is consistently a fantastic burger, my companion says it is the toasted bun that gives it the edge over Miller's. The appetizers are also great, the fried pickles, mushrooms and clams are all wonderful. There is also a large selection of beers on tap including a wonderful German wheat. One last note- the service has been great every time I have been here, seated quickly, served with care and friendliness. Great place. Best regards, tony
(4)Meggie S.
Sidetrack is hands down my choice spot in Ypsi. They have spoiled me with their happy hour. I've never been unhappy with a meal there. If you never try the southwest egg rolls, you are seriously missing out. Sweet potato fries, beer-battered pickles, black bean burger, pot roast dinner, chili, quesadillas... all SO good. The patio makes for an awesome place to relax outside in the summer as well. It does get quite crowded, however. Even with the use of Frenchies next door, if you're there during happy hour on the weekends expect to wait for a table. I wouldn't recommend going with a large group, as it always ends up being a little too squished and chaotic. The waitstaff aren't perfect, but that can be attributed at least partly to the fact that it's always so crowded. On several occasions I've gotten a drink or my entree and not seen anyone again for quite some time. They had one waiter in particular who was very rude to my friends and I on several visits as well. They seem to be improving quite a bit, though, as I've been really happy with my service on my last several visits. I believe that they're doing some remodeling and that there will be more space in the future, which will probably improve service and comfortability overall. Can't wait!
(4)Christopher F.
Located right in the heart of Depot town, these burgers keep me coming back to a place otherwise I prob would not step foot in. When you come here you are coming here for the burgers, cooked to order, and one of the tastiest burgers I have ever had. The bread is soft and also really good. In addition, to the burgers, I would recommend Fried pickels, zucchanni, and clams all really good. Also at night they have pretty good happy hour sales. Inside has a very rustic Michigan fell, neat atmosphere and great service. Parking is ok they have a small private lot if full just go over to frog island park a block away located next to farmers market and you should find parking there. The reason for the point deduction, the burger comes with only lettuce and grilled onions for $5.75 by the time you add tomatoes and cheese or bacon your burger comes to about 8-9 dollars. (After my experience at Blimpys, this restaurant really deserves a 5) However, this is still one of the best burgers I have had and, I continue to frequent this establishment often.
(5)Kristen C.
I love their patio in the summertime. They've also got a great beer selection, awesome fried pickles, and even though I always tell myself I'm not going to get the Hippie Sliders (black bean burger goodness), I always end up getting them because they're SO wonderful.
(4)John F.
Great beer selection. My girlfriend and I were in town for her sisters graduation from EMU and Christmas the family went to Sidetracks for the post grad ceremony dinner. The place was packed so maybe the food suffered a little as a result. Or maybe it was just me kind of like when you go for a movie, hyped as the best film to arrive in cinema ever. So you get those high expectations and then only find it so-so. I mean the actual burger was great, but my fries were barely cooked and already that fry soft and cold after sitting out to long. They marketed the burger as having avocado, but only the residual from another burger must of made it on, as I couldn't find much evidence. Ample bacon though, no of that 1 skinny fake bacon slice and plentiful cheese. Can't wait to give this place another shot, when they are not as busy. You could tell the staff and even managers were slightly overwhelmed.
(3)Wally S.
It's been a long time since I was at Sidetrack. I keep hearing how great it is, we wanted burgers so decided to try it again. Atmosphere: The inside of this place is beautiful. Brick, loads of woodworking, but the rows between the tables are really tight. It's also extremely noisy and rather dark. I had lots of difficulty hearing our waitress when she was trying to take our order and also had trouble reading all of the small typeface on the menu. Maybe I'm just getting old. Beer: They have a real large choice of beer. Wife and I both had 25 ouncers, both were treat albeit I would have enjoyed it much more during happy hour; I'm cheap. Food: The burgers were very good although the 1/3 pound burger seemed a bit small. Meat was great, not too fatty, but not too dry and cooked to my liking . Many topping are available to build your own burger although mine was a bit messed up since neither I nor the waitress could hear what was said during the order. Fries were "blah". I mean really. They were soggy, cold, just plain boring and they were $2.00 over the price of the burger; nothing included here. The savior of the evening of course is the deep fried pickles. Oh my .... These are a must have. You really don't even know what to imagine until you tasted a hot, deep fried, pickle dipped in ranch dressing. It's all about taste, it's all about texture, but it's also about burning the roof of your mouth. Be careful. Sidetrack is a good place to go.. a bit too expensive for what I got, but not much so. Also... I guess I enjoy burgers more when I get them at dives.. I like them juicy and messy. I didn't get this at Sidetrack , but I'll say that they do have one of the best "cultured" burgers that I've tastes.
(3)Ethan T.
Loud and fun with a great mixture of college students, and professionals. Since I do not live in Detroit anymore this place has become a welcome home type stop. No matter what time my flight arrives this is my first stop once I leave the airport. The bar itself, where I always sit, has a comfy feel to it. Short enough where conversations can be had from on end to the other, and so the bartender can always see when you are in need of anything. Note, the bartenders here are awesome. Coming home means I default to Labatt Blue, which this place has on tap, as well as several other beers and a full bar. Staying consistent and somewhat mundane, I always order the cheeseburger and fries, and I am always glad I did so. The burger is good size and filling, while the fries are a nice thick cut, and oh so good with mayonnaise. The TV's are always set to local sports, and this is a great place to watch a Michigan football game, or a Red Wings game. The place is never empty, but is much more crowded at night, still the service will not be lacking. There is nice outside seating and a great number of table inside as well, so no problem getting a seat when ever you show up. I will be back here soon, and I can't wait!
(5)Brent W.
Get out of here. One-star reviews are often reserved for singularly bad experiences, sometimes reflecting an impulse, knee-jerk reaction to a waiter's bad day. Let me assure you, this is not the case. I have not one, but **FOUR** outstandingly horrible experiences at Sidetrack, and I am pleading with anyone who reads this review to think again before patronizing this restaurant, ostensibly a 'local favorite'. I moved to the small town of Ypsi for business. I just relocated from the heart of the Los Angeles downtown area, so the small-town feel of Ypsi was completely new to me and trying to make it comfortable I wanted to quickly make a good impression on what seems to be the central restaurant in town, Sidetrack. Obviously they didn't wish the same to me. 1) I went with some coworkers after work, being assured that the burgers are excellent and that the beer selection won't disappoint. I'll give it to them, they do have a nice selection, although I'm not a connoisseur, I was satisfied. The burger was fine, nothing special. But for 2$ more, they gave about a dozen overcooked 'fries'. Not too happy with this. The waitress tries to get us to get dessert, and two friends cave, hearing that "two cheesecakes should be good for them". Note that only two people want dessert, and the waitress advised we get two. They come, and not only are the desserts clearly family-sized, they are 10$ each. Not happy. 2) On the second occasion, not ready to write this restaurant off, I had an 11$ tab and put a 20$ bill out. The waitress took it and after a considerable amount of time, did not return the change. I asked her politely, "excuse me, could I get my change?" She answered in a clear huff, "oh, I didn't know you wanted your change back", as if it was pennies we were talking about, and as if I was really going to tip her 80%. Don't flatter yourself girl. 3) On a third case, again trying to hope it's just been a slew of bad days for the wait staff, I visit again. It's happy hour from 4-6, and the beers are really cheap. Now this is usually a great deal, in the case that they actually honor happy hour. I order a beer, along with the rest of my friends, at about 5:30. We have some good conversation, and I'm feeling a bit peckish, so I order that mediocre burger at about 6:30. When we're done, we all get the checks, but to my great surprise [maybe not] my bill does not have the happy hour price for the drink. On calling the waitress' attention to this, she shrugs it off, saying, "oh, because you ordered something after happy hour the whole bill timestamp changes and we can't give you the discount." Excuse me? I did not leave a tip. Now, listen. I understand that often the tip is shared among the cook staff and even 'just' 10% is considered an insult, I did work on wait staff before and I know how it is. But this does not fly. 4) The last and final time I visited Sidetrack, don't worry, I had enough reservations about going, but it was a coworker's goodbye party and the bosses had not yet witnessed the horrible treatment. Again good conversation was going and I was in an okay mood, so I again ordered the burger. When it arrived, I took a large bite and was horrified to find out there was a SHARD OF GLASS in my burger. I have a dozen witnesses to the fact that there was a dime-sized piece of glass in a piece of food I did not previously touch. No injury. I was in too much shock to believe that things could be this much worse at this restaurant, so one of my more outspoken friends called down the waitress and indignantly pointed to the glass I was holding. WITHOUT A SINGLE APOLOGY, she says, "let me take that. We'll make you another one." The manager immediately summons a wait staff meeting in clear view of our table and has a futile little talk with them "this is unacceptable" all that jazz. She then comes over to me doesn't waste half a breath on apologizing, then procedes to grill me on how and when I found the glass. The point of the conversation was not apologetic, it was to figure out how it got there and try to convince me that "we don't do this". She kept saying "thank you for letting me interrogate you" and "it must be a problem with the source" "we don't even have this kind of glass". She mentions nothing about 'on the house' or 'sorry'. In the end, they have the magnanimous generosity of comping JUST THE BURGER, not even my drink or the sides. Meanwhile, we've been sitting there for about two hours now and the waitress keeps coming to clean up unnecessarily ('are you done YET?' -with our half full beers), clearly wanting us to leave. On leaving, no staff says 'thank you' or 'thanks for coming.' ----- I do not rate things with one-star. I also do not cuss. But this place was a fucking awful piece of shit to me. I'm glad that other people have had good experiences, but if you are like me and really appreciate and reward good service with tips and patronage, avoid Sidetrack at all costs.
(1)Scott P.
Great menu with some unique items. (Sweet potato fries with horseradish sauce were awesome!) excellent beer selection too. And friendly, attentive staff. What more could you ask for? I will definitely be back.
(4)Becky C.
I've heard wonderful things about Sidetrack so I was thrilled that I was finally able to pay the restaurant a visit today. To break down my review a bit, I would give Sidetrack 2 stars for service and 4 stars for food. My enthusiasm for finally making a visit to Sidetrack was tempered immediately when we walked into the door shortly after they first opened at 11am. Judging by the annoyed looks on their faces, the waitstaff did not seem particularly pleased that they already had customers. This was further confirmed by waiting over 10 minutes for our menus and then overhearing them say, "Who has the table in the front?" with the response being, "No one." A waitress eventually took our orders but mainly disappeared for the rest of our meal despite the fact that there were only about 3 other parties in the restaurant. Consequently, I've concluded that the level of service may not be completely related to how busy the restaurant may get at times. On a more positive note, I really enjoyed my black bean burger with lettuce, tomato, and sweet potato fries! I'm a huge fan of veggie burgers and sweet potato fries and thought both were excellent. The cheddar cheese on the burger was a nice complement to a very tasty black bean patty and the fries had a nice crisp to them, which is important because sweet potato fries can often be mushy/soggy. I also ordered a hot tea, which included at least 7 teas bags and an extra pot of water, which was a lovely touch. Given how cozy the restaurant was and how much I enjoyed my food, I definitely plan to return. Given that it was a Sunday morning and I'm not a morning person either (especially on the weekends), I'm also hopeful that the service might be a little better next time too.
(3)Tom B.
I have watched this place progress my entire life... Sometimes I feel like it maybe getting to big for it's britches. We all have to remember this is Ypsilanti. Ypsi is full of all different types of people and was built/survives on a blue collar mentality. This mentality is why Sidetrack has done so well... The family/staff, food, and specials set this place apart. Linda French is amazing. She is very involved with the community and business. The place oozes her style and personality. She is always hanging out at the thursday night cruises and reminisces with all the life long ypsiers. If you get the pleasure of having Lisa as your server consider yourself lucky! She is awesome! The Food is good and has a good price tag. There catering is really good. We have used them @butmanford and always have a good experience. And speaking of price there is not a place anywhere that has a better happy hour. The only thing I'm not sure of is the turn over of staff. Seems like some good people have left this place in a hurry. Love You Sidetrack!!
(5)Stephen H.
I cant believe I have not reviewed Sidetracks yet. The food is ok, I have a special affinity for the burgers and the fish tacos. I dont care for microbrews that much but this is just my opinion. I think what really makes this place special is the service is always really good considering how much business the place does. Second, the location is in a very quaint, historic part of ypsi. Third, the patio out back and on the side are great if you want to sit outside and catch a buzz with some good grub. Fourth, happy hour starts at 10pm and thats when the place gets really packed. Huge beers are like 2 bucks.
(3)Chris S.
What aspects of a restaurant should have more influence over a rating? Food? Drinks? Specials? Service? Crowd? Atmosphere? I find myself really struggling with this one. Sidetrack hands down has some of the best food in the region. By far. They have a huge selection of vegetarian options that makes be very happy, but also have tons of localized and seasonal offerings. I tend to go with the veggie Reuben and ALWAYS start with the fried pickles. If you like fried pickles, sidetrack's are the best I've ever had. Now onto beer. Their selection is again, huge. They have tons of local brews as well as some not-so-local ones. And their happy hour? sheesh. It is nightly, and its a late night one. You can get 32 ounce beers for $3.75. Count me in. For some reason, though, it seems that most of the times when I order beer, it comes out warmer than it should be. For an ale, this is somewhat acceptable, but for lagers and the like, slightly warmer than normal makes for a pretty gross beer. This place is always jammed. Always. It doesn't matter when you go, but there is always a huge crowd, and often quite diverse. You get a large number of college students and young people, but it is also in a way a community gathering spot where the young and old alike flock. Now let's talk about the worst part of the restaurant because up to this point I've really only said good things. Their service sucks. It is some of the worst in the area. So what do you do when you have the best food, and worst service? It's tricky. Really tricky. They are always slow. They often forget items, bring appetizers out with your main dish, are rude, difficult, etc. I've been many times, and just about every visit some sort of issue arises. I wish I could read more into the cause of this, but I really can't. And it seems to me that the owners have no desire to change. You can be proud that you serve good food and come back, but when your service is lousy, your employees will receive less tips, and thus their productivity goes down. So solution: if you want good service to match your food, demand it from your employees. Put your foot down and demand excellence. Similarly, maybe try hiring some more waiters/waitresses. Since the place is always jammed, maybe an issue is that staff is always overworked. Another issue is the building, and its smell. It always had a nasty odor to it, but depending on when you go, is masked by something cooking in the kitchen. The odor is a bit like mold and moisture. So where do I end? Where do my stars set? As difficult as it is, I think with the noted issues, 2.5 stars is as high I can give, rounding up to 3. That's 2.5 stars that could easily become 5. Sidetrack! Get it together. Your food is outstanding, but your service is worse than what someone would receive at a 24 hour coney island. That should be a sign that you have a problem.
(3)Byoung Kyu S.
Love this place! Great beer selection and a diverse menu. On my last trip, I got the chicken pot pie. It is HUGE and VERY tasty!
(4)Sly F.
Sidetracks. It has been a place where we all who live here at Ypsilanti have traipsed to for their late night happy hours. We've all shivered somewhat impatiently at the front area, as that darned foyer is just not big enough for the four, six, twelve plus groups that huddle together for warmth as they wait for a table to free up. And really, that's the one complaint I can really have about the place. The front door is drafty. But it's a door. It opens. It closes. And thus, drafts are created. I can't really even call it a complaint. More of an annoyance that no one can really fix unless they layer more (another sweater, mum!) And really, that doesn't hold up to when the warm air of late spring finally breaks through the cold grasp of our stubborn Michigan weather. That means there's outdoor seating! Less wait time and more drinking time! Anyways, I could go on about the charm and quanitness of the décor and history of the building. But that is what google searches and reporters are for. I'm hear to tell you the dealy-o. As we are nestled comfortably against the buttocks of Eastern Michigan University, Sidetracks is still fairly riddled with drunk college girls and boys giddy over the fact they are getting a HUGE GLASS of beer for the cheapest you can get on town. It's a good deal. They don't realize it yet but it is. Sidetracks has the largest variety of crafted beers available on draft in the city. Which is awesome. As a person who detests anything that sounds like Bud or Miller or Pabst, I often throw up in my mouth when I go into a bar that only offers the generic beers I can buy from my local CVS Pharmacy. Not the case in Sidetracks. They also don't punish you for having this preference (fetish) as it is all drafts on their lists. The only downfall is you don't get the GINORMOUS mugs of beer if the ABV % is a certain percentage. Responsibility and all that. But really, that's okay, because it's maybe 3 beers out of a list of 24 and I can't get my panties in a wad over the fact that an expensive microbrew just may have some restrictions for profit reasons. Hands down, this is the most bang you can get for you buck in regards to quality beer for the cheapest price. You win, Sidetracks. You win. Also there is The Keg down the street, all the beers that I want and nearly all of them available at Sidetracks as well. It's not the same as draft, but I digress. Sidetracks will not give up on the fact that they were listed in a magazine like seven years ago as the best burgers. Take what advertising you can get I suppose, but I don't think they really need that. Their burgers hold up on their own. As they've been more creative with their burgers in the last two years, I really can't complain. New recipes and combination of flavors do not scare me. I like change, and Sidetracks somewhat stubbornly holds on to their tradition. You'll have your standard pub fare. As I have eaten and drank at Sidetracks to the point that it is now one of those places people suggest and you're like "Ehh, I'm BORED of that place." Or that I go to and I can look around and say, "Hey remember when we got REALLY drunk in that corner and then Ray broke up with his girlfriend and she came in here and punched him all the night before our big exam?" Well that story doesn't really fit with my point, but the point is their food is consistent despite the predictable flavor - and has been for the long years I've been a patron to it. This is not a coney island however. Their food is great and average in price. The portions are medium to small. Their desserts are always awesome. They have a seasonal dessert in the summer that you should always try which is a mountain of ice cream, shortbread, and strawberries. If you haven't had their ice-cream brownie that needs to be rectified immediately. Go get one. Now. Bring a friend, it's huge. Every once in a while, we still get a craving for a Sidetracks burger. We only go during happy hour though because you really can't beat a tankard of micro-brewed beer and a freshly grilled burger. Depending on the day of the week will dictate how long your wait is, the type of seating you may get, and how irritated you waitress/waiter will be. Weekdays are slow, save for lunch happy hour. Thursday night picks up and it continues to do so until Sunday. Luckily they have Frenchie's, the building next door as additional seating. While much quieter than the main building, I always feel like service is much slower, but it could just be due to the overall slower pace that is prevalent on the Frenchie's side of the bar. I should note that everything in my previous review still stands strong - save for the smoking comment as the ban went in place in 2010. I just felt Sidetracks has earned an additional star as I've grown in my understanding of bars and foodfare that the area has to offer.
(4)Molly H.
Still a fan of Sidetrack, but just have to put in my two cents about a decidedly sub-par black bean burger - bland and mushy on the inside with weird crunchy bits on the outside. My sweet potato fries were also limp and wet. Awesome service and tasty drinks, though, and the price was right! And their guacamole is really delicious--we could see them making it in the back! Just should have gotten that awesome Chicken Margarita Salad again!
(4)A S.
I was really disappointed in both the food and the service. They have great reviews about their burgers including local and national reviews. I've honestly had better burgers at Wendy's and Five Guys. The patties were flavorless and the bun was boring. The menu choice of toppings did nothing to excite me so I opted for just cheese. I was provided generic squirt bottles for ketchup and mustard. I would think a place that provides itself on its burgers would understand that the brands of condiments its serves are important. As for service, they were busy when I visited, and I sat at the bar. The bartender didn't seem to have sense of urgency, and when I gave her my order, she finished washing 15 glasses, took a phone call, and delivered food to other diners before entering my order. I was able to watch her the entire time. I also requested no tomato, and yet I received tomato. This can be a kitchen mistake sometimes, but then I noticed on my bill it said "w/tomato" so it was her fault. No worries I removed it. She did keep my Diet Coke filled, but was very slow to bring my bill after I requested it and slow to close out the check when I provided my American Express. Looking back I still tipped 20%, not quite sure why, I guess I just wasn't thinking about it. Incidentally a college kid came in looking for a credit card that he left the night before. He sat at the bar for 10 minutes before the bartender acknowledged him, the she said the manager was coming. Another 20 minutes passed and they finally brought him his credit card. He left $2 for the ice water they gave him while he waited. He was honestly more polite than I would have been waiting. Also, the restroom which I visited on my way out was disgusting. Poorly lit, graffiti on the walls, terrible smell, and not disabled accessible. A poor restroom always makes me worried about how clean the kitchen is. I guess it was good I went to the restroom after I ate...
(1)Barbi P.
I have only heard good things about the burgers here so I was excited to try one. I made the mistake of getting the mini burgers and the just aren't the same. Mini burgers take a little extra work since they are so much smaller, they just seem to either be raw or over done and mine were definitely over done. Even covered in bacon and blue cheese it tasted dry. On my next visit I ordered a regular burger and it was much better. So stick with the full size :) My favorite part about eating here is getting the fried zucchini. It is light and fluffy and delicious and just everything fried zucchini should be. Actually after the first time I had it here I decided to start making my own at home because it turned out so good. The ranch the serve it with is also really good. The decor here is also really nice. It is only feet away from the train tracks (pay attention when you are leaving the parking lot or you might end up on the tracks...oops) so there are a few nods to trains but it isn't cheesy or overdone.
(4)Jeff M.
I love sidetracks. It really has a cool atmosphere. It's local, and I am diggin that. The burgers are great. There is a reason the made GQ's top 20 in America. The Irish egg rolls are great. The fried pickles are top notch. Onion rings are spot on. Beer selection is fantastic. You can drink lots of local here. The seasonal selection is always good. Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. I own the shirt... Nothing left to say.
(5)Quoc D.
Wanted to try some local craft beer so I came here on a Tuesday at about 8p. Party of 5 seated in the back away from all the noise possibly due to the fact we had an elderly relative with us. We were actually the only party back there. Waitress was somewhat spaztik and almost seemed like she was rushing the whole time we were dining yet service was slow. Odd?! Someone dropped our appetizers so they ended up coming out with our burgers. No biggy. Onion rings too salty. Eggrolls cooked a little under so they were a bit chewy. We actually ordered the quesadilla but these came out instead. She apologized and took them off the check. The mac cheese burger was okay. Not great nor bad but I would not order again. Now on to the original reason for coming... the tap list. Pretty good mix of local and outsider craft brews. I asked if they served flights as I wanted to sample as many beers as possible. Unfortunately they do not according to the waitress but they do serve a paddle of beers with 5oz pours. Wait... what?! I understand they have a rotating list but way too many typos on the menu. Not to mention not showing the entire name of some of the craft beers or showing the ABV of each beer available. If I were a brewery I would think twice about distributing to them. I wish I could give them a 2.5 but since they do serve decent brews I'll give them a 3. As far as returning not gonna happen.
(3)Brian W.
Huge beer selection, awesome fish tacos. Can't go wrong with their fried pickles and mushrooms. Loud bar atmosphere but well worth it for the food.
(4)Eva F.
I'll start out by saying that I rarely eat out anywhere without checking Yelp first, and often make a point of going to some of Yelp's best-loved places. Sometimes these places live up to expectation, sometimes they exceed them. And then there are times when you go, did I sit down in the wrong restaurant? Mr. F and I were wondering why we sat down at all in this one, considering that it was absolutely freezing. And painfully slow. And crowded of course, though that was expected (per Yelp). The positives: The historic details of the building are quite nice. Mr. F enjoyed his Ypsi Gypsy. And his mac and cheese with sausage. The negatives: My sweet potato fries were cut very thick and not really cooked. The burger, the much-lauded, Yelp-recommended, burger-to-end-all-burgers burger, was just OK. I'm not a great cook, but everything tasted like something I could make myself. Mr. F's meal was a special, which was supposed to come with soup. I asked the server about this, and she brought soup at the same time as the meal, and then we were charged separately for it. We were so cold and so tired of waiting at that point, we didn't dispute the $3 charge--I rather wish we had, now. Maybe we'll give them another chance someday. You know, when it's *not* a cold day in hell.
(2)Benjamin M.
Consistently $5-$10 less than a comparable meal in Ann Arbor, Sidetrack is worth the trek out. The fries are good, if inconsistently so. The burgers are dandy, as are the fish and chips and fish tacos. The fried pickles are delicious, but superfluous, given the portion size of the entrees. The black bean burger is homemade and quite tasty, if you swing that way. All in all, decent. We've eaten there lots, had relatively few mishaps. The real thrill is getting the bill at the end of the night. How reasonable! If you go on Friday, you might have to wait a bit. There are probably other restaurants in Ypsi, but I've never been to one.
(4)Shane B.
You ever have a place that you can't really peg if you like it or not? Sidetrack is definitely one of those places for me. I've been there 4 times and am still undecided. Pros: - Can almost always get seated even during times when an Ann Arbor restaurant would be packed. - Fair prices for pretty good grub. - Good beer on tap at all times. - Wide variety of food on the menu - burgers, pastas, sandwiches, apps. Cons: - Servers almost always seem disinterested in serving you. If I'm waiting on an appetizer I know is done by now and I see you coming back in from a smoke break, I'm gonna be a little peeved. - The beer menu is stagnant. It's almost always the same exact beers on tap. Bottles fluctuate a little, but I don't care to get bottled beer when I eat out. - Can be very loud, even when it's not crowded. The tables are close together and ambient noise is high. - The menu is somewhat boring at times. They don't really push the envelope in any way, shape, or form. It's simple grub, which isn't necessarily a BAD thing, but sometimes you are just like "I don't want ANYTHING on this menu". Long story short, it's a good place to go for a big beer, simple American food, and not have to wait around. Their happy hour prices are pretty absurd, too, if you happen to catch them.
(3)Joseph S.
I'm going to be be blunt on this one: Like the food, love the happy hour, hate the service. If you're going to dine at Sidetrack, be sure to do it during the off hours and never order a drink from your server during happy hour. One of the last times I was there it was with a large group on a busy night, and it easily took the server over 60 minutes to make one round. I get that they were busy, but seriously? Sixty minutes is far too long in between visits to the table, regardless of hour busy you are. Oh, and the burger that everybody raves about, all I have to say about it is, "Meh, not for me."
(2)Mr. Critic X.
Best Bar around the Ypsi/A2 area. Great food and good # of beers available of tap. Fried pickles and wings are the best here!
(5)Janis C.
Been here many times. Not certain why I haven't reviewed before. Last night's experience was superb and with that fresh in my mind a review I will do. The Sidetrack's ambiance is a big appeal to me. Lot's of old wood furnishings, momentos of the past in Ypsi and the fireplace. That fireplace is such a nice touch on a dreary, rainey Michigan early evening. The melodies of Al Green's Love and Happiness and others playing overhead added to my warm fuzziness. Then of course there is the sixteen draft beer selections. (Does Woodchuck Amber Cider count as a beer?) Bottle selections are up to fifty. Including Left Hand Brewery's 400lb. Monkey, say what? Our server Drew was very knowledgable and patiently answered all my questions. I finally settled on the Bell's HopSlam, which turned out very much to my liking. The food menu is varied. There are burgers, chicken pot pie, fish tacos, mac and cheese to baked salmon choices. My S.O. went with a burger and onion rings and was happy. I choose the Gorgonzola Tenderloin, which was served up with mashed redskin potatoes and fresh asparagus.This was excellent. The meat was both tender and flavorful. The potatoes were tasty and the asparagus was cooked with a slight crispness left in. Drawbacks, well yes. The Sidetrack is such a popular spot that you need to arrive early or late to find parking. Or go on a nice day and stretch out your legs. It's worth the walk.
(4)Ann J.
I just don't get it, everybody loves this place but I am not a believer. It is loud and cramped, and not particularly clean. All of the seating is uncomfortable, you are either getting your chair bumped, or feel completely trapped, and if you are seated within 20ft. of the bathroom it stinks! Everyone raves about the extensive beer list, but they are overpriced and always out of the beer I would like to try. The food is ok, nothing I would ever crave.The service is ok if they feel like serving you, and recently the manager went out of his way to be rude to one of my friends for no good reason at all. The only good thing about this place are the bartenders, and the fact that it is so close to better bars. Unfortunately, I get dragged in to sidetrack all the time when we ypsi bar crawl, and always dread it. I hate wasting money and time here.
(2)Jim M.
This is worth a trip on it's own, but if you happen to be in the area looking for a meal, it is a must stop! Outstanding food, outstanding atmosphere, great service, and great beer! I bring out-of-town visitors here on a regular basis, and they never fail to have a good time.
(5)Esther Y.
Sidetrack is a place you definitely have eat at if you live in the area. Their burgers are delicious! We've had their regular burgers, their special with mac & cheese, their black bean burger, and everyone has been great. Service is always friendly here the beers on tap are great, and it's just an easy place to go grab a burger and a beer.
(4)Andrew R.
Best burgers around They have the best burgers! The variety of toppings is huge and you can order just about any kind of burger your heart desires. The beef itself is very taste and always cooked exactly how you'd like. They also have a great beer selection. They have been called one of the best burger spots in Michigan (and the country...thanks GQ magazine) and I agree! My only complaint might be that the layout of the restaurant is very tight, so you'll make friends with the table next to you (like it or not).
(4)Brian L.
Best restaurant in Ypsilanti period. Best beer selection, great menu, reasonable prices. The atmosphere feels real not fake or forced. Just a great local business, for when you get sick of all the chains. It can get extremely crowded, if you like elbow room go during off peak hours.
(5)Dawn S.
This is the place I go when I'm looking for food in or near Ypsilanti. The fried pickles---you cannot not order them. This place is great for Microbrews, Burgers (yes, with a capital B), fish tacos, black bean tacos or burgers, and pretty much anything you order from the menu. Service is what you'd expect in a busy, but laid back college down bar & grill. Every time I go I forget to ask if they still the non-hooded sweatshirts on the wall. Check it out.
(5)Lauren L.
For me, Sidetrack is a place where memories are created. It's where birthdays are celebrated, where our relocated friends want to go when they come into town for a visit, where you get a group of old friends together for a good time. I've been a regular since I celebrated my 21st birthday there six years ago. The servers come and go and the mixed drinks are hit or miss, but there's a certain charm that keeps me coming back. And OK, happy hour keeps me coming back. It's hard to beat half off all liquor and a couple bucks for 20-something ounces of tasty, tasty beer (huge selection on tap, with plenty of local selections). They have local wines now, too, but unfortunately wine is not discounted for happy hour. I believe happy hour is 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. to midnight on Sundays. Since I go to Sidetrack for happy hour, the food I consume is usually an appetizer or a burger. I'm not a huge fan of red meat, but I love me some Sidetrack burger, preferably with pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and a side of sweet potato fries (better with ranch than with the horseradish sauce, in my opinion). The fried pickles are a hit, as are the southwest egg rolls, Irish pub egg rolls, and mozzarella sticks. I'm also a fan of anything that comes with tortilla chips (queso dip, nachos, spinach and artichoke dip). You can probably skip the chicken wings and the pita pizza, though. If you want dessert, get the strawberry shortcake when it's in season. It's ten bucks, but it's delicious and huge. HUUUGE. Share it with everyone at the table! The ambiance is cozy, but even better when it starts to get a bit chilly outside; they have fireplaces indoors and fire pits on the patio. Sometimes when the place is busy, you'll get seated at Frenchie's next door, which is owned and staffed by the same people. You can totally rent out Frenchie's for free! It would be a fun place for a big party or even a casual wedding reception. Last order of business: the train. There's a reason this place is called Sidetrack, and it's tradition to raise your glasses in a toast when the train goes by. Sadly, the tradition is dying. Help us bring it back! Save the train toast!
(5)mariah c.
Ample outdoor seating is lovely at Sidetrack. I'd much rather cheer for a passing train here rather than get crammed into many of the jam packed outdoor street-side tables on Ann Arbor's Main Street. I just discovered the BBQ pork sandwich here, which is honestly pretty amazing. Flavorful, hearty, and the dang thing may even replace the veggie philly as my favorite sandwich here... and the veggie philly is a tough act to follow! Add in giant mugs of cheap Bell's and other Michigan beer, and I honestly have no choice but to up Sidetrack to 5 stars. For what it is, it's just about perfect to me.
(5)Mark S.
What can you say that hasn't already been said about the Sidetrack? Great bar food at reasonable prices in an atmosphere loaded with charm. A bit noisy at times, but hey, it's a bar and it sits on a railroad track! Congrats to Linda and the crew for another great year and for the new expansion plans. Keep it up! See you Friday night!
(4)Jennifer V.
Okay, so this place is pretty good. But at the same time, I'm confused as to how Sidetrack regularly ends up on "The Best Burgers in the U.S." lists. Yes, they serve a great burger, but it's not THAT great. I'm more impressed with their beers than their burgers. That being said, their burgers are of good quality meat and toppings. My annoyance with them? You can't really change anything about them (in particular, the sliders). Like, I asked if I could have cheddar instead of American cheese, and they said no. Seriously. WTF? Are the patties frozen with the cheese on them? That's the only thing that makes sense. I like the place, but I'm annoyed with their apparently stringent "no substitutions" rule. It's happened more than once. I was unaware it was THAT much work to switch out cheeses.... Yeesh. The place can also be a freakin' nightmare to find parking. Get there early, or don't go on a weekend night. Those are my tips for ya, kids.
(3)Kevin S.
Great burger. Great Irish egg rolls. Great Fries :)
(4)Jason F.
Meh..... it was alright. The food is good, not great. They have a hefty beer selection, but it's pricey if you don't hit happy hour. The setup and ambience is still good.
(3)Brittney T.
I love Sidetrack! I have been coming here since I was a little girl. The place has a very local and homey atmosphere, which I love. They also have great beers to choose from, especially during happy hour they have such wonderful specials. I think this place is really know for their awesomely huge sweet potato fries, especially alongside a burger, MMM!!! My favorite thing is the deep fried pickles, dipped in ranch, these are a must try!! I have tried several things on the menu and all that I have has been great. The negative thing about sidetrack is the seating. Later in the evening the restaurant gets packed, fast. In the summer they have the luxury of sitting outside but in the winter the place is super small and sometimes you can feel crowded. All in all, I love Sidetrack, and it's Ypsilanti tradition :)
(5)Anya P.
Why I like Sidetrack of Ypsilanti Michigan, by: Me I like sidetrack because the food is tasty. It is always well prepared and not complicated. Sidetrack's also has very good drinks. Particularly the martinis, which are correctly made with no little ice chunks. I like sidetracks because they have pretty things on the walls and are right next to the railroad tracks, which makes the setting kinda romantic. I like to go there on Sundays when it's quiet. The End.
(4)Vince B.
Went there for lunch. Nice Portions and the Sweet Potato Fries were so good they made me wanna slap my momma!
(4)Chris B.
They're known for their burgers and the reputation is well deserved. They're definitely above average burgers. But there is much much more to try. They have an Irish egg roll appetizer that is different and yummy (ham, pickles, and cheese in an egg roll with spicy mustard). The fries are fantastic as well - both the "regular" and the sweet potato fries. We haven't had anything bad and it's all been above average pub fare. The place can get packed and loud. In the winter it can be cold if you are seated near a door or window (it's an old historic building that isn't insulated well). The tables are a bit close together and you can be seated in a high traffic aisle on occasion. In the summer they have an outside table are that us very nice. When the Amtrack train passes by it's quite a thrill since it goes through at a fast clip. They have some neat old furniture and baubles on the wall that add to the ambiance. And finally, it's nice to support local non-chain restaurants like this. I'd much rather funnel my $'s to interesting places like this that support my community than an anonymous and carbon-copy Applebees/Chilis/Ruby Tuesdays/etc/etc/etc. Check this place out and feel good about supporting Depot Town Ypsilanti too.
(4)Missy C.
I love to take clients here when they are buying a home in Ypsilanti. The hamburgers are the best in all of the Ann Arbor area. They enjoy not only the food but the venues authenticity. In the summer it is fun to sit on the patio and hopefully be there when the train goes through Depot Town.
(5)Thedude A.
Recently moved to the Ypsilanti area and the general consensus amongst my neighbors was that Sidetrack has the best burgers in the area. I gave them a try recently for lunch. The exterior and interior was very nice looking. Maybe this and the glowing recommendations got my hopes up too high. Inside, the restaurant was small, which is good, but very cramped, which is not. It felt as if we were eating in a phone booth. It was lunch but it took the waitress a good 10 minutes to appear and take our order. When she did she was not very friendly. No chit chat, not even a hello. I ordered the famous burger. After a standard wait the food arrived. The burger was nice sized and looked good. When I picked it up to take a bite, the bottom bun was soaked and fell apart to my touch. Very disappointing. Also the burger was.....a burger. Nothing special, in fact tasteless. Certainly not worth the price especially with the Sidetrack soggy bun. On one visit it appears that this establishment is content to rest on its reputation. I have seen this with other restaurants and bars. Hopefully that is not the case here. The wait staff was standoffish, not real friendly ( may be a bad day), and the food was bland.
(2)K P.
I live very close to Sidetrack so go here quite a bit despite my three star rating. The good: pretty solid burger, awesome sweet potato fries, great MI beers on tap, shady outdoor seating and lots of it for summer & cozy fireplace inside for winter, close to my house The bad: very loud and the tables are waaaaaaaay too close together, very slow & mediocre service considering there seem to be a zillion people working there, bathrooms are often nasty, little menu variety So, yeah, about 3 stars. Not terrible, but not awesome.
(3)Elizabeth S.
I've never gotten anything there I haven't liked. Even as a vegetarian, there are plenty of delicious options. Plus, have you heard about their happy hour yet?? My favorites: Fish tacos Portobello mushroom burger Goat cheese quesadillas Southwest egg rolls My mouth is watering just thinking about SIdetrack & all it's wonderful patio, delicious food, giant beer glory....
(5)Brenda M.
Love that they buy local when possible, so that deserves a star right there. I had a grilled cheese, my husband had a burger, which he said was "pretty good". My grilled cheese had two slices of American that were cold in the middle. A place that has mac and cheese with gorgonzola and other cheeses plus chorizo should really do a better grilled cheese. Our fries were cold as well. What saved the meal was the house made Ranch dressing for the soggy fries, and the chocolate cheesecake that came from the Queen of Hearts bakery down the street. That was AWESOME. Service was "ok" neither great or bad. I can see why Sidetrack is popular. If someone suggested we go there, I would, but I wouldn't go out of my way again on my own. The decor was cute and they did have a huge selection of beer, so maybe that's what draws so many people here.
(3)Jane X.
The burgers here are definitely worth the drive out from Ann Arbor. I thought our waitress was funny because when we asked her for burger recommendations she said "i hear the Handcrafted burger is pretty good but I dont eat meat". Odd considering the place is known for their burgers. Otherwise great service. Bold choice of decor (animal heads on the wall) considering Ann Arbor is right next door. Though I haven't gone yet, I can imagine doing a late night Sidetrack run with friends since they open until 2am!
(3)Jenn V.
I lived in the area for many years and used to frequent Sidetrack all the time for late night drinks. It was always a chill (sometimes rowdy) crowd and an enjoyable place to go. Question is, how did I NEVER try their food in the 8 years I lived there? Jeez, I was missing out. My friend and I met for a drink, and being that neither of us are the type to turn down an opportunity to eat, we browsed the menu. DEEP FRIED PICKLES? Say what? (Mind you, this was Day 1 of my diet..) Holy cow, they were absolutely delicious, and their ranch is really good. I got an egg salad sandwich w/ fries, but only ate the fries. Unfortunately I didn't think to ask the waitress if their were onions in the sandwich (which I despise), and it was loaded with them. Oh well.. it looked good! The server was friendly and prompt, for as busy as they were (on a Monday night too.. wow!) and the prices are still really reasonable. I have been dreaming of those deep fried pickles and ranch for the last 2 days, and can't wait to go back for more (although my butt certainly wishes I wouldn't..)
(4)Amy C.
Love the hippie sliders, fish tacos,clams, and chicken strips!!! Plus they have great variety of beer on draft. But the BEST is the bloody mary bar every Sunday!!
(5)Mae S.
Food was so-so to good, but service was definitely bad -- orders took forever to come out. Cream for coffee didn't arrive until the coffee was drunk up (in desperation). Waitress appeared to be annoyed when we mentioned the lack of coffee cream, and to expect us to find this level of service fine Food details: Fish taco was good. Veg. salad had some excessively wilted yucky bits of green along with the ok parts, and the dried cherries were all stuck together. Cesar salad with chicken was blah. Strawberry shortcake huge -- served 4 easily, but fewer berries than our companions remembered from an earlier order. Hamburger was fine. Bottom line -- I might go back if the right people invited me, but I'd argue in favor of somewhere else.
(2)Jonathan H.
I like this place. For a good burger joint outside of the Ann Arbor area, come to Sidetrack. It's actually not that far of a drive (about 10-15 min from Ann Arbor) and is located in a hip looking part of Ypsilanti (if there's even one). I had the handcrafted burger with American cheese and it did not disappoint. The meat was juicy and you can tell that the meat is fresh ground meat. The fries were also tasty, however after 10-15 minutes they start becoming soft. I personally like my fries crispy, so I was disappointed that they started to go soft. Also had the Deep Fried Pickles. Honestly ordered this because of all the reviews it received on Yelp and it wasn't bad. If you're a pickle fan, then you'll enjoy it. The portions are large and the pickles are juicy. After the 3rd pickle, I got tired of it though. It's good to share with 2-3 people. The happy hour specials sounded pretty good as well, but I doubt I'll make the commute from Ann Arbor just for the special. Great place to check out!
(4)Ally N.
When I first moved to the Ypsi area (well, Pittsfield), my roommate warned me away from Sidetrack, so I never went. I have no idea why - I really like it! Depot Town is adorable. I think it's because he was kind of sheltered, from A2, and never had set foot in Ypsi until he ended up at EMU for grad school. I love happy hour. I love the fried pickles. I love the french fries and the music they play. I love the atmosphere and sitting on their patio(s). I thought I'd love the burgers, but I thought they were kind of meh. Not bad at all, mind you! A good, solid burger. However, perhaps they were just a bit oversold. The service is kind of hit-and-miss. I've never had a waitress that's stood out and been amazing. It does take a while to get served because this place is pretty much always packed. AND I did come in here once and ended up paying twice what I'd expected because apparently it wasn't happy hour YET. Even though it had been every other time I'd come in around 9pm, but whatever. Also, maybe it's because my previous haunt was Ashley's, but not a whole lot of variety as far as what's on tap. However, I really like every beer that's on tap. Now that I live so close to Depot Town, I think this will be my new haunt.
(4)Laurent S.
Great burgers (and sliders), as well as a great selection of regional craft beers on tap.
(4)Bobbi O.
Searching Yelp for one thing brought me to Sidetrack..."Deep Fried Pickles". I did not leave unhappy. I also tried some chili and thought it was great. They also had an interesting martini list I'd like to try sometime. I will be going back and now that I'm local to the area, it'll be more likely.
(4)Troy W.
Service was either very busy or overwhelmed. I asked for a 2nd beer twice and it never came, which was very disappointing because I had never tried that particular beer before, some kind of strawberry shortcake ale. Everyone says to try the hamburger but as we had had one the night before (at another restaurant) I did not want to try another. We did have the fried pickles which were pickle spears and i was expecting chips or slices, my fault. We split a club sandwich which was nothing special. I will go back sometime when I am in the area and hope they are not as busy, and I'll want a hamburger.
(3)Rebeka M.
I have been here twice so far and both times I have ordered hamburgers. Really delicious and fresh meat, with a good selection of fresh toppins (das right, "toppins"). What I really love are the thick cut sweet potato fries... delicious! And they know how to cook a rare burger, so that is a plus for all you pink meat lovers out there (double entendre? you decide). Great prices too and quite a good selection of brews on tap.
(4)Bill B.
The waitress was incompetent, but I suppose that can happen anywhere. My partner openly, explicitly, and at length explained that he wanted no cheese on his sandwich. Twenty minutes later our two sandwiches came, his with cheese. The replacement took five minutes, which shows what they can do. What gripes me the most is that the prices of the beers on tap are not listed. The only option offered for finding them out is to ask the waitress the price of each, one at a time, after which she would be willing to go ask the manager, and bring back the reply. So be warned: Sidetracks doesn't want you to make choices based on the grubby, lowering basis of price. We operate on a higher plane at Sidetracks. Perhaps this is the same mentality that decided to leave the dollar signs off those 8 or 10 dollar mixed drinks on the menu. Maybe even dollar signs make you think more about money than the management wants you to.
(2)Kirsten F.
The best burgers! My boyfriend and I have a running debate between Sidetracks and Blimpie Burger, I prefer the former. The difference is thickness, Sidetracks has juicy, thick burgers, while Blimpie's are thin and greasy. It's your preference, they are both really good. Sidetracks has an amazing selection of food and I've never had anything I didn't like. They also carry a lot of local and regional beers, which are always excellent. Decent prices and nice staff. This place gets busy past 7pm on the weekends and sometimes it can be crazy, but the staff has always been great.
(5)Megan M.
Sidetrack's excellent happy hour deserves top billing. They offer anything on tap (which includes some hyper-local microbrews, like Frog Island Amber) in a giant 25-oz mug for the bargain basement price of $2.95. This alone merits a visit, but the food is phenomenal too. Apparently their meaty burgers are beloved by GQ, but their vegetarian editions are hands-down the best bar food I've ever eaten. The tempeh rueben or burger are both to die for; the tempeh is incredibly well-marinated and savory. I love anywhere that offers vegetarian sliders, and Sidetrack does them as black bean with salsa and cheese on incredibly soft white buns. The only thing that keeps my rating from 5 stars is the seating. The side patio is the best; inside can get just the tiniest bit crowded and noisy. But, then again, it's a neighborhood bar!
(4)Paul W.
Eaten here a number of times over the years and had some good things...and not so good things. Tempeh philly, fried pickles are standout items here, and the beer list is very good. Remember enjoying the gorgonzola tenderloin entree I got once, along with most of the sandwich items I've tried. It actually had been a long time since we'd gone there when we returned last Sunday to try the burger--which is alleged to be exceptional. I can't see why. Problem #1, the bun--hard, dry, stale, , as if stored in freezer for weeks then thawed in a toaster. I"m not saying that's what they did, but that was the effect. The meat was nothing special, though it did come cooked medium, as ordered, which is something that doesn't often happen. But it wasn't particularly flavorful or juicy. The gorgonzola and grilled onions I had on top didn't add much flavor. Even leaving aside the bun issue, this was a very average to slightly below average burger. While I've had better things here in the past (which is why I give three instead of one or two stars), this last outing leaves me a little cool on the idea of returning.
(3)Joe B.
Had to stop while visiting the area. The black bean burger was just as good as the last time we ate here. We have tried so many recipes to find one as good and as of yet have not found one.
(4)jim A.
The Sidetrack is a classic place that may have "jumped the shark". They've expanded so much that the food can take 45 minutes to come when they are busy. The food is usually solid, until it's not. Today we had a crazy experience. Yesterday I got a marketing email from them for "free burger Monday's". Buy one get one free. We ordered our burgers, showed the waitress my iPhone with the coupon and thought we were good.... Until the bill came. The waitress said her boss said we MUST HAVE A PRINTED COUPON. I asked why do we need to kill a tree? I obviously have the coupon. No matter. Spoke to the manager. She was useless. We got screwed out of a burger. The burger was very good, but the experience left a bad aftertaste in my mouth.
(2)Amy B.
The thing that I love about Sidetrack is that they always have choices for vegetarians. That's kind of rare for a bar that most people think of for burgers. Sidetrack also holds a warm place in my heart for introducing me to deep fried pickles many, many years before they showed up on anyone else menu. Always crowded but never slow and always with a great drink selection the Sidetrack is an experience not to be missed. Then you can hangout and do a little window shopping in Depot Town too.
(4)Karla T.
I love Sidetrack's every time I come! It's my go-to when family and friends come to visit because it's THAT good. Burgers = delicious! Sweet potato fries = delicious! Beer selection = amazing! And everything else I've eaten or anyone else has with me has been just as good as the burgers. I'm not even a burger person and I always have a tough decision between ordering something new or sticking to a delicious and juicy burger. (My mouth is watering now...) Staple in Ypsi that I'll definitely continue to frequent!
(5)Pete S.
One of my top 10 favorites. I had the shepherds pie special last time and it was great. Very innovative. Perfect with two pints of Stella!
(4)Ben P.
Absolutely the best place to eat in Ypsilanti, and worth the drive from other local areas. Don't miss out!
(5)Patti K.
Our daughter and her boyfriend took is to lunch at Sidetrack while we were visiting. The food was delicious and fresh. I had fish & chips, everyone else had burgers with the exception of our youngest daughter who had a club sandwich (which was gigantic!). Really great food and great service.
(5)Julia A.
We loved this bar during our time in Michigan. Our out of town guests found it charming. Vast selection of beers. Really tasty food.
(4)Emily L.
The food and the staff are incredible, especially Hope, the manager, and our server Jason. I have nothing other than great things to say...I'll be back again this weekend!
(5)James H.
Sidetrack is a phenomenal place. I went there just for lunch, but I really, really hope to go back for dinner and a drink sometime. Their beer selection is through the roof with a ton of local options. Their dining menu is broad, but it seems they do everything quite well. Service is outstanding, even if the food (for me anyways) can take awhile. Their array of seating options is one of my favorite parts. You can sit outside on either of their two patios, or one of the 3-4 tables they have out on the sidewalk; both are great on a nice day. Inside seating is nice too. Classy looking bar for those going solo. Can't say enough good things. Can't wait to go try it again.
(5)Allison F.
I've recently been introduced to the wonder that is Sidetrack. I'm only upset I never decided to come sooner. I've been visiting with friends during Sidetrack's happy hours, where most drinks are half-off. They make a mean Long Island, let me tell you, and for $3.50, you're really getting your money's worth. My husband especially loves Sidetrack's selection of beers on tap. His most recent discover is Bell's Captain Spontaneous. A huge 25-oz pour is only $3.xx when you come during happy hour! In addition to their wonderful drinks (and prices), I've become quite enamored with their cheese sticks. We've all had cheese sticks before right? We should all know the difference between good ones and bad ones... Bad ones have thick, tasteless cheese and sticky, fish stick-like breading with no flavor. Good ones have delicious gooey cheese and crunchy, seasoned breading. Sidetrack has the best restaurant cheese sticks I've ever had... and I'm quite the cheese stick connoisseur. We've tried a few of their other food offerings including their mini burgers, chicken gumbo, black bean tacos, onion rings and English chips. They've all been great. I recently tried their ham & Swiss sandwich on pretzel bun and I swore I went to heaven! The salty of the ham with the sweet of the bun was just incredible. I don't think this place can do any wrong, really. Sidetrack is a bit loud and lively, so don't come here expecting a quiet drink. It's a college town, after all. But if you want a great atmosphere, beyond-reasonable happy hour specials, good eats and excellent beard-watching, give Sidetrack a visit!
(5)Michael S.
Been going here for years. Never had a bad experience here ever. Food has always been awesome Service is equally awesome I do not recomend the fish tacos. Try to avoid the restrooms, they are gross and disgusting, and are nothing but glorified porta-johns With all the remodeling going on recently you would think they would address that situation.
(5)Koren M.
I really think this place is a great hidden gem. My waiter John (name was on the ticket) was exceptionally impressive. His customer service skills were very unique to a bar atmosphere, he was so nice and attentive I really wish I could have given him a bigger tip. I tried the beer battered pickles, they were very delicious! They were different because usually when you get fried pickles they are sliced up, nope! these were the longer size. Maybe a whole pickle split into 5 pieces but it was scrumptious. The beer and alcohol selection was extensive. I'm a fan! Oh my goodness- I wrote this nearly a year ago and it never posted!!! I love John he was always good to me. I have moved to Washington D.C- He wished me well- I will forever have memories of this place. thanks!
(5)Erica S.
Delish!! This is the 2nd time we've stopped on the way home from a sports game in Detroit. Burgers are one of the best I've ever had. Others in the group had a French dip, chili , fried ravioli, & gazpacho . Dylan , our server whom we've had both visits is awesome!
(5)Kristi D.
LOVE IT ! I got the Amtrak burger and it was super cool that while eating my burger an Amtrak train went by ( I guess thats where the name comes from). This is super affordable, with 2 burgers, a beer ( which was only about $3 for a huge glass), soda, and dessert our bill came up to about $30. You cant beat that ! Speaking of dessert, we got the strawberry shortcake. It was surprisingly very very big. It came with ice creme on the plate and fresh cut strawberries. One thing I didn't like too much about the strawberry shortcake was that the biscuit that it came on was a bit hard, but good none the less. Whenever Im in Detroit I will make it a point to go to sidetrack.
(5)Beverly 'Bobbi' J.
This is a great restaurant with excellent service. I would recommend that anyone visiting Ypsilanti come enjoy their fabulous service.
(5)Mehgan H.
So amazing. Two words: Strawberry Shortcake. If you only need one reason to go, that is it. It is the best strawberry shortcake that I've ever had. And not only is that delicious, but their burgers and fries are SO great! Get the sweet potato fries - very yummy. If you haven't been, you must go there this summer!
(5)Derek F.
This place is worth the trip. Food is fresh, beer selection is good. Lots of veggie choices, nice back patio where they allow dogs. Staff nice and polite. Casual and relaxed with good food. I recommend.
(4)Michael K.
I'm going to preface this by saying that I've only ever been here once, so maybe they just had a really awful night. That said, I doubt I'll ever go back. They're supposed to be known for their burgers, but the one I got was greasy, the mac and cheese on it was not good (a slice of cheese would have been better), and the one strip of bacon was chewy. The fries on the side weren't crispy either, so they were pretty much a write off. I can get a better burger for half the cost a lot closer to home. Also, as another poster noted, they list only happy hour prices for beer, then charge you $5.95 for a pint instead of $3.25. Even with the food being mediocre this wouldn't have been a bad experience (hey, the beer was good and I drank it with good friends), but this was the worst service I have encountered in years. We were there for more than three hours, in part because it took an hour for us to even place our food order. From the time we ordered food our waitress (Jessica from the receipt) talked to us twice: once when delivering the food, and once when delivering the checks. No questions of if we were enjoying the food, or if we wanted anything else. The only saving grace was that this prevented me from being over charged for more beer, since I never had the chance to order a second. Had the waitress not forgotten to add in a minimum gratuity for a larger party we would have been asking to talk to a manager to ensure she got nothing. I normally leave at least an 18% tip, while she got about 10% from me, and a normally generous friend of mine left more like 1%.
(1)George P.
I usually go here a few times a year. Overall, I'm pretty happy with their beer selection and menu. 3 outdoor seating options (two segregated front patios, one covered back patio). Being in the heart of Depot Town is a bonus. Plenty of parking options, too. The bathrooms keep me from giving this a 5. A few negative points: They're usually packed at peak hours, so service can sometimes seem slow. Their servers don't always know the menu in detail (ie: ingredients, etc.). Bathrooms seem like they really need a gutting + refurbishing. It's a bar, so, if you're turned off by that stale beer smell that all bars have, probably should go somewhere else.
(4)Dennis W.
I had the misfortune of attempting lunch there today. I was with several friends and we were working on a Habitat for Humanity project. Told them when we were seated we were in a hurry. We were seated with six of us right away, and then we had to wait about 15 minutes for our order. Not too bad. After we ordered, then the wait began. We had a limited time for lunch, and waited over an hour for a meal that never showed. The manager came out at that point, apologized and then said they'd wrap the food and give it to us gratis to go. Then we waited another 20 minutes and ended up leaving because we had work to do. This was an absolutely abysmal trip and we went hungry. If anyone has any interest in making this travesty right, my email is mydoc@hotmail.com . Otherwise, you've lost the business of six customers and their friends. I'll be posting this to all the other social media I know as well if I've not heard from anyone by E.O.B. Monday. Good day.
(1)Matthew S.
I've been here twice. The food is excellent, good beer selection. I recommend the fish tacos.
(5)Al M.
Thinking health conscious this day, I opted for the Turkey Burger on Whole Wheat with lettuce, tomato, and a combo of fresh onions and sautéed onions. Unfortunately, I should have known better than to order turkey at a beef joint. This place is often held up as one of the best burgers in the Metro area but not when it comes to turkey! My T-burger seemed overcooked, dried out and not at all what I was anticipating. While the food was only so-so, I always enjoy the atmosphere at the "Track" with the old mahogany bar and turn-of-the-century tin ceiling panels. This one was on me for ordering turkey...thus the 3 stars. Next time in the door it will be their juicy and delicious beef burger!
(3)Hedge H.
Pretty crummy and not like it use to be. We didn't come for the brand name, we came for great food and great service. Fail- the server was horrible and messed up our order and most of the tables around us. Sidetracks has gone down hill to say the least. The only reason they didn't get one star is two other staff helped bail her out.
(2)Rick P.
Sidetrack has great burgers and the club sandwich is good too. Their beer and bourbon selection is perfect too. Basically it's a bar with great food and drinks. The only complaints I have are the cleanliness and the wait staff. I don't know if it's the setup they have (why does the bar have to wash every cup in the restaurant) or just inexperienced staff, but it seems like they get confused and flustered easy. The place is dark which is fine, but is like to see a but more lighting and a good though cleaning.
(4)Justin T.
Sidetrack has some of the best burgers I've had in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Juicy, good sized portions, gluten free buns for my friend, options for seasonings, accompanied by tasty fries and great beer. Not five stars because there have been a couple times (maybe out the of 8-10 times I've been there) where the burger has come out overdone and not juicy at all. However, each time they were very willing to take it back and redo them, and the burgers then are their usual deliciousness. I really appreciate their enthusiasm and the pride they take in their food. Great atmosphere, casual, always lively, never too loud. Price is very reasonable. Love coming here any chance I get.
(4)Laura S.
We enjoy Sidetrack's burgers and casual atmosphere. The burgers are always cooked to perfection, and as a pickle lover, I appreciate that they always have a big dish of pickles at the table. Their selection of beers is extensive, so it makes for a great burger and beverage every time. I only give 4-stars because I do wish they had a children's menu - it is often hard to find items that the kids can eat. We have young kids and you would think a burger place would be a bit more family friendly by having some smaller, less expensive dishes for kids.
(4)Fi G.
Decent burgers. Should have gotten the fries instead of the chips which were soft. Would probably be better if they were crispy. Friendly waitstaff. Food and drink prices won't break the bank. They have beer flight. You can opt for the 25 beer flight or the more manageable 5 beef flight
(3)Deb M.
I just adore this place and it had been a while since we visited. It's not exactly around the block from us...and with all of the deep fried goodness served here, that's probably a good thing. It was a Friday night and we were having dinner with friends. Not having any solid plans for anything after dinner, we thought why not Sidetrack? We knew it was going to be busy...and that was fine. Although we weren't quite prepared to wait slightly over an hour for our dinner. You know how you feel when you've talked up a place to your friends and then things fall a little flat. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the usual Sidetrack experience. Had it only been the wait I would have given more stars. I had ordered the sliders - I love a good burger but am one of those weird people who aren't fond of pink burger meat. I normally order sliders or no burger at all because nobody really believes you when you say 'well done' any more. The waiter assured me that they don't even ask how you want the sliders cooked because they are always well done. Well, after the hour wait for our food they came out totally RAW inside. Ick. It was obvious that they were rushing the orders because the outside was charred. I didn't care for the way the waiter handled the situation by saying they are always well done and kinda shrugging his shoulder. The manager did take them off the bill. I heard complaints about wait times from other tables as well. I'll chalk it up to a busy night that was being poorly managed and leave it at that. The experience won't stop me from going back. And my friends agreed that the food was really good (thankfully I was the only one with issues with my meal). I just hope this doesn't set a precedence - because I really do adore this joint!
(3)Martha V.
Great burgers, friendly service, outstanding beer list, and Sidetrack has a great buzz. Not to mention good root beer. There is outdoor seating in the summer, but our last trip was in late November around 5 on a Friday. We got seated ( a party of 2) in the bar area right away, but we had anticipated a bit of a wait as that would be typical. I ordered the sliders and my husband got a bowl of chili and we split fries (just the regular ones). All extremely tasty, served hot by a nice server. This is not necessarily a great place to watch a game. The main seating area doesn't have big screens or anything, but there are some TVs. It is, however, a great place to have a burger, order a beer from their long list of micro brews and standard favorites, and hang out for a bit. We like to come into Ypsi for dinner before/after events in Ann Arbor as it is on the way for us and the restaurants tend to be a little less crowded. Sidetrack is an exception to this, but it is worth a bit of wait if you encounter one. Parking is interesting in Depot Town. There is a lot behind the restaurant, but it fills up. There is some street parking as well.
(4)Sandie L.
I liked it. Good burgers (meat was delicious) and good fries. The inside decor has a couple of stuffed animal heads and a bit of a train theme going, and gave off a cool ambience to eat in. Would recommend.
(4)Krystle S.
So besides a great beer menu I find problems with consistentcy here. The service is very hit or miss. The food is hit or miss or sometimes very "meh". They always seem to run out of something and don't know it until 5 minutes after you asked for it. The delivery service is a wreck, I live less then 5 miles away and have been occasionally told they don't delivery to my address (after I ordered, was charged and called to see what was taking so long they told me they would not no matter what deliver to me yet they had in the past and it took 7 full days for the charges to be refunded) and the price on upcharges can very from .50 to $2 depending apparently on the server and/or day. The staff has high turnover and one of the managers was a complete jerk and lost this business an over $2000 business party. The burgers I have ordered, when they come out temped as asked have been good but really it's so inconsistent that I normally just pass on the food. Really wished this place had some standards and it would improve dramaticly.
(2)Erin B.
I've been holding off on reviewing Sidetrack, because it's such a staple of Ypsilanti. Like a bad relationship, I keep giving Sidetrack a chance. Every time I say, "That's it! I'm never going back!" one of my friends will drag me back again. Why do I have this aversion to such a beloved restaurant? First off, the staff is rude, dismissive, inattentive, & argumentative. It starts when you first enter. There doesn't seem to be a clear host at the door, so patrons pile up in the entryway. When enough people pile up, the host & about 2 other staff members will all swarm on the host station & argue in front of everyone about where they should be sat. Once we get a table, we sit for a good 10-15 minutes before being greeted. We'll order drinks, & it's another 15-20 minutes before those arrive. While waiting, we are usually approached by another server who asks to take our drink order & then stomps off in a huff when we say, "Thank you, but someone already took our order." I assume this means it's a cutthroat "you get tables yourself" kind of environment. I'm all for good-ol'-fashioned competition, but really. You had 15 minutes to approach us while we were sitting there wondering if we were invisible. If someone else swooped in after that, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you somehow have a legitimate reason why you waited 20 minutes before walking over to us & are pissed that server Joe got there before you, take it up with him. The customer should never get sucked in to your unprofessional work drama. Nor should the customer have to get up to find you after her food came out wrong, get up again for napkins, & have to argue with you that plain fries are not the same as garlic fries, even when they remake your garlic fry order & the difference is visible. On to the environment: Sidetrack has been in Depot Town since 1980. You'd think in 34 years they would find time to fix the women's bathroom sink. If you turn the faucet even remotely to warm, you get 1st degree burns. Their solution for the past 5 years has been a note on the dingy bathroom mirror stating, "Caution! Water is very hot!" Not only that, but the bathroom smells so moldy you can taste it if you sit too close. The bar itself is old & classic. The decor is kitchy but pleasing - taxidermied animals & old road signs - but cleanly it is not. I once sat at the bar with my friend & chatted with the bartender. While talking, I watched the bartender take dirty pint glasses, do a double-dunk into soapy water, a double dunk into what used to be rinse water but was now grey & soapy, & then put the glasses on the server station for use. There was no wiping the lipstick stains off the rims of the glass, no sanitizing in a dishwasher. After an hour of this (I had to make sure I was actually seeing what I was seeing), I stopped the bartender in mid-sentence & said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude, but are you seriously just dunking dirty glasses into a few tubs & sending them out for use?" The bartender immediately stopped talking to us & refused to make eye contact for the rest of the night. Think you'll be safe if you just drink out of a straw? Think again! Their refill system is to give you a fresh glass of water, cola, etc., then put a carafe on the table so you can refill your drink yourself. This works for the staff, as they're so inattentive you'd never get refills otherwise. But, take a look around & watch the servers as they bus tables & serve drinks. Those carafes never get dumped out. Say you drink half your carafe of coke & leave. The next patron who walks in & orders a coke will get the rest of your carafe plus a top off to make it look full. Ever wonder why the cola tastes flat after you refill your drink? That's why! Think about how many people cough & sneeze at their table or chew with their mouth open while talking. You're welcome. Let's talk about the food. Most of the food there is actually quite delicious. It's a shame that the environment is so awful. I've ordered a Linda's Big Spring Salad for takeout only to open the box & find that they had dropped the lid to my balsamic dressing in a vat of barbecue sauce & just capped the sticky sweet lid on there & sent it out. I've watched servers bus tables & go to the side salad station to make salads with no gloves, no tongs, just filthy bare hands after picking up grease-soaked napkins & silverware off the floor. I've grease-skated on the floors so soaked with dropped food you could create the Ypsi Ice Capades if they moved the tables. And, I've sent drinks back because by the time I actually got it, it was a fruit fly mass grave. Sidetrack Bar & Grill is a vindictive health department official's wet dream complete with abuse from the servers. Go somewhere else... ANYWHERE else!
(1)Michael S.
I can't believe I've not yet reviewed this place, but I guess it's been a while since I've been there. I've gone here for years and have never had a bad meal. Yesterday was no exception. I opted for their new offering of mini turkey burgers. A pretty clever recipe, I might add. On top of each of the four burgettes was mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. A cup of gravy was provided for dipping. It came with a side of their best around sweet potato fries. Thanksgiving in July! Great stuff. My SO had a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, which she enjoyed, as she always does. They have full bar with an outstanding selection of beer, both on tap and in bottles. They started filling growlers from their taps since the law was changed. I need to go get some Fuller's ESB. Service was great. Our waitress was great, allowing us to wait for a couple of people who never did show. It wasn't too long, though. Food and beverages came quickly and were at the appropriate temperatures. So many places to go. If only all were like this.
(5)Joey Z.
Only had the burger here on a monday lunch. It lacked seasoning and the fries werent all that great either. But it's not so bad that i'm not willing it give it another shot next time i make my way into ypsi.
(2)Aaron B.
Great food, decent prices, and lots & lots of beer on tap!
(5)Bob K.
After going over the menu twelve or thirteen times, settled on the Mac Attack Burger with Cajun fries. Friend got the pulled pork sandwich. Have had the standard, award-winning burger many times, first time getting anything else in ages. The Mac Attack Burger was just as impressive, if a bit potentially messy (you'll need a fork and knife to eat it if you're trying to be polite). Top-tier beer selection, plenty of craft beers. Love that I had the option of a lambic. Definitely not the roomiest place to grab a bite in Ypsi but certainly worth the trip if you're around.
(5)Ann Arbor R.
Had dinner at the Sidetrack a couple weeks ago and it was awful. Our (very rude) server took our order, plopped it down in front of us and never came back. He was near our table, messing around behind the bar with other staff. I had a burger with a soggy bun, along with soggy fries. It was actually cold when he brought it to me. We had to ask someone else (the manager, I think) for silverware, napkins and our bill. We were never asked if we'd like a refill or how our meals were. I think the Sidetrack is still going strong on it's past reputation and it's beer selection. I have had good meals and good service there in the past, but the last few times I've eaten there it hasn't been an enjoyable dining experience.
(1)Daron D.
Best bar in Ypsilanti and i will tell exactly why. For one the happy hour: 1/2 off all alcohol drinks and 3.25 for big mugs of beer (probably have about 20 on tap). For two the appetizers: All are at a good price (between 6 and 7). The spinach and artichoke dip is probably top 3 or 5 best spinach dips i done ever had, seriously its that good. The spicy wings are also super good (probably 3rd best in the area behind knights and french quarter and are also sauce less). For three the burgers: The burgers are as good as advertised, and in my opinion probably best burger in the city of Ypsilanti. Also the garlic aioli on the burger takes it to another level. For four the Fries: these fries are slap your momma good. Similar to five guys or bagger Dave fries, but on another level (especially if you add the garlic seasoning to them, then they go up two levels) Overall i think that this is top of line when your talking Ypsilanti establishments and in the grand scheme of things, it is just a flat out good place.
(5)Andrew P.
Sidetracks is a bit of a hidden gem in Ypsilanti. Unlike other spots, this place is pretty busy while having adequate parking. The burgers are delicious but it's also a great place to grab drinks. If you are looking for a delicious burger and fries for under $14 or just looking to check out a bar in Ypsilanti, Sidetracks is a must!
(5)Kelly H.
Last time we were in Ypsi, we stopped here for beers, then after seeing their burgers on Man vs Food we had to come back to try them! Unfortunately, the service was so slow on a Sunday night! We were told the kitchen was running behind after placing our orders. Got our beers and drank right through those before any hope of our food arriving. Then it all came at once, the fried pickles, my husbands Amtrak Double Decker and my Mac Attack burger. Um, by 'Mac Attack' did you mean three noodles with a slice of American cheese? The pickles were yummy and the cajun fries were good and my burger was cooked great. We will have to stop again soon to give it another chance. Or just stick to the beers...
(4)Zach W.
Very nice little place. Has a room for events, and has really good food and drinks. Service was also awesome. Will definitely have to come back for more!
(5)Gerald B.
Well, I'm an Amtrak engineer who has rolled by this place at least a hundred times, so naturally I had to get the Amtrak double decker cheeseburger. It was pretty good. A little bland for my taste. The atmosphere of this place made it great. Service was a little too slow. Our server was extremely nice, but she seemed a little too busy. My curiosity has been satisfied. The experience was pleasant, but not pleasant enough to go out of my way to return.
(3)Mitch E.
Drinks, food, and an endless supply of scared reactions on people's faces as the train comes flying by. On my recent trip to Michigan I came in to Depot Town in Ypsi. I loved Sidetrack so much, it's the only place I came to twice. The smells in the place are wonderful. Great looking food. I unfortunately didn't get to taste any of it. Those deep fried ravioli were real tempting, however I had stuffed myself prior to coming here both times. And one of those meals weren't that good. Should have just ate here. That burger is also heavily regarded. The beer selection is nothing to be messed with here. Taps from all over, and many Michigan based beers. The bartenders are fantastic. Super friendly and easy to talk to. The crowd is great, and you can start up a conversation with people at the bar. Unless you're a creeper..... then don't do that. In fact, just leave. The place has real charm. The building is right on the edge of the block. Right next to the railroad tracks. If you're lucky enough a train will come blazing right by. They even have some seats outside next to the action, if you need some excitement. If in Ypsi, do yourself a favor and come on by.
(5)James K.
I have been to Sidetrack many times, but it had always been after a few drinks at the Beer Fest. My wife really wanted to try something new, so she decided this place. We ended up showing up when there was a car show going on outside. It was a nice summer day, so walking around then dinner was a great idea. We didn't even have to wait for a table like you would have expected with that many people out. The food was pretty good, but nondescript. I am pretty sure my wife and I both had the burger. While the food wasn't bad, it wasn't anything memorable. The reason I only gave it 3 stars is because that place is really cramped. I felt like I was sitting right on top of the table next to us. Plus it was a nice warm summer day, so the inside felt just slightly oppressive to me. With the windows and doors open there were a smattering of flies also. I am sure in the winter when everything is shut up the inside would feel a little better, but still cramped. As I have been here a couple times most for drinks, I would still recommend this place if you want to have a beer in the area. Especially if you can sit outside. However dinner on the inside when its busy and warm out is not something I can reccomend.
(3)David M.
This is a side of Metro Detroit that we are not familiar with so...Yelp! We were going to a function in Ypsilanti and used our usual formula 4+ stars and 100+ reviews. Sidetrack made the short list and was our final selection. It was relatively easy to find and there is street parking as well as a parking lot in the back; if they're really busy, the lot fills up. Since the menu stated that Sidetrack was well known for their burgers, I ordered the deluxe burger with hand cut fries and Reiko had salmon which was done about right, meaning not dry, and was tasty. The burger was big, done medium, as I ordered, and the fries were really good. The service was about right, no hovering but always nearby, friendly, and pleasant, and the prices were reasonable for the portions and quality of the food they offer. As we finished the meal, we knew we had to order the (HUGE) Strawberry Shortcake to top it off. We were not disappointed; in fact, other customers had come in and were waiting to be seated and saw The SS and asked if it was OK to take a picture. We said sure and then, after taking my pictures, proceeded to devour it. We'll be back anytime something takes us to that part of town.
(5)Maureen M.
We went to Sidetrack before the beer fest for some food. This is probably my 2nd visit. It's been a few years. My 1st experience was pretty good. They had an awesome burger with a fried egg on it. It was worth the cholesterol spike. This was not the best experience. The layout of the restaurant is a little crammed. We were seated at a table for 2 in the corner. It was sort of awkward. Service was a bit slow and it took a long time for the food to come out. I get it, they're busy. I ordered the Frenchie Dip with fries, and my husband ordered the reuben with fries. My sandwich was ok. The au jus was pretty good. The fries, however, sucked. They were soggy and limp. We were so hungry, we didn't say anything. We were limited on time as well. I knew it would take at least 20 minutes to get new fries. The bathroom is just gross. It's clear that it has always been like this. They seem to have issues with plumbing. One stall was out of service and had overflowed at some point. The water in the other stall just kept running. That is not comforting when you're in there. lol The 1st time I was here, the sink was backing up. So, the burger is awesome, but the rest makes it just OK. They also have a decent draft beer list. That's a bonus! I want to like it more, so maybe next time it'll be a better experience.
(3)David K.
I had heard of this place for years, but never made it to ypsi. to try it. The family took me today for my birthday. It was a very nice setting, a nice day, and great food.. The waitress was very attentive and accomodating. Cicken in the fajitas was slightly dry but I enjoyed it nonetheless. And they have Not Your Fathers Root Beer.
(5)Candiss W.
When looking for a nearby place with a good burger, I came across this gem in the Yelposphere. The reviews were pretty cool positive so we decided to give it a go. I had the 1/3rd pound burger, medium with aioli, cheddar, Swiss, grilled onions, mushrooms and fries. My hubby had the turkey burger with sweet potato fries. Both were very good. The burgers were juicy and coked perfectly. Overall, great burger and fries. I'll be back.
(4)Suzy B.
I wish I could give this place 6 stars! This is our go-to place when we are in Ypsilanti. The service is always great and we love the atmosphere of the place! We never tire of building our own amazing burgers and the fresh cut fries are always on point! I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered here. We brought my mom here too and she delighted in the moose head fireplace and the Amtrak train bolting by during our dinner.
(5)Michael L.
After many visits I'm updating my review from 4 to 5 stars. Basically, the food and service are so consistently good that the missteps by individual staff clearly don't reflect the business's overall treatment of customers or dedication to food and atmosphere. My food recommendations remain the same though: you can't go wrong with the perch, wings, hamburgers, or strawberry salad. However, other great eats include the tenderloin, Guinness float, and occasional specialty burger. The beer selection remains one of the best in the area and the staff is not wishy-washy about providing recommendations on food or drink. This place has something for everyone and should be on your list.
(5)C M.
What a great burger! Just had a regular burger but my daughter had the Mac Attack. Everything was prepared as described and as ordered. Will definitely recommend and go back.
(5)Sean H.
I love this place. The decor the area all contribute to the ambiance. I really loved the train station to core the old trains the signs the pictures and being right next to the railroad tracks really takes it home. Now on to the food. let's see how can I explain this how about Deeeeeeeeelicious. I had the soup awesome a burger awesome the mac and cheese awesome and then awesome again the next day it was so delicious that when I receive the bill which I thought was pretty decent cost considering the quality of the food I didn't even bat an eye it was a trip well made deliciously ate and wonderfully ready to go back matter fact I'm thinking of heading there now see you later.
(5)Jessica H.
The longest wait for everything. Ask Siri for the worst bar in Ypsi and she sends you here. I have had several staff member be downright rude. The redeeming qualities here are the black bean burger and good happy hour.
(2)Adam G.
I'll keep this short and to the point. Delicious burgers. Cold beer. Amazing sweet potato fries. Great service and outside seating for when the weather is nice.
(5)Pedro E.
Amtrack burger is my number one choice with double Swiss and lt, mayonaise. Really good beer selection, the staff is really nice and quick service. Every time I go I leave satisfied so try it out. Sidetracks is the best is depot town.
(5)ScotandNancy M.
Service wasn't that great. Purple hair girl waited on us. Didn't ask how our meal was. Seemed like we were a bother. Another server had white shoes on that we're extremely dirty. He had an ugly pony tail sticking out of the top of his head. Food was good. Dessert was excellent (Strawberry Shortcake). It's enough to feed 4 people.
(4)Jeff B.
This place is a solid two, but an amazing fun five star building and interesting crowd make it impossible to rate under a three. I visited in a Saturday for dinner and the place was packed. My party of 2 ended up sitting at an awkward table that felt as if it was in the middle of an aisle. And the seating is *cramped*. This is not the place to go if you want a quiet conversation. Service was a struggle. Our waitress came by once during the meal and took over 10 minutes to bring us our check and took an additional 10 minutes to bring back the credit card. Service wasn't particularly friendly either, although I would imagine if you were a local this would be different. I ordered the Mac and cheese bbq burger and it was not spectacular. There was so little Mac and Cheese on top that it might as well have not been there at all. It was smaller than I expected and, while filling, was definitely something I could have made at home. Cajun fries were horribly over seasoned. The draft list is solid though! The gorgeous restaurant construction is truly fun to look at though and if I were stopping in for a drink with friends as part of a long night this place would be great (if you're seated at the bar and don't have to deal with the temperamental wait staff). Just avoid this place if you want amazing food or amazing service. If you're looking for an acceptable townie bar this place is fine.
(3)Leif L.
After an absence of a year and a half, I went back because my landlord gave me a gift card. The first burger I ordered was so greasy the bun was soaked through and the fries seemed like they had been through a micro wave. My friend ordered the yankee pot roast and her food was cold. It was clear it had been sitting around for a while because the gravy had a skin on it. When my replacement burger showed up, it too was dripping with grease. The fries, while fresher, still seemed off. The state of the food seems to confirm what I suspected last time I went and that is the waitstaff is over worked and no matter how hard they try, there is no way they can do their jobs. Both times I talked to the manager, she was polite in the most phoney of ways. I have been to Aubries, Maiz and Caffe Ollie multiple times and was never disappointed. The only bad restaurant in Depo Town.
(1)Bonita G.
Wow, so disappointed after our dinner here last night. The two of us were charged over $50 for dinner...living in Chicago I don't even expect to spend that much at a casual bar/grill for dinner. The good: great beer selection, presumably good happy hour although we didn't get to enjoy it. fried pickles were yummy but not what I was expecting (they were spears instead of slices). The bad: drinks only have happy hour prices listed. I knew it wasn't happy hour during our meal, but i figured normal beer prices couldn't be that bad for drinks not deemed "special" by asterisks. Nope, unfortunately not the case. I should've asked before I ordered anything because the three beers we ordered were all $6-7 for a PINT of draft beer. The mac and cheese was soooo goopy and a very small portion for $10. My burger was almost $14 and it came out overcooked and bland. The garlic fries I paid extra for were scorched and limp with barely a dusting of garlic powder. Even the fried egg on my burger was burnt. Our server was okay, but she didn't even question if my food was okay when she cleared my barely touched plate. TL;DR: come here for happy hour but don't waste your money otherwise. And good luck finding parking.
(1)William B.
Service : 4/5 .. I come here with my dog,and I'm glad they are very acommodating to her. We usually sir at the back patio. Food: 3/5 I do like their tempeh burger and black bean sliders. They have good vegetarian option. Their fries are inconsistent and I wished they use real garlic and chopped parsley for their garlic parmesan fries. Especially if they are charging extra. .. really! It is not that difficult to make ok food become great and amazing if you use fresh ingredients! Trust me, people will like your garlic fries better! You are not steak'n shake. Your priced point is way above them, therefore you should produce better fries. Ambience/Decor: 3/5 .. I guess it is ok for neighborhood restaurant /bar. It is cute in some way. I love the colorful umbrellas outside. Cleanliness: 1/5 ..please get this number up. Your bathroom is filthy! Please get them cleaned up every 30 minutes. Your hallway to the bathroom is stinky. Please get them cleaned up... you probably need to replace the carpet. I'm sure there's mold underneath those nasty carpet. This makes me wonder on how clean your kitchen is. :( Overall experience: 2.5/5 I would make this higher is you clean up the place... maybe it is time to remodel the place, get rid of the carpet and clean the bathroom. I would come back here but probably won't use the bathroom. But I have to warn people not to be surprised if they got sick.
(2)Jenny K.
The food. Wowza! Let me tell you, the burgers and fries here can be marketed in a Pure Michigan ad. No but seriously, in all honesty, Sidetracks, is my cure to a bad case of PMS or even a sad day. Their fried mushrooms make me so happy. Sure, they're battered and fried, but once they hit that cold cup of ranch and I wash it down with an icy draft beer or a carafe of coke, I de-stress INSTANTANEOUSLY. And their burgers are so juicy. I like their blue cheese and bacon sliders if I'm feeling dainty or sometimes I get whatever's their burger of the day special--always a bargain! Sweet potato fries, freshly cut regular fries, they're both so good here, made even more heavenly with their awesome ranch. RANCH! Also wonderful here is the Yankee Pot Roast. The gravy is boss and the sweet carrots it comes with, yum, just the right hint of sweet and veggie to balance out my meat-and red-skin-mashed-potatoes-with-gravy-all-over-Âcravings. It's like the real home-cooked American meal my Korean mother could never make. And I love them for it. Thank you. FYI, parking is easy behind the restaurant or along River Street and yes, it's really besides an operating railroad track. Think of it as a cheap dinner and a show!
(5)John H.
Update: I used to be a regular, but it has gone downhill. My friend got food poisoning there, and after sitting in a restaurant that smelled terrible I had enough and left a negative review. Then last week I went to meet a friend there (not my first choice) and didn't get served. No wonder they have good reviews - Leave a good review or else!
(1)Amanda I.
This place was great! Met my friend and her family here for dinner on a Sunday night. I read that it can get kind of busy, so we made reservations, just in case. They have a pretty good beer selection (living in CO with all of the microbreweries, I've gotten a little spoiled), including a Kombucha based one that my friend bought. I wouldn't be able to drink a whole glass of that drink, too tart. I do remember seeing one where you could have it infused with fresh mangoes... Mmm I want to try that next time. Anyways, I ordered the Mac attack burger, which had bacon, some Mac and cheese, and a little bbq sauce. It wasn't as big as I feared, thankfully, and it really was very tasty. I switched the Cajun fries out for sweet potato fries. I wish they offered a honey based sauce for those fries, it would be amazing. My friend's sister had to send her steak back to get it cooked a little longer, but our server was really great. Very friendly and patient with us as we decided what we wanted. We also ordered the strawberry shortcake for dessert, which was enormous. I don't think it tasted THAT great (I would have liked it sweeter, with the shortcake a bit more moist), but it definitely was memorable because of the size, haha. Overall, great food and price in an area where I wouldn't expect this kind of restaurant. I would definitely return for more.
(4)Cameron T.
I have never had a bad experience at the Sidetrack as far as the food and drink goes. The service can be inconsistent, but the happy hour pricing can make you forget about how long you waited for the drink.
(4)Mary Y.
On a super crowded Saturday evening, I visited Sidetrack. I love the burgers, always cooked just right for my taste. The sweet potato fries don't taste like fries. They taste baked. The snozberries taste like snozberries. Ok, just making sure you're still reading. They have an ample beer menu, full of great choices. I've yet to come in the summer to sit on the patio, but I will. They have Magners in the bottle here, so that puts it up a few notches for me. The service was great despite the crowd. The only gripe I have is the tables were a little close together. I also love the inside of the building, so many great things to catch like door details and ceiling details. A lovely space. See you again, Sidetrack.
(5)William C.
I walked in and sat down. Only drink menus at the table. As I got up to leave after a few minutes, and an attractive young woman, (who turned out to be the owners daughter), asked me if I had been helped yet. I replied no, and she quickly found someone to seat me. I was very impressed. I love the vibe of this place. I ordered the fish tacos. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give them a 3 on the tacos. Ambiance was a 10. Customer service an 8. The 3 because I have had some pretty good fish tacos here in Michigan and California. Best in Michigan and perhaps the country were at the now defunct Fish x2 in Spring Lake, MI. (They certainly did not go out of business due to their tacos!) I will most certainly be back to Sidetrack. Will try something other than the fish tacos.
(3)Bob C.
The food was good and at a good price, the service was poor. But had a great time with friends
(3)Nathan W.
I *LOVE* Sidetrack. You will get consistently excellent food and consistently excellent service. And the burgers are scintillating.
(5)Bella M.
I love the atmosphere of Sidetrack but the food has really gone down hill. I ordered the fish tacos again thinking they may have improved but nope. The queso appetizer had a handful of chips with it. The food is bland & overpriced. Will return for a drink but not food.
(2)Jim I.
Came here many times over the years before I was a foodie. As a drinkie, I enjoyed many beers, but my fiance said we need to eat here. So we did. Yes its one of the best Burgers in Washtenaw County, Michigan and the craft beer selection is huge. The fries had a fresh potato taste as if they were just picked and cut. Whether you like Oprah or not ( I do not), it never hurts to have your place endorsed on her show due to the fact that she is an undeniable media giant. We will be back and next time we will eat outside so maybe we can be feet away when the train goes by. That was cool. Very good Hamburgers! Expect a wait... unless you can get here at 455pm before everybody gets out of work.
(5)Bethany O.
Always lovely here -- outstanding service, love the rear shaded patio with flowers. Summer salad with pears, walnuts, dried cherries, gorgonzola. Refreshing Chardonnay after an afternoon gardening.
(4)Jeffrey T.
This place is so close to being just absolutely amazing. It's been a staple in ypsi for years. If your looking for some good food and a great beer selection then this is your place. The happy hour is probably the best in the area. I understand this is a family owned business. Great to support local places.
(4)Lyndsi W.
I really enjoyed myself here one late night. I have only been here a couple of times I remember the food being very good. Chili- I remember to be great! Cheese and raw onions on top are the best! Fries- were great! If I remember correctly someone got the burger and it's not too bad either. They are open late and serve food pretty late from what I remember and it's a great spot to grab a drink AND some food on most any night of the week. Right in the downtown area of Ypsi and it's really nice down there with all the bars and restaurants to choose from. I always have had a great time here and hope to be back to visit one of these times I'm home to Michigan to visit!
(5)Steph W.
This is an all around cool spot to go to for lunch, dinner, evening cocktails or to watch a game. They have typical bar food but they also have a variety of other items. They are known for really good hamburgers. The parking is not the best here. Service is good. The drinks are excellent. They do not skimp on the liquor like some restaurants. This place has a historical vibe to it. Reminds me of cheers. The only drawback is the women's bathroom. It is stuck in the past and is in serious need of updating.
(4)Amy G.
It seems like Sidetrack is most popular for their burgers, but I ordered the stuffed salmon. You can order it stuffed or not, and it comes with asparagus and brown rice so at least feels like a healthier option in a bar-type joint. The boy is a big fan of their Thanksgiving turkey burger sliders, which really is a good deal in that it is four sliders plus sweet potato fries and gravy. The sliders are cute because they include mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For a sit-down restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, Sidetrack is not too expensive either, a good college area establishment. Our waiter was very friendly too. I would recommend Sidetrack to anyone as an affordable, comfortable restaurant with no-frills but satiating food.
(4)Geoff W.
Many places claim the best burger but Sidetrack Bar delivers. Great service. This is not a white tablecloth establishment but if you want great ford and device in a casual atmosphere, Sidetracks is the place. Located in historic depot town, it is a fun area of town. Two trains passed through while we dined. Highly recommend it.
(5)Kris A.
I decided to give Sidetrack a shot while in the area one day that my sister was in town from Florida. We were looking for a decent place to eat and the guys at work had been singing high praises about the place, so I thought "why not". It's got a very eclectic decor with no shortage of things to catch the eye. The history is rich with stories of patrons gone by, which added to the atmosphere. They boast the "Best Burger" & "Award Winning Chili", neither of which challenge I can pass up. We both ordered basic cheeseburgers. Burger, Cheese, Bun. That's it. No fancy accompaniments. Nothing to mar the pure cheeseburger experience. The side dish - Chili of course! Loaded with cheese, onions, and crackers? HELL NO! Plain, unadorned Chili. The food came forthwith (actually it was a little slow for the time of day, but I'll let that slide) and I proceeded to take pictures and examine the bounty. The burger had a slice of cheese on top & bottom both, good touch. I ordered it medium rare but it was closer to medium well. The bun was a white bread with sesame seeds, and toasted to perfection. The burger flavor was excellent and soon had me forgetting that it was a little overly cooked for my tastes. It was juicy & flavorful, and the toasted bun paired with it perfectly! The chili smelled good and had a pleasant presentation that clearly indicated "home made" versus canned, It was a very good mixture of beef, beans, and chunky tomato. The seasoning were a good blend, though there was no real "heat" to it (which I understand in a restaurant). Overall it rates in my top 5 restaurant chili's of all time. I'll be going back to Sidetrack in the near future. There a a LOT of great items on the menu & I'm looking forward to trying more of them, and having another bowl of chili!
(4)Natasha P.
Sidetrack is good but standard fare. Tasty burgers and a good selection of beer. Their make your own burger is reasonable and always an option, however, expect a wait for a table. They are always busy even on the weekdays. My last visit to sidetrack I had the fish and chips. The fish was very well fried, absolutely crisp on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside. The tartar sauce it came with was also excellent. The four stars are for their consistently good food and the fact that they have hard cider on tap. :)
(4)Chris G.
The burgers are as good as advertised. The beer selection is favorable as well. However, the other food items that I have tried have been a little lacking. If you like to be happy, then just get a burger and a nice Michigan brew.
(4)Joyce C.
To start off, food is 5 stars but service is 3 stars. Waitress was super nice but super, super slow and forgetful. I got a delicious burger with mac & cheese inside while my sister got their Memorial Day Special, a burger with two different kinds of cheese, bacon, onions, etc. I thought mine was great, it came with cajun fries which I definitely could have done without. Burger was more than enough. Extensive beer menu along with helpful descriptions. Unfortunately, we only saw happy hour prices on the menu so there was a little surprise when the bill came. If you're lucky like we were, you'll have a train drive by on the tracks while you're eating! Cute spot, we loved Ypsilanti and Depot Town was adorable.
(4)Kelly V.
Easy to find, decent parking, nice staff, pretty good list of beers and good burgers. If you want something besides burgers, I recommend you eat somewhere else first and just come for the beer. I have tried nearly everything that is not red meat on this menu, and they were all mediocre at best. The food is slow to come out even when they are not busy. All the more reason to just come for drinks.
(2)T.J. G.
Like everything about the place, particularly all the vintage railroad and brewery paraphernalia on the walls. The two massive back bars here are killer. Oh...you want to know about food... All the sandwiches here rock, but I prefer the Bavarian Ham & Swiss. It comes with a honey mustard, which I usually hate, but this had enough spice to satisfy even me. My wife had the mini-burgers, which she found "yummy." Great beer selection as well. A must stop if your in Ypsi.
(4)Ashley T.
Solid food and atmosphere. Not the place to go if you mind being close to your fellow diners. Their burgers, club sandwich and Mac and cheese are all winners in my book. If it's in season and you are with a group try the strawberry shortcake also, it's massive and delicious. Only downsides are that the service can be lackluster and the wait for food is usually 30+ minutes, those are the things that are keeping it from being 5 stars for me.
(4)Mees F.
On a cold winter's day, it's best not to sit by the window. Being so drafty, you would think they'd pull the table away from the window. I guess they want your body temp to be as cold as their food. We ordered the small side of macaroni and cheese to split. It's cold pasta that has been coated in a cold, cheese white sauce. Would've helped if they had thrown it in the oven. When we told the server it was cold, she took it back to the kitchen to warm it up. The must've nuked it because the noodles came back tough. On to dinner....I ordered the French Dip. If you like a small sandwich with dry, well-done roast-beef, this may be to your liking. I was not impressed. The fresh-cut french fries were cold. The cole-slaw was dry, like it had been sitting in the refrigerator uncovered for a few hours. My friend got the burger and onion rings. I've had the burgers here before and they are nothing special. My friend agreed. It's just not one of those burgers you crave. The onion rings were good, but cut very thick. You need a knife and fork to eat them. I prefer a smaller cut on my rings. My coffee was cold. Doubt I'll be back.
(1)Leslie R.
this place is so extremely mediocre. I don't know what the fuss is or why so many people recommend it. I think it must be its history. the food is subpar and very overpriced. how do you get away with charging is much for a burger and then not include fries. the burger was very grisly and the fried zucchinis were beyond greasy. the bear is overpriced and the selection isn't great. the service did nothing to recover this place from the disappointment of overpriced and gross food. do yourself a favor and stay away.
(1)Mia M.
I've been coming to Sidetrack's a lot lately. The inside is crowded and the service is hit or miss, but that's because of the aforementioned crowdedness. I try my best to avoid coming on weekends because there seating arrangement leaves much to be desired when they're packed full of people. There's quite a few vegetarian options here and while I've tried most of them, I tend to get the same thing. My go-to order is a black bean burger and fries. Their sweet potato fries are alright, and whatever sauce comes out with them is definitely interesting; I never get it myself, though. Price wise, things are about average. The food is slightly above average. The service is average. I find myself here out of convenience more than anything else, but I don't dislike it.
(3)Kayla F.
I can't give Sidetracks less than 5 stars, that would be blasphemy. This is a long long time favorite, I've been coming here since I was a kid and I'm still coming here. Pros: The food/menu, the atmosphere. Very high quality food for a real good price and it's always consistent. I recommend the South West Egg Rolls for an appetizer, they are delicious and to die for. I always (these days) order the Louisiana White Fish Sandwich because it's heavenly, usually with a side of sweet potato fries (best sweet potato fries I've personally ever had). They have vegan/vegetarian options too, as the owner is vegan herself! And if you're in a mood for beer, this is the best place to be. They have everything you could desire. Overall the dining experience is fabulous. More pros, the atmosphere is awesome. Yes, it's very crowded, but the place is so loud that you never feel awkward or invasive. The decor is interesting and historical without feeling outdated or cheesy. Plus there is a lot of outside seating (so you can watch trains pass by) which is nice too. They've recently bought both of the buildings next to them, so there are a lot of options for huge parties, or for people who want a quieter dining experience (ask to be seated in Frenchies side if you want a quieter experience). Cons: The only real "complaint" I can imagine someone having is that I've personally never had good service from the staff here. They'll seat you, take your order, get you whatever extras you want, but almost constantly every time I come here I eventually become completely forgotten about. I personally don't mind because I don't like over attentive staff members, but I can imagine this being a complaint for some people. The staff are usually not very friendly, they are very BUSY, but having come from a family of restaurant workers and owners, I completely understand. This place is always bustling. I've never dealt with overtly rude staff, but they are very nonchalant and preoccupied. Overall, it's probably one of my top 5 restaurants of all time. I love the place, I highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to have a good meal and some good drinks and loud conversations. It's a must for anyone just visiting Ypsilanti, don't miss out on it! *Note on the noise level, they now own two other buildings. If you eat on Frenchies side, it's gonna be very quiet. I don't even think they play music over there. However, Sidetrack side, it's VERY loud during dinner.
(5)Emma C.
Pretty good food and service, very crowded but really the only annoying thing was listening to the dumb ass conversations of the college crowd customers talking about how brilliant they are but I guess the people I went to college with were the same way for the most part. Great beer selection.
(3)Rebecca S.
Meh. My family wanted to get together for dinner, so on Saturday morning we made reservations for 8 later that evening. We arrived on time, and were promptly taken back to a table for 6 people that was missing 4 chairs. Let me just repeat: they crammed 8 of us (that had reservations) at a table for 6 people, with 4 chairs. They had to grab 4 more chairs - when we expressed disappointment at the situation, they apologized and said "we can get a bigger table for you if you want to wait 30-45 minutes". I'm not joking. We didn't want to wait so we crammed into our seats and hoped for the best. Our server wasn't with us until 15 minutes after we were sat. A carafe of water was brought out, but there were no water glasses at the table...none were brought out even after we asked. We ordered drinks, which took another 15 minutes. When we finally ordered, the food came out pretty quickly. The only reason that I'm not giving this review 1 star is because the beer selection is good, and the food was delicious. However, the food wasn't good enough to overcome the ridiculously terrible customer service. This place doesn't deserve a second chance, and I won't bring anyone here again.
(2)Ryan B.
Cozy restaurant, right across from the train station. You can tell they have grown, and expanded over the years. The restaurant seemed to go on forever. The food was excellent, and the service was very fast.
(4)Natalie J.
I have yet to have a bad meal here! I highly recommend the fish and chips for dinner, but if you're just looking for an appetizer then you HAVE to try the Irish Pub Egg Rolls. I was a little apprehensive because it didn't sound like something I'd like, but based on the waitresses recommendation I tried it and am so glad I did! The Santa Fe Quesadilla is also a good one to have as well.
(5)Claire C.
Awful. Never will return. The burgers are good, fries are mushy and mediocre. 5 out of 6 people at our table were served and we waited over an hour for the 6th's entrée. Our server was nowhere to be found in the two hours we sat there. Drink glasses say there empty even though we were ready to pay for additional cocktails. The tables around us were also ignored and their orders were wrong. I don't know how they could ever be this busy, as the service is mediocre, go to a Red Robin or any other major burger chain for better service and food. Such a shame for what was a proud restaurant in downtown Ypsi. Best burger my butt. I will warn all my friends away from this place. Such a shame. We were once long time patrons, we'll have to find another place without the long wait times and a burger worth the $10.
(1)Jack N.
On 7/16/15 I visited the SideTract and ordered the MESS OF PERCH dinner. I had the same dinner last year and it was the worst meal. Nothing changed in the twelve months interval! Still deep fried! Still dry & tasteless! Still 10% fish and 90% breading! I! You would assume A MESS means a lot of perch. Wrong...three small pieces. Shame on me for making the same mistake twice! Never again!
(1)Darin L.
This place is always busy but still finds a way to make it happen. My only complaint are the number of tables and how closely they are placed. Makes it a bit noisy, crowded, and feels like everyone is listening to your conversation. Also, because of how busy it is, the service isn't instantaneous. I realize many people complain about it being "slow", but honestly, I tend to understand that when a place is busy, you kind of have to wait a little. Regardless, I've never felt as if I've had to wait an extraordinary amount of time...all wait times have been reasonable. The food is mostly very good. I've tried a variety of things and haven't found anything I don't like yet. Obviously, the burgers are really good and one of the few places that actually cook it to order correctly (medium rare for me). The Reuben is great as is the chili, sliders, clam strips, fish, etc. The bar is also outstanding with a large variety of beers (Michigan and imports) as well as a great liquor selection (I'm partial to bourbons and they have quite a few). Outside seating is great, especially in the back away from the street traffic. The prices are also reasonable. I'll be back often!
(5)Paul P.
Best burgers in the Ann Arbor area. I would avoid the fries because they can be a little soggy and instead get the fried pickles because they are amazing.
(5)Liz R.
Scored the last tiny two-top in the place. Ordered way too much food because it was our first time, and we're piglets. Started with the deep fried pickles. Spears, which is Ken's preference. I thought the breading was a bit thick and the app was overall greasy. Ken had the chili, which we both thought was delicious. We each got burgers and split onion rings (I've already told you we ordered too much, so stop with the eye roll...). Ordered our burgers pink, and they came cooked through. Heck, one side of mine was crunchy burnt. NOT medium by any stretch of the imagination. The rings, like the pickles, were heavily battered and greasy. Ranch should not slide off! My boozy drink was served in a chipped martini glass. I showed it to our waitress, who had the bartender transfer my drink (plus any potential glass chips) to a new glass rather than remaking. Uhm, thanks. Tables are close together. Parking was rough. Food was average. I'm glad we tried it, if only to take it off my bookmark list.
(2)Andrea F.
Always love coming to sidetracks...weather its lunch, dinner or happy hour! Service is most efficient during lunch however the bar can be a bit slow late at night. Sweet potato fries, sliders and the spinach artichoke dip is a must!
(5)B C.
We LOVE Side Track Frenchies!!!!! They have THE BEST food at this establishment, along with a trendy environment! Their club sandwich is the BEST I have ever had, and they make a mean burger, too! They have 2 great bars, outdoor seating, and an event room that you can reserve for parties or business meetings. If you are lucky to have a train whiz by at 65mph, you are lucky! After all, it's not called Side Tracks for nothing! One of our favorite spots! Check it out!
(5)Sarah W.
I went here for lunch with 5 other diners. We were greeted and taken care of promptly by the server and someone else who took out drink orders. I ordered the black bean burger on a gluten free bun. It came with two slices of cheddar and salsa, lettuce, and tomato. The bun was toasted. It was awesome!! I was in town for only a few days, I will be doing everything I can to recreate this at home! I ordered sweet potato fries with it, the came out cold, so I asked the server if she or the cooks could reheat them for me. Two minutes later she came back with a plate of hot sweet potato fries! It comes with a zingy horseradish dipping sauce, it's a perfect combo with the sweet fries. I wish there was one of these in pittsburgh!
(5)Ryan M.
Great black bean burger and sweet potato fries. Expansive selection of draft beers. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Abigail S.
The fried avocado app was super delicious. The gourmet mini sliders were yummy!! Love the new front opening!
(4)M D.
I live for the Reuben w/the side of sweet potato fries w/the speacil sauce. OMG! SOOOOOO good. I also liked how management let us sample a few beer flavors before we made a decision on which one we wanted
(5)Penny B.
I've always loved Depot town the people the restaurant the food just the atmosphere alone is a great thing to experience so we would me and my husband decided to get married we decided we would like to do it there and we contacted sidetracked made an appointment with them and went on time only to find that we got pushed aside ignored and then when it came time for us to talk with them about it they acted like our money wasn't good enough for them. I don't know about you but when somebody treats me that way it really hurts my feelings alot and I wouldn't recommend anybody to go there they're just mean and hateful
(1)Sarah W.
When I first moved to Ypsi, it seemed like everywhere I went they were raving about the burgers at Sidetrack - and rightly so. They are really good burgers. They kind of pushed their luck a little with the "burgers to eat before you die" business. I have consistently left Sidetrack with a belly full of amazingness, but I wouldn't quite give them credit for life-changing, other-worldly, or bucket-list burgers. It's a burger worth driving out of your way for - just not like, super far out of your way. But with slightly tempered expectations, you should go. Great food. Great beer list. Great job accommodating the gluten free people and vegetarians and various and sundry other dietary proclivities without making a big thing of it. And a genuinely nice neighbor. They are champions and cheerleaders for all things Ypsilanti. Case in point: they opened up two hours early today so people could come in after the Color Run. Not only did they welcome idiots covered in brightly colored corn starch to make a giant mess of their restaurant, they made us a special burger. Apparently running a 5K entitles me to double cheese and double bacon. And a fried egg. And it was delicious.
(5)Laila M.
We checked Sidetrack out because it was on some best burger list or another (like, every one). It f*&king deserves it. The burgers here are so good. TOO good, probably. They're good on a white bun, wheat bun, or pretzel bun. They're good with an egg and the tastiest damn bacon imaginable. They're good with any type of cheese. They're good when you're sober, or when you got trashed at the nearby BeerFest and need to sober up. They are ALWAYS good. They cure all unhappiness. I usually like well-done crispy fries, and these are pretty flaccid. BUT I DON'T CARE. They are also delicious. Especially dipped in ranch (I know) or soaking up that delicious burger grease elixir. This is a messy meal, but it really is top-notch. As far as appetizers and desserts, I'm inexperienced. I had an appetizer ONCE - southwest eggrolls. They were as good as everything else here. I'm ALWAYS too stuffed full of beer and burgers to try the dessert. And speaking of beer... Sidetrack's selection is fantastic. Always something new to try for the craft beer enthusiast (though I almost always stick to my Edmund Fitzgerald - $3.25 for 25oz or something at happy hour). Good happy hours. In the summer, sit in the back patio. Even better, in the winter, ask for a seat next to the fire. It's heaven. No bad words about Sidetrack from me. I'm making myself salivate, and it's happy hour right now...
(5)Jeff H.
Alright.... Where do I start. I frequently come hear for a couple beers and a burger, big mistake today. I wanted to throw my burger on the floor! This thing was served to me on a saucer! A saucer! And it was overcooked, ordered fries with my burger and I had to ask a random server to grab my fries. My girlfriend ordered a club sandwich and the bread wasn't toasted and the fries were cold. Place is a good joint but need a whole new kitchen staff. The "cooks" have no pride or experience with what they do.
(1)Alix M.
Great service and great food! Was not disappointed at all.
(4)Radha K.
Pretty standard pub-style eatery. Good service, alright food, good beer...nice place to hang out, it seems like. I had the "spicy" chicken wings off the appetizer menu and they were just breaded wings. If you want that extra spice, make sure you ask for hot sauce or something. Everybody else got the Mac Attack burger which was pretty good. Cajun fries were also quite good!
(2)Hannah S.
So I went here on a healthy day, so not a typical review for me! I ordered the house salad and a cup of chili. The house salad was yummy, dried cherries included. The chili came in a snazzy mug with an assortment of crackers. The decor was very homey and fun, complete with animal heads and fireplaces. I'll look forward to coming here again to enjoy the burgers (they even had a Kevin Bacon burger!) Parking is a little tight behind the building but there are additional lots nearby. You shouldn't have to pay :)
(4)Billy B.
I've eaten here so many times over the years that I think we have covered everything on their menu three times over. The draft selection is outstanding. Great Happy Hour!!!!! I guess my only complaint is that they don't have a FRI. dinner Happy Hour. They are known for their burgers and rightly so. I honestly have not eaten a bad thing off of the menu. They have two of my favorite appetizers ever. The fried pickles and the artichoke dip are to die for. Pulled Pork, Fish n Chips, Louisiana Fish Sammy, Black Bean Tacos, and the Crispy Chicken Strawberry Salad are just a few of my favorites. Can't forget the Billy Burton Mac Attack (which is named after me!!!) I won a design your own burger contest and I am still getting free burgers. This is probably my #1 favorite restaurant in the AA/Ypsilanti area (I would eat there more often if they had a Friday Dinner Happy Hour). B
(5)Nancy C.
Delicious burgers and extensive beer selection. I got the mac attack (heart attack on a plate) and it was awesome! Burgers are sized perfectly so you don't feel like vomiting after finishing an entire one by yourself. Lots of options for things to add on to your burger, my friend got the whole portobello and avocados added on to his burger...granted the burger got pretty pricey after the additions, but at least it was delicious!
(4)Eric M.
Service here is prompt and friendly. I met up with friends here after work on a Friday to relax and shake off the week with a couple of beers and conversation. I probably wont go back because it is extremely loud...you can only talk to the person right next to you. 5 stars because they do their job very well...just not my kind of scene
(5)Sarah R.
The portions are pretty big and anything I've every had was very fresh and tasty. I had the pear-apple-chicken salad and it was very filling. My dining partners really enjoyed their dishes as well.
(4)Henry C.
I visit the Ypsilanti area often and make a point of coming here! Great burgers and sandwiches....where do I begin?? Pulled Pork is flavorful and tasty. Amtrak double decker burger, mac n cheese burger....the list of delicacies goes on and on! Go for the informal, casual atmosphere, go for the large menu, etc. Just go and give it a try, you wont be disappointed!
(5)Darin E.
I can't believe I have lived 15 min east of here for 15 years and never heard of this place before Yelp. (Yay Yelp!). It was "Cruise" night and the streets were busy with a throng of car enthusiasts. Not sure if (a) we were going to be able to overcome our aversion to smoky bars, and (b) get a table on a busy night, we entered with trepidation. We were immediately greeted by the hostess and led to our table-for-two, squeezing between a row of tables and the long antiquey bar, back around the corner to a table right smack dab in server-traffic-alley. Dont'cha hate that? Well, they moved us immediately upon request and I am glad - I would have hated to have walked out on the experience we ultimately had. Not really taking note of the fact that the hostess didn't ask us for our smoking preference, I was delighted to neither smell any smoke nor see any ashtrays -- No smoking except the front porch (Yay!) We started by sampling a $2.95 mug from the well-rounded menu of tap beers. I settled on the Short's Huma-Lupa-Licious from Bellaire, "Up North" Michigan ( shortsbrewing.com/brews.… ). This brew lived up to its namesake flower, Humulus Lupulus, with a bright crisp palate and a bitter, hoppy nose and finish. A nice relaxed summer evening atmosphere spurred our conversation and casual examination of the interesting architecture, railroad paraphernalia and breweriana. This place has genuine character - the type that interior designers "draw their inspiration from" (i.e. copycat) when they come up with the junk-nailed-to-walls theme-du-jour for the chain restaurants we get in Canton, or the movie Office Space for instance. This place was interesting and comfortable though, and definitely didn't leave us with a case of the Mondays. The only - 'flair' I saw was a black bandaid with white skull-and-bones, and a lisp-inducing tongue piercing. The food was good, maybe even very good. We started with the Irish Egg Rolls -- "Pickles stuffed with ham and cheese....". Actually it was an egg-roll sized/shaped wonton stuffed with a quarter spear of dill pickle and some ham & swiss. Great idea, but really the execution was not quite there for me. The tastes mixed well, especially when combined with the zippy coarse mustard found on the side. I wish they had scooped the seeds out of half of a pickle, and stuffed it like they said they were going to. The proud claims of winning the Chili cook-off several years in a row tempted me to sample a cup. I went with the non-smothered option to get a clear view of what was going on with this dish: Meat, beans and red sauce. Nice and simple, very nice heat, no big chunks of green bell pepper or other adulterations. This was maybe the highlight of the night. I highly recommend it to any Chili lovers out there. The "Driver" mini-burgers were very good as well, but I think for $9 you should be able to expect them to be served on something a bit nicer than Dinner Rolls from the Aunt Millie bakery (or whatever simulacrum their buyer chose). If I want sliders I go to White Castle - When you sell me "gourmet" mini burgers, I shouldn't be able to roll the bun up into little sticky balls of marshmallow fluff. Maybe that's just me, but just sayin'. Still, the Gorgonzola, perfectly caramelized onions, and smoky bacon dressed a very nice mini-pattie that more than made up for the sub-par bread. We saw the onion rings go by headed to some other tables and decided to top things off with a shared order. The cook must be watching too much FoodNetwork or something, because we got a 'deconstructed' nouveau cuisine version and had to reassemble the onion and breading at the table. A bit too greasy for me on the tail end of a full meal, but I can see why they are popular. The evening was nicely capped by the AmTrak train going by as we wandered off through the cars and cruisers. We'll be back!
(4)Emilia J.
The food at Sidetrack is good. So is the beer. Plus their Butt Warmers are delicious on a cold winter day after a sledding adventure at Riverside Park. I have to admit that I've only eaten here once, and had the BIG Michigan Harvest Salad with tempe and sweet potato fries. YUM. The dressing on the salad was amazing- a raspberry vinaigrette whose perfect contents I'm still trying to figure out.. On this particular evening our table was close to the fire. The one weird thing: the giant dead moose head and other animal heads sticking out of the walls. I swear one of them looked exactly like my dog, and it was a little disturbing.. Other than that, food was good, atmosphere was good, beer was good, service was pretty good, a bit busy, but hey- when I waitressed in the past I was too!
(4)John S.
"Beer is the proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." - Benjamin Franklin This is one of my favorite quotes and Sidetrack had me the minute I walked in the door with this quote on the back of the server's t-shirts (I took one home.) Not only did I enjoy 3 outstanding local brews served by a knowledgable 'beer drinking' bartender, but I also sampled some unique food. The Irish Pub Egg Rolls (which are actually ham and cheese wrapped around a pickle and all deep fried in an egg roll) were some of the most unique, delicious appetizers I've had. I followed that with the Gourmet Sliders (mini burgers topped with blue cheese, carmelized onions, and bacon)...I would say that they live up to the "Top 20 Burgers" in the country claim! I travel a lot and always try to hit the local spots. This was one of the better local flavors joints I've been to. You don't think of Ypsilanti as a haven for great local pubs, but this one fits the bill. I'll be back if business brings me back to Ypsi!
(5)Heather S.
We adore Sidetrack, with kids or without. Their specials are usually really good, and the regular menu is packed with fun alternatives to more usual greasy fried bar food. Sit outside when it's nice and if you're lucky a train will roll through while you're there. In winter try to get a seat within view of the fireplace. If you go with kids, make note that there isn't a kids' menu. To me that's a plus - we order off the appetizer menu for them, which offers lots of great fresh options (hummus! pita pizza! turkey chili!). It's not a quick in-and-out place. The pace is a little slower, food is cooked for real and takes a little longer than your average chain restaurant. We've always had great service (and we've tested the patience of a few of our servers with our two little kids), and enjoy sitting back and relaxing during our time there. I esp. appreciate it that they bring a carafe of whatever you're drinking (water, Coke, whatever) to your table first thing. The burgers are terrific, the burger alternatives are equally tasty, and the strawberry shortcake is wonderful (when strawberries are in season, of course!). I really like the hand-cut sweet potato fries and spicy dipping sauce. The minute they start offering milk for the kids, I'll come back and give them 5 stars -- other than that, they're perfect.
(4)Heather K.
Sidetrack is absolutely my favorite place to eat in the Ann Arbor area. I keep coming back time and time again, and I'm always pleased. Sidetrack is primarily a place for burgers, and the burgers are great. Cooked to order, with a huge assortment of toppings you can mix and match the way you please, I get something different every time and am always happy. You have the choice of no fries, pub fries, or sweet potato fries. They have two types of sliders too, but the one time I got them they were a little overcooked, so I'll just stick with the regular burgers. But another great thing about this place is the variety. They have far more vegetarian fare than most other places around. Tempeh ruben? Check. Black bean burger? Check. It's not the best vegetarian the area has to offer, but if you're with a mixed crowd, the vegetarians won't feel left out as they pick at their salads. The beer selection is great, with plenty of local brews and servers who are knowledgeable about the beer menu. Beer comes in 16 and 22 oz sizes. They also have a martini menu that I just find confusing, but if you like sweet crazy martinis, apparently Sidetrack has you covered. Finally, the can't miss items: *deep fried pickles *sweet potato fries *Bell's Hopslam seasonal on tap
(5)Carmen O.
Rated one of the best burgers in the US by GQ magazine I was intrigued to try it and wasn't disappointed. The burger was delicious and the onion rings were AMAZING! They could have been bracelets they were so big. Also good were the Irish egg rolls (I think they were called that). These were ham & swiss, and pickled rolled and fried in an egg roll. All very tasty!
(4)Tyler B.
There's a reason that one's first thought upon entering Sidetrack is "Holy crap this is a fire marshal's nightmare," - a place this good needs all the table space it can get. So while during prime lunch or dinner rushes you'll likely be sitting a__holes to elbows, that's the only criticism I could ever render. Great beer, exquisite food. Any person who's ever used the term 'bar food' as a derogatory owes Sidetrack an apology. And if you're lucky enough to be dining when the train goes by, to quote Ayesha "Its really an experience."
(5)Patrick H.
This is one of my favorite places to go when I want a good beer at a great price. I miss this place more and more now that I live so far away. The food is very good and the staff has always been at least alright. When they are busy sometimes they won't get back to you for awhile so get that next round ordered when you can! Despite the sometimes not great service this place still kicks it with five stars.
(5)Bryan P.
Sidetrack is absolutely one of my favorite spots in all of Washtenaw County. It has great bar food and an excellent selection of beer on tap. The service may not always be lightning quick, but in the 5 years I've been going it's never been so bad as to become irritating. Sidetrack supposedly has great hamburgers, but as a vegetarian I can't attest to their quality. But, if your vegetarian like me, I can tell you there are some great vegetarian options. For appetizers I like deep-fried pickles and their HUGE fried mushrooms. As far as entrees go, the tempeh burger is pretty good, but I prefer the tempeh philly. It's super delicious. If you're looking for a spot to sit outside, enjoy the weather along with some beer and maybe food, Sidetrack is the place. Also the train might fly by really fast and freak you out for a second, which is always fun.
(5)Mary F.
Since the outdoor seating area was completed a few years ago, the Sidetrack has been a nice place to meet a few friends and have some drinks on a hot summer night. The much-vaunted burgers in all honesty, have never wowed me. The bun's always greasy. The famous Sweet Potato Fries have always come to our table either soggy or burnt. Truthfully, the food's average at best. I think the real attraction for most is the vast beer selection. On all but the coldest nights, get a table outisde as the tables inside are placed cheek by jowl. Order quickly as service can be slow on a busy night. Mixed drinks at the Sidetrack are over-iced so get yours with a minimum of ice if you want to taste the base ingredient. The noise level is expectedly loud so if you're in the mood to solve the problems of the world or have a quiet discussion, this may not be the best place. Still, it's a refreshing and authentic change of pace from downtown Ann Arbor and the staff are a whole lot nicer and more professional, with minimal U of M "M"attitude. But you know what the real pull is for us? Plentiful parking. Not having to deal with Ann Arbor parking is reason enough for us to come here.
(3)Mary M.
Homies and Sidetracks ... doesn't get any better. The late-night Happy Hour special, half-price liquor on Fridays, always makes me swoon for martinis, which doesn't usually happen otherwise. Great beer selection (Great Lakes Brewing Co!) and sumptuous artichoke-spinach dip. Good times, always ...
(5)Mei O.
The burgers were definitely good. Do I think they are one of the best burgers in the country? Nope. But did I have a happy tummy filled with yummyness? Yes! And they make some pretty yummy mixed drinks. I definitely recommend going when the weather is nice so you can sit outside, have a good drink and eat some fantastic food.
(4)Chris V.
There's nothing I can say about Sidetrack that hasn't already been said. My summation: it's probably the best place to drink and eat at the same time in Ypsi. The food is bar food done right - just as greasy as I like it while being equally hearty and scrumptious. While uncharacteristic for a bar food joint, Sidetrack has great veggie dishes, too. The choices on tap, while not comprehensive, are always dependably drinkable and affordable. I live just 5 minutes away, so this is the perfect place to bring friends from out of town. Sidetrack is terrific for groups, just be prepared to wait a little bit. This is a great alternative to similar places in Ann Arbor (some would even say better). If you live in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area and you haven't been here yet, you're doing something wrong.
(4)Jacob W.
I don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said by a million people, but Sidetrack is one of the best finds in the Ann Arbor area. Fantastic burgers, excellent beer and drink selection, and great salads, among other dishes. Service is usually excellent, including carafes of non-alcoholic soft drinks so you can refill yourself. Great setup of condiments at every table. I always call ahead and make a reservation, although since they opened up the room next door, it's less likely to be so busy that you'd have to wait. But still, it's nice to have a set table waiting when we arrive. One of my favorite places in the area, somewhere I'll miss when I move away.
(5)Salernitana A.
Stick one of their fried pickles in my ear and I'll follow you anywhere. Best burgers in SE Michigan, although being from California the smoke can really get to you sometimes. PLEASE CONSIDER GOING SMOKEFREE!
(5)Bruce S.
We've eaten here several times and they are consistent in delivering a positive experience. Good food, fair prices, friendly and attentive service. The outdoor seating is really nice in the warmer months. The Michigan salad is delicious, as are the sweet potato fries. Actually, there are several delicious menu items available here, which we've had numerous times. We've only been there during the day though when things are quieter though, so I have no idea what they are like at night when they are in bar mode.
(4)Dr R.
Good beer selection, great burgers. Their dining area can be loud and crowded, but it is still a good place to grab a couple of drinks and some food.
(4)Emily P.
Oh, dear God. Want to be carded FOUR TIMES in the course of four drinks? Then come here - and be prepared to wait an hour for each round. The servers were standoffish and oblivious. (They'd sit down with other patrons, letting our drinks languish god-knows-where and then bring us the wrong orders.) The only redeeming quality of this place is the outdoor patio, where the occasional train will pass within feet of you - leaving you to fantasize about throwing yourself in front of it rather than actually paying for the excruciating experience you've just had. Normally I'd dull the pain with another round, but at Sidetrack it's never gonna show up.
(1)Jessa B.
Yummo! This place is simply amazing. The menu has everything from burgers to vegan tempeh tacos. The fried zuchinni is seriously SO good, and they have some of the best onion rings around! I always get the black bean burger. It is homemade in house! The beer selection is great, and I can even get some Short's Brewery in there! The place is huge, but broken up to be intimate. The best time to go is in the summer, the patios are so much fun to hang out with friends at! LOVE this place and go all the time.
(4)Hailey W.
Been to Sidetracks multiple times and I don't plan on ever stopping! The food is good, the drinks are great (and pretty darn cheap during happy hours after 11pm), and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual night out with some friends. The only problem we've ever had is sometimes it's really really busy! Which means that the place is crowded and very VERY noisy and the wait staff is hard to come by. Pretty great place regardless!
(4)Jill S.
Worst service ever. Out of town visitors are second rate here. Others were seated before us and we were seated in front of the back door and had to wear our coats to eat.
(1)Jerin R.
Waitress was knowledgeable about gluten free options for my wife. The medium rare burger I ordered was a little toward the medium well side, but the place was packed, so it's forgivable. It was good quality beef. They have a fair beer selection, and good menu.
(4)Monica W.
Apparently, they were named one of Maxim's best burgers in the country. I had to see for myself. Their food takes hella long to be served, and frankly the Burger+Wait time pales in comparison to Ann Arbor's Blimpy Burger. Another time, I came and had the gazpacho. It was awful, and tasted like sour salsa with a scoop of cream cheese in it.
(2)Heather H.
Great beer selection. Great old atmosphere. The daily specials are consistently delicious. Food is a little expensive and service has been spotty. However, when I pick where we go to dinner, I usually pick Sidetrack.
(4)Michael K.
Great burgers! Awesome large beers as well
(5)Zack S.
Solid burgers.
(4)aRgh l.
Fish tacos....Eh. Their slight kick saved them. Stick with the burgers and the fries! Beer....awesome selection. Stick with the beer and stay away from the shots - still trying to figure out one....
(3)Aaron B.
Great pulled pork sandwich. Fries were also really good. Prices were about average for most of the area's nicer bars.
(4)Bethany P.
I got takeout from this restaurant while I was in town. The menu looked great, I ended up getting a burger and some onion rings. Unfortunately, I also ended up getting lost on my way back to my hotel, and ended up eating a cold burger and soggy onion rings when I finally arrived there 45 minutes later. However, even cold and soggy the food was good (which says something!) I try not to weep when I think about how good the food would have been if it was hot. The place seemed super fun, it wasn't as crazy crowded as it seemed it would be from reading the reviews on here, but I did go a bit later on. They didn't give me a receipt when I picked up my order, and I didn't notice until I got back to the hotel. This bugged me a bit, as I need to submit receipts to be reimbursed for meals when I am traveling for work. Overall, I enjoyed it, would recommend it, and would go back if I was in the area again.
(4)Lisa W.
This place has enough reviews, but I would like to add that they have deep fried everything. Deep fried PICKLES even. They also grind their own meat, meaning they have hands down THE best burger 'round these parts. And I rarely ever eat red meat. I am a super picky snob -- not really a poser vegetarian or anything. I'm just cautious of where my red meat comes from. The reason I am not giving this place five stars is because every time I order my burger medium rare, it always comes noticeably overcooked. But it still tastes good, and I am the type of person who hates overcooked meat. Do you not eat burgers because you are on a diet? Then you can get a freaking HAMBURGER SALAD. How genius is that??? Their fries are hand cut, and they have cool looking coolers for their liquor. Check it out. Did I mention they have deep fried PICKLES? Because they have deep fried pickles. AND they have naked lady pictures on their walls, along with prized dead animals, and deep fried zucchini also.
(4)Clarence C.
The hamburger is good. Made with a tasty slab of ground meat. Neatly stacked pieces of fresh lettuce, tomato and onion--not wilted, not aged in a prep table. Bun toasted on the grill. There's a good chance it will be one of the best burgers you ever eat. I like my fries crispier and skinnier. Are they using the right kind of potatoes? A hamburger with a side of fries and a 25-ounce mug of Oberon (not quite a pitcher, but close) set me back a little over $16. It was worthwhile. The waitstaff was attentive, but not invasive. Nice decor. Wood wainscoating, Antique railroad memorabilia, stuffed moose head over the fireplace, and a barbershop pole. Another good thing: the kitchen is open until 2 a.m.
(4)Joel S.
They have the best happy hour and bar food I know of. The only problem is, it's also the best happy hour and bar food everyone else knows of. It gets crowded and during peak hours the service can be really slow. But if you want some great drinks for half of what you should be paying, and some of the best made food for a bar, you have to try it. There is great outdoor seating, and it's always a good time. It does get a little loud inside, but it's worth it. If I could give 4.5 stars I would, the slower service is the only thing keeping it from a perfect 5.
(4)Will M.
Im a creature of habit and this is my habitat. Good food, best happy hour around. sunday - wendsday 9pm - 1am 3 dollar 25oz micro brews and half off shots and rocks drinks. weekends happy hour is 11pm - 1am. I prefer to sit on sidetracks side as opposed to frenchies, its usually a more liveley crowd.
(5)Todd A.
I was very impressed with my burger and fries. The only disappointment was NOT seeing a train go by!
(4)Jeff S.
id give them a 4 or better but the inconsistency is just heart breaking. the beer selection is great. awesome balance between familiar michigan brewed beers and high quality, high ABV, hard to come by michigan brewed beers. I'm a burger enthusiast. theirs is pretty good, but if they would spruce it up in the burger bun department, perhaps a choice that wouldn't soak up all the juices and thus fall apart leaving me with a flimsy patty with a soggy small piece of bun in between my thumb and index finger. I'm no pro but I've also had dinner there with a friend who ordered a salad that was insanely dressed. he returned it, got another where they offered literally zero dressing. I read an article in GQ including them in the top 20 burgers you need to try or something like that. likely story........ oh also. heads up management, your kitchen staff is visibly eating food on the line.
(3)Daniel B.
We love Sidetracks! The food is tasty and the selection of beers is awesome. The fried pickles are the best! Go early, if you go on weekend evening after 7 except to wait for a table and a really crowded bar!
(4)Jason L.
One of my favorite places for food and drinks in ypsi. They have some amazing burgers and awesome drink specials.
(5)Bryant B.
This is one of my favorite places in the area and truly a great experience and a great value. It is almost always busy around dinner time, so be prepared to wait a bit. There is really no waiting area either, so if there are no stools open at the bar it can be a little tight and awkward. The place has a cool ambiance, but the tables are packed in tight. It definitely feels cramped and loud. The servers really have to weave their way around the tables and people. To me, these are just minor details because both the food and the service speak for themselves. Everything I've had here has been great. The gorgonzola tenderloin is one of my favorites. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, the salads are also really good and more creative than most I've had. My girlfriend always raves about the turkey reuben and the mac & cheese. For me though, I have a really hard time straying away from the burger. It's always cooked to perfection and super juicy. DO get the sweet potato fries. I'm not sure what the sauce is they're served with, but it definitely works well. The bar is well stocked. They have a decent wine selection and usually a few Michigan beers on tap. Even at its busiest times, the service has been good and the food comes fast.
(5)Mike R.
other than the puke smell when you first walk through the door the food is excellent
(4)W R.
Gotta love Sidetrack! Excellent food and atmosphere make it the best restaurant/bar in Ypsi, and it's worth driving a good distance to get there. Love the cozy bar and the fireplace in the winter.
(5)Matt B.
Great food, good atmosphere...passable service. That sums up Sidetrack in a nutshell. I would say Sidetrack's a victim of its own success, but I'm not sure. The place is frequently packed to the gills, and I often wonder if that fact is why the service can be substandard sometimes. However, the food is really good (the deep-fried pickles are awesome), the environment is kitschy, and the selection of food is pretty impressive, too. They've got what is arguably one of the best burgers in Ypsi - great flavor all around and just a really great experience...when the service is on. Their takeout service is kind of dodgy, though. More than once I've been told 20 minutes and it's more like 30-35. They also deliver, apparently, but I've never tried it. Checks tend to run between $8 and $12 on average.
(4)Jason b.
The burger is fantastic! If you just want a burger, come here and try it out.
(5)Euge C.
I'm not from Ann Arbor. I'm not from MI. I'm not even from the Midwest. I'm from California, a land where we are pretentious about everything. Food is just one of the few things we think we do better than everyone else. We even have a place called "In-N-Out" that we swear makes the best burgers in the world. We are silly monkeys, because Sidetrack's burger makes me want to move here. Three times I have tried to eat just a single burger only to eat another. I cannot really describe it to anyone. "...it's just...just the burgeriest burger I've ever had..." It's a burger that should make the whole state proud.
(5)Miike G.
Fried pickles, amazing burgers and beer selection. Best depot town joint ever!
(5)Eduardo R.
Amazing place. The atmosphere is fun, yet quiet enough to have conversations. The food tastes really good, and is pretty cheap too. Great place to go to with small groups. If you go here, try the fried pickles, they're delicious. Also, their happy hour has some of the cheapest prices on drinks I've ever seen ($1-$3). Will definately go again.
(5)Todd G.
Have been here once, to try the famous burgers. I probably won't go back. The burger was ok, kind of (ok it was drenched) greasy and raw, not med rare. Sweet potato fries were good, not as good as others I've had. Building is kind of cool, and waitress was nice. What really put me off was the unbearable noise level. It was early evening on a spring weekday, and it was the noisiest restaurant I have ever been in! Good for a spin with drunken housemates, would not recommend for a date, unless you really don't want to converse with him / her!
(3)Sandra C.
The hamburgers are amazing, especially when topped with cheese and grilled onions. And the sweet potato fries are awfully good. The only negatives are that the service can be slow and the tables are crowded kind of close together.
(4)Nick S.
Wish I could give a 3 1/2, but they deserve better than a 3-star, so 4 it is. I love this place, go there all the time. The burgers are delicious and the beer specials are great. The problem? The wait staff is (usually) *awful*. It's not uncommon to wait 15 minutes for a beer even if there aren't a lot of people there. Recently this has been (slightly) improving, but I go often (because, as I said, the food and specials are great) and I've rarely had what I would define as "good" service.
(4)Brian M.
A true classic. Coolest bar/restaurant around. At 35 I'm not sure I can deem an establishment a throwback, but this joint is just that.
(5)Liz R.
My all time favorite college digs. I'm still coming back here a decade later! Great sweet potato fries and horseradish sauce, absolutely fresh beef for the juicy burgers, great atmosphere (not so conducive to actually hearing a convo, but eh) I love that they added a back patio. Everything they make is good quality. The salads and dressings are homemade and fresh... just a great place to get a beer with an old friend.
(5)Steven H.
Their fries can use some work they taste a little burnt. But their burgers are great! Plus their happy hour is worth it.
(4)Devon A.
I'm always half expecting to see Hemmingway's ghost hanging out at Sidetrack. This place has great atmosphere, complete with taxidermy and a nice fireplace. The food and beer selections are both very good. I've heard the hamburgers are outstanding. I just starting eating meat after 15 years of being a vegetarian. and I hope to try the burger soon. However, vegetarians, this menu has a decent selection of food for you too. Prepare to toast a passing train, if you are so lucky.
(4)Tim K.
By far my favorite restaurant of all time. I've had more good times here than pretty much anywhere else. For a vegetarian, the food cannot be beat with the shear amount of variety. Try the southwestern egg rolls, you won't be disappointed. The happy hour drink prices are the best I've ever seen, and the selection of beer on tap is overwhelming. During the summer I suggest sitting outside and waiting for a train to pass by. Truly a unique experience. During the winter months you can enjoy your meal and drinks next to a roaring fireplace. This place is literally my 'Cheers', because every time I venture in there I end up seeing more friends. Also a great place for large parties because their satellite bar, Frenches, just a hallway away, is free to book. People often complain about it being very crowded, but this is for good reason. Sidetrack is the best!
(5)Mark L.
It's exactly what you would expect. Good quality tasty simple food and a good selection of beverages. Great outdoor patios.
(4)April J.
Sidetrack is great. It has particularly great burgers (though they're still not my favorite). I've tried several things on the menu and haven't been disappointed yet. The one downfall is how crowded it gets. There are frequently waiters or waitresses standing over you just because there's nowhere else for them to be. If you're claustrophobic, find somewhere else. Anywhere else. Otherwise, pretty good.
(4)Iffat B.
******Actually a 3.5********* I had to try this place because it was voted one of the top burgers (#19) in the country by GQ magazine. I drove about 45 minutes to get here and wasn't disappointed. The burger was good, but after having the Miller's burger (which is #8 on the list), this one didn't seem as good. I felt somewhat spoiled because had I tried it before I had the Miller's burger, I probably would have fallen in love with it. The beef was juicy and was good topped with American cheese. The best part about this place was the hand-cut fries dipped in the house horseradish sauce. Yummy! If I ever go back to Ypsilati, I would definitely stop in for some fries and horseradish sauce. As for another burger, I'd have to pass.
(3)Claytonian C.
Sidetrack's is one of my favorite places to eat in all of Michigan. Great burgers, fried pickles, Bell's beer and they serve food late.
(5)Jinny S.
Went here twice a couple weeks ago. First time, got eaten alive by mosquitoes outside and the waitress was nice enough to find us a table inside. Second time we went, service was not nearly as good. A conversation with the owners confirms that service is their biggest complaint. On the plus side, the food is decent. Especially for the wide variety of options they offer. The beer is cheap too (as it is in most of Ypsitucky), but their beer list is outdated so I ended up asking for two beers in a row that they didn't have anymore.
(3)Celeste J.
Crowded? Yes. Mediocre service? Yes. Awesome burgers and onion rings? Hell yes! Sidetrack makes a burger that lives up to the hype, the best onion rings I've ever had, and their bar concocts some of the tastiest mixed drinks around. As other reviewers have pointed out, the wait staff moves like molasses, but if you go in with low expectations for service and have some time to kill, the food makes it worth the wait.
(3)Chris P.
I would give 3.5 stars if I could but I will round up due to Sidetrack's charm and good beer selection. I want to start off with this statement: Sidetrack's burgers are supposedly some of the best in the States, while they are definitely good, they are certainly not some of the best. The food here is generally very good for the money, and I have no complaints except for the bland big-box-mart tortilla chips that they serve which really doesn't do their homemade salsa justice. Sidetrack's location in Depot Town is a love and hate relationship and defines this place more than any other factor. First of all, the proximity to EMU and Ann Arbor are fantastic as are the railroad tracks just feet from the building, but Depot Town remains a questionable place indeed even with all the updates and nightlife. Parking behind Sidetrack is highly recommended so you are not hustled or mugged in Depot Town, this has actually happened to someone I know near the old train depot. The beer selection is pretty vast and includes many local favorites (Arbor Brewing Co, Short's, Bell's, etc) but remains quite expensive when there is no happy hour (~$4-5 per pint) which is in-line with Ann Arbor prices (but this is Ypsilanti!). The happy hour is also so sporadic day to day that it is very difficult to know when you are going to pay a fortune for your beer or get one of the best bargains in Washtenaw County for on-tap craft beer. Sidetrack is usually understaffed so the service is pretty good compared to how many people are actually working. They have crammed so many tables into this place that claustrophobia may be a problem for some. This place is also so crowded at night that I usually come during the day.
(4)Xiao M.
This place is great. The burger with pulled pork and coleslaw is amazing. Don't forget to try their hand cut sweet potato fries and the pulled pork quesadilla. They also have a fantastic beer selection and great happy hour specials. I went to school in Ann Arbor, but it seems like the best places to eat are in Ypsi.
(5)Rebecca M.
I have lived in Ypsilanti for many years, and have eaten and drank here many times. Each time I leave I am in no hurry to return. The food is good, especially the yam fries. They also have a great late night happy hour, and many awesome beers on tap. What I generally dislike about this place is the atmosphere and service. The tables are all crammed together very very tightly. I often feel as if I am sitting at strangers tables while there, or constantly have strangers running into me because my table is in the isle way. Additionally it typically takes a very long time to get drinks here. I know that the staff is busy, and they are apologetic about long wait times, but it seems that there are just not enough of them to wait on everyone there. If you were thinking about eating here I would recommend lunch. It's not as crowed, and I can usually get in and out pretty fast.
(3)Taurean V.
Came in here the other night with two things on the agenda: fried pickles and beer. We ordered their "famous" fried pickles and could not have been more disappointed. They were sizable spears, easily the most girthy fried pickles ever... unfortunately they were stupid soggy and the unappetizing beer batter fell right off. Eating giant hot, wet pickles with no breading is just kind of gross. On the non-suck hand, they have a respectable MI beer menu which I was very pleased with. Seeing Founders on tap without driving to Grand Rapids was a huge plus. The inside is very cozy and a nice atmosphere, cramped but in a good way. I'll be back for happy hour for sure, just not with fried pickles on the mind.
(3)Jordan G.
The best place to eat in Ypsilanti, sitting on the patio enjoying a very wide array of beers on tap and the famous Amtrak burger makes for a great evening in Ypsi.
(4)Meg F.
I just moved to the area and have to say Sidetrack is already a favorite of mine. I really like the atmosphere which is casual and relaxed. Good food at really reasonable prices. It's a particularly great restaurant for out of town guests as it's suitable for kids and adults alike. My nephew loved getting to see the train rush past, and my father loved the fact that they have beer pickles on their menu, and my friends love their selection of beer. I can tell I'll be going back again and again over the years.
(4)Douglas B.
This is one of my two favorite places to eat in Ypsi. Incredible burgers with a Great micro brew feel. I don't have a bad thing to mention about the waiting staff either. My only gripe with the place would be that even when they aren't too busy it always feels a little cramped or cluttered. If you aren't sitting down at your table, you are more than likely going to be in someones way. Other than that, great food, good people... it's a great place for a casual dinner.
(4)Nan B.
5 stars for the awesome beer selection and fantastic happy hour prices -1 star for the typically failing service -1 star for the mediocre food
(3)Will B.
Love their BBQ Hamburgers!!! UH-MAZING! The sweet potato fries and onion rings are great as well. I wonder if they genetically enhance the onion because they are HUGE! HUGE!
(5)Damon L.
Enjoy the Burgers alot (which they are known for). You can tell they are hand made and not the frozen or pre-made stuff. Great side items. You know you got it right when the Onion Rings are made the "real" way with that thick deep fried crust (hey, this isn't planet fitness so drop the healthy for an hour or two). Nice selection of beer and overall a great bar atmosphere. The building in Depot Town and by the RR really makes the place and it's even better in the summer time. Some small downsides would be the place can be very crowded and busy - which makes for cramped quarters and often delays in service. That is probably more the norm and if your looking to take a family of 6, 8, 10 out - your going to be cramped. No large industrial booths here. But the staff are usually really friendly and you can tell they are doing their best running around. Overall - you can't go wrong and as long as your not some nitpicky person - you'll enjoy being in an environment that doesn't have a golden arch and getting food that is very good.
(4)Max G.
ok. my first ever yelp. i mean a bar and grill in humble ypsilanti, michigan is what it is right? would it ever be allowed in to the zagat pantheon alongside (insert favorite new york chicago san francisco bistro here)?probably not. but it should be. my philly steak hoagie, my friend's perch on pasta, i would rate 3 stars. the appetizer, beer battered pickles i would rate 10 stars. the red wine i had was delicious(thanks for choosing it for me denise). so i average out the quality of the main courses with that of the appetizer and wine and arrive at a full five stars. the wait was as extensive as it was worth it, made bearable by the beers we had at the bar. we scored outside seating and saw a train go by. i love the atmosphere of depot town. i used to live in san francisco and sidetrack is comparable to the SF Brewery in North Beach minus the panhandling and insanity. everything exists along side everything surrounding it. i love sidetrack for the not half bad food, stellar pickles, good drinks and ambiance. in the words of Lou Reed. such a perfect day. world class. repeat...effin...W O R L D C L A S S !!!.
(5)Laura K.
Sidetrack has the best burger around along w/ some very good and cheap local beer. I've tried some of their other sandwiches, but was pretty disappointed (their club is monstrous, but actually lacks flavor). I will stick with their awesome burgers and great onion rings! I would recommend calling ahead because it can get pretty crowded!
(4)Kurtiss B.
You can't beat their happy hour, laid back environment, and their burgers are out of this world. An added bonus is that I met my girlfriend here about a year ago, so I love this place.
(4)Matt R.
Two words: Good Burgers! Sat on the patio here after the Beer Festival. Started with the deep-fried pickles (wait, what?). You heard me. Soo good, and i don't even really like pickles. Had their famous burger, and it lived up to it's rep. They make them good here. My only knock was the fries, not super crispy. Note to Sidetrack: Don't serve starchy undercooked fries with such an awesome burger..step it up! The service was a tiny bit slow but it was their busiest day of the year (beer festival) and we werent in a hurry. Tons of beers on tap including some local specialty brews. Nice job. This is a can't miss in Ypsilanti..
(4)Erin G.
Sidetrack has great burgers, and a fairly good bar. However, I went during the shadow art fair and they were pretty busy. So busy in fact that it took about an hour to get a few burgers, which were just ok (they forgot my onions) and fries that weren't even cooked through. I didn't bother sending them back because it probably would have taken another hour. They seemed to be very attentive to those who were ordering drinks and didn't seem to care much about those of us who didn't have a lengthy bar tab. I've been other times when the service was just fine and the food was good, but this time was so bad it's tainted how I feel about the place.
(3)George C.
The place is good the food is good but it's just to darn expensive for bar food. Would return just not often.
(3)emeril l.
Yum! Burgers are quite tasty and don't weigh you down afterwards. They have an extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, tacos. Sweet potato fries are cut a bit thick, but I love 'em anyway. They should serve the horseradish sauce with all their fries! 10 beers on tap, if I recall...including STELLA Artois which is a must if you've never tried it. A fine Belgian brew and a rarity to find on tap.
(4)Jennifer S.
I don't even like burgers, but I came all the way from California just to get Sidetrack's burgers. Well, ya I had to visit the boyfriend too. You get this perfectly thick patty with the cheese melted just right. And it's cheap, you can get a burger w/o fries for just $5.50. It's totally crowded/packed/no room to move your chair inside, but it's part of the atmosphere. Oh and I love the giant moose heads on the wall!
(5)r c.
Went here on valentine's day. Although they were very busy, service was still very good - we never had an empty glass. For an appetizer, We ordered deep fried pickles - their's are spears so they don't get as soggy like some others I've tried. I orderd a burger and it was AWESOME. Cooked medium, exactly as ordered! Very juicy and perfect amount of toppings. Sweet potato fries were steak fry size so you could taste the potato. I tried 2 of the martini's which were both very good. My hubby ordered the shepard's pie first. It came with no gravy (server said it should have) but either way he didn't care for it. He sent it back and ordered fish and chips instead. Very quick to get that out so he could enjoy his meal with the rest of the table. He did enjoy the fish and chips- it was a very generous portion. They apologized for skipping the gravy on the pie and only charged for the 2nd meal. Very fair since it wasn't their fault he didn't like the first meal. The beer selection was very good. Didn't try dessert but saw a few go by the table and they were HUGE! The prices were very reasonable. I will defintely be dining here again soon.
(5)Amy W.
The food is consistently good. but the service is inconsistent at best. at worse a waitress yelled at us for asking for the parts of our meal that did not come out with our plates. As far as i am concerned i never have to step foot in a place where a waitress will cause a scene when you ask for your food. A manager did apologize for the horrific behavior of the new waitress. but someone's newness to a job does not excuse such behavior.
(1)Alisa O.
Food and drinks were great, but service is awful. It was especially bad tonight, when the manager and a waitress both were very combative and rude when my friend told them her bill was not correct. The manager did not want to correct it and tried very hard not to correct it until another waitress who had actually given us attention (who was not assigned to our table) took our side in the matter. This madness was all the end of the night, but for the rest we had struggled with trying to get drinks and service and occasionally watched waitresses avoid our table. We were not rowdy or acting out, there were just a few of us having a few drinks. Absolutely ridiculous treatment from the staff that will definitely cause them to lose service. I was even considering Frenchies as a place to hold my wedding reception next year but have now ruled it out due to the consistently bad service I have had there and the outrageous treatment tonight.
(2)Dharma A.
I dig this place. I've been a handful of times, most recently last night with friends for dinner and beers. If you're a hardcore vegetarian you may be put off by the numerous taxidermied (is that a word?) animals on the walls. Right by the train tracks in downtown Ypsi, Sidetrack has a homey, comfortable feel and great food and beer. The burger is spectacular as are their french fries (they seem like they might be handcut). I had the chili last night and though it is apparently award-winning, I thought it was so-so. Good, but it didn't blow my mind. They've got great, local beers on tap and sitting there with friends, in front of the fireplace, sippin' on my IPA was pretty close to perfect.
(4)Mighty M.
My boyfriend's family lives in Ypsi, so I frequent Depot Town from time to time. We went here for lunch this week, and it's so nice to eat here now that smoking is banned. It's a restaurant/bar. They have a lot of vegetarian options, which is always awesome. Their sweet potato fries are delish, especially with the dip they serve with them. I had the tempeh tacos. They tempeh they make here has a great texture and taste. I highly recommend for vegetarians.
(4)Dave Y.
this place is pretty awesome. it's just so AMERICAN. this should be like the archetypal good american food place, in depot town, across the street from a car museum, next to a rail track, in ypsilanti. the food is sooooooo good and so cheap. the burgers are excellent, but they're not your gourmet shee-shee fancy burger like the counter or something. they're just good 'ole homestyle awesome burgers w/ thick patties. and the fried zucchinis are really good, too. i think the beer was also reasonably priced. i LOVE this place. this is definitely one of my favorite places around here
(5)J O.
Usually the food is good but sometimes it is really bad and not cooked all of the way. It's really expensive and super crowded except on off hours. Sometimes the owner is in there yelling at the staff. Once I heard her call them all stupid for not recharging their pager things. It was very uncomfortable...
(2)Dawn C.
I Brought some friends to Sidetracks who were form out of town. I own and run another business in Depot Town. I just got off work. I hadn't eaten. My friends and I wanted to get a drink and have some food. I came in a have something small with me to snack and tide me over while we waited and the bartender made it his mission to go over board with his attitude about it. I go in there all the time. Usually it's a decent experience. The food is usually pretty good. Usually the wait staff is really on top of it. But the bar tenders there always have some kind of attitude. On this particular night The bartender was way overly rude and condescending. He could have asked me to put away what I had. Instead he was mean and rude to the point that I will never go there again. I would advise anyone to go to Aubrie's instead because they have better food and they treat people a lot better too. Don't spend your hard earned money at a place that doesn't appreciate it.
(1)Barbara C.
Their black bean burgers are the best! I can skip their sweet potato fries though. Overall, you always get a good meal at a good price and good service here. Like it for that alone, reliability.
(4)Margot F.
Charming, cheap, versatile, and unpretentious. The side of the building that faces the eponymous railroad tracks has a gilded sign with the quote, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Everything about Sidetrack is approximately that casual, simple, and delightful. And not as hackneyed. The menu is full of playful pub fare from fish n chips to baked brie to standard dinner entrees like grilled salmon and chicken salads. The burgers are apparently nationally famous thanks to GQ, the eggrolls filled with ham, cheese, and pickle are allegedly delightful, and the vegetarian fare is remarkably inventive for a pub. My friend was mystified, and pleased, by the tempeh philly melt he ordered and my sweet potato fries were delish. It's not haute cuisine, it's not even close, but unlike its Ann Arbor neighbors, it's not priced as if it were. And then there's the aforementioned beer. They have an extensive menu featuring lots of local brews, including bottles from micros in Ann Arbor. The weeknight happy hours are just absurdy cheap--you probably have enough change in your couch to get drunk. Other drinks are listed in the little laminated cocktail menu features a picture of the first regular martini drinkers to frequent Sidetrack back in the 1940s. The bathrooms and bar cabinets and decor are charming in only the way things that have been around that long are. Five star status because on top of all that, they manage minor problems with perfect grace. We were seated near the front window, and then realized it was crawling with flies, so they happily moved us to a different table. One of my friends ordered the vegetable quesadilla and chomped into a chunk of chicken. She let the server know, and she removed the entree from the bill and moments later a manager came over to apologize. Service was prompt, sincere, efficient, and corrected before we even had time to be fussed.
(5)the actual s.
i LOVE sidetracks. they have fantastic burgers! and don't get me started on the fried stuff. the have the BEST onion rings you will ever have! their spinach artichoke crab did is amazing. their spinach feta quesadillas are great too! enough about the food, lets talk about beer. they have great beer on tap and they have a great happy hour! you get great beer in 25 oz mugs for only 2.95 and all shots are half off. their happy hours fluctuate. I'm not what time it starts on which days but i know on the weekends it starts at 11pm. I'm pretty sure their is a after noon one too but I'm not 100% sure. but you defiantly need to go to this place! whether you need food or would like to have a brew, this is the spot!
(5)John K.
Go there. Very good experience. The 'go to' place for group gatherings.
(4)Josh W.
Mmmmm Black Bean Burgers!!! MMmmm Portobella Mushroom Burgers!!! Mmmmmmmmm Black Bean Tacos!!! Mmmmm Big azz cheap imported beer!!!! Sidetrack is the place to eat in drink in the Wash.
(5)Bill B.
The food is at best inconsistently average, service is average, and don't look into the kitchen/server area when you walk past. I gave this place several tries and the only reason I can think that people like it is because it has a decent atmosphere, nice outdoor seating, an okay beer selection, and are drunk by the time they eat. It's a decent place to have a drink and meet up with some friends, but I would never recommend this place for the food.
(2)Maria P.
A lot of people I know really like this place, I'm just giving it 3 stars. The beer list is extensive and it sounds like they have a great happy hour, but I have never tried it. Here's my biggest peeve: the menu descriptions do not match the food you actually get, which is mediocre at best. I got a Mexican salad-type thing, which had about 2 pieces of lettuce in it - not my idea of a salad. I have also gotten the goat cheese & chicken quesadillas, which are actually tacos, so don't be fooled. The chicken in both dishes was dry and unsavory. Maybe that's what I get for ordering Mexican dishes at a pub. I will say that the mini driver burgers are good, from what I remember, and a friend swears by the onion rings. The place is TINY and they cram in as many people as they can. The outdoor seating is hit or miss: sit in the front as the bathroom ventilation area fans straight into your face on the back patio (EW). The service is also hit or miss, and I would have to say I've had more bad experiences with service than I have had good. Still, I will stick with my 3 stars and will try again, because it is a fun place and I know eventually I will find something on the menu that comes out the way I expect it to.
(3)gordon m.
Best black bean burger ever! Great after hours menu, fantastic beer selection, reasonable prices. What else can you ask for!?
(5)A. T.
Good burgers, but I dunno if they're as good as the top-20-in-the-country-as-pronounced-by-GQ thing would suggest. Nice feel to the restaurant even when it gets busy. Great selection of local brews on tap.
(4)Ian H.
$2.95 ginormous beers at a happy hour that goes until 1am. yes please and thank you. one point off for burning the roof of my mouth with piping hot deep fried pickle juice.
(4)Rosemarie C.
I have been to Sidetrack many times. I love their large section of craft beers-24 on tap-and their vegetarian menu options, which include black bean tacos, a black bean burger, tempeh burger, and tempeh Philly. Of course they also have burgers and sandwiches for all you meet lovers too. I went yesterday for the first time in a couple of years. I was happy to see they have expanded and the place is quite larger than it used to be. We had dinner reservations and were promptly seated. Our server was quick and friendly. We ordered drinks and appetizers. The fried zucchini and spinach and artichoke dip were amazing. I don't like pickles but I heard the fried pickles were very good as well. I ordered the tempeh Philly and it was delicious. Another person in my party ordered the club and wasn't crazy about it , it was so tall she had trouble eating it. My only complaint was the fries. We all paid $2 for sweet potato fries. They were hot and looked cooked, but were soggy on the inside- gross. If you are in depot town I highly recommend you check this place out! Make reservations though as waits can get long.
(4)Lylian D.
I was very excited to try Sidetrack since I have heard great things about their burgers and booze. After some time in Ann Arbor, I finally made time to try it for dinner with the Bo. I was in the mood for steak and he wanted a big burger. Parking was very easy to find. It is very dark in this restaurant. I know it's a bar, but dim lighting always irks me. I'd like to be able to see my dining partner. Okay, rant over. The waitress seated us to a window table, and man did the Bo complain about the cob webs, dust, and flies in the crevices of the window. I'm sure they would have moved us if we asked for another table, but we didn't want to be a bother, plus we were really hungry and just wanted to order, eat, and go on home. We decided to not have drinks this time and just get what we came for: the Gorgonzola Tenderloin and Amtrack Double Decker Cheeseburger. Gorgonzola Tenderloin: The fillet steak was tender but didn't have enough seasoning, or even salt. I didn't like the gorgonzola cheese that topped the steak. It overpowered the steak. My steak was also a tad overcooked. I wanted it medium rare, but it was medium. Sad day. Amtrack Double Decker Cheeseburger: I tried a bit of the Bo's burger. It was very good. I should have gotten the burger! Darn. He was very hungry, so I didn't ask for another bite, even though I disliked my entree. The ground beef patties were very tender, moist, and juicy. Fries: They came out hot, crispy, & yummy. I would say that Sidetracks deserves a 3.5. I just can't round up to a 4 until I try more items. Next time I go to Sidetracks, I am going to get the Famous Handcrafted Burger. I'll let you know how it goes!
(3)Jim W.
I really like the perch dinner and the strawberry short cake. The service is quirky but my puppy can join me on the front sidewalk or rear patio.
(4)nancy h.
Been going to the Sidetrack for years. The have expanded, there are 3 dining areas now. The menu has expanded- but we still get the burgers and love them every time. We tried the veggie burger last time and it was good, too. It is our go to place when we want a good burger and a great selection of draft beers! It is near the train, that goes by often and fun to dine on the outside patio and take in the scenery of Depot town, Yosilanti!
(4)Brittany H.
Service was ok but took awhile for beers. Ordered burgers medium and got burgers well done. Sent back and still received medium well. Manager agreed that the burgers were not prepared as requested. Fortunately the manager removed the burgers from the bill but overall disappointed by what I had heard.
(2)Dani F.
Our fav- wings and perch is the best around. We come often and enjoy everything we have ordered except the deep fried avocado- yuck! They did allow us to get something else instead though which is great. The staff are great and our #1 spot
(5)Elizabeth Y.
Created Yelp! account just to write this review... Giving no stars wasn't an option... Today was my third and final return to Sidetrack. Each time has been marked by terrible service. We wanted to go somewhere different to watch the U of M game, but wanted to stay local, so Sidetrack was the decision. Since it is just my husband and I, we always sit at the bar. Upon arrival, it was at least 5 minutes until the bartender returned to her station where she proceeded to throw down menus in front of us without a hello or a nicety. We got our first round of drinks and ordered an appetizer, the Irish Spring Rolls. While it was delicious, rather small for the price. She placed it in front of us without napkins or silverware and walked off. We had to reach in front of other patrons to take care of ourselves. Each time we finished our drinks, they stayed empty for multiple minutes. When shift change came, our bartender complained about how horrible her day was. The new bartender still ignored our need for drinks and just talked to the patrons next to us. A third bartender came in and he finally recognized that my husband needed a drink and took care of him. We decided we were going to get some food to go, along with a growler (to go draft beer). The first bartender asked to cash us out since she was leaving. Had she had better customer service skills, she could have made a lot more money, had she just paid a bit more attention. We are great tippers, upwards of up to 25% to 30%. Next, I ran to the restroom and came back and none of the bartenders offered to take care of us, so we left. I understand service can be slower at a table, but we were at the bar. The bar was not full! We went over to Aubree's, where they know us and we are always appreciated. Sidetrack staff, it takes 10 seconds to lose a customer and they will tell people about their poor experience for at least 12 years. You can guarantee that I will be sharing this with family, friends, and strangers. (I would just like to mention that my husband and I are so low maintenance. We come in for a drink or two, order food to go, and then leave. We don't ask for crazy stuff).
(1)Jayson H.
As a stranger to the town this is based on a single experience. We came in to Sidetrack because it was the highest rated restauarant in Ypsilanti. When we walked in, the place was packed, as much seating as they have there was still a short wait to be seated. There was a noticably pungent unpleasant aroma in the air. I ordered a diet coke and they bring a small carafe of additional soda incase you dont want to wait for a refill. timely? maybe. but then you have some flat pop for the rest of the evening. there was also a little cup of dried out pickles on the table. im not sure what that was about. i ordered a cheeseburger which you have to build your own paying for each ingredient separately. when my order eventually came, none of the htings i ordered were even on it. i just had a basic hamburger with cheese. lovely. the area we were sitting in smelled so horrible i didnt want to wait for them to correct it. i just splashed on some ketchup, asked for the bill and gtfo. will not return.
(2)James B.
Went here last night which was Friday. Busy place but got right in which accounts for the one star. It was five of us and only three of us had dinner; food was good. Service was the worst I've had in a long time. I don't usually call servers out by name on here because I'm a server myself but Jason, you need help on your basic people skills to make any money in the service industry. We were not greeted with a hello but instead "what do you want to drink". Side note: my patron on the rocks with a little bit of lime juice is an easy drink to make and they messed it up. It was all lime juice. Anyways, I had to get up and get my own water from the beverage gun TWICE because my server was nowhere to be found. There were a few servers hanging out at the little wait station where one of them went to squirt the others with the beverage gun and got my whole table wet. We said something and the one waitress was apologetic but the manager who overheard said nothing to us. It was a giant circus and the servers were acting like children in a play place, except our server. I don't know what he was acting like because I never seen him. There was no clear management and I think the one manager I noticed was washing dishes behind the bar. You should hire a bar back. And the manager should be managing these children servers and checking on tables who get squirted with the water gun. I won't ever return.
(1)Margaret V.
Its hard for me to give this restaurant a definite 4 star rating. It's more like 3.5. I visited last Saturday before going to the automotive museum. Like others have mentoined, it gets pretty packed! Not a lot of space between the tables. Since it was just myself I sat a small table across from the bar area. Andrew, the waiter took my drink order and gave me a menu. If you order a soda, they give you a small carafe so that you don't need to order refills (but they will refill the carafe if you finish it). I ended up getting the 4 mini burgers with cheese and grilled onions and a side of their "english chips". Do not be fooled! The menu says mini burgers, but in actuality, they are quite big. I think they may be larger than the regular sized burger. They were pretty good. The meat was nicely seasoned and there were large slices of grilled onion on the small rolls. I was kind of dissapointed about the chips. I kind of expected chips, but I should have known better. There is a difference in what us in America consider a chip and what folks in England consider a chip. They ended up being large, very think rounds of sliced potato. That would have been fine, but I don't think they were really cooked thoroughly enough. I would have just ordered fries if I had know that, or better yet, ordered the burger. There would have been enough food. Service was on the slow side, but as I mentioned above, they were pretty packed. They have a nice bar and it appears they serve a lot of craft beers as well as wine and liquor. I would give the Sidetrack a 3 for food (it was good, but nothing overly fantastic) and then another star for the service.
(4)L K.
Nice place , just don't ever let the host sits your group by the back restroom, you can smell anything released from the restroom..the door are kept open most of the time..yuck!
(3)Raven T.
I just got a table next to the fireplace and had the AmTrack burger with pepper jack and crispy fries... With a glass of red wine. Just delicious!
(5)Lisa S.
My husband and I just ate here. It looked really fun on the outside, so we decided to give it a try. It has a cool pub feel and we got there about 7:45 on Saturday night. The waiter was not super friendly, but offered some suggestions when asked. We ordered the queso for an appetizer. Huge mistake! It look 30 mins and was basically heated up velveeta with a little salsa. It was the worst queso I have ever had. Our dinner took 45 mins. I ordered the bacon cheese burger with American cheese and a side of fries. The fries were a little soggy and wish they were crispier. The burger was really good. It was really think and cooked perfectly. My husband had the fish and chips. The fish had a really heavy batter, but the chips were really good. Overall I would recommend this place for drinking a beer, but not for food.
(2)Rick S.
I'm giving this place 3 stars, mostly because the others at my table seemed to enjoy their food. The burgers and fries looked great, and that's what was said about them. I ordered the ruben...big mistake. It was tiny, lacked much corned beef, and I have no idea where the kraut was! It was supposed to come with "English chips" I guess I had something else pictured in my mind when I got regular old wavy chips from a bag...I really should have sent this back, but I was hungry and if send anything back, I won't eat anything they bring back to me...I just get it taken off the bill (figure it out!). The beer that I ordered was warm...the first one was cold, but after that...yuk. The service wasn't great, but not the worst I've had, I guess. The place is cool looking, kind of an old building that kinda reminds me of some of the places in Detroit. I guess I'd give them another try, just because everyone else liked it. If you decide to eat here, don't expect to be blown away by this place...then if you are it'll be a pleasant surprise!
(3)Steven M.
Just amazing. I got the Mac Burger. It had bacon, mac and cheese and BBQ sauce. The meat was incredible quality. The Mac and cheese would have been amazing on its own. This place is such a little gem. They have a great old time atmosphere and awesome music. Highly recommend if you are looking for an unreal burger!
(5)Caleb C.
I'm not going to speak about the atmosphere, the drinks, or the service. I think they are all good. this is going to be a review of the Burger. This is the best burger in Washtenaw County. I'm not saying this flippantly I truly feel like I've had the best the area has to offer. (I have not eaten a burger at Chop House or Knights even though I've had Knights beef at many location around the city). the burger is similar to maybe a burger at five guys in the way its a smaller patties with a sesame seed bun, but the similarities stop there this burger is made with a much higher quality of ingredients and you can really taste it. do yourself a favor and get a burger with chedder the grilled onions and don't forget the bacon, I beg you don't forget the Bacon.
(5)Shane H.
Atmosphere was great. Got a "mac attack" burger and fries - perfectly portioned. Burger was top notch. Will be back soon.
(4)Rick E.
Bathroom was a mess! Urinal over flowing. Seating was tight in the dining area. Tyipical college town bar feel. Food was good and the beer selection was great. Overall I liked the place and I will return.
(3)Andrew M.
Sidetrack was a welcome stop after a long bike ride from A2. Great food, good service and a fun atmosphere. I didn't get to try the burgers, but after reading the other reviews I'll have to schedule a return trip. The fish and chips were a little bland but the beer and atmosphere improved the experience.
(3)Erich Z.
Great great great burgers, fun crowd, but I have to emphasize crowd! The place is packed most of the time! Be ready to wait for your seat and food!
(4)Jenny J.
Great selection of food and beer. Good atmosphere.
(4)Adam M.
this place have a cool idea of having a night time happy hour it starts at 11pm or so. they have a huge beer list for all around the world. the biggest reason i go there is because they have the local beer frog island on tap it is good on summer days you can sit outside and enjoy some food or a cold drink it is the best bar in Ypsilanti
(5)Dave M.
I enjoy this bar. The service is usually pretty good and the location is decent. It's actually right next to train tracks and you get a big Amtrak shaking the bar ever 20-30 minutes or so, it's kind of funny. Not a good place to get stumbling drunk for obvious reasons...I'll bet at least one person every few years gets hit by the train. The food here is actually pretty good for bar fare. I really like the hummus. Pretty good beer selection as well.
(4)Theresa F.
I think our experience would have been a bit better, thus meriting more stars, if we hadn't got stuck at the tiny a** table right next to the waiter ordering station. on top of that, we had made a reservation! argh. when we asked to move they said we would have to wait 1/2 hour, which we weren't willing to do. That said, I recollect tasty food and good beer, and all-in-all, a fun atmosphere. Lots of character, and a kind of appeal that attracts us low-key, irish-pub loving, local microbrew dwelling folk. I expect the next time we visit, we will have a better experience.
(3)Diana K.
I'm a sucker for fish tacos with sweet salsa (as opposed to the more commonly used tomato salsa) and I'm also a sucker for sweet potato fries (seeing a trend here?). On this particular late-night dinner, I was not disappointed. The portions are generous, but more importantly, the flavors are spot-on. Plus, I love the summer crowd, sitting outdoors near the street-front and waiting for the train to roll by. I'd avoid the back patio... no street life and your view is of a parking lot.
(4)Marc M.
I used to frequent the Side Track with my parents (it's still a favorite of theirs). The food was always good and straight forward. It is a pet peeve of mine when establishments substitute simple ingredients for ad hoc embellishments that never come out tasting right. If you're looking for a decent sandwich spot, Side Track is a good choice.
(4)Kyle S.
I like the atmosphere here. Everyones chill. The selection of drinks was good happy hour has awesome drink prices. You should order a "Carmel apple" it's a mix of beer. Also they have an outside area too so you don't have to be confined to the smokey bar
(5)Kaiping S.
awesome burgers and great selection of beer. lemme say that again. awesome burgers and great selection of beer. you really cannot go wrong with any burger on the menu. the only thing holding this place back from a fifth star are the fries - i found them to be very meh. they did not tickle my fancy as i'm not huge on slightly soggy, limp fries. be sure to ask for their horseradish sauce for dipping your fries in. that sauce is something else. but sweet potato, regular, and cajun fries by themselves aren't so great. but just remember why you go here - awesome burgers and great selection of beer.
(4)Ben W.
Came here for the world-famous burger, have to say it didn't live up to the hype. Not a bad burger, but I couldn't consider it competitive at a national, let alone state level. Pedestrian presentation. Nothing unexpected or creative in the trimmings department.
(3)Joanna F.
Love this place! Great atmosphere inside and I hear it's even more fun to chill outside when the weather is nice. Had a delicious black bean burger and AWESOME sweet potato fries. Deep-fried mushrooms were tasty but a little expensive for basically four (medium-large) mushrooms. Draft beer selection is great! The service was mediocre but about what I'd expect on a busy Friday night. Looking forward to coming here regularly in the summer.
(4)Stuart D.
The food was decent but the service was lacking. Right when the food arrived the server asked if everything looked correct and then never came back until everyone had finished eating. The server could have fixed a problem about some poorly cooked fries, but instead we were forced to ask for the fee to be removed from the bill. Lastly, the bills arrived without request and we had to ask for dessert. I kind of expect that the server asks about further needs prior to bringing the bill. I understand that it we were there on a Friday night, but I wouldn't have called the place "slammed", simply busy.
(3)Kathi M.
A loud atmosphere but great food. The pan fried mushrooms were very very good. I can see how their hamburgers are rated top 20 in the US! Now if the guys can stop talking about football.. :p.
(4)Ricky S.
Sidetrack is easily the best bar in Ypsilanti. The burger is the best in the state and every night till close its half off drinks. The vibe is very hipster and it always smells like pee in there and the music is soft and that's why I can't give it 5 stars.
(4)James R.
I had the Yankee pot roast and it was phenomenal. The carrots and mashed potatoes take a damned good roast to a whole new level. I tried my wife's fries and those were awesome too. It's quite loud and busy inside, but cozy up next to the fireplace.
(5)Heidi R.
I love the atmosphere and food at Sidetracks. Black bean burger is my favorite (and I'm not even a vegetarian!) Great beer selection including local beers. Depot Town is the best!
(5)Jadranka H.
This place came highly recommended, not sure why. Went in about 1pm and it had a steady flow of traffic and I guess we got prime seating right in the front window, from what I was told. Not much to look at but a traffic light and cars, so no beautiful curb appeal. The place however had that rustic look and feel, I'd rather have had sit in the middle of the restaurant to appreciate that. They had an enormous menu options, so there is something there for everyone. I got a sandwich which normally comes with chips, but upgraded to wedge French fries at a cost. They were soggy, greasy, non-wedge and tasteless. I just thought it was my fries but my friend complained that his sweet potato fries were just as bad. Not sure if they weren't busy in the frying department, but it tasted like they were sitting around and refried them to warm them up. Either way that just turned me off, if there's an up charge make sure it's worth it, because I wish I stayed with the chips! I could of settled for McDonald fries right now! I won't be back!
(3)Chelsea H.
I love Sidetrack. I love that it is cheap, and has tempeh, and fun fried things, and a great beer list. I think we all can agree on this. What I do not love is THE SMELL. It is like a combination of malt vinegar, feet, and dirty mops. Sometimes it is so bad that I want to leave. But then, oh hey! It's happy hour and beer is so cheap! I guess I'll put up with the smell, but I really wish it wasn't there.
(4)Christina H.
This place is amazing! I love all the vegetarian options they offer. Food is always delicious, and the staff are great. Every time I have family or friends visit me from Florida, I bring them here and they all loved it!
(5)Charles W.
best burger ever...hands down...great beer, great burgers, great prices. get to sidetrack
(5)Stephanie K.
Went with 5 friends on a Saturday for my first time. They weren't incredibly busy (Saturday evening, yes, but multiple open tables and no waiting line from what I could see), yet they were running out of glasses. My table had at least 4 empty glasses that we moved to the end of the table for their convenience (and my friends already had other glasses/beverages in front of them), yet the server came once or twice and didn't bother taking one or two back with her. We also so many glasses on abandoned tables, so maybe if they bussed them they wouldn't have been running out of glasses. The bathroom wouldn't lock, which was inconvenient but not the end of the world. I liked how they had a back area which had tables that could seat 8 (or more, maybe). Our food took 45 minutes since we ordered, which isn't absolutely terrible but man, we were all quite hungry and no one ordered anything "difficult" as far as cooking level or time and our server never reassured us ("oh your food will be right out", etc.) so we were actually contemplating paying for our drinks and leaving. By the time the food came we had been there an hour-ish. Two out of four people that had fries with their meal received cold fries. The Cajun fries were really good, the sweet potato fries were tasty but not great. The Phillysteak hoagie was delicious, but would've tasted better hot. Still, really, really good. I tried whatever burger my husband got (and tried looking at the menu online to see if I could remember but nothing jumped out at me) and his burger was fantastic. Again, it would've tasted better hot. One couple at our table shared the fajitas. It looked like a great sharing portion if you don't want to stuff yourself. At least they came out on a very hot cast iron skillet. Overall, good food but not worth the wait if you're ready to eat. Maybe I'll try them again though and hope for better service.
(3)Andy L.
I went here for lunch on a Saturday and the food was very good. I had the bbq burger with Cole slaw. It was messy as expected and delicious. The bbq wasn't just bbq sauce but included a bbq pulled pork as well as the hamburger patty and Cole slaw. To start out we ordered the fried pickles and spinach artichoke dip for appetizers. The fried pickles were among the best I ever had. The breading wasn't soggy but nice and crispy. The pickles were warm and juicy. They came with a delicious horseradish sauce. Though I didn't have a beer, my fiance did have a glass of B. Nektars Zombie Killer. They have a most excellent drink selection, including bacon infused vodka. I will be back for sure.
(4)Beck E.
The Mac Attack Burger I had last night was quite good, and so were the happy hour specials... but immediately upon arrival, we noticed that the hostess who seated us was visibly pissed off about something. This may have led to our table being totally neglected for 25 minutes with the four of us getting explosively hangry (hungry + angry) and me eating half of the container of pickles at our table before I managed to flag a waitress down and ask who our server was. She responded gracefully with "Oh, I don't know, but I would be happy to help you guys!" She was wonderful. The tall skinny miserable-looking girl who we eventually determined was originally supposed to be our waitress (we didn't see a sign of her until an hour in...) was not. Anyway, I ordered the giant deep-fried mushrooms, which were awesommmmmmme, but that could have been because I was starving. The Mac Attack on brioche was also good--I could tell that the meat & bun were what was awesome about it though, and next time I'll stick to a regular burger. I swapped out the Cajun fries for sweet potato fries, which tasted fine with the garlic mayo, but they looked burnt? I definitely hope to return to try some of the other menu items, but hopefully we won't be neglected again.
(3)April C.
I already loved Sidetrack. I think the food is great, the waitstaff is always friendly and knowledge, and I love the atmosphere. Today, I found out I could love it even more. I had the Reuben Sandwich. You would think it would be just like any ol' sandwich but then, you would be wrong. The meat is incredibly flavorful and instead of big slices, it is a pile of shredded corned beef that mixes well with the sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese. I ate about half and had the leftovers for dinner and warmed up, it was just as good. Do yourself a favor and order this with a big ol' bloody mary and call it a day.
(5)Renee B.
First time here but have heard amazing things. Had the ham and cheese sandwich on pretzel bun, it was excellent. Veteran had filet chicken gumbo and salad and he stated it was the best soup he's ever had. We were seated right away even though they were busy. Excellent customer service. Prompt. Will definitely be coming back to try their beers.
(5)Mark M.
Great beer selection...but you'll never get a seat at the cramped bar. ( there's like 6 seats) Above average pub fare ...average service. I eat here probably once a month as it's the best menu in Depot town...and I live across the street. I guess I just hate how crowded it is and they suck for watching a game but the beer lineup and food is pretty firkin awesome.
(3)Cynthia M.
The awful service started right at the hostess stand, where we were totally ignored for several minutes while the hostess held a long conversation with a server. Much longer wait after we were seated to have a server acknowledge us and take our drink and food order. it took nearly 30 minutes for drinks to arrive (but not my water. That arrived after the food, which was another 30. minutes. All the food was good but I can't reward bad service/management/training. Basics, people.
(2)I G.
Wow we had the worse experience ever. Took my wife and two of her sisters and our three kids here.(one sister was visiting from New Orleans and I was hyping this place up) It took for ever for us to get a table even though it was a Tuesday and there were empty tables. Finally we were seated way in the back, probably because we had kids. Then the host tells us we only have one menu for you at the moment and we will give you more once some are free. Seriously?!? Our waiter took our drink orders and we waited. Mean while we still were sharing one menu. We finally asked the table of businessmen next to us if we could borrow theirs. Oh and we still were waiting for our drinks. Finally our waiter takes our order. I ordered the crispy fish sandwich with a side of tarter sauce. So we waited and waited. Our appetizer came but a different waitress brought it. As soon as she left we realized we had no plates. I flagged down our main waiter for plates but he looked annoyed when I asked. Well that never came. We used napkins for plates. Then we waited for our main meal. Another waitress brought our food which was ok until my wife picked out a burnt piece of something in her salad. Not sure what it was. Then her onion rings had raw batter inside. I had my crispy fish minus the tarter sauce I asked for. Would have asked again but our main waiter never once came to see how we were doing nor refill our drinks. We had to ask another waitress for drinks. Meanwhile the table of businessmen were also getting frustrated and complained to the manager due to the long wait for service. I finished my fish sandwich and finally our main waiter brings me my tarter sauce. Kind of comical really. We all really had enough so I asked to speak to the manager. Oh did I mention it's Tuesday? Can't imagine Friday. So to conclude the manager discounted our meals. She apologized but seemed fake and shrugged it off as if complaints were a norm. I seriously have never seen wait staff in an establishment look so frazzled before. I mean this place was just a hot mess. I ate at Olive Garden the other day and had a young maybe 18 year old waitress and she was on point. Checked up on us, refilled drinks without even asking. Just saying. Wow I just can not see how this place gets 4/5 stars.
(1)Tyler S.
I've only been here a couple times - and apparently they're known for their burgers, which I don't eat - but the menu has lots more to choose from. The first time I came I think I got the BBQ pork sandwich, which was probably good - but forgetful. Yesterday I went with a group of friends for dinner and wasn't impressed with the service. At one point a train came by! That was fun. I'd give them another chance for sure.
(3)Allison L.
I highly recommend the beer battered pickles and the banana nut beer! My boyfriend and I tried this place three weeks ago and we have been back three times already. The banana nut beer is so delicious, it's like banana bread in a glass. The menu has something for everyone.
(4)Greg V.
Nice Little local bar with good food. I would recommend it.
(4)