When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Lan City Noodle Bar
Why Lan City Noodle Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lan City Noodle Bar in Ann Arbor is a family-owned restaurant celebrated for its authentic Asian cuisine, particularly its fresh, hand-pulled noodles, which are prepared to order. Located at 1235 South University Avenue, this spot offers a diverse menu with Asian-fusion dishes that showcase a variety of noodle preparations including stretched and knife-cut noodles. The restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for meeting up with friends and enjoying a casual meal. Open daily from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM (closed Mondays), Lan City Noodle Bar stands out for its dedication to authenticity, making it a destination for those craving genuine flavors from Lanzhou, China. Highlights include watching the noodle-making process in action and savoring fragrant broths like laksa noodles. The affordable prices and fresh ingredients further enhance its appeal as a comfortable and enjoyable gathering spot for noodle enthusiasts and lovers of Asian cuisine in the area.
Here's what people think of Lan City Noodle Bar
As of recent, Lan City Noodle Bar holds a 3.9-star rating based on 286 reviews.
User reviews for Lan City Noodle Bar are mixed, reflected in a 3.9-star rating based on 286 reviews. Positive feedback often highlights the authenticity of the Asian dishes, especially the hand-pulled noodles, with customers appreciating the fresh, made-to-order preparation and flavorful broths such as laksa noodles. Many complement the inviting atmosphere and friendly service, making it a pleasant place to dine with friends. However, some negative reviews mention issues such as inconsistent food quality, including undercooked dishes, and occasional dissatisfaction with service or wait times. A few reviewers also note that the experience can vary, which might affect repeat visits. Overall, the reviews suggest that while Lan City Noodle Bar has genuine dishes that many enjoy, there is room for improvement in consistency and customer experience. Still, it remains a valued option for those seeking authentic Asian noodles in Ann Arbor, offering notable highlights that appeal to both locals and visitors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Li Wolfe
Came for the Monday menu. The Vietnamese grilled pork is very good, the pork is super soft! I would definitely go again!!
Severin Vogt
I had a big and delicious bowl of Malaysian mee goreng noodles with shrimp. The sauce was very rich and sweet. The sticky rice shu mai were steaming hot and savory.
Hong Tan
We ordered 5 bowls of noodle soup. The soup was very salty and we couldn't eat it at all. We reported it to the female manager who was present and she said that saltiness was the specialty of this restaurant and that people from other places couldn't get used to it. If it wasn't salty, the locals wouldn't like it. 😫☹️😔😒😞
Pink Paper
Ive been going here every once in a while for the past 3-4 years now. Honestly, the food quality at Ypsi was so much better so i started going there instead when I could. I ALWAYS get the same dish (Mi Goreng) so comparing my experiences was pretty easy. This location just always lacked the smokiness compared to Ypsi, and I even had cilantro mixed in one time (the dish doesn’t come with it). However!! I dont know if the chefs changed or something, but I got it again today for lunch and the food was SO much better than before! I might even say it was better than Ypsi tbh. The fire smokiness was so powerful, the noodles were stir fried well, and even the onions were nicely cooked. I did get Yangzhou fried rice today too, which was amazing too except it was little bit bland compared to Ypsi. But it was a good balance with the Mi Goreng sauce. Anyways, I used to just skip the rating here, but I had to leave one today bc it was exceptionally delicious today. Please keep cooking them like this! Its so much better!! I can now finally skip the 15 minute drive to Ypsi 😋
Breeana-Iris Rosario
Good Noodles and soup for whenever you’re feeling it. Definitely not the best but is right in the middle of campus and satisfies cravings!
How to reach Lan City Noodle Bar
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Why Lan City Noodle Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lan City Noodle Bar with your friends?
Lan City Noodle Bar offers a unique and inviting environment that makes it ideal for gathering with friends or family. The restaurant specializes in hand-pulled and knife-cut noodles served in rich, flavorful broths that highlight authentic Chinese culinary techniques, specifically from Lanzhou, China. This focus on authentic, freshly prepared noodle dishes provides a shared dining experience that encourages conversation and communal enjoyment. The large portion sizes and affordable prices mean you and your friends can sample a variety of dishes without worrying about cost. Moreover, the cozy and clean ambiance, coupled with its convenient location on South University Avenue, makes it accessible and comfortable for group meetups. Watching the chefs skillfully pull noodles by hand adds an interactive element that can spark curiosity and conversations among your group, turning a simple meal into a memorable event. Overall, Lan City Noodle Bar blends authentic food, a welcoming atmosphere, and engaging food preparation to create a perfect spot for fun, flavor, and friendship.
What activities can you enjoy at Lan City Noodle Bar for group meetups?
While primarily a noodle bar, Lan City offers plenty of activities and elements that make a group meetup entertaining and engaging. First, diners can experience watching hand-pulled noodles being expertly made fresh right before their eyes, which not only entertains but also adds appreciation for the meal. This live noodle-pulling performance is a fascinating cultural experience that your group can enjoy together. The menu includes a variety of noodles in rich broths, spicy sauces, and snack items like soup dumplings and scallion pancakes, providing plenty of options for sharing and sampling different flavors. The generous portion sizes make it easy to order multiple dishes to share without worrying about everyone leaving hungry. The restaurant’s casual seating arrangement with lots of space enables comfortable group seating where everyone can interact easily during the meal. Additionally, Lan City’s location near downtown Ann Arbor means groups can plan additional outings before or after dinner, such as visiting nearby shops or parks, making it a great part of a day or evening out with friends.
Why is Lan City Noodle Bar perfect for a group gathering?
Lan City Noodle Bar’s welcoming atmosphere and menu diversity make it an excellent place for gatherings of friends or family. The authenticity of the food—featuring hand-pulled noodles and traditional soups—allows groups to explore international cuisine together, enhancing the social experience. The affordability and large portions cater well to groups who want to share dishes and try various items without overspending. Moreover, the casual and cozy dining environment accommodates different group sizes comfortably, encouraging relaxed, extended meal times that are perfect for catching up or celebrating occasions. The restaurant’s focus on communal dining traditions reflects in their service style, making it easy and enjoyable to order shared dishes and customize to everyone’s taste preferences. Whether you are a group of noodle enthusiasts or just looking for a vibrant spot for an informal meal, Lan City provides a combination of quality, comfort, and cultural richness that makes it highly suitable for social meetups.
What kind of food can groups expect at Lan City Noodle Bar?
Groups visiting Lan City Noodle Bar can expect a wide array of authentic Asian noodle dishes prepared from scratch daily. The menu includes hand-pulled noodles, knife-cut noodles, and specialties like the rich beef noodle soup made with brisket, spicy sauces, Malaysian-style noodles, and soup dumplings. Many diners have praised the robust, complex broth and the texture of the noodles, which stand out for their chewiness and freshness. Additionally, small plates and snacks such as scallion pancakes complement the noodles, making the meal diverse and shareable. Portions tend to be generous, which is perfect for families or groups wanting to try several dishes together. While the restaurant is mostly known for its noodles, it also offers chicken wings and other side dishes to satisfy different tastes. This variety ensures that everyone in your group can find something appealing, from milder dishes to more adventurous, spicy options.
What should groups know about service and atmosphere at Lan City Noodle Bar?
Lan City Noodle Bar maintains a friendly and informal atmosphere with a focus on quality food rather than formal dining. Most patrons find the staff welcoming and helpful, making ordering easy even for newcomers to this cuisine. There have been occasional comments about inconsistent experiences, but overall, the service is efficient, especially given the popularity of the place during peak hours. The décor is simple, clean, and cozy, designed to keep the focus on the culinary experience. The restaurant offers a spacious seating area suitable for larger groups and families, so reservations or early arrivals help ensure seating together. The lively vibe created by the open kitchen and noodle-making process adds energy to the space, making it exciting to visit with friends. As a local family-owned business, Lan City prioritizes community, which reflects in its warm neighborhood feel, ideal for casual meetups and making new friends over good food.
How can groups make the most out of their visit to Lan City Noodle Bar?
To fully enjoy a group outing at Lan City Noodle Bar, it’s recommended to embrace the communal dining style by ordering a variety of dishes to share. Sampling several types of hand-pulled noodles alongside appetizers like soup dumplings and scallion pancakes creates a shared tasting experience that fosters interaction and conversation. Arriving with some flexibility in timing—away from peak times—can enhance the experience by reducing wait times and allowing your group to settle in comfortably. Bringing a sense of curiosity about the food and cuisine also enriches the visit, especially when observing the noodle-making process and learning about the origins of the dishes served. Groups interested in a longer outing can couple their meal with a walk around the nearby University of Michigan campus or local shops to extend the social experience. No matter the occasion, Lan City Noodle Bar’s dedication to authentic, fresh, and flavorful noodles combined with a friendly atmosphere makes it a rewarding destination for group gatherings.