When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
The Cellar
Why The Cellar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Cellar Wine Bar & Kitchen stands out as an inviting and cozy venue perfect for meeting up with friends. Its warm atmosphere, complemented by excellent service and a well-curated wine selection, creates a welcoming space suitable for casual dinners, celebrations, or relaxed evenings out. Guests often highlight the delicious food offerings, such as their notable flatbreads and fresh salads, which can comfortably serve as a full meal. The establishment caters well to families with a dedicated, family-friendly section and a kids menu, yet many of the regular menu options also appeal to younger diners. This combination of upscale business casual ambiance with relaxed vibes makes The Cellar a versatile destination. Its local ownership contributes to a genuinely hospitable experience, with the owners themselves known to engage warmly with patrons. Whether sharing a flight of wines, enjoying crafted cocktails, or savoring the hearty dishes, visitors find The Cellar to be a charming community favorite that effortlessly balances excellent cuisine with a convivial spirit.
Here's what people think of The Cellar
As of recent, The Cellar holds a 4.4-star rating based on 141 reviews.
Reviews of The Cellar Wine Bar & Kitchen paint a generally positive picture. Many guests praise the attentive and genuine service, often noting the owner and staff’s willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate customers, contributing to an atmosphere that feels more personalized than typical restaurants. Positive reviews commonly mention the great variety of wines, the thoughtfully prepared food, and the cozy, inviting environment that makes guests feel welcome and comfortable. The presence of a family-friendly section and a kids menu further enhances its appeal for group outings and family gatherings. On the other hand, some employee reviews sourced from Indeed reveal internal challenges, such as inexperienced management, communication issues, and occasional staff conflicts, which might indirectly affect the dining experience though these concerns are not frequently cited in customer reviews. Despite these internal critiques, the guest reviews overwhelmingly focus on the quality of food, drink, and service, reflecting a solid local reputation. Overall, The Cellar receives high marks from patrons for its enjoyable ambiance, excellent dishes, and genuine hospitality, making it a recommended spot for both friends and families looking to relax and enjoy good company.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brian J
Ok, out of the gate I have to say this place has the best cheese curds I've ever put in my dirty mouth. They're so good I'll probably file a lawsuit demanding the recipe Monday morning. Overall I was pleasantly surprised as most breweries just serve food to be serving food but this place did not disappoint. The ribs were very good and the short rib mac and cheese was excellent! Oh yeah, and the beer, great stuff also :-) I had the steelhead red.
Logan Schooley
COREY!! Thank you! Hopefully I spelt your name correctly! Thank you for your wonderful service man! I appreciate you! The food was dank! Atmosphere was top notch! Beer was AWESOME! I would recommend this place to any and all! Some of my family is in town for the show tonight at the Blind Pig! We got lunch here! Glad we did too because everywhere else was packed! They were so happy to have us. I got a pizza with my mom and it was so good. It was the garlic + onion and the cheese on it was WILD. My brother in law got the Walleye, sister got the Butter Milk Chicken, and her friend got the Tree Town Cob! 10 out of 10! Would recommend. Thank you for the wonderful food and service!!
Brad Nowlin
Great basement bar. Good food. Located under Grizzly Peak Brewing.
Sampurna Chowdhury
Super cool place for beer and other drinks which they serve with "free" popcorns. They have a decent food menu, I love their sliders.
Max Douthit
Great interior design; good prices; build your own charcuterie (huge game changer); rotating menu
How to reach The Cellar
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Website: None
Why The Cellar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Cellar with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family is about sharing an experience that’s enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable—and The Cellar delivers on all these fronts. This venue combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with high-quality food and drink in a setting that encourages connection and conversation. Whether you want to enjoy casual bites or more refined dining, The Cellar’s carefully curated menu welcomes diverse tastes, making it perfect for groups with varied preferences. Its vibe is intimate yet lively, striking a balance between laid-back and special occasion, which makes socializing easy and fun. Moreover, the attentive yet unobtrusive service enhances the experience without overwhelming the group, allowing you and your friends to focus on each other. From its unique blend of classic and modern elements in décor and offerings, to its well-thought-out food and beverage options, The Cellar is designed to be a hub for celebration, laughter, and shared moments. It’s this blend of great food, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service that makes The Cellar an excellent choice for meetups, no matter the occasion.
What kind of ambiance can you expect at The Cellar?
The Cellar is known for its character-rich setting that feels like stepping back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Its interiors often feature exposed brick walls and vintage-style décor that resonate with a speakeasy or underground bar atmosphere. This historic and charming backdrop provides a cozy and intimate space for groups to gather, creating a mood that’s both sophisticated and relaxed. Music and lighting are typically tuned to enhance the experience without overshadowing conversations, making it ideal for groups wanting to engage and unwind together. The vibe attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking a more "under the radar" venue, which contributes to a welcoming and unpretentious environment. The Cellar’s design encourages lingering, which is great when you want to spend hours chatting, laughing, or enjoying cocktails and meals with friends or family.
What food and drink options make The Cellar great for groups?
A key reason groups love The Cellar is its diverse and crowd-pleasing menu, designed to offer something for everyone. There is a range of shareable appetizers like bruschetta and flavorful meatballs ideal for starting a group meal. For main courses, items such as gourmet burgers, savory steak sandwiches, and other chef-driven American fare cater to different tastes and appetites. Customers also praise the quality of sides like crispy fries and tater tots, which are great for sharing and satisfying casual cravings. The Cellar often includes twists on classic dishes, offering both comfort and novelty, which sparks conversation and sharing.
Drink selections further enhance the group experience with an impressive variety, including craft beers and expertly crafted cocktails featuring creative ingredients and balanced flavors. The cocktail menu is noted for its sophistication and creativity, with bartenders who mix drinks with expert care, perfect for those looking to toast or try something unique. The combination of quality food and drink ensures that groups can find something that suits their preferences and keeps everyone happy.
What activities and experiences does The Cellar offer for groups?
Beyond just eating and drinking, The Cellar provides an experience tailored for social gatherings. The restaurant’s layout and ambiance encourage mixing and mingling, with spaces that accommodate both large and small groups comfortably. Some groups find joy in sampling different dishes together, sharing plates, and discovering new flavors collectively. The cocktail experience also invites exploration, where groups can bond over tasting unique drinks crafted with care and creativity.
Occasionally, The Cellar hosts special events or themed nights inspired by its speakeasy roots, adding an engaging layer of entertainment for guests. This historical element deepens the experience, giving visitors a story to share and connect over. Whether it’s a lively weekend evening or a quiet celebration, the space adapts well to different moods and group dynamics, making it versatile for birthdays, anniversaries, casual get-togethers, or even bridal showers. The welcoming staff play a big role in facilitating a smooth and enjoyable visit for groups, attentive to needs while allowing guests to relax.
Why is The Cellar perfect for special occasions and celebrations?
Groups looking to celebrate special events like anniversaries, birthdays, or showers will find The Cellar an excellent venue. The combination of a beautiful and historic setting with attentive service creates a memorable backdrop for milestone moments. The staff are known to be accommodating and responsive, helping to make events run smoothly and feel personalized. Customers often mention the venue’s cozy vibe and carefully prepared food and drinks as ideal for making occasions feel both intimate and festive.
The flexibility of the space allows groups to gather in comfort, whether seeking a lively party atmosphere or a more subdued, elegant dinner. Its reputation for delicious food and sophisticated yet approachable cocktails helps ensure that every guest leaves satisfied. For those wanting to impress friends or family, The Cellar offers a unique alternative to typical restaurants or bars—one that combines history, great taste, and a welcoming spirit in one package. In short, it’s a spot that elevates ordinary gatherings into special memories.
How accessible and accommodating is The Cellar for large groups?
Hosting a meetup with a large number of friends or family can be tricky, but The Cellar has a proven track record of accommodating sizeable parties effectively. While some reviews mention challenges with service during very large groups, the management shows dedication to improving this through staffing and attentiveness. The layout typically offers ample space for groups to sit together comfortably, and the willingness of staff to work collaboratively with guests ensures a positive experience.
The menu’s shareable dishes and diverse drink options cater well to group dining dynamics, where people want to try multiple items and enjoy variety. This makes ordering easier and more fun for groups who wish to sample different flavors together. Furthermore, The Cellar’s willingness to serve groups for casual or formal occasions shows its flexibility as a venue. Overall, it balances a lively group experience with service that aims to keep everyone satisfied and well cared for.
What sets The Cellar apart from other meetup spots?
The Cellar’s distinct combination of a historical speakeasy vibe, high-quality food, and expertly crafted cocktails sets it apart from typical bars or restaurants. It’s not just a place to eat or drink; it’s an experience that transports guests to another era while delivering contemporary flavor and hospitality. Many venues may excel in one or two areas like ambiance or menu quality—The Cellar excels across the board.
Additionally, the staff’s pride in the history and atmosphere enhances the guest experience, creating a unique narrative for the group to enjoy. The focus on craft beverages and diverse menu options also makes it a destination for groups that appreciate thoughtful culinary and beverage experiences. This blend of story, taste, and social energy means friends and families can count on The Cellar for an engaging, memorable meetup that stands out from routine gatherings.
In summary, The Cellar is a stellar choice for anyone looking to rally with friends or family. Its welcoming ambiance, versatile and tasty menu, and commitment to quality service create the ideal conditions for connection and celebration. Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, a festive event, or a meaningful occasion, The Cellar offers an extraordinary venue that invites you to relax, indulge, and enjoy time with those who matter most.