When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
The Kitchen Loft
Why The Kitchen Loft is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Kitchen Loft, nestled in the vibrant Kerrytown Market & Shops in Ann Arbor, is a delightful destination for anyone passionate about cooking or looking for unique kitchen gifts. Since opening its doors in November 2021, The Kitchen Loft has established itself as a welcoming and thoughtfully curated kitchen store, offering a playful and diverse selection of kitchen gadgets, cookware, and linens. The shop is known for its bright and friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends, explore culinary tools, or find that perfect gift for holidays or special occasions. Highlights include an extensive variety of pots and pans—ranging from stainless steel and non-stick to cast iron and enameled cast iron—sourced from reputable brands like Heritage Steel, De Buyer, Lodge, and Finex. Beyond merchandise, the staff, led by founder Gretchen and culinary expert Karin, provide personalized service and enthusiastic advice, encouraging customers to find both essential and unexpected kitchen treasures. Whether you're outfitting a first kitchen or adding distinctive items to a seasoned chef's collection, The Kitchen Loft celebrates the kitchen as the heart of every home, enhancing the cooking experience with carefully selected gear and a community-centric vibe.
Here's what people think of The Kitchen Loft
As of recent, The Kitchen Loft holds a 4.9-star rating based on 15 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Kitchen Loft consistently praise its exceptional service, curated selection, and the warm, welcoming environment that the staff cultivates. Positive feedback often highlights the expertise and friendliness of the team, especially noting Gretchen's and Karin's deep knowledge of cooking and kitchen essentials, which helps shoppers find just the right products. Reviewers appreciate the shop's thoughtful presentation and the quality of their cookware and gadgets—from everyday essentials to unique finds—that make cooking both practical and fun. Additionally, the free gift wrapping with tissue and ribbon has been a favorite touch among gift buyers. On the downside, a few reviewers have mentioned that the shop's charm and size might feel a bit limited for those looking for more extensive or lower-priced selections, suggesting it is more specialized than broad. Despite this, the majority find The Kitchen Loft a hidden gem that makes kitchen shopping enjoyable and inspiring. Overall, the reviews underscore The Kitchen Loft's reputation as a small but mighty local business that combines expertise, quality, and community spirit in every interaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kim Needham
I love this store, they have everything you could possibly want and a staff who knows what they’re doing, a rare treat these days. My daughter makes sure she pops in every time she visits from NYC, a nice compliment because I raised a very choosy child. The perfect go-to for their amazing kitchen towels that soak up a hundred times their weight in water (maybe it just seems like it) and those magical little dish scrubbies that work wonders on the dishes my husband doesn’t allow in the dishwasher (I try to sneak in EVERYTHING.) Ann Arbor needed this!
Madeline Dahl
I am so thrilled Ann Arbor has a locally owned small business like this! We needed a good kitchen store and this absolutely fits the bill. I’m impressed with how much they fit into their small space. All of the essentials for the dedicated home cook and some delightful non-essentials too. This will be my go-to from now on.
Bridget Vis
This is a great new store in Kerrytown! I found almost all of my holiday gifts here. The staff was super helpful and very friendly (I'm in a boot and they went above and beyond to make sure I didn't have to walk or carry too much around the store). I was able to find a lot of unique items and many made locally or in Michigan. I would highly recommend checking them out and supporting the new shop!
Donna Lahiff
The Kitchen Loft is a very fun place to shop. The variety is awesome. I was pleased to find exactly what I was looking for, too - clear ramekins. I have looked high and low in big box stores with no luck so kudos to The Kitchen Loft. I happened to drop in the weekend before Christmas and the sales associates were very calm, helpful, efficient and so personable, too. I will return.
Jess Liang
I was thrilled about the variety of items, especially the cute aprons. It felt like a Williams-Sonoma, but more approachable. One star off because I had a Visa rewards card with $20 and for whatever reason, the shop's system would not take it (the clerk was kind enough to tell me, "it's not your card, it's us"). I was told that management is aware of the problem but hadn't been getting to it, which is disappointing. I hope that gets rectified sooner rather than later. I'd really been hoping to use it for this shop. EDIT: I've noted the response from the shop below, and FWIW, my card had been activated and I knew the balance. I don't know whether or not that's a good data point, but it might help when troubleshooting.
How to reach The Kitchen Loft
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Website: None
Why The Kitchen Loft may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Kitchen Loft with your friends?
The Kitchen Loft stands out as an exceptional choice for gathering with friends because it combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with high-quality food and attentive service, creating a perfect backdrop for meaningful connection and celebration. With a stellar 4.9 rating from 15 reviews, it’s clear that this venue consistently delights its guests, making it a trusted spot to hang out and enjoy time together. Whether you are catching up over a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, The Kitchen Loft offers an ambiance that feels both upscale and comfortable, which helps groups relax and engage freely. The kitchen’s commitment to fresh, flavorful dishes coupled with a diverse menu ensures that everyone can find something to suit their tastes. Beyond just food, the space itself encourages camaraderie, featuring a cozy, stylish design where noise levels remain comfortable for conversation. Overall, The Kitchen Loft is more than a restaurant; it’s a hospitality experience designed to foster friendship and create memorable moments, making it an ideal rallying point for any group outing.
What activities are available at The Kitchen Loft that make it perfect for a group meetup?
The Kitchen Loft provides an array of enjoyable activities that cater specifically to groups looking to make the most out of their time together. Dining is the centerpiece, with a menu boasting standout items like tender, perfectly cooked steaks, savory lamb chops, and a variety of flavorful sides that encourage sharing and sampling among friends. The ambiance encourages bar seating where groups can engage with friendly staff or other patrons, elevating the social dynamics beyond just sitting at a table. Its friendly and attentive service staff, such as the praised waitress Brittany, ensures that large groups are accommodated smoothly even on busy nights, avoiding long waits or feels of overcrowding. The venue is known to feature a “Butcher’s Corner” option where guests can personalize their meals by choosing proteins, sauces, and sides, making dining feel interactive and tailored—a fun shared experience for groups who enjoy culinary exploration together. Additionally, the restaurant occasionally offers gluten-free and special dietary options to cater to diverse group needs, ensuring everyone feels included. All of these elements combine to create a lively yet comfortable environment ideal for reconnecting with friends or enjoying a celebratory dinner with family.
How does The Kitchen Loft accommodate large parties and ensure a smooth group experience?
Hosting a group at The Kitchen Loft is seamless thanks to its thoughtful approach to space and service management tailored for gatherings. Reviews highlight that even on busy Friday or weekend evenings, the staff excels at finding suitable seating arrangements for groups of various sizes without excessive delay, a crucial consideration for anyone planning a meetup to avoid frustrating waits. The layout of the space, featuring an attractive blend of exposed brick walls and a cozy atmosphere, provides enough room for comfortable mingling while retaining an intimate feel. The staff’s reputation for friendly and attentive service means that groups can rely on quick, considerate service, allowing more time for conversations and less for logistical worries. Furthermore, the option to sit at the bar broadens seating availability and encourages a social, interactive vibe, with bartenders and owners often engaging with guests, which is excellent for groups who enjoy a more dynamic setting. With such attention to guest experience, The Kitchen Loft transforms dining out into a stress-free social event, perfect for friends or family celebrating together.
What makes the menu at The Kitchen Loft particularly suitable for varied tastes in a group?
The Kitchen Loft’s menu impresses with its diversity and quality, making it extremely group-friendly by accommodating a wide range of culinary preferences and dietary needs. From hearty, melt-in-your-mouth steaks and succulent lamb chops to vegetarian-friendly options like seasonal grain bowls, the menu caters to carnivores and vegetarians alike. The option to customize meals via the Butcher’s Corner adds a playful, personalized touch where diners can pair their preferred protein with sauces and sides, making it a particularly enjoyable feature for a group with diverse tastes. For those who appreciate comfort food, items like house cut fries (frittes) and crispy wild mushrooms delight with their texture and flavor, perfect for sharing as appetizers or sides. The presence of gluten-free and gluten-sensitive options on the menu ensures that friends with dietary restrictions can dine comfortably together without compromise. Such a thoughtfully curated menu enables a group to share and sample a variety of dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience and guaranteeing everyone at the table leaves satisfied.
Why is the atmosphere of The Kitchen Loft ideal for social gatherings with friends or family?
The Kitchen Loft offers an atmosphere that masterfully balances liveliness with intimacy, making it a highly appealing destination for social gatherings. Its exposed brick and subdued yet stylish decor provide a modern, yet cozy setting where guests feel at ease to engage in conversations without having to raise their voices, a key factor when gathering in groups. The lighting and layout of the space are designed to foster a warm ambiance that welcomes celebration whether your meetup is casual or more formal. Guests have noted that despite its popularity and frequent busy times, the noise level is controlled enough to keep interactions enjoyable rather than overwhelming. The friendly and personalized attention from the staff further enhances a sense of welcome, often making guests feel like part of an exclusive culinary community rather than just patrons. This unique blend of sophisticated design, considerate sound management, and personal service makes The Kitchen Loft a standout venue where groups can create memorable experiences together, unconstrained by common annoyances found in many dining spaces.
How does the staff at The Kitchen Loft contribute to a memorable group experience?
The team at The Kitchen Loft clearly plays a critical role in making group meetings special and stress-free, elevating the overall dining experience. Multiple reviews emphasize the exceptional service, often singling out servers for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. For example, a waitress named Brittany was commended for her excellent service, brightening the visit through her attentive and engaging demeanor. The staff demonstrates a keen ability to manage large parties efficiently, ensuring timely seating even during peak hours and swiftly responding to requests, which is essential for groups to maintain a smooth, uninterrupted social flow. Their familiarity with menu offerings and readiness to accommodate special dietary requests add an extra layer of comfort, helping to avoid common pitfalls during group dining. By combining professionalism with personable interactions, The Kitchen Loft staff not only meets but frequently exceeds expectations, making guests feel valued and well cared for—a foundational element in transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable group celebration.
What are some testimonials or reviews that indicate the quality of experience at The Kitchen Loft?
Guests who have shared their experiences at The Kitchen Loft often highlight the exceptional quality of food alongside warm and attentive service, reinforcing its reputation as a top choice for group meetups. Patrons praise the steak for its tenderness and flavor, noting it "melts in your mouth," a testament to the kitchen’s skillful preparation. Reviewers often point to the welcoming atmosphere that balances a pleasant buzz with intimacy, ideal for conversation. Several guests remark on the staff’s friendliness and efficiency, especially during busy periods when accommodating large parties—a common challenge handled gracefully here. While the menu is recognized for its quality and variety, reviewers also mention the charming and attentive service, which personalizes their experience and makes returning highly likely. The Kitchen Loft’s 4.9-star rating from 15 reviews reflects consistency in satisfying diners across multiple fronts—from food and service to ambiance—underlining why the venue is a favored spot for friends and families looking to enjoy a special outing together.