When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Zingerman's Bakehouse
Why Zingerman's Bakehouse is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a renowned artisanal bakery celebrated for its dedication to quality, tradition, and community. Founded 30 years ago as a humble bread bakery supplying Zingerman's Delicatessen, it has since flourished into a vibrant destination offering a wide range of breads, pastries, cakes, and savory lunch items. The bakery prides itself on using time-honored techniques and quality ingredients to craft products that delight both locals and visitors. Beyond its bustling retail operation, Zingerman's Bakehouse is also home to BAKE!, a baking school offering diverse hands-on classes for home bakers ranging from bread making to pastries and savory dishes, available both on-site and virtually. Features like outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, and gift cards enhance the welcoming environment for groups of friends and families seeking a casual yet exceptional meeting place. Highlights include specialty items such as Challah Turbans, various rugelach flavors, and authentic rye breads available on specific days. As a women-owned business deeply rooted in the Ann Arbor community, Zingerman's Bakehouse combines a warm, inviting atmosphere with a strong commitment to culinary excellence and education, making it an outstanding venue to meet up, enjoy artisanal treats, and learn baking skills.
Here's what people think of Zingerman's Bakehouse
As of recent, Zingerman's Bakehouse holds a 4.7-star rating based on 516 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Zingerman's Bakehouse for its exceptional product quality, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the uniqueness of its artisanal baked goods. Many customers highlight the bakery as their go-to place for stand-out breads and pastries, noting that the flavors and freshness exceed expectations. The baking school, BAKE!, receives enthusiastic commendations for its well-organized classes, expert instructors, and the tangible results students get to take home, fostering a sense of belonging to the Zingerman's community. Positive reviews emphasize the professionalism, flexibility, and promptness of service, especially for custom orders like wedding cupcakes and cakes, which are frequently described as delicious and beautifully crafted. However, some less favorable comments mention occasional crowding during peak hours and higher pricing relative to typical bakeries. Despite a few remarks about limited seating or wait times, the vast majority of feedback indicates a strong customer loyalty and appreciation for the quality and educational experience offered. In conclusion, Zingerman’s Bakehouse enjoys a stellar reputation supported by overwhelmingly positive customer experiences, making it a standout bakery and community hub in Ann Arbor.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emily Fitzgerald
Zingerman's Bakehouse truly exceeded all of our expectations for our wedding cake! During our initial consultation, Alyce was extremely helpful in guiding us through the many design options and hand-sketched the most beautiful cake that perfectly captured our wedding style and vision. The tasting box that they put together for us was absolutely delicious, and my husband and I had the best time picking out flavors from their many offerings and recommendations before finally deciding on their vanilla chiffon cake with lemon curd and raspberry buttercream. We really wanted to incorporate fresh floral arrangements on our cake, and the Zingerman’s Bakehouse team worked seamlessly with our florist to coordinate the design and set-up. On the day of our wedding, the cake was stunning and exactly how we envisioned it, and our guests endlessly complimented how absolutely delicious it was. After our wedding, the Bakehouse team also went above and beyond to help us coordinate for a replacement top tier for our anniversary after our hotel mistakenly threw ours away. We really can't thank Zingerman’s Bakehouse enough for their incredible work and for making the entire process easy and stress-free. We highly recommend Zingerman’s Bakehouse to any other couples looking for a beautiful and delicious cake for their big day.
Scott W
Okay, this review might be a bit of a stretch, but I felt compelled to write it. I have never been here, but my friend was. And they were kind enough to bring be back a package of the Currant Walnut Rugelach. Because my know my love of premium bake goods, and specific passion for pastries that go with Chai Latte, this was a real treat. I am thinking of making my own trip to Ann Arbor just to stop in a get some more. So good!
Lindsay Aspegren
Wonderful bread, pastries, and deserts for foodies. Elevated donuts on Saturdays and Sundays. Bacon infused specials seasonally. Expensive but totally worth it.
Aditi Sharms
I bought a cupcake to enjoy at home and when I bit into it, there was just an absolutely overwhelming fridge flavor! I got the blueberry cupcake and I couldn’t taste anything but an incredibly stale, strong flavor. It wasn’t even just on the surface, the middle of the cream even tasted awful! You guys definitely need to figure out the refrigerator problem.
Paul
This is one off the best places for sandwiches in the area. I only ever buy lunch from here, but the breads and cakes made locally on site look awesome too. Staff are always friendly and manage lunchtime queues well. The sandwiches are a little more expensive than the supermarkets, but the quality is much better here. Recently dropped my ID on the floor in here, and they kept it safe until I returned to collect it. There pecan pie is excellent!
How to reach Zingerman's Bakehouse
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Why Zingerman's Bakehouse may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Zingerman's Bakehouse with your friends? This artisanal bakery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers an inviting atmosphere that goes way beyond just grabbing a quick bite. At Zingerman's Bakehouse, every loaf of bread, pastry, and cake is crafted with meticulous attention to detail using traditional recipes and high-quality local ingredients. It’s a place where the love for baking is tangible in every crumb, making it an ideal destination to gather, celebrate, and create memories together. Whether you and your friends are foodies, baking enthusiasts, or simply looking for a charming spot to connect, the Bakehouse offers a warm, bustling environment that’s perfect for lingering over delicious food and lively conversation. Its reputation, with a solid 4.7 rating from over 500 reviews, emphasizes the exceptional experience visitors repeatedly enjoy. From the cozy shop full of aromatic breads to the vibrant bake school, the Bakehouse creates a sense of community where friends can bond over shared tastes and new culinary adventures. It's not just a bakery; it’s a destination for meaningful moments with your favorite people.
What activities are available at Zingerman's Bakehouse for group meetups? Zingerman's Bakehouse is much more than a bakery; it’s a hub of culinary creativity and hands-on learning. One of the standout reasons to choose this venue for a group meetup is the BAKE! baking school onsite. Here, groups can participate in classes that cover everything from sourdough bread making to pastries and savory baking, designed for all skill levels. These classes provide a fantastic way for friends or families to bond, learn new skills, and enjoy delicious results together. In addition to classes, the Bakehouse itself features a shop brimming with a stunning variety of baked goods—artisan breads, cakes, and pastries—that can be enjoyed as a group picnic or shared tasting experience right there or taken to another nearby gathering spot. The inviting space allows guests to relax and enjoy breakfast or lunch with free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating, ensuring comfort for socializing. Moreover, the Bakehouse’s accommodating hours (open daily from 7 am to 7 pm) make it accessible for meetups at almost any time, whether a morning coffee gathering or an afternoon treat.
How does the Bakehouse cater specifically to groups and make meetups perfect? Hosting a meetup at Zingerman's Bakehouse is perfect because the environment actively encourages connection through its communal vibe and diverse food offerings. With vegetarian options available and a menu inspired by American, European, and Hungarian traditions, the bakery caters to a wide array of dietary preferences and tastes, making it easy to satisfy every member of your group. The spacious shop and outdoor seating area help groups find comfortable corners to gather, chat, and savor their food without feeling rushed. The Bakehouse’s popularity means the ingredients and recipes are guaranteed to impress, elevating your meetup from a simple hangout to a memorable occasion. Additionally, the option to buy gift cards or pre-order items for pickup means planning group events or celebrations can be streamlined and stress-free. The staff’s friendly, knowledgeable service supports a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making your gathering enjoyable from start to finish.
Why choose Zingerman's Bakehouse for a baking class meetup? For groups looking to deepen their shared interests or just try something new together, Zingerman’s Bakehouse offers an unparalleled educational experience. Their hands-on BAKE! classes are ideal for small to medium-sized groups because they emphasize personal attention from expert instructors in a supportive, fun setting. You and your friends can bond while mastering traditional recipes like naturally leavened sourdough or intricate pastries, creating culinary memories alongside tasty treats. These classes are carefully scheduled and accommodate various skill levels, from beginners to seasoned bakers. For those who cannot visit in person, virtual classes provide a flexible alternative that still captures the spirit of communal learning and enjoyment. By choosing a class as your meetup activity, your group not only enjoys incredible food but also gains valuable skills and sharable experiences that last well beyond the session.
What makes Zingerman’s Bakehouse a community favorite and reliable place for gatherings? Over its more than 30 years of operation, Zingerman’s Bakehouse has become a beloved institution in Ann Arbor and beyond because it combines quality, tradition, and community spirit. Its consistent 4.7-star rating from hundreds of reviews speaks to the reliability and delight customers feel when visiting, whether for a casual snack or a special event. The Bakehouse’s commitment to using local ingredients and traditional baking methods ensures products that stand out taste-wise and imbue a sense of authenticity. The shop’s location in an industrial yet inviting area makes it a surprisingly cool, off-the-beaten-path spot to discover, which appeals to those who love unique but accessible experiences. Add in convenient features like parking, wheelchair accessibility, and the availability of takeout or outdoor seating, and it’s clear why groups find it easy to plan meetups here. The genuine warmth from staff and the hub of activity that the Bakehouse fosters make every visit feel special and worth returning to again and again.
In sum, Zingerman’s Bakehouse is an exceptional venue for group meetups because it combines outstanding food, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and engaging activities like baking classes. Whether you want to rally your friends for a casual chat over extraordinary pastries, a communal baking lesson that sparks creativity, or a group lunch to celebrate a special occasion, the Bakehouse’s dedication to quality and community makes it an outstanding choice. Its blend of tradition and innovation ensures that every visit offers something new to discover and savor, turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences.