The Lord Fox

FYI — I drove by the place and they are no longer in business. It is a bar of some sort now. Thank God. It used to be good a long time ago, that’s why we chose to go there for the special occasion the night and spent $$$, which we paid along with a tip.
It was a complete shock that we were treated so differently from the white American patrons. I see that none of the good reviews are from people who obviously look ethnic. And I’ve also noticed all the previous times we’ve been there before they starting behaving in what I feel is a prejudiced manner, is that we were always the only non-​white people there. Never really thought about it until now.
The place little to no business and was grimey/​sticky and run down by the time we dined there the last time, which would have been acceptable if they didn’t act like they were grudging serving the hired help.
Perhaps something changed because our family has patronized Ann Arbor area restaurants for a long time. I have written no bad restaurant reviews ever, except this one. Lots of great places to eat and the ones that are so-​so we just don’t go to — no real reason to post a special review.
Sad because we appreciate history, historical buildings and had good memories there (under previous management).
I’m just glad no other minorities have to deal with the last people who ran the restaurant. So atypical for a diverse place like Ann Arbor. In fact, the current statistic is that Ann Arbor residents are 14% Asian.
In fact, most businesses treat us very well because we patronize them often and our family tips well. Those businesses are all still in business. I am NOT one to use the race card.

Because my husband’s family had such a history of good meals here, we made graduation dinner plans a couple years ago. The service was so bad, that this has become the family laughingstock. Like other reviewers, we got no apology. It’s sad to see a basically good restaurant fail over something so simple.

I was quite surprised to see even a few negative reviews of the Lord Fox. My experience was pretty much perfect. Actually, it was PERFECT.
I took my girlfriend here as a last-​dinner-​before-​winter-​break-​separation-​surprise. I was nervous about the price and whether traveling so far away from campus would be worth it. Well, I will definitely be returning (as soon as I save up the money).
First of all, the restaurant, no, historic house, is gorgeous. The décor fits the web site’s description and more. I was a little disappointed with the grounds as there is not much room to walk around and the stream was somewhat lame, but it is still a very romantic spot.
First thing I must applaud is the staff. I did not have a run in with the owner (except at entry and she didn’t say much) but our waiter was absolutely amazing. He treated us like true royalty even when we ordered TWO table-​side prepped dishes.
Now to the best part: the food. Me and my gf shared the escargot (agreed as the best we’ve ever had), and the table-​side caesar salad (absolutely incredible). The table-​side preparation is truly something you do not get around Ann Arbor so it was a real treat. The waiter was entertaining and the salad was unlike any caesar salad I’ve had before.
On to the entrees. I had the lamb-​chops which were very good although not particularly memorable (although I remember them being very good). The gf had the Wild Mushroom Mornay (chicken tenders with mushrooms fancied up) and said it was delicious as well.
The dessert was the main reason I chose the Lord Fox. The gf and I shared the table-​side bananas foster which was incredible, absolutely incredible.
The Lord Fox is an experience and one to be savored. It is a nice escape for students wanting to get off of campus and willing to spend a pretty-​penny as well. I would definitely recommend the Lord Fox and I cannot wait to go back.

I’ve driven down a Plymouth Rd. countless times heading from Ann Arbor to, Canton, Livonia, Detroit. Every time I pass the giant brown sign that states «The Lord Fox» in fancy old english font.
Today being my birthday the wife and I headed out and I thought I would sate my curiosity and see what this place has to offer. Well, I was very impressed. It was kinda of formal, with red table cloths and tuxedo clad waitstaff, but it felt more comfortable with its rustic charms. I’d feel comfortable here in a suit or a fleece and jeans. Although after talking to a coworker about this place, I’m not sure jeans would be appropriate. We sat near the fireplace and it was cozy. Usually I get hot when I’m dining, but I was able to enjoy my entire meal with a sweater on. Let me say this never happens, so dress appropriately when dining here in the winter.
We started with very good, warm onion rolls with poppy seads and garlic butter. Next off to a wonderful butternut squash soup. My wife enjoyed her hungarian beef tips. It was nice size with large wide noodles. I enjoyed the roasted duckling, served with cherry bread pudding. Everything tasted fantastic. The beer list was unique and they offer table side desserts if you are into that. With my birthday discount it was very reasonable for the level of service given. I would eat here again for sure.

Food at it’s best tells us a story about life, culture, tradition, and history. The Lord Fox is like Doc Brown flying up in his Delorean for a quick trip to back 100 years to an original farmhouse in the middle of nowhere between Ann Arbor and Detroit.
As we nuzzled in from the cold that night, we decided to stick with the theme, and order unique cocktails. The manhattan was decent, and the james bond thingy went down way too smoothly.
For a starter, we had the snails which had enough butter and garlic to make anything taste good. Nice flavor with a warm crusty bread for dipping. We also ordered the table side Caesar Salad, which was fun to watch and really quite subtle and delicious. Finally, we ended with the Hungarian Beef Tips which perfectly matched the sub zero storm passing by. Anyway, food was savory, well seasoned, and very satisfying.
Now all is not happy in Hill Valley or Dixboro… The Lord Fox definitely is showing it’s age and is a bit rough around the edges for an expensive meal. But for 100 dollars with tip, this was well worth the free trip in a time machine.

It’s been a long while since I’ve been back in Ann Arbor, having moved around the country quite a bit.
Now that I’m back in the Midwest, and if the husband and I were to return to AA, I’m definitely taking him to the romantic Lord Fox for dinner.
Four stars for the atmosphere and food (great duck) that I remembered, and I so hope if it should have changed, it is for the better, not the worse.

This restaurant is rumored to be the out-​of-​town speakeasy that figures in the 1940s mystery «The Dark Tunnel» by Kenneth Millar, who later published much more acclaimed books under the name Ross Macdonald. «The Dark Tunnel» features steam tunnels under a pseudonymous university in a town not far from Detroit as well as the frantic trip to a rural restaurant during a long spy chase.
Anyway, The Lord Fox has a real history despite frequent changes of ownership. It’s had several identities since I last went there — so I can’t speak about the food or service. [update for the person who asked: when I went there the food was so-​so.] The setting is very pleasant, still rural, though the city is creeping up.
The name «The Lord Fox» is also really ancient!

This restaurant has been around since the beginning of time. In fact, I worked here about 11 years ago, or so. The food and atmosphere is top-​notch. Situated in an old farm house, the place drips with country charm. The wine list is extraordinary. The food ranges from your standard steaks, to wild game and great seafood. Old standards like escargot and baked Alaskan appear on the menu, as well as bananas Foster. On the pricey side, but a great place to visit for a romantic dinner or during the holidays.