Haab’s Restaurant

This is one of my favorite restaurants. Its a staple in Ypsilanti, I think its been here for 50 years. The décor does not need updating. This is not a place that caters to yuppy Ann Arborites and EMU college kids. There are places for you people. Elsewhere. Go away. Haabs is clean inside and has beautiful stained glass lighting as old as the building. Some of the reviews provide an image of a grubby diner– not even close. Its categorized as an American Traditional restaurant. It lives up to its expectation. If you are a glutton for fried vegetables… this place is for you. The fried onion rings and mushrooms are insane. They make the heart attack you’ll have in 20 years so worth it. The mushrooms are huge, whole mushrooms deep fried in their house specialty batter. Served with cocktail sauce– but I recommend subbing for marinara or ranch. The Rueben is huge and the best I’ve ever had. The chicken basket is what they are known for– same special batter– and a total grease bomb. It will kill you. Deliciously. The steaks are on point, and they have excellent daily specials. And if you don’t want to dance with the devil, they have huge, fresh salad options. Occasionally when we dine here, we have the waiter that acts like he was just told his grandmother died– he is the most depressed waiter we’ve even seen, he basically takes your order, serves your food, then hides. You have to hunt him down if you need something.

We took two friends of ours for a thank you dinner on March 18^th. The deep fried mushrooms were great as usual and the salads were fresh, My husband and two guests got the fish and chips which they said were good. I ordered the New York strip steak for $ 24.99 and it was very tough but had excellent seasoning. I did not send it back so as not to ruin everyone’s dinner but they really need to find a new supplier for that steak. Way too much for a bad steak and sore jaw. We have been there many times in the past and this was my first bad experience so I hope they see this review and correct that menu item. Great service, please just fix that steak before you send someone to the dentist.

I just wanted to let all know I come to this restaurant quite a bit I order the 14oz New York strip the cook Alina is amazing she makes it just the way I like it constantly every time the waitstaff is amazing and very friendly I recommend this for all who love amazing food

When I attended EMU, I heard this was a good place to try, a lot must of changed! Once you walk in, you’re confused with what they are trying to go for, it has that Key West feel but once you enter the dining room area, it’s your grandmothers thrift shop scene. Our server was great, very pleasant and the food was ⁵⁰⁄₅₀. Got the turkey Swiss pretzel sandwich with onion rings, the side of Cole slaw was swimming in horseradish sauce and the onions rings, well let’s say they tasted fishy. The sandwich however was amazing, oh and the bread you get once seated, was bland and not fresh. Would I go back? No way!

I have been wanting to check out this place a few times so tonight was that time. It is a local favorite. The restaurant sits directly off of Michigan age. I have passed by many times. I parked on the side which is a short walk to the restaurant. The place has a old school look and has been around since 1934. The table is set with a menu as your placemat. Pretty old school but I did not mind. The bread was brought out first. I would have to say that the bread was good. There are various selections from steak, burgers and chicken. I tried to make a choice between the rainbow trout or the seafood platter. I opted for the rainbow trout with a recommendation from Cody our waiter. I also decided on onion rings due to others reviews and the Seafood chowder. I also had a dirty martini. It was ok and the glass was not real clean. The chowder was good. It was cream based with a good taste. The onion rings were also some of the best i have tasted. The pan seared trout was flavorful with just the right seasoning. It also came with potatoes and green beans. The meal was really feeling. our waiter Cody was also friendly and a great waiter. I would certainly go back again.

Went for a quick lunch. Very good, had the Monterey Chicken Sandwich. Awesome onion rings.

Interesting building with nice staff and relaxed vibe. The food is rather bland though.

The minute we sat down there was waiter to greet us and walk us through the menu. He was very knowledgeable about the menu items and drink pairings, even for root beer.
The food was very tasty and priced well. We will visit again.

I came here twice for dinner, and this is the review I came up with.
Food: ³⁄₅ — nothing bad but nothing is super exciting. The fried mushroom appetizers is good, the portion is generous. The Burger was ok… nothing special.
Service: ⁴⁄₅ — the staff were friendly. The service is a little on the slow side for my liking.
Décor/​Ambiance: ²⁄₅ — the place was outdated. It looks very dark and dingy. I think the place can use some renovation and remodelling.
Overall experience: ³⁄₅ — while the foods are decent, this place will not be my first choice for dining out. I would go again if someone is taking me there.

The best bar in Ypsilanti. Friendly servers, Danny sets a brilliant tone at the bar. A home away from home…

A group of friends and I have been going to Haab’s as our regular happy hour spot because they have good drink and appetizer specials. However, after our last two experiences, I believe we will be relocating to another, friendlier spot.
This happy hour comes with serious rules y’all, so I hope you’ve got a pen and paper handy so you can write them down for future reference. 1. The happy hour menu only applies in the (small) bar area. 2. Expect the waitstaff to be working both the bar area and the dining room. There never appears to be a dedicated server in the bar. 3. You will have to flag down a waitress (any waitress because it’s impossible to tell who is working in what area) to order food or more drinks. Don’t expect anyone to check on you. 4. Don’t even dare suggest that you have more than 4 people in your party or try and move tables together. You will be told VERY rudely that you are only allowed to have 4 people at a table and you MAY NOT put tables together. 5. The waitstaff are not interested in making you feel welcome or appreciated, so uh, if you’re looking for a friendly atmosphere, go somewhere else. 6. The only server worth a damn is Ray. If you can ask for Ray, that will be your best bet.
Haab’s has $ 3 beers and mixed drinks and a handful of mostly decent appetizers during their happy hour. The atmosphere is old school and could be fun. Sadly, the waitstaff and management make happy hour anything but happy. I’m not expecting Cheers or anything, just a reasonable amount of friendliness would be nice.

Not much has changed since I was a kid & Mr Sesi would send us here for dinner each time we bought a Lincoln. Steak was absolutely phenomenal!!! Perfection. Tomato soup delish. Good bread. Small salad but tasty nonetheless.

I went into Haabs for dinner tonight. i must say the interior was quite dated, some the the ceiling tiles were coming loose and was dusty. I ordered the Italian spaghetti and meatballs and when it finally arrived, the pasta was unseasoned and over cooked. The meatballs were obviously not made in house,(pre-made)they were spongy and no flavor, even the sauce lacked flavor, never got my soda to drink and the bar order took for ever (over 5 Min) Service was lacking from beginning. unfortunately this is the best review i can give. is it to much to want to go out to a restaurant and eat fresh cooked food!

I love Haabs for the most part, used to go there all of the time. The only complaint I have is that the last time I was in there they were hosting some sort of Electrician’s Convention party. The party was loud, obnoxious, and even thought it was in another area, you could hear them loudly and clearly dropping f-​bombs every few seconds. When asked, the staff didn’t seem to have much interest in curtailing the behavior. It made for a rather unpleasant dining experience. Otherwise, the food is good and the staff is pleasant and polite. Just be careful of who is in there if you’re planning on taking your kids.

Haabs is an ypsi institution– the people are friendly and you can sense a strong community feeling at the restaurant.
I have to say that the atmosphere is quite old and dated. Everything is as it was back in 1935. The carpet, the plates and the restroom were dingy and dusty. Mainly a senior citizen/​family clientele. That said, this is a good place is pig out! Esp on a basket of fried chicken, fries n a biscuit.
The steak is good– most of their recipes and preparations are from the 50s where presentation doesn’t matter. Wings are good but drowning in sauce. Veggies are cooked to death and mushy.
I think you get the picture. Overall descent food but don’t expect any refinement or décor. I wish Unilocal had half stars cos I’d give 3.5 stars. If this place was anywhere near New York, I’d give it 1.5 stars but in Michigan, its a descent place

Dinner was great last night. Chicken in a basket always good. Shoestring fries are the best. The on tap root beer is creamy.

Haabs is an Ypsilanti staple but very basic, sub par food and an interior which needs updating. You get the feeling that the place hasn’t had a deep cleaning in decades. Disappointing to only have one veggie choice billed as a three cheese grilled cheese on Italian… I saw two slices of orange cheese with no flavor masked between two thick slices of bread. The veggie side was ice cold, over cooked and flavorless. I would not go back; Happy Hour prices are great but drinks are watery.

Haab’s has been an Ypsilanti tradition for 80 years. The building and interior are
very cool especially the bar area. The owners are gracious hosts and truly want you to enjoy their restaurant. That being said the food is average at best. I love history and want to support Haab’s as an Ypsilanti institution and the owner Mike and his son are truly gracious hosts but overall its always just OK.

Haabs is not my type of place and I wouldn’t choose it. However, my mom loves it and I love her — so Haabs it was.
We were there for lunch. I had whitefish and enjoyed ever bite. My mom loved her salmon and my sister liked her chicken Caesar (pretty basic salad with no twist). The whitefish was seasoned nicely and tarter sauce homemade. Veggies were nicely sautéed and our potato skin app had plenty of cheese bacon and scallion. Not the best quality sour cream, but I can live with it.
However, the Sanders hot fudge sundae made the entire trip worthwhile.
Our server was fun and friendly.
Will never be my destination by choice, but I will tag along without making a fuss.

I’m only giving one star because the staff are very nice… the fried mushrooms are great… as for anything else don’t waste your money.

Stumbled on to this place, and it wasn’t too bad. I’m not sure I’d run back here again anytime soon, but I think it’s a suitable place to dine.
The décor is a bit old-​looking. I honestly don’t know if that’s what they were trying to do as a theme, or if it’s old and out-​of-​date. Reminded me of eating out when I was a kid in the 80s.
I had the half-​chicken, which was really good. It was quite hot, but tasty and good portions. The fries were not my style, but others seemed to enjoy their fries.

I like it. We’ve been here for lunch and for dinner and the food is very good, the service decent, and there is a good variety of local beer on tap. We were recently in for lunch and our server mentioned they were trying to include more local beer — that’s a plus in my book.
I have a thing for pewter plates and bowls. Salad here is served in a pewter bowl. I love that. It reminds me of dinner out with my parents back in the day and that’s a good thing. There is something «throw-​back» or classic about Haabs that works for me.
Dessert is wonderful. Get dessert. Get Grandma’s chocolate cake and split it with someone. There is ice cream on it and it is very yummy.
Haab’s has prime rib on the weekends but I haven’t been in on a weekend so I can’t vouch for that. I hear good things, though.
You do need to go downstairs for the regular bathrooms — I think they have one on the main floor also. There is street (metered) parking available and a nearby lot.

Haab’s holds a special place in the hearts of my family and I; my parents got engaged here 30 years ago and it has continued to be a place for my family to gather together and share special times.
I will admit that the restaurant used to be a little bit nicer, almost romantic, whereas now it is more kitschy and quaint… but that vibe works for me, too. Since this place has been a staple in downtown Ypsilanti for SO many years I think the «old» feel suits it well; it is quintessential «Ypsi» charm.
Lately I have been stopping in for lunch and they have really delicious burgers and sandwiches, and their soups are Uh-​mazing (butternut squash, anyone?)!
Whether you live nearby or are just passing through Haab’s is definitely worth a try. The food never disappoints! I myself need to *finally* (after only living here my whole life) try the renowned Happy Hour!