Riverside, the scenic neighborhood hugging the Huron River in Ypsilanti, might look quiet from afar, but for those in the know, it’s home to one of Southeast Michigan’s most exciting and eclectic food scenes. Whether you’re a Ypsi local, an aspiring foodie, or just passing through, Riverside's mix of beloved institutions, inventive newcomers, and hidden food treasures make every meal an adventure. Hungry yet? Let’s stroll down River Street and beyond to discover Riverside’s best bites.
Riverside’s Restaurant Row: Standouts on and off East Cross Street
Riverside’s dining heart beats around the intersection of East Cross Street and North Huron Street, also known as Depot Town. Here, lovingly restored red brick buildings house some of Ypsilanti’s favorite restaurants.
- Maiz Mexican Cantina (36 E Cross St)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: $$
- What to Order: Table-side guacamole, empanadas, and the hearty mole enchiladas.
- What Makes It Special: Maiz brings vibrant color, energy, and inventive twists to traditional Mexican favorites, paired with one of the best margarita selections in town. Their patio overlooks the Riverside Park—a summer must.
- Sidetrack Bar and Grill (56 E Cross St)
- Cuisine: American Bar Fare
- Price: $$
- What to Order: Award-winning burgers (especially the Famous Sidetrack Burger), truffle fries, and craft Michigan beers.
- What Makes It Special: More than 150 years old, Sidetrack is a legend, famous for its atmosphere, outdoor seating beside the train tracks, and hearty comfort food with a local twist.
- Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill (39 E Cross St)
- Cuisine: Pizza, American
- Price: $$
- What to Order: Deep-dish pizza, calzones, and their legendary breadsticks.
- What Makes It Special: Aubree’s offers a casual space for families and college students alike, with big TVs, generous portions, and a cozy small-town feel.
Cozy Cafés and Bakeries: Riverside’s Sweet and Savory Morning Rituals
Rise and shine in Riverside with some of the neighborhood’s outstanding bakeries and cafés—whether you’re looking for the perfect latte, homemade pastry, or a quick breakfast bite.
- Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse (307 N River St)
- Cuisine: Coffeehouse, Bar, Light Fare
- Price: $-$$
- What to Order: Locally roasted drip coffee, honey-sweetened lattes, avocado toast, and homemade pastries.
- What Makes It Special: Cultivate is equal parts café, community hub, and evening hangout, featuring local art and pop-up events. Their outdoor beer garden is a hit in warm weather, and you can pair locally brewed beer with live music.
- Ypsi Food Co-op Bakery (312 N River St)
- Cuisine: Bakery, Organic
- Price: $
- What to Order: Fresh baguettes, sweet scones made daily, and vegan chocolate chip cookies.
- What Makes It Special: A neighborhood staple since 1975, this co-op bakery is known for its organic, hand-crafted breads and pastries. The scent of baking bread spills out onto River Street in the mornings—it’s irresistible.
Global Flavors and Riverside’s Hidden Gems
Ypsilanti’s Riverside is deliciously diverse, thanks to the global influences woven through the food scene. Look past the main drags for under-the-radar treasures and authentic eats.
- Thompson & Co. (400 Depot St)
- Cuisine: Southern/American Fusion
- Price: $$
- What to Order: Fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and creative cocktails.
- What Makes It Special: New to the scene but already a local favorite, Thompson & Co. serves up rich Southern comfort food with a modern Michigan twist. The inside is classy but relaxed—a great date night pick.
- Café Luwak (42 E Cross St)
- Cuisine: Eclectic Café
- Price: $
- What to Order: Breakfast burritos, homemade soups, deli sandwiches, and seriously good muffins.
- What Makes It Special: This quirky café is a true community hangout, filled with Ypsi art, friendly staff, and a menu catering to vegetarians and omnivores alike.
- Red Rock Downtown Barbecue (207 W Michigan Ave—just a few blocks over the border from Riverside but worth the walk!)
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Price: $$
- What to Order: Brisket platter, mac and cheese, and bourbon flights.
- What Makes It Special: For those who worship smoked meats, Red Rock delivers the area’s best barbecue alongside excellent whiskey selections.
Food Trucks and Street Eats: A Riverside Tradition
No culinary survey of Riverside is complete without mentioning its food truck culture, especially near Riverside Park and during community events.
- Tacos el Mariachi Loco
- Cuisine: Mexican Street Food
- Price: $
- What to Order: Tacos al pastor, carne asada burritos, and elote.
- What Makes It Special: Parked near Riverside Park during festivals and weekends, Tacos el Mariachi Loco is an insider’s secret for late-night eats and unbeatable authenticity.
- Go! Ice Cream
- Cuisine: Artisan Ice Cream
- Price: $
- What to Order: Honey lavender ice cream, salted caramel swirl, dairy-free sorbet.
- What Makes It Special: Often seen at community events and available in local cafés, Go! Ice Cream puts a handcrafted, small-batch spin on classic (and some wild) flavors.
The Spirit of Riverside: Seasonal Festivals and Local Food Traditions
Riverside’s food scene truly comes to life during Ypsilanti’s street fairs and festivals, when local businesses, pop-ups, and food trucks spill into Riverside Park and along East Cross Street.
- *Ypsilanti Farmers Markets:* A summer and fall must, set up right at the edge of Riverside Park. Here, local farmers, bakers, and makers sell everything from heirloom tomatoes to small-batch hot sauces.
- *Heritage Festival and Parkridge SummerFest:* These community events bring together the best of Riverside’s culinary talent—expect everything from barbecue contests to vegan baked goods, set to live music against the backdrop of the Huron River.
Riverside: Where Every Meal Feels Like a Discovery
Whether you’re sipping coffee in a sun-drenched courtyard, sharing tacos with friends by the river, or digging into comfort food in a historic saloon, Riverside’s dining scene consistently delights with its authenticity, creativity, and genuine neighborhood spirit.
So next time you find yourself with an appetite in Ypsilanti, skip the chains and head straight for Riverside. Your taste buds—and maybe your soul—will thank you.