If there's one thing that has struck me as odd after two years at the University of Michigan, it's that my fellow students are, for the most part, oblivious to the wide range of dining options Ann Arbor offers. The city's unique demographics have led to a tragically segregated dining scene; college students like their food cheap, fast, and relatively predictable, locals seek out cosmopolitan, overpriced ethnic food, and rarely the twain shall meet. Quickie Burger, No Thai, or Jimmy John's are affordable and convenient, but undeniably tame. Pizza House, Cottage Inn, and Red Hawk are all a nice step up, but for roughly the same price (or just a bit more), you can vastly broaden your culinary horizons. Next time you need to impress a date or feel like kicking off a night out with friends with good food, check out one of these restaurants-you'll be able to enjoy a great meal for $15-$20, all within walking distance of Central Campus.
•Café Habana, 211 E. Washington-If you're among the uninitiated, you probably equate Cuban and Mexican food. Rectify that by visiting Café Habana. The $8 Cuban sandwich is tough to beat for value, as are the excellent fish tacos. The baked goat cheese is exceptionally creamy and a great alternative to typical fried appetizers.
•Bandito's, 216 S. Fourth-After exploring Cuban cuisine, eat Mexican at Bandito's for contrast. The combination platters (all I've ever ordered, to be honest) present you with a range of your favorite Mexican dishes, all miraculously light and delicious. Next time you crave something from south of the border and have time for a sit-down meal, skip the burrito joints and try Bandito's.
•Seva, 314 E. Liberty-I enjoyed Seva more than I ever suspected I could enjoy a vegetarian/vegan restaurant, in no small part because of the laid-back, patchouli-free atmosphere and approachable menu, which works precisely because it doesn't try to be too ambitious; instead, dishes like squash ravioli and vegetarian enchiladas provide a fun and familiar take on meat-free cuisine.
•The Blue Tractor, 205 E. Washington-It's not always easy to make traditional American dishes like macaroni, pulled pork, and ribs exciting, but fortunately, the Blue Tractor succeeds where others often fall flat. Their barbecue is always tender, and even their meatloaf-bacon-wrapped and served on a cedar plank-is something to write home about.
•Palio, 347 S. Main-There are plenty of opportunities to eat Italian in Ann Arbor, but Palio manages to present the quality of a white-tablecloth bistro while remaining affordable and unpretentious. The menu consists of range rustic Italian dishes served in a noisy, relaxed environment.
•Shalimar, 307 S. Main-Shalimar's menu proves that not all Indian dishes are curry bombs (though they serve plenty of meals featuring the seasoning). Their Tandoor dishes are great, and the lababdar is light and creamy. Most dishes can be shared family-style, giving you the opportunity to try even more of their offerings. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the yogurt shake-like lassi drinks.
•Café Felix, 204 S. Main-Though cocktails and wines are prominently featured on their menu, Café Felix offers a wide range of European-style small plates enticing enough to attract diners not old enough to sample any alcoholic beverages. Thin-crust personal pizzas are filling enough to be a small meal, but if that isn't enough for you, order from a lengthy list of tapas including wild button mushrooms and salmon fillet in honey citrus Dijon.
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