Spencer
| Address: | 113 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA |
| Phone: | +1 734-369-3979 |
| Site: | spencerannarbor.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 11AM–3PM Closed 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 18
CH
Chelsea Cates
We went here for dinner and had a very mixed experience. The staff was great, very helpful and informative. The wine selection was somewhat minimal, the draft beer selection being the same, with a more extensive bottle collection to support. We ordered an appetizer, an aranciani with garlic aoli, that was quite good. Of the two entrees, one was a disappointingly forgettable pasta, the other a very expensive rabbit; both the quality and the portions were small for the price. The seating is communal, and space is minimal, so if your personal bubble is large, avoid. By the time we left the restaurant had filled up and become so loud my significant other and I couldnt hear each other over the chats of other diners. I support what they are trying to do here, its a very niche place, and I really wanted to like it, as it had been highly recommended; but unfortunately, we will likely not return.
AA
Aaron Decker
To call Spencer a restaraunt in Ann Arbor is to do a disservice to what they are. A location bringing locally sourced fair, an excellent well calculated wine selection, and a staff of engaged and active members of global food culture - Spencer is a destination for Ann Arborites and visitors to splurge on themselves with the highest quality food this town has to offer. After eating here multiple times, each dish surprising and filling in both experience and serving, I am happy to call Spencer a location one cannot miss if they spend more than an hour in Ann Arbor, truly exceptional.
JA
Janet Miller
Best restaurant in Ann Arbor - by far. Spencer manages to coax incredible flavor from simple and fresh ingredients, from fava and green bean salad to heavenly house-made ricotta wrapped in tomato leaves. Its all about sharing dishes, so some folks may be put off by not having their own meal from first to last bite, but trying a variety of dishes is part of the fun. Their entire dinner menu changes every two weeks, so it never gets boring. In all, weve had close to 30 different dishes, and each one has been a home run. Its like a piece of west coast dining has come to Ann Arbor.
LI
Lindsey Scheer
A fun small restaurant with a changing seasonal, local menu. Weve enjoyed a few dinners here & the staff is super friendly & helpful if youre not sure what to order. Its a hybrid of a traditional full service restaurant & fast casual, you order at the counter, then grab water & silverware & find a seat at the communal tables. Your food is brought out to you along with anything else you want to order. The servers provide a nice description of the courses as they are brought out & the communal seating makes for fun conversation. We havent had anything we didnt love!
CA
Carrie Nash
My boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here earlier this month at Spencer, and we had the most amazing time. The wait staff was so polite and charming, and our food came out in a reasonable amount of time. The atmosphere of this place is just so friendly. I think it was primarily Nick that waited on us, and he was the best! We tried several different dishes and everything tasted so good. Ive been recommending Spencer to everyone since then, and will be making many returns trips in the future!
AN
Andrew Henry
Food was awesome. The staff was knowledgeable and nice. Went with 4 stars here because after spending $100 + 20% tip (3 people) it was a little odd to find out i needed to get my own silverware, waters, and bus my table when I was done. Other than this small detail we had an amazing meal. Mongers choice was better than most cheese plates I have gotten around town, the dumplings were on point and the shrimp was well prepared and delicious.
KA
Karl Rosaen
Best place in a2 if you are looking for something beautiful and tasty prepared with highest quality ingredients (often seasonal & local). Of note: one of the owners used to be the cheese monger for Zingermans, they always have amazing cheese. Think Netflix Chefs table quality food. Limitations: small menu, limited service, shared tables, reasonable portions, but you wont have leftovers (and will being spending $15-30 per person).
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Francine Alexander
Fabulous fresh and creative food. The greens and dressings are always heavenly, the main dishes unique and flavorful, with unexpected combinations that work superbly. I recommend sampling...I have loved the salads, soups, pastas, grilled cheeses and every dessert I have tried there. The space is beautiful. The food is art. The owners and staff are savvy, engaged and always helpful with recommendations on pairings.
KA
Katie Fleischman
Spencer was everything (and more) we read from reviews. Fantastic food and a charming atmosphere with great service and staff. Wr split several small plates: pickled egg, the flatbread with carrots and turnips, eggplant dish, and the culurgiones - ALL fantastic. Dessert was yummy as well (pound cake and the salt ice cream with peaches). Would go back in a heartbeat!
JA
Jamey Cooper
This place is cute, if by "cute" you mean tiny, lacking in variety, decorated inside and out with picnic tables and serving beer via mason jars (I actually like the last part). While the staff was friendly and well informed regarding beer and wine, the plates are dramatically overpriced for what they were and how they are served.
EL
Elph Morgan
Casual setting with seriously good food! Steve and Abby and everyone on staff took really great care of us. We went for dinner and had short ribs with polenta, roasted carrots, beets, and rutabaga, as well as the cheese plate and charcuterie plate and some lovely red wine. The menu changes frequently. Ill be back for lunch.
MA
Matthew Niedner
Spencers is unique. Like so many of my favorite epicurean-but-not-elitist venues, there are no reservations. Come as you are. Our "waitress" turned out to be one of the owners. Between her and her colleages, Ive never seen a staff more well versed in the nuances of their ingredients or dishes. Definitely coming back.
JE
Jeff McCabe
Spencer does, admittedly, raise the hipster bar a notch or two in Ann Arbor, (not that there is anything wrong with that). Ribbing aside, I am personally thrilled to have this delicious and local-farm-friendly addition to my list of fun places to land for a nibble or feast. Keep up the fine work Steve and Abby!
AN
Anjali
Duck might be my favorite meat but Spencer, hands down makes the best duck confit I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The restaurant is beautiful, the service is friendly and quick, the food might be some of the best I have tried in Ann Arbor. The wine selection is also noteworthy.
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R L
As others mentioned, odd to have to constantly get up and serve oneself water from a tap by the door. For the price please offer some bottles of water on the communal tables. Food is fresh but not for anyone who wants large portions. You get what you pay for in quality not quantity.
VA
Varun Chenna
Amazing little place in the heart of Ann Arbor. Small plates which taste great. I believe the menu changes every week. Also, the wine is great and most of it comes from the Lyon river. Staff is very knowledgeable with food and drinks. This place is great.
LA
Lauralyn McIntosh
Abbie and Steve are passionate young chefs with impeccable palates- Spencer is a wonderful place to try new dishes and ingredients - I will happily eat anything they create in their kitchen and walk out the door with new found inspiration -
AN
Andrew Westrick
Great downtown Ann Arbor establishment. Weve been there more than once, and always love their creative menus. The dishes are usually prepared and brought out personally by the chef that created it. Wine selections are fun to try out as well.
