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Ashley's
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
338 S State StAnn Arbor, MI 48104
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor
(734) 996-0439
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 2 am
Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
170 reviews for Ashley's
Review Highlights
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"Yes, their beer selection is fantastic." In 51 reviews -
"I tried the Young's double chocolate stout, and some other..." In 3 reviews -
"...of my favorites is the Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA on pump..." In 3 reviews
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170 reviews in English
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Review from Nupur L.
Updated - 5/8/2012
Coming back here five years later, Ashley's STILL rocks. Ashley's is where I learned to love beer and learned what it means to be a "bar regular."Seriously, this place is such a gem. Also, my previous review and its dig at people who were just celebrating their 21st birthdays elicits a sad chuckle these days. Oh, how sweet it was to be 22 and happy that you were older than 21.
Ashley's highlights Michigan's exceptional microbrewing culture. The menu regularly rotates taps and bottles from the major players like Bell's, Jolly Pumpkin, Arcadia and Founder's and keeps the old favorites around always like Oberon in the summer and Founder's Rockin' Rye. They're also very current on noteworthy beers and breweries from all over the country. If you want to go toe-to-toe with a beer snob, I'd come to Ashley's to prepare beforehand. I had Left Hand Milk Stout, an old favorite of mine from Boston, and was confused in a good way when I saw Southern Star on TAP from Texas. Whoever is selecting the beer knows their stuff and really stays on top of things.
Alright, so it's loud and has a large undergrad contingent. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for bars that cater to the "everyman," and have seen everyone from hipsters to fratbros to older beer connoisseurs come here and have a good time. It's an amazingly comfortable bar and a very easy place to bring anyone. We were served by the manager downstairs and he's awesome. One tip would be to just move downstairs unless you're there to try a specific beer. The tap selection is totally solid and you avoid the long waits. Also, you could just go during the day after a final...ah, youth. Very few things remain great no matter your age. Ashley's is one of them.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/4/2007
I was also surprised to read the negativity about Ashley's. It's one of the few bars in Ann Arbor… Read more »
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Review from Duncan S.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2012
Ashley's where to start on a Sunday night.
Firstly the 'background' music featuring obnoxious and loud Rage Against the Machine (or clones) violating the bar.
Secondly, the draft range was average with the usual US domestic, British and Belgium suspects accounting for a large chunk of the supposed 70. I probably expected to see more beers from Michigan.
The food was poor; we had the so called signature items of chilli and buffalo wings - just bland.
The service was almost evasive. We had to chase down our server to order food and get the waters we had asked for.
Pass. -
Review from Aaron M.
4/17/2012
Ashley's should get 5 stars based on their beer selection alone (70+ on tap, 90+ in bottles!). That being said, the food is standard bar fare and the wait staff has never been good. Ever. Yes, yes Ashley's is always busy because of the beer selection, but every single server always seems super stressed about working there. I almost have to chase them down to get an order in - this seems odd, since the more you drink the more you tip, right? Don't they want my business? They always seem so put off by a customer trying to order something.
Go for the beer. I'd recommend sitting at the bar, though. -
Review from Xiao M.
Urbana, MD
5/18/2012
5 stars for beer selection. 2 stars for service and food. The food is standard bar fare, so it's nothing memorable. The wait staff is usually pretty slow. The place always seems to be busy in the evenings, which seems really stress out the wait staff, leading to poor service.
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Review from Hymae W.
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have gone here about 15 times. I used to love it but i soon realized that was only due to the people i went with.
Ashley's has a great selection of beer. I stick to the porter/stout collection and i am very pleased with it. But unfortunately everyone who goes/went/visited/lived within 40 miles knows about Ashleys. Anytime i have gone here during normal hours (ie not 3pm) there has been a wait. Which by itself would be okay. I will even look past the overwhelming amount of college kids wearing pajamas and other stupid trendy things.
BUT THEIR HORIBLE SERVICE IS UNACCEPTABLE. Yes i have had good service here occasionally. But generally ther servicers are unattentive, slow, rude, and lazy. First off, i am not sorry that i am not getting a meal. You are known for your beers not your food. Second off, its called a wash cloth. You use it on your tables to get all the sticky beer off. -
Review from Sam G.
3/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Four reviews in a row that mention or are about booze? Well hell! Let's keep the ball rolling! (I really don't drink that much - I guess I just have intoxicated bliss on my mind).
Ashley, let me talk to you mano a mano. Or woman-o a woman-o (yes I know mano doesn't mean 'man' - it's a play on words! weeee!). Your food is not great, your service is kind of lackluster, and the back of your establishment puts me in a fowl mood (don't know why, it just does every single time).
However, your food at least attempts to balance out the usual bar fare with something more healthful, your downstairs is mucho de funno for dancing (god, I'm so sorry Mexico for my trespasses against your language), the elevated window stage is nice for the sittin', and your beer selection makes me happy dappy (yup, I said it).
This is probably one of the only places where I can find belgian beer in the 'narb - like tripel-brew deliciousness - not like stella grossness - or Michigan brewery soapiness. I however don't love the way they pour a guinness and especially not how they pour it in a black velvet. But they do have strongbow on tap. Win.
This place can get really busy usually around 8pm or so. You may be waiting in line. Huge tables for people to territorialize in groups. Usually I'm not fond of said groups as they prevent me from hearing a darn word my co-drinker says. And I tend to dine with loud people from the East Coast so that's saying something.
Which reminds me - crowd? Not so crazy about that either. Mostly grad students and I spend enough of my life in academia. If I overhear one more story about grading papers I will lose it. Unless you get me another beer. Then I'll be pacified.
If judged on beer selection alone, this place is darn near close to a fiver. But the atmosphere for me is 2 or 3. So I'll let 'er go with a four. You're a lucky broad, Ashley.Listed in: *burp*. oh. excuse me.
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Review from Becky H.
Ann Arbor, MI
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good selection of beer, but I'm not that big of a beer fan, so I stick to the food. It's decent but nothing to write home about. Service is meh.
The happy hour deals on appetizers are great though. I order the cheddar ale dip ($3.49 during happy hour) and shoestring fries ($1.49) because I prefer to dip them in the dip rather than the chips it comes with. It's a lot of food and really unhealthy, so I recommend that you share it... but the last time I was here, I cleared all the plates myself. No regrets. -
Review from Ryan B.
3/27/2012
YES!
I love this bar because:
A) It's always hopping.
B) They explain the drinks and are very knowledgeable on their trade.
C) It's a great place to sit with someone and catch up, but
D) Also meet new people and mingle.
Ashley's lives up to the hype. -
Review from Shelby H.
Waterford Township, MI
4/3/2012 2 photos
I love beer and I love to try different beers, so I love Ashleys. I have never tried the food, so I can't speak at all for that. The people watching in there is also usually excellent. I've been there during different times of the day and I've never had a problem getting a seat at the bar for myself and those I'm there with.
My only complaint about the place is that it smells kind of funny inside. This has been the case every time I've been there, so it must just be the ambient smell there. It's still not enough to keep me away. -
Review from Jessica W.
Ann Arbor, MI
3/1/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Ashley's, you're a sly one. You've been hiding your cheap and delicious lunch specials from me all this time? Better to find out late than never, I suppose.
The main point of any evening at Ashley's is the beer. Personally, I'm a cider gal, and they have about three I enjoy, though I think they could stand to have more. Their beers flights are always worth a go, but a lot of the late night food can be skipped. The Stilton fries and pizza are both not worth the caloric load or energy to chew. I'd save my Ashley's food purchases for lunchtime and make nighttime a liquid menu. -
Review from Nancy K.
1/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I have to say, Ashley's is pretty darn good. I had only been here once, quite a few years ago, until my recent two Monday night trivia excursions.
The beer list is fantastic. From local to obscure, Ashley's got every taste in beer covered. I like hoppy, so the IPA selection is perfect. My trivia teammate is into everything including sour beers (which turn me off) and has been able to find several new favorites. I'd give them a five for beer except some beers taste distinctly of lines that need to be cleaned. While the number of taps is impressive, attention to details like line-cleaning is imperative. If the crowd makes it hard to find the time, cut down on the number of taps. There's no need for that taste at a place that offers such awesome beer.
The food is another story and gets a five. Hands down. I've had a few things including the Stilton fries, black bean burger (but without guacamole and ranch... that's a combo I just can't get my head around, sorry), and Georgia Reuben. Mind. Blowing. Good.
So why only three stars? Well, because beer and food aside, there are some things about Ashley's that have to be fixed. First, the ladies room is disgusting. Like I have considered sneaking into another establishment disgusting. Or maybe peeing in a nearby alley disgusting. Paper towels everywhere, standing water. Ugh. Absolutely gross. I'm tempted to look up their latest inspection but imagine it would keep me from coming back.
The other thing is that one of the hostesses we've met is the rudest, most miserable human being in the food service industry. Well, except for, possibly, that one dude at Zingerman's. The waitstaff is awesome, attentive and friendly. This chick? Not so much. Why do I have a problem with that? Because she is often the first person you meet coming through the door.
Don't get me wrong. I will continue coming here, recommending it to friends and kicking ass at trivia but I try to be as honest as possible in my reviews. Clean the bathrooms, talk to the hostess about toning down the attitude and clean those lines and I'll gladly up my rating to a four or five. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Detroit, MI
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ashley's is a cool place, and that's all that needs to be said. But... let's say more.
Unless you've been buried under your books, college students, you probably know of the movie that was filmed entirely in Ann Arbor. Answer This! takes place at the University of Michigan, and a ton of scenes take place at Ashley's. After a viewing at the Michigan Theater, my friend and I decided we immediately needed to go to there. Naturally.
I was definitely surprised at the menu. This isn't your average bar food! From Stilton fries to thin crust pizza, Ashley's has a lot of unexpected choices. It's bar food with a twist. The Caprese sandwich was my choice, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, pesto, and balsamic on some kind of grainy bread. If this were a cafe or bistro I may not have been terribly impressed, but for a bar I definitely was. The best part was the house made kettle chips. These are the chips to eat when you're pissed off. They are so freaking crunchy I couldn't hear what my friend was saying. Awesome.
Now, the beer menu! The front pages are a guide to beer, which makes their ridiculously long beer list much easier to navigate. It seems like they have something from everywhere on the planet that just might make beer. Maybe option overkill, but asking for recommendations always works for me. They've also got quite a list for those more interested in spirits. 12 year old Scotch? No problem!
So, yeah. Ashley's is a cool place to hang out, and if you're getting into beer, a great place to experiment. -
Review from Jack H.
11/22/2011
For our annual football man-trip this year, my buddies and I chose Ann Arbor to catch the Nebraska at Michigan game in the Big House - definitely a must-see stadium. But another thing Michigan does well - aside from football - is beer, so I was excited to try offerings from several breweries that are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in Texas: Founders, Bell's, Jolly Pumpkin, etc. While doing a little pre-trip research, I stumbled upon Ashley's - "Michigan's Premier Multi-Tap" - and its impressive beer list, so I was eager to stop in.
Ashley's has 72 taps, 3 casks, and numerous bottles available, which makes for a bit of a daunting task. The menu is well-organized though, similar to the Flying Saucer menus here in Texas, arranged by beer style along with an array of flights. While some of us started with flights, I went for the number one beer on my wish list, the Founders Breakfast Stout, considered one of the top stouts in the world, and it was everything I thought it could be. I also got to try Bell's Special Double Cream Stout as part of the "stouts and porters" flight.
Ultimately, it was tough to rouse ourselves from the comfortable booth, leave the friendly waitstaff and impressive beer selection, and head out into the cold. But we had plans to hit up Zingermans Roadhouse for dinner, so left we did. But not without some commemorative Ashley's pint glasses for a mere $5 each. If you're a craft beer lover and find yourself in the Ann Arbor area, Ashley's is the spot for you.Listed in: Ann Arbor Trip
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Review from Vlad K.
Milwaukee, WI
11/26/2011
I've been here dozens of times over the last five years and the service has always been absolute shit. Every single time. We always endured it anyway for the awesome beer selection, but after the last couple of times we said "fuck this place" and never went back.
Too bad, really, it would be a really sweet place to drink if the staff didn't cop such a garbage attitude.
The only times we've ever really had fun here was sitting at the bar when it wasn't too crowded, but even then the bartenders were not very friendly at all. At night, when it gets crowded, forget about it. They make you sit at a table and the service blows, there have been many times where we just ended up sitting there with empty glasses in front of us for like twenty minutes while we sit there with our thumbs up our asses being ignored. It got to the point where if we decided to actually go here, if there were no seats at the bar we'd just turn around and leave. Bouncers at the door have always been complete dickheads every time. The restrooms are consistently gross. Food is here is below my standards, but we always came for the beer.
Once again, it's sad that the staff here are always such miserable assholes, it would be a really fantastic bar if that weren't the case. The selection of taps is incredible and there's lots of good whisky too, and the bar itself is comfortable and pretty to look at.
Many other Ann Arbor folk I've spoken to have had similar experiences here. -
Review from Michelle B.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
4/28/2012
Ok, so first off, I'm new to this whole yelp thing. I've been reading some of these reviews on here about terrible service and bad food, but I've been there quite a few times, especially these days since I've become some what of a self proclaimed beer snob, and I have had a great expeience every time. With I will say the one exception being the rude door girl that's there from time to time looking very grim. But, besides that the service is always friendly and helpful. Like I said before, I am a self proclaimed beer snob, but these people really know their stuff. One time I was feeling particularly indecisive and my waitress asked me 3 questions about my beer taste and what I was in the mood for, and promptly brought back 3 samples of some of the most delicious beer I have tried. My favorites being shorts soft parade, and a Belgian beer I fell in love with called the dutchess. Some are faster than others but every server I've had at this restaurant is incredibly knowledgeable, and with a menu thats almost 15 pages long, you are probably going to need some help!!
The food was decent bar food. I had the pesto fries and they were pretty tasty, but nothing super special, but no complaints.
I love this place, the only reason I gave Ashleys 4 starts instead of 5, is because often it's so crowded in there, that it's hard to even make a move to the bathroom, and i hate waiting in line for a table. That and their door girl, who seemed to not want to be there.
Keep up the good work Ashleys! -
Review from Anurag A.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
3/16/2012
I absolutely love Ashley's. My favorite place on campus when I want to get really good beer, eat good food and catch up with my friends.
The beer selection here is mind boggling. They have all the popular ales and beers from around the country, but what I like most is their selection of Belgian and German brews from remote parts of these countries. I have tried 15-20 different beers at this place and being a big beer fan, really liked all of them.
The food is good too! The portions are decently sized and the service is quick. The atmosphere is lively and you can tell people are having a good time. It can get really crowded tho so expect to wait for some time - esp on weekend evenings. -
Review from Christina G.
Ferndale, MI
9/10/2011
Ashley's happens to be my favorite bar in ann arbor. Unpretentious yet boasting one of the most exceptional beer lists in the deuce, Ashley's has great food and a great vibe. It reminds me of Cheers, kinda, but not everyone knows your name. It just has that neighborhood-y pub feel down pat.
The food is absolutely fantastic. The cheddar ale fries?! Waflle cut fries with a cheddar beer sauce on top- yes, PLEASE! They are so so good. As are most of the other offerings on the menu- salads, burgers, and typical "bar food".
One of my favorite "beers" is Lambic Framboise- which they have ON TAP!! Amazing.
One of my favorite things about Ashley's is the happy hour from 3-6pm every week day. Apps and drinks are cheap! -
Review from Anthony T.
Port St Lucie, FL
11/15/2011
Want a higher education in beer ?
Head to Ashley's and start working on one of the 72 taps and 3 casks .
Typical pub fare is served. -
Review from Bess R.
10/31/2011
Returned to the scene of several drunken nights in college. Beers were still outstanding. Tried the porters and stouts tasting this time and wasn't disappointed. Food, however, was just okay. Chili cheese fries were good - shoestring which was unexpected. Thai chicken quesadillas were crispy and flavorful. Hated the curry chicken things and the beer cheese dip was severely disappointing.
Will always return for BEER. -
Review from Dora C.
1/7/2012
Beerfestivus
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Review from Danny B.
Brea, CA
9/26/2011
Although I wanted to give it a three (due to the poor service and callous waiters) there were a few factors that made it a four. The wide variety of beers made for a much better experience and the alcohol 'guide' was a nice touch. The food was decent enough, but nothing to get your panties in a bunch over.
The atmosphere is what really pushes this place over a mediocre bar. All the beers on tap and the wooden tables, with TV's playing football more than makes up for any servers who look like they want to be anywhere else other than helping you. If only Yelp let you do half stars I'd say this place was a 3 1/2 out of 5. -
Review from Peggah G.
4/21/2011
Are you a bud light kind of person? Labatt blue? Then Ashley's is probably not for you.
If you want to try a variety of beers, or perhaps you don't really like alcohol that much but want a nice place to go, Ashley's is for you. Among their list of drinks (over 100 alcoholic beverages), they have a Framboise at 2.5% (which is good for those who aren't a huge fan of alcohol) and a Mead at 19% (which is good if you think 5% is not good enough). They have plenty of local beers and there's a blackboard as soon as you enter listing their list of rotating taps. They also have a lot of foreign beers to try and a lot of different samplers so you can get a taste of what they have to offer.
They get only 4 stars because their happy hour is nothing special compared to other campus bars and the service is decent. Also, the entrance/exit is annoying when they are busy, which seems like all the time. And, I can't imagine it being a good idea to have bathrooms down a flight of stairs for any bar. Their pizza is decent and their spinach dip thing is also really good.
If you go there a lot, they have a rewards program, which seems kind of fun if you are up to trying all the beers they have! -
Review from Sherri T.
3/15/2012
I discovered Ashley's by accident when I was at the University of Michigan for a conference last fall. What a discovery! Beer...beer...beer...and good ones at that! Domestic micro-brews...foreign imports...the way life should be! I went back last weekend with my husband and brother, and we enjoyed this pub's very extensive beer menu if not their heightened beer prices. Don't even ask me what I had. It was something I had never heard of before, and Ashley's was just one beer utopia stop on a much larger pub crawl. (Ann Arbor is a great place for a beer snob pub crawl, by the way.) We visited Ashley's in the middle of an afternoon on a Saturday outside of football season, and we were lucky to find three seats at the bar. Moments later, many more patrons arrived, circling overhead for an open seat. The bar is small, crowded, and loud, but it also has a lot of character. If you like beer (and who doesn't), you need to check out Ashley's in Ann Arbor!
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Review from Lauren I.
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ashley's would be my first choice in Ann Arbor bars, even if you're not that into beer, which I'm not. they have a selection of ciders and meads and a great description of all of their drink items so it's hard to get lost.
When I brought my uncle here his face was nearly beaming as he saw the pipe-organ of beers they have on tap here. Bring your beer-loving relatives here when they come to visit and they'll love you even more.
On the weekends (i.e.Thurs - Sun) and during games you'll be waiting a while for a table. Once you get in, conversation can be a little difficult because of the noise level, but hey, it's a bar, and not a cocktail lounge. That being in mind, the cocktails that I tried weren't the best. Stick to the beer menu and I really doubt you'll be disappointed.
Service is curt but efficient. Our server wasn't exactly what you call "super-friendly" but I wasn't really expecting that either.
As for the food, expect pub-grub. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, other fried-stuff. People don't come to Ashley's for the food though, they come for the drinks and have food if necessary so they can have more drinks. Or at least that's how I see it. -
Review from Xian Shane H.
Royal Oak, MI
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is an interesting place. I came in here with a starbucks in my hand (it was a cold night. don't hate me). the host guy was like: "you best throw that shit away if you wanna come in here. you have 3 seconds. the trash can is right there."
and i was like..dayyummmmnnn all that attitude. i like that. so i threw the mermaid potion away and walked right into beer heaven.
i got a taste of their delirium nocturnum and it was such a delicious beer. but i'm sure they have other great beers from their holybook of beers. i'm down to try more next time.
i got a lemon drop from them towards the end of the night. and it was the worst lemon drop i've ever had. so i recommend staying with the beer.Listed in: Michiganism
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Review from Paul C.
Shaker Heights, OH
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Smoked Turkey on Pretzel roll! Great fries. Service was speedy and solid! Recommend!
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Review from Christine N.
Rochester, MI
5/12/2011
I've only been for drinks. This review has nothing to do with food, as I haven't tried it.
They were very crowded the first time we went, on a Friday, but we had no trouble getting into the basement. I liked it down there. It was less crowded and not as loud. The second time, we went on a Wednesday evening and stayed upstairs. Due to it being a week night, it was also much less crowded. They have so many beer options it is hard to choose! Something like 70 on tap? Even more in bottle options. It's not a "cheap beer, get smashed" kind of place. There are quality beers with prices that match. Depending on what you get it could be $3-$11. Most are in the mid range though so prices are not bad.
The beer menu is bigger than some restaurants' food menus. It lets you know what is on tap, what is bottled, flavor scale, descriptions, etc. -
Review from Mike W.
Royal Oak Charter Township, MI
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the best things about Ashley's for a first time patron shows itself almost immediately after sitting down. Aside from the menu, Ashley's supplies a booklet containing in-depth analysis of all the beers they have available, specific styles, and beer terminology that the average beer drinker may not know/understand why it is important. Other places may have a greater selection than Ashley's but this booklet leads me to believe that the bar has a passion for good beer and wants their patrons to learn about/try/enjoy the beer in the same manner.
I've also been impressed by Ashley's food. Their food isn't anything fancy. You can find almost all the dishes (sans the Stilton cheese covered anything) at other establishments. If you're going to offer a regular bar food lineup you better at least make sure the quality is great and I feel Ashley's delivers.
The only downfall of drinking and eating at places that cherish high quality spirits is the price. Don't come into the bar/restaurant expecting to sneak out with a small tab. If you can get over the price during your first trip, I'm sure you'll be ready to hype up the place just like the rest of us. -
Review from Cheryl L.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome place with a HUGE beer selection and some delicious bar food. Love how there's so many things you can try here and that there are flights of the different beers!
It was very crowded when we came, so expect a wait.
Minus one star for the host and our servers being a bunch of douche bags. I never thought it was trendy to be rude to your customers. -
Review from Jillian R.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/14/2011
I have been in Ann Arbor for less that a year and Ashley's was the first place I went my first weekend here. Since I moved here I've been to quite a few other places that could compare, but I always come back to Ashley's! The beer selection is awesome and the staff is very knowledgeable of all the beers on tap. I have had a great experience every time.
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Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
4/26/2011
So, we didn't eat here, but we were intrigued by their beer list. WE HAD TO TRY IT.
Their beer list didn't disappoint. THEY HAVE DELIRIUM ON TAP!!!!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Oh, you make my heart flutter. I got a glass of Noctournm and I was a happy camper.
My husband and our friend got some Belgian beers as well. We left after one round, but this is definitely a good spot is you like serious business beers. -
Review from Mike L.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/25/2011
I'd give this place 5, but that would dilute the meaning of any future 5 star rating.
Ashley's is one of the best beer bars I've stepped foot in. Many of the negative reviews focus on the service, and I agree to a certain extent. I've had both some of the best service and some of the worst service and it really is dependent on what server you get. I'd say that 90% of the time, service is great and 10% of the time, your server is buzzed/stoned and your service is what you'd expect. I dislike bad service as much as the next paying customer, but I don't frequent bars/restaurants with the objective of receiving impeccable service.
Intangibles: The atmosphere is completely fantastic. Ashley's manages to simultaneously function as a hipster(ish) dive bar and a Harvard-esque multi-tap. I like the fact that Ashley's is a bit dirty because it shows that it's a place that exists as it does because of the culmination of years and years of people doing what I love to do at Ashley's - stumbling in late for one more beer than I need or lurching in for the hair of the dog the next day. I find it somehow satisfying that, when seated, I can look left and see a group of over-tattoed and pierced youths and then look right and see medical residents, a group of lawyers, or Michigan faculty downing pints. My fiance and I are about a year away from leaving Ann Arbor and this is the place we'll miss the most (we spent our 1st Valentines day there in 2008 and every one since).
Drinks: I won't bother with the beer, because it speaks for itself. I'll just say that I've tried 90% of what's on tap over the last 4 years, and the selection is both eclectic and high quality. As for the other drinks . . . what other drinks? I find it disturbing when I see anyone at Ashley's with a glass of wine or a cocktail (cider is the exception for those that have gluten allergies). Why go to Ashley's if not for a delicious pint? I suppose indulging in one of their many numerous and very high-end scotches would be forgivable.
Food: Ashley's features pub-grub. Think fries, burgers, greasy sandwiches, pizza, and the standard fair of appetizers. I'm not expecting a culinary experience or enlightenment at a place like Ashley's, and why on earth would I? I want Ashley's to be what it strives to be, and it succeeds at doing just that. The following, I would classify as my personal favorites:
Cheese Steak
Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Fries (and all varieties of there waffle fries)
Buffalo Wings
Badger and Lineman Burgers (the only burgers I get here)
Focaccia Club
Cajun Chicken Sandwich
BBQ Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza's
My only complaint is that they no longer serve the waffle fries with their sandwiches and burgers. These dishes are no served with shoestring fries and they're pretty run-of-the-mill.
I've been to beer bars in Detroit, the Twin Cities, Chicago, New Orleans, Vegas, NYC, Boston, Philly, DC, Pittsburgh, and Ireland and Ashley's is among the best pound-for-pound (Monk's in Philly is the best). -
Review from Brandon Z.
Ridgewood, Queens, NY
12/5/2010
When I lived in Ann Arbor, I never went here that often... I thought of it as a pretty lame, safe and pretentious place for grad students (even though I was one myself).
I was there twice yesterday for the first time in years, and really enjoyed myself. I am usually the sort of person who is happy to settle for the cheapest PBR or its equivalent on the menu, but sometimes it is nice to have a "good" drink.
Not only is the beer list amazing (especially for Michigan), but it is ridiculously affordable. Many of these 70(?)+ craft and import beers are around $4 per pint-- it is a steal for what you get. I sometimes find myself having to shell out that much for a bottle of Budweiser in Manhattan.
In my old age, I also really appreciate drinking in a booth.
The food was pretty good, too. If they would just get rid of the TVs and replace the internet jukebox with a curated one they'd be golden. Cheers. -
Review from Amy B.
Smashly's!
No question, Ashley's is an awesome destination for the beer connoisseur. The beer list is more aptly described as a beer booklet. The servers and bartenders are great resources for more information and recommendations, too. I particularly recommend ordering one of the beer samplers if you're interested in trying several choices around a theme (I like Michigan microbrews).
So why only three stars? I guess I'm not a fan of waiting in a huge line* to crowd in a dingy room and pair my awesome beer with shitty food**. But hey, that's me.
*Fridays and Saturday nights, mostly. Afternoon and weeknight drinking preferred.
**Seriously. -
Review from Josephine I.
Norcross, GA
11/17/2010
Awesome beer selection!
A bit pricey for a college town, but then again I'm from Atlanta.
Price really doesn't matter if you are able to try so many different beers.
I felt like a beer connoisseur, but I'm not. I am learning though =)
I didn't try the food at this place, so I can't vouch for them.
Also, the place is very packed on a Friday night without being too rowdy. Overall, a GREAT bar with GREAT atmosphere and beers.
4 Thumbs up! -
Review from Michael P.
Pearland, TX
10/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came on a post-game Saturday and loved it. The place was right at capacity when we walked in, so we had to wait a few minutes for a table to open up, but lucked out and got a two seater by the big mirror opposite the bar. Our server was awesome, the Stilton fries were disgusting (Blue cheese sucks!), and I didn't feel like I was getting completely hosed on the price of booze.
4.4 stars. Can't wait to get back to Ann Arbor. -
Review from Brian K.
Ann Arbor, MI
5/25/2011
Ashley's is hands down my favorite bar in Ann Arbor. The beer selection is unmatched. The wait staff is generally friendly and quite knowledgable about beer. The food is pretty good too. I'm a fan of the badger burger. It can get a little loud on weekend nights, but that's to be expected at most bars.
They have outdoor seating in the spring/summer, but it's very limited. When it's nice, they also open the front windows so if you can nab a spot by the windows, you're all set. -
Review from Guillermo K.
Ann Arbor, MI
9/29/2011
Ashley's, theoretically a good place to get a drink. Jon Huntsman, theoretically a good presidential candidate.
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Review from Alan W.
Washington, DC
Updated - 11/11/2010
If you are a beer lover, then this is the place. Good Quality beer with the biggest selection of beer that you can think of in one place. This is a great place to go drink if you just want a chill place to drink and watch sports. It's not as wild as Charley's and the south u places.
The bar is not the cleanest, it's the typical bar/restaurant type place. Not very big, so it don't get too loud even if it's packed.1 Previous Review:
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10/22/2010
My favorite Bar in Ann Arbor for Beer! Biggest Beer selection.
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Review from Omid F.
Ann Arbor, MI
11/28/2010
I don't know. I'd love to give 5 stars but I've never really gotten good service when it's been crowded.
Their lunch specials are great (4-5 bucks for a lunch-sized amount of food) and their rotating taps always make me hopp--- err, happy.
Try the Lineman Burger and an Arcadia Hopmouth for the ultimate mouthgasm.
