Shoestring fries piled directly on top of a burger patty, tucked into a soft egg bun, sounds like the kind of thing you’d dream up at 2am. In Ann Arbor, it’s just Tuesday. Frita Batidos has been serving that exact combination since 2010, when chef Eve Aronoff opened the spot downtown after years of being drawn to the flavors she picked up during childhood trips to visit her grandmother in Miami.
The concept is simple on paper: fritas, Cuban-style burgers loaded with toppings and fries, paired with batidos, blended tropical milkshakes made from fresh fruit and crushed ice. Aronoff has always been upfront that this isn’t a traditional Cuban restaurant; it’s her own spin on flavors that stuck with her, built around Michigan-sourced ingredients whenever possible. That combination of comfort food and seasonal, local sourcing has turned the place into one of the most talked-about lunch and dinner spots in town, regularly landing near the top of local restaurant rankings.
What To Order
The fritas are the whole reason people line up. You pick your protein, beef, chorizo, or a black bean version for vegetarians, and it comes stacked with crispy shoestring fries right on the sandwich, plus a house-made sauce that gives the whole thing a tangy kick. It’s messy in the best way, and it’s routinely called one of the better burgers in the city by people who’ve tried a lot of burgers.
Then there are the batidos themselves, the tropical milkshakes that give the restaurant half its name. Made with fresh fruit, crushed ice, and sweetened milk, they come in flavors like mango, passionfruit, and coconut, and can be spiked with rum for the adults in the group. People consistently describe them as tasting like real fruit blended with real ice cream rather than a sugary shake mix, which is exactly the point.
Beyond the signature combo, the menu rounds out with crispy fried plantains, hand-cut fries with a rotating list of dipping sauces, fresh salads, and churros for dessert. The Cuban sandwich also gets consistent praise, largely thanks to a notably thick cut of bacon that sets it apart from the usual pressed-sandwich version. Because the kitchen leans seasonal, expect small menu shifts depending on what’s fresh and available from local farms.
Atmosphere & Vibe
The space feels casual and a little playful, with bright colors and an energy that matches the food. It’s the kind of place where you order at the counter, grab a seat, and settle in for something quick but genuinely satisfying rather than a slow, formal sit-down meal.
Being right in downtown Ann Arbor, it draws a steady mix of students, families, and downtown workers, so it can get lively and loud, especially around lunch and on weekend evenings. The energy leans more toward a fun neighborhood hangout than a quiet dinner spot, which fits the food perfectly.
Other Considerations
Is it good for kids? Yes, there’s a dedicated kids menu with mini fritas, in either beef or black bean, or a mini grilled cheese, both served with fries and seasonal fruit.
What are the hours? The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 11pm Sunday through Thursday, and stays open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Can I get a non-alcoholic batido? Absolutely. The batidos are made without rum by default, and you can request rum added if you want an adult version.
Is there a vegetarian option? Yes, the black bean frita is a popular substitute for the meat versions and gets folded into the same fries-and-toppings treatment.
Frita Batidos
📍 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Website: https://fritabatidos.com/ann-arbor/
