Some bars just pour drinks. Others carry nearly two centuries of stories in their walls — and one of them is sitting right in the heart of Ypsilanti’s Depot Town. Sidetrack has been a bar or restaurant since 1850, making it one of Michigan’s most enduring watering holes, and the kind of place that locals and out-of-towners keep coming back to decade after decade. Situated at 56 East Cross Street on the east end of Depot Town, it’s just down the road from Eastern Michigan University and has long been a popular hangout for students and faculty alike.
But don’t let the age fool you into thinking this place is resting on its laurels. This historic 1850 bar and grill serves hand-crafted food with 37 world-class beers on tap, and its burgers have earned national recognition that most restaurants can only dream of. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a long evening on the patio, Sidetrack delivers the kind of experience that’s genuinely hard to replicate.
Food & Drink Highlights
GQ magazine named Sidetrack’s “Our Famous Burger” one of the “Twenty Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die,” noting that Sidetrack “is an exception” to the otherwise poor burger quality found near college campuses. The acclaim doesn’t stop there — Oprah Winfrey had a segment on Gayle King’s quest for eating the best burgers in America, and Sidetrack’s bar and grill is mentioned. These are burgers that are nationally ranked and cooked precisely to your order, right down to a perfect rare if that’s your preference.
Sidetrack Bar and Grill serves gourmet burgers, deep fried pickles, and features a robust selection of microbrews on tap. Hand-cut sweet potato fries round out the meal beautifully, and the menu goes well beyond burgers — options like chicken quesadillas and a French dip sandwich give the menu real range. There’s even a gluten-free bun option available for burger lovers with dietary restrictions.
The beer selection is quite decent, with quite a few Michigan micro and other regional offerings on bottle and tap. The selection especially focuses on Michigan brews, some beers from outside of the state, and then some of the usual bar staples. The staff are notably knowledgeable about the tap list and are happy to steer you toward something you’ll love. And when it comes to soups and desserts, don’t overlook them — the soups are a crowd favorite, and the desserts have earned a legendary reputation of their own.
Happy Hour & Special Deals
Voted the very best happy hour, 10 times in a row and counting, Sidetrack takes its daily deals seriously. From 3pm to 6pm, there’s something for everyone — half off liquor and wine, plus a 27oz draft beer for only $3.25. That’s an absurdly generous pour for the price, and it’s the kind of happy hour that keeps the regulars fiercely loyal.
Every Wednesday, the entire selection of wine is half off, all day long — a deal that wine lovers should absolutely plan around. Happy hour on Sunday starts at 8pm and goes until close, meaning even late-night weekend visitors can score a solid deal. Between the daily specials and the rotating offers, there’s almost always a reason to stop in on any given day of the week.
Atmosphere & Décor
Sidetrack’s building has an atypical shape due to a train derailment that happened in 1929 — on an early January morning, a freight train moving through Depot Town came off its track and crashed into the corner of what is now Sidetrack Bar and Grill. That quirky, crooked footprint is still part of the building’s character today, and it gives the space a one-of-a-kind layout that adds to its historic charm.
The bar is housed in a 19th-century downtown-style brick building with many original elements still in place, including the floors and door and window sills, and it is very well maintained. The original tin ceiling and backbar are still intact, lending an authenticity that no amount of modern renovation could replicate. Inside, train memorabilia decorates the walls, and the iconic giant moose head presides over the room with a sense of humor that sets the tone perfectly.
Perfect for spring and summer, outdoor seating areas let you drink and dine at umbrella tables on Cross St., as well as in the beer garden seating area behind the building — in addition to the long-time favorite covered and corner patios. And then there’s the main event: dining in front of one of their large windows when the train comes rushing through town is an experience unlike anything else in Ypsilanti. In Depot Town, Sidetrack sits right next to the train tracks with an Amtrak going by every couple of hours — and every single time, it’s a thrill.
Other Considerations
What’s the price range like? For being a bar, the menu is quite extensive and extremely reasonable. Prices generally range from about $6 to $13, making this an accessible spot whether you’re grabbing a solo lunch or splitting appetizers with a group. The happy hour deals push the value even further.
Is parking easy to find? There is plenty of private and free parking available. Coming around the bend of Cross Street, Sidetrack is the ivy-covered building with parking in back — a bar with its own parking lot is a welcome surprise. That said, if you’re visiting during busy hours, plan to park and head inside promptly, as the lot is reserved for dining customers.
How busy does it get? Sidetrack is a popular destination, and it shows. The place is often crowded and loud, with tables close together — the noise can make conversation difficult at times. If you prefer a quieter visit, opt for an off-peak afternoon slot or snag a spot on the patio. Lunch on a weekday tends to be your best bet for a more relaxed pace. Lunch time service can occasionally run slow, so come without a tight schedule and enjoy the atmosphere while you wait.
Is it a good spot for movie buffs or history lovers? Sidetrack Bar and Grill was closed for two days in March 2009 and used as a location for filming the Hilary Swank film, Conviction — so yes, you’re quite literally dining on a film set. It’s also right in the center of Thursday cruise nights in Ypsilanti and sits across from the Automobile Heritage Museum, just a block from the river and park. There’s no shortage of things to do before or after your meal.
Sidetrack Bar & Grill
📍 56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Website: https://www.sidetrackbarandgrill.com
