Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor, Michigan

​Fond Memories

I have such memories of this old train station, from when I lived in Ann Arbor.  

I took this photo for my high school photography class, in 1974. I loved the castle-like stonework. I remember eating inside with my family. The Gandy Dancer Restaurant had only been open a few years. 

July 2019

The grand building didn't look much different last July, when Don and I visited Ann Arbor.

The Michigan Central Railroad station was completed in 1886. Historic figures from Winston Churchill to John F. Kennedy, stepped off trains at this station. The building was converted to a restaurant, in 1970.

​July 4, 2019

Last summer, Don and I spent a couple of nights in Ann Arbor and dropped by for lunch. 

We crossed over the bricks of old Depot Street and killed a few minutes admiring flowers and flags along the brick sidewalk. At 11:30 the doors opened!

The rounded entrance was just how I remembered it. The inside entry seemed much more dramatic, with soaring ceiling and stained glass.

Before Crowds

I was glad we'd arrived before other diners, so I could snap some photos. In the past, I never had a chance to study the red oak ceilings or the glowing lamps.

​(click image to enlarge)

My memories all involve family celebrations. I have no photos of  dining with my parents and siblings, when I was in high school. I wish I had pics from 1990, when we celebrated my brother's law school graduation. The waiters were patient and delightful, with my squirmy 1 and 3 year olds. Both fell asleep and the adults happily relaxed and finished up our wine.

Easter 2005

In 2005, Don and I ate Easter brunch at Gandy Dancer, with our kids. Heidi and Scott didn't fidget and toss food, this time.

We were visiting the U of M campus that weekend. It was the spring before Heidi started college there. It was fun to watch the kids enjoying a little Gandy Dancer experience. I had been between their ages, when I first stepped inside that building.

Our Table, 2019

I was a little disappointed that we weren't seated in the space that had once been a grand waiting room.

The area in the old waiting room, seemed cozy and historic. Some of the seating looked like original station benches. But we were taken into the glassed in dining room, where we dined with the kids, 15 years ago.

Our table looked to be pretty close to the same spot, where we sat for brunch! It turned out to be the best table for train viewing. When Amtrak went by, the staff and diners clapped.

Power Lunch Special!

Don and I were pretty delighted to order off the "Fast & Fresh" lunch menu, for $16.50.  As we chowed down on our 4th of July feast, I looked out over the tracks. I remember taking Amtrak, back when Amtrak was a new thing. I remember heading off on those very tracks, to Detroit and St. Louis.

Our meal started with toasty breads and salads. My Caesar was the real thing, with fat anchovies! Don's Martha's Vineyard Salad, was actually the best. Bibb lettuce, pine nuts, blue cheese and maple raspberry vinaigrette!

My shrimp and artichoke linguine, was heavenly. Provencale tomato sauce! Don's IPA battered fish came with coleslaw and fries. All mighty tasty. Hard to believe these were lunch sizes!

Looking Around

After we finished up, we had a wonderful chat with the general manager, Charlene. She had seen me snapping a photo of the first floor bar and encouraged me to look up for another photo op.

I looked up and saw the balcony connected to the room above. And a wonderful train model! Love that!

Charlene pointed me towards the stairs and I wandered up for a look. I could see across the dining room, to the rounded terra cotta fireplace.

The Sign

Charlene pointed out the sign hanging above the curious fireplace. Funny, I didn't know Detroit was only 38 miles from Ann Arbor.

Charlene said the sign was originally on the outside of the building.  It had been damaged in a train accident.

Oops! 

Charlene pointed to photograph, on the wall. She said she found the old black and white print, in the attic and had it framed. "This is why we clap when trains go by!" That's pretty funny. I love traditions like that. Show gratitude for the train safely passing and not crashing!

The image looks much older, but I believe the accident happened in the 1960's. Some kids had caused the derailment, when they vandalized the tracks, by pulling up nails. Charlene showed me where the train hit the building (and sign). Luckily no one was killed. 

​The Baggage Room

We also got a peek into what had been the old baggage room, which wasn't always connected as it is today. It was amazing to picture horses coming into this space, with luggage and cargo. ​

Charlene pointed out the large scale, under the arch. She also reminded me that the name Gandy Dancer, refers to the "section hands" who once laid and maintained the railroad tracks. (Just picture the graceful, synchronized movements of laborers)
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Cozy Seating

Before we took off, I had a quick look at a few dining spots that I would love to enjoy in the future.

I'm so glad we were able to squeeze in a lunch on a holiday, but I would really love to come back for a drawn out dinner at night. There are so many cozy spots.

I looked through some windows and found two romantic tables. I believe these tables might have been part of the old ticket booth. I wish I could click a button and see the interior space, just as it was in the late 1800's.

Gandy Dancer in 2020
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​I'm so glad that we had a chance to dine at the Depot, last summer. It's been almost a year now and the restaurant is struggling like all restaurants across the country. I recently saw an article about how Gandy Dancer was dealing with the pandemic.

I was so happy to see Charlene's name mentioned. She spoke about initially selling groceries and supplies and even toilet paper! The article was from a while back, so I'm hoping they might be at least be partially opened by now. I hope they can survive this difficult time. I also hope to someday get back and eat dinner in one of those extra cozy tables!

Update from July 2024
​
​5 years after our last visit to Gandy Dancer, Don and I returned! This time we had my brother and sister-in-law! It was 1974, the last time I dined here with my brother. 

What a memorable meal and evening. Chris and I reminisced and all 4 of us devoured our meals and wine! We were the very last to leave and we couldn't have left happier!