Spencer

Food - 4 starsAmbiance - 3 starsHere's why. We started off the meal with radish, za'atar and cultured butter. It tasted exactly like what it is. If you like those things, you would like this dish. It was a nice light bite to start the meal. It was very simple. Tahini butter beans and fava beans were very delishious. These were an add on, and probably a highlight of the meal for me. It had a good balance of citrus and flavorful olive oil. The butter beans were soft in contrast to the nice bite of the fava bean. The charred garlic scape over allium lebneh, malawach, zhoug. The malawach was kinda like a flatbread, kinda like a buttery cracker. The yogurt was not tangy, and it was very creamy. Scape is a new vegetable for me. It was like if a greenbean had an asparagus-like flavor. This was my favorite dish of the meal. For mains, we had the chicken, baharat, with little gems. This dish ate very dry for me. The chicken needed a sauce element or maybe more of the dressing from the little gems. My lettuce also had dirt in it. The dessert was a cardamom cake with cherries and cream. It was nice. I tasted the cardamom and a little rose in the sauce that the cherries were in. That said, it was unremarkable. It was good. We enjoyed the non- alcoholic teas/ sodas as well. The seating situation was particularly challenging. The tables were small, which is fine, as they fit the food on them, however, there was an x shaped rod under the table that was impossible not to hit your knees on, even for someone short like me. The edge of the chair also dug into my back if I leaned back. Across the street, fans blew on dinners at the taco shop while we sweat it out on this hot day. Plan on making a late reservation during the summer if you're able. I was incredibly uncomfortable by the end of the 90 minute dining experience.

Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher wrote that you can't step in the same river twice. That's how I feel about Spencer. If you go every month, their menu will be different but the thing that will stay the same is the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the preparations and the gentle sense of humor for what is on the plate. The only downside I can think of is that it's extremely challenging to make a reservation and the hurried staff rarely answer the phone (although they do call back if you leave a message, in fairness). Did I neglect to mention the wine? Spencer is actually a wine shop and has fabulous bottles for sale with or without dining in the restaurant. Summer is the best time to go as they spread out their tables onto the street for some of the best alfresco dining you will have in Michigan, and perhaps the United States. I'm a fan.

One of my favorite restaurants in ann arbor. The food is always delicious and I love the menu changes monthly, so there is always a new food to try.

I have put a lot of thought into this review and REALLY REALLY wanted to give Spencer 4 stars (was hoping for a 5-star experience actually based on the wonderful reviews I've read) because the food is wonderful however the service soured me based on our experience.We made a reservation (watch for when they open their reservations and book immediately in order to get a reasonable dinner time). I would also recommend continuing to look for openings if you happen to get a time you don't prefer as you might be able to get a different time and it's super easy to modify your reservation.Spencer is small, quaint and although we booked it for a special occasion, the ambiance is really quite casual. The dining area is literally surrounded by the numerous wine bottles/shelves they sell. Yes, they do have 2 long communal tables but it must be intentional as we did not have anyone seated next to us until basically when we got our desserts. (The bar has 4 seats if that is an option to reserve there). The food was all very delicious (the pizette was a favorite) and I love that the ingredients are local. We enjoyed the April menu (see pictures). The menu changes every month so you can preview what you'll be having. The main problem was the service. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't good either. We asked about selecting a wine off menu (I think we are all trying to watch how much we spend these days) since the ones on the menu were more than we wanted to spend. Figuring this is a wine store, why not try/buy one from there. We didn't get any initial help (just a general those types of wines are over there-aka, go look yourself). When we couldn't decide, we asked again about a wine and the server did suggest one but it was like pulling teeth to ask how it was and yes we were told there was a corkage fee- however he didn't tell us how much. We didn't see until we got the bill, the corkage fee ($25) cost more than the bottle of wine! Honestly, when you google corkage fees it varies a lot but this is usually when you bring your own bottle of wine. Since we bought this bottle from Spencer's, I was a bit :( to see how much it cost. In addition, Spencer's doesn't do anything for a special occasion (to be fair they don't give you the option to mention a birthday or anything when booking unless I missed it.) so it just compounded my disappointment to what I was hoping to be a special evening. I just think it would be easy to put up a sign or mention the $25 fee.Anyways, it might seem like a little thing but I'm in no rush to return or recommend Spencer's but yes, they do have good food but there are too many other great places that will treat you better.

Worth the wait and the hype! Beautiful setting, exceptional wine, thoughtful service and delicious food. Will be a special occasion favorite for us.

We scooped up a reservation at Spencer for a special occasion and were blown away by our meal. At $70 per person, I was nervous the portion sizes would be smaller, but we left very full and with leftovers to take home. Everything we ate was beautifully presented and thoughtful. Their staff was accommodating and knowledgeable about their wines as well. And their wine program is a James Beard semifinalist for a reason!Only one critique: I hate to be a curmudgeon about the seating, but there are a few spots where you are elbow-to-elbow with the party next to you. I'm not a fan of this -- my husband with ADHD wouldn't hear a word I said if we had to sit that close to other people. We lucked out with bar seating and had a great time, but I'd keep this in mind if you're an introverted grump like me. We hope to celebrate more special events at Spencer in the future!

Appreciate the great selection of wine, and farm to table concept. I love that the menus rotate but wish they'd keep some of their great menus from past.

Came here for the March prix fixe. I've been wanting to go to Spencer's because I've heard such great things. The ambiance and service did not disappoint and the food didn't either. While the food was good and definitely one of the best meals I've had in AA, it lacked a wow factor for me given the higher price point. That being said, I recommend that everyone try it at least once!

All I can say is that Spencer's is an experience that will leave you feeling classy, stuffed, and amazed all in one. Reservations open up on Thursday's at 4 pm and it's always exciting to see what new menus they offer! The food was incredible, the colors, the combinations, the way that Spencers uses acidity and other dimensions of food to manipulate your taste buds. The meal may have been $70, but I left barely being able to move because I ate so much. It was well worth the money.In terms of service, our servers were very friendly and always willing to explain the courses and how they were made. The buckwheat donuts were truly divine and you could tell so much effort went into each course.My only qualm is the space is very small, so even getting up from the table is difficult, but the ambiance of the wine shop was beautiful.

PlaceThis place is such a nice ambience. The store is like a wine shop and you look around with a mask. Yay for covid friendly placesService The service is good and they were so helpful for an amateur wine taster haha. They let sample this one particular white wine and I got a glass. Food/priceThe price is up there but you are also paying for the vibe. There different desserts and baked goods that pair well with the wine. AudienceI went with childhood friends and I got to say I was feeling a fancy haha. Who knew we would be cheering and chit chatting with $10-$15 glasses of wine. Recommendation/tips I recommend and would come back!