You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
Sidetrack Bar & Grill Burgers
Depot Town landmark since 1979; burgers routinely ranked among Michigan's best.
MAIZ Mexican Cantina Mexican
Cozy Depot Town spot on E Cross St known for tortas, tacos, and queso fundido.
Basil Babe Thai
Popular Thai counter on W Cross St, an easy walk from the EMU dorms.
Ma Lou's Fried Chicken Fried chicken
Downtown Ypsi favorite on Michigan Ave for chicken sandwiches and sides.
Hyperion Coffee Coffee
Local roaster's cafe on N River St in Depot Town; solid study spot.
Dom Bakeries Donuts
Old-school donut shop on Washtenaw Ave; cheap, huge donuts and early hours.
Walmart Supercenter Big box
On Ellsworth Rd about 10 minutes away; one-stop dorm setup and groceries.
Meijer Superstore
Michigan-based grocery and everything store on Carpenter Rd, a short drive.
Target Big box
At Arborland Center straight down Washtenaw Ave toward Ann Arbor.
ALDI Grocery
Budget groceries on Ellsworth Rd; bring a quarter for the cart.
Ypsilanti Food Co-op Grocery
Small member-owned market on N River St near Depot Town; walkable from campus.
UMCU EMU Student Center Branch
University of Michigan Credit Union branch and ATM inside the EMU Student Center.
Bank of Ann Arbor
Community bank branch at 7 W Michigan Ave in downtown Ypsilanti.
PNC Bank
National bank with branches and ATMs along the Washtenaw Ave corridor.
CVS Pharmacy Pharmacy
On Washtenaw Ave close to campus for prescriptions and everyday basics.
Ypsilanti Urgent Care Urgent care
Walk-in clinic on Washtenaw Ave for illnesses and minor injuries.
US Post Office Ypsilanti Shipping
Downtown post office for mailing packages home and passport services.
Great Clips Haircuts
Walk-in chain salon on the Washtenaw Ave retail strip; check in online.
Riverside Park
Huron River park behind downtown with trails, open lawns, and festivals.
Frog Island Park
Depot Town park with a track, fields, and community garden along the river.
Border-to-Border Trail
Paved riverside path linking Ypsi parks to Ann Arbor; great for biking and runs.
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Depot Town museum of Hudsons and Tuckers in a former dealership.
Riverside Arts Center
Downtown galleries and black-box theater with student-friendly shows.
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.