- Attraction: Frita Batidos
- Location: 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://fritabatidos.com/ann-arbor/
Imagine biting into a burger where crispy shoestring fries become the topping instead of just the side dish.
At Frita Batidos, this isn’t just imagination – it’s the signature experience that has made this downtown Ann Arbor gem the city’s most beloved Cuban-inspired eatery since 2010.
Founded by celebrated chef Eve Aronoff-Fernandez, this isn’t your typical fast-casual spot.
It’s where culinary passion meets street food culture, creating something entirely unique in Michigan’s college town landscape.
The restaurant brilliantly captures the spirit of Cuban street food while adding Aronoff-Fernandez’s refined touch from her Le Cordon Bleu training and Top Chef experience.
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Keep Exploring →Every dish reflects her philosophy of combining high-quality ingredients with the warm, convivial atmosphere she fell in love with during childhood visits to Miami. The result is a dining experience that feels both authentic and refreshingly original.
Menu Highlights That Will Blow Your Mind
The Chorizo Frita: This is the dish that started it all – a spicy chorizo patty made in-house with locally sourced pork, topped with those iconic shoestring fries and melted Muenster cheese on a fresh brioche bun. The combination of textures is pure genius, with the salty crunch of fries contrasting beautifully against the tender, flavor-packed chorizo.
Garlic Cilantro Fries: These aren’t just regular fries – they’re tossed in aromatic garlic-cilantro butter that transforms every crispy bite into something magical. Served alongside sweet chile mayo for dipping, they’re so good that the restaurant won’t even include them in takeout orders because they know they’re best eaten fresh and hot.
The Inspired Cuban: Aronoff-Fernandez’s creative twist on the classic Cuban sandwich features lemongrass roast pork, thick-cut bacon, tasso ham, Comté cheese, cornichons, and chipotle mayo on authentic Cuban bread. It’s a perfect example of how the chef elevates traditional flavors with unexpected international influences.
Black Bean Frita: Vegetarians rejoice – this isn’t just an afterthought option. The black bean patty is deeply flavorful and satisfying, proving that plant-based options can be just as exciting as their meaty counterparts when crafted with care.
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Discover MoreConch Fritters: These tender, golden bites showcase naturally sweet conch mixed with fresh herbs, chiles, and Spanish onions, all folded into a delicate fritter batter. They arrive with fresh lime and an array of dipping sauces that complement the ocean-fresh flavors perfectly.
Tropical Treats That Transport You
Batidos (Tropical Milkshakes): Made with Guernsey ice cream and fresh fruit, these aren’t your average milkshakes. The Coconut Cream version features actual coconut meat chunks, while the Passion Fruit delivers a tart-sweet explosion that balances rich creaminess with tropical brightness. For those watching calories, the lighter version uses more crushed ice and less ice cream without sacrificing flavor.
Chocolate Español Batido: This sophisticated creation combines dark melted chocolate steeped with cinnamon, creating a dessert drink that’s both familiar and exotic. It’s the perfect ending to any meal, especially when paired with their famous churros.
“Best Snack Ever”: This aptly named dish layers coconut-ginger rice with slow-cooked black beans, melted Muenster cheese, and cilantro-lime salsa. It sounds simple but delivers complex flavors that perfectly capture the restaurant’s fusion philosophy.
Atmosphere & Décor
Bright White Canvas: The interior is dominated by crisp white walls, white picnic tables, and white floors that create a clean, modern backdrop for the vibrant food and colorful personalities that fill the space. During the day, natural light floods the restaurant, while evening dining features atmospheric lighting with candles on each table.
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Keep Exploring →Community Picnic Tables: The communal seating arrangement encourages interaction and creates an authentic street food vibe. You might find yourself chatting with University of Michigan students, local professionals, or visiting food enthusiasts – all united by their love for incredible flavors.
Seasonal Outdoor Dining: During warmer months, Washington Street closes to traffic, allowing Frita Batidos to expand with outdoor seating that truly captures the Cuban street food experience. The sidewalk dining feels like you’ve been transported to a vibrant Latin American neighborhood.
Open Kitchen Energy: The fast-paced, visible kitchen operation adds excitement to the dining experience. You can watch the carefully choreographed dance of food preparation while appreciating the “artful chaos” that Aronoff-Fernandez has cultivated since opening.
Other Considerations
Mid-Tier Pricing: Fritas typically range in the mid-teens price range, making this accessible for college students while still reflecting the quality ingredients and careful preparation. Adding extras like Muenster cheese, bacon, or avocado spread costs around $1.50 each, but the portions are generous and the quality justifies the cost.
Busy But Efficient: Lines can stretch out the door, especially during University of Michigan home games and weekend evenings, but the well-trained team moves orders quickly. Most diners report 10-15 minute waits for food, which passes quickly in the lively atmosphere.
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Discover MoreDietary Accommodations: The restaurant excels at accommodating various dietary needs with clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options. They’ll even cook items in dedicated fryers for those with severe allergies, showing genuine care for all guests.
Downtown Convenience: Located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, parking can be challenging during peak hours. Street parking requires feeding meters, and nearby paid lots fill up quickly during events, so plan extra time or consider alternative transportation.
Award-Winning Recognition: The restaurant has earned numerous accolades including “Best Burger” by Michigan Daily readers from 2014-2024, “Best Cuban Restaurant” by Metro Times 2020-2024, and back-to-back Detroit Burger Battle Championships – validation that this isn’t just hype but genuine culinary excellence.
Frita Batidos
📍 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
