If you’ve been to New York City, you might have stopped in a bodega. After visiting Bodega Bros, I feel we have a slice of city life right here in Ann Arbor.
What is a bodega?
By definition, a bodega is basically a small grocery store, convenience store, or delicatessen. In practice, though, a bodega does so much more. It’s a way to find whatever you need without shopping a big-box store. In many neighborhoods, it’s a central hub for the community.
Founder Esam Almulaiki—from Hamtramck—has a background in NYC-style deli-groceries as his family owns bodegas in New York. He decided to bring the energy and convenience of NYC bodegas to Ann Arbor.
At Bodega Bros, the real star of the show is the deluxe deli counter, with cold salads, single-slice dessert options, and, of course, all the meats and cheeses that power the sandwich section of the menu. But the store also keeps pre-packaged essentials stocked, ranging from Skittles to hydrocolloid acne-fighting patches. The menu is expansive with something for everybody. You can bring your smoothie sister and your burger-obsessed boyfriend and everyone will leave happy.
Ever-changing, always delicious
Bodega Bros has been operating for over two years, but things have changed in that time. They swapped out some of their convenience-store inventory for indoor seating, so you can now enjoy your lunch in comfort. They made the move from being open late to staying open 24/7, and they’re one of relatively few restaurants in Ann Arbor to do so…