Test subject: Squares on Liberty
Verdict: Squares would be a place that is very clean, makes it a point to take care of their customers, makes quality food for cheap, but is unimaginative, a bit conventional and not child friendly
Accuracy: 85% (challenge this rating)
Squares on Liberty may look like a chain store, but it's actually a local first, opened by an Annarborite on a mission to bring us a gyro with a healthy twist. I love their food. It’s made with fresh local ingredients from scratch. It's really cheap, especially if you park off of Main and walk by the corner of Liberty and Main. There are usually a couple of dudes standing on the corner and handing out coupons for 4.69 lunch combos. That's cheaper than a McDonald's combo meal!!! The combo comes with roasted potatoes or sweet squash, a drink and a choice of pita wrap up. There is a choice of white or wheat and an excellent vegetarian menu in addition to healthy meat-eater choices.
The bathroom there put me under the impression of folks who really care about their customers, but aren’t that creative. And they didn’t pass my “new mom” test – no changing station for the baby!!! The toilet and sink were clean, the toilet paper was medium grade quality (not sandpaper!) and there were no random bits of paper or nastiness anywhere in sight. It wasn't an imaginative bathroom that puts you in the mind of fancy dining, or a cozy one that makes you think of home cooking. It pretty much screams, "Trendy, cheap, clean."
I was dead on regarding the tiny babies. There are no high chairs and absolutely no room to get around with a stroller. Which makes me absolutely sure that, while there is a handicapped entrance in the back (way back, off another street), there is no room for the wheel chair to get through to an actual table. The managers, however, were very helpful. One of them actually folded my stroller and carried it over to a table, so that Amelia and I could have a nice lunch. I had a chicken gyro; she had a booby. We both enjoyed our lunch quite a bit.
As far as cheap eats go – the food is awesome. There is plenty to choose from even with a bunch of picky eaters. All ingredients are listed. If you are still unsure, they’ll be happy to let you know what’s in what. The squash, while way too sweet for my taste, is actually a very creative way of getting kids to eat veggies. I don’t know the sugar to veggie ratio in this case, probably pretty high. Their roasted potatoes, however, are FANTASTIC. Really. Try the potatoes. There is also a cute selection of mini deserts and giant cookies, all made in the restaurant.
I’ve tried a veggie sandwich on a different occasion and found it very good as well. My hubby had a gyro and liked it. The menu is imaginative, so my theory here is a bit off, which is why I gave it an 85. I’m not that modest J. The folks are very helpful. They want you to be happy and to come back. It’s a good place for kids too, just not babies. A family of four can get a decent meal for under 30 bucks with desert.
I am hoping to see Squares as the Current’s “best new restaurant” this year. These folks offer quality at a reasonable price – a rare find in Ann Arbor. They take pride in their work and make you feel very welcome. If they want to turn this place into a chain, and I think it has a whole lot of potential. The menu is way too busy, though. They’ll have to clean it up before they can grow. Maybe come up with some catchy names for their wraps.
I hope they become an Ann Arbor staple, maybe even grow into a national chain. I’m going to see how they do what they do, since the profit margin really concerns me. I mean, they are practically GIVING it away at 4.69 per combo! But, if they have a good business model, I’m betting it’s the next Starbucks of fast food. In a league of their own.
Disagree with my rating of Squares? Demand a re-inspection? Let me know. I’m game.
Rita
Tags: Restaurants Ann Arbor, cheap eats Ann Arbor, Liberty Street Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, family dining Ann Arbor
