A station restaurant with a full sense of ceremony

Gandy Dancer Ann Arbor – Train-Themed Date Spot with Rituals, Scallops, and Solid Steaks 📍 401 Depot St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ✨ First Visit vs. Second Visit: I Finally Found the Hits! My first trip was just “okay” (great salad and wine, so-so mains), but the second time? I nailed the order. The key is skipping the so-so dishes and going for the standouts: 🍴 Must-Order Apps: Dynamite Scallops & Tangy Salad Martha’s Vineyard Salad: Bright, tangy, and super refreshing—thanks to the vinegar dressing. The pine nuts add a nice crunch, and it’s the perfect light start before heavier mains (sadly, I forgot to take a photo, but it’s a keeper!). 🥩 Mains: Steaks Shine, Salmon & Shrimp Pasta Fall Flat Stick to the steaks—they’re the stars here. The other mains? Skip ’em: Sixty South Salmon (Grilled): Big letdown. The salmon itself is fresh, but it’s overcooked—charred and bitter. Served with plain white rice and veggies, it’s boring and burnt. Avoid this preparation. Jumbo Shrimp Scampi: The shrimp are fresh, but the flavor is bland—just a basic, “nothing special” pasta. It’s edible, but why waste room when the steaks and scallops are so good? 📅 Logistics: Book via Opentable, Time for Trains Reservation: Use Opentable to book—this spot gets busy, especially for dinner. Train Timing: Aim for a 7–8 PM slot to catch the train (and the clapping!)—it adds such a fun, communal touch. 💰 Price: ~$50–$60 Per Person (No Drinks) For the atmosphere, scallops, and steaks, this is fair—especially for a special occasion. Skip the expensive drinks if you’re on a budget, but the mango mojito is worth splurging on. 🌟 Final Verdict: Come for the Vibe & Scallops Gandy Dancer isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience (thanks to the train clapping!). The dynamite scallops, steaks, and crème brulee are musts, and the date-worthy vibe can’t be beat. Just avoid the grilled salmon and shrimp scampi, and you’ll have a fantastic night. I’ll be back—next time, I’m timing my reservation exactly for train hour! #WesternFood #AnnArborFoodie #AnnArborFood #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #DateNightSpots #AmbienceRestaurant #SteakHouse #MichiganFood