• Earthen Jar

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  • White Vegetarian
Vegan-friendly
Indian
Buffet
Delivery
Take-out

Small restaurant offering a vegetarian buffet where you pay weight. Dishes are primarily Indian. Open Thu-Sat 12:00pm-6:00pm.


Venue map for Earthen Jar
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35 Reviews

First Review by mephitine

AndrewL

Points +37

Vegetarian
11 May 2009

Tasty potato salad

The potato salad, lentils, and the spicy chickpeas are always good, hearty options at this buffet-style restaurant. Other reviews have mentioned that it's easy to rack up an expensive dinner here, and that may be true given the heft of some of the meal selections. If you're watching your wallet, just be mindful of what you put onto your plate. If your only goal is to eat a tasty, healthy meal, however, there's little fault to be found with this place. Bonus points if they happen to have pankora during your stay -- those things are excellent.

Pros: Locally owned, Total vegetarian, Totally tasty

Gretchen Gehrke

Points +49

Vegetarian
09 Mar 2009

Tasty but not as cheap as you think

The buffet foods are pretty tasty and each is labeled as vegan or non-vegan, spicy or mild, and the primary ingredient. Most of the dishes are pretty oily, but you can't taste the oil in the flavor. It looks like it'd be a cheap meal (I think it's $4.99/lb), but it actually adds up pretty quickly -- I usually spend ~$10-12 for dinner without a drink etc.

Pros: fast, buffet, authentic

Cons: not as healthy, small space

Jeffrey

31 Oct 2009

Hi Gretchen, I liked your review. These pay by the pound places can fool you into spending way more than you bargained for!

vegan.flora

Points +36

Vegan
16 Feb 2009

love it!

I have been going to Earthen Jar for about four years, and I can't believe I haven't written a review yet! This is such a wonderful little place. The food is outstanding (especially the yellow lentils), the owner is so kind and accommodating, and the place is just full of Ann Arbor charm. A little rundown, a little hippie-ish, but genuine. Food is $4.99/lb, plus there are some items that can be purchased separately like cookies and drinks. Definitely try the soy mango lassi, as it's possibly the most delicious thing there. Lots of vegan choices, and everything is clearly labeled (if you're not sure, just ask whoever is working. They all know what is and isn't vegan). It's mostly Indian food, but with some international choices like tofu, lasagna (dairy and vegan), and vegan mac 'n' cheese on occasion.

Earthen Jar just started having breakfast/brunch on Sundays, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. This offering includes some American and some Indian choices.

Pros: food

Cons: tiny

animallawgal

Points +83

Vegan
04 Feb 2009

Love them!!!!

If you need something in a hurry, they never fail! This is a very "New York City-ish" type of place that we are lucky to have here in Michigan.

Pros: pick your own portion, convenient

Cons: only for people who like Indian food

Keith_Thode

Points +712

Vegan
17 Jan 2009

My favorite in Michigan

A fantastic Indian buffet, which also includes a great Lasagna.

Seitan_Nic

Points +255

Vegan
31 Oct 2007

Delicious and cheap!

This place is amazing! A nice sized buffet, mostly vegan but everything is clearly marked, and the dairy dishes are easy to spot. The owner is very nice and helpful/proud of his food without being pushy. I went three times on my last visit to Michigan, can't wait to go again-- and I live in the vegan haven that is San Francisco!

Pros: GREAT FOOD!, Warm, relaxed environment.

Cons: Disposable eating utensils., Ask for a reusable plate/fork and knife, You just have to wash it yourself.

laloofah

Points +63

Vegan
12 Jul 2007

I'm addicted!

I was a visitor to Ann Arbor recently and couldn't get enough of the Earthen Jar's food! The food is delicious and filling (huge selection that's mostly vegan - all vegan items are clearly marked, as are the "spicy-ness factors"), the staff friendly and helpful. I'd eat there daily if I lived there (but I live in Wyoming! Bummer.) I'm having serious sag dal and potato dumpling withdrawal!

Pros: Lots to choose from, Delicious food, Friendly staff

mephitine

Points +45

Vegetarian
26 Oct 2006

"Mmmm"

Very delicious and intensely flavorful Indian food. Limited buffet choices, but enough to tempt me into loading up my tray and ringing up a hefty bill. Tiny little place, you'll miss it if you blink, so keep your eyes open. Right next to Jerusalem Garden, where you can get the best (and cheapest) falafel for miles around. So if you're with friends who can't abide Indian food, take them to Jerusalem Garden and pop next door for a take-out box at Earthen Jar for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Pros: Great food, Good selections

Cons: Priced by weight, Can add up fast




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