Peridot is a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar at 118 W Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, in downtown’s Main Street district. Travelers come for an evening that can move from dinner to cocktails without changing venues. Its culinary reputation extends beyond Ann Arbor: the Detroit Free Press included Peridot among its Top 10 New Restaurants, while Hour Detroit also recognized it on a best-new-restaurants list.
What to Expect at Peridot
Peridot is best approached as a restaurant with a serious drinks program, rather than a bar where food is incidental. Its Vietnamese-inspired identity distinguishes it from the steakhouses, brewpubs, and American dining rooms around Main Street. Read the current official menus before choosing between a full dinner and a shorter drinks stop. Food, cocktails, spirits, and other beverages each have their own menu, giving diners several ways to shape an evening.
The distinction between dining hours and bar hours matters here. The kitchen closes before the venue itself, leaving a later window for drinks rather than another dinner order. For a meal, arrive with enough time to discuss the dishes and order comfortably before that cutoff. For cocktails, the later part of the evening works well after a downtown performance. Private dining and special events are also part of Peridot’s offering; contact the restaurant directly for group arrangements rather than treating a large gathering as an ordinary walk-in.
- Vietnamese-inspired dining: A distinct culinary direction within downtown Ann Arbor’s concentrated restaurant district.
- Dedicated cocktail menu: A separate drinks selection makes Peridot suitable for a cocktail-focused visit as well as dinner.
- Spirits selection: A dedicated spirits menu offers an alternative to ordering a mixed drink.
- Regional recognition: Both the Detroit Free Press and Hour Detroit have highlighted the restaurant.
- Private dining: Group dining and special-event inquiries can be arranged through the restaurant.
Peridot at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 118 W Liberty Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Ann Arbor, Main Street district |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Wednesday: 5–10 p.m.; Thursday: 5–11 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 5 p.m.–midnight; Sunday: closed. Kitchen closes Monday–Thursday at 9:30 p.m. and Friday–Saturday at 10:30 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining and drinks; $$$ planning tier. Consult the official menus for current item prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner; 45 to 60 minutes for drinks |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Blake Transit Center, served by TheRide routes including 4 and 5; nearby First & Washington and Library Lane parking structures |
| Official Website & Phone | peridota2.com; +1 734-773-3097 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for Friday or Saturday dinner, particularly during University of Michigan football weekends, graduation, and major downtown events. A 5 p.m. arrival leaves more flexibility for dinner before a show. Blake Transit Center, on Fourth Avenue between Liberty and William streets, is roughly a five-minute walk away; check TheRide for return services. Drivers can use First & Washington or Library Lane rather than relying on an available curbside space.
The approach is through downtown’s paved sidewalk network, with crossings at the surrounding intersections. For wheelchair seating, entrance thresholds, restroom access, or room for a stroller, call ahead and request specific arrangements before reserving. Pair dinner with the Michigan Theater on East Liberty Street, roughly 10–15 minutes east on foot, or walk north to Kerrytown’s shops and market district in about 10 minutes. The Ann Arbor District Library’s downtown branch is approximately five minutes away, making an easy daytime stop before the restaurant opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peridot’s hours, and when should I arrive?
Peridot opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closes Sunday. Arrive near opening for an early dinner; remember that the kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 10:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday.
How expensive is Peridot, and should I reserve?
Plan for a $$$ dinner, with cocktails adding to the bill, and check the official menus for current prices. Advance reservations are advisable for weekend dinners and especially busy university dates.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner with drinks. A cocktail-only stop can fit into 45 to 60 minutes, but leave extra time if you have theater tickets afterward.
Can Peridot accommodate dietary or accessibility needs?
Call +1 734-773-3097 before booking to discuss wheelchair access, seating requirements, or food allergies. For vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dining, ask which current dishes and sauces can accommodate your needs rather than assuming substitutions are possible.
When browsing more top-rated nightlife in Ann Arbor, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Mani Osteria and Bar (0.4 km away).
