Dining in the eye of the hurricane - 5 places to eat out during the U-M-Notre Dame game

Even if you don't have tickets to Saturday's Notre Dame game under the lights, every Ann Arbor resident knows that you have to plan your day around the massive influx of traffic and football revelry.

For most of us, it means hunkering down and watching the game from the comfort of our living room, but it doesn't have to be that way.

"We are passing on the game and instead have reservations to eat downtown in the 'eye of the hurricane' at 8:00," wrote my friend Jim on Facebook.

While it's true that making your way across town before or after a Michigan football game is next to impossible, the truth is that once those 107,500 people have taken their seats and the game has kicked off, the rest of Ann Arbor gets eerily quiet.

Here's a short list of 5 places in Ann Arbor where you can eat good food between 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday, during the 'eye of the hurricane':

Isalita (341A E. Liberty St.)

Excellent small plate Mexican dining from the same team that brought us Mani Osteria. I love the Mexican Street Corn and the Queso Fundido. Bonus: Isalita is offering Coronita Buckets for $5 during the game from any seats that have a view of game on the bar-mounted televisions. Reservations accepted for parties larger than 6: 734-213-7400

Knight's Steakhouse (2324 Dexter Avenue)

In addition to having the best, or at least the stiffest, drinks in town, Knight's has a great menu of bar food and salads to go with their legendary steaks. TVs are mounted in the bar, and you will be able to see the game from many of the tables in the restaurant. Bonus: their "out of this world" brisket is on special this weekend. Reservations accepted: 734-665-8644

Zingerman's Roadhouse (2501 Jackson Ave)

Upscale comfort food reigns supreme in this westside Zingerman's outpost. Grab a seat in the bar area and enjoy some barbecue or macaroni and cheese along with a cool Michigan draft beer. Reservations accepted: 734-663-3663.

The Raven's Club (207 South Main St.)

This cozy, speakeasy-themed Main Street restaurant is known for craft cocktails and locally-focused small plates. The restaurant's new chef is earning rave reviews from friends, especially the burger and the heirloom carrot and polenta small plate. And yes, there are televisions at the bar. Reservations accepted: 734-214-0400.

Jolly Pumpkin (311 South Main St.)

Nationally renowned for Belgian-style beers brewed in Dexter, the Ann Arbor outpost for this brewpub is also an excellent destination for hand-tossed pizzas, inventive salads, small plates and sandwiches. The game will be on in the bar, and TVs are visible at some of the tables. Reservations accepted until 6 p.m.: 734-913-2730

Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com, a part of the MLive Media Group. Reach her at JessicaWebster@annarbor.com. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.