Farmhouse Coffee and Ice Cream, 32644 Franklin Rd, Franklin, MI

This charming, old-fashioned  shop with an actual white picket fence is exactly the kind of place that you'd expect to be non-accessible because it's an old building (over 100 years, according to the Main Street Franklin website) and independent (not part of a chain).  I have heard stories of frustration from business owners striving to renovate historical buildings to make them accessible without sacrificing their character, but this independent business has accomplished it.  The building is a few steps up from ground level, but the owners have added a brick ramp with a wide hairpin curve so the ascent is nice and gradual.  I hate it when the person pushing me starts grunting with effort.  Once inside, you can relax because the bathrooms are completely accessible single-person rooms large enough to accommodate a wheelchair.  In addition to the coffee and ice cream in their name, they also serve breakfast, lunch and baked goods, so it's a perfect relaxing place to spend an hour or two without any worries.

China Gate, 1201 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor

A couple of problems here, though I hate to cross this place off my list because they have the most inexpensive and delicious Peking Duck anywhere.  One problem is the door-vestibule-door arrangement at the entrance, which is not unusual, but this one requires a sharp left in the vestibule, which isn't exactly large enough to do the 3-point turn you learned in drivers' ed.  Once you get through the doors, the tables are accessible but the bathroom is down the basement.  Unless you're a complete Thimblebladder, you can probably get by using the facilities in the nearby University buildings or the Starbucks across the street before entering.  Bottom line: some difficulties, but doable.

Ajishin, 42270 Grand River Avenue Novi, MI

Ajishin, our family's favorite Japanese noodle and sushi restaurant, shows that a small, independent establishment can still be perfectly handicapped-accessible.  There are no steps anywhere and the bathrooms in the back on the main floor are large enough to enter by wheelchair.  If you're using a wheelchair, you'll need help getting through the two front doors with a vestibule in between them, but this place is so busy, there's sure to be someone there to lend a hand.  The food is delicious and inexpensive, making this place a winner for accessibility and quality.

Totoro Noodle Shop, 215 S. State Street, Ann Arbor

Back in my college days, and I realize I'm showing my age here, this building housed about four different shops that sold black-light posters, Indian-print clothing and drug paraphernalia.  Ah nostalgia.  These days, there are still a few different establishments in this building, and unfortunately, Totoro Noodle Shop got the location at the top of the stairway. No ramp, no elevator, not even a handrail to hoist yourself up with. To compound the problem, if you do manage to scrape your way up the steps and make it into the restaurant, the restroom is down another step, as the dining room is a few inches below the entrance/sushi bar level.  All in all an accessibility disaster.