U-M's "spring" break doesn't line up with either the winter or spring breaks in the local schools, so my wife will take them somewhere for one or both of those weeks, and I travel separately for my week off. If I'm going somewhere for dinner, as often as not that's at one of the restaurants with bar seating or a lounge with a substantial menu. The bartenders (and, often, other bar patrons) are happy to strike up a conversation. Some of my favorite spots for this: the Tune-In Lounge (serves 50sPT's menu), Territory Lounge, California Grill (full menu at the bar), and the Wave (full menu at the bar).