Over 15,000 people voted in our Traverse Magazine/MyNorth 2015 Red Hot Best of Northern Michigan contest. Here’s where they said the best eats are in Petoskey, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Boyne City. Yum!   (For more amazing restaurants, reviews, and food news, CLICK HERE)

  • Cafe Santé2015 Red Hot Best: Cafe Santé; brunch; Restaurant that Uses Local Food. A classic European style bistro overlooking Lake Charlevoix that features unique breakfast and casual cuisine. 1 Water Street, Boyne City, MI 49712. 231-582-8800.
  • Roast & Toast2015 Red Hot Best: Roast & Toast; Coffeehouse. A traditional coffeehouse that has been in business since 1993 serving anything from an early breakfast to an evening dinner, and of course, exceptional coffee. 309 E. Lake St., Petoskey, MI 49770. (231)-347-7767.
  • Red Mesa Grill2015 Red Hot Best: Red Mesa Grill; Ethnic Foods. Known for their authentic tacos, an authentic Mexican and Latin American restaurant that serves mouthwatering dishes with only fresh ingredients, while also featuring the largest selection of tequila in Northern Michigan. 117 Water Street, Boyne City, MI 49712. (231)-582-0049.
  • Pearl's2015 Red Hot Best: Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen; Ethnic Foods and Dessert. Known for their authentic New Orleans Po Boy sandwich Pearl’s is a cajun and creole style eatery that serves up authentic southern seafood dishes and also features an extensive bourbon menu. 617 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. (231)-264-0530.
  • Barrel Back2015 Red Hot Best: Barrel Back Restaurant; New Restaurant. A new restaurant that features a wood fired pizza oven, grill, and rotisserie smoker with a beautiful view of the Marina on Walloon Lake. 04069 M-75, Walloon Lake, MI 49796. (231)-535-6000.
  • Bridge Street Tap Room2015 Red Hot Best: Bridge Street Tap Room; New Restaurant. A new restaurant known for its extensive beer menu plus food that is made from locally sourced ingredients. 202 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. (231)-437-3466
  • Chef Charles2015 Red Hot Best: Chef Charles’, Inc; Pizza Restaurant. Chef Charles is Michigan born and raised and has over forty years of experience in the industry and shows it all as he prepares some of the best pizzas in northern Michigan. 147 River St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. (231)-264-8901.
  • Side Door Saloon2015 Red Hot Best: The Side Door Saloon; Best Burger. The Side Door Saloon has been serving exceptional burgers since 1969 with a traditional friendly bar atmosphere. 1200 US-31, Petoskey, MI 49770. (231)-347-9291.
  • Applebees2015 Red Hot Best: Applebee’s; Best Children’s Menu. Applebee’s has been a family favorite for years and the Petoskey location is no different, offering traditional American food for adults and kids. 980 US Highway 131 South, Petoskey, MI 49770. (231)-347-0440.
  • Cormack's Deli2015 Red Hot Best: Cormack’s Deli; known for their Little Traverse Bay Club sandwich; traditional deli flavors that include tasty sandwiches, homemade soups, and desserts made in the in-house bakery, all with a view of the bay. 2569 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770. (231)-347-7570.
  • The Villager Pub2015 Red Hot Best: The Villager Pub; known for the whitefish dinner; The Villager Pub has traditional pub style environment and food and has been a 30-year cornerstone of downtown Charlevoix. 427 Bridge St, Charlevoix, MI 49720. (231)-547-6925.
  • 2015 Red Hot Best: John Cross Fisheries; known for their freshly caught whitefish dinners; a restaurant run by John Cross and his wife June, the fish is freshly caught daily and their whitefish meal is some of the best in Northern Michigan. 209 Belvedere Ave, Charlevoix, MI 49720. (231)-547-2532.
  • Pigs Eatin Ribs2015 Red Hot Best: Pigs Eatin’ RIbs; Has a full service smoker in both their restaurant and their food truck, Pigs Eatin’ Ribs takes pride in serving great BBQ. 1530 US31 South, Charlevoix, MI 49720. (231)-547-7447.
  • Happy's Tacos2015 Red Hot Best: Happy’s Taco Shop; Food Truck. A traveling food truck that serves customers tasty tacos made with locally grown ingredients. Boyne City Farmers Market (Wednesdays & Saturdays) and Beards Brewery (Thursday – Saturday). (231) 330-9408.

Photo(s) by David Weidner