Looking for grab-and-go sandwiches? A casual hangout? An elegant spot for date night? Maybe great food stops for your Northern Michigan winter vacation? Here’s a quick look at what’s being served up at Traverse City restaurants. Bon appétit!

This post is regularly updated.

 

Traverse City Restaurant Guide

BLD: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BAR: 
Alcohol served
$: 
Entrées under $10
$$: 
Entrées $10–$20
$$$: 
Entrées above $20


Downtown Traverse City Restaurants

123 Speakeasy

One of Traverse City’s biggest secrets for late-night cocktails and tapas in an atmosphere unlike any other downtown.
D • BAR • $$ 123 W Front St., 231.753.8841

7 Monks Taproom

Incredible burgers, fish tacos, and an extensive beer list.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 128 S. Union St., 231.421.8410

Acoustic Brewing Company

A wide variety of mead along with some flavorful hard apple ciders.
D • BAR • $$ 119 N. Maple St., 231.275.2041

Alliance

James Beard-nominee Pete Peterson teams with chef James Bloomfield at this Warehouse District bistro.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 144 Hall St., 231.642.5545

Amical (water view)

Friendly French bistro with a bay view, fireplace and street patio. Prix fixe menu 4–5:30 p.m. Sunday brunch.
LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 229 E. Front St., 231.941.8888

Bay Bread Company

Artisan breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and an espresso bar.
BLD • $ 601 Randolph St., 231.922.8022

BLK/MRKT

Coffeehouse with sweet and savory baked goods tucked into the Warehouse District.
BL • $ 144 Hall #100, 231.714.5038

Blue Tractor Cook Shop

An Old Town favorite with a patio. Check out The Shed beer garden/food truck out back.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 423 Union St., 231.922.9515

Bubba’s

Happening Front Street spot with battered mahi and chips, burgers, chimis, salads, tacos.
BLD • BAR • $ 428 E. Front St., 231.995.0570

Brady’s Bar

Neighborhood tavern known for its happy hour, wings and pizza offerings.
BLD • BAR • $ 401 S. Union St., 231.946.8153

Brew

An espresso lounge and cafe that also happens to offer microbrews and spirits.
BLD • BAR • $ 108 E. Front St., 231.946.2739

The Chef’s In

Soups and salads, and all the fresh fixin’s for creating your own sandwich.
L • $ 519 W. Front St., 231.941.1144

The Cooks’ House

A sweet little dollhouse of a spot, home to sustainable local cuisine with a French sensibility.
LD • $$-$$$ 115 Wellington St., 231.946.87004

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Cousin Jenny’s

Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties

Homemade pasties, soup and sandwiches at a British-themed cafe with sidewalk seats.
BLD • $ 129 S. Union St., 231.941.7821

Crepes & Co.

Bringing this French favorite into downtown with sweet and savory crepes.
BL • $ 329 E. State St., 231.950.9221

Dillinger’s Pub + Bootleggers

Lively neighborhood pub featuring traditional pub fare and a rotating draft list.
LD • $ 119 S. Union St., 231.941.2276

The Dish Cafe

Eclectic menu with creative salads, quesadillas, enormous wraps, sandwiches and smoothies.
LD • $ 108 S. Union, 231.932.2233

Espresso Bay

Hand-roasted coffee, specialty tea, smoothies and gelato.
BL • $ 202 E. Front St., 231.715.1856

Firefly

A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. Sunday brunch.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 310 S. Cass St., 231.932.1310

Folgarelli’s Market

A former train station with Italian and imported foods, deli sandwiches, entrees, home-baked goods, wine and fresh-roasted coffee.
BLD • $-$$ 424 W. Front St., 231.941.7651

The Franklin

Hip downtown eatery featuring flatbread, salads, lamb and beef burgers, bistro dinners.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 160 E. Front St., 231.943.2727

Frenchies Famous

Three tables and carryout, offers superb hot sandwiches and espresso drinks.
BL • $ 619 Randolph St., 231.944.1228

Grand Traverse Pie Co.

Exceptional cream and fruit pies, coffee, baked goods, pot pies and quiche.
BL • $ 525 W. Front St. & 101 N. Park St., 231.922.7437

Green House Cafe

Long list of fresh sandwiches, inventive soups and salads. Known for Cherry Chicken Salad and their Reuben.
BL • $-$$ 115 E. Front St., 231.929.7687

J&S Hamburg

A family friendly, retro diner that’s been flipping fresh burgers since 1938.
BLD • $ 302 W. Front St., 231.947.5500

Kilkenny’s Irish Public House

Kilkenny’s serves up all the Irish pub favorites, including wings, sandwiches and craft brews.
D • BAR • $ – $$ 400 W. Front St., 231.941.7527

The Little Fleet

This outdoor venue is home to more than half a dozen food trucks and two bars.
LD • BAR • $ – $$ 448 E. Front St., 231.943.1116

Low Bar

Located below 7 Monks Taproom, this speakeasy is serving up throwback cockails.
D • BAR • $$ 128 S. Union St., 231.944.5397

Mackinaw Brewing Co.

Nautical-themed brewpub with house-smoked meats, several styles of beers, char-burgers, fish and ribs.
LD • BAR • $$ 161 E. Front St., 231.933.1100

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Mama Lu’s Taco Shop

Mama Lu’s Modern Day Taco Shop

Fresh tortillas with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients at this hip, fun taqueria.
LD • BAR • $$ 149 E. Front St., 231.943.2793

Mary’s Kitchen Port

Delicious carryout sandwiches, wraps and salads, such as cherry turkey.
L • $ 539 W. Front St., 231.941.0525

Milk & Honey

Famous for their homemade ice cream, this cafe also has an awesome deli and coffee bar.
LD • $ 240 E. Front St., 231.944.1036

Minerva’s

In the historic Park Place Hotel. Italian-American menu, elaborate Sunday brunch.
BLD • BAR • $$ 300 E. State St., 231.946.5093

Mode’s Bum Steer

Classic steakhouse serves tender, well-aged charbroiled Black Angus steaks, seafood, ribs, soup, sandwiches.
LD • BAR • $$ 125 E. State St., 231.947.9832

Morsels Espresso + Edibles

Sip coffee and munch on bite-sized bakery goods while looking out over the West Bay.
BL • $ 321 E. Front St., 231.421.1353

Nada’s Meditteranean Gourmet Deli

Fresh and healthy food using authentic homemade recipes.
LD • $ 542 W. Front St., 231.947.6779

North Peak Brewing Co.

Wood-fired pizzas, seafood, sandwiches, microbrewed beer and a jam-packed bar scene.
LD • BAR • $$ 400 W. Front St., 231.941.7325

Omelette Shoppe

Vast array of omelets, homemade breads, and pastries, soup and sandwiches. (2 locations)
BL • $-$$ 124 Cass St., 231.946.0912 & 1209 E. Front St., 231.946.0590

Paesano’s Pizza

It’s the cheesy Italian favorite with a gourmet twist.
LD • $$ 447 E. Front St., 231.941.5740

Pangea’s Pizza Pub

Craft pies, creative toppings.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 135 E. Front St., 231.946.9800

The Parlor

This bar is reminiscent of the prohibition and features handcrafted cocktails and artisan tapas style food.
D • BAR • $-$$ 205 Lake Ave., 231.753.3131

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Patisserie Amie

French bakery and bistro. The best brunch.
BL • D: Friday & Saturday • $-$$$ 237 Lake Ave., 231.922.9645

Poppycock’s

Fresh seafood, pasta, sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian specialties and award-winning desserts.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 128. E. Front St., 231.941.7632

Rare Bird Brewery

The likes of pork belly sliders, oysters on the half shell and great burgers served up alongside great beer.
LD • BAR • $$ 229 Lake Ave., 231.943.2053

Red Ginger

Wrap yourself in fresh-sleek surroundings and the spicy-exotic flavors of Asia.
D • BAR • $-$$$ 237 E. Front St., 231.944.1733

Scalawags Whitefish and Chips

The go-to location for ultra-fresh Great Lakes fish fry.
LD • $ 303 E. State St., 231.933.8700

Sparks BBQ

Smoking up the real thing—pulled pork and chicken, brisket, ribs and jerky. Don’t miss the BBQ Sundae.
LD • $-$$ 201 E. Front St., 231.633.7800

Sorellina

Authentic Italian from Antipasta to pasta.
D • BAR • $$-$$$ 250 E. Front St., 231.421.5912

Thirsty Fish Sports Grille

A sports bar and neighborhood hangout with a large outdoor patio and live music.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 221 E. State. St., 231.947.4263

State Street Market + MIDDLECOAST BREWING COMPANY

TC’s newest brewery and eclectic community marketplace is also home to several eateries—all in one place!—including Midland Burger Co., Crepes & Co., TC BBQ and Grind Coffee Company.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 329 E State St., 231.943.2739

Sweet Tartlette

Head pastry chef Sarah Steele has brought her love for all things sweet to Traverse City.
BLD • $ 445 E. Front St., 231.642.5333

Swiches Deli

With a salad bar, soups, sandwiches, wraps and even pizza, Swiches has everything you’d hope to find in a top-notch deli.
BL • $ 415 Cass St. Ste. 1A, 231.947.9424

Taproot Cider House

Brick oven pizza, great salads, inventive entrees paired with a large selection of local hard cider, microbrews, wine and spirits.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 300 E. Front St., 231.943.2500

The Towne Plaza

Eclectic American cuisine, extensive outdoor seating and a casual atmosphere.
BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 202 E. Cass St., 231.929.0900

U & I Lounge

With burgers, pizza and a variety of Greek favorites, this is the perfect gathering place for friends.
LD  • BAR  • $-$$ 214 E. Front St., 231.668.4558

Union Street Station

With regular live entertainment and a buzz-worthy atmosphere, this THE gathering spot.
LD  • BAR • $ 117 S. Union St., 231.941.1930

The Workshop Brewing Company

Featuring a variety of beer, wine, cider and made-from-scratch finger food, it’s the perfect place for a night out.
LD • BAR • $$ 221 Garland St., 231.421.8977

Traverse City Restaurants – East of Town

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Aerie—16th-floor panorama of East Bay and regional fine dining. Music on weekends.
D • BAR • $$-$$$
Sweetwater American Bistro—BLD • $$ U.S. 31 N., Acme, 231.534.6000

McGee’s No. 72

Gourmet burgers, fries, pizza and other sophisticated bar food.
D • BAR • $$ 4341 M72 E., 231.421.8800

Red Mesa Grill

Colorful spot with a fireplace, flights of tequila and Latin American cuisine.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 1544 US31, 231.938.2773

Smoke and Porter Public House

American smoke-house where farm-to-table and whole beast butchery meet the fire pits.
LD • BAR • $-$$$ 1752 US31, 231.642.5020

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel

Bourbons 72—Seafood, prime rib and more.
D • BAR • $-$$$ 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, 231.534.8888

Thai Café

Eat in or take out authentic Thai cuisine in a cafe atmosphere.
LD • $-$$ 1219 E. Front St., 231.929.1303

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The Filling Station

Traverse City Restaurants – South of Town

Boone’s Long Lake Inn

Steaks, prime rib, seafood, daily specials.
D • BAR • $$ 7208 Secor Rd., 231.946.3991

Centre Street Café

Fine and flavorful sammies. Saturday brunch.
BL • $ 1125 Centre St., 231.946.5872

Common Good Bakery

Handmade pastries, bread, croissants, breakfasts, soups, sandwiches.
BL • $ 537 W. 14th St., 231.933.8002

Fresh Coast Market

A family-owned deli serving sandwiches, soups and pizza
LD • $ 7270 N. Long Lake Rd., 231.922.7712

The Filling Station Microbrewery

Thin-crusted wood-fired flatbreads and flavorful house brews revitalize the Depot.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 642 Railroad Place, 231.946.8168

Raduno

Neighborhood deli featuring homemade pasta, sausages, charcuterie and salads.
LD • $-$$ 545 E. Eighth St., 231.421.118

Sauce at Incredible Mo’s

Artisan pizza, pasta, salad in a kid-friendly atmosphere.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd., Grawn, 231.944.1355

The Soup Cup, a MicroSouperie

Homemade soups, grilled cheese, Belgian fries.
L • $, 718 Munson Ave., 231.932.7687

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Red Spire Brunch House

Traverse City Restaurants – West of Town

Apache Trout Grill (water view)

Rough-hewn eatery affords a great bay view along with ribs, steak, pasta and salad.
LD • BAR • $$ 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr., 231.947.7079

Harrington’s By the Bay (water view)

Seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches—with a bay view. Sunday brunch.
BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 13890 S. West Bay Shore Dr., 231.421.9393

PepeNero & Ballaró Wine Lounge

PepeNero’s younger brother is serving Italian tapas, Old World wines, fine scotches and whiskeys. Get small plates before dinner at PepeNero where you’ll find from-scratch southern Italian cuisine.
LD • BAR • $$ 700 Cottageview Dr., STE. 30, 231.929.1960

Red Spire Brunch House

Classic American fare breakfast and lunch all day.
BL • $$ 800 Cottageview Dr., STE. 30, 231.252.4648

Silver Swan

Ethnic fare and killer desserts in this small cafe with attached gift boutique.
LD • $-$$ 13692 S. West Bay Shore Dr., 231.932.0203

Slabtown Burgers

Some of the best darn burgers and fries in Traverse City at affordable prices.
LD • $ 826 W. Front St., 231.932.1760

Sleder’s Family Tavern

Bar fare and entertainment under the original tin ceiling in one of Michigan’s oldest saloons. Kiss Randolph the moose before you leave.
LD • BAR • $-$$ 717 Randolph St., 231.947.9213

Spanglish

Authentic Mexican fare to-go at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
LD • $ 1333 Yellow Dr., 231.943.1453

Trattoria Stella

Hip locally sourced fare with an Italian accent.
LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 1200 W. 11th St., 231.929.8989

West End Tavern (water view)

Craft cocktails and elevated pub fare served up beside West Bay.
LD • BAR • $$ 12719 S. West Bay Shore Dr.., 231.943.2922

Old Mission Peninsula Restaurants

Boathouse Restaurant (water view)

Casually elegant with great steaks, seafood, large local wine selection. Sunday brunch.
D • BAR • $$-$$$ • 14039 Peninsula Dr., 231.223.4030

Jolly Pumpkin

Wood-fired steaks, fresh fish, and artisan pizzas along with fresh ales crafted on site.
LD • BAR • $$ 13512 Peninsula Dr., 231.223.4333

Mission Table (water view)

Farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced fare and craft cocktails.
D: Thursday, Friday & Saturday • BAR • $-$$ 13512 Peninsula Dr., 231.223.4222

Old Mission Tavern

Prime rib, fresh fish, pastas and ethnic specials.
LD • BAR • $$ 17015 Center Rd., 231.223.7280

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner