Traverse City Restaurant Guide
BLD: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
BAR: Alcohol served
$: Entrées under $10
$$: Entrées $10–$20
$$$: Entrées above $20
This post is regularly updated.
Jump to one of our 5 categories to find the Traverse City Restaurants closest to you:
Photo by Todd Zawistowski
Dinner at The Cook’s House in Traverse City. Image by Todd Zawistowski.
Downtown Traverse City Restaurants
The widest range of restaurants in Traverse City can be found downtown. Whether you are looking to spend the afternoon in town and grab lunch or you’re preparing to make a reservation for a night out, there is no shortage of great restaurant options.
7 Monks Taproom
Incredible burgers, fish tacos, and an extensive beer list.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 128 S. Union St. • 231.421.8410
Acoustic Tap Room
A wide variety of mead along with some flavorful hard apple ciders.
D • BAR • $$ • 119 N. Maple St. • 231.714.5028
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
Bahia
Restaurant serving up Spanish-Latin fusion tapas and Spanish-influenced craft cocktails.
LD • $$ • 127 S. Union St. • 231.421.3669
Barrio
Local chain serving signature and build-your-own tacos, monthly specials, cocktails and sides.
LD • BAR • $$ • 305 W. Front St. • 231.421.1855
Bay Bread Company
Artisan breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and an espresso bar.
BLD • $ • 601 Randolph St. • 231.922.8022
Benedict
Thoughtfully crafted local, seasonal breakfast and lunch options.
BL • $ • 237 Lake Ave. • 231.421.1000
Bergstrom’s Burgers
Fresh made, from scratch burgers, sliders and sides like fried zucchini, smoked wings and onion rings.
LD • $-$$ • 903 US-31 • 231.252.4048
Blue Tractor Barbeque
An Old Town favorite with a patio. Check out The Shed beer garden and food truck out back.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 423 Union St. • 231.922.9515
Brasserie Amie
Recently opened by the owners of the former Patisserie Amie and The Parlor, this menu features inventive French-inspired dishes.
BLD • $-$$ • 160 E Front St • 231.753.3161
Brooklyn’s Chicago-Style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza joint serving up delicious pizzas, salads, soups, sweets and drinks.
LD • $ • 2036 South Airport Rd. W • 231.642.5001
Bubba’s
Happening Front Street spot with battered mahi and chips, burgers, chimis, salads, tacos.
BLD • BAR • $ • 428 E. Front St. • 231.995.0570
Bubbie’s Bagels
Bagel bakery using old-school techniques. Features exciting add-ons, a wide variety of homemade shmears and bagel sandwiches.
B • $ • 1215 E. Front St. • 231.252.3587
A bagel sandwich from Bubbie’s Bagels in Traverse City.
Brady’s Bar
Neighborhood tavern known for its happy hour, wings and pizza offerings.
BLD • BAR • $ • 401 S. Union St. • 231.946.8153
Brew
An espresso lounge and cafe that also happens to offer microbrews and spirits.
BLD • BAR • $ • 108 E. Front St. • 231.946.2739
Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza
Delicious Detroit-style pies, sandwiches and salads. They serve up a limited number of pizzas produced per day.
LD • $ • 113 E. State St. • (231) 252-3497
The Chef’s In
Soups and salads, and all the fresh fixin’s for creating your own sandwich.
L • $ • 519 W. Front St. • 231.941.1144
The Cooks’ House
A sweet little dollhouse of a spot, home to sustainable local cuisine with a French sensibility.
LD • $$-$$$ • 115 Wellington St. • 231.946.8700
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Cousin Jenny’s Cornish Pasties
Homemade pasties, soup and sandwiches at a British-themed cafe with sidewalk seats.
BLD • $ • 129 S. Union St. • 231.941.7821
Crepes & Co.
Bringing this French favorite into downtown with sweet and savory crepes.
BL • $ • 329 E. State St. • 231.590.9221
Dillinger’s Pub + Bootleggers
Lively neighborhood pub featuring traditional pub fare and a rotating draft list.
LD • $ • 119 S. Union St. • 231.941.2276
Espresso Bay
Hand-roasted coffee, specialty tea, smoothies and gelato.
BL • $ • 202 E. Front St. • 231.715.1856
Firefly
A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. No longer hosts Sunday brunch.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 310 S. Cass St. • 231.932.1310
The Flying Noodle
Italian pasta house featuring pasta, pizza and sweet Italian treats on the menu.
D • $-$$ • 136 E. Front St. • 231.943.1178
Folgarelli’s Market
A former train station with Italian and imported foods, deli sandwiches, entrees, home-baked goods, wine and fresh-roasted coffee.
BLD • $-$$ • 424 W. Front St. • 231.941.7651
Frenchies Famous
Three tables and carryout, offers superb hot sandwiches and espresso drinks.
BL • $ • 619 Randolph St. • 231.944.1228
The Good Bowl
Vietnamese restaurant serving up pho bowls, delicious starters and a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
LD • $-$$ • 328 E. Front St. • 231.252.2662
Grand Traverse Pie Co.
Exceptional cream and fruit pies, coffee, baked goods, pot pies and quiche.
BL • $ • 525 W. Front St. & 101 N. Park St. • 231.922.7437
Green House Cafe
A long list of fresh sandwiches, inventive soups and salads. Known for Cherry Chicken Salad and their Reuben.
BL • $-$$ • 115 E. Front St. • 231.929.7687
Hexenbelle
Cafe located inside Warehouse MKT. Order online, pick up and dine at the patio seating.
BL • $ • 144 Hall St Suite 107 • 231.486.6128
Photo by Dave Weidner
Brunch at Hexenbelle in Downtown Traverse City. Photo by Dave Weidner.
J&S Hamburg Downtown
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 • $ – $$ • 400 W. Front St. • 231.941.7527
Lil Bo
Previously known as Little Bohemian, Lil Bo is serving up burgers, baskets, po’boys and a late-night menu.
LD • BAR • $ • 540 W Front St. • 231.421.3100
The Little Fleet
This outdoor venue is home to more than half a dozen food trucks and two bars.
LD • BAR • $ – $$ • 448 E. Front St. • 231.943.1116
Low Bar
Located below 7 Monks Taproom, this speakeasy is serving up throwback cocktails.
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
Mama Lu’s Modern Day Taco Shop
Fresh tortillas with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients at this hip, fun taqueria.
LD • BAR • $$ • 149 E. Front St. • 231.943.2793
Photo by Dave Weidner
Appetizers and tacos at Mama Lu’s in Downtown Traverse City. Photo by Dave Weidner.
Mary’s Kitchen Port
Delicious carryout sandwiches, wraps and salads, such as cherry turkey.
L • $ • 539 W. Front St. • 231.941.0525
Milk & Honey
Famous for its homemade ice cream, this cafe also has an awesome deli and coffee bar.
LD • $ • 240 E. Front St. • 231.944.1036
Millie and Pepper Creperie & General Store
This boutique and creperie combo is the perfect stop for crepes, bubble waffles, smoothies and specialty teas.
L • $ • 120 S. Union St. • (231) 421-9499
Minerva’s
In the historic Park Place Hotel. Italian-American menu, elaborate Sunday brunch.
BLD • BAR • $$ • 300 E. State St. • 231.946.5093
Mode’s Bum Steer
This classic steakhouse serves tender, well-aged charbroiled Black Angus steaks, seafood, ribs, soup, sandwiches.
LD • BAR • $$ • 125 E. State St. • 231.947.9832
Morsels Espresso & Eatables
Sip coffee and munch on bite-sized bakery goods while looking out over the West Bay.
BL • $ • 321 E. Front St. • 231.421.1353
North Peak Brewing Co.
Wood-fired pizzas, seafood, sandwiches, microbrewed beer and a jam-packed bar scene.
LD • BAR • $$ • 400 W. Front St. • 231.941.7325
Oakwood Proper Burgers
An elevation of the classic American burger. Don’t forget to add on southwest ranch hand-cut fries and a handspun milkshake.
LD • $ • 1108 E Eighth St. • 231.253.1513
Omelette Shoppe
Vast array of omelets, homemade bread, and pastries, soup and sandwiches.
BL • $-$$ • Location 1 | 124 Cass St. • 231.946.0912 • Location 2 | 1209 E. Front St. • 231.946.0590
Paesano’s Pizza
It’s the cheesy Italian favorite with a gourmet twist.
LD • $$ • 447 E. Front St. • 231.941.5740
Pangea’s Pizza Pub
Craft pies, creative toppings.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 135 E. Front St. • 231.946.9800
Park Street Café
This lunch spot is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and features a wide variety of sandwiches and to-go options.
L • $-$$ • 113 Park St. • (231) 421-1747
The Parlor
This bar is reminiscent of the prohibition and features handcrafted cocktails and artisan tapas-style food.
D • BAR • $-$$ • 205 Lake Ave. • 231.753.3131
Petoskey Pretzel Co.
Handcrafted sweet and savory pretzels with more than a dozen dipping sauces to choose from.
Lunch/Snack • $ • 102 S. Union St. • (231) 252-2414
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Poppycock’s
Fresh seafood, pasta, sandwiches and salads, including vegetarian specialties and award-winning desserts.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 128. E. Front St. • 231.941.7632
Rad.ish Street Food
Sushi rolls, going green bowls and burgers make up this exciting vegetarian and vegan menu.
LD • $ • 3593 Bunker Hill Rd., Williamsburg • 231.421.5077
Rare Bird Brewery
The likes of pork belly sliders, oysters on the half shell and great burgers served up alongside great beer.
LD • BAR • $$ • 229 Lake Ave. • 231.943.2053
Reflect Bistro
Multiple meal menus serving up eclectic food and drinks at all times of the day.
BLD • $-$$$ • 255 Munson Ave • 231.778.9000
Red Ginger
Wrap yourself in fresh-sleek surroundings and the spicy-exotic flavors of Asia.
D • BAR • $-$$$ • 237 E. Front St. • 231.944.1733
Rounds Restaurant
Old-fashioned diner off eighth and Garfield dishing out hearty, country-style breakfasts and traditional American lunches.
BL • $ • 1033 E. Eighth St. • (231) 941-4124
Scalawags Whitefish and Chips
The go-to location for ultra-fresh Great Lakes fish fry.
LD • $ • 303 E. State St. • 231.933.8700
Slate
Downtown steakhouse serving up American Wagyu beef tenderloin, seafood and other inventive dishes.
D • $$-$$$ • 250 E. Front St. • 231.421.5912
Sparks BBQ
Smoking up the real thing—pulled pork and chicken, brisket, ribs and jerky. Don’t miss the BBQ Sundae.
LD • $-$$ • 201 E. Front St. • 231.633.7800
Sorellina
Authentic Italian from Antipasta to pasta.
D • BAR • $$-$$$ • 242 E. Front St. • 231.421.5912
State Street Market + Middlecoast Brewing Company
TC’s newest brewery and eclectic community marketplace is also home to several eateries all in one place.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 329 E State St. • 231.943.1606
Taproot Cider House
Brick oven pizza, great salads, inventive entrees paired with a large selection of local hard cider, microbrews, wine and spirits.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 300 E. Front St. • 231.943.2500
The Tasting Room
An upscale American eatery featuring sharable plates and handmade cocktails.
LD • BAR • $$ • 155 Garland St. • 231.525.0555
Thirsty Fish Sports Grille
A sports bar and neighborhood hangout with a large outdoor patio and live music.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 221 E. State. St. • 231.252.4157
The Towne Plaza
Eclectic American cuisine, extensive outdoor seating and a casual atmosphere.
BLD • BAR • $-$$$ • 203 E. Cass St. • 231.929.0900
U & I Lounge
With burgers, pizza and a variety of Greek favorites, this is the perfect gathering place for friends.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 214 E. Front St. • 231.946.8932
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 • $$ • 221 Garland St. • 231.421.8977
Zest Plant-Powered Café
Serving up nourishing, plant-based dishes, you can find avocado toast, smoothies and more on this menu.
BL • $ • 439 E. Front St. • 231.421.3141
Old Mission Peninsula Restaurants
Searching for a restaurant to visit on Old Mission Peninsula? Whether you’re looking for a water view or a cozy brewery-style restaurant, we have the perfect Old Mission Peninsula restaurants for you.
Boathouse Restaurant (water view)
Casually elegant with great steaks, seafood, large local wine selection. Sunday brunch.
D • BAR • $$-$$$ • 14039 Peninsula Dr. • 231.223.4030
Jolly Pumpkin
Wood-fired steaks, fresh fish, and artisan pizzas along with fresh ales crafted on site.
LD • BAR • $$ • 13512 Peninsula Dr. • 231.223.4333
Mission Table (water view)
Farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced fare and craft cocktails. Only open for private events.
D: Thursday, Friday & Saturday • BAR • $-$$ • 13512 Peninsula Dr. • 231.223.4222
Old Mission Tavern
Prime rib, fresh fish, pastas and globally inspired specials.
LD • BAR • $$ • 17015 Center Rd. • 231.223.7280
Photo by Dave Weidner
Smoke and Porter Public House
East Traverse City Restaurants
Just a few minutes outside of downtown Traverse City you’ll find some noteworthy restaurants and bars on the east side. Whether you are looking for dinner after a spa treatment or a farm-to-table meal, east Traverse City has options for you.
Don’s Drive-In
Classic carhop diner known for its burgers, fries and milkshakes.
LD • $ • 2030 US 31 N. • 231.938.1860
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Aerie • 16th-floor panorama of East Bay and regional fine dining. • 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 • $-$$ • 1544 US31 • 231.938.2773
Smoke and Porter Public House
American smoke-house where farm-to-table and whole beast butchery meets the fire pits.
LD • BAR • $-$$$ • 1752 US31 • 231.642.5020
Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel
Bourbons 72—Seafood, prime rib and more.
D • BAR • $-$$$ • 7741 M-72, Williamsburg • 231.534.8870
Thai Café
Eat-in or take out authentic Thai cuisine in a cafe atmosphere.
LD • $-$$ • 1219 E. Front St. • 231.642.5166
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Photo by Angela Brown
Outside view of Apache Trout Grill
West Side Traverse City Restaurants
Just a short drive from downtown, restaurants on Traverse City’s west side feature everything from water views of the bay to eclectic restaurants inside The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. If you’re looking to head out of downtown for restaurants, you’re sure to find some Traverse City restaurant gems on the west side.
Apache Trout Grill (water view)
Rough-hewn eatery affords a great bay view along with ribs, steak, pasta and salad.
LD • BAR • $$ • 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr. • 231.947.7079
The Burrow
A new California-inspired restaurant and bar made to-go for boaters.
LD • BAR • $$ • 12930 S. West Bay Shore Dr. • 231.943.1048
Farm Club
A restaurant, brewery, marketplace and working farm known for its fresh charcuterie board.
LD • BAR • $$ • 10051 S Lake Leelanau Dr. • 231.252.3079
Harrington’s By the Bay(water view)
Seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches—with a bay view. Sunday brunch.
BLD • BAR • $-$$$ • 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
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 • $-$$ • 717 Randolph St. • 231.947.9213
Spanglish
Authentic Mexican fare to-go at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
LD • $ • 1333 Yellow Dr. • 231.943.1453
S2S Sugar 2 Salt
Breakfast and catering kitchen featuring a menu of locally sourced and seasonally driven breakfast and lunch dishes.
BL • $-$$ • 1371 Gray Dr. • 231.492.4616
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 • $$ • 12719 S. West Bay Shore Dr. • 231.943.2922
Photo by Taylor Brown
Outside sitting area at The Filling Station
South Traverse City Restaurants
Boone’s Long Lake Inn
Steaks, prime rib, seafood, daily specials.
D • BAR • $$ • 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. • 231.227.6546
The Filling Station Microbrewery
Thin-crusted wood-fired flatbreads and flavorful house brews revitalize the Depot.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 642 Railroad Pl. • 231.946.8168
The Kitchen
A grab-and-go eatery offering sandwiches, soups, salads and more.
BLD • $ • 1249 Woodmere Ave. • 231.947.8646
Raduno
Neighborhood deli featuring homemade pasta, sausages, charcuterie and salads.
LD • $-$$ • 545 E. Eighth St. • 231.421.1218
Sauce at Incredible Mo’s
Artisan pizza, pasta, salad in a kid-friendly atmosphere.
LD • BAR • $-$$ • 1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd., Grawn • 231.944.135
White on Rice
Carry-out style sushi, ramen and other Japanese favorites including bao buns.
LD • $-$$ • 510 W. Fourteenth St. • 231.633.7423
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