Mystic pizzas, starry-eyed lattes, whimsical paninis; they’re the stuff of delectable fairytales. But these new Traverse City bistros are the real deal.
This is a MyNorth.com exclusive. Want more? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
Make Believe Pizza
The pies being slung by Jack Senff and Em Randall seem too good to be true. Lucky for us, the local artists-turned-pizzeria owners have let their creativity spill over into the culinary realm, with spellbinding pizza topping combos; the fluffiest, most dunkable “nuggies” coated in garlic butter and parm; and a rotating dessert menu that varies from chewy chocolate chip cookies to tiramisu layered with espresso-soaked, homemade chiffon sponge cake and mascarpone pastry cream.
“It’s kinda craft foodie bingo … we’re definitely excited for all the seasonal ingredients of spring and summer,” Jack says. “It’s a lot fun coming up with new combos, even if there’s nothing better than our ‘plain red’ cheese pizza.”
Make Believe has been a dreamy venture from the start. Jack recalls starting work on the “imaginary pizza business” back in 2020:
“We spent a lot of our days walking and chewing the big stuff, dreaming, considering the world if and when the pandemic ever ended,” he says. “I was making dough almost every week, tinkering and trying to figure out pizza, and that just naturally lead to us imagining Make Believe as a real place … what it would mean to start a business, how we could do it on our terms. That made up the conversation on a lot of our walks.”
Longtime fans know the duo began offering their 16-inch pizzas for pickup from their own kitchen back in 2022 (a self-described “adult lemonade stand”), and last summer they transitioned to a pop-up model. Menus were posted weekly, and those lucky enough to score a pie would revel in each ephemeral slice.
Earlier this year, Jack and Em found a more permanent space at West Side Beverage, allowing them to expand their offerings and hours (Thursday–Saturday, orders open at 10 a.m., and pickup slots range from 4–8 p.m.).
“Pizza is a dream just to eat, let alone do for a living—we’ve always wanted to start something like this, since we were kids,” Jack says.
“Doing this full-time means playing around and getting that much more creative. That’s what we’re most excited about. Also, eating nuggies two to three times a week.”
Even more magic: All of the “meats” used on Make Believe’s pizzas are plant-based, from Beyond pepperoni, to their homemade “sausage,” crafted with black beans and farro. Plus, all pies can be made with vegan cheese at no extra cost.
Make Believe Pizza
makebelievepizza.com
Water Bearer Coffee
As someone who dabbles in astrology—and identifies strongly with my Aquarius nature—I was downright delighted when word spread that longtime Traverse City barista Azure Klug was rebranding local café Rough Pony to Water Bearer Coffee (the Aquarius symbol that, fittingly, represents gods bringing nutrients to Earth).
Azure took over ownership of the shop last fall, after being mentored by former owner Becky Tranchell. It was a dream come true, and she wanted the café’s new identity to reflect her bold and imaginative personality.
“I have always been very aware of the fact that I walk to the beat of my own drum, and thought what better way to embody that than to use my zodiac sign as the new name,” she says. “Aquariuses are rebellious and forward thinking, and incredibly creative. I wanted to create a space where everyone could feel inspired.”
What I love about Water Bearer is how inclusive the shop feels, from art on the walls that represent the zodiac signs, to menu items like the Virgo wrap, filled with fresh veg, feta and scallion cream cheese (highly recommend, whether or not you’re a Virgo). You can feel her passion for people in every single element.
“I find knowing someone’s zodiac sign (and enneagram!) so interesting,” she says. “I love trying to guess based off of personality traits.”
The cozy space also includes a dreamy wall mural by local artist Heather Spooner of Ampersand Lettering Lab, and a new logo featuring a modern take on the water bearer by tattoo artist Pokey Robinson.
And, perhaps the best part for longtime patrons: Azure kept much of the food and drink menu. Fans of “The Burrito” rejoice! (iykyk)
Growing up in Traverse City, and now raising her family here, Azure says she’s excited to be a true home base for locals—where people know your name and order.
“That is what I hope to create here,” she says, “a safe, inclusive space where you can gather with your friends, family, or even just get away with a coffee and a good book for a bit. For me, coffee is a way to bring people together, and I hope to continue to make a community with all of the wonderful people that come in each day.”
Written in the stars: Looking ahead, Azure says she’s excited for some fun summer specials, and to be a part of the community. “I’m sponsoring a baseball team through American Legion for my boys, so I’ll be busy with that,” says the mom of two. “And I’m really excited to be working with some faces from other coffee shops I worked at previously. It’s incredibly important to me to create a good work culture for staff.”
Water Bearer Coffee
144 Hall St. #100, Traverse City
Open every day except Tuesday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
waterbearercoffee.square.site
Chubby Unicorn
When it came time to name his business a couple years ago, the answer was clear for Justin Chouinard. His OG food truck (er, food bus, really) was grey, short and stout.
“It looked like a rhino cruising down the street,” he says. “Aka … a chubby unicorn.”
Beyond the façade of his former food bus, the whimsical name suits Justin and his new Front Street sandwich shop. He opened its bright pink door to the public on Jan. 1, and says “trying to bring a name like Chubby Unicorn to life, and give it personality, has been fun.”
“I’ve got a good team on board that is helping make the transition from food truck to brick and mortar much less stressful,” Justin says. “Niki Trombley, our team leader, has been a huge part in making my dreams of owning a restaurant come true.”
We recently stopped in, and were impressed by the array of creative paninis, wraps and salads. The “Millionaire Turkey” was a clear winner: deli sliced turkey, bacon jam, sharp cheddar and truffle aioli on an everything ciabatta. (And we’re in love with the homemade dill dip—dunk your chips in it, and pour it on everything.)
Justin also offers weekly specials, unveiled on social media and his “Flavors of The Week” chalk board in the shop. “Once it hits the chalk board, chances of seeing it again in the next year are slim,” he says. “I would recommend always checking to see what’s on the board before ordering your favorite panini.”
We’ll definitely take heed next time, because during our visit, two women proclaimed that “The Dill Dip” special was the best sandwich they’ve ever had—Louie’s roast beef, provolone, house dill dip, crushed Great Lakes potato chips and banana peppers on buttered ciabatta, with a side of au jus. YUM.
Blink and you’ll miss it: While The Dill Dip is gone for now, this week’s specials (through April 26) look divine. There’s the N.M.F.T. Panini: baked chicken breast, pesto, cream cheese, artichoke hearts, sundried tomato, red onion and roasted red and poblano peppers on garlic/herb ciabatta. And the Vegetarian Wu-Tang Wrap: mixed greens, deep roasted sesame dressing, cream cheese, candied pecans, shredded carrot, red onion, cucumber, purple cabbage, cilantro, pepadews and edamame in a spinach tortilla. We’re also eyeing the lemon chicken asparagus soup!
Chubby Unicorn
439 E. Front St., Traverse City
Open Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Facebook
More Northern Michigan Dining
