8 Date-Night Restaurants in Northern Michigan

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Pour Kitchen & Bar, Petoskey

You know a restaurant screams DATE NIGHT! when it’s only open for dinner. And that is precisely the case with Pour Kitchen & Bar on busy Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey. This warmly lit, upscale bistro with its eclectic modern/vintage interior serves up a fusion of global and local flavors: Think sushi, oysters, Australian lamb rack, confit fried duck and, for the food fearful, there’s even a giant, sloppy burger called the Big Mick. Also great for the gastro timid—Pour pairs each dish with a specific wine, taking the awkwardness out of ordering. While this upscale bistro boasts intimate nooks for staring into each other’s eyes, don’t write off seats at the bar. Pour has fabulous bartenders who turn mixing your über-cool cocktail (a Plum Caliente or Duck Fat Sazerac peut-être?) into the evening’s entertainment. –L.E.

Steinhaus, Marquette

I might be biased—this neighborhood nook is where I first toasted my future husband after getting engaged during an autumn trip to the U.P. But if German comfort food happens to be your love language too, Steinhaus is the spot for your next date night (reservations recommended!). Some of my faves on the locally-sourced menu: fluffy homemade pretzel served with whole grain mustard and the Peppered Petal, a perfectly pink gin-based cocktail sweetened with wild hibiscus syrup. –A.A.

Forrest, A Food Studio, Traverse City

The tiny Traverse City Old Towne storefront is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, but Forrest, A Food Studio feels more like a dinner party with friends than a bustling night out—perfect for dates when you need food that sparks conversation (locally sourced, fusion-inspired) and the convivial warmth of other diners to help break the ice. A single seating on Friday and Saturday nights (book ahead) serves a multi-course set dinner menu that rotates monthly. –C.M.

Wren, Suttons Bay

If you’re looking for a memorable meal, Wren should be at the top of your list. Located inside the old Firehouse building in downtown Suttons Bay, you can expect an eclectic and romantic atmosphere with inventive, local farm-to-table dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous and it’s your first trip to Wren, the tasting menu with wine pairing is the perfect treat. However, if you’ve visited before it’s always fun to explore the menu in your own way! My favorite way to enjoy Wren? Opting for the seasonal (always delicious) soup, splitting a few entrees and ending with a dessert … or two. –R.S.

Tracey’s at Roam Inn, Munising

If you’re looking for a snug spot to land following a day of coastal sightseeing, Tracey’s is the place. (And they’re open ‘til 10 p.m., so late date nights are welcome!). This bistro tucked inside an 18-room boutique hotel is the definition of cozy; the warm wood paneling glows beneath twinkling Edison lights. The only thing better than the ambiance is the food, and Tracey’s menu is as varied as the scenery in Munising—from morel pasta alfredo and elk filet mignon to sushi rolls and bowls of ramen. –A.A.

Modern Bird, Traverse City

Soft lighting, a beautiful brick storefront and a menu made for tasting—Modern Bird pairs the feel of an old neighborhood restaurant with the menu of a fresh bistro. Don’t miss the cheddar ranch-butter bread, or rotating supper picks like duck croquette with katsu sauce, apple and watermelon radish. Save room for dessert—an in-house pastry chef never disappoints. –C.M.

876 Baldwin, Baldwin

The Northwoods outpost of Baldwin, approximate population 1,000, is a well-known destination among outdoorspeople. Perhaps a little more unexpected though is the bold, globally inspired menu at 876 Baldwin, a small-town restaurant that draws inspiration from North Africa, Spain, Cuba, Korea and Italy. A few dishes on our short list: shakshuka, steamed mussels, ropa vieja and a sensational harvest pizza topped with roasted baby beets and squash, caramelized onions, Tuscan kale, crumbly Gorgonzola and a garlic sauce. Don’t skip dessert; do order a pillowy slice of tiramisu. –C.S.

Poppycock’s, Traverse City

The two bay windows at the front of Poppycock’s in Traverse City create the perfect nooks for couples. Just a touch apart from the rest of the dining room, these high-top tables for two let you take in the bustle and glow of Front Street at night, complete with loads of twinkle-lit trees filling the view. Inventive cocktails invite sharing sips, and we recommend kicking off the night with the lightly fried Parmesan-dusted pita points served with homemade salsa, hummus and bubbling hot Jarlsberg cheese. –C.M.

More Date-Night Restaurants in Northern Michigan:

• Try Authentic Italian Cuisine at Vita Bella Kitchen in Frankfort
• Cozy Up by the Fire at These 30 Traverse City Area Restaurants
• Dine & Sip at this New Suttons Bay Farm-to-Table Tasting Room
• No Detail is Too Small at Artisan Restaurant in Traverse City
• Take a Look Inside Muskrat Distilling in Boyne City