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 • $$ 161 E. Front St., 231.933.1100
Mama Lu’s Taco Shop
Mama Lu’s Modern Day Taco Shop
Fresh tortillas with a mix of traditional and modern ingredients at this hip, fun taqueria.
LD • BAR • $$ 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