Traverse City boasts some of the best outdoor dining options in Northern Michigan, with eateries across town offering outdoor seating with settings that will enchant, from the bustling downtown to bright-blue lakes. Find great food and drink and a view destined to impress at these Traverse City restaurants.
1. The Little Fleet
448 E. Front St. | 231.943.1116
Rotating food trucks offer wildly different menus and The Little Fleet brings the drinks (beer, wine, cocktails). The curated high-quality food, drink and comfortable outdoor block-party atmosphere will turn your summer dreams into a delicious reality.
2. The Filling Station Microbrewery
642 Railroad Pl | 231.946.8168
Located in Traverse City’s historic railroad district just across from the Traverse City Area District Library, The Filling Station’s stunning summer sunsets and diverse pizza, drink and dinner menu are all you’ll need for the perfect dinner outing.
3. Amical
229 E. Front St. | 231.941.8888
Get a taste of Europe with a diverse and flavorful menu from an open kitchen right to you on Amical’s street-side patio while enjoying the bustling beauty of downtown Traverse City.
4. Boathouse Restaurant
14039 Peninsula Dr. | 213.223.4030
With a stunning waterfront view of West Grand Traverse Bay, Boathouse serves up local cuisine as well as delicacies from around the globe, and an evening spent here is sure to exceed your appetite expectations, with a beautiful view to pair.
5. Apache Trout Grill
13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr. | 231.947.7079
Pair a view of West Grand Traverse Bay with classic dishes hailing both the surf and the turf, like the buttery lobster and famous rack of ribs.
6. Boone’s Long Lake Inn
7208 Secor Rd. |231.946.3991
With a venue that caters to both large parties and intimate dinners, warm rustic charm and generous portions from a well-rounded menu, you’re guaranteed to have a good time at Boone’s Long Lake Inn.
7. West End Tavern
12719 S. West Bay Shore Dr. | 231.943.2922
Whether you prefer an elegant dinner indoors or enjoying a casual cocktail on an expansive patio, West End Tavern’s drink and dinner items cater to your inner-foodie while providing an exceptional view of Traverse.
8. Frenchie’s Famous
619 Randolph St. | 231. 944.1228
If you’re a fan of homemade and hearty, Frenchie’s Famous delivers just that with handmade lunch sandwiches, salads, coffees and sweets. Indulge in Frenchie’s delights on the quaint outdoor patio for a cozy lunch date.
9. Mission Table Tasting Room at Bower’s Harbor Inn
13512 S. Peninsula Dr. | Contact events director at 231.944.6984
A locally sourced farm-to-table restaurant and events room, Mission Table will introduce you to new flavors at beautiful Bower’s Harbor.
10. Pangea’s Pizza
135 E. Front St. | 231.946.9800
Bringing you creative pizza combos and make-your-own options, Pangea’s offers stone-fired creations from atop their newly constructed rooftop deck and bar.
11. Firefly
310 N. Cass St.| 231.932.1310
With daily happy hours and a flavorful tapas-inspired food menu that serves till dark, Firefly’s beautiful outdoor seating along the Boardman River is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and a meal.
12. Taproot Cider House
300 E. Front St. #104 | 231.943.2500
Mouthwatering earth-to-table cuisine including pizzas, street food, tacos and salads completes a flavorful food and refreshing drink menu with 13 different house-made ciders and your own private slice of downtown with their comfortable outdoor seating.
13. The Towne Plaza
203 Cass St. | 231.929.1900
With a pork-inspired menu and dishes that surprise, The Towne Plaza’s local ingredient-focused food and drink menu pairs well with the greenery-shrouded, magical outdoor patio right in downtown Traverse.
14. The Dish Café
108 S. Union St. | 231.932.2233
Find a greens-based menu that includes wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches and soups. The Dish is a perfect place to grab a quick and healthy lunch while you enjoy downtown Traverse City from the outdoor patio right along Union Street.
15. Harrington’s By The Bay
13890 S. West Bayshore Dr. | 231. 421.9393
Nestled on the pristine shoreline of Lake Michigan, Harrington’s by the Bay offers guests spectacular views. The menu includes locally sourced ingredients and a wine selection bolstered by the Red 8 Lounge.
16. Cambria Hotel’s Reflect Bistro
255 Munson Ave. | 231.778.9000
Sharing unique farm-to-table creations with dishes inspired by Northern Michigan’s agriculture industry, Reflect’s diverse menu includes seafood, sandwiches and high-quality cuts of Michigan’s best steaks and chops.
17. Grand Traverse Pie Company
101 N. Park St. | 231.933.3972 & 525 W. Front St. | 231.922.7437
Famous for their delectable pies and sweets, this go-to spot for Michiganders also serves up sandwiches, soups and salads that delight.
18. Spanglish
1333 Yellow Dr. | 231.943.1453
Putting twists on classic Mexican cuisine, Spanglish creates unique dishes that have all the flavor of your traditional favorites, from tacos and guacamole to tostadas and tamales. Comfortable outdoor seating at the Grand Traverse Commons.