A family-friendly American restaurant on Cass Road serving homestyle meals in a welcoming setting.

When you need reliable comfort food and cold drinks in Traverse City, Applebee's delivers exactly what you expect. Their handcrafted cocktails hit the spot after a day exploring Grand Traverse County, while the craft beer selection keeps locals coming back. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly…

Around the Corner Food and Fun delivers exactly what its name promises on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. This family-friendly spot serves up classic American comfort food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices that actually taste great. The spacious patio welcomes dogs and large groups alike, making it perfect…

Perched along Grand Traverse Bay's shoreline, Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern brings together the best of Traverse City's culinary scene with stunning water views. The restaurant champions local ingredients while maintaining an impressive wine program that highlights Michigan vintages alongside international…

Bayview Inn Bar & Grill brings together everything you want in a Grand Traverse County gathering spot. The outdoor patio buzzes with conversation over Michigan craft beers and handcrafted cocktails, while inside, friends share plates of American comfort food beneath flat screens showing the game. Their wine selection…

Classic Big Boy diner in Traverse City serving American comfort food, breakfast all day, and those famous Big Boy burgers. The red booths and vintage vibe have been here for decades.

Big Dex's sits right inside Leelanau Sands Casino, but don't let that fool you - this is serious comfort food territory. Their kitchen turns out everything from hearty breakfast plates to satisfying dinner fare that hits the spot after a day exploring the Leelanau Peninsula. The bar program impressed me with local…

Bootlegger's brings that perfect neighborhood tavern vibe to Traverse City with dark wood, exposed brick, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening. The bar showcases an impressive lineup of local craft beers alongside handcrafted cocktails that actually taste like someone cares about…

After a round at Interlochen Golf Course, Bradley's Pub & Grille hits the perfect note for hungry golfers and locals alike. This Grand Traverse County favorite serves up solid American fare alongside an impressive selection of Michigan craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. The spacious patio overlooks the course's…

Casual bar at Crystal Mountain Resort serving craft beer, cocktails, and pub fare in a relaxed après-ski atmosphere.

Game day takes on new energy at Buffalo Wild Wings in Grand Traverse County, where dozens of flat-screen TVs create the ultimate sports viewing experience. The wings arrive hot and saucy in flavors ranging from mild to blazing, paired perfectly with ice-cold craft beer on tap. Families pile into spacious booths while…

Step into Bushell's Kitchen & Cocktail's and you'll find the kind of place where clinking glasses mix with genuine laughter. The aroma of comfort food drifts from the kitchen while bartenders shake up creative cocktails behind the polished bar. Families settle into cozy booths as friends gather around high-tops,…

Tucked inside Great Wolf Lodge, Camp Critter Bar & Grille strikes that rare balance between kid-approved dining and grown-up satisfaction. The breakfast spread draws families back morning after morning, while weekend brunch brings locals from across Grand Traverse County. Parents appreciate the thoughtful wine…

Cantina TwentyTwo is a Mexican-inspired cantina at 420 N St Joseph St in Suttons Bay. It opened in June 2026 in the former North Country Kitchen and Bar building, under the same owner.

Captain's Quarters has been serving Traverse City families since the 1980s, when local restaurateur Jim Morrison opened this nautical-themed spot with a simple mission: great food without the fuss. The walls tell stories of Northern Michigan's maritime heritage, decorated with authentic sailing artifacts and vintage…

You know those nights when you want reliable comfort food without breaking the bank? That's when I head to Chili's here in Grand Traverse County. Sure, it's a chain, but this location really gets it right. The Triple Dipper lets you sample their famous awesome blossom, loaded potato skins, and boneless wings all at…

Cold Creek Restaurant has become Benzie County's go-to gathering spot where locals and visitors alike find comfort food done right. This family-owned establishment started as a simple breakfast joint but evolved into an all-day destination that truly understands Northern Michigan hospitality. The kitchen serves up…

Tucked away in Grand Traverse County, Backwoods BBQ and Eats serves up wood-fired pizzas that locals have been quietly raving about. This isn't your typical pizza joint – the smoky flavors from their outdoor pits create crusts with a distinctive char that you won't find anywhere else in northern Michigan. The menu…

This Traverse City location of the beloved Southern chain brings comfort food classics to Grand Traverse County with a surprisingly robust beverage program. Beyond the expected country store charm and hearty platters, you'll find craft beer on tap and handcrafted cocktails that pair beautifully with their famous…

What started as a passionate chef's dream to bring authentic French crepe-making to northern Michigan has become Traverse City's beloved breakfast and brunch destination. Crepes & Co. transforms simple batter into culinary art, crafting paper-thin crepes filled with everything from classic ham and gruyere to inventive…

Don't let the name fool you - Detroit Wing Co. serves up some seriously impressive pizza alongside their signature wings. This local spot has quietly become a Traverse City favorite, crafting pies that hold their own against any dedicated pizzeria. The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, while…

Dick's Pour House brings that comfortable neighborhood vibe to the Leelanau Peninsula, where locals and visitors gather for solid American fare and cold drinks. The tap lineup rotates through Michigan craft breweries, while the wine list celebrates the region's growing reputation. Families settle into booths for…

You know that spot where locals actually hang out? That's Dinghy's in Benzie County. This isn't your typical tourist trap - it's where families grab dinner after beach days and friends meet for craft beers while catching the game. The menu hits all the comfort food classics done right, and their bartenders know how to…

Dogwood brings that comfortable neighborhood vibe that makes everyone feel at home. This family-friendly spot serves up solid American classics while welcoming both your kids and your four-legged friends. The live music adds energy without overwhelming conversation, making it easy to catch up with friends or enjoy a…

The aroma of comfort food mingles with craft beer and lake breezes at Empire Village Inn, where families gather around tables that have seen decades of laughter and conversation. This Leelanau Peninsula favorite serves up hearty American classics alongside an impressive wine selection that showcases local vineyards.…

Fallen Timbers brings that comfortable neighborhood bar feel to Benzie County, where locals and visitors gather for good food and cold drinks. The kitchen serves up solid American classics while bartenders pour from an impressive lineup of Michigan craft beers and carefully selected wines. Live music fills the space…

When the Beach Club pool and East Grand Traverse Bay shoreline make you too lazy to walk back inside, Fin's delivers burgers, wraps, and cold drinks right to your lounge chair.

Garage Bar-B-Q brings serious barbecue game to the Leelanau Peninsula with slow-smoked meats that fall off the bone and sides that complement every bite. The spacious patio welcomes families, friends, and even four-legged companions while you dig into pulled pork or brisket. Local craft beers flow alongside…

You know that friend who always knows the best spots? That's how locals feel about FrankZ in Benzie County. This family-run American eatery has that rare combination of seriously good comfort food and craft beer that doesn't take itself too seriously. The kids can dig into classic burgers and fries while adults sample…

Geno's Sports Bar & Grill nails that perfect balance between sports bar energy and family dining comfort. Located in Benzie County, this local favorite draws crowds with its impressive craft beer lineup and surprisingly solid wine selection. The handcrafted cocktails hit the spot after a day exploring northern…

Tucked into Benzie County's rolling countryside, Hungry Tummy Restaurant serves up wood-fired pizzas that draw locals and Traverse City visitors alike. The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh herbs fills this welcoming spot where families gather around checkered tablecloths and friends linger over craft beers. Morning…

The smoky aroma hits you before you even walk through the door at Jim's Joint BBQ in Benzie County. This local favorite combines barbecue soul with pizza creativity, creating a menu that keeps families coming back. The wood-fired smoker out back works overtime, infusing meats with that authentic Northern Michigan…

K&A Hop Dogs transforms the casual hot dog joint into something special right here in Grand Traverse County. Their craft beer taps rotate with Michigan favorites, while the wine selection surprises with local vintages alongside creative handcrafted cocktails. The spacious patio welcomes your four-legged friends,…

Karlin Inn serves up classic American comfort food with a Michigan twist in the heart of Grand Traverse County. This local favorite draws families and friends together over hearty breakfasts that fuel cherry orchard adventures and satisfying dinners after long days exploring the region. The bar showcases local craft…

Step into Kilkenny's and you'll find yourself in a genuine Irish pub atmosphere where locals gather around the bar discussing everything from Cherry Festival plans to Wolverines football. The dark wood interior and traditional pub décor transport you straight to Dublin, while the taps flow with Michigan craft brews…

Le Metropolitain brings sophisticated French street food to Traverse City's mobile dining scene. This isn't your typical food truck fare – think crispy crepes filled with locally-sourced ingredients, authentic French onion soup that rivals any bistro, and croissants that transport you straight to a Parisian café. The…