Low Bar

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, sharing plates and stories. The extensive wine selection pairs perfectly with hearty American favorites, while craft beer flows from local taps. When Traverse City evenings turn warm, the patio becomes the place to be, strung with lights and buzzing with conversation.

Grand Traverse Distillery brings small-batch spirits to the charming village of Leland on the Leelanau Peninsula. This craft distillery produces premium vodka, gin, and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling methods. The tasting room sits right in downtown Leland, just steps from the historic Fishtown district and Lake Michigan's shoreline. Visitors can sample award-winning spirits while learning about the distillation process from knowledgeable staff. The intimate setting makes it perfect for couples or small groups looking to explore Michigan's growing craft spirits scene beyond the region's famous wines.

Gypsy Spirits brings an unconventional spirit to Traverse City's wine scene. This eclectic spot combines locally-sourced wines with expertly crafted cocktails, creating a vibe that's part wine bar, part craft cocktail lounge. The owners, longtime locals with a passion for both viticulture and mixology, designed the space to feel like your friend's really cool living room. Groups gravitate here for the relaxed atmosphere and creative drink menu that changes with Michigan's seasons. Think wine flights paired with house-made bitters and cocktails that incorporate local cherries and maple syrup.

Iron Fish Distillery brings craft spirits to Benzie County with a dedication to locally-sourced ingredients and small-batch production. This artisan distillery transforms Michigan-grown grains into distinctive whiskeys, vodkas, and seasonal spirits that capture the essence of northern Michigan. The tasting room welcomes visitors to sample handcrafted spirits while learning about the distillation process from passionate staff. Tours reveal the copper stills and aging barrels where each bottle develops its unique character. Located between Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Iron Fish represents the growing craft distilling movement taking root across Michigan's agricultural heartland.

Mammoth Distilling brings craft spirits to Traverse City's growing beverage scene with small-batch whiskeys, vodkas, and seasonal specialties. Their tasting room showcases locally-sourced ingredients and traditional distilling methods that create distinctive Michigan spirits. The knowledgeable staff walks visitors through flight tastings, explaining the distillation process and flavor profiles. You can sample their flagship bourbon alongside limited releases, plus cocktails crafted with their own spirits. The industrial-chic space maintains an approachable atmosphere where both whiskey novices and enthusiasts discover something new. Tours reveal the behind-the-scenes craft that goes into each bottle.

Step into Nolan's Cigar Bar and you'll find Traverse City's most sophisticated spot for unwinding after a day on the bay. The handcrafted cocktails here rival anything you'll find in Detroit or Chicago, while the craft beer selection showcases the best of Northern Michigan's brewing scene. Premium cigars meet an impressive wine list that celebrates both local vintages and international favorites. The outdoor patio becomes the place to be during summer evenings, especially when live music fills the air. This isn't your typical hotel bar – it's a destination that draws locals and visitors alike.