Brunch cafés, waterfront dining, family-friendly spots, and local favorites.
Quick ideas
Traverse City has a surprisingly deep food scene for a small city, with over 160 restaurants serving everything from casual pizza and burgers to chef-driven tasting menus and creative farm-to-table spots using local ingredients.
You'll find everything from casual pizza and burgers to chef-driven tasting menus, fresh Great Lakes fish, and creative farm-to-table spots using local ingredients.
Downtown spots along Front Street and the Warehouse District
Right at the 45th parallel line on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, this charming café combines excellent coffee with an irresistible candy shop that'll transport you back to childhood. Start your morning with their hearty breakfast or swing by for weekend brunch while the kids (and adults) press their noses against…
7 Brew brings drive-through coffee convenience to Grand Traverse County with a focus on speed and quality that busy locals have come to rely on. Their specialty coffee drinks go beyond basic brew, with customizable options that let you dial in exactly what you need. The takeout-focused model means you can grab your…
Tucked away on the Leelanau Peninsula, 9 Bean Rows delivers the kind of farm-to-table breakfast experience that makes early mornings worthwhile. This working farmstead cafe bakes everything fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every bite. Their flaky croissants and hearty breakfast sandwiches have earned a…
The aroma of fresh-baked dough and bubbling cheese draws you into this beloved Frankfort pizza joint, where locals have gathered for decades. A Papano's serves up hand-tossed pizzas with that perfect char around the edges, loaded with generous toppings that actually stay put when you take a bite. The casual atmosphere…
The Papano family has been serving up authentic Italian-style pizza in tiny Thompsonville for over three decades, turning this unassuming spot into a Benzie County institution. What started as a small family operation has grown into the kind of place where three generations gather around red-checkered tables, sharing…
The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh-baked crust draws you into A. Papano's Pizza in downtown Beulah, where families gather around red-checkered tables and the sound of laughter mingles with the sizzle of the pizza oven. This local favorite serves up generous slices loaded with toppings, their hand-tossed dough…
The Papano family brought their pizza legacy to Interlochen decades ago, and locals have been grateful ever since. This isn't your typical chain pizza joint - A. Papano's hand-tosses dough daily and uses recipes passed down through generations. The aroma of garlic and oregano hits you the moment you walk in. Families…
Classic A&W fast food in Frankfort serving American burgers, chicken tenders, and their famous root beer floats. Quick, family-friendly spot right on Lake Street.
Perched high above the rolling fairways and shimmering waters of Grand Traverse Bay, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge captures the elevated dining experience its name promises. This sophisticated retreat at Grand Traverse Resort serves everything from early morning coffee and pastries to evening craft cocktails paired with…
Amical brings together wine, craft beer, and artisan cocktails under one roof in downtown Traverse City. The rustic-modern space combines exposed brick with warm wood accents, creating an atmosphere that's both sophisticated and relaxed. Their curated wine selection highlights Michigan vintages alongside international…
Apache Trout Grill brings serious steakhouse quality to the laid-back Leelanau Peninsula. The menu spans perfectly grilled steaks and fresh Great Lakes seafood, while the bar pours local craft beers and expertly mixed cocktails. Vegetarians find plenty to love here too, with thoughtful plant-based dishes that go way…
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…
Downtown Traverse City's Archie's Social House transforms the classic diner concept into something special. This community gathering spot serves breakfast favorites alongside handcrafted cocktails and local craft beer. The kitchen turns out everything from hearty morning plates to creative vegan options, while the bar…
The aroma hits you before you even walk through the door at this beloved Traverse City coffee shop. Aroma's serves up expertly crafted espresso drinks alongside hearty breakfast options that fuel locals and visitors alike. Their spacious patio becomes prime real estate during Michigan's warmer months, while the…
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…
Asian Buffet brings serious variety to Grand Traverse County's dining scene with an impressive spread that satisfies every appetite. The extensive buffet includes fresh sushi, traditional Chinese favorites, and plenty of vegetarian options that actually taste great. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where…
Tucked away on Old Mission Peninsula, Bad Dog Deli serves up hearty breakfast classics with a side of Northern Michigan charm. The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee greets you at the door, while the friendly chatter of locals fills the cozy interior. Their fluffy pancakes and perfectly scrambled eggs…
The aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls and brewing coffee drifts from Barb's Bakery long before you spot the cheerful storefront on the Leelanau Peninsula. This local gem serves up hearty breakfast fare alongside an impressive array of baked goods that change with the seasons. Blueberry scones burst with Michigan berries…
You can't miss the bright blue building that houses Bardon's Wonder Freeze - it's been a Grand Traverse County landmark since 1969. This old-school ice cream stand serves up generous scoops of homemade flavors alongside classic comfort food like burgers and fries. The outdoor picnic tables fill up fast on summer…
The sizzle of fajitas and the clink of margarita glasses create a lively soundtrack at Barrio Traverse City. This vibrant Mexican restaurant brings bold flavors and colorful energy to downtown, with handcrafted cocktails that pack a punch and craft beer flowing from local taps. The aroma of fresh cilantro and lime…
The aroma of fresh-baked bread draws you into Bay Bread Company before you even spot the storefront. This neighborhood bakery has become a morning ritual for locals who line up early for warm croissants and artisan loaves still cooling from the ovens. The display cases showcase everything from flaky Danish pastries to…
The aroma of bubbling cheese and wood-fired crusts draws you into Bay Pizzeria, a local favorite tucked away on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. Hand-tossed dough gets topped with fresh ingredients before sliding into ovens that run hot all day. The result? Pizzas with perfectly charred edges and that satisfying stretch…
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…
BC Pizza brings that comfortable neighborhood pizzeria vibe to Grand Traverse County, where locals gather around red-checkered tables and the aroma of fresh dough fills the air. The kitchen cranks out crispy-crusted pies loaded with everything from classic pepperoni to creative veggie combinations that even carnivores…
Tucked away on the Leelanau Peninsula, Bear Paw Pizza and Market has become my go-to spot for authentic wood-fired pizza and cold craft beer. The crispy-edged pies come loaded with fresh toppings, and their tap selection rotates with solid Michigan brews. Kids love the relaxed vibe while parents appreciate the…
Tucked away in Benzie County, Bella's Cafe has become the kind of local gathering spot that makes you slow down and savor the moment. Their breakfast menu goes beyond the usual suspects, with hearty portions that fuel morning adventures around the Traverse City region. Weekend brunch draws families and couples alike,…
The aroma of perfectly grilled patties hits you the moment you walk into Bergstrom's Burgers, a Grand Traverse County favorite that's been satisfying locals and visitors alike. This family-friendly spot serves up handcrafted burgers made with fresh, local ingredients in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Weekend brunch…
Big Apple Bagels brings New York-style bagel tradition to Grand Traverse County with hand-rolled bagels baked fresh daily. Their everything bagels pack the perfect crunch, while cream cheese spreads range from classic plain to seasonal favorites like cherry vanilla. The breakfast sandwiches stack generous portions of…
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…
Start your Traverse City morning right at this locally beloved coffee shop that's become a Michigan institution. The baristas here know their craft, pulling espresso shots that actually taste like coffee should and creating signature drinks you won't find at chain stores. Grab a breakfast sandwich made fresh while you…
Birch & Maple brings farm-to-table comfort to Benzie County with a menu that changes with the seasons and a dining room that feels like home. The rustic wood tables and mason jar lighting create an atmosphere that's both polished and unpretentious. Start your morning with their signature breakfast hash or swing by for…
Tucked away on the Leelanau Peninsula, Birdie's Sandwich Shop has become my go-to spot for weekend brunch adventures. This cozy diner serves up hearty breakfast classics alongside creative sandwich combinations that keep locals coming back. What really sets Birdie's apart is their commitment to everyone at the table -…