Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Traverse City is often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Yet, beyond the scenic beauty lies a culinary journey waiting to be explored. Traverse City isn’t just a destination for nature enthusiasts; it’s a haven for foodies seeking a gastronomic experience that transcends the ordinary.
Traverse City has emerged as a prominent foodie destination, offering a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that has garnered attention from food critics and enthusiasts alike. The city’s rich agricultural resources, including cherry groves, lakes, lush forests, and beaches, have contributed to its reputation as a foodie paradise. Traverse City’s culinary notoriety has been fueled by its farm-to-table cuisine, diverse dining choices, and a strong emphasis on local ingredients. The town’s food culture is characterized by its imagination, boldness, and generous use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Classic Traverse City
As the food scene has exploded in Traverse City in the last several year, there is a strong base of restaurants that have stood the test of time. In downtown Traverse City there are numerous restaurants that have become a staple of the downtown scene. Places such as Amical, Red Ginger, Sorellina’s, Poppycocks, Minervas, Mode’s Bum Steer, Blue Tractor, Firefly, Sleder’s (Michigan’s oldest continuously operated restaurant), and more. Outside the downtown area make sure to visit Apache Trout Grill, Harringtons By The Bay, Reflect Bistro, Boone’s Long Lake Inn, Oakey’s Tavern, Bradley’s, Boathouse, and so many others.
Farm-to-Table Magic
Traverse City’s restaurants offer a wide range of culinary experiences, from white fish sandwiches to Italian cuisine, Mediterranean eateries, and everything in between. The town’s food scene boasts an eclectic and sophisticated culinary culture, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients from nearby farms, forests, waters, and orchards.
Traverse City takes pride in its farm-to-table ethos. Local farmers collaborate with chefs, resulting in fresh, seasonal ingredients gracing the plates. Dive into the immersive experience of dining at The Cook’s House, where the menu is a testament to the region’s bountiful harvest. Renowned chefs like Myles Anton at Trattoria Stella have been recognized for their use of fresh, local ingredients to create uncomplicated interpretations of classic meals. Chef Giorgio Lo Greco brings many local ingredients into his dishes at PepeNero. You can soak in the atmosphere of today’s Italy in the original chapel of the old state hospital.
Hidden Ethnic Delights
Traverse City’s culinary diversity extends far beyond these well-known establishments. These ethnic restaurants may not take the spotlight, but they add a global flair to the city’s food scene. Find a delightful surprise for adventurous foodies looking to explore the world through their taste buds.
For an authentic taste of Thailand, head to Thai Kitchen or Thai Cafe. Both serve up traditional Thai dishes bursting with bold and vibrant flavors. The Good Bowl offers Vietnamese cuisine as well as an opportunity to easily contribute to their communities. The Good Bowl donates $1 for every bowl sold. You can select from three charities (local, national, and global).
Traverse City offers a variety of Mexican/Latino eateries, from fast food to full-service dining. Places like Spanglish in the Traverse City Commons, Mama Lu’s in downtown, Barrio by the Boardman River on the west side of downtown and Taqueria TC Latino with 2 locations on 3 Mile Road and Silver Lake Road. All have great reviews and a very loyal customer base. If you love Mexican/Latino food, you should try them all!
These are just a small sampling. Traverse City has Italian, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, African, French, and Indian cuisine among others.
Burger Joints
In addition to its diverse culinary offerings, Traverse City is also home to a thriving burger scene. The city boasts several notable burger joints, each with its own unique story and approach to crafting delicious burgers. From Slabtown Burgers, located in a historic house in the Slabtown neighborhood, to the craft burgers at Oakwood Proper Burgers, Traverse City’s burger establishments have garnered recognition for their quality and creativity. Bergstrom Burgers a local favorite near Chums Corners started as a food truck in the nearby Menard’s parking lot. Local social media groups sang their praise and soon they were opening their restaurant around the corner. You can’t forget the local bars that offer great bar burgers. Places like Bubbas, U&I (also known for his gyros), Lil Bo and Brady’s Bar in downtown and Peegeos (add an order of their charbroiled wings!) and Bayview Inn Bar & Grill outside the city.
Food Trucks
Traverse City’s streets come alive with an array of food trucks, each offering a unique culinary adventure. From gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream, these mobile kitchens add a dash of spontaneity to your dining experience. The area offers both stand-alone food trucks and food truck parks.
Food Trucks became popular in the Traverse City area with The Little Fleet converting a downtown party store into a full-service indoor bar. They added outdoor seating in the parking lot mixed with food trucks.
A few block away from The Little Fleet is The Coin Slot. Although not as large as The Little Fleet, they offer a one or two trucks with outside dining. There is also an old school arcade and The Keg Stand Taproom.
Other places you may find food trucks are at local breweries, distilleries and wineries that don’t offer dining. You can also find them set up on empty lots around town.
Traverse City has undoubtedly solidified its status as a foodie town. We offer a delectable array of culinary experiences that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage and diverse culinary talent. Whether it’s farm-to-table cuisine, artisanal bakeries, or innovative burger joints, Traverse City has something to satisfy every food enthusiast’s palate.
Traverse City Restaurant Week – February 25 – March 2, 2024
Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get a “taste of Traverse City”. The weeklong food lovers paradise showcases the local talents of Traverse City eateries. Each restaurant will offer either a $25, $35 or $45 set menu. For more information and a list of participating restaurants visit Downtown Traverse City.
We invite you to savor not just the taste of its cuisine, but the stories woven into every dish. As you navigate through the city’s diverse dining options, remember that the culinary journey here is as much about the people and their passions as it is about the flavors. So, the next time you find yourself in Traverse City, ask not just what’s on the menu but the stories behind the meals. After all, isn’t every bite a chapter in the tale of a foodie’s adventure?
Looking to stay in Traverse City?
We are centrally located for all the indoor and outdoor fun and only minutes from Downtown Traverse City! Ready to book your stay? Book direct and save or you can book through Airbnb if you prefer.