Top Ten Restaurants in Traverse City
Written by Lily Wodzisz & Julian Jimenez-Pardo
Traverse City is a popular year-round destination home to Michigan cherries, beautiful freshwater beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and countless restaurants. The “Cherry Capital of the World” boasts a plethora of food options that will surely satisfy your tastebuds. Whether you’re a native returning home, in town for Family Weekend, or if you just took a ride on the BATA bus for an afternoon in the city, this is a guide to the best eateries Traverse City has to offer. Here are some great options with a variety of price points and diverse cuisines.
Whether you’re looking for a snack, light meal, or sweet treat, Petoskey Pretzel Co. has something for you. In addition to nailing the classics, you can find pretzel-wrapped hotdogs and pizza pretzas, among others. On the side you can choose from a variety of spreads and dips, everything from nacho cheese to hot caramel. Anyone craving this elevated classical ballpark snack will find themselves in pretzel heaven.
Price per person: $10
Sister restaurant to the popular Flying Noodle, it would be criminal not to include on the Top 10 List this modern taco shop advertising individually priced tacos along with a plethora of sides and dips. Mama Lu’s allows you to try multiple different bites for a reasonable price, offering a modern twist on traditional tacos.
Price per person: $15
A small restaurant located in the historic Grand Traverse Commons, Red Spire is known for its amazing brunch options and affordable prices. According to our very own Owen Zanotti, a four-year senior majoring in Jazz Piano, the “Loaded Spud Omelette” is one to try. “An omelet with broccoli, spuds, crispy hashbrowns, and bacon, with a dab of avocado on top,” Owen mentions, “accompanied by sourdough toast, creating an amazing blend of flavors.” One of the downsides to this restaurant is its small seating capacity. According to the restaurant, they can only accommodate groups of 6 or smaller, so if dining with large groups, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere. However, don't let this discourage you; Red Spire is a must-try brunch spot.
Price per person: $15
A staple BBQ joint located only blocks off the Boardman River, Blue Tractor is the BBQ place in town. If you are looking for the nostalgic taste of summer BBQ’s and picnics, this will exceed your expectations. You cannot leave without trying the fried green beans, writer Lily Wodzisz’s personal favorite dish. Although tailored toward meat eaters, vegetarians will not find themselves at a loss. You will leave with a full belly and a wide smile.
Prize per person: $20
This ever-changing collection of food trucks complete with outdoor seating is perfect for large groups with a variety of preferences. Pick up a bowl from the “Daily Blend,” a pizza to share at “TC Pizza Co.,” noodles at Crocodile Palace (among many others), and grab a picnic table to dig in! This family-friendly destination is great for trying different plates and becoming familiar with some of TC’s favorites.
Price per person: $20
This comfort food destination is popular among students, serving up Pho, Seafood and fun Boba. Three-year senior Nora Zarycki returns because they have “a little bit of everything” and four-year senior Gabe Proctor appreciates its convenience and surrounding location.
Price per person: $20-25
The Flying Noodle is an Italian pasta house centered around a simple classic menu. Out of this bunch of restaurants, The Flying Noodle has caught our attention because of its short but sweet menu, with the only options for main course dining being its main five pasta dishes, in which you can add or remove toppings to your liking, and a few sandwiches. If you are an indecisive eater or someone that likes to customize your dish, The Flying Noodle may be an option to look at, guaranteeing that anything you order will be great. Interlochen senior Owen Zanotti heavily recommends the Bolognese pasta, remarking, “The Flying Noodle has to be the place I go back to the most; it's a classic that is always a safe option if you're in the mood for good food.” This staple is housed in a small storefront along Front St., so if you plan on indulging during peak times, reservations are recommended.
Price per person: $25
If you are looking for upscale Italian, you will not be disappointed. This place is a popular destination, and reservations are highly recommended. Matthew Lindstrom, a 15-year TC resident and Interlochen Musical Theatre Instructor, recommends the Burrata. Trattoria Stella is a farm-to-table restaurant that sources its food from 10 local farms.
Price per person: $50+
The Boathouse is unlike any other restaurant in the area. Although on the more expensive side, it provides a full-fledged dining experience accompanied by a beautiful location on the shores of Bowers Harbor. The atmosphere is stunning. As you enter the restaurant you will most likely be greeted by owner Doug Kosch as well as the very welcoming staff. Throughout your whole dining experience, the staff will recommend amazing seasonal dishes along with timeless classics. They may even tell Boathouse stories making for a fulfilling and memorable experience. It's important to mention that the Boathouse is quite a bit farther from campus than the rest of the restaurants on the list (about 45 minutes away). However, don't let the distance deter you from experiencing this one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Price per person: $60+
This creative farm-to-fork establishment plays on minimalism and simplicity. With an ever-changing menu, you can choose from starters and main dishes, or a five to seven-course dining experience. This 26-seat restaurant is in high demand, so make sure you book a reservation ahead of time. Although the Cooks’ House is on the more expensive side, the atmosphere and culinary imagination is worth the price. Ten-year Traverse City resident and Interlochen Percussion Instructor Keith Aleo says the Cooks’ House is one of the most creative restaurants he’s experienced in the region.
Price per person (A la carte): $50+
5-course menu: $100
7-course menu: $116
We hope this list helps you enjoy your Traverse City experience and see all the culinary delights the city has to offer. This list was brought to life through personal recommendations and the help of our student body and faculty members. One thing we can say for certain is that whether you are in the mood for a weekend treat, or your parents are in town and want to check you out for dinner, you are sure to have a great experience no matter where you go in Traverse City.
All images are from each restaurant's respective website.