Where To Eat & Drink In Traverse City, Michigan

If you find yourself in Michigan anytime soon, and you’re looking for a culinary escape, Traverse City should be at the top of that list. I had no idea what to expect when visiting Traverse City, but after just a few short days there, I was already pining for my return, not only because of the bright blue hues of Lake Michigan, but for the food and wine scene, as well. If you’re headed here or even thinking of coming to Northern Michigan anytime soon, use this list to guide your tastebuds.

Cherry Republic

Cherry Republic is a north Michigan staple, and while it’s technically not a restaurant, a bar, or even a cafe, it is a specialty shop that is essentially required to visit when in Traverse City. Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world, home to the National Cherry Festival, and for a one-stop shop of all things cherry, Cherry Republic is the place to be. Anything you can possibly think of, from cherry BBQ rub to cherry cookies to cherry wine to cherry white chocolate peanut butter, is cherry-fied here. It’s a great way to sample some local goodies (you must try the cherry pop and Boomchunka cookies), and to bring some snacks home for family and friends (or yourself).

• Address: 154 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream

There’s ice cream, and then there’s Moomers Homemade Ice Cream. I can confidently say that the ice cream I had at Moomers is some of the best I’ve had in my life (and that’s coming from someone who gets paid to eat around the world!). Turns out, I’m not the only one who thinks so. In 2008, Good Morning America held a “best scoop shop challenge,” and a customer nominated Moomers. The store ended up on the show with a 45 second blip, and that became a tipping point for them. From there on out, folks from all around the country were headed to Traverse City to try some of Moomers homemade ice cream.

Choosing an ice cream flavor can feel overwhelming, and at Moomers, they innovatively have an “ice cream flight,” where customers can choose 5 options. I had the store’s owner choose for me, my only requirement being the inclusion of cherry’s moobilee, their best-seller. I had cookies’n’cream, mint, chocolate peanut butter, and classic vanilla, also. They all blew my mind away, but the tart, chewy in cherry’s moobilee was the real star.

• Address: 7263 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

amical

One of the most inspiring meals I had in my time in Traverse City was the “cookbook dinner series” menu at amical. For one week each month, amical takes a cookbook from a specific nationality or ethnicity (anything from Jamaican to Ethiopian to Italian), perfects a few of the recipes, and offers a small menu to their guests from the respective cookbook. I was fortunate to be there during one of the weeks, which was Jamaican-inspired. The beef patties were so good and so spicy that it felt like the Jamaican beef patties I had when I was visiting Negril back in 2020. Even if you’re not fortunate enough to be there during a cookbook week, their regular menu is incredible, and the wine selection is filled with local libations.

• Address: 229 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge Rooftop

If you’re looking for a stellar meal with stunning views, Aerie is the place to be. Located within Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Aerie was my first proper meal in Traverse City, and one of my most memorable. I started with the sweet potato gnocchi, and it was one of the best bites I had in the duration of my time in Traverse City. The gnocchi was soft, but still had a chew. I was scooping up every last bit I could get. For my main entree, I had the duck (fun fact: if duck is on a menu, I’m ordering it), paired with tart cherries. No trip to Aerie is complete without trying their signature cherry cosmo.

• Address: 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610

Chateau Chantal Winery

When in Traverse City, a visit to several wineries is a must. Traverse City produces more wine than anywhere else in Michigan, and I was surprised by how diverse the wine scene was. One of my favorite spots to stop at for some sipping was Chateau Chantal Winery. Chateau Chantal Winery is a family-owned business, producing some of the best wines in Northern Michigan. What’s most exciting about this winery aside from its delicious vino, is visitors can stay overnight right on premises in one of their royalty-worthy rooms. The views, staff, and wine are all top-notch. Don’t let the region fool you that only white is superior here; Chateau Chantal makes a mean red; most notably, their Pinot Noir and Gamay.

• Address: 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686

Brys Estate Winery

Some of the best hospitality I received in Traverse City was at Brys Estate Winery. That worked out beautifully since the wine offered there is just as good, if not better, than the service. I sampled several wines at Brys Estate Winery, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer Reserve. The standout to me was the Pinot Gris; delicate, fruity, and smooth, making it way too easy to drink. The passion put into this family-run business is evident to anyone who visits. It doesn’t hurt that the 155-acre estate is surrounded by the bright blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay.

• Address: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

Mari Vineyards

While we are on the subject of wineries, it would be a missed opportunity to not include Mari Vineyards. As soon as I pulled up to Mari Vineyards, I could’ve sworn I was in Tuscany, not Michigan. Out of all of the wineries I visited, Mari Vineyards wins for having the best atmosphere. The place was fairly packed, and there was live music to enjoy while sipping some delicious wines. While Traverse City is better known for their whites, I found the reds at Mari Vineyards to be top-notch. I also ordered a cheese plate which was 10/10. I mean, we’re talking cheese and wine in a Tuscan-inspired setting; what’s there not to love?

• Address: 8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

Sleder’s Tavern

One of the oldest bars in Michigan is Sleder’s Tavern, and it is conveniently located in Traverse City. I asked the waitress what I should order, and she recommended the bison burger. Bison burger it is! Bison has a slightly gamey taste and is leaner than beef, so a temperature medium or lower is recommended. Sleder’s Tavern is also known for their giant moose head in the back. There’s a ladder for you to “Kiss the moose.” You haven’t really been to Sleder’s Tavern if you haven’t kissed the moose, so have a stiff one, climb the ladder, and kiss the damn moose.

• Address: 717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Right Brain Brewery

If you need a break from wine but are still looking to imbibe, a visit to Right Brain Brewery is in order. Right Brain Brewery is an in-your-face reminder that beer is anything but boring. The brews there have anything from an entire cherry pie to smoked pig heads in them. I got a beer sampler, and the standout to me was the Thai Peanut (as they describe, “Pad Thai in a glass”) with notes of coconut, peanut butter, Thai chili, and lime. Since they have so many fun flavors and brews, a beer sampler is the way to go when visiting Right Brain Brewery. There are are also tons of arcade games inside so make sure to make extra time to play.

• Address: 225 E Sixteenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge

Who knew a gin and tonic could be so incredible? At least, that’s what I was asking myself when visiting Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge, my very last stop in Traverse City before heading to the airport. Mammoth Distilling is home to Rosen Rye, with a history dating back to the Prohibition Era on South Manitou Island. South Manitou Island is just north of Traverse City, and was a popular entry for smuggling liquor into the US, whiskey in particular. Today, Mammoth Distilling Cocktail Lounge produces its own whiskey, rye, gin, vodka, and more, carrying the history of our nation on. The quality of the booze makes a drink as simple as a gin and tonic taste like the best drink in the world. It’s like drunk history in real life, so go be your patriotic self and add this distillery to your Traverse City bucket list.

• Address: 221 Garland St D, Traverse City, MI 49684

DISCLAIMER: Traverse City Tourism sponsored my visit to Traverse City, Michigan.

DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!