We discovered that Traverse City, nestled in the heart of northern Michigan, was a culinary paradise that offered much more than just breathtaking scenery. Known for its delicious wineries, breweries, and stunning peninsulas, we found this Midwest gem to be home to a diverse and exciting food scene that tantalized our taste buds. In our comprehensive guide, we'll take you on the mouthwatering journey we experienced through eight of Traverse City's must-visit restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that showcased the best of local flavors and ingredients.
1. Moomers Ice Cream: A Dairy Lover's Dream
We began our culinary adventure with a sweet treat at Moomers Ice Cream, a family-owned business that has become a Traverse City institution. What set Moomers apart for us was not just their delicious homemade ice cream, but the entire experience they offered:
160 flavors to choose from, ensuring there was something for every palate
Ice Cream Flights: A unique offering that allowed us to sample multiple flavors in one sitting
Picturesque views of the family dairy farm, where we could see the very cows that contributed to our frozen treats
We found the ice cream flight to be a must-try, offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience that left us pondering which flavor reigned supreme. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something more adventurous, we can assure you that Moomers has you covered.
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2. Grand Traverse Pie Company: A Slice of Michigan's Finest
We discovered that no visit to Traverse City is complete without indulging in its famous cherry pies, and the Grand Traverse Pie Company was the perfect place for us to do just that. Here's why we found it to be a must-visit:
Wide variety of pie flavors, with cherry being the star attraction
Fresh, local ingredients that showcased the best of Michigan's produce
Café offering delicious sandwiches and salads for a full meal experience
We realized that the Grand Traverse Pie Company was more than just a pie shop; it was a celebration of Traverse City's cherry heritage. We learned that Traverse City hosts the annual National Cherry Festival, making this the perfect spot to taste the region's most famous fruit in its most delectable form.
3. Mama Lu's Taco Shop: Elevating Tex-Mex Cuisine
For those craving Mexican flavors with a twist, we found Mama Lu's Taco Shop to be the place to be. This wasn't your average taco joint; it was a culinary experience that combined traditional flavors with modern flair:
Famous for their house-made guacamole and chips, which we thoroughly enjoyed
Incredible tacos with unique and flavorful combinations that surprised our taste buds
Taco kit option for groups, which allowed us to customize every taco
Local craft beer and on-tap margaritas that perfectly complemented our meal
We found the taco kit to be perfect for groups or families, offering a fun and interactive dining experience. With the ability to customize each taco, we were sure that everyone at the table could find their perfect flavor combination.
📚 Also Read: Top Things To Do in Leelanau Peninsula |
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4. Sleder's Family Tavern: A Taste of History
We stepped back in time at Sleder's Family Tavern, Traverse City's oldest continuously running eatery, established in 1882. This historic establishment offered us:
A rustic atmosphere with wooden booths and Northwoods décor that transported us to another era
Mouth-watering buffalo burgers that we found to be a local favorite
A selection of local beverages on tap that quenched our thirst
Outstanding service that we understood keeps patrons coming back for generations
We realized that Sleder's Family Tavern was more than just a meal; it was a journey through Traverse City's culinary history. The longevity of this establishment was a testament to its quality and the loyalty of its patrons, which we experienced firsthand.
5. The Little Fleet: A Food Truck Paradise
For those who love variety and a casual dining atmosphere, we found The Little Fleet to be a must-visit destination from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This unique spot offered us:
Half a dozen food trucks featuring diverse cuisines that satisfied our varied cravings
A bar serving local brews, handcrafted cocktails, and wines that perfectly paired with our meals
A spacious patio that was perfect for enjoying our meals outdoors
We found The Little Fleet to be ideal for groups with varied tastes or for those who want to sample a little bit of everything. The combination of food truck diversity and a full-service bar made it a perfect spot for our leisurely afternoon out.
📚 Also Read: Top 6 Craft Breweries of Traverse City |
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6. Frenchies Famous: A Hidden Gem
We discovered that Frenchies Famous was a quaint eatery that packed a flavorful punch. Known for its scratch-made menu, this hole-in-the-wall offered us:
Famous pastrami dishes, including the Pastromelet and Pastrami Reuben sandwich that we found to be delicious
Delicious biscuits and jam that were perfect for a quick bite
A variety of coffee options that complemented our meal
We learned not to let its small size fool us; Frenchies Famous delivered big on flavor. It was the perfect spot for us to discover a local favorite off the beaten path.
7. Osorio Tacos Y Salsas: Authentic Mexican Flavors
For those willing to venture just outside the heart of Traverse City, we found that Osorio Tacos Y Salsas offered an authentic Mexican dining experience. This family-owned restaurant was known for:
Some of the best guacamole in the area, which we thoroughly enjoyed
A diverse menu featuring tacos, burritos, tamales, and flautas that satisfied our Mexican food cravings
A homemade salsa bar that added extra flavor to every dish we tried
Located about 7 miles from downtown Traverse City, we found Osorio Tacos Y Salsas to be worth the short trip for those seeking genuine Mexican flavors.
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8. The Omelette Shoppe: Breakfast Bliss
Rounding out our list was The Omelette Shoppe, a breakfast spot that's been delighting diners since 1975. Here's what we found made it special:
We tried their famous goat cheese and wild mushroom omelette with bacon and chives, which lived up to its reputation
Delicious options like lump crab egg benedict that we found to be a delightful twist on a classic
Giant cinnamon rolls that we found perfect for sharing (or not!)
While there was a short wait due to its popularity and small diner-style setting, we found The Omelette Shoppe to be well worth it for one of the best breakfast experiences in Traverse City.
We discovered that Traverse City's culinary scene was a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage and innovative spirit. From farm-fresh ice cream and locally sourced cherries to international flavors and historic eateries, these eight restaurants offered us a diverse and delicious sampling of what this northern Michigan gem has to offer. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor like we were, we can assure you that these establishments promise unforgettable dining experiences that will have you planning your next meal before you've finished your current one.
So, on your next visit to Traverse City, we encourage you to come hungry and ready to explore. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to embark on a culinary adventure that showcases the best of Traverse City's food scene. Bon appétit and happy adventuring!
We recommend checking the restaurants' websites or calling ahead for current hours and any seasonal changes. We found that each dining experience in Traverse City was not just about the food, but also about the atmosphere, the local ingredients, and the stories behind each establishment. We hope you enjoy your culinary journey through this beautiful Midwest city as much as we did!
Enjoy or Traverse City tips? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
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