We came here for dinner on our first night in Traverse city. No reservations but they seated us quickly. The place is open and bright with some outdoor seating. Service was friendly and quick and our waitress made sure to check up on us regularly. Their menu consists of a variety of options from sushi to tacos and sandwiches to steak udon - I got the steak udon, so good. I highly recommend it. We started with some spicy tuna sushi. Very good and had a bit of a kick. The steak udon, the highlight of my meal, had stir fried veggies with the noodles and very flavorful sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare for me, as usual). My husband ordered the sesame chicken - tempura fried chicken tossed in sweet and savory glaze, served with rice and veggies. He enjoyed his meal as well. Then for dessert, we shared a chocolate torte. I am a sucker for chocolate torte and anything that says flourless. As my husband frequently asks... what did flour ever do to you? Answer... nothing but I prefer flourless desserts! read more

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So delicious!! We found parking right in front on the street and didn't have to pay since it is Sunday. It's really nice inside and has a small view of the little river next to it. The food was fantastic! I also tried the Cherrytini and it was so good!! We ordered Smoked salmon sushi (the Philly one), Beef Skewers (the sweet potato fries matched with hoisin sauce was genius), and the fish tacos (sooo yummy)!! Our server was also very friendly. read more

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I have never had a bad meal or experience here. I personally love the shrimp tempura rolls, but if we're being honest, it's the service that keeps me coming back. However, it's an expensive restaurant and I think there are better options in Traverse City. read more

What a beautiful restaurant! The service, the food, and the ambiance were all fantastic! The crab ragoon might be the best I've ever had. The tuna tataki was fabulous. We stuck with small plates and couldn't have been happier. Our server Ben was great and we highly recommend firefly! read more

Firefly Restaurant - Tuna Tataki - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Very nice vibes at Firefly Restaurant! They have a large dining area which is bright during daytime. We started with the street corn dip and were very impressed! I got the tempura roll and my boyfriend got the bacon burger. We both enjoyed it! Our only complaint was that the food did take longer than expected considering the restaurant wasn't very busy. read more

Firefly Restaurant - Street Corn Dip - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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TOURIST TRAP!!! Do not waste your time or money here!!! My husband and I visited this restaurant for lunch on our anniversary trip. We went because the sushi and steak udon sounded good. I ended up getting the udon and it was an outrageous $24 for a meal that was CLEARLY MICROWAVED. It came out in under 10 minutes, mushy, watery, and bland. And with NO STEAK!!! I promptly told me server who took my plate back and came back with a whole new meal within 5 minutes. Another sad Costco microwaveable meal, only this time it included their "steak" which was severely overcooked and tasted old and dank. Their truffle fries were good and the only thing that we ate. Very disappointed. read more

We came early - apps and then dinner. Leftovers which i love. View of the river. Great music!! Really nice place. read more

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A beautiful restaurant with nice view for dinner. We were seated few mins after arrived. We all were hungry as didn't really eat lunch. All food we ordered varies from pasta, fried rice, burger, steak- they all are good size portion & delicious. Nothing left to bring home for sure. My shrimp fried rice is a must for rice craving dinner. Don't hesitate to stop by here for a nice dinner! read more

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Fourth of July PLUS the annual Cherry Festival in Traverse City! What the hell was I thinking? Zillions of people everywhere - the sidewalks so packed, they reminded me of going the wrong way during a high school class room shuffle. Ended up at Firefly Restaurant next to the river's overpass. Been here a few years ago for their Sushi - pretty good stuff. Today I opted for their version of a UP Burger, loaded with Bacon, Swiss & Dill pickle slices - very tasty although grilled medium. Queenie ordered the mega salad, Char had Cali Sushi & Ruth took on the fish Tacos. Everyone cleared their plates & I shared my Truffle Fries with the Ladies. Server was cool under pressure & swept past our table to check 3 times - solid show young lady. read more

This is a Traverse City staple. I have been to Firefly a handful of times but this was the first time I have ever had the Soy Chino roll and I have officially found my favorite item. I am already thinking about the next time I go back for it. Cute restaurant and friendly staff! Definitely recommend, the menu has a lot of variety and there is something for everyone! read more

Firefly Restaurant - Soy Chino - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Loved the hummus and pita, truffle fries (which they were able to make vegan by putting the Parmesan on the side) and the veggie sushi roll I had. Service was awesome. Our server was Ella and she was friendly and helpful. The ambiance was chill. Nice big mirrors that made the place looked big and spacious etc. Cool place! read more

The food is always good here. Our last visit, however, the hostess set us next to a family of four who are playing a board game. Every now and then they would erupt with their reactions. Not opposed to them playing a game, just wondering why we were seated directly next to them. read more

Arrived for happy hour. Prompt seating. Ordered two happy hour special appetizers Soy Chino sushi, pita & hummus plate, local bottled root beer. Seated immediately on the patio, but service was slow. Happy hour specials were not mentioned by the server, had to ask for a separate menu. I did not enjoy the cooked steak tempura fried sushi "Soy Chino" odd combination of ingredients for a sushi roll. The hummus and pita plate was a nice surprise, garlic hummus with plenty of crispy pita to dip. Pleasant eating outside on a nice sunny say for a light lunch. Two bars inside (one open for lunch), small plates to order and share their fusion cuisine. read more

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I usually do not write reviews. But the Steak Udon was just unreasonably bad! Stay away from it! First, the noodle was not Udon noodle. It was some undercooked Shanghai noodle. Second, everything in the dish was super salty, basically bathed in salty soy sauce with no other taste. Except the saltiness, the beef and veggies were okay. Since I was hungry, I just picked out and ate the meat and veggies, then drank a lot of water with them. I would not call that a meal! read more

Firefly Restaurant - Steak Udon - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Nice place to eat. Could carry on a conversation without raising voices. Attentive staff. Good food!

Place is good. Service was great and they are quick w the food. Ambiance doesn't match the menu IMO but didn't bother me at all. Lots of good things to try and will be back. read more

Firefly Restaurant - Pot Stickers - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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We didn't order any food or snacks, but we did get two drinks. One was the blood orange martini which was strongly recommended. It was excellent and the second was a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, 13 Celsius from Marlborough, New Zealand. also stellar. Sleek, modern and bright and airy. Nice friendly bartenders - recommended! We got a blood orange margarita - TO DIE FOR - and a 13 Celsius Sauvignon Blanc read more

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Great menu selection and cocktails. Food is served fairly quickly and always hot. Flavor varies from one sitting to the next, but still enjoyable. Always a must have when we're in town. read more

On a recent vacation it was lunch time. Wanted an outdoor patio so this place was recommended. We were in a time crunch so the server listened and our food showed up pronto. Fish taco's were my choice. Very good. Not too big, so easy to eat. The patio did not face the water, but would go again for dinner, then it faces the water, if every back in the city. read more

The service is good and the place is very nice and clean. Food is OUTSTANDING and great portion size! Well woth their prices. read more

Firefly Restaurant - Brucetta, and ahi nachos - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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An absolute favorite when I'm in TC for the day. A favorite is the Ahi Tuna Nachos. This past visit a friend was visiting so we shared a few different small plates. Potstickers, Artichoke dip with Pita Bread along with a Chicken salad. Needless to say it did not disappoint. There was definitely a to go box needed. Keep doing what you're doing Firefly! I'll be back again. read more

Second time here and we LOVED it. Great service from Meg, cute patio and awesome food. The drinks are good too. I am surprised it wasn't completely packed. read more

Came here with a large group. The place is a few blocks away from main street. It sits off the Boardman River but very little seats available outside. Inside has high ceilings with an industrial type vibe. The menu has a little of everything: small plates, sushi, burgers, and entrees. Drink menu includes cocktails, beer, cider, martinis, and hot drinks. Our server was friendly - but the kitchen was a mess. Our apps did not come out first and instead all came out with our entrees. We didn't have a big enough table for all of the food ordered. Our waiter said the kitchen is behind. Food wise, everything was good. The sweet corn app was ooey gooey. The sushi was fresh. The avocado salad was okay, just a salad with avocado on it. read more

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Variety of food with an American twist. It was good, and light. The service was good too. The place looks very nice, next to the river with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Firefly Restaurant - Fish nachos - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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My husband and I visited Firefly and I had a really good experience! I ordered the Ginger Martini, which I didn't love due to the lack of ginger flavor, but it was still okay overall! The flank steak, however, was absolutely AMAZING. 10/10. I would marry that meal. read more

Firefly Restaurant - The Ginger Martini - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Best burgers you can get in Traverse City! They were cool to the exact way I asked and was so juicy and delicious! The decor was so amazing showing all these amazing pictures from the early 1900's Traverse! So amazing! I was obsessed! The drinks were strong and tasty! I had the Blueberry Smash and man it was amazing! I can't wait to take all my out of town family here the next time comes to visit! read more

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Hate to leave a review when we didn't even partake in the space. So this one goes out to human interactions. We just got out of the car from the drive up from Detroit and wanted to get a birthday drink and a snack. Shepherd greeted us at the host stand, a little foggy brained we couldn't decide where to be so we ask him where he preferred us. He responded with "The River". Honestly a hilarious response, but he didn't even crack a smile and then sat us at a dirty table on the patio. We just got up a continued walking down the road. Shepherd! No one's forcing you to work at the FireFly. Maybe demote to a grocery store greeter for a bit of practice before you show up to a host stand again. Godspeed on the hiring process, Firefly. read more

I came in with a group of 6. We had a 20 minute wait but were able to wait at the bar area and got serviced within 2 minutes of sitting down. Once we were seated at our table our waitress was efficient and kind. My fish and chips were INSANE! I seriously will remember this meal forever lol. It was that good that I had to get on Yelp! Our whole table loved their food. Will be back! read more

Amazing truffle fries, literally ordered another truffle fries for to-go after dining in. Ate them in the car. Very kind and warm customer service. I will absolutely be back next time I go to Michigan. Very accommodating. Ambiance is casual/slightly more upscale. Cute for a friend date or family. read more

$8 for a fountain drink. Get out of here. Server never offered a refill. Ridiculous. Food was ok.

Hungry from the drive from Chicago 'burbs, Santa and Mrs Claus found Firefly Restaurant to be a clean, friendly, and filling place to eat! Starting with a nice smile from our blue eyed/brown eyed server (yes, you heard that right!), she gently twisted our arms for the strawberry/rhubarb infused vodka drink, laced with jalapeno. (Yep, again you heard that right!) The Street Corn went very well with that. Our meal was served perfectly. Santa had a Power Burger with cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato--delicious but he'd filled up on Street Corn and chips and needed a box for the burger, which now taunts him from a hotel room's refrigerator, where Mrs Claus' Thai Noodles also sit, for the same reason. The ambiance was awesome, a table near the window, overlooking the water below. The restaurant was busy and full, even at 5pm when we seniors often eat! Gotta say Firefly is top knotch, our server is five star, but after an amber ale on top of that vodka infusion I confess I have forgotten the busy woman's name! I'll check the Nice List twice, because I know she's on it! Same for the chef and kitchen staff, bartender, and the guy who took us to that perfect table! Firefly: the place to be in Traverse City! read more

Firefly Restaurant - The Street Corn and Chips at Firefly is all you really need in life, as long as you're sharing it with your sweetie! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

This place came highly recommended from many friends in the area. Seeing photos online, the food looked delicious! The restaurant is large with multiple rooms and two areas for outdoor seating. Our server was attentive and kind throughout the evening. I ordered the Steak Udon and my wife ordered the flank steak. It appears that I made the wrong choice. My wife's flank steak was freshly prepared, served medium rare, and her fries were cooked to perfection. My meal was a whole different story. The flank steak in my dish was dry, dehydrated almost, and was lacking in all aspects. The noodles and veggies were okay, but the sauce it was prepared in didn't stick well to the noodles and pooled at the bottom of the plate, which made them appear dry as well. I would expect these dishes to be freshly prepared, but it seemed as though mine could have been just reheated leftovers perhaps that had been sitting for some time. I was very disappointed that the same piece of meat from this restaurant in two different dishes turned out so inconsistent. I'd pass on the Udon and stick with the flank steak and fries next time. read more

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FOOD- The food was GASSSS!!!! I got the Flank Steak, and the steak was pretty dang GOOD! But what stood out to me was the fries!!!! The fries were so good... Highly recommend getting the truffle fries, and sweet potato fries!!! SERVICE- All the employees were so kind, they were awesome!!! read more

The food and service was good! The serving sizes were much bigger than expected. Sushi and Spinach Dip were great!

The service was absolutely exceptional. Our waitress was LAUREN and she is quite literally my groups favorite waitress we have ever experienced. She recommended amazing food. She recommended amazing drinks. She brought great conversation. The recommendations she had were absolutely exquisite. I hope Lauren gets a raise and recognition for how absolutely amazing she is as a person and as a waitress!! The food was really good as well! The lettuce wraps, sesame chicken, thai peanut noodles, and thai chicken salad I heavily recommend. The view is also great if you sit outdoors! Again Lauren was the best waitress we've had during our time in traverse! She made the dinner so much fun! (I am gay this truly about the service) read more

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Food and drinks are good... you just wait. Wait an hour for a table that you were told would be about 25 minutes. Wait for a server to arrive to take your order. Wait for your food. Then wait to get your bill. If you have all the time in the world, then this might be your place. Just OK for me. read more

Will definitely be back, the food was amazing and a great atmosphere. Arrive early to sit outside! The kitchen was backed up but we still received good quality food and service. read more

Firefly Restaurant - Flank Steak - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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I have been here multiple times and the food is delicious every time!! The service was also so good. We were originally sitting outside when it began to storm. Our waitress and the hostess both helped find us seating inside right away even though they were packed. My favorite resturant in TC! read more

Firefly Restaurant - Flank Steak - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

The food was really good when it actually arrived. The service was quite slow, expect to spend a lot of time there. We had the southwest salad, fish tacos, and tuna nachos which were all delicious, the wait for the food was over 30 minutes though. read more

First time here on April 27th. Stopped in for dinner. Have wanted to try this place for awhile and we finally got our chance. Not crowded at all and we were seated right away. Very modern decor and very very clean. Aikeem was our server and he was very friendly and open to giving us his top choices from the menu. We went with the Crab Rangoon, lettuce wraps, and the beef skewers. The Crab Rangoon was very good. I think we got 5 for 9 bucks and they came with a tasty sweet and sour sauce. The flank steak beef skewers were ok. 2 skewers came with sweet potato fries. Also had a balsamic hoisin sauce that was very tasty and a garlic aioli for the fries. Not a fan of the aioli. The steak was a little fatty for me and I don't like fat. Now the lettuce wraps. The BEST we have ever had. Plenty of chicken, water chestnuts, peanuts and edamame. The hoisin sauce was great and the baby romaine lettuce was fresh and crispy. This was really a great meal. We appreciated Aikeem's service as his suggestions were right on. It is also nice to find a place in TC that doesn't break your bank. I would say this is a got to place in my book. read more