Slate

We had an absolute blast at Traverse City Whiskey! My BF loves their whiskey and decided to make a…read morehuge purchase for his bday! lol He asked the manager how many different bottles of bourbon were available, 13 to be exact, to please package them up! Hahaa I guess we needed a bar restock anyway!

Imagine requesting an old fashioned then being told "oh we just cleaned up sorry but I can do a…read morepour" while they're fixing an Old Fashioned for a few buddies. I literally bought over $400 in merch. Ughhhh and people wonder if prejudices exist!?

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Menu cover page

The Parlor

4.2(138 reviews)

0.3 mi

Awesome food and drinks! Love this BUT I would appreciate if the website showed up to date menus,…read morewish I could call and order food more easily to go- because you are unable to make any adjustments to menu items on door dash and that's a bummer when you have some food restrictions!

First night in traverse City Michigan and we're looking for a place to stop around 4:30. Found a…read morespot that both had its own free parking and, bonus, was happy hour from 4:00 to 7 with 50% off anything alcoholic..... Great find!!!! Enjoyed a local bubbly for half price that we plan on visiting this week and had a good healthy meal. I had the Mediterranean appetizer plate which was completely filling, and my friend had a barbecue sandwich and was also full. Definitely enjoyed the fun vibe, fast service, and private parking an extra was the happy hour price. Good for people coming in from out of town. I need GPS to get to the back off of front Street into the old district, but not hard to find with GPS. Well done

Manhattan

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Gypsy Spirits

5.0(3 reviews)

0.4 mi

For someone that doesn't drink alcohol I understand it can be very tough for others to make me…read moremocktails but the male bartender made me an incredible biscoff martini without alcohol the first time I visited. I liked it so much I went back a week later to order it again, however, they were all out of biscoff so I opted for the maple chai espresso and it was not my favorite. Cute ambiance and would recommend checking this place out though!

Fun cocktail bar featuring Gypsy spirits, sorry, no wine or beer. Colorful decor, with long bars…read morewith tall stools, several four tops and two areas with leathery sectionals. Friendly staff and excellent cocktails. The PB&J Mule is unique and outstanding. Tried Mint Juleps for the first time, wow! Ladies rooms are clean with lots of helpful items. Great vibe, highly recommend Gypsy Spirits!

Biscoff Martini NON ALCOHOLIC

Sugar Cookie

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Sugar Cookie

Trattoria Stella

4.4(860 reviews)

1.3 mi

So great! Service was prompt and professional. Menu changes daily and is exquisite. I enjoyed the…read moreseafood tasting appetizer which was amazing, fresh lettuce cups, perfect bitter crunch, fresh shrimp. I did catch a few shrimp shells but otherwise perfect. I did add a bit of lime juice and salt for flavor. The bread was delicious! I met a new friend at the bar and she and I enjoyed splitting the Wagyu beef 8 ounce with risotto. This was delicious and perfectly prepared rare with a chat. The risotto gravy was a bit rich for me. I would have loved a steak sauce but enjoyed adding lemon butter. Wonderful all around night before my asylum tour.

My husband and I came here to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. This was our first date night…read morein over a year after having our baby, so we were really looking forward to a special evening. The restaurant itself had a beautiful, rustic and romantic atmosphere, and the hostess was lovely about accommodating our request for a quieter table. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill once our waitress began taking our order. She initially gave us great wine recommendations and was pleasant while explaining the specials. However, when I decided to order the white pizza instead of the trout because I wanted something lighter, her attitude completely changed. She became noticeably aggressive and dismissive, which made us feel as though we were being judged for choosing a less expensive item from the menu. The service continued to be disappointing. I had to ask for the complimentary bread, and I waited nearly 30 minutes for the second half of my wine. When we asked about it, we were abruptly told that the bar was busy. Her tone throughout the rest of the meal was extremely inconsistent, including literally yelling across the table, "How's the food?" It was so unexpected that my husband and I almost had to laugh. Unfortunately, the food itself didn't make up for the experience. The appetizers were decent, but our mains--the ravioli and white pizza--were very average and lacked flavor. We've been to many fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and we understand that service can occasionally have an off night. What was disappointing here was feeling judged based on what we chose to order. Customers should feel comfortable ordering anything from a restaurant's own menu without being treated differently because of the price. The restaurant itself has a beautiful atmosphere and a lot of potential, but given our overall experience, we unfortunately won't be returning or recommending it to family and friends.

Dining Atmosphere

Flatbread WHITE PIZZA

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Chef's Table with blood sausage

Low Bar

4.5(153 reviews)

0.3 mi

Great selection of bourbon pours and a neat atmosphere most people walk right by. Highly recommendread more

Nicely dimmed lounge with a variety of seating for different group sizes. Drinks were expertly…read morecrafted. The drink menu is extensive - huge selection of Bourbons. Service is attentive ** note: there is no food service or snacks that we observed

Seating area

Sidecar

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Krampus Old Fashioned

PepeNero Ristorantino Mediterraneo

4.4(314 reviews)

1.3 mi

Best Italian I've had. The smoke old fashioned was fantastic. Service was exceptional. Our…read moreentire group was very impressed.

Higher end restaraunt at the commons. Enjoyed some dishes more than others but overall a great…read moreexperience. We sat at the bar which was staffed by two very efficient bartenders who did it all. It was nice to be able to see right through to the kitchen from the bar. Really enjoyed the mussel special (not sure if this is always on the menu). The prosciutto fig salad was quite good too but a very small serving size for two people to share as an appetizer. The crostini served with the burrata was very tasty and crispy. The best dish was the fettuccine which has pork ragu and fresh parmesan. This was recommended by our server and it did not disappoint. I only wish there were just a couple more noodles because the amount of meat was very generous. If you're deciding between here and the other Italian place also at the Commons (I don't think I can say it by name) I would actually recommend PepeNero's over that one!!!!

Dining area

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The Little Fleet

4.4(299 reviews)

0.2 mi

This is THE hotspot in TC. There's live music outside and an always-changing array of food…read moretrucks. The inside bar is cool and there is usually not a wait for drinks (there's also an outside bar).

Popped over after a boat tour on the Nauti-Cat. Was craving a slice of pizza but they didn't sell…read moreby the slice so went with kids noodles and tofu from Szechuan place and this was a perfect mid afternoon snack. Enjoyed the soft egg add on. Next time would try the chili oil add on. Each is separate. Loved the outdoor seating options and loved indoor air conditioning option more! Full bar inside to add on beverages. Loved the upbeat Latin music inside!

Small art poster wall outside Little Fleet

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Bar

H&L Social

3.4(22 reviews)

0.4 mi

Nate and I came to this rooftop bar on the recommendation of a local we met at Lil Bo's…read more I love a good rooftop bar and this one was quite nice. It was a bit windy when we were there, but we were pretty sheltered and shaded where we sat, which was nice. The views of the bay were beautiful and we enjoyed watching the sailboats and birds. The bar has plenty of options for all, including n/a choices. I got an aperol spritz and Nate got the mule, which had fresh blueberry and spicy ginger beer. Loved the mule! They do have a food menu, but we had just eaten so we just enjoyed the views and our beverages. I'm glad we learned about this spot, because it had not come up in my search. I'd come back!

Excellent group meal. Excellent, friendly service. We will go back again. Great find through yelp…read moresearch while on vacation.

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Crab cakes

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Red Spire Brunch House

4.3(259 reviews)

1.3 mi

Excellent fresh food. Servers are good. The kicker is that it's located in the old state…read morepsychiatric hospital, not a place you'd usually dine in.

The food was very good, the service was good. Our server, Dylan, was friendly, helpful and brought…read moreitems out in a timely manner. The regular coffee was delicious, the stuffed French toast was delicious, the eggs benny was okay, but we would try the omelette next time. The only thing we did not like was the sausage patties. The sausage was good quality but way too sage in it--it overpowered the fennel and other spices in it. I would try the sausage links next time to see if they are less packed with sage. And you definitely need reservations. They say they are recommended, they really should be required on the weekends and peak tourist season.

Outside the café from the asylum walkway

Croissant French toast

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Bushell’s Kitchen & Cocktails

4.2(35 reviews)

0.2 mi

TC has a burgeoning foodie scene and Bushell's is on the edge of that. Not too high-priced, nor…read moreimpossible to get a reservation. This is a place to just get some quality food, presented beautifully in a friendly, unpretentious setting.

Torn on this review- want to love it, but quite can't. The food was good- no doubt. The truffle…read morefries, amazing. The blue cheese martini- impeccable. The pork loin? I mean look at it! The food- off the charts. Highly suggest the cornbread! But the service- a bit slow as there were only two servers covering the entire floor, and it started to get quite busy after we arrived. Staff- friendly and as attentive as they could be, but found ourselves waiting quite a bit. All in all, pretty good experience, but room for improvement.

Nana's Green Beans

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Back porch

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2 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Josh F.

0

6

4

8 years ago

Great experience at this new steakhouse in Traverse City. The owner, John McGee, was in the restaurant during our dining experience and was kind enough to stop by the table and say hello. Fantastic menu with reasonable prices--something for everyone! read more

Stacey H.

354

2

4

8 years ago

Great service and amazing food! Will definitely be back. The filet and the scallops were fantastic!

Slate - steak - Updated September 2026

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Apache Trout Grill

3.8

(812 reviews)

Great location, right across from the lake, with outdoor seating for perfect lake views while you…read moredine! The restaurant is casual, has comfortable seating and plenty of lake view tables in their main dining room. The menu had a nice selection of handhelds, salads, sandwiches and entrees. We tried the shrimp/lobster bisque, perch and chips basket and the panko walleye sandwich. Our server was attentive and friendly, we loved everything and will definitely go back!

The food here was absolutely excellent. My wife had the cherry chicken salad. and it was…read moreincredible. I had the walleye and it also was very good. Matt, our server was the best that I've had in years. Highly recommend. No

The Pretty Penny Steakhouse

3.9

(10 reviews)

Great service. Amazing food and drinks. Would highly recommend this place for a great steak.read more

We stopped in on a Thursday evening. We got seated right away. Our server Sophie was fantastic. We…read morestarted with a couple of drinks. I have the mezcal old fashion and my wife had the berry margarita and they were both fantastic. We ordered some oysters Rockefeller and they were also delicious. They had a little bit of smokey bacon on them and it a very good bite. My only complaint would be I wish they were more equal in size I fell like a couple were tinier then the others. We shared the tenderloin which is 12oz, added the herbed butter. The steak was cooked prefect and I liked that they sliced it too. We had their garlic mashed potatoes, they just tasted like potatoes to me and the creamed spinach which was absolutely amazing!! I would've loved a dessert but we were just too full. The ambience was okay, we were seated literally next to the kitchen and it was very loud but nothing crazy. We had. Very nice and romantic dinner and I would recommend.

Firefly Restaurant

3.9

(481 reviews)

We came here for dinner on our first night in Traverse city. No reservations but they seated us…read morequickly. 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!

So delicious!! We found parking right in front on the street and didn't have to pay since it is…read moreSunday. 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.

Bradley's Pub & Grille

4.0

(52 reviews)

Unfortunately, our first visit will also be our last…read more We had a 5:30 reservation before a concert and were seated immediately. Unfortunately, that was the last thing that happened quickly. It took about 10 minutes for our waitress to come to the table. We were given food menus but no drink menu, and eventually had to ask another waitress for one. Once our server arrived, we could already tell things were moving slowly, so we ordered everything at once--drinks, appetizer, and entrees. Surprisingly, the appetizer came fairly quickly. Our drinks, however, didn't arrive until more than five minutes later--after the appetizer had already been served. Then came the worst part: we waited over an hour for our entrees. During that time, we watched three other tables that arrived after us get completely served before we did. That's one of my biggest pet peeves in a restaurant. Our waitress repeatedly stopped by to tell us our food was coming, but it simply didn't. When the food finally arrived, it was cold and mediocre at best. We had a 5:30 reservation and didn't leave until around 7:00. Thankfully, we had allowed plenty of time before our concert. I still left a 15% tip because I know serving is a difficult job. For perspective, I normally tip 30-40%, and I honestly can't remember the last time I left only 15%. But after being virtually ignored for that long, watching several tables that arrived after us get served first, and then receiving cold, mediocre food, I couldn't justify more. Very disappointing experience. If you have three hours to spare, give it a try. Otherwise, I'd stay away. Sorry to say, but we won't be back.

The food delicious. The service top notch…read more The ambiance warm and cozy on the early November winters day!

The Cooks' House

4.4

(302 reviews)

This is one of the times when you need more than five stars. Cook's House is simply outstanding…read more Every aspect of the experience was wonderful. The restaurant is a house in downtown Traverse City. They only have space for 22 seats, and it was never full during our visit. It is intimate and welcoming. I made a reservation three months ahead, and obtained a seating for 8pm. We were welcomed warmly, and immediately seated. A complimentary mushroom broth "tea" was brought out. My friend who does not like mushrooms even enjoyed it. The service was perfect. Our server understood how to facilitate tasting courses, and the one very small misstep (under down steak for the member of our party that is pregnant, so it was not a being picky situation) was immediately handled without needing to be asked. The wine sommelier did a beautiful pairing. She offered the right level of presentation. Our group of four did the tasting menu. As they are farm to table, and the menu is constantly changing, it is not beneficial to discuss specific menu items. I do want to say the celery soup was representative of the experience, something I would not think to try or sounded amazing but was. My non dessert eating friend loved her dessert, she actually ate the entire cake. Interesting, creative, but not pretentious. A meal to be remembered.

One of the best meals I've had in many many years. The service and employees are all very amazing…read more We were seated outside and when it started to rain. The staff tried to get us to move indoors, but the overhang on the patio was plenty to keep us dry and plus we got a free show of everyone across the street at the food truck park trying to scramble. Got the 5 course tasting with wine paring and it was more than enough food. No way could I have even tackled the 7 course!

Old Mission Tavern

5.0

(18 reviews)

Tried it for the first time last and we had a lovely meal. Ambiance is a little dated, but also…read morecharming. Service was outstanding. The food was not dated at all - local, fresh, creative. Cocktails and wine list were excellent. Our favorite food item was the burrata appetizer. We asked for a side of bread and the chef delivered perfectly grilled bread to mop up the last bit of the burrata. Very tasty!

Definitely becoming my favorite northern Michigan restaurant. The food is exceptional and the…read morespecials are always unique. This week's duck breast was amazing. Anna has been our server our last two visits and she is wonderful as is all staff that we have interacted with. The drive up the peninsula is so scenic and the up north vibe makes for just a perfect evening out.

Bushell’s Kitchen & Cocktails

4.2

(35 reviews)

TC has a burgeoning foodie scene and Bushell's is on the edge of that. Not too high-priced, nor…read moreimpossible to get a reservation. This is a place to just get some quality food, presented beautifully in a friendly, unpretentious setting.

Torn on this review- want to love it, but quite can't. The food was good- no doubt. The truffle…read morefries, amazing. The blue cheese martini- impeccable. The pork loin? I mean look at it! The food- off the charts. Highly suggest the cornbread! But the service- a bit slow as there were only two servers covering the entire floor, and it started to get quite busy after we arrived. Staff- friendly and as attentive as they could be, but found ourselves waiting quite a bit. All in all, pretty good experience, but room for improvement.

Trattoria Stella

4.4

(860 reviews)

So great! Service was prompt and professional. Menu changes daily and is exquisite. I enjoyed the…read moreseafood tasting appetizer which was amazing, fresh lettuce cups, perfect bitter crunch, fresh shrimp. I did catch a few shrimp shells but otherwise perfect. I did add a bit of lime juice and salt for flavor. The bread was delicious! I met a new friend at the bar and she and I enjoyed splitting the Wagyu beef 8 ounce with risotto. This was delicious and perfectly prepared rare with a chat. The risotto gravy was a bit rich for me. I would have loved a steak sauce but enjoyed adding lemon butter. Wonderful all around night before my asylum tour.

My husband and I came here to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. This was our first date night…read morein over a year after having our baby, so we were really looking forward to a special evening. The restaurant itself had a beautiful, rustic and romantic atmosphere, and the hostess was lovely about accommodating our request for a quieter table. Unfortunately, the experience went downhill once our waitress began taking our order. She initially gave us great wine recommendations and was pleasant while explaining the specials. However, when I decided to order the white pizza instead of the trout because I wanted something lighter, her attitude completely changed. She became noticeably aggressive and dismissive, which made us feel as though we were being judged for choosing a less expensive item from the menu. The service continued to be disappointing. I had to ask for the complimentary bread, and I waited nearly 30 minutes for the second half of my wine. When we asked about it, we were abruptly told that the bar was busy. Her tone throughout the rest of the meal was extremely inconsistent, including literally yelling across the table, "How's the food?" It was so unexpected that my husband and I almost had to laugh. Unfortunately, the food itself didn't make up for the experience. The appetizers were decent, but our mains--the ravioli and white pizza--were very average and lacked flavor. We've been to many fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, and we understand that service can occasionally have an off night. What was disappointing here was feeling judged based on what we chose to order. Customers should feel comfortable ordering anything from a restaurant's own menu without being treated differently because of the price. The restaurant itself has a beautiful atmosphere and a lot of potential, but given our overall experience, we unfortunately won't be returning or recommending it to family and friends.

Fife Lake Inn

3.3

(56 reviews)