Setting aside time to enjoy a great vacation alongside family and friends is always a treat for those who make their way to Traverse City, Michigan. This inviting, scenic, and exciting destination has something for everyone whether you’re longing to enjoy time in the great outdoors or you can’t wait to relax and unwind in style. A highlight of a trip this way for many travelers is the opportunity to add lakeside dining into the experience. When you’re looking for a picture-perfect place to settle in and enjoy a delicious dish with lake views included, the following list is a wonderful place to start.
Elevate Your Dining Experience at Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern
Guests who enjoy a meal at Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern during their Traverse City stay will find the very best of New American cuisine can be enjoyed alongside stunning views out over Lake Michigan. The menu of options here is decided Great Lakes-inspired and the service is always friendly. You’ll find a wide variety of farm-fresh fare to pick and choose from that’s sourced from local farms and emphasizes an appreciation for sustainability and culinary craftsmanship alike. Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern is located at 615 E. Front Street in Traverse City and offers up a welcoming and cozy aesthetic for guests complete with dark wood finishes and plush benches and inviting tables for patrons to gather around.
Begin your meal here with appetizer selections ranging from shrimp cocktail and Great Lakes chowder to roasted pork belly, lemon tahini cauliflower or sausage and kale soup. The Chef’s five course tasting menu is always a treat with selections showcased such as filet mignon, scallops, artisan cheeseburgers, maple glazed salmon, poached halibut, pork tenderloin, and mushroom spaccatelli, to name a few of many. No matter what you order up, a side of truffle fries is in order while the impressive wine list means there’s always a perfect red, white, or sparkling pairing for your dish.
Bask in the Sunshine with a Lake View at Blush Rooftop Terrace
In the warm weather months of the year, a stop at Blush Rooftop Terrace is a must for travelers who want mouthwatering moments and great lake views too. Located at 2227 US-31 in Traverse City within the Alexandra Inn, Blush Rooftop Terrace is open seasonally and while the menu is always mesmerizing to the tastebuds, it might just be the sweeping views of East Grand Traverse Bay that keep you coming back time and again. This eatery is located on the fifth floor which enhances the panoramic vistas over the waves whether you’re sitting down to enjoy a collection of small plates or making time for a stop at the full bar. There’s nothing more refreshing than watching the waves roll in while you share a great glass of local wine with family and friends. Oftentimes, you’ll find your stop at the Blush Rooftop Terrace includes live music in the evenings, and every once in a while, there are family-friendly movie nights offered here too. Wine tastings are available at Blush Rooftop Terrace upon request, and you can count on your varietals being served up with a side of friendly service too.
Settle in a Boathouse Restaurant
For a sunset dinner with colors sprawling over the waters of Bowers Harbor, Boathouse Restaurant in Traverse City has you covered. Located at 14039 Peninsula Drive, Boathouse Restaurant offers guests access to a gorgeous, window-lined dining room where they can enjoy a delicious lineup of menu options while savoring waterfront views too. This eatery is situated on the shores of Bowers Harbor and frames the bay and docks through wide panels throughout. In the summertime, guests are invited to get settled on the summer deck but if you stay indoors, you’ll be treated to a cozy, cottage atmosphere as well.
The menu at Boathouse Restaurant is curated by Chef Eric Nittolo who has earned a reputation for impeccable pairings when it comes to flavor, texture, and presentation. Sunday brunch at Boathouse Restaurant is a fan-favorite activity among locals and visitors alike but no matter when you drop by, you’ll find delicious options waiting for you. Some of the menu highlights here range from half shell oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail to grilled octopus and yellowfin tuna tartare. Guests will also find opportunities to enjoy wagyu carpaccio, shaver beef ravioli, tempura asparagus and lobster and shrimp bisque. You can’t go wrong when you order up the Lake Michigan walleye, but the North Road salmon is also a treat. Surf and Turf is ideal for a dinner for two while sides of lobster tail top off every meal in a mouthwatering style.
When you’re looking for just the right beverage to enjoy with your meal at Boathouse Restaurant, they offer up red and white wines as well as sparkling selections, beer, and a collection of inspired handcrafted cocktails as well.
Dine with a View and for a Great Cause at Lobdell’s
Traverse City-bound travelers looking for a way to give back to the community they’re visiting while enjoying a great meal and even better views will find it all at Lobdell’s. Located at 715 E. Front Street, Lobdell’s is a unique and delicious eatery that functions as a teaching restaurant for culinary students. When you dine here, you’re helping up and coming culinary artists learn their craft while enjoying a variety of innovative menu options and stunning views over Grand Traverse Bay. This 90-seat restaurant is elegant and inviting and is known and loved for hosting a variety of special events throughout the year.
You’ll need reservations in place to enjoy a meal at Lobdell’s, where you can make the most of a world cuisine series that’s sure to inspire. This option has culinary students preparing a small plate prix fixe menu that showcases dishes from around the globe. If you drop by for lunch, you’ll be treated to three courses of shareable plates that include an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Dinner service expands options to a four-course menu that’s topped off with a glass of wine or beer. Cuisine from France, Mexico, and Thailand is often emphasized but the potential for flavorful pairings is far-reaching!
Be sure to keep an eye on their event calendar for study abroad fundraiser dinners. These four-course Swiss-inspired menus feature delicious soups, raclette cheese, and tiramisu for dessert.
Cozy up and Enjoy the Vista at Apache Trout Grill
If you find yourself longing for some spectacular ribs or seafood, you can make the most of a savory moment at Apache Trout Grill. Located at 13671 S. West Bay Shore Drive, Apache Trout Grill offers up great views over West Grand Traverse Bay in a space that’s decidedly rustic chic. While indoor dining at Apache Trout Grill is great, if have the option, you’ll want to find a place on the outdoor patio to enhance the scenery as you dine. The casual and welcoming ambiance makes Apache Trout Grill a family-friendly location to enjoy that’s just as suitable for a romantic dinner out for two. Whether you stop by for a glass of local wine or stay for a full dinner, it’s a destination that’s sure to delight.
Top-rated menu options at Apache Trout Grill include choice steaks, BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, and homemade key lime pie too. You won’t want to leave without trying the Perch Reuben, but the TC Bourbon glazed burger is a fan favorite with every stop as well. From the Baja tacos to the panko crusted whitefish, the menu at Apache Trout Grill never fails to impress.
Savor a Drink on the Patio at West End Tavern
When you’re lingering near 12719 S West Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City, you’ll find you can enjoy a refreshing moment at West End Tavern which comes with water views too. This is a great place to stop for a glass of wine in good company, but the fresh air patio might just beckon you to stay longer for dinner. The sunny patio at West End Tavern is the perfect place to watch the boats sail by as you enjoy a menu of mouthwatering options.
Get a meal started with appetizers like calamari and maple-glazed bacon sprouts or spinach artichoke dip and lobster-stuffed mushrooms. If you’re looking to dine on the lighter side of life, West End Tavern hosts an array of salad options including golden beet, grilled Caesar, and fresh mixed greens. Guest-adored selections on the menu here often include the grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan halibut, pan-seared walleye, or the West End ribs. You can’t go wrong when you pair your dish with French onion soup or make some space for lobster mac & cheese. There are sandwiches and pizza on the menu too while dessert ensures you’ll end things on a sweet note when you enjoy carrot cake, layered chocolate cake, or New York style cheesecake before you head out. West End Tavern is also an eatery where you can place an order for a tantalizing dessert cocktail like a chocolate martini, espresso martini, or a pineapple upside down cake martini upon request.
Spend Quality Time Together at Bubba’s
Established back in 2000 by Jeff and Trish Wiltse, Bubba’s Burgers and Bar has continued to thrive as a fan-favorite destination in Traverse City for those who are looking to dine close to the water and have a hankering for amazing fare! This restaurant is a burger-lover’s dream come true with a menu that features innovative topping combinations and prime patties to ensure a delicious experience every time you drop by.
Located at 428 East Front Street, Bubba’s has earned its reputation for excellence around hamburgers and burritos, but they have much more to offer when cravings come calling. Guests here can enjoy everything from onion rings and seasoned French fries to fried mac n’ cheese bites before moving on to more robust selections like Reubens, turkey clubs, and honey melts. Bubba’s is also a great place to grab breakfast which is served up every day. Belgian waffles, egg sandwiches, and hashes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to delicious ways to start your day in Traverse City.
When you’re leaning towards the sweeter side of life, don’t leave Bubba’s without at least trying one of their many handmade milkshakes. Offered in flavors ranging from chocolate and vanilla to cherry, peanut butter, and strawberry, there’s something here for everyone in your traveling crew to love. If you’re dropping by for happy hour with friends, the cocktail list includes iced coffee kickers, Petoskey gin lemonade, and Bubba juice which pairs Bacardi Limon and Blue Curacao with peach Schnapps, Northwoods Lemon-lime and Sour mix.
Check Out Knot Just a Bar
When it’s a night out you’re after complete with great drinks, small bites, and beautiful views, Knot Just a Bar check every item on the list. Located at 5019 NW Bay Shore Drive in nearby Omena, Knot Just a Bar is a great place to dance the night away by the water in good company. They offer up a seasonal menu that showcases the best of Michigan flavors that are sure to satisfy. Their place on the Leelanau Peninsula and the shores of Grand Traverse Bay guarantees inspiring views no matter when you arrive. This is a popular place for guests to catch a game on TV, enjoy a happy hour together, or just relax and unwind at their own pace. There are even transient boat slips in place here if you plan your arrival by water.
Starter options at Knot Just a Bar include wings, crab dip, steak bites, buffalo shrimp, and artichoke dip. They have a variety of soups and salads on the menu as well as sandwiches like BBQ pork and burgers. If you have a more robust craving to curb, you might want to opt for the baby back ribs or rasta pasta. They also offer stone-baked pizza options while the sweets selection on the menu features carrot cake, brownie sundaes, and cheesecake too. Of course, there’s no shortage of beverage options at Knot Just a Bar. Here, you’ll find an impressive lineup of cocktails, wine, beer, and beyond.
Book Your Traverse City Stay Today
Elevate your Traverse City getaway in luxury and style when you book your vacation rental accommodations through True North. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to start planning your next trip.
