Traverse City offers locals and visitors an incredible experience. I recently visited for a week and had such a wonderful time. Here is a summary of the best restaurants I enjoyed during my trip.
Grand Traverse Pie Company
Quite simply, Grand Traverse Pie Company lives pie. So I had their pot pie as well as some of their amazing dessert pies. I was not dissapointed at all! I was absolutely blown away. Grand Traverse Pie Company has a great variety of sandwiches, salads, pies and much more. I have to be honest, the key lime pie and Oreo pie were the highlights. There is also a peanut butter blossom that is to die for. Just think of a cookie in cupcake form with loads of peanutbutter and chocolate. That's pretty much the best way to describe it.
We stopped in for breakfast, everything was wonderful. Had fresh homemade quiche, a huge cinnamon roll with lots of cream cheese frosting, pumpkin bread, and coffee. They had outside seating available. Service is fast casual style. Our only regret is we didn't have room for pie, and all looked fabulous. Would highly recommend stopping when you are in Traverse City. lilbuckeye
Red Mesa Grill
Red Mesa Grill's food selections are influenced by Mexico, the Carribean, South America and more. All of the usual Mexican food is available such as quesadillas, nachos and burritos. But there are also some exotic specialties such as Cuban black bean cakes, Brazillian steak, and Carribean shrimp tacos. Come hungry. Expect a line. But it's worth the wait. This is by far the best Mexican/Latin restaurant in town.
We were traveling through TC and found this restaurant on our drive. The service was excellent and we loved the food. We started with the black bean cakes—delicious! We had a burrito and an enchilada platter, as well as a side salad. Everything was very fresh and well prepared. Would definitely go back! AlliWhiting
Don's Drive In
If you've been searching for a '50s carhop with real burgers, real hand dipped milkshakes and real malts, you absolutely want to visit Don's Drive In. Don's Drive In was founded in 1958, bringing great food and good times to its customers. Don's offers a variety of American food, including grilled cheese, tuna fish, charbroiled chicken sandwiches, Reubens, footlong hotdogs, coney dogs, chicken fingers, and more.
We found a hidden gem while driving around in Traverse City! Don’s Drive-In is very retro and fun! It brought back fond memories of the drive-ins of days past that have great fast food choices. Nothing like a great Michigan coney dog and fried dill pickle spears dipped in Ranch dressing! The food was hot and freshly made. 986sallys
So there you have it. Those are the three best restaurants in Traverse City. Visit any of them and you'll be glad you did and you're sure to leave with a full stomach.