restaurant guide | dining
Moka A fireplace in, a rustic-modern patio out, plus Italian coffees, irresistible sandwiches and baked creations. BLD • $ 102 SOUTH BRIDGE LANE, BELLAIRE, 231.533.6262
Pelican's Nest Gourmet burgers, smoked ribs, sandwiches, salads homemade desserts. D • BAR $-$$ 5085 SHANTY CREEK
The Landing Restaurant Come by boat or car and watch the Ironton Ferry motor back and forth while you eat at this newly renovated lakeside fun-food spot on Lake Charlevoix. Beach fries, New England lobster roll, great burgers, bbq and other fab summertime food. LD • BAR • $-$$ 10231
RD, BELLAIRE, 231.533.9000
FERRY RD., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.2960
Porter Creek Fish House Fresh fish and locally sourced ingredients. Steak, chicken and pasta also featured. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Sommerset Pointe Marina and Lake Charlevoix while you dine. Covered and open patio dining. Arrive by car or boat! Hours vary seasonally. LD • BAR •
The Tilted Skillet Sports bar with crab cakes, pierogies, bacon-stuffed burgers and a deck overlooking Lake Charlevoix. LD • BAR • $-$$ 115 MAIN ST., EAST JORDAN,
$$-$$$ 00970 MARINA DR., BOYNE CITY, 231.592.7080
Red Mesa Grill Colorful decor and creative Latin American cuisine with Costa Rican and Argentinean influences punctuate this lively spot. LD • BAR • $$ 117 WATER ST., BOYNE CITY,
231.582.0049
Shanty Creek Resort Lakeview—Innovative regional cuisine at Shanty Creek Resort with a view of Lake Bellaire. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. The River Bistro—Breakfast buffet, sandwiches, pizzas and 45 regional beers on tap; Arnie’s at the Summit—Breakfast, Lunch, (springfall) Ivan’s Mountainside Gril—Schuss Village-Pub food. BLD • BAR 1 SHANTY CREEK RD. (M-88), BELLAIRE, 800.678.4111 Short’s Brewing Co. Sip Joe Short’s fabulous brew, and dine from the deli menu in a renovated hardware store. LD • BAR • $ 121 N. BRIDGE ST., BELLAIRE, 231.533.6622
Walloon Lake Inn Exceptional culinary skills play out in a newly renovated, century-old pine-paneled lakeside lodge. D • BAR • $$-$$$ 4178 WEST ST., WALLOON LAKE
VILLAGE, 231.535.2999
CHARLEVOIX/CENTRAL LAKE/ ELLSWORTH/EAST JORDAN
That French Place Authentic French creperie and ice cream shop. BLD • $ 212 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.6037 Bridge Street Taproom Michigan craft brews, beer-friendly small plates, local charcuterie and bird’s-eye views of the yacht traffic on Round Lake. D L • BAR • $-$$ 202
BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.437.3466
231.536.3395
Rowe Inn A unique fresh and from-scratch dining experience that has stood the test of time. D • BAR •$$$ 6303 E. JORDAN RD., ELLSWORTH, 231.588.7351
Scovie’s Gourmet Deli & Bake Shop Fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and baked goods star here. Dinner is bistrostyle comfort food. LD • $-$$ 111 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.237.7827
Stafford’s Weathervane Local fish, seafood and regional cuisine in a Hobbit-style Earl Young stone structure with massive fireplace overlooking the Pine River Channel.
Esperance Gourmets will adore dishes prepared with dazzling technique in this specialty food and wine shop. D •
$-$$$ 12853 U.S. 31 N., CHARLEVOIX, 231.237.9300
ELK RAPIDS
• $-$$ 6487 W. WESTERN AVE., GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.3754
Chef Charles’ Culinary Institute of America-trained Chef Charles Egeler makes gourmet pizzas, Ligurian-style takeout pesto, salads and sandwiches in a classic pizzeria. LD • $ 147
RIVER ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.8901
Cellar 152 Wine and Gourmet Market Gourmet meals to take out or eat in and wine bar on the Elk River. BLD
• BAR • $-$$ 152 RIVER ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.9000 BL • $$ 145 AMES ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231.498.2190
151 RIVER ST., ELK RAPIDS, 231. 264.6062
Bella Fortuna North Traditional Florentine cuisine created by an Italian chef who trained at the world-renown Peck Gastronomy in Milan. Traditional Tuscan family dinners on Sundays. Outdoor dining on an award-winning terrace featuring a competition level bocce court and outdoor bar. Blu Exquisite regional cuisine from chef Randy Chamberlain in an intimate setting on Sleeping Bear Bay. D • BAR • $$$$ LAKE ST., GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.2530
The Bluebird A mainstay for locals and boaters since 1927. Specialties: cinnamon rolls, whitefish, seafood, steak, pasta, creative ethnic feasts during the off-season. Sun. brunch. LD • BAR $$ 102 E. RIVER ST., LELAND, 231.256.9081 Boone Dock’s Log lodge with roomy deck, shrimp, burgers, steaks. LD • BAR • $$ 5858 MANITOU, GLEN ARBOR, 231.334.6444 Boone’s Prime Time Pub Seafood, steaks and burgers in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and a lively, friendly wait staff.
GAYLORD
Bennethum’s Northern Inn Fresh eclectic cuisine and updated regional favorites in a cozy Northwoods setting. Creative kids menu, Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $-$$$ 3917 SOUTH OLD 27, GAYLORD, 989.732.9288
LD • BAR • $$ 102 ST. JOSEPH, SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.6688
Big Cat Brewing Company Formerly the Cedar Rustic Inn, serves the same great comfort food including pot roast, perch and Southern-fried chicken, but now with housebrewed beer. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 8699 S. GOOD HARBOR TR.,
Michaywé Inn the Woods Casual, Up Northy, with a lake view, steaks and seafood. LD • BAR • $–$$ 1535 OPAL LAKE
CEDAR, 231.228.2282
La Señorita Mexican cantina with fajitas, jumbo margaritas. LD • BAR • $ 737 W. MAIN, GAYLORD, 989.732.1771
The Cove Seafood, steaks and great bar food (don’t miss the Chubby Mary—a bloody Mary with a smoked chub in it!) served up in the heart of Fishtown on the Leland River. Sunny days, catch a seat at Rick’s Café on the deck
696 E. MAIN ST., GAYLORD, 989.732.5181
Jordan Inn Victorian B&B with terrific eggs Benedict and crêpestyle pancakes, fresh lunches and European-style dinners by reservation. BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 288 MAIN ST., EAST
Tap Room 32 Twenty handles of Michigan craft beers and a menu of modern brew-friendly vittles like truffle fries and Korean beef tacos. D • $$ 141 North Court Ave., Gaylord, 989.748.8552
LD • BAR • $-$$ 230 FERRY AVE., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.2960
NORTHPORT, 231.386.5851
D • BAR • $$ 104 MAIN ST., LAKE LEELANAU, 231.994.2400
The Local All-American breakfast and lunch done better.
Grey Gables Inn Graceful, intimate Victorian across from the harbor. D • BAR • $–$$$ 308 BELVEDERE, CHARLEVOIX,
JORDAN, 231.536.9906
Traverse City
Barb’s Bakery House-baked goods famous for cinnamon twists, doughnuts, croissants and more. $ 112 N. MILL ST.,
LD • BAR • $-$$ 427 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.6925
Otsego Club American and international menu, nice wine list in a log lodge overlooking the Sturgeon River Valley. The Duck Blind Grille—Casual evening dining. D • BAR • $$
Dine on burgKelsey B’s Lakeside Food & Spirits ers, steaks and fish and soak up the Lake Charlevoix views.
Frankfort
Art’s Tavern Burgers, whitefish, steaks, Mexican and pizza. Smelt year-round at this legendary watering hole. BLD • BAR
Great Lakes Whitefish & Chips Deep-fried whitefish.
231.547.9261
Cedar
Villager Pub Terry Left’s downstairs digs feature a ’50s atmosphere, whitefish, Mexican, ribs, sandwiches, pizza.
The Front Porch Sit elbow-to-elbow with neighbors for fellowship and affordable home-cooked food. BL • $ 9235 LD • BAR • $$ 427 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.4374
Empire
45th Parallel Cafe Artsy spot with creative breakfast and Manistee Cadillac lunch. BL • $-$$ 102 S. BROADWAY, SUTTONS BAY, 231.271.2233
RD., MICHAYWÉ, 989.939.8800
MAIN ST., ELLSWORTH, 231.588.2000
kalkaska/mancelona B & B Express Signature burgers on the menu and great breakfasts. BLD • $-$$ 203 S Cedar St., Kalkaska, Petoskey 231.258.9778 Shirley’s Café An ultra-friendly, all-homemade oasis. BLD • $ 528 S. WILLIAMS ST., MANCELONA, 231.587.1210 Northport Trout Town Café Homey fishermen spot with sautéed rainbow trout and eggs, Leland pecan-crusted French toast for breakfast; braised brisket and home-roasted turkey Suttons Bay for dinner. BLD • $ 306 ELM ST., KALKASKA, 231.258.2701 Glen Arbor
D • BAR • $$ 112 ANTRIM ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.2799
Siren Hall Sup on classics such as short ribs, steak frites, fresh-off-the-plane fruits de mer and homey sides like risotto “tots” and bleu cheese green beans. LD • BAR • $-$$$
BAR • $$–$$$ 307 BRIDGE ST., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.7450
Mackinaw
LEELANAU COUNTY
The Drawbridge Bistro Casual and relaxed setting offering bistro fare on Round Lake. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 100 MICHIGAN AVE., CHARLEVOIX, 231.758.3801
BLD • BAR • $-$$$ WILKINSON RD., GAYLORD, 800.444.6711
Terry’s Place Small white-tablecloth eatery with a high tin ceiling. Try the perch or filet mignon. Mouthwatering.
Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen Every day’s Mardi Gras at this festive spot, where Cajun, Creole, seafood, sandwiches and big brunches accompany lively sounds of Zydeco, jazz and blues. LD • BAR • $-$$ 617 AMES, ELK RAPIDS, 231.264.0530
East Park Tavern French-influenced American cuisine featuring prime rib, John Cross Whitefish and specialty cocktails at the Quay Restaurant and Terrace Bar in Charlevoix. LD •
LEELANAU
LD • BAR • $$ 106 PINE RIVER LN., CHARLEVOIX, 231.547.4311
The Blue Pelican A vintage 1924 inn, home to a genteel front porch, Carolina-style pulled pork, steaks, seafood and a blend of down South and Up North hospitality. D • BAR • $$ 2535 M-88, CENTRAL LAKE, 231.544.2583
Treetops Sylvan Resort Three restaurants: Legends, Hunters Grille, & Sports Bar. Steak, burgers, ribs, pasta, signature pizza, chicken, fish and gluten-free selections. Featuring a selection of 100 Michigan craft beer, wines, fabulous martinis and the dynamic Cookies, our Treetops house band.
LD • BAR • $$-$$$ LELAND, 231.256.9834
Dick’s Pour House Homemade soups and pies, sandwiches, pizza. LD • BAR • $-$$ 103 W. PHILIP ST., LAKE LEELANAU,
231.256.9912
Earth Wind & Fryer Fresh, funky street food from this food truck. Duck burgers anyone? LD • $ 112 W NAGONABA ST., NORTHPORT, 231.432.0268
The Old Depot 1900s train depot features homestyle burgers, steaks, chops, prime rib, seafood, pies and pastries.
NEW Fig's Sandwiches, breakfasts, salads homemade with
BLD • $$ 10826 M-32 E., JOHANNESBURG, 989.732.3115
$$ 202 WEST MAIN STREET, LAKE LEELANAU, 231.256.7720
Sugar Bowl Restaurant In the heart of the Alpine Village, this vintage 1919 eatery serves whitefish, prime rib and Greek specialties. BLD • BAR • $$-$$$ 216 W. MAIN ST., GAYLORD, 989.732.5524
Fischer’s Happy Hour Tavern Rustic family-style roadhouse known for burgers, soups and raspberry pie. LD • BAR
local ingredients. Great selection of vegetarian dishes. BL •
• $ 7144 N. M-22, BETWEEN NORTHPORT AND LELAND, 231.386.9923
Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine |
SEP '18
79
Gaylord