Dining

The Green House Café Wally Green’s long list of fresh sandwiches, inventive soups and salads plus a friendly staff add up to packed premises at lunchtime—and the short wait’s worth it. BL • $ 115 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 929-7687

Grand Traverse Pie Co. Exceptional cream and fruit pies, coffee, baked goods, pot pies, chicken salad and quiche. BL • $ 525 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 922-7437

Hanna Bustling bistro is T.C.’s mecca of class and cuisine. Fresh fish, smooth service, smart wine list. LD • BAR • $$–$$$ 118 CASS ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-8207

House of Doggs Retro hot dog counter is a hit with families by day and bar crowd by night. LD • $ 120 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 922-1348

Latté-DAH Sandwiches, soups and pastries, some direct from France. The topsy-turvy floor, a Slabtown original, adds to the charm. BL • $ 720 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 922-8722

Lil Bo Legendary Front Street spot offers excellent olive burgers, homemade comfort food and Italian. LD BAR • $-$$ 540 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-6925

Mackinaw Brewing Co. Nautical-themed brewpub offers great house-smoked meats, several styles of beers, tasty char-burgers, fish and ribs. LD • BAR • $$ 161 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 933-1100

Minerva’s In the historic Park Place Hotel. Italian-American menu, elaborate Sun. brunch. BLD • BAR • $$ 300 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-5093

Mode’s Bum Steer Classic steakhouse serves tender, well-aged charbroiled Black Angus steaks, seafood, ribs, soup, sandwiches. LD BAR • $$ 125 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-9832

North Peak Brewing Co. Loud and lively former candy factory with high ceilings, wood-fired pizzas, seafood, sandwiches, microbrewed beer and a jam-packed bar scene. LD • BAR • $$ 400 W. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 941-7325

Omelette Shoppe Vast array of omelets, homemade breads and pastries, soup and sandwiches. BL • $ 124 CASS AND 1209 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-0912 AND 946-0590

Paesano’s Charming spot with cozy booths puts pizza pie on a pedestal. LD $ 447 E FRONT ST. TRAVERSE CITY, 941-5740

Pangea’s Pizza Pub Patio seating and cozy booths for sharing pies made with golden crusts and a world of inventive toppings (beets, chorizo, cilantro, prosciutto, pecans …) LD • BAR $-$$ 135 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-9800

Phil’s on Front Mosaic-tiled chocolate bar/lounge and bistro. D • BAR $-$$ 236 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 929-1710

Poppycock’s Beautiful plates with focus on locally grown produce, seafood and fresh ethnic offerings. Pastry case with chocolate truffle cake, LD • BAR $-$$ 128 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 941-7632

Red Ginger Wrap yourself in fresh-sleek surroundings and the spicy-exotic flavors of Asia. LD • BAR • $-$$$ 237 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 944-1733

Scalawags Whitefish and Chips A new location for ultra fresh Great Lakes fish fry. LD $ 303 E. STATE ST., 933-8700

Stone House Café Gourmet sandwiches on artisanal, fresh salads, baked goods. BL • $ 202 E. STATE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 421-8282

Soul Hole Po’ boys, ribs, catfish, shrimp and grits and other eclectic Southern comfort food. Dine in or take out. LD $•$$ 408 S. UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 929-7238

NEW Union Cantina Great Mexican right downtown. BLD • BAR • $•$$ 127 UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 421-1663

Zakey Dining room and takeout counter offers Middle Eastern cuisine such as hommous, babaganouge and fatoush. LD • $ 149 E. FRONT ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 421-5472

Traverse City–East

Agave Mexican Grill Authentic, freshly made Mex. LD • BAR • $-$$ 851 S. GARFIELD, TRAVERSE CITY, 929-4408

Don’s Drive-In A ’50s-style diner and drive-in with booths, burgers, fries, shakes, nostalgic jukebox. LD • $ 2030 U.S. 31 N., TRAVERSE CITY, 938-1860

Golden Chopsticks Attractive full-service Asian eatery with Chinese and Thai specialties, sushi. LD $-$$ 1752 U.S. 31 N., TRAVERSE CITY, 938-1960

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Aerie—16TH-floor panorama of East Bay and regional fine dining. Music on weekends. D • BAR • $$-$$$ Sweetwater American Bistro—BLD $$ The Clubhouse Grille—open seasonally, with steaks, chops and fish. D • BAR • $$ U.S. 31 N., ACME 534-6000

La Señorita Bustling Mexican cantina with fajitas, jumbo margaritas. LD • BAR • $ 1245 S. GARFIELD AND 2455 N. U.S. 31 S., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-8820

Mabel’s Family restaurant with bakery, comfort food and breakfast anytime. BLD • $$ 472 MUNSON, TRAVERSE CITY, 947-0252

Red Mesa Grill Colorful spot with a fireplace, flights of tequila and Latin American cuisine. LD • BAR • $-$$ 1544 U.S. 31, TRAVERSE CITY, 938-2773

Schelde’s Grille & Spirits Casual family dining, bar area. Find mesquite-grilled steaks, seafood, soups and salads, Sun. brunch. LD • BAR • $$ 714 MUNSON, TRAVERSE CITY, 946-0981

Steven’s Place Casual and classy nightclub with uber-healthy gourmet cuisine, cocktails and dancing. LD • BAR • $$ 738 S. GARFIELD, TRAVERSE CITY, 929-8945

TraVino Wine & Grille Lively Mediterranean-style restaurant overlooking the Grand Traverse Resort’s golf course. Wide array of tapas-style appetizers, pasta, fish, steak, pizza, sandwiches and a large wine bar. LD • BAR • $$ 4341 M-72, WILLIAMSBURG, 938-9496

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel Bourbons 72—The saucier at this chic spot makes its namesake sing in pork chops, Kobe beef, blueberry bread pudding and more. Also seafood and prime rib. D • BAR • $$-$$$ The Deli—24-hour hangout with highstacked sandwiches, pizza and coneys. BLD • BAR • $ Level 3 Lounge—Nightclub with creative mixologist. Seasons Buffet—A glorious spread from homey to high-end. LD • BAR • $-$$ 7741 M-72, WILLIAMSBURG, 231-534-8888

Traverse City–South

Boone’s Long Lake Inn Big portions play a starring role in this rambling log cabin. Steaks, prime rib, seafood, daily specials. D • BAR • $$ 7208 SECOR RD., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-3991 Centre Street Cafe Fine and flavorful sammies and salads. L • $ 1125 CENTRE ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 946-5872

Hunan David Lin presides over this authentic Chinese eatery that’s hidden behind a Taco Bell. Seek it out for everything from General Tso’s to Thai to hand-rolled sushi. LD • $-$$ 1425 S. AIRPORT RD., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-1388

Opa! Classic Detroit-style coney and grill with mouthwatering Greek treats like crunchy falafel, rich spanakopita, gyros and lemon soup. BLD $-$$ 1752 S. GARFIELD AVE., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-6721

Willie’s Rear Full breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers. Counter and table seating. BL • $ 1315 WEST S. AIRPORT ROAD, TRAVERSE CITY, 421-5506

Traverse City–West

Apache Trout Grill Rough-hewn eatery affords a great bay view along with ribs, steak, pasta and salad. LD • BAR • $$ 13671 S. WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-7079

Scott’s Harbor Grill Modern, casual restaurant above the Harbor West Yacht Club with fresh Mex, seafood, nightly specials and indoor and outdoor seating. LD • BAR • $$ 12719 S. WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 922-2114

The Silver Swan Chef Yola Pepellashi and family turn out terrific ethnic fare and killer desserts in this small cafe with attached gift boutique. LD • $ 13692 S. WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 932-0203

Sleder’s Family Tavern Bar fare and entertainment under the original tin ceiling in one of Michigan’s oldest saloons. Kiss Randolph the moose before you leave. LD • BAR • $-$$ 717

RANDOLPH ST., TRAVERSE CITY, 947-9213

Trattoria Stella Exposed brick alcoves and a communal bar in this restored Building 50 spot make a cozy setting for an intimate Italian dinner or after-work aperitif. LD • BAR • $$-$$$ 1200 W. ELEVENTH, TRAVERSE CITY, 929-8989

Tuscan Bistro Great patio, marina delivery and Mickey Cannon’s fresh bistro eats with Cajun and Italian influences. BLD • BAR • $-$$ 12930 S. WEST BAY SHORE DR., TRAVERSE CITY, 231-922-7795

Benzonia/Beulah/Honor/Thompsonville

The Cherry Hut Jerry the Pie-Faced Boy has presided over this kitschy former fruit stand since 1922. Homemade cherry pies, jams, jellies, red-and-white-clad servers and American-style food. B (FRI.–SUN.), LD $ 216 N. MICHIGAN AVE. (U.S. 31), BEULAH, 882-4431

Crystal Cafe Casual Dining American-style food. Fri. & Sat. night fish fry. BLD • $. 1675 BENZIE HWY, BENZONIA, 882-9565

Crystal Mountain Resort Thistle Pub & Grille—Wood-paneled eatery, continental and Scottish specialties. LD • BAR • $-$$$. Wild Tomato Restaurant & Bar—Family Favorites. BLD • BAR • $-$$ Little Betsie Bistro—Handmade pizza, wings, salads. LD • BAR • $ M-115, THOMPSONVILLE, 946-3585 OR 378-2000

Hungry Tummy Restaurant Breakfast all day, daily specials, broasted chicken & pizza. BLD • $-$$. S BENZIE BLVD, BEULAH, 882-5103

Phoenix Cafe A renovated 1937 service station with fabulous ginger scones, breakfast sandwiches on homemade herb focaccia, tuna melts with fresh dill and parsley. BL • $ 245 S. BENZIE BLVD. BEULAH, 882-2005

The Roadhouse Fresh Mex with a cool cantina atmosphere, hip entertainment and patio dining. LD • BAR $-$$ 1058 MICHIGAN AVE. (U.S. 31), BENZONIA, 882-9631

Frankfort/Elberta

NEW Bayview Grille Burgers, steak, mussels, beignets, buffalo wings-—an eclectic menu served with a view of Betsie Bay. BLD • $-$$ 727 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-8050

Betsie Bay Inn Gorgeous renovated Victorian inn with delectable breakfasts, pub fare, elegant dinners and wine cellar. BLD • BAR • $-$$$ 231 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-8090

The Cabbage Shed A rambling produce warehouse from the late 1800’s is home to serene views, great suds, and superb eats like seared scallops, rack of lamb and Ritz-crusted walleye. D • $-$$ 198 FRANKFORT AVE., ELBERTA, 352-9843

Coho Café Contemporary cuisine—hand-rolled shrimp spring rolls, sesame-crusted yellow fin tuna, citrus-glazed salmon—with a focus on fresh seafood. Spacious patio overlooking Betsie Bay. LD • BAR • $$ 320 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-6053

Crescent Bakery A cool lunch counter looks ’50s, but the baked goods and sandwiches are pure 21st century, in the best way. Find artisanal breads, pies, cheesecakes, and hand decorated cookies. BL • $ 404 MAIN ST., 352-4611

Dinghy’s This ship-themed landmark serves up meaty ribs, turkey legs, chicken and pulled pork from the smoker. Great burgs and fresh soups. Come early for the Friday fish fry. LD • BAR • $$ 417 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-4702

The Fusion Asian delights like fiery curries and lettuce wraps (plus creative cocktails) served in a serene atmosphere on Frankfort’s main drag. BLD • $–$$ 300 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-4114

L’chayim Delicatessen NY style deli with sandwiches and bagels. BL • $ 274 S BENZIE BLVD, BEULAH, 882-5221

Mayfair Tavern At the crook of Betsie Bay, find a classic fisherman’s bar with herbed, pan-fried perch and walleye, wet burritos, liver and onions, 8 rotating taps. LD • BAR • $-$$ 515 FRANKFORT AVE., ELBERTA, 352-9136

Tali Bistro Linger over Italian, French, and Spanish dishes such as chicken Napoleon with Calvados beurre blanc, tilapia on polenta and duck l’orange in a serene spot with a glass mezzanine facing the street. D • BAR $-$$ 411 MAIN ST., FRANKFORT, 352-5252

Villa Marine Friday fish special. Saturday prime rib. American cooking. LD • $-$$ 228 MAIN ST FRANKFORT, 352-5450

Arcadia/Onekama

Blue Slipper Bistro Crowds flock to this cedar-paneled, beamceilinged, 100-plus-year-old spot with the big oak bar for elegant pastas, rainbow trout and beef tenderloin. LD • BAR • $$ 8058 1ST ST., ONEKAMA, 889-4045

The Glenwood Casual dining, almond-battered shrimp and bleu cheese filet mignon, homemade desserts. Open for dinner at 5 p.m. D • BAR • $–$$ 4604 MAIN ST., ONEKAMA, 889-3734