Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Lake Leelanau

"Trattoria Stella's a la carte menu changes twice daily, featuring local products when possible, the freshest fish that is flown in several times each week, and house made breads and desserts. Phone: +1 231-929-8989"

"Since 1996, Mike and Denise Busley have been making pies of all kinds (27 varieties of fruit pie, including six kinds of cherry pie) as well as seven kinds of cream pie, pot pies, quiches, cookies, scones and muffins. Dress code: CasualPhone: +1 231-922-7437"

"Anyone with a sweet tooth will think that Grand Traverse Pie Company is a paradise, and it’s the perfect stop for dessert. The first shop opened in 1996 on West Front Street. Then, the company opened a second location downtown on North Park Street."

"From Business: The Traverse City Park Street location is located in the heart of downtown on the ground floor of the 101 North Park Building. Occupying a spacious retail space…"

"Thin-crusted wood-fired flatbreads and flavorful house brews revitalize the Depot.LD • BAR • $-$$ • 642 Railroad Place • 231.946.8168"

"We got the house made cinnamon roll, Flo's Benedict, and the crab Benedict!. It was all awesome and came out hot!. Levi was a great server and answered all..."

"At Sparky’s Diner, you’ll get a classic menu for breakfast in Traverse City. Some of your options include omelets, country-style biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal, and steak and eggs. Two things that make the diner stand out, though, are the build-your-own eggs sandwich and the corned beef hash omelet, which features Swiss cheese."

"I gotta say though that for as much as I love eating comfort food at my own job, I need a break every now and then, you know, to change it up."

"A wide variety of mead along with some flavorful hard apple ciders.D • BAR • $$ • 119 N. Maple St. • 231.714.5028"

"Open since 1882, Sleder’s is the area’s oldest continuously-operating tavern. Aside from a charming and vibrant history, they’re also home to an excellent assortment of sandwiches and bar food classics with delicious midwestern twists (read: loads of cheese). The vibe is casual and homey and the decor historic, with old-school wooden booths and a host of taxidermied moose heads adorning the walls."

"Known for its old-fashioned and rustic interior featuring taxidermy, Sleder’s Family Tavern is located in one of the oldest saloons in Michigan. Established in 1882 in historic Slabtown, it offers a casual dining experience for families. The menu is extensive with fish, steak, burgers, Mexican dishes, fresh fries, and other sides."

"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. • 231.947.9213"

"With a name like The Original Flap Jack Shack, there’s no question about what to expect at this restaurant. Although it’s owned by the same group as The Omelette Shoppe, it has a slightly different style. The informal dining room is a fantastic place for families, and the variety of flapjacks is especially tantalizing."

"On the other side of busy U.S. 31 from the sprawling Traverse City State Park campground lies a long strech of peach and quiet. The Traverse City State Park Beach, which is accessible via an elevated walkway over the traffic, is one of Traverse City’s most popular beach spots. With picnic tables, restrooms, on-duty lifegaurds and an outlet of Mitchell Creek at the west end of the beach, it is the perfect place to bring a lunch and spend the day."

"This state park is located on the shore of the base of East Grand Traverse Bay and about 2 miles east of downtown. This 47-acre state park has about 350 campsites. Camping is currently closed due to the Cornovirus pandemic, but camping is scheduled to reopen on April 2, 2021."

"Best Beach for Picnics and a Book: Located next to the NMC College Maritime Academy and the Maritime Pier. It's a great park for relaxing and reading a book or taking a walk out on the pier. It boasts a deep lush grassy area from the road, Picnic Tables, Grills and Swing Set."

"Between Clinch Park and Bryant Park beaches is Sunset Park Beach. More urban lakefront, Sunset Park Beach a great place to read on the beach and enjoy views of bats from the nearby Duncan L Clinch Marina. It’s a great location, right off Front Street, about a block from the Traverse Bay Cafe."

"Best Family Beach: This most easterly of Traverse City�s West Bay beaches, boasts an elaborate playground, lifeguards, restrooms and lots of grills and picnic tables shaded by tall pines, Bryant Park offers relief from the afternoon sun and a fine swimming beach where children can be easily supervised. It�s also, hands down, the best place in town to sit on the beach and watch the sun go down It is located where Garfield-M37 and Peninsula Dr. intersect at the base of Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City MI"

"With its fat strip of sand, playground equipment on the grass, a plenitude of picnic tables (with grills) and a nice bathroom, Bryant Park, ranks high on family beach favorites. Smaller crowds seal the deal for those looking for a quieter beach scene than what’s found downtown. Plan a late afternoon gathering followed by picnic dinner and sunset, and you’ll have a day to remember."

"On the opposite side of West Grand Traverse Bay is Bryant Park. It’s a shaded picnic area with a playground and grills, which might make it the perfect place for families. It usually has lifeguards to give a little extra peace of mind."