Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in Lake Leelanau

"This kitchen/bar not only provides both great food and drinks, but also an amazing atmosphere. It has a great line-up of small plate and sushi offerings with one of the best happy hour deals in the city. Located only two blocks away from Front Street, Firefly provides its guests with a great view of the Boardman River."

"A dazzling small-plate menu, sushi, steaks and burgs at a sophisticated hotspot on the river. No longer hosts Sunday brunch.LD • BAR • $-$$ • 310 S. Cass St. • 231.932.1310"

"With a long, spacious bar and a professional beer taster for a general manager, this place has the best variety of craft brews in town. The tap list includes about 42 beers, two wines and two ciders, with a well-curated mix of flavors across the board. There are beers from a short drive away and from across the country, selected based on style and trend."

"Poppycocks is a long time favorite, and it was a pleasure to write this detailed post with them. They are easily one of the best restaurants in Traverse City and they have certainly stood the test of time as a local favorite. Poppycocks serves modern American fare, with food that is inspired by global cuisine."

"Artsy haunt serving fresh seafood, prime rib, inventive dinner entrees, fresh pasta, unique salads, sandwiches, and award-winning desserts. Everything made in-house. Quality wines by the glass."

"You can watch your pasta being made in front of you so that is cool, but I really didnt love the menu."

"Time and time again, Apache Trout is solid, with excellent service and one of the best views in the city. Situated right on the West Grand Traverse Bay, there isn’t a seat is the house where you can’t see the water. It’s so beautiful that not only makes it one of the best Traverse City Restaurants for date night, but also for a night out with friends and family."

"Rough-hewn eatery affords a great bay view along with ribs, steak, pasta and salad.LD • BAR • $$ • 13671 S. West Bay Shore Dr. • 231.947.7079"

"Settle in with a cocktail or bottle of wine and prepare yourself for fantastic French cuisine at Bistro FouFou. This quaint eatery in the heart of Traverse City is the perfect starting point for a romantic night on the town. Delight your palate with seasonal creations or traditional favorites like Steak Frites."

"Happy hour is the key to eating for less here, as their regular menu is upscale French with prices to match. A full meal isn’t likely, but stop by for an afternoon snack (just $3 for a glass of wine and $3-$5 for appetizers like steamed mussels, duck poutine, or brie en croute)."

"went in, was given glasses of complementary water, glass had big spot of mold on inside of glass, no apology or anything."

"Housemade tagliatelle, rigatoni and gnocchi are the specialties at this airy downtown delicatessen. The menu also sports several fresh salads and picnic-perfect sandwiches to choose from. The inside is spacious with plentiful seating and a casual countenance, but the close walk to Boardman Lake makes Raduno an excellent quick lunch pitstop for those on the go."

"Prefer to spend your northern Michigan vacation tending the backyard grill?. At least make sure whatever you’re cooking includes some sausages from Raduno. This deli-style cafe features a rotating selection of salads, vegetable sides, and daily specials, but the whole-animal sausages are especially impressive."

"We've been here all week from Cincinnati and this is the best meal we've had. Everything is freshly prepared and so friggin' delicious!"

"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"

"Best Beach for Amateur Archeologists and Snorkeling: A small, quiet beach at the end of Division Street on West Bay, with restrooms and a small parking lot, this can be a fine place for morning sunbathing and swimming, and is popular among families with small children. But its most unique feature is that much of Traverse City�s frontier waterfront was located just west of the beach -- you can still see the jagged stumps of old wharves and piers out in the water, which frequently washes up bits of sand-frosted glass and smoothed bits of planks from long-ago sawmills. Overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay at the foot of Division Street, on Grandview Parkway, just west of downtown."

"Running in a sandy arc from Traverse City’s Open Space a mile west to M-72, West End Beach has long provided a measure of summer’s vital signs. Locals and visitors stake out space on shore, while boaters anchor nearby, creating a boat-to-shore social scene. The region’s most active volleyball action fires up here as well, with teams competing nearly every evening all summer long."

"Adjacent to Volleyball Beach, separated by Division Street, on the west end of the downtown Traverse City shoreline is West End Beach. West End Beach is one of the favorite places for those who desire some quieter beach time than you’ll find on other downtown beaches. People go here for more tranquil mornings and take smaller kids here."

"At Moonstruck Gardens you’ll find cool houseplants, pots, handcrafted wreaths and arrangements, dried flower bunches, and one-of-a-kind garden and nature-related gifts. You will find Leelanau Lavender products here as well. We make them in small batches in Traverse City, using the highest quality ingredients that are organic, local and fair trade whenever possible."

"You would never guess by its cool and modern vibe that Union Street Station has been around since 1891. It is host to live music, karaoke, open mic nights, and good, simple fun. Check out their weekly specials."

"With regular live entertainment and a buzz-worthy atmosphere, this THE gathering spot.LD  • BAR • $ • 117 S. Union St. • 231.941.1930"