If you’re a visitor to the Traverse City area, you’re most likely acquainted with some of our bigger events, like Cherry Festival. But you may not know about the best time to be a foodie in Traverse City, which is indisputably Restaurant Week, which takes place from Feb. 20th until the 26th of this year. 

Restaurant Week in Traverse City is a time for chefs to show off their culinary vision, for local patrons to try something new at their favorite stops, and for those in the service industry, to experience cuisine at establishments other than their own. With restaurants showcasing 3-course meals at the reasonable price of $25 or $35 per person, locals will often dine out at 3 or more restaurants this week! 

Convinced you’ll need to make a trip of it? Follow these tips and dig in: 

PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE

 

What kind of experience are you looking for while dining out on Restaurant Week? Locals will clamor to get into a seating at restaurants often reserved for special occasions, like Boathouse, or Trattoria Stella, to experience fine dining at a reasonable cost. Forrest, a Food Studio, which normally offers small plate experiences to coordinate with their organic wine shop, offers a unique and intimate experience in their small dining room, still at Restaurant Week pricing. 

Rare Bird Brew Pub

However, locals also know that Restaurant Week offers something exciting from frequently visited favorites, as well! Eateries like Rare Bird will offer a creative special menu aside from their every day (delicious) offerings, and are worth making a reservation for!

BOOK AHEAD

 

Cooks House


Once you’ve decided on where to go, make a reservation as soon as possible. This week will book up quickly, and those who wait may find themselves out of luck when trying to make dinner plans. 

That said, some restaurants extend their Restaurant Week menu for even more people to enjoy! Seasonal fine dining restaurant The Cook’s House will extend its menu beyond one week, offering a 3-course meal for $35 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout March. Amical also hosts an exciting Cookbook series throughout the Winter and Spring for those looking to experience additional special menus.

2022 AND ITS REALITIES

 

Group drinking cider at Taproot

 

Alas, it goes without saying that this is still a difficult time to dine out. COVID-19 continues to rock the restaurant world, and Traverse City is no exception. 

If you’re looking for outdoor dining, consider Taproot Cider House, which offers farm-to-table dining and an extensive cider menu along with limited reservable enclosed outdoor seating pods. Farm Club, while not participating in Restaurant Week pricing, also has reservable outdoor seating options, like space around a fire pit, or the Shepherd’s Tent, which is specifically booked for a ‘chef’s table’ style of experience. 

Wherever you decide to eat, be sure to be kind and extend your own hospitality to those opening their doors for you by following their regulations

With these recommendations in mind, you’re set to dine out like a local during Traverse City’s most delicious time of the year. You can find menus from every participating restaurant on the Downtown Traverse City Restaurant Week site! Start your planning (and drooling) there.