Your local guide

Best of Traverse City

Vote for your favorite local businesses in Traverse City. Verify your email, opt in to city updates, and choose the places you love.

THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES

Vote for your local favorites

Who makes the best tacos? Where do you take a friend for coffee? Give your favorite local places a little recognition.

Vote now →

One vote per verified email, category and year. You can change your choice. Voting requires an explicit opt-in to this city’s email updates and local business offers. You can unsubscribe at any time.

See current community vote totals

Choose a category to view its votes.

    Don’t see your favorite business? Suggest it on the ballot for review. Email verification confirms access to an inbox; it does not verify city residency. Votes reflect participating readers, not every resident. Manage your vote and email preferences →

    A starting point for exploring Traverse City

    Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.

    Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.

    See your saved places →

    Local restaurants to get to know

    Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.

    Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.

    Restaurant

    Forrest, A Food Studio

    Restaurant · 408 S Union St

    Forrest, A Food Studio is a natural, organic wine shop and cozy eatery located at 408 South Union Street in Traverse City, Michigan. The business is owned by Nicole and Forrest, who share a passion for quality food and…

    Restaurant

    Modern Bird

    Restaurant · 541 W Front St

    Modern Bird in Traverse City, Michigan, operates out of a historic building, utilizing local produce and serving craft cocktails. Chefs Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart own the restaurant, sourcing produce from local…

    Restaurant

    Trattoria Stella

    Restaurant · 830 Cottageview Drive

    Trattoria Stella has a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, with a blend of classic and contemporary interior design elements, in the heart of Traverse City, Michigan. The menu features traditional Italian recipes…

    Restaurant

    The Cooks’ House

    Restaurant · 115 Wellington Street

    The Cooks' House in Traverse City, Michigan, builds on the concept of using locally grown and foraged foods to create a quality experience. Chefs with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens own the restaurant and have…

    Independent shops worth exploring

    Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.

    An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

    Gift shop

    Benjamin Twiggs

    Gift shop · 305 W Front St

    Benjamin Twiggs specializes in cherry products in Traverse City, Michigan, and can be found at 305 W. Front Street, Suite D, downtown next to Mundos on Pine Street. The shop's products include Michigan Cherry Topping,…

    Bookstore

    Books-A-Million

    Bookstore · 2612 Crossing Circle

    Books-A-Million is a bookstore on 2612 Crossing Circle in Traverse City.

    Bicycle shop

    Brick Wheels

    Bicycle shop · 736 E Eighth St

    Brick Wheels is a bicycle and Nordic ski shop on 8th Street offering bikes, outdoor gear, service and rentals. The business started in 1974.

    Grocery store

    Burritt's Fresh Markets

    Grocery store · 509 W Front St

    Burritt's Fresh Markets is a grocery store on 509 W Front St in Traverse City.

    Jewelry shop

    CC Jewelers

    Jewelry shop · 1045 S Garfield Ave

    CC Jewelers provides a personalized jewelry experience in Traverse City, Michigan, with bracelets, earrings, custom rings, and necklaces available. The store's jewelry options are both affordable and personalized. As…

    Make a day of it

    Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.

    An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

    Art gallery

    Higher Art Gallery

    Art gallery · 219 East Front Street

    Higher Art Gallery, a woman-owned and led gallery, has a home in Downtown Traverse City, Michigan, where over 50 fine artists from Michigan and beyond display their work, including sculpture, paintings, and diverse…

    Art gallery

    McMillen's Custom Framing

    Art gallery · 322 S Union St

    McMillen's Custom Framing is a art gallery on 322 S Union St in Traverse City.

    Art gallery

    Sanctuary Goods

    Art gallery · 800 Cottageview Dr #50

    Sanctuary Goods is a art gallery on 800 Cottageview Dr #50 in Traverse City.

    (231) 932-0775

    Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 159 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.

    Traverse City AI

    Your Traverse City local guide
    Hey there!

    I'm Traverse City AI. Ask about neighborhood food, independent shops, local history or planning a visit.

    AI recommendations may be inaccurate. Verify hours and prices. Questions are processed by Cloudflare. Privacy