Restaurant recommendation for Traverse City, MI (gluten-free?)

August 12, 2011 12:00 PM

I'm looking for a nice restaurant in Traverse City, MI to take my wife for our anniversary. I am looking to spend under $100 as we are on a pretty tight budget while camping. We don't need super fancy but a non-chain would be nice. I prefer a non-ethnic restaurant, hopefully one that has gluten-free food offerings. (I have celiac's.)
posted by snap_dragon to Travel & Transportation around Traverse City, MI (13 answers total)

Best answer: Amical on Front St is a frequent stop when I'm visiting my folks in TC. I like it and it's probably in your price range.

Poppycock's (also on Front) has a decent vegetarian selection.

Cousin Jenny's is not really an anniversary sort of place, but good goddamn do they have some tasty pasties.

I've only been one time, but the Cook's House is fantastic. It might push you over budget, but it stands out IMO.
posted by pjaust at 1:07 PM on August 12, 2011

Best answer: Yelp.com has lots of reviews of all those places. I'd read up there and see what sounds best of those places!
posted by pjaust at 1:07 PM on August 12, 2011

This slide and the one following have quite a few good recommendations... http://www.midwestliving.com/travel/interest/culinary/best-midwest-food-towns/#page=4
posted by lily_bart at 1:17 PM on August 12, 2011

oyy link fail, sorry.
posted by lily_bart at 1:18 PM on August 12, 2011

You know there is no such thing as non-ethnic food, right? All food in restaurants had some ethnic background-Italian, French, and American are all ethnicities. It might be helpful to say what type of food is ok with you more specifically.
posted by medusa at 1:34 PM on August 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

The Cook's House is a bit pricey, but fantastic and last time I was there it was still byo, so you would save $ on alcohol. The menu changes often so I would call to ask specifically about gluten-free items.

For casual food with great outdoor seating (view of the bay), there is Scott's Harbor Grill.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:11 PM on August 12, 2011

Well, it could be because of my days wearing the blue, but my restaurant recommendation for Traverse City is the Hofbrau. Not too fancy, very affordable, great local flavor, absolutely delicious.
posted by Lutoslawski at 3:12 PM on August 12, 2011

Also if you're looking for dessert, you can't beat Moomers!
posted by Lutoslawski at 3:13 PM on August 12, 2011

Another thing that might be fun is to get a drink in the bar on the top floor of the Park Place Hotel downtown. Do it before sunset so you can take in the views.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:25 PM on August 12, 2011

Best answer: Here's a recent thread at celiac.com about eating gluten free in Traverse City.
posted by sugarfish at 4:01 PM on August 12, 2011

Also, Oryana Food Co-Op would be a good place to pick up gluten free grocery items, should you need that.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:10 PM on August 12, 2011

Response by poster: @Medusa - Sorry.... Didn't mean to confuse you by the poor phrasing. Luckily others have provided great answers.
posted by snap_dragon at 4:17 PM on August 12, 2011

North Peak is a local brewpub. Food is more pizza/bar-food style, but I thought it was tasty, and love local beers.
posted by Metro Gnome at 8:36 PM on August 14, 2011