Best & Cool 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"

"This watering hole is way too respectable to be called a dive — the floor and counters are clean, the drink selection is decent and there are no weird smells – but it's loaded with friendly characters who tell it like it is. “It’s a bunch of moms with a huge kitchen, a huge living room and a liquor license,” said Wendy Blodgett, 53, who's been serving beer and burgers there more than 26 years. “The food’s better than the service."

"Neighborhood tavern known for its happy hour, wings and pizza offerings.BLD • BAR • $ • 401 S. Union St. • 231.946.8153"

"Vegetarian and vegan friendly, they also welcome dogs on the patio and will even provide a bowl of water in case fido gets thirsty. This soup and sandwich place is ideal for lunch, and it’s pretty healthy too."

"From Business: Outback Steakhouse, the home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Find our location in Traverse City off Marketplace Circle and U.S. 31…"

"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."

"As another authentic diner experience in Traverse City, Randy’s Diner has been a terrific hangout spot since 1997. It has one of the finest breakfast menus because nearly everything that you could want to start your day is available. Check out this list!"

"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."

"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."