Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Northern Michigan

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Northern Michigan? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (910)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Petoskey

About the restaurant

We have thoughtfully renovated a historic 1938 log building to a beautiful rustic chic atmosphere. Executive Chef Michael will take great care to provide our Guests a dining experience like no other. Our menu will offer a selection of ala cart steaks, seafood, salads, and shareables. We also offer an array of craft cocktails, beer, and an extensive wine selection. Michael and Maggie Wilp share a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to details, and are determined to treat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.
4653 S. Straits Highway, Indian River, MI, 49749.

Top review

Donald

Dined 3 days ago

Great food everytime in a warm log cabin setting. Friendly staff and great experience overall.

NOMAD.

4.9

4.9 (437)

$31 to $50

American

Petoskey

About the restaurant

About NOMAD.
Located on the waterfront in Bay Harbor, NOMAD. offers a vibrant atmosphere that pairs well with its sharable plates, evolving wine list, and house cocktails.

Our menu was artfully crafted through the senses of a NOMAD, with flavors and influences from across the world.

Recently opened in Spring 2022, our mission is to continuously evolve while always maintaining exceptional quality and creativity.

Please note if booking outside dining, restaurant can't hold inside tables if inclement weather occurs. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

MarshaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great meal, excellent service, we enjoyed our meal. Will return.

Spring & Porter

4.9

4.9 (676)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Petoskey

About the restaurant

Spring & Porter features modern, globally-inspired cuisine in a refined yet welcoming environment. Chef Tommy Kaszubowski has created a menu for everyone and, when paired with our impressive wine collection, creates an experience you won't want to forget. From the selection of seasonal ingredients; and our emphasis on local purveyors to the thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu, Spring & Porter is humbled to have you as our guest.

Top review

Emily

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and friendly, professional service

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Popular dish

Beef Tenderloin Fillet

Popular dish

Beef Tenderloin Tartare

Popular dish

Bolognese

Bennethum's Northern Inn

4.8

4.8 (2174)

$31 to $50

American

Gaylord

About the restaurant

HERE AT BENNETHUM'S, WARM HOSPITALITY IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO. BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED, WE PERSONALIZE YOUR VISITS AND ATTEND TO ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS. THE COZY ATMOSPHERE IS RUSTIC YET REFINED. THE FOOD AND DRINK OFFERINGS ARE DIVERSE AND HIGH-QUALITY.

Top review

PatriciaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing food and Theresa was outstanding as our server!

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Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie - Bay City

4.8

4.8 (84)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Bay City

About the restaurant

Prost! is a new refreshing experience located in Uptown Bay City! Offering a wide selection of wine and beer from around the globe, along with perfectly crafted cocktails. Our menu encompasses the European culture from imported charcuterie and cheese, shareable plates, salads, paninis and heartier dishes. We are dedicated to ensuring our guests are given a welcoming experience and bringing something new to the community for all to enjoy!

In the summer, our intimate dining space opens to the wonderful outdoors, leading to a lovely patio experience!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Top review

Michelle

Dined 1 day ago

It’s was a great time for Mother’s Day! Would go back again soon

Traverse City Whiskey Co. WEEKEND BRUNCH

4.8

4.8 (12)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Traverse City

About the restaurant

Patisserie Amie Brunch is Back!

Your favorite French brunch spot, Patisserie Amie, is back—now on wheels as Le Metro Food Truck. Join Chef Eric Fritch at The Stillhouse each weekend and enjoy a delicious food truck menu and brunch cocktails.

Saturdays & Sundays | 10 AM - 1 PM

How to Brunch:
Secure Your Reservation & Ordering Time – Book on OpenTable to lock in your spot.
Food Truck Fresh – Meals are made to order, so sip, relax, and enjoy.
Brunch Cocktails – Because brunch without cocktails is just breakfast.

Top review

Erin

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

Great to have Patisserie Amie back, even if it's in a limited capacity. All of the food was great, but the taco with lamb and the Algerian cheese sauce was noteworthy. A unique offering and amazing taste, kudos to the team. We'll be back!

Reflect Bistro inside Cambria Suites

4.7

4.7 (625)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

Modern Diverse Cookery, Reflect Bistro, inside Cambria hotel & suites
Rated #1 In Traverse City by Trip Advisor.

Top review

John

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Another great experience at this restaurant. Excellent service and food

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Elizabeth's Chop House

4.7

4.7 (794)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Marquette

About the restaurant

Our Story… Heritage, Passion, Love…
Since I was 5 years old, I’ve been in a restaurant kitchen. It is my life.
Cooking is my passion. My love is my wife, Elizabeth. Her passion is service.

This restaurant is a culmination of our passions, devotions and love.
We hope you will enjoy our efforts to bring you that same passion
in the finest quality food and the areas finest service.

Relax, sit back and enjoy a delicious dining experience.

Your Hosts,
Tom and Elizabeth Wahlstrom

Top review

David

Dined 1 day ago

This was a Mother’s Day dinner with my wife. It’s is a very nice restaurant and did not disappoint! Everything went great and we were able to converse with each other without having to shout to be heard. The food was delicious and prepared to our liking! We will return!

Pierson's Grille & Spirits

4.7

4.7 (203)

$30 and under

Dining Bar

Harbor Springs

About the restaurant

Pierson’s Grille & Spirits is an après-ski themed restaurant with a lively and casual atmosphere. Join us for a warm meal with a dose of nostalgia inside or on our heated dog friendly patio. We are open 365 days a year for lunch and dinner with brunch served on weekends. Pierson's is located in the historic Juilleret's building in Downtown Harbor Springs. Pierson's offers sushi, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and an assortment of entree's including our famous Ribs!
Bring the kids and let them be entertained in the game room while you enjoy the game on one of our many TV's

Top review

Audrey

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Always a go to for ya. In town, lots of variety in specials, GREAT staff…from the hostess, to bartenders, to service staff! We love Piersons. You can get something light, or a very nice entree dinner.

NoBo Riverside Food & Drink

4.6

4.6 (16)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Traverse City

About the restaurant

NoBo Riverside is a distinctive culinary destination in Traverse City, Michigan, perched above the historic Boardman River.

We unite Northern Michigan's natural beauty with contemporary cuisine, serving exclusive blends of Higher Grounds coffee, fresh pastries, innovative lunch fare, and refined evening dining—all crafted to foster community and culinary excellence.

Top review

Judy

Dined on May 3, 2025

Food was excellent. Service was very attentive. Setting is lovely. Spring menu is small but offers a nice assortment of attractive options which all sounded good and made it hard to choose. Our group all loved our entrees (Halibut, Trout, Waygu Sirloin) and can't wait to come back again soon.

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