Travel Guides
Best Coffee & Brunch in Lake Ann & Interlochen: A Local's Guide
Updated February 2026
The area southwest of Traverse City is quieter, with fewer options—but that's part of the charm. Most visitors come for Interlochen Center for the Arts programming, the inland lakes, or as a basecamp for Sleeping Bear Dunes. The spots here cater well to families and arts camp visitors.
Coffee Shops
Red Door Coffee House
Beloved community coffee shop with a gift area and play corner
Location: 19631 Maple Street, Lake Ann (heart of the village, near the township park)
Hours: Tue-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm, closed Monday
Order this: Coffee with local milk and locally roasted beans, house-made flavored syrups. Excellent breakfast sandwiches and whole-fruit smoothies.
The vibe: Eclectic and cozy with comfortable couches, a fireplace, and a play corner for kids. The gift area features local crafts. Consistently earns 4.9-star ratings. Outdoor picnic tables near Long Lake.
Good to know: About 8 miles from Interlochen. The kind of place where you'll want to linger. Check hours—they can vary.
Melody Freeze Cafe
Campus café at Interlochen Center for the Arts
Location: 4000 M-137, Interlochen (on the Interlochen campus)
Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11pm, Sun 7am-10pm
Order this: Soft-serve ice cream, boba tea, and breakfast sandwiches. Additional campus dining options open during summer Arts Camp season.
The vibe: Serves students, parents, and concert-goers. Extended hours make it handy before or after performances.
Good to know: Great if you're attending an Interlochen event.
Bud's
Coffee shop, ice cream parlor, and diner all in one—with a rare drive-thru
Location: Interlochen (near the State Park/M-137)
Hours: Check current hours
Order this: Fresh fried donuts (a highlight), ice cream in summer, classic espresso drinks.
The vibe: The 'do-it-all' spot for Interlochen. Casual and functional—grab a coffee before hitting Green Lake or an Arts Academy event. Features a fireplace for winter, outdoor seating for summer.
Good to know: One of the few indie spots in the area with a drive-thru. Free Wi-Fi.
Keep On Grinding Coffee House
Cozy café with Higher Grounds coffee
Location: 1024 Michigan Ave, Benzonia (about 10 miles southwest toward Crystal Lake)
Hours: Check current hours
Order this: Higher Grounds coffee, local baked goods.
The vibe: Antique rocking chairs, fireplace, small-town charm. Worth the detour if you're heading toward Crystal Lake or Frankfort.
Good to know: A good stop on the way to Stormcloud Brewing in Frankfort.
Brunch & Breakfast
Dilbert's Cafe
$Classic diner—the primary breakfast destination in Interlochen
Location: 11303 US-31, Interlochen
Hours: Daily 7am-2pm except Tuesday (closed Tuesday). Sundays breakfast only.
Order this: The famous stuffed hash browns ($14-15)—loaded with meat, cheese, onion, and sour cream alongside eggs and toast. The corned beef version with Swiss cheese is worth the upgrade.
The vibe: Old-school 'home style dining.' Vinyl booths, wood paneling, waitresses who know the regulars. Modest but hearty, unpretentious, and affordable. The best option in Interlochen for classic eggs-meat-potatoes breakfast.
Good to know: Reservations accepted for groups. Closed Tuesdays.
The Stone Oven
$Restaurant and bakery next to Lake Ann Brewing
Location: 6551 1st Street, Lake Ann (next to Lake Ann Brewing)
Hours: Typically 11am-8/9pm daily (primarily lunch/dinner, but strong bakery component)
Order this: Pastries and baked goods in the morning, Stone Oven Mac (cavatappi with white cheddar béchamel) for lunch. They're the food partner for the brewery.
The vibe: The culinary heart of Lake Ann's village complex. Families often grab food here and eat at the brewery patio or the park across the street. Community hub energy.
Good to know: More lunch/dinner focused, but the bakery makes it worthwhile in the morning. Pair with a beer next door at Lake Ann Brewing.
Platte River Inn
$Multiple-time winner of 'Best Breakfast in Benzie County'
Location: 10921 Main Street (US-31), Honor
Hours: Tue-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-9pm, closed Monday
Order this: The 'Big Honor Breakfast'—a massive three-plate combo. Everything is made from scratch. Also won 'Best Fish Fry in Benzie County.'
The vibe: Knotty pine interior with logging history décor. Classic Northern Michigan roadhouse. The back room seats 40 for private events.
Good to know: Worth the 15-20 minute drive from Interlochen. A local institution.
Quick Reference
| Spot | Type | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Door Coffee | Coffee/Café | Cozy hangout, families | $ |
| Bud's | Coffee/Ice Cream | Drive-thru, donuts | $ |
| Dilbert's Cafe | Diner | Stuffed hash browns, classic breakfast | $ |
| Stone Oven | Bakery/Restaurant | Pastries, lunch | $ |
| Platte River Inn | Full Breakfast | Best Breakfast in Benzie County | $ |
Closure Alert
- Crystal Cafe (Benzonia) — Permanently closed as of late 2025
Staying Nearby?
The Roost A-Frame is about 10 minutes from Lake Ann and 15 minutes from Interlochen—perfectly positioned for morning coffee at Red Door before a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes (30 min) or wine tasting on the Leelanau Peninsula (20–25 min to the closest wineries).
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Last updated: February 2026