Local Guide
Leelanau Food & Drink
Wineries, farm-to-table dining, and hidden gems in wine country
When visiting northern Michigan, taking a food and wine tour through Leelanau County is a must. The region is known not only for its vineyards, but for its farmland and thoughtful farm-to-table dining. Whether you are looking for a spot to stop for lunch between wineries or are interested in an M-22 road trip and need some sustenance along the way, rest assured that this list will satisfy.
Book our Roost A-Frame in Lake Ann, and enjoy a vacation at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula, with easy access to Traverse City, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and all that Leelanau County has to offer.
Where to Eat
Wren
$$303 N St Joseph St, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
This cozy restaurant on Suttons Bay's main street offers a seasonal menu that rotates daily. We highly recommend making a reservation for a night out at Wren.
Farm Club
$$10051 Lake Leelanau Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
Farm Club has become an instant classic in the county as a meeting place celebrating farmland, good food, and community. With a beautifully-designed building featuring a bar, dining area, and marketplace, as well as ample outdoor seating. Stock up on local produce, snacks, and gifts in their market, and try their house-brewed beers.
Village Cheese Shanty
$199 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
This Fishtown mainstay is a must-stop when you are in Leland. With over 60 different kinds of cheese and a wide selection of snacks and drinks, they're a great place to stock up for happy hour. They also make some of the best sandwiches in the region. We recommend calling in your order, as there can be a long wait in summer. Cash-only, closes end of October.
New Bohemian Cafe
$110 S Waukazoo St, Northport, MI 49670
Fantastic breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Coffee, espresso and other drinks. Also great, quick lunch sandwiches to grab en route to your Leelanau adventure.
9 Bean Rows
$9000 E Duck Lake Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Possibly the most well-loved pastries in the region, 9 Bean Rows' bakery is a Leelanau County must-visit. Their bakery and farm are situated in the middle of the county, and they also serve up wood-fired pizzas during the summer months.
Shipwreck Cafe
$11691 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630
If you're planning a beach day or a hike at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, we recommend ordering sandwiches from Shipwreck to fuel your adventure. They offer a full menu of sandwiches for lunch and cook up some tasty wood-fired pizza on the weekends.
Little Traverse Inn
$$149 E Harbor Hwy, Maple City, MI 49664
This British-style gastropub and inn on the west side of Leelanau County feels like walking into a different era. With a cozy dining area that wraps around the inner bar, and a menu featuring fare from fresh fish to Indian curries. In summer, dine al fresco on the patio, and they host live music year-round.
Broomstack
$$172 W Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664
This taphouse and restaurant in Maple City is also home to Leelanau's Curling Club. With a curling rink in the back, it offers a unique experience! Sign up for a learn-to-curl lesson and stick around after for dinner. Their menu highlights locally-sourced foods, proudly serving Michigan grass-fed beef.
Where to Drink
Rove Estate
$$7007 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
This beautiful tasting room outside Traverse City sits at the highest point in Leelanau County. Stop out for a sunset tasting and take in the view. They often have live music on their patio and participate in various regional wine tours.
Hop Lot Brewing
$658 S W Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
One of our favorite spots around. Their beer garden features an expansive space for gathering with friends. They have multiple fire pits for chilly evenings and lots of room for yard games. Great food menu and selection of beers, wines, and ciders. In winter, reserve a spot in one of their igloos!
Suttons Bay Ciders
$$10530 E Hilltop Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
We love the view from Suttons Bay Ciders! Their patio area overlooks West Bay, and their ciders range from dry to sweet to hopped. Taste a flight of flavors or sip on a pint while taking in the view.
Blustone Vineyard
$$780 N Sylt Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Blustone is tucked off the main road, with a tasting room featuring panoramic views overlooking beautiful vineyards. In summer, cozy up on their patio around a fire pit with a glass of wine. In winter, the winery offers a snowshoe trail that connects to other vineyards.
Northern Latitudes Distillery
$112 E Philip St, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
This distillery in Lake Leelanau is one of the few locations in the area to offer free tastings. They offer unique liquors such as horseradish vodka (perfect for a bloody mary), Mackinac Island Fudge Liquor, Limoncello, and everything in between.
Dune Bird Winery
$$5620 N Manitou Trail, Northport, MI 49670
A "collaboration of the unexpected, elevating craft espresso alongside an exception menu of cool climate wines." Their tasting room has a full coffee/espresso bar alongside their wines. They also stock games and toys to keep kids entertained.
Mitten Brewing Co.
$112 W Nagonaba St, Northport, MI 49670
Located at the heart of Northport's downtown, just a short walk from the public beach and marina. Guests can bring food from other restaurants nearby and enjoy the brewery's rotating beer taps, as well as local wine and cider.
Art's Tavern
$6487 W Western Ave, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
This cozy tavern in Glen Arbor offers a classic Leelanau County experience. The bar has been around since the 1930s, and they serve a wide range of local beers, wines, and spirits. Full menu including breakfast. In winter, a pool table ascends from the floor—a great spot for a dark winter evening.