Rise and shine, Traverse City—your brunch cravings are about to meet their match! This town turns the mid-morning meal into a full-blown event, whether you’re angling for pancakes bigger than your face or mimosas with a water view. Hungry yet? Let’s dig into the best places to brunch hard and linger longer.
J & S Hamburg South | All-Day Breakfast, All Kinds of Nostalgia
If you haven’t enjoyed pancakes beneath a fleet of model airplanes, you’ve missed half the fun. This family-owned nook has been flipping eggs and swapping neighborhood gossip since 1978. The moment you settle into a vinyl booth, someone will ask how your morning is going, and they’ll actually want an answer. Walls painted with aviation murals add a whimsical twist to hearty diner chatter.
Come any time—breakfast here never clocks out. Whether you’re craving a towering stack of buttermilk pancakes or a burrito overflowing with eggs and cheese, you’ll find it on the menu. Feeling bold? Order prime rib at brunch and see why locals cheer every Friday fish fry, a storied tradition in its own right.
Portion sizes border on ridiculous—in a good way—and the prices won’t give you sticker shock. Free parking saves you from meter mazes, leaving more cash for extra home fries. If classic diner comfort and genuine smiles are your brunch style, this spot checks every box without an ounce of pretension. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Boathouse Restaurant | Waterfront Splurge Brunch
Imagine sipping a mimosa while gazing over a glimmering harbor. This lakeside cottage retreat perches on Old Mission Peninsula with postcard views of Bowers Harbor. It’s casual enough for jeans but the seafood dishes arrive dressed to impress.
The rice-crusted rainbow trout is as delicate as a sonnet, and whitefish crowned with crab feels like a seaside celebration. Don’t skip the seafood bisque—it hits every note, coaxing you to consider a boat purchase on the spot. If you’re here for a milestone brunch, you’ve found the right place.
Vegan plates and kid-friendly options round out the menu, though most guests treat this as a special-occasion splurge. Plan ahead: reservations are essential on weekends and Mother’s Day events book up fast. Skip Mondays unless disappointment is your favorite side dish. Scope out your future table here.
Randy’s Diner | Traverse’s Neighborhood Classic
Sometimes you want a trendy setup. Other times you need a no-nonsense diner that welcomes you at noon with open arms. This is the latter. Stepping inside feels like walking into your favorite sitcom family’s kitchen, only the hash browns are better and served stuffed with cheese and bacon.
The omelets come in wild combinations, and the cinnamon rolls could easily double as hubcaps. Coffee is refilled with genuine enthusiasm by servers who remember your name by the second visit. Gluten-free diners won’t be stuck with dry toast here, and the lunch menu packs the same punch as breakfast.
Portions soar into the realm of heroic. Parking is easy, and every dollar spent supports a local institution that’s been part of this town since 1997. If you’re craving unfiltered comfort food and genuine neighborly warmth, you’ve found your spot. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Omelette Shoppe | The Classic Comfort Breakfast
Since 1975, The Omelette Shoppe has perfected the art of morning satisfaction. Four-egg omelettes appear so generously filled they could double as your face mask. The cinnamon roll is sticky enough to demand a tactical napkin plan—and a second helping if you dare.
Warm Midwestern charm radiates here, thanks to local dairy and in-house bakery creations. The Cass Street location greets you with retro yellow brick and a handful of patio tables for prime people-watching. Out East, the bigger dining room means you’ll rarely wrestle for a seat.
No reservations are taken, so arm yourself with a good book or your most patient smile. Gluten-free folks aren’t left out—there’s a thoughtful selection of breads just for you.
Every visit begs you to order the Bananas Foster French Toast, a dish that somehow tastes too good to be breakfast. This is classic Traverse City brunch at its finest, proving you don’t need a mimosa to feel spoiled. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Red Spire Brunch House | Historic Brunch Haven
Ready to brunch where eggs arrive alongside exposed brick walls and a side of smug satisfaction? This local gem champions its classics: Nutella-stuffed banana bread French toast and a Monte Cristo that truly lives up to the hype.
Inside the labyrinthine Village at Grand Traverse Commons, you’ll find handpicked vintage furniture, soft lighting, and charming brick alcoves in every corner. It feels like a secret waiting to be discovered, and locating it on your first attempt is pure triumph. Portions are generous enough to tackle any appetite.
Cold mimosas arrive with the precision of a Swiss watch, while savory crab Benedict and sugar-kissed red velvet pancakes cater to the most buttoned-up brunch purists. The kitchen balances finesse and comfort in every bite. Families and foodies mingle without a chaotic clatter.
Don’t skip making a reservation or you may find yourself in line behind a gaggle of locals eager for a table. Parking is a breeze, so pre-meal stress stays at bay. The staff remains genuine and attentive even when the dining room buzzes with laughter. And if you’re not snapping your cinnamon roll for Instagram, what are you even doing? Check out the menu and claim your spot.
McGee’s 72 | Brunch With a View (and a Carving Station)
Picture yourself on a sunny patio, brunch plate in hand, watching golfers tee off next door. That scene is everyday life at McGee’s 72, perched beside Spruce Run Golf Course. It feels like a casual resort without the fancy tags, and it’s open for anyone who craves laid-back vibes.
The buffet menu proves that eggs Benedict can still shine in a sea of breakfast options. You’ll also find peanut butter and jelly French toast and house-carved roast meats that tackle even the toughest Saturday night regrets. Whether you arrive famished or just ready to graze, the spread has your back.
Inside, the lounge is dotted with TVs broadcasting all your favorite games. All-day happy hour pours and a sangria lineup keep the good times flowing. Bring your kids, your in-laws, or that friend with the high brunch standards.
When the weather cooperates, the deck becomes the hottest table in town. And if you end up inside, the panoramic views still make you feel like you’re dining al fresco. Take a look at their brunch lineup—and bring your appetite.
Bay Bread Company | Brunch for the Carbohydrate Enthusiast
If your brunch dreams involve more hearty carbs than avocado trends, head to Bay Bread Company. This snug bakery sits just behind the Elks Lodge and works on a strict first-come, first-served basis. There’s only enough parking for genuine bread lovers, so plan to arrive early.
Inside, you won’t find faux greenery or polished Instagram backdrops. Instead, you’ll spot locals savoring egg sandwiches piled high on Old World-baked focaccia. The “Sleepy Italian” sandwich lives up to its name by tasting as comforting as an afternoon siesta.
Beyond savory builds, Bay Bread’s pastry lineup is equally heroic. Grab a seat in The Roost and fuel up with bottomless espresso. If you catch them during a busy spell, a short wait is part of the charm—just call it the “slow bread movement.”
When sunshine arrives, claim an outdoor table and savor every bite. Portions are generous, so whether you’re in snack mode or ready for a full feast, don’t be shy about ordering big. You just might fall head over heels for bread you can’t even pronounce. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
S2S Sugar to Salt | Brunch for Food Nerds
Tired of sad muffins and tired fruit cups? This micro-spot at Grand Traverse Commons elevates every bite with seasonal, locally sourced flair. Its cozy modern dining room hums with community energy, making you feel part of a breakfast club from your first sip of perfectly roasted coffee.
Root vegetable waffles arrive topped with smoky bacon, a soft-poached egg, and silky hollandaise. If that doesn’t tempt you, the beef brisket and forest-mushroom bread pudding will shatter any avocado-toast loyalty. Even the five-grain porridge wins over the staunchest vegan critic with its hearty texture and thoughtful toppings.
No online reservations here—calling ahead is your best bet, unless you enjoy holding a coffee cup while you linger in the hallway. Come prepared to taste inventive takes on morning classics without a trace of pretension. See what’s in season now.
Reflect Bistro | Brunch Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Stepping into a hotel often means bland buffets and reluctant nods, but tucked inside the Cambria Hotel, Reflect Bistro does the exact opposite. This spot serves up filet mignon Benedict alongside a barista bar that might just make you forget your home espresso machine.
Every dish brims with local Michigan ingredients and seasonal produce. Think crisp beignets dusted with sugar, vibrant grain bowls, and pancakes that flop only in the best way. The kitchen’s attention to detail elevates each bite.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with sunlight, turning brunch into its own natural light photoshoot. You’ll find yourself torn between a craft cocktail and a frothy cappuccino. The solution is clear: enjoy both at your leisure.
Families, hotel guests, and dedicated brunch devotees all gather here before wine tours or weekend getaways. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere feels more like a modern retreat than a hotel lobby. Generous portions, easy parking, and gluten-free options ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
And even the local rosé pour deserves a moment of applause. Check out the menu that makes waking up early on a Sunday totally worth it.
Amical | Best “European Vacation” Vibes
Brunch here feels like a sunny afternoon on the Riviera without the jet lag. Inside, an open kitchen hums with activity while servers strike the perfect balance between friendly and unobtrusive. The enclosed, heated patio turns even March mornings into an al fresco feast.
The menu is a European tour. Dive into duck confit with crispy potatoes or twirl your fork through pillowy butternut squash gnocchi. Pastries arrive fresh and flaky, perfect for an indulgent finale. Vegans won’t feel left out either—creative plant-based options earn rave reviews.
Parking validation eases the downtown scramble. Indoor tables fill up quickly, so reserve if you crave certainty. Otherwise, roll the dice on a patio seat and pretend you’re dining by the Mediterranean coast. Peruse the brunch menu right here.
