Barbecue cravings reach a new level when you’re in Traverse City, where smoky aromas drift from hidden gems and local favorites alike. Whether you’re searching for melt-in-your-mouth brisket, saucy ribs, or creative takes on classic sides, this city brings plenty to the table.
Let’s get to it.
Apache Trout Grill
At Apache Trout Grill in Traverse City, the view of the water steals the show. Fresh breezes roll in from the lake, setting the stage for award-winning ribs bathed in a housemade BBQ sauce nobody will reveal. Since 1994, this lakeside spot has built its reputation on steaming seafood, hand-cut steaks, and those mysterious ribs.
The cheerful, laid-back vibe welcomes joggers in sneakers and diners in sandals…even flip-flops. From bacon-wrapped shrimp to a creamy mushroom asparagus risotto, every dish feels like a celebration of local ingredients. Highlighted sides include Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and crisp, steamed broccoli for balance.
Finish strong with a tangy key lime pie that somehow makes room after generous portions. Prices here stay moderate, so you can upgrade that steak and still leave with cash to spare. Dinner at Apache Trout Grill arrives with a water view, a sense of occasion wrapped in checkered napkins, and a promise that you’ll be planning your next visit before you even stand up. see what’s cooking at Apache Trout Grill.
Blue Tractor Barbeque
Hidden in Traverse City’s historic Old Town, Blue Tractor Barbeque feels like a celebration of hickory-smoked meat and local craft beer. Every cut carries a kiss of real hickory smoke, whether you choose tender pulled pork, juicy brisket, or fall-off-the-bone ribs. Chicken wings earn their place too, glazed in the same careful smoke.
On the side, mac and cheese refuses to stay humble, and velvety buttermilk mashed potatoes comfort like a warm blanket. Creamed corn teases the idea of starring roles, while housemade cornbread soaks up every last drop of sauce. Every dressing, sauce, and soup is made from scratch…no shortcuts, no pre-made bottles.
Portions here may test your belt’s forgiveness, especially if you order the Three Meats BBQ Platter. Fortunately, the impressive tap list supports Michigan pride all the way. Whether you pull up a stool at the bar, claim a table by the window, or bring the feast to your event through catering, Blue Tractor Barbeque makes it clear, hearty flavors and friendly service are the real headliners. see why locals keep coming back for more.
The Little Fleet
Nothing stays the same at The Little Fleet. This year-round food truck park and bar in Traverse City swaps menus regularly, so each visit offers fresh flavors. One day might bring gooey barbecue classics from Cordwood BBQ, like tender brisket and fall-apart ribs served with housemade sides. The next visit could introduce global street eats, satisfying wide-ranging cravings.
Local beers and craft cocktails flow freely at the bar, inviting you to linger. A soundtrack of live music often fills the air…sometimes it’s acoustic melodies, other times a full band cranks up the energy. Tables and benches encourage lingering over a crisp pint or a spicy taco.
During warmer months, outdoor seating under string lights adds a festive touch. Quiet heaters keep the mood alive when temperatures dip. With an atmosphere that’s equal parts playful and reliable, The Little Fleet feels like a communal backyard party. It welcomes families, groups of friends, and anyone chasing a new taste. Come for the ever-changing lineup, stay for the casual vibe, and leave already planning your next flavor adventure. Peep what’s on tap and curbside here.
The Workshop Brewing Company
If craft beer and smoky barbecue top your list, The Workshop Brewing Company hits the mark. This laid-back spot in Traverse City pours a line-up of housebrews crafted on site, from crisp pilsners to rich stouts. Each pint arrives alongside a menu of smoked meats that feels like an ambitious backyard cookout.
Pulled pork and pulled chicken show off tender textures, while wings come ready for saucing. The sauce selection ranges from classic barbecue tang to a zesty buff-a-que twist, which adds buffalo sauce flair. Veggie eaters get in on the fun with BBQ jackfruit and roasted portobello mushrooms that hold their own.
Sides include creamy mac and cheese and vibrant cowboy caviar. Kids have their own menu too, so families can dine without hassle. Prices stay wallet-friendly, making it easy to sample several brews and share a platter. Whatever you crave, from smoky bites to a cold, fresh pour, The Workshop Brewing Company delivers a casual, all-ages scene that pairs perfectly with every sip and bite. See what’s on tap and on the plate.
Cordwood BBQ on 8th
Driving down 8th Street in Traverse City, Cordwood BBQ on 8th surprises with authentic oak-fired Southern barbecue. A custom-built smoker delivers low-and-slow results, and every cut tells the story. Brisket and pulled pork arrive dripping with smoke and served with a side of local reputation.
Arrive early on Saturdays and you might catch the ribs whispered about in wedding catering reviews. Homemade sauces demand extra napkins, and the variety holds up to the hype. Vegetarians aren’t left out. Korean BBQ tofu and smoked lake trout compete for attention, each seasoned and smoked just right.
Side dishes mirror a church picnic table, from creamy mac and cheese to cowboy beans. The cornbread lineup sparks friendly debate around the table. Prices range from $13 to $21, so you can sample a meat plate without emptying your wallet. Ingredients often hail from local farms, each bite highlights their quality. Stop by to see what’s smoking today and enjoy a true taste of Southern-style barbecue in the heart of Michigan. See the full Cordwood BBQ menu here.
Sparks BBQ
When it comes to barbecue in Traverse City, Sparks BBQ delivers authentic smokehouse flavor and none of the shortcuts. Pitmaster Dean Sparks left the food truck behind to open this brick-and-mortar spot. There are no stoves or deep fryers here… every meaty morsel gets its magic from 100 percent wood-fired smokers.
The menu covers all the classics, from fall-apart brisket to tender pulled pork and baby back ribs that earned “Best Ribs in Northern Michigan.” Even familiar items feel special under this kind of care.
Creative twists like the BBQ Sundae and Pig Candy keep things interesting. Sides cover cornbread, mac ’n’ cheese and more, each paired with housemade sauces that range from tangy to fiery. Staff here deliver genuine hospitality with every visit.
Hosting a gathering? The Payday Platter feeds a crowd, or you can order by the pound if your party isn’t shy with their appetites. Add a local Michigan craft beer and you’ve got a meal that makes everyone happy. Browse the menu and let your cravings decide.
Steves Smokin BBQ
Over at Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ in Traverse City, the Randall family brings more than two decades of concession-circuit expertise to their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Even from the sidewalk, the aroma of slow-smoked meat fills the air. The fast-casual kitchen turns out big portions with genuine hospitality, where staff will greet you by name if they can.
The menu covers brisket, pulled pork, ribs, pulled chicken and even turkey legs that feel like free weights. Every cut smokes overnight in a Southern Pride smoker, and sauces, ranging from cherry barbecue to jalapeño pineapple hot, are made in-house.
Choosing sides is a challenge: smoked mac ’n’ cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and sweet corn all compete for your plate. Portions are hearty enough to double as a workout, and prices reflect that generosity.
Catering is available for larger gatherings. Just ask about tray sizes and sauces, and you’ll earn hero status at your next event. Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ.
