Traverse City Named No. 6 Best Small-Town Food Scene in U.S.

It's no secret that Michigan is great for foodies! But it's not just the big cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing that have excellent restaurants. One Michigan location is getting national recognition as one of the best small town food scenes in the entire country!

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USA Today and 10Best asked their readers "What's the Best Small Town Food Scene in the U.S. For 2026?"

👇BELOW: SEE THE FULL TOP TEN RANKING👇

A panel of experts chose 20 locations with bakeries, restaurants, thriving farmers markets, and specialty food shops that "pack big flavor". It was then put up to a public vote. Only one Michigan town made the list...

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Traverse City Crowned No. 6 Small Town Foodie Scene in U.S.

Traverse City has been voted the No. 6 best small town food scene in America, up three spots from last year!

It's a place I try to visit at least a few times each summer. Not only is Some of my top restaurants in Traverse City are Apache Trout Grill, Poppycocks, Bourbon 72 (at Turtle Creek Casino), Red Mesa, and Sorellina. Here's a look at some of their dishes:

👇BELOW: THESE ARE MICHIGAN'S BEST RESTAURANTS - HOW MANY HAVE YOU BEEN TO?👇

Poppycocks/ Turtle Creek Casino/ Apache Trout Grill/ Red Mesa/ Sorellina via Facebook

Here's USA Today's praise for Traverse City's food scene:

Known first and foremost for its beautiful freshwater beaches, Traverse City on the shores of Lake Michigan enjoys a buzzing food scene. Morel mushrooms grow in the area woods, and local chefs pair them with everything from local fish to farm-fresh eggs. Top dining options include Trattoria Stella by James Beard semifinalist Myles Anton, The Filling Station Microbrewery, and the Cordwood BBQ food truck.

Trattoria Stella/ Filling Station/ Cordwood BBQ via Facebook

I have been to Filling Station and can attest that it's great! There's also a cool seasonal farm stand right next to it called Skegemog Gardens.

UP NEXT: Michigan Spot Competing to Be the Best Waterfront Restaurant in the U.S.

Bubba's/ Pangea Pizza/ Grand Traverse Resort via Facebook

Other spots on my list of places to visit in Traverse City - Bubba's for awesome burgers, Pangea's Pizza, and Aerie at the top of Grand Traverse Resort.

What other small town foodie scene's made the cut?

America's Ten Best Small Town Food Scenes

According to USA Today and 10Best's poll, these are the top ten small town food scenes in the nation:

Lewisburg, West Virginia
Thomasville, Georgia
Mount Dora, Florida
Pitman, New Jersey
Abingdon, Virginia
Traverse City, Michigan
Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Woodstock, Vermont
Solvang, California
Orange Beach, Alabama

Best of the Best: Michigan’s Top Restaurants to Try

Looking for a new restaurant to try? Add these to your bucket list! From the best diners and delis to the best steakhouses, bakeries, and Mexican eateries, we've compiled a list of Michigan's best restaurants based on national rankings.

Using reviews, awards, and the experiences of their teams, publications like Lovefood.com, 24/7 Tempo, Tasting Table, and Yelp have declared these the top eats in the Mitten State.

Gallery Credit: Janna

Inside Michigan's Restaurant Relic: Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe has been in decline over the years, with the unique restaurant once having over 45 locations in the US and many more internationally. But RC is now down to 16 locations in the US, and one of those final locations is here in Michigan.

Located in the Great Lakes Crossings Mall in Auburn Hills.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

Source: This Michigan Town Just Ranked Among America’s 10 Best Food Scenes

Filed Under: Grand Rapids, detroit, michigan, Lake Michigan, Lansing, restaurant, traverse city, USA Today, foodie, america, best in michigan