When it comes to bars in downtown Traverse City, there certainly isn’t a shortage. With over 20 different spots to get a craft beer, wine, cocktails, and, some food you should never leave Traverse City without having a good time. Here’s a quick highlight of some of the unique and diverse bars in downtown Traverse City.
Downtown Bars
Kilkenny’s Irish Pub
Located underneath North Peak Brewing Company is Kilkenny’s Irish Pub. Kilkenny’s is known for, you guessed it, Irish whiskey. In addition to Irish whiskey, their extensive list includes American, Canadian, bourbon, rye, and scotch styles of whiskeys. Kilkenny’s is one of the best places downtown for whiskey lovers. Their drink menu also includes Beer Cocktails that feature North Peak craft beer together with different whiskeys and liqueurs.
Low Bar/7 Monks
Technically these are two different bars, but since they are located right above/below one another, we just included them together. Low Bar is a unique craft cocktail lounge that is a “throwback into a modern area.” Low Bar features over 200 different liquors, so you can assure that there is something on the menu for everyone. Above Low Bar, you’ll find 7 Monks. With 46 beers on tap, and another couple dozen in bottles, 7 Monks features craft beer from all over the world, but with a significant emphasis on Michigan made beer. You’ll find the heavy hitters like Founders and Bells on their menu, but also some of the smaller breweries like Blackrocks and Right Brain. IPAs, bourbon barrel aged stouts, sours, and everything in between you can find on the menu at 7 Monks.
Mammoth Distilling
As one of the newer additions to downtown Traverse City, Mammoth Distilling can be found in the Warehouse District of downtown. A one of a kind craft cocktail lounge, Mammoth Distilling exclusively serves their own liquors which are made north of Traverse City in Central Lake and are no slouch. With creative cocktails all over the menu, a must try drink is their Bloody Mammoth. With their homemade bloody mix, vodka, and creative garnishes it’s truly a one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary.
Olives and Wine
Olives and Wine features wine from some of the lesser known regions of the world such as Egypt, Morocco, Israel, and Lebanon. You’ll also find wine from regions such as Italy, France, Greece, Argentina, Peru, Germany, California, Washington, Oregon, and of course Michigan. Olives and Wine features an Enomatic wine dispensing machine. Handcrafted in Italy, the wine dispensing machine at Olives and Wine allows patrons to choose from 1, 2.5, or 5 ounce pours. You simply select your wine, pour size, place your glass under the spout, and push the dispense button and presto! You have your wine.
Rare Bird
As a staple of downtown Traverse City, Rare Bird is a must visit. Their booths are made from reclaimed wood, and their Germ bier hall style seating is just a small portion of what makes Rare Bird a unique bar. On the menu, you’ll find about a half dozen of their own Rare Bird Brews, but also about 35 guest taps. These guest taps feature beers from all over the state, country, and globe. Not a beer drinker? Rare Bird also has a variety of different wines, ciders, and liquors.
Taproot Cider House
For cider lovers, Taproot Cider House is your place to go. Taproot puts a huge emphasis on local sourcing. Supporting local farmers, distilleries, wineries, craft breweries, and musicians you can feel a sense of family and warmth when you enter the building. With over one dozen ciders on draft, whether you like dry or sweet Taproot will have a cider on draft that everyone will fall in love with.
The Little Fleet
The Little Fleet is one of the more unique spots in Traverse City. With a plethora of food trucks right outside the large garage doors, the Little Fleet features a unique combination of food and drinks. With Mexican, Chinese, and American fare outside, you’ll find just as an eclectic drink menu inside. Every day features a different happy hour special. Stop by The Little Fleet and see why they have the “Traverse City’s most ridiculously fun happy hour.”
The Parlor
The Parlor is a throwback to the prohibition era; you can feel the nostalgia the second you walk through the door. Specializing in handcrafted cocktails, The Parlor has some of the most unique cocktails in all of Traverse City, including their “Smoke Stack.” This bourbon drink is smoked with wood chips right at your table. Often, you’ll find live music accompanying your drink while at The Parlor.
Stop by Nifty Things
Before your stops at the different bars in downtown Traverse City, make sure to stop by Nifty Things. Located right on Front Street, Nifty Things has been voted the Red Hot Best Gift Store in all of northern Michigan seven times! Our store will take you in a winding path of randomness. While at Nifty Things, you’ll find exactly what you weren’t looking for. Stop by Nifty Things and see why we say “always new, always nifty.”