10 Best Traverse City Nightlife

With over 200 spirits to choose from, Low Bar is a lovely option for gin, bourbon, and whiskey lovers. Settle into one of the plush velvet sofas in this elegant speakeasy and enjoy delicious cocktails. You’ll love the relaxed vibe, quiet music, and low lighting, not to mention the huge list of rare spirits.

The bar is centrally located on South Union Street, next to its sister bar, 7 Monks Taproom. It’s surrounded by a good range of eateries, making it a popular place for date nights. Why not grab a bite to eat then head to Low Bar for after-dinner drinks in a cozy and romantic setting?

Head to Union Street Station for a packed bar and a vibrant atmosphere every day of the week. It’s been serving drinks for over a century, and it’s a popular spot with locals for cheap pitchers of beer and live music. You’ll see them playing pool and enjoying drinks before heading next door to Bootlegger’s for food.

Check the online schedule for a full calendar of soul and rock bands, guest DJ events, and comedy and karaoke nights. If you’re a fan of spotting new talent and upcoming acts, be sure to watch the open mic sessions too. There’s plenty of seating at the bar, but the tables fill up quickly in the evening, so arrive early if you can.

The Workshop Brewing Company is tucked between apartment blocks close to Open Space Park. It’s best visited in summer when you can sit outdoors on the spacious terrace and enjoy refreshing craft beer brewed onsite. You’ll love the tasty, barbecue-inspired menu too, with several vegetarian options, including pasta and veggie burgers.

The laidback vibe during the day turns into a party atmosphere as the sun goes down. The bar hosts live entertainment 6 nights a week, and there’s a great selection of rock, jazz, and indie music, as well as comedy nights. Make sure you check out the “pay it forward” wall where customers buy a beer for a stranger. It’s an amazing concept and great to participate in.

After a relaxing day on the nearby beach, head to The Little Fleet for a variety of food and drink options. You’ll find a mix of food trucks serving Korean BBQ, pizza, tacos, burgers, and salads, so this is a wonderful place if you’re in a group and everyone wants something different. In the evening, the fairy lights twinkle, the music begins, and you can sit chatting on benches or around a firepit while feasting on tasty food.

The Little Fleet is known for its events, so look out for guest DJ slots, tropical drink nights, and charity soup and bread specials. There’s plenty of outdoor seating but get here early on chillier evenings as the indoor seating is limited.

Discover H&L Social on level 5 of Hotel Indigo, close to the busy marina district. This sophisticated rooftop bar gives spectacular views over West Grand Traverse Bay, or West Bay as it’s known to locals. From May to October, you can sit out on the spacious terrace and take in a breathtaking sunset over the water as you dine on farm-to-table cuisine.

The bar serves a good range of local wines and beers that are highly recommended, and the knowledgeable staff will give you good suggestions if you’re having trouble choosing. H&L Social doesn’t accept reservations, so tables with a lake view can fill up by sunset. Get here early in the evening to avoid disappointment.

Kilkenny’s Irish Public House is one of Traverse City’s busiest spots for lively nightlife and a friendly welcome. It’s easy to get to, with a large parking lot right in front of the pub, so it’s very convenient if you have a designated driver for the night.

Locals flock to this bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness and an animated game of darts. You’ll see them crowded around the huge screen cheering on their hockey team and feasting on plates of hot wings and traditional pub food. There’s fun and entertainment every night at Kilkenny’s, so take a look at the website for a packed calendar of live music, trivia nights, and guest DJ slots.

For beer lovers, 7 Monks Taproom is one of Traverse City’s highlights. You’ll be spoilt for choice with approximately 50 beers on tap, as well as a good selection of bottles, cans, and wine kegs. The light wooden decor gives the bar a beautiful, homely feel and you can spend hours chatting over cold beers in the cozy, booth-style seating areas.

The food is highly recommended in this busy nightspot. If you’re a fan of American pub food, you’ll love the smash burgers and chicken wings. Be sure to try the monk n’ cheese too. It’s a twist on a classic macaroni-cheese dish, and it’s a firm favorite with locals.

The volunteer-run State Theatre will amaze you with its plush seating and lovely choice of classic films and latest releases. This historic movie theater is home to the Traverse City Film Festival, with a different film showing every Tuesday, curated by Michael Moore. Most movies start in the early evening, but you can catch an occasional late-night special that’s excellent for a date night.

Parking can be tricky close to the movie theater, but the website gives some great recommendations for places to park downtown. Before the movie begins, look up at the ceiling and check out the spectacular star-studded sky. The constellations twinkling on the ceiling match the August night sky of northern Michigan and it’s simply breathtaking.