Poppycocks is a New American restaurant and cocktail bar located at 128 East Front Street in the heart of downtown Traverse City, Michigan. Established in 1989 by founders Louanne and Craig Summers, this local fixture has spent more than three decades anchoring the Front Street dining corridor with scratch-made comfort plates, an extensive martini list, and regular live jazz sets. Travelers and Northern Michigan locals gather in its high-ceilinged, art-lined dining room after days spent exploring the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, drawn by a kitchen that pairs Great Lakes produce with global flavor profiles.
What to Expect at Poppycocks
Stepping through the Front Street entrance reveals a warm, bistro-style space characterized by exposed brick walls, original local artwork, soft pendant lighting, and a sleek bar that runs along the main room. The kitchen operates smoothly from lunch through dinner, turning out scratch-made appetizers, hearty salads, gourmet sandwiches, and globally influenced entrees. Starters regularly feature their signature warm house-fried pita chips paired with roasted garlic hummus or creamy artichoke and parmesan dips. For lunch and casual midday stops, guests gravitate toward build-your-own pasta bowls, grilled paninis, and crisp greens tossed with dried Michigan cherries, candied walnuts, and house dressings.
As evening settles over Grand Traverse Bay, the dining room transitions into a lively dinner and cocktail lounge. Dinner plates spotlight regional seafood and slow-braised meats, led by the fragrant Seafood Stew simmered with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and catch-of-the-day fish in a rich saffron-tomato broth, alongside sesame-crusted tuna and grilled beef medallions. Behind the bar, bartenders shake an expansive roster of house martinis—ranging from classic gin and dry vermouth pours to tart cherry, espresso, and botanical infusions—accompanied by Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula wines and Michigan craft beers. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive diners will find clearly marked options across both the lunch and dinner menus, and the pastry kitchen caps meals with house desserts highlighted by the towering Coconut Cloud pie.
- House Pita Chips & Warm Dips: Crispy, spice-dusted pita wedges fried to order and served alongside baked parmesan-artichoke dip or house-blended hummus.
- Signature Seafood Stew: A generous bowl of shrimp, sea scallops, mussels, and tender whitefish poached in a savory tomato, herb, and white wine broth with grilled bread.
- Create-Your-Own Pasta Bar: A longtime house specialty allowing diners to combine fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta with house-made sauces, roasted vegetables, and grilled proteins.
- Craft Martini Program: Over a dozen specialty martinis shaken to order, featuring Michigan tart cherry vodkas, botanical gins, and rich dessert-style infusions.
- The Coconut Cloud Dessert: A signature mile-high coconut cream pie topped with toasted coconut flakes and whipped cream that has anchored the dessert tray since the restaurant’s early years.
Poppycocks at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 128 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Traverse City (East Front Street Corridor) |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Lunch $14–$20; Dinner entrees $22–$36; Martinis $12–$16) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | BATA Hall Street Transfer Station (0.3 miles west); Hardy Parking Deck on State Street and metered street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | poppycockstc.com | +1 231-941-7632 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because Poppycocks sits on the busiest block of East Front Street, dinner tables fill rapidly on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as throughout the July National Cherry Festival and peak autumn foliage weekends. Calling ahead at +1 231-941-7632 to secure a reservation is strongly advised for dinner, while walk-in guests often find immediate seating at the full-service bar or during the mid-afternoon lull between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Note that the restaurant applies a 4% surcharge on credit card transactions, so bringing cash is a smart way to save on your final bill. The street-level entrance on East Front Street is step-free and wheelchair accessible, leading into a single-level dining room with accessible restrooms and adaptable low-top tables.
Drivers can find metered street parking directly along East Front Street or pull into the covered Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck one block south at 303 East State Street, which connects toward Front Street via pedestrian alleys. Travelers using public transit can ride the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Bayline free bus route along Grandview Parkway and walk two blocks south via Cass Street or Park Street. Before or after your meal, you are less than a two-minute walk from the historic State Theatre and Horizon Books across the street, while Clinch Park Beach on West Grand Traverse Bay and the Boardman Riverwalk sit five minutes north on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation at Poppycocks and when is the best time to visit?
Poppycocks is open seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM for both dine-in service and carry-out orders. For a relaxed lunch without a wait, arrive around 11:30 AM or between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM; for dinner and live evening music, book a table after 6:30 PM.
Do I need a reservation, and what are the typical menu prices?
Reservations are accepted by phone at +1 231-941-7632 and are highly recommended for weekend dinners and summer evenings. Menu pricing falls in the moderate $$ tier, with lunches and salads ranging from $14 to $20, dinner entrees from $22 to $36, and specialty martinis from $12 to $16; paying with cash avoids the 4% credit card processing fee.
How much time should I budget for a meal at Poppycocks?
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes for a midday soup, salad, or sandwich lunch during a downtown shopping break. For a multi-course dinner paired with martinis, dessert, and live jazz, budget 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Poppycocks wheelchair accessible and suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, the restaurant features a flat, step-free entrance off the East Front Street sidewalk, a single-floor main dining area, and accessible restroom facilities. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests with dedicated menu items, gluten-free pasta substitutions, and customizable salads.
When planning your Traverse City travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Traverse City, pair this stop with standout local spots including Firefly Restaurant, Cambria Hotel Traverse City, Music House Museum, and The Flying Noodle – Italian Pasta House (nearby).
