Downtown Petoskey Dining: Progressive Dinner Suggestions
It’s mid winter here and I’ll be honest the kids are getting a little stir crazy. We spent this past weekend up in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan as my oldest had a hockey tournament. It was super fun but really really cold. We spent some quality time as a family but now it’s back to reality.
My husband and I could really use a date night one of these cold winter nights so this week I put together a list of fun places to dine in downtown Petoskey. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out with Valentine’s around the corner or just need a night out of the house with friends, I’ll be highlighting several downtown restaurants in my “Progressive Dinner” feature here on the blog today.
What is a progressive dinner you may ask? It’s the best way to sample a little bit of downtown Petoskey in several stops. Park the car and take a stroll through our historic Gaslight District trying a dish or signature cocktail at each stop on the list. Or, head to the restaurant’s website and plan your own progressive dinner. Have fun with it! We have quite a few restaurants in Downtown Petoskey, each with their own unique menu. Why not make an afternoon or evening of it and try a few! Plus while you’re sampling beer, salads, appetizers and everything in between, you can shop! (Don’t forget to save some money while you’re shopping and get Grandpa Shorter’s coupon!)
Stop #1 – Tap30 on Mitchell Street
Enjoy a delicious Michigan made craft beer or spirit at downtown Petoskey’s newest hot spot Tap30. Choose from over 30 specialty beers on tap and you’re sure to find one that suits your mood. Not a huge craft beer fan? Neither is my husband. No fear, they do have several domestic beers to choose from.
Stop #2 – Noggin Room Pub on Bay Street
Take a stroll across Pennsylvania Park and enjoy the Michigan Fruit, Nuts and Berries Salad in the Noggin Room Pub. Chock full of delicious seasonal Michigan fruits, dried cherries, walnuts, blue cheese crumbles and drizzled with a homemade cherry vinaigrette dressing, it’s the perfect size salad to split with a friend or significant other.
Stop #3 – City Park Grill on Lake Street
Head a block up to City Park Grill and enjoy their bone in House Brined Chicken Wings. We almost always order City Park’s Original Hot with a side of their delicious homemade blue cheese sauce (to die for). I even order the blue cheese sauce on the side for almost all my dishes at City Park Grill. It’s even good to dip your french fries in. It’s that good!
Stop #4 – Chandlers Restaurant near the corner of Howard and Lake Street
Ready for your main entrée? Head down the block to Chandlers. This popular, yet intimate dining locale has spot on dishes and spectacular service. Choose from Steak, Duck or Chicken as your main course. If you prefer vegetarian, ask your server about the day’s selection. You really cannot go wrong with any main entrée at Chandlers.
Stop #5 – Palette Bistro on Bay Street or Kilwin’s on Howard Street
Ready for dessert? I couldn’t pick just one stop! I adore Kilwins ice cream. It’s locally made, full fat and absolutely delicious. The best part? You can actually order tubs to go!! So, I personally would walk down to Kilwin’s and order a double scoop of their homemade French Silk ice cream. Mmmmmmmm……
If you would prefer a more intimate dessert at a sit down establishment, I would walk over to Palette Bistro on Bay Street and enjoy one of their signature slices of homemade cheesecake and maybe a dessert cocktail; the Salted Caramel Martini is the best!
Want to try other downtown restaurants? Here is a current list –
- White Caps
- Twisted Olive
- Stafford’s Perry Hotel H.O. Rose Room
- Grand Traverse Pie Company
- Roast & Toast
- Julienne Tomatoes
- American Spoon Foods Cafe
- Mitchell Street Pub
- Jose’s Authentic Mexican
- The Polish Kitchen
- Thai Orchid
Do you have a favorite restaurant or meal in Downtown Petoskey? Please share in the comments!
