One Michigan Location Battling it Out to Be 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!

Get our free mobile app

"What's the Best Small Town Food Scene in the U.S. For 2026?" is the subject of a new USA Today 10Best readers poll.

A panel of experts has chosen 20 locations with bakeries, restaurants, thriving farmers markets, and specialty food shops that "pack big flavor". Now, it's up to a public vote.

READ MORE: One Mixhigan Location Declared Top Foodie Destination in the Entire World... Is it Traverse City?

It's definitely one of my favorite places to visit! Not only are the restaurants great, but you can't beat the incredible lake views, downtown shopping, and nearby wineries!

Traverse City is once again competing to be the best small town food scene in the U.S. Last year, it came in at No. 9. Can we get it to No 1 in 2026? Your vote will help!

Some of my top restaurants in TC are Apache Trout Grill, Poppycocks, Bourbon 72 (at Turtle Creek Casino), Red Mesa, and Sorellina. Here's a look at some of their dishes:

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

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.

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.

Vote for Traverse City once per day through March 30 at noon here.