Great Meals, Hot Deals

Winter Dining for Locals

One of the biggest perks of enduring the colder months in northern Michigan is that we locals can finally get into our favorite restaurants without a wait. Even better, our foodie friends are eager to welcome us back with specials, discounts, and events geared toward year-round residents. (Take, for example, the popular Wednesday date night at Poppycocks in downtown Traverse City, where you can get two entrees and a bottle of wine for $55.)

 

Appreciating the value of a fabulous meal for an even better price, Northern Express went in search of local-focused eating experiences across the region. Our verdict: Winter dining rocks.

 

Cadillac: Lakeside Charlies

We wish we could be singing (and eating) “Eight Days a Week” at Lakeside Charlies, but we suppose six days of specials will do the trick. Here’s what the casual Cadillac eatery has to offer this winter:

1.     Monday: Ribs Night

2.     Tuesday: New York Strip & Tini Night

3.     Wednesday: Burgers & Brews

4.     Thursday: Shrimp Night

5.     Friday:  Fish Fry

6.     Saturday: Surf & Turf

 

This is all in addition to their full menu, which includes everything from bar favorites like New York Style Buffalo Wings to Michigan inspired entrées like the Chicken Morel. Pair that with a view of Lake Mitchell, and you have a *chef’s kiss* of an evening ahead.

 

Burdickville: Trattoria Funistrada

Whether you want to dine in or you still feel more comfortable eating at home, Trattoria Funistrada has you covered. Tuesdays are for lovers and pasta with their Pasta Night special: two pasta dinners and bottle of wine for $52. (Pick the Penne Puttanesca for an extra spicy evening.) Wednesdays you can get BOGO half off for all entrées, so you won’t have to choose between the Chicken Saltimbocca and the Salmon Piccata. Just get them both!

 

On Thursday nights, the restaurant offers take-out-only dinners from the full menu, plus they often have the option of a take-and-bake lasagna. Best of all, when you order a bottle of wine to go, you get 30% off. If our math is right, that means your fourth bottle of wine is basically free…and your weekend just got a whole lot better. On Fridays, takeout runs 4:30pm to 6pm, with regular dining resuming at 6pm.

 

Harbor Springs: The New York Restaurant

The New York Restaurant in Harbor Springs makes sure you’re eating well all week with their winter midweek locals’ specials. On Wednesdays, buy one entrée and get the second one free. On Thursdays, enjoy sushi night out. And on Fridays, pop in for burger night and choose from The New York classic cheese burger, a veggie burger, and a special gourmet burger.

 

Fans of The New York won’t want to miss their first Sommeliers Wine Dinner on February 17 with Travis Taviche from Woodberry Wines. The five-course evening includes wine pairings alongside everything from caviar to veal to a pear and almond frangipane tart. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

 

Suttons Bay: Martha’s Leelanau Table (pictured above)

The menu is always delicious and always rotating at Martha’s, and the best way to stay in the loop on the latest menu updates is to check their Facebook page around noon the day you’re planning to dine. But you can count on the New Year’s Special on Mondays (22% off each entrée to celebrate 2022); free delivery night on Thursday (within a 5-mile radius); date night on Friday (two entrées and a bottle of wine for $50); and prix fixe Saturdays with salad, a main course, and dessert. If you haven’t had Martha’s tiramisu, we recommend you get over there ASAP.

 

And if you’ve been missing a friendly game of trivia at your local haunt, be sure to clear your calendar—and make a reservation—on Sunday evenings. Team Trivia Night runs from 6-9 p.m. and just happens to coincide with Burger and a Beer Night, where you can get both of your favorite Bs and tater tots for just $15.

 

Traverse City: Artisan Restaurant

If you haven’t been to Artisan Restaurant — the new eatery located inside the Delamar Traverse City — now is the time to stop by. Thanks to extensive renovations and a mouthwatering menu, even locals would never guess they were dining at the former site of Shimmers nightclub.  

 

The best time to go? Lunch. Their $22-dollar prix fixe menu offers a choice of winter veggie starters like the Fall Squash Cappuccino with cinnamon cream, roasted pear, and pepitas. The main meal comes in the form of a Wagyu beef burger or one of three takes on a “pinsa,” aka pizza with a light and airy crust. Top your pinsa with beets and goat cheese, kale and brie, or blue cheese and prosciutto. If you’re celebrating happy hour early with a house wine or beer, your whole bill comes to just $28 (plus tax and tip).

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