Michigan’s Rustic Charm Shines At The State’s Oldest Restaurant
Tucked away in Traverse City lies a true Michigan treasure that’s been serving hungry folks since 1882.
Sleder’s Family Tavern stands as the state’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, where history meets hearty Midwestern cuisine. The moment you step through its doors, you’re transported to a simpler time when good food, friendly faces, and rustic charm were all you needed for a memorable meal.
1. Moose Kissing Tradition
Where else can you smooch a moose and get photographic evidence? Sleder’s famous mounted moose, Randolph, has received countless kisses from visitors for decades. Legend says it brings good luck!
Families line up for this quirky tradition that’s become a must-do Traverse City experience. The staff even keeps a special stepstool handy for kids eager to plant one on the furry celebrity.
2. Century-Old Mahogany Bar
Crafted from gleaming mahogany that’s witnessed over 140 years of toasts, tales, and tipples, the centerpiece bar at Sleder’s commands attention. Bartenders still slide drinks across its polished surface just as they did when Chester Arthur was president.
Though modern cocktails now join the lineup, the bar’s timeworn patina tells stories of Prohibition workarounds and celebration nights that locals still whisper about.
3. Famous Olive Burgers
Sleder’s in Traverse City serves up Michigan royalty in the form of an olive burger, proof that chopped olives can transform humble beef into legend. Hand-formed patties sizzle with savory aroma before getting crowned with the briny topping that’s kept locals loyal since long before trendy burger bars showed up. Recipes remain unchanged for generations, a true taste of continuity.
House-cut fries on the side complete the plate, making comfort food magic worth every mile of pilgrimage north.
4. Live Music On The Porch
Summer evenings in Traverse City glow a little brighter when Sleder’s porch turns into a stage for local talent. The beloved On the Porch music series has welcomed Michigan musicians for years, filling the air with folk strums, bluegrass runs, and neighborly applause.
Families gather at outdoor tables, melodies weaving with the scent of Friday’s famous fish fry drifting from the kitchen. Kids twirl barefoot in the grass while parents sip local brews, sunsets painting the sky over town.
5. Time-Capsule Decor
If walls could talk, Sleder’s would spin yarns for days! Vintage photographs, yellowed newspaper clippings, and antique tools cover nearly every inch of wall space, creating a museum-like experience between bites.
The pressed-tin ceiling remains original, while weathered floorboards still creak under foot traffic just as they did in the 19th century. Taxidermy specimens from Michigan’s woods keep watchful eyes over diners, including the raccoon that’s worn the same hat for decades.
