An eclectic brewpub and restaurant that offers something for everyone. We brew our own award-winning beer here in house as well as have taps from near and far. We also have amazing cocktails on tap, wine, cider, liquor and a wide array of NA options. Our food holds its own with fun twists on classic pub favorites made from scratch. We offer gluten free and vegan menus to help accommodate dietary restrictions. At Rare Bird we truly try to have something for everyone!
Industrial spot in a restored building with house & regional beers, plus seasonal grub.
Alexandria Kotlarek
Great food and service. We arrived on a Friday around 5:45 and they had an hour wait for a booth so we sat in the bar section (self serve) and it was great. Cute coloring sheets with colored pencils for kids & GREAT kids meal portions- truly one of the better restaurants we have been too. Happy hour was fabulous! As of Nov 2025, here are the HH specials! Highly suggest and look forward to going back.
… moreAlexandria Moy
The food here was absolutely amazing. The staff was super nice and helpful as well! I was thrown off at first because you pick your table and then order at the bar, but the staff made it seamless. The playlist was also great! The nachos with the pork belly was by far my favorite but the dirty bird fries and club sandwich were good as well. When I come back I will definitely be getting the curry fried chicken sandwich.
… moreGreg Scheppler
Rare Bird is a standout spot in Traverse City that combines a brewery and restaurant into one unique experience. They offer an impressive selection of local beers, showcasing the creativity and quality of the region’s craft brewing scene. The food menu is just as noteworthy, with dishes that pair perfectly with their brews. On our visit, we tried the pork belly nachos—loaded with tender, flavorful pork belly, fresh toppings, and just the right amount of sauce—and washed it down with a perfectly balanced old fashioned. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to relax with friends, enjoy great flavors, and soak in the local vibe. This is a place you’ll want to add to your must-visit list if you’re in Traverse City.
… moreTeri Sholder
Rare Bird in Traverse City is our new favorite TC restaurant! The nachos were the best the three of us have ever had, and my Harvest Turkey Sammie—with shaved turkey, beet and red onion jam, havarti, arugula, and garlic mayo on toasted ciabatta—was absolutely spectacular. The Kushy Punch IPA was the perfect combination of citrus & hoppy to compliment to an unforgettable meal! Highly recommend.
… moreJessie Klisz
We enjoyed our time at Rare Bird! We sat in the bar area so cannot speak to dining service. We ordered the pork belly nachos and (like many in these reviews) thought they were delicious and had unique, but not overpowering, flavors. The pub burger was good, but not to the level that the nachos were. Both items were relatively heavy and filling, which is great if that’s what you are on the hunt for!
… moreCaroline McManus
I was in the other night and I just want to compliment my server ALYSSA. That girl was absolutely amazing. Went above and beyond with everything including bringing me an extra sauce for my pec fries! Her smile was
Contagious! And that laugh! Made my day! The most attentive server I’ve ever had! Long
Thank you so much ALYSSA! I will be back for the great food and awesome beer but more importantly to see you!!!!
… moreBetsy Emdin
I play weekly trivia at Rare Bird which is fun, but highly enhanced by the wonderful menu and terrific service. The pub style food is delicious, and features creative weekly specials. I want to shout out our waiter, Tyler. We make sure we sit at his table because he is attentive, knows our drink orders, and even that I prefer a salad with my tacos rather than chips. The food and service are winners, even if we lose at trivia.
… moreRon Reitz
We always enjoy our time at Rare Bird and it’s also our go to spot for bringing family/friends visiting TC. The staff, food, atmosphere and service are always fantastic.
Tyler, Alyssa and the whole team are always welcoming and spot on with remembering our go-to menu items! And if you have any vegetarians or vegans with you, or someone looking for n/a drink option, Rare Bird has got you covered there also! Keep up the great work!
… moreJessica Zampelli
We loved the vegan options on the vegan menu! The servers were amazing and the chef makes delicious meals! It a bar feeling, which is not my speed, but for the flavors and options, I would go back again!
… moreBrian Josefsberg
My experience was $120 lunch for four. Charged us adult burger prices for two kids burgers because one kid wanted LTO and the other cheese. My Bahn Mi didn’t have any sauce on it any my server seemed annoyed by our presence already so why bother asking. My wife got the 3 course meal for restaurant week. Shrimp was ok but the risotto was extremely salty and not edible. Very disappointed and will not be back.
… more