Torch Lake, Michigan
 

We've rented a cottage at Torch Lake. I'm worndering if anybody knows of good restaurants or bars right on the lake. We don't want to travel to TC or very far from the lake. I've tried the internet, but I'm not having much luck finding a good site. Thanks.

Try travel.michigan.org. It will give you ideas all around Torch Lake.

There is a GREAT one in Ellsworth, about a 20 minute drive from Torch Lake, called Tapawingo. In '96 was voted by Zagat's as best table in Michigan. Here is the website:
http://www.tapawingo.net/

Oh, yes, Tapawingo. I couldn't have come up with the name now but we had an unforgettable meal there--during morel season. We stayed at Torch Lake on a trout fishing trip a number of years ago. Beautiful. As I recall there are a lot of little bar/restaurants with good food all around the lake--at least where we were.

Is Brownwood Acres still in business, and is it still worth visiting?

Keith

As far as I know The Dockside bar/restaurant is still great as ever (by the marina on the Bellaire side of the lake)

(Wow, Brownwood Acres. I haven't been up north in years and that name brings back memories. If that is still around it would certainly be worth a visit also)

...yes Brownwood is still in business, located right on US-31. Torch Lake is beautiful...you will find some cute little places in Alden, on the north end also. Elk Rapids isn't too far, and Pearls is an EXCELLENT New Orleans style restaurant...really great food.

You don't say where on the lake you are at. It is a very large lake. We have a place on the southwest end. My recommendations are Lulu's in Bellaire. Wonderful creative food. Tapawingo's is always excellent, but reservations can be tough and it isn't inexpensive. An alternate is Rowe Inn in Ellsworth right down the road from Tapawingo's.
Another favorite in Elk Rapids is Pearls. It is cajun cooking and I recommend the alligator bites. There is a great little restaurant in Alden only open for lunch it is called Afterloon delights. You can boat into Alden and there are public docks for your boat. The Dockside is a great place to park the boat and have cool drink and watch the boat traffic, the food is pretty much GFS fare. Enjoy the lake.

Bellaire is a great town. We love dinner at Lulu's. If you looking for great Northern Michigan products make sure to stop by the Traverse Bay Farms distribution center just south of town. They have the best cherry juice concentrate and raspberry fruit salsa. Here is the website: http://www.fruitadvantage.com

Great screen name, but the post is almost a year old.