It was just my luck that it rained the entire time I was in Traverse City. Thankfully, it was the warm southern kind of rains rather than the bone chilling kind, and the last blush of autumn’s colours still clung to the branches.
After a morning spent hiking outside in that rainy weather, my aunt texted me recommending Farm Club as a perfect spot to warm up while still taking in great views.
The restaurant opened back in 2020 as the next evolution of an abundantly successful CSA program at Loma Farm. They describe themselves on their website as ‘a gathering place to celebrate land, honest food, and community’ and from my brief visit there, it was evident they have succeeded in that.
The vibe is refreshingly casual for farm-to-table dining. The owner of the property runs the place on the principle of “Lean Farming”, which translates to a very honest and unpretentious environment as a customer. All of the staff (even the bartenders!) participate in one shift working the farm each week in addition to their usual duties.
About Farm Club
Location
Just up the Leelanau Peninsula in Traverse City
Cuisine
Farm-to-Table Americana
Vibe
Scandi Cool in Northern Michigan
My Visit to Farm Club
Walking into Farm Club, you first enter through their little marketplace, which is full of freshly harvested produce and other thoughtfully curated items. I was quickly greeted while browsing, and didn’t have to wait for a table – although I can imagine that during weekends and busier summer months this might be a different story.
I was sat at a table next to big windows that look out onto the farm – a thoughtful choice by the hostess once she realised I was dining alone.
After browsing the menu for a few minutes, I asked my her what she recommended most. Without hesitation she said the chili verde – mainly because it comes with the most amazing cornbread made from house milled heirloom corn.
It came out quickly, and was truly delicious. The chili was warm and filling without being heavy, and the cornbread was as great as advertised.
I also ordered a coffee, which is where I found the real star of the show. The honey. It was lick off the spoon good, which I indeed did.
On my third refill my hostess told me that the honey is actually harvested right on the property, and that everyone who works there is just as obsessed as I was. Thankfully, it is sold in their farm shop whenever they harvest enough.
I will mention that the prices here are definitely on the higher end for the area – expect to pay around around $50 for lunch with taxes and tip included. But, despite being a little pricey, it did not feel overpriced.
Before I left, I spent some time chatting with my hostess about the farm and changes in the area. When I told her that I was heading out to try to see some autumn foliage later that afternoon, she enthusiastically began giving me recommendations for little known viewpoints and cute cafes to check out along the way.
Between the warm hospitality, delicious food, and stunning architecture I cannot wait to visit Farm Club again on my next visit to Traverse City.
The TLDR
This is my new favourite spot in Traverse City. Make sure you go if you’re in town!
