Contemporary American · West Front Street, Traverse City

Modern Bird

Modern Bird: Contemporary American in West Front Street, Traverse City. Order: The seasonal supper menu, and the walleye roulade.

New York Times 50 best restaurants in America (2025); James Beard Award semifinalist, Best Chef: Great Lakes (2026)Chef's pickWhere to eat a farm tasting dinnerAlways a line

What to order

The seasonal supper menu, and the walleye roulade

Why go

A husband and wife kitchen in a restored building at 541 W Front St. The Times named it the only Michigan restaurant on its 2025 list, and its chefs made the 2026 James Beard semifinalist list.

On the New York Times 2025 list of America's best restaurants and a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for its chefs, Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart.

Address
541 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Neighborhood
West Front Street
Price
$$$$
Hours
Supper Tuesday to Saturday, 5 to 9 pm (as listed; check before you go)
Website
modernbirdtc.com
Add to Chef Amazing Open in MapsSee it in the Traverse City guide

Seen in Traverse Ticker, NYT list, Hour Detroit, James Beard 2026 semifinalists, Islands

Also nearby in West Front Street

Grand Traverse Pie CompanyFolgarelli's Market & Wine ShopThe Chef's InAerie Restaurant & LoungeAmerican SpoonApache Trout GrillArtisan Waterfront Restaurant & TavernBad Dog Deli
Plan my Traverse City food tripWhere to eat in Traverse City

Researched November 14, 2026 from the sources linked above. Places change; confirm hours and reservations before you go.

Chef Amazing · Will Travel for Food · Traverse City · 250 food markets