S2S Sugar to Salt

After looking at the stunning photos when finding this spot online, this restaurant was the one I was excited for the most on our trip to Traverse City. It was as busy as can be when we arrived, usually always a good sign. One of the servers was able to seat us quickly after we arrived so we didn’t have to wait the 45 minute quote time, which was heavily appreciated. It was fantastic to see the suspected manager or owner conversing with patrons in a genuinely meaningful way, topping off waters and running food. Our server was sweet. It did take about an hour from arrival to receive our food.

The first dish finally arrived, but was finished by the time my partner received his. We were planning on sharing a few bites anyway, but if we hadn’t that would have made for an awkward and unenjoyable dining experience. I ordered the chicken sandwich and while the presentation was nice, it was lackluster and disappointing. IMMEDIATELY upon receiving it, the focaccia was so soggy and wet that I couldn’t even pick up the sandwich for the first bite. I wouldn’t normally send things back, but I would have had I seen the server again sooner. The cheese on the bottom was thick and hard. The chicken resembled a milanesa style, but that little protein was not satisfying for so much bread. There wasn’t any component that had much flavor, and my favorite part ended up being the fries that were all about 3 inches in length.

My partners pancake dish finally arrives and the plating is lovely, the colors vibrant and the ingredients interesting. He pours the syrup, and it sloshes out with the consistency of water. The pancakes were dense and fluffy, but still somehow soggy even at first bite- I’m not sure if the squash added too much moisture or if they were sitting too long. There was no crisp to allow the syrup to blanket the top without making the pancake even soggier. It was sweet and savory with sugared berries and sage, but in a much too subtle way that didn’t compliment the dish. I’m not sure if the fruit on top was supposed to be poached but it was hard and uncooked. The blue corn meal was a fun touch of color, but it didn’t add much to the dish. Another dish that wasn’t bad, but definitely unimpressive.

Maybe this isn’t the case normally and the kitchen just missed the mark on this particular day. However, it’s hard to not feel cheated when you’re presented with Instagram-worthy food that does not taste good. I’m glad we tried it, but I don’t see us returning.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

This establishment gives off a very hipster vibe, they were playing some great R&B tunes which my wife and I appreciated. The waitress was extremely friendly and greeted us right away she helped us with all our questions. The food itself was very good, the pancakes were a bit different so ask about those before you get them as we did not and they are a different take on traditional pancake.hi highly recommend the chicken sandwich with pastrami, it was out of the world. We had an awesome experience here and will be back next time we are in town!

Parking: Huge parking lot with tons of spaces.

Kid-friendliness: This is a bakery as well and there are some good options for the kids but a tad limited.

Wheelchair accessibility: Handicap spaces are available and everything is on level ground.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Brisket and Waffles, Beef and Waffle

I am a foodie and this place looked cool, so I brought my family here on my daughter’s birthday trip. They tried to combine too many things into their dishes. 4 unhappy people and a $160 bill for breakfast later have convinced me that we won’t be back. It may be for you but not for my gang of adventurous eaters!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 4

I don’t normally fill out reviews but this place deserved one! This was my first trip to traverse city and was looking for a unique breakfast place to eat at! This breakfast spot is a must. I had a hard time selecting my breakfast choice from their menu. It all sounded delicious. I got the quiche which was delicious. I want to go back before we go home to Chicago. The staff were so kind, welcoming and smiley. The Chef/owner was visible in the back making all the dishes and you could just tell he takes pride in his restaurant. I can’t wait to go back. Hats off to the chef!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great breakfast, professional kitchen and staff. Very impressive

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time visit at my wife's request (she has been here before). I'm not even sure where to begin with how good everything is... The location and atmosphere are wonderful on the old hospital grounds. Staff is very friendly and the local attention to community and farm to table vibe are all fantastic. Then there's the food - the taste and combination of flavors is a true culinary wonderland. Presentation is also front and center without being remotely pretentious. MGoBlue and thanks for the experience as 11/10 would recommend - will definitely be back again next time we get up there!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Risotto, Brisket and Waffles

Consistently fresh, tasty menu choices. Always a pleasure. The granola is (in our opinion) Michigan's best.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best brunch in town by far. They don't just say "we're farm to table", they really truly are and it shows in the quality of the food! The owners and chefs make this such a great tasty experience. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Risotto, Brisket and Waffles

Worth the wait! Can’t wait to go back

Food: 5

Service: 5

A great place for an amazing breakfast and delicious pastries and coffee.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Roll, Scones

This restaurant has a cool atmosphere, our server was attentive and the menu was inventive. The wait list was long and our dishes arrived cold (another long wait). After waiting nearly 2 hours to eat, we were asked if we could leave our table almost immediately after paying our bill as we were saying our goodbyes to long time high school friends which we hadn't seen in 6 years. The owner/manager said was a wait-list. Maybe? We saw one couple waiting. However, it was completely rude and awkward. So the menu was exciting, food was cold and poorly paired , and the management was uncouth. This would never happen at up-scale, or even most lower scale restaurants. It's almost unheard of. I would say go there if you want to pay high prices for cold mediocre food and then be asked to hurry after a near 2 hour wait then this is your spot. We will not return. The food is pretty and the book collection is a nice touch though.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread

We visited twice in three days because we had such a lovely experience. Call ahead seating works well, and the restaurant is at the base of a trail system if you need to spend substantial time waiting for a table—it is worth the wait. The porridge was one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. The waitstaff is friendly and knowledgable, and the owner is a charming host. While it’s not a cheap breakfast, the prices seem more than reasonable for the obvious craft and quality.

Vegetarian options: Many of the dishes containing some meat can be adjusted for vegetarians—our waitress highlighted those for us.

Dietary restrictions: Waitress asked us about dietary restrictions and explained which dishes could be adjusted for vegetarian.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Porridge, Brisket and Waffles

Food was fantastic and the service was even better. The Duck plate was so good and not something that you see at most places. Will definitely be back if we are in the area again

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing service and the food rocks!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been here several times and make it a point to visit when I am in this part of town. I usually sit at the counter and I never feel that I am eating alone. The food is excellent and the service has been top notch. It might be tucked away in the back area, but no worries-worth the hunt to find it!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Sandwich, Porridge, Tortilla Bowl, Risotto, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Almond Biscotti, Scones, Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread, Cornbread