Sleder's Family Tavern

Lily was an experienced, charming and helpful server. She helped hook my wife up with one of their nice shirts (available in 3 different colors for $20 each) and even gave us swimming location recommendations which was great🏖️ I got the nachos and my wife ordered the bison burger, we weren't blown away by the quality of the food but everything was decent and their cherry BBQ sauce is delicious. Ask for the historical background printout if you want to take a deep-dive into the history of the restaurant, definitely a must-visit for any first timers in Traverse City!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The perch was soggy & the homemade fries were not fresh & mushy
The atmosphere was great. Original wood floors & a long wooden bar,

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

It is a typical burger place with a tradition. You can come here to see the animals on the wall rather than heading to the zoo. The service was excellent & just located on the outskirts of downtown core. $50 for 2 with tips included.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Sleders was always a family favorite when I was younger visiting my grandparents who lived in the Grand Traverse Bay area.
I had not been in the area for about 10 years and was so pleased to have the same amazing service and food that I remember from my childhood.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unfortunately, my husband got food poisoning from his burger. My fried cod and fries were tasty, and the atmosphere and service was great. I had a delicious hot coffee cocktail that rocked. If my hubby hadn't spent the next two days vomiting, it would have been a fun stop before heading back home from our anniversary getaway. We even both kissed the 🫎 moose!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Awesome experience at Sleder’s Family Tavern! Really enjoyed our burgers and beverages and was especially excited to see USCG Auxiliary stickers and coasters!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

142 years you know they are doing something right!!! Beautiful building with mouth watering food from burgers cooked to perfection, and perch so fresh a light you will want seconds even though you are stuffed!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and staff were amazing. Cannot believe they had Smelt. So I got some.
Wonderful and fun place.
Had to kiss the moose too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

For the price point, it's underwhelming. Got a cod basket where the highlight was the fries. The cod was tough. The service minimally exceptional. I hope that this was just merely an off experience. I have family members who have spoken highly of the establishment. Will adjust my review if warranted next time

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great place visit everytime, I'm in town

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very nice place, good service husband definitely liked the beer!! 👏👍👍

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I have been wanting to dine at this restaurant for years, after reading that it is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Michigan. How cool is that? A piece of history. We FINALLY made it out. The stale air smell in the bar was overpowering- it needs an airing out badly. Maybe it’s partly the smell of the stuffed animals? I don’t know. Stale restaurant smell is one thing that turns my stomach. I asked if we could move to the newer part of the restaurant, which was open and set for patrons but nobody was eating there. The waiter said no, and they don’t want to put people in there yet. I told him the stale smell was getting to me and he did not respond. My husband decided we should just leave. Well - at least we got to see the place and get some pictures. 🙄

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 2

Great food. Fast service. Had the fried pickles and they were good. Second time here as I pass through Traverse City.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Broiled Cod dinner was ice cold, like the fish was under cooked and then sat out. Fries were soggy and cold. Seems to be a common complaint in the reviews.
Seems like mostly High School Kids working including in the Kitchen
Very Disappointing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 4

They have a really great burgers and perch sandwich the burritos are huge. The pickle fries are amazing and breaded perfectly. You can tell they take clean their fryer adequately. The atmosphere is definitely eccentric and rustic. You must kiss the moose!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5