- Attraction: Sleder’s Family Tavern
- Location: 717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://sleders.com/
Step through the doors of Sleder’s Family Tavern and you’ll immediately feel transported to a different era.
Established in 1882, this Traverse City landmark holds the distinction of being Michigan’s oldest continuously operated restaurant, and every creaky floorboard tells a story.
Your feet will touch the same original wooden slab flooring that patrons have walked across for over 140 years, all under the original tin-stamped ceiling that has witnessed countless conversations, celebrations, and first dates.
What makes Sleder’s truly special isn’t just its age—it’s the famous moose named Randolph that hangs majestically above the entrance to the back room.
This beloved mascot has become a cherished tradition where visitors kiss (or nowadays, blow a kiss to) the moose for good luck. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local whose family has been coming here for generations, that moose kiss is practically mandatory.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes
The Legendary Bean Soup: This isn’t just any soup—folks seriously drive for miles just to taste Sleder’s famous bean soup. Rich, hearty, and made from a recipe that hasn’t changed in decades, it’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out on a chilly Michigan day.
Hand-Cut Burgers: Sleder’s specializes in locally-sourced beef and bison burgers with hand-cut fries, and you’ll taste the difference immediately. The olive burger has developed quite a following among regulars, while the buffalo burger offers a unique twist that perfectly captures the northern Michigan spirit. Each patty is made from 100% beef and cooked to perfection.
Fresh Fish Specialties: The tavern serves deep-fried smelt, a local delicacy that’s been around for generations, plus their award-winning fish fry. On Fridays after 5 PM, their cod and smelt become all-you-can-eat options—choose just cod, just smelt, or the combo for a true northern Michigan experience.
Slabtown Ribs: Named after the historic neighborhood where the tavern sits, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and represent the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare that has kept families coming back for generations.
Cherry Barbecued Chicken: This local favorite incorporates Michigan’s famous cherries into a barbecue sauce that’s truly to die for, creating a sweet and tangy combination that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Historic Charm
Original 1880s Architecture: When you enter today, you’ll walk on original slab flooring under the original tin stamped ceiling, surrounded by nostalgic parlor chairs, mahogany bar, booths, and historic photographs. The building materials came from nearby sawmills, giving the space an authentic rustic feel that can’t be replicated.
The Longest Mahogany Bar: Sleder’s boasts the longest mahogany bar in Traverse City, lined with cherry wood and featuring antique lighting. You’ll find it stocked with local and international wines, domestic and craft beers, including the signature Sleder’s Cream Ale brewed by Right Brain Brewery.
Taxidermy & Hunting Lodge Vibe: The walls are adorned with an impressive collection of taxidermy that creates a very “up north” atmosphere. From the black bear wearing a top hat that greets you in the window to the various hunting trophies throughout, the decor tells the story of northern Michigan’s outdoor heritage.
Church Pew Seating: You can settle into the tavern’s creaky booth benches, which look like 19th century church pews, adding to the authentic historical ambiance that makes every meal feel like a step back in time.
Other Considerations
Family-Friendly Pricing: The pricing falls into the affordable category with a $$ range, making it accessible for families looking for a quality meal without breaking the bank. Kids’ meals are $5.95 and include the entree, fries, drink, and ice cream—an excellent value that keeps families coming back.
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Keep Exploring →Diverse Beer Selection: From PBR and Guinness to Sleder’s Cream Ale, they’re known for having one of the most diverse beer menus around. The wine list includes seasonal and local favorites like Late Harvest Riesling from Chateau Grand Traverse.
Historic Neighborhood Location: Located in what was once known as “Slabtown,” a working class neighborhood on Traverse City’s west side, the tavern sits on a quiet side street that feels removed from the bustle of downtown while still being easily accessible.
Prohibition Era Stories: During prohibition, Louie Sleder kept the place open by serving homemade “Root Beer” (bourbon and rye) in tea cups to locals and law enforcement—for free, of course. This rebellious history adds another layer to the tavern’s colorful past.
Weekend Hours & Timing: The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday noon to 9 PM. Arriving earlier in the week tends to mean shorter waits, while weekends can get quite busy with both locals and tourists.
Sleder’s Family Tavern
📍 717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
