While going back through my travels around the Petoskey Area, where I grew up, I realized I hadn’t written about one of my favorite places to eat in the area: 1911 Restaurant at the Terrace Inn in neighboring Bay View! This cute little spot is in the Bay View neighborhood, which is technically still Petoskey, but really its own private village. You can read all about the village’s history and other great things to do in my Bay View Luxury Travel Guide. In the meantime, here’s why I love this cozy spot that serves delightful Lake Michigan fare.
1911 Restaurant
Location: Bay View, Michigan
Address:
1549 Glendale Ave.Petoskey, MI 49770
Inside Terrace Inn
Food Type: Dinner
Dining Experience: Indoor or Al Fresco
Price: $75+ per Person
Dress Code: Smart Casual +
Reservations: Recommended
Special Diets: Pescatarian, Vegetarian,
Gluten Free (not GF dedicated)
1911 Restaurant & Terrace Inn
This 38 room inn and restaurant was built in 1910 and opened in 1911 to much success in the Bay View district of Petoskey, with incredible views of Little Traverse Bay. I dined at the 1911 Restaurant regularly growing up, and I just love the quaint decor, the impeccable service, the tranquil surroundings, and the sound of waves in the distance. I’ve never stayed at the inn, but I have enjoyed every single meal I’ve eaten here.
The Ambience
As I mentioned, the restaurant itself is inside the inn, which is 110 years old, and has a major cottagecore vibe to it. I love to dine al fresco and enjoy the fresh bay breeze that Bay View is famous for, particularly in the spring and summer. The back restaurant terrace leads down into the inn’s gardens, and in summertime diners can smell the fresh fragrance of blooms like roses and geraniums as they mix on the breeze. One of my favorite memories is dining here with my mother, watching the sun set, as the breeze drifted our way, rustling the leaves on the massive trees surrounding the inn, while a live guitarist played music for us. It’s a simple memory, but it represents such a sweet and memorable time in our lives, and I always think fondly of this restaurant for similar reasons.
Prix Fixe Menu
Generally, their dinner menu is a prix fixe menu. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, my culinary terminology guide will sort you out in no time. On the most recent time we dined here, I chose the planked whitefish, which was surrounded by piped, whipped, garlic mashed potatoes, and served on a leather platter. The flavor of freshly cooked whitefish, a Northern Michigan specialty, was spectacular, and the buffer of potatoes helped keep the moisture inside the fix, making it one of the most succulents seafood dishes I’ve ever enjoyed.
In addition, I selected the Terrace Inn Signature salad, as well as the gluten free dessert option, which this night was seasonal fruit atop a rich crème brûlée.
My mother ordered the walleye with a white lemon sauce and capers (as shown above), as well as the wedge salad (sans bacon), and the custard for dessert.
Our Final Thoughts About 1911 Restaurant
Everything is always SO tasty here. The live music, service, the beautiful al fresco dining options, and the freshest food all make for an incredible experience worthy of a trip to Petoskey on its own. To read more of my favorite fine dining and luxury restaurants around the world, check out my archives, here.
xAnnie Fairfax
Follow Me for More: @AnnieFairfax
Patty Rasmussen says
Wow..what a wonderful writer and photographer! She has a great personality, modest, sweet, and honest. She is the real thing!