The focus of this guide is on places to eat or drink in Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Typically known as restaurants and bars, they may also be known by a variety of other names, only some of which are synonymous.
When it comes to restaurants, there are the fast-food chains that everyone is familiar with. Chains like McDonald's and Burger King became popular in the 1950s, and now compete with several others, such as Taco Bell, Wendy's, and KFC.
You probably won't find it in the name, but fast-casual dining restaurants are common. Boston Market, Chipotle, Panera, and Five Guys fall into that category.
Fine dining restaurants are more upscale, and not generally part of a chain. Chefs in fine dining establishments are professionally trained, the food is expensive, and the atmosphere is elegant.
Then there are the food trucks, sometimes known as catering trucks, which are mobile eateries with low start-up costs, low labor costs, and a low overhead.
Traditionally, a cafe was a restaurant that didn't offer table service. Customers would order from a counter and serve themselves. Today, however, a large number of restaurants using that name do provide table service. Bistros are cafes that offer full meals, although cheaper than a standard sit-down restaurant, that term, too, is also used interchangeably with cafe.
There are several words that are used to describe a bar, as well. Used at least since the 13th century, tavern is one of the older terms in English, and the English borrowed the word from the Old French taverne, which was itself derived from the Latin taberna, which described a shed built of boards, and is the same word that gave us the English tabernacle. Today, however, tavern is used to mean a drinking establishment.
Bar is the most basic term for a drinking establishment in the United States. It dates from the 16th century and was derived from the word for the counter over which the drinks were served.
Drinking establishments are sometimes known as inns, but the term is also used to refer to a lodging house, albeit usually one that serves drinks as well. Today, the word may be used as either a fancy word for bar or for a hotel.
Dating from the early 17th century, pub is an abbreviation for public house, an establishment licensed to sell alcohol to be consumed on the premises. Generally, pubs also serve food.
The early 18th century saloon is an Anglicized form of the French salon, which originally referred to a large reception hall, often in a hotel. By the mid-19th century, the word was used to describe a place for drinking in the United States, although it generally implies an establishment larger than a bar.
In practice, many of these words, and others, are used interchangeably. By whatever name, bars and restaurants in Harbor Springs, Michigan are the focus of this category. On the other hand, grocery and liquor stores would be listed in a Places to Shop category.
Recommended Resources
Crow's Nest Restaurant & Catering
Located on North State Street in Harbor Springs, Michigan, the restaurant has been in operation for more than fifty years. In 1953, Andy and Sophie Wrona transformed their home into the Crow Bar, which has since become a destination restaurant specializing in unique menus and a catering liquor license allowing them to order any specialty wine, beer, and liquor needs for special events. Its location, hours, menu, special offers, and an overview of its services and events are posted on the site.
https://www.crowsnest-harborsprings.com/
The private dining club on Bay Street in downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan features a 14-seat granite bar, elegant main dining room, and seasonal outdoor seating. Serving members only, the Depot Club offers three levels of membership, and the descriptions and benefits of each type of membership are specified on the site. Its hours of operation are listed on the site, along with its dress code, entertainment schedule, and options for catering or private parties. Contacts are included.
https://www.depotclubhs.com/
Open for dine-in and carry-out services daily at 5:00 p.m., the restaurant is situated in downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan, overlooking the waterfront at Little Traverse Bay. Featuring fine gourmet dining, the facility provides a professional and attentive staff and talented bartenders and is available for private parties throughout the year, and a small private dining room is available for more intimate gatherings. Its history, menu, reservation policies, and online ordering are available.
https://www.thenewyork.com/
The bakery, restaurant, and catering service is located on State Street, just up the hill from the post office in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, its hours of operation are posted. Offering takeout meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a Sunday brunch, customers can pre-order cakes and desserts for any occasion or take home baked goods with their to-go order. Its breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are posted, and contact information is included.
http://www.smallbatchharborsprings.com/
Specializing in Wagyu beef, the site offers a description of Wagyu beef and the advantages of the breed, as well as the restaurant location in Harbor Springs, Michigan, a map, restaurant hours, contacts, and a catering guide and gallery of photographs. Its full menu, lunch menu, kids menu, and seasonal dessert menu are published on the site, and orders may be placed online. Career opportunities are posted on the site, and The Knot, its outdoor catering facilities, are highlighted, as well.
https://vernales.com/
