Ask a Traverse City local where to get a burger the size of your face, and there’s a good chance they’ll point you toward a stretch of East Front Street that’s been dishing out the same laid-back, no-fuss comfort food for over two decades. That’s Bubba’s, and it’s become the kind of place where regulars don’t even glance at the menu anymore.
Jeff and Trish Wiltse opened Bubba’s in 2000, and the concept was simple from day one: big burgers, cold beer, and a room that feels more like a friendly neighborhood hangout than a polished restaurant. That formula hasn’t changed much, and judging by the crowds that still pack the place on any given evening, nobody’s asking it to.
What to Order
The bubba-size burgers are the headline act here, and it’s easy to see why. Thick, made-to-order patties piled high with toppings show up on nearly every table, and the portions genuinely earn the “bubba-size” branding rather than just leaning on a catchy name.
Beyond the burger board, the appetizer lineup pulls its own weight. Fried mac and cheese bites, oversized onion rings, and seasoned fries round out a starter menu built for sharing, while wings, sweet potato tots, Irish egg rolls, and Cajun fried pickles show up often enough on people’s plates that they’re clearly more than filler items.
Breakfast deserves its own mention. Bubba’s opens early and serves eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos alongside what it bills as the biggest and best Bloody Mary in town, a claim that comes up often enough among regulars to feel earned rather than just marketing copy. The kitchen also runs a rotating chalkboard of home-style specials, so there’s usually something beyond the printed menu worth asking your server about.
Don’t skip dessert, either. The milkshakes get singled out again and again as one of the best reasons to save room, thick and old-school in the way a proper diner shake should be.
Atmosphere & Décor
Inside, Bubba’s leans casual bar and grill rather than sit-down fine dining, with the kind of unfussy, lived-in décor that puts everyone at ease the second they walk in. It’s the sort of spot where you could show up straight off a hike or dressed up for a night out and feel equally at home.
The dining room and bar area stay lively, especially during peak meal times, and the energy leans toward buzzy rather than quiet. It’s a full-service bar as much as it is a restaurant, so expect a social, drinks-flowing crowd alongside the families grabbing burgers.
Given its address right on East Front Street, Bubba’s sits within easy walking distance of downtown Traverse City’s shops and the waterfront, making it a natural stop before or after wandering the area.
Other Considerations
Is it good for families? Yes, Bubba’s markets itself as a spot for the whole family, and there’s a dedicated kids menu alongside the regular offerings.
Will I have to wait? Expect a wait during peak lunch and dinner hours, since the place draws a steady, loyal crowd; going earlier or later in the meal window tends to help.
What are the hours? Bubba’s opens early for breakfast, running Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 8am to 9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8am to 10pm.
Can I get breakfast all day? Since Bubba’s opens at 8am daily, you’ve got a solid window to catch the breakfast menu, including its well-known Bloody Mary, before the lunch and dinner offerings take over.
Bubba’s
📍 428 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Website: https://www.tcbubbas.com/
