Over 140 years of burgers, cold pints, and a moose you’re expected to kiss — that’s the Sleder’s Family Tavern promise. Established in 1882 and located at 717 Randolph Street in Traverse City, Sleder’s Family Tavern holds the remarkable distinction of being Michigan’s oldest, continuously operated restaurant. This isn’t just a place to grab a meal — it’s a living piece of Michigan history that has somehow managed to stay genuinely, wonderfully itself.
It all began in the heart of what was once known as Slabtown, a working-class neighborhood on Traverse City’s west side, where Vencil Sleder — a Bohemian immigrant and wheelwright — wanted to build a tavern where everyone could relax after a day of hard work. With the help of neighborhood men, he began construction using wooden slabs from nearby sawmills. That scrappy, community-built spirit still permeates every inch of the place today.
Food & Drink Highlights
Known for its thick burgers and “moose chips” — a twist on Tater Tots — Sleder’s is also a local institution for down-home friendly service. The menu includes fish baskets and deli-style sandwiches for lunch, a cherry-barbecued chicken that’s an ode to the region’s cherry crops, and casual Mexican selections like burritos. There’s a little something here for just about everyone at the table.
The burgers are a standout, with the mushroom and olive varieties earning particular praise. Fries are hand-cut and delicious. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the buffalo burger is another crowd favorite that regularly draws repeat visitors back through the door.
The food earns consistent praise for its taste and variety, with favorites like clam chowder and lake perch rising to the top. Start with a hot appetizer like deep-fried pickles, wings, or potato skins — and don’t overlook the bean soup, which people seriously drive miles for. The portions are generous, and the pricing stays reasonable for what you get.
On the drinks side, the bar ranges from PBR and Guinness to Sleder’s Cream Ale — a collaboration with Right Brain Brewery right here in Traverse City — while the wine list includes seasonal and local favorites like Late Harvest Riesling from Black Star Farms. Be sure to try the Spanish Coffee — it’s famously smooth.
The Moose: A Tavern Tradition
There’s a moose mounted on the wall, and when you kiss it, the bartender rings a bell. It’s become a beloved ritual to see who will actually step up and smooch the moose. It sounds quirky, and it absolutely is — but it’s also one of those purely joyful moments that makes Sleder’s feel unlike any other restaurant in the state. Don’t leave without participating.
Live Music on the Porch
The On the Porch Concert Series has been hosting exceptional national and international singer/songwriters for over 20 years. You can enjoy casual dining fireside on the porch or alfresco, making it a perfect warm-weather destination for music lovers and casual diners alike. It adds a whole extra dimension to a visit that already has plenty going for it.
A Prohibition Legend
By the time Prohibition rolled around in Michigan in 1917, the Sleder family’s business savvy helped them keep the tavern open for loyal customers — which is a big reason Sleder’s holds the title of the state’s longest continuously operated tavern. They kept barrels of special “root beer” (bourbon and rye), served in tea cups, and offered them for free to law enforcement officials. That giant root beer barrel sitting in the front window? Now you know exactly what it’s winking at.
Atmosphere & Décor
When you walk into the tavern today, you’ll step across the original slab flooring beneath the original tin-stamped ceiling — the same floor and ceiling that have been there since the 1880s. The original bar along the east wall stretches an impressive 21 feet of solid mahogany sided with cherry wood and fronted with a brass rail. Under the warm glow of antique lamps are old wooden booths and an array of century-old round oak tables and ice cream parlor chairs. The 12-foot ornate stamped tin ceiling remains virtually unchanged, save for the conversion from gas lights to Thomas Edison’s new electric ones.
Deer and elk heads and a bearskin line the wood-paneled walls, and an antique chandelier is suspended above green tablecloths. The effect is equal parts North Woods hunting lodge and Victorian saloon — a combination that somehow feels completely natural and utterly inviting. Around the time of Sleder’s centennial, owners uncovered the hardwood floors, re-finished the wainscoting, and added a Victorian-styled side porch that immediately became a popular venue for private parties, receptions, banquets, and even weddings.
Other Considerations
What’s the pricing like? Sleder’s offers cozy, welcoming dining at reasonable prices, making it a beloved local spot for families and visitors alike. Kid’s meals are $5.95 and include the entrée, fries, drink, and ice cream — a genuinely great value that families with younger children will appreciate.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely. It’s suitable for families looking for kid-friendly dining options, casual gatherings with friends, or anyone wanting to enjoy a meal in a historic setting while supporting local businesses. The welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere means kids and adults both feel right at home.
When should I visit? Sleder’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Summer visits are especially rewarding when outdoor seating opens up and the porch concert series is in full swing. Expect it to be busy during peak tourist season in Traverse City — arriving a bit early or on a weekday can help you snag a good spot.
What about parking? The place is easy to find and offers plenty of parking, which is a refreshing bonus in a tourist-heavy town like Traverse City.
Any caveats to be aware of? Some visitors have mentioned issues with certain food items being cold or lacking flavor, and a few dishes didn’t meet expectations in terms of seasoning or preparation consistency. There were also occasional mentions of service challenges during particularly busy times. These are relatively minor and infrequent notes for a restaurant this beloved, but worth keeping in mind if you’re visiting during peak hours on a weekend.
Sleder’s Family Tavern
📍 717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: https://sleders.com
