Dish Café
108 S Union St, Traverse City, MI, 49684
Dish Café Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
108 S Union St
Traverse City, MI, 49684 - Phone (231) 932-2233
- Website https://www.thedishcafetc.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:00 am - 6:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Naoko M.
A casual cafe/restaurant with fresh salads, yummy sandwitches & soups. The variety of the menu selection is great (for vegetarians too) - I always find something I want to eat. The service is quick and friendly.
(5)Latin B.
Great food! They have a serious variety of food to choose from. I chose the Shrimpy and it was scrumptious!
(5)Ann S.
Good little place to swing by for a sandwich, wrap, etc. We got the smokey chicken quesadilla and I got the spicy jalapeno chicken soup. Good prices, good food, can't go wrong.
(3)John H.
Great service, great food. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Brandon U.
Love this place! Went up north for a few weeks and to come here was absolute treat. We ate there like 4 or 5 times, the place is quick and fresh, I got a few breakfast burritos and a salad all were real good and cheap!?! burrito was like $3.75 and salad was like $6 something for a big salad. Great coffee and super nice staff highly recommended!
(5)Matt H.
Dish still is a great option downtown. The quesadilla's are good but a little pricey. The real way to go are the ciabatta sandwiches which are about $8 but they are huge, easily big enough for two.
(5)Sarah P.
The Dish is a good place for a freshly cooked quick meal. I typically get a quesadilla because I love their homemade salsa. Sandwiches are also quite tasty. They have a variety of about six soups per day. The smoothies are refreshing and made with fresh fruits. The interior decor is simple and nothing worth mentioning. The staff is always friendly and cheerful.
(4)Kelly K.
My absolutely FAVORITE place to go in TC. I make the fiance take me here each time we go up to visit his family. My go-to is a quesadilla (can't remember the name) with black beans, cheese, avacado, and tomatoes. Portion is HUGE so I always have 1/2 to take home, and their salsa is phenomenal. Everyone is super friendly, and their menu is very expansive, so they have something for everyone. Definitely check it out!
(5)Matthew N.
Great place for lunch. I enjoy the pesto chicken sandwich and the smoky chicken quesadilla cooked extra crispy.
(4)John S.
This restaurant is very good for a quick, lite, fresh and delicious meal. They have several delicious sandwich, salad, and 6 soups on tap. Many vegan and vegetarian options! The food is quick, and a good quality. My girlfriend swears the go green quesadilla is one of the best quesadillas shes ever had, so try that one! I had a wrap with wasabi peas in it that was quite delicious, and a big bowl of curried soup that was amazing.
(4)Christina A.
Yum. So happy we chose to eat here. The food is delicious, fast and inexpensive. There were six of us and all of us are still talking about it hours later. We tried sandwiches, wraps, soup, salad and a quesadilla. Delightful. If you have children this is definitely a must stop in TC.
(5)Chi T.
The Dish is the best! Organically grown food that is tasty!!! Go there for breakfast or lunch - they won't disappoint! Whenever I'm in Traverse City I can't wait to visit the Dish because I know I'm getting a AWESOME meal that's good for me too! Staff is friendly & quick & the prices are extremely reasonable. Try their smoothies - they are EPIC!
(5)Liz K.
Dish is right near work and I keep wandering over when I need a little sugar kick. Thus far, I've had two diet cokes, an Izze, a cookie and rice krispy treat. Given that, I can't yet comment on the actual menu... but the cookie and RK were good! Seems to be a fave hangout of many downtown TC business people and is always busy.
(3)Sarah C.
This is a pretty solid lunch choice with a good variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches and quesadillas plus smoothies and other drinks. They also have quite a few soups daily, but I've never been too impressed with those. I usually stick with a salad (especially with the lime-dill ranch, yum) or sandwich and smoothie. The staff is very friendly. That being said, if I were visiting TC this would not be one of my first choices as there are better lunch options in the area.
(3)Katy M.
This is my go-to lunch spot downtown. Awesome staff (they get to know your name quickly if you are a regular)! Great soups, salads, quesadillas, wraps, sanwiches, espresso/coffee beverages and smoothies. There are a ton of options for those who do not eat meat and also for the health concious. Great outside seating in the summer for the ultimate downtown people watching experience!
(5)Robynn J.
I love the Dish! If you are vegetarian or vegan, it should be your favorite lunch spot, as it is mine. Excellent counter service, friendly, clean, and the food is fresh and tasty.
(5)Riley'sMama s.
We really enjoyed this place. It reminds me of a deli that would be found on the beach in San Diego. The employees were very friendly and helpful. I had the number 6 Turkey, and ordered it specifically on ciabatta bread. Yum! The ciabatta bread was outstanding. My spouse had the shrimpie wrap. This one was just so-so. It was a little bland, and the tortilla was hard as a rock.
(4)Tony S.
Great sammies and great drinks. Right in the downtown area off Front St. You'll find many interesting food combinations and healthy things to choose from. Try the fruit smoothies.
(4)Paul G.
Had lunch here. Really fast and efficient service from the friendly staff. Food was great and the prices were good.
(5)Dana T.
Just returned from a recent visit Up North. Stopped for lunch after shopping with my 16-year-old daughter. We both agreed that DISH is a total find! First of all, there are soup specials daily - we loved the tomato basil (best ever); then they have great sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas. In this world of over-sized portions, I appreciated being able to buy a half sandwich and half quesadilla. Both were AMAZING. Our order was taken by the owner, Randy, who could not have been more helpful and friendly. And did I mention it's really affordable? Hate the Drake, but love the Dish :)
(5)Marin C.
I have had their sandwiches, soups, and smoothies. I heartily approved of all of them =). Their vegetarian options deserve a warm fuzzy for sure. ps. If they are serving the tomato coconut curry, and you like any of those things, you should get it. It is delicious. I tried a bit of the veggie soup with artichoke too, and it was super too.
(4)sara k.
A great stop for new twists and old classics. MANY vegetarian offerings. I enjoyed my sandwich (the Bay Bread is delish) and soup. I also enjoyed my husband's wrap. (It was on our pre-nup that all restaurant food must be open for tastings.) The servers/sandwich artists/baristas are pleasant and knowledgable. All-in-all, a very nice lunchtime destination that I will visit again.
(4)Mike W.
Randomly stopped here while walking around the downtown. Ordered a couple sandwiches and coffees. Coffees were local but slightly burnt/not the best in the world. Sandwiches were made quickly but were only mediocre.
(3)Marcia N.
Very limited breakfast with a selection of scrambled egg wraps. They are very good however.
(4)Molly K.
The shrimpy wrap is really a gem, and the Onassis salad is my standby. I miss the limeade and soda from previous ownership days, but the limeade (sans soda) is still around, and still delish. I'm going more than I have in years cause it's looking cleaner than it did for years, and the people working there now are much friendlier than they used to be... Nice to have it back as a solid lunch choice.
(4)Stephanie K.
This place is awesome. Ate here twice this past week while on spring break. The staff here are very friendly and make you feel very comfortable. Everything I tried off the menu has been very fresh and very tasty. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options. I would definitely recommend any of the quesadillas (make sure you get the salsa for dipping) and also really enjoyed the selection of soups (especially the spicy black bean and spinach parmesan). Wish I had a little restaurant like this back home.
(5)Anne-Michelle E.
I've lived in California since 2004 so I don't often get a chance to go to The Dish anymore. But when I lived in Traverse City, The Dish's Tuna Pesto Melt was SO good..they've changed ownership several times and I'm not sure if the Tuna Pesto Melt is what it used to be but definitely a place to check out if ever you are in Traverse City, MI.
(5)Gene U.
Lots of light and veggie dishes. My favorite is the Pudgie wrap. My bride is a fan of their shrimp and artichoke salad. Super friendly service. The Dish is the sort of place that makes a point of remembering your name. I like that.
(5)JP N.
first visit here, giant veggie & vegan selection, everyone enjoyed their soup & sandwich combos, I think there were 8 soups to choose from to boot.
(4)JR W.
low key and yummy.
(3)Anne C.
Good food if you're looking for a lighter bite for lunch in TC. The service can be quite hit-or-miss for me, but maybe I've just had bad luck. I keep coming back anyway!
(4)L W.
Surprisingly delicious breakfast burritos! Husband and I ventured out in search of a quick place to grab breakfast and coffee. This place fit the bill! Breakfast Burrito choices were varied and accommodating for meat eaters and vegetarians. They even had an oatmeal bar with assorted toppings. Coffee was delicious. Would come back! Lunch also looked good although we didn't try it - I would like to!
(5)Cale W.
Awesome lunch, great service, definitely coming back! The soups are fantastic - I recommend trying the tomato coconut curry. My sandwich, The Western Club, was also great. I just wish there was one in my hometown too!
(5)Suzy B.
The other reviews probably built up this place for us. The girl at the counter was rude and rolled her eyes at my questions about ingredients since I have dietary limits. Food was "meh."
(2)Jessica S.
I super love the lime dill ranch here. I got tomato soup and tried half of the shrimpy and the chubby sans onions. Both are very good but the shrimpy needs less guacamole or more other stuff to balance it out. Very good food though and I look forward to returning.
(4)Pam C.
I was looking for a smoothie in Traverse City and found this great place! Everything fresh and home made. Soups are delicious. I had the curried chick pea soup, not too strong on the curry, simple and healthy!
(4)Susan M.
If you go here for one thing, and one thing only, it'd be worth the stop: tomato coconut curry soup. Still dreaming about it. Motivated to recreated it but I'm not holding my breath. Their turkey club was pretty good too. But wasn't a fan of smoothies. My hubby and I shared sandwich and soup and each got our own smoothie. Way more than enough food.
(4)Dustin F.
I live downtown, and eat downtown a lot. Usually looking for quick and easy. The dish is both, plus it's consistently good. I like trying new food each time, even though my wife always get the same sandwich. Highly recommended. Also great, fast smoothies
(5)Ken M.
Heard about this place on bring fido. Since we were traveling with the dog we thought we would check them out. The breakfast burritos were amazing. The salsa tasted homemade. the dog was allowed on the patio. They even had a dish of water for him.
(5)Jenny B.
I love coming here when I'm in town. They always have healthy fresh food and its reasonably priced. Get the San Diego salad! My man get the tuna pesto melt on cibatta and he loved it!
(5)Renee B.
We always hit Dish Cafe for a lunch when we're in TC. They have unique sandwiches & wraps and great soup selections. Try something with the lime dill ranch, it's super tasty! I also tried a smoothie this time, it was good but very tart with cherries and raspberries.
(5)Hannah S.
YUM! Totally unexpected deliciousness. I ordered a cup of the chickpea bell pepper soup (serve yourself with nice chunks of bread & crackers), and the chicken cherry wrap. SUPERB. Wrap tasted healthy with the spinach tortilla, chicken with light italian dressing, and the cherries added a wonderful pop (and it's Traverse City, you have to have cherries). Bestie ordered her own smoothie, coconut pineapple something, and it was awesome! No hesitations I'm coming here again next time I visit. Simple goodness.
(5)Britany L.
This is an awesome little cafe to hang out and enjoy delicious vegan/vegetarian food, as well as meat lovers dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner- this was the perfect place for me to chill out on my iPad and have some yummy food! They also have espresso and smoothie drinks that I can't wait to try!!
(5)Steve M.
One of the 2 publicized Dog-Friendly restaurants I found in Traverse City... surprised there aren't more. We enjoyed nice outdoor seating with our French Bulldog, complete with water bowl. We went for breakfast and split the Bacon, Guacamole and Cheddar burrito... Awesome. As was the coffee and friendly staff! The menu looks delicious and we look forward to our next visit.
(4)Mandi B.
This was the best spot I hit during my recent trip to Traverse City. Incredibly good prices, on a good variety of fresh and delicious food. You can customize a smoothie and get your vegetarian or vegan lunch on with no problem. I had a veggie wrap which was FULL of flavor with olives, spinach, hummus, cucumber and other goodies. I also had a berry smoothie (no dairy in their smoothies = win!) ... Delish! I imagine the good people of Traverse City will not let this business go anywhere. Looking forward to lunch or breakfast here next time I'm in town. I had my order to-go, but they do have a patio for enjoying those sunny TC days.
(4)Katie S.
I love going to this place when I'm in Traverse City. They have a great selection for vegetarians and vegans alike. The staff is super friendly and helpful. if you want a great sandwich that won't break the bank this is the place.
(5)Al E.
This has seriously improved judging by the quality of lunch today. Shrimp and avocado wrap was tasty, not industrial, and served quickly with accompanying drink. A couple if years ago it was so-so but Harvest being nearby (which is amazing) has definitely bumped up their offering. Recommend.
(4)David A.
The atmosphere isn't anything to write home about, but it's simple and clean- and you're here to eat. The food is so fresh, and expertly assembled. Everything we ordered was surprisingly delightful with refreshing flavors. This place will please palettes of all variety and for a great price. Next time we swing through Traverse City- we'll return! Michigan needs more of these affordable, fresh and delicious offerings!
(5)Casey A.
Great sandwiches and the soup was amazing! Something for everyone including vegetarians and picky kids.
(5)Elizabeth D.
Dish cafe had many delicious vegan options for us! Chickpea soup plus many of their creative wraps can easily be made vegan by leaving out the cheese.
(5)Adam C.
5 adults and 2 kids and EVERYONE was happy with what they got. Great place to grab lunch near the beach. Better menu than your average sandwich shop.
(5)Dan N.
My wife and I had a wonderful weekend exploring Michigan's beautiful Western and Northern coasts, but eating at Dish Cafe had to be one of the low points. 4.5 stars people?? What's the deal??? After reading the reviews, maybe I should have ordered myself a kale salad with a side of green veggies, but my chicken sandwich was pathetic. Overcooked, chicken out of proportion with toppings, just blah. My soup was also terrible. My wife got a wrap with hummus and bunch of veggies, which, alluding to my previous comment, was a very wise choice. There are a ton of great places to eat in TC, and in my opinion, Dish Cafe is NOT one of them.
(2)Emily F.
I always enjoy the food here. The sandwiches are wonderful. This is a nice little cafe to stop in and grab something. Smoothies, paninis, hot soup, and quesadillas are just a few of the items on the menu. The food here has been pretty great, I can't really complain about the food at all. The service needs some work. The workers can be quite disorganized and mix things up, or miss items completely. I ordered a sandwich to go and two drinks one day. The smoothie and the "lemonade" made it to my hands, and then the girl stuck the receipt to nail for completed orders. I figured this meant my sandwich was soon coming. 10 minutes later, the girl who dismissed my order asked me,"what are you standing here for?" I let her know that I bought a sandwich with my drinks and I was just waiting for that. She rolls her eyes at me and scoffs at the fact that I'm waiting. It was quite openly rude. Finally, my sandwich makes it to my hands and I am able to leave. I know service can be slow some days, but with an open kitchen, you can sometimes see why it's going to slow. Do not order the "fresh squeezed lemonade". Last time it was just sour drink mixer poured over ice. Ew!
(3)Ann G.
I got a turkey havarti sandwich with a side of tomato basil soup and a bag of chips. The sandwhich was FANTASTIC. Chips were good, but the only thing that made this a 4 star meal was the soup. Although tasty, it was lukewarm. I asked if I could try a different soup and they responded with "of course, absolutely." I tried the potato ham, and although it was a bit warmer, it still wasn't as hot as you would want a soup to be. I just decided "oh well" and didn't pursue the issue any further. Overall great experience.
(4)Brian J.
This was a pretty fantastic lunch spot. Awesome sandwich, wrap, and quesadilla selections. I had a shrimp scorpio quesadilla and it was super flaky & crispy and all out yummy. I also came with several children and they were very accommodating.
(5)Holly S.
Awesome place for a salad. The portobello melt is great. We love the turkey havarti sandwich. Excellent bread. The soups can be hit and miss. When they are good they are wonderful, and when they are not they aren't even worth eating. I've never asked, but it may be with sampling before filling your bowl. Staff is super friendly. This is one of our favorite places for a casual meal as a family. Has free wifi also.
(4)Laura H.
Fast friendly service. Seating outside. Prices good. Enjoyable for a quick cup of coffee!
(4)Kelsi B.
I would give this place 5 stars if only the decor was more impressive. Walking into this place you would not expect the food to be as good as it is, but it is damn good. Definitely a hidden treasure. I enjoyed the portabella mushroom salad which had just about the best vinaigrette I've ever had. My mother had a cup of the tomato coconut curry soup and my dad had a quesadilla. My brother was head over heals for his roast beef sandwich. I am gluten free so I didn't get to try it but he finished it in about 2 minutes so it must have been good. We would return in a heartbeat!
(4)Kristin F.
So I decided to begin a personal post-Thanksgiving challenge with the cafes downtown and try a different salad each of the five days this work week. I'm right on Cass & Front and decided to broaden my horizons since I usually eat the same things day in and day out. Wednesday was The Dish. I'd have to say the portabella salad was my favorite so far this week- so delicious. I've been here several times for wraps, which I love, but I was extremely excited to see portabellas on the menu. It's been a while since I've cooked them at home, and the menu inspired me to get more creative in the kitchen once again (ahem, lazy set in). This is a great place for lunch with a fresh touch. Everything is seasoned to perfection, the service is friendly and quick- I was shocked at how soon my salad came out after I ordered, and all in all it seemed like a healthy pick. A definite downtown go-to.
(5)Luke S.
Great little cafe. Simple menu and really nice people. We were recommended to go here by the Great Lakes Children's Museum. When we got there we saw other parents form the children's museum with their kids there too. Very kid friendly. Pretty cheap too but I am used to so cal prices and everything seems cheap around here.
(5)Jennie S.
Despite its ugly (IMO) sign, The Dish Cafe offers some pretty exciting menu items. They have lots of vegetarian (and even vegan!) options - sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, salads and soups. I loved that when we walked in, EVERYONE working there said hello to us! I got the half Eastern quesadilla which had artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta and havarti. The half dillas are huge! It was sooo good. Got a cup of the creamy roasted pepper soup, too - it was weird, kind of sour. Their soup selection varies daily, and you serve yourself. You may want to go over to the soup bar and check to see if the one you want is empty before you pay for a cup. Their prices are very reasonable, plus they have $5 lunch specials from 11-3. Check out their website - their whole menu is on there. They were quick to serve the food, and I am sure that if you had some specific request in your order they would be more than willing to oblige. And they all said goodbye/have a nice day when we left :) That was really nice.
(5)Eric C.
Shrimpy shrimpy shrimpy!!! Can't go wrong with the shrimpy here. Thought the food here was terrific, fresh, and a good value. Great stop for a quick lunch.
(5)Colleen C.
The Dish has been a long-time staple in TC for some seriously freshy-fresh cafe fare. Quick meals that are better than many "real" restaurants, great smoothies, soups, limeades and excellent salads with homemade dressings! (the Dill Ranch is quite possibly the best thing to ever hit a salad, true). (And, this building was the site of my FIRST ever job, as a little cashier at Javasite, back when internet cafes even made sense...1996!) Other fabulous amenities: *Lots of veggie options *Huge list of salads, sandwiches, soups and beverages *Cafe seating outside, right on Union Street. *Ample indoor seating *Fresh, flavorful ingredients *Counter service *Clean, modern interior *Warm, inviting staff (ALWAYS say hello, no matter how busy) Chef Salad: piles of fresh romaine, chunks of fresh cheese and ham, tomatoes and artichokes with aforementioned Dill Ranch. I devoured every single bite. Travel companion man opted for the Toss Salad (all gone) and a ciabatta sandwich, only able to finish half. (Very big, served hot!). There's a reason they've made it this long in Downtown...before it was hip and cool to be down there. It's great food at very good prices, and of course...I'm a fan. Casual lunch in TC? This is your spot !
(5)John J.
Turkey Havarta was a little bit of nothing. Dull atmosphere. Nice staff. Great tomato basil soup at a good price. But felt the 4.5 stars was definitely high.
(3)Meredith T.
The Dish is where it's at in Traverse City. I moved up here from Chicago and quickly fell in love with this place. It offers a wide variety of options from wraps, sandwiches, panini's, salad's and sweets. But I can't talk about the wide variety because all I ever get is one thing. And it's the most delicious item the Dish offers on their expansive menu...the Grumpy wrap. The Grumpy is a bunch of really delicious ingredients, like kalmata olives, lettuce, artichokes, onions, homemade hummus and a zingy lemon dressing all wrapped up in a spinach tortilla. Something about this thing is addictive. It's comforting and yet healthy all at the same time. What could be wrong with that? Although I have yet to branch out and try other items on their menu which I'm sure are just as good (although I'm still skeptical), I can say with total certainty that the Dish is one of the best places to eat in TC. The service is fast and friendly. It's clean. They have free wi-fi. It has a real cafe feel to it and you don't feel pressured to eat and run. You can just hang out if you want. Definitely give this place a try!
(5)Joe V.
Still the best smoothies in town!
(4)Sheresse S.
I will always love this place! The best sandwich of my life was consumed here. I have been searching for a restaurant to top it and I don't believe it can be done.
(5)Carson B.
Great coffee and sandwiches. Quick service. Staff wasn't rude but wasn't very bubbly either.
(5)Jessica A.
Stumbled upon this place when we were staying in the area. The food is good, and they aren't badly priced. Ended up eating lunch here pretty much every day of our vacation.
(4)Dan B.
One of our best meals in Traverse City and it was a quick in and out lunch. You can tell the staff cares about you and your time spent at their restaurant. Welcoming and thanking everyone who enters is a small step to making customers happy. The quesadillas were great, salsa was a standout performer along with the great and fast service. Kids PB&J is pretty big so expect to eat some of that if you order it for a little one. Looks like smoothies and soups are their standouts. Really glad we tried it but I agree with 1 reviewer their signage needs work. I saw the word DISH but not really anything else from coming up Union from the Lakeshore. Thank goodness the Pineapple ice sculpture drew us in.
(4)Joanne R.
Creamy jalapeño chicken soup - yum
(4)David A.
The atmosphere isn't anything to write home about, but it's simple and clean- and you're here to eat. The food is so fresh, and expertly assembled. Everything we ordered was surprisingly delightful with refreshing flavors. This place will please palettes of all variety and for a great price. Next time we swing through Traverse City- we'll return! Michigan needs more of these affordable, fresh and delicious offerings!
(5)Mandi B.
This was the best spot I hit during my recent trip to Traverse City. Incredibly good prices, on a good variety of fresh and delicious food. You can customize a smoothie and get your vegetarian or vegan lunch on with no problem. I had a veggie wrap which was FULL of flavor with olives, spinach, hummus, cucumber and other goodies. I also had a berry smoothie (no dairy in their smoothies = win!) ... Delish! I imagine the good people of Traverse City will not let this business go anywhere. Looking forward to lunch or breakfast here next time I'm in town. I had my order to-go, but they do have a patio for enjoying those sunny TC days.
(4)Katie S.
I love going to this place when I'm in Traverse City. They have a great selection for vegetarians and vegans alike. The staff is super friendly and helpful. if you want a great sandwich that won't break the bank this is the place.
(5)Al E.
This has seriously improved judging by the quality of lunch today. Shrimp and avocado wrap was tasty, not industrial, and served quickly with accompanying drink. A couple if years ago it was so-so but Harvest being nearby (which is amazing) has definitely bumped up their offering. Recommend.
(4)Casey A.
Great sandwiches and the soup was amazing! Something for everyone including vegetarians and picky kids.
(5)Elizabeth D.
Dish cafe had many delicious vegan options for us! Chickpea soup plus many of their creative wraps can easily be made vegan by leaving out the cheese.
(5)Adam C.
5 adults and 2 kids and EVERYONE was happy with what they got. Great place to grab lunch near the beach. Better menu than your average sandwich shop.
(5)Dan N.
My wife and I had a wonderful weekend exploring Michigan's beautiful Western and Northern coasts, but eating at Dish Cafe had to be one of the low points. 4.5 stars people?? What's the deal??? After reading the reviews, maybe I should have ordered myself a kale salad with a side of green veggies, but my chicken sandwich was pathetic. Overcooked, chicken out of proportion with toppings, just blah. My soup was also terrible. My wife got a wrap with hummus and bunch of veggies, which, alluding to my previous comment, was a very wise choice. There are a ton of great places to eat in TC, and in my opinion, Dish Cafe is NOT one of them.
(2)Emily F.
I always enjoy the food here. The sandwiches are wonderful. This is a nice little cafe to stop in and grab something. Smoothies, paninis, hot soup, and quesadillas are just a few of the items on the menu. The food here has been pretty great, I can't really complain about the food at all. The service needs some work. The workers can be quite disorganized and mix things up, or miss items completely. I ordered a sandwich to go and two drinks one day. The smoothie and the "lemonade" made it to my hands, and then the girl stuck the receipt to nail for completed orders. I figured this meant my sandwich was soon coming. 10 minutes later, the girl who dismissed my order asked me,"what are you standing here for?" I let her know that I bought a sandwich with my drinks and I was just waiting for that. She rolls her eyes at me and scoffs at the fact that I'm waiting. It was quite openly rude. Finally, my sandwich makes it to my hands and I am able to leave. I know service can be slow some days, but with an open kitchen, you can sometimes see why it's going to slow. Do not order the "fresh squeezed lemonade". Last time it was just sour drink mixer poured over ice. Ew!
(3)Ann G.
I got a turkey havarti sandwich with a side of tomato basil soup and a bag of chips. The sandwhich was FANTASTIC. Chips were good, but the only thing that made this a 4 star meal was the soup. Although tasty, it was lukewarm. I asked if I could try a different soup and they responded with "of course, absolutely." I tried the potato ham, and although it was a bit warmer, it still wasn't as hot as you would want a soup to be. I just decided "oh well" and didn't pursue the issue any further. Overall great experience.
(4)Brian J.
This was a pretty fantastic lunch spot. Awesome sandwich, wrap, and quesadilla selections. I had a shrimp scorpio quesadilla and it was super flaky & crispy and all out yummy. I also came with several children and they were very accommodating.
(5)Holly S.
Awesome place for a salad. The portobello melt is great. We love the turkey havarti sandwich. Excellent bread. The soups can be hit and miss. When they are good they are wonderful, and when they are not they aren't even worth eating. I've never asked, but it may be with sampling before filling your bowl. Staff is super friendly. This is one of our favorite places for a casual meal as a family. Has free wifi also.
(4)Laura H.
Fast friendly service. Seating outside. Prices good. Enjoyable for a quick cup of coffee!
(4)Kelsi B.
I would give this place 5 stars if only the decor was more impressive. Walking into this place you would not expect the food to be as good as it is, but it is damn good. Definitely a hidden treasure. I enjoyed the portabella mushroom salad which had just about the best vinaigrette I've ever had. My mother had a cup of the tomato coconut curry soup and my dad had a quesadilla. My brother was head over heals for his roast beef sandwich. I am gluten free so I didn't get to try it but he finished it in about 2 minutes so it must have been good. We would return in a heartbeat!
(4)Kristin F.
So I decided to begin a personal post-Thanksgiving challenge with the cafes downtown and try a different salad each of the five days this work week. I'm right on Cass & Front and decided to broaden my horizons since I usually eat the same things day in and day out. Wednesday was The Dish. I'd have to say the portabella salad was my favorite so far this week- so delicious. I've been here several times for wraps, which I love, but I was extremely excited to see portabellas on the menu. It's been a while since I've cooked them at home, and the menu inspired me to get more creative in the kitchen once again (ahem, lazy set in). This is a great place for lunch with a fresh touch. Everything is seasoned to perfection, the service is friendly and quick- I was shocked at how soon my salad came out after I ordered, and all in all it seemed like a healthy pick. A definite downtown go-to.
(5)Luke S.
Great little cafe. Simple menu and really nice people. We were recommended to go here by the Great Lakes Children's Museum. When we got there we saw other parents form the children's museum with their kids there too. Very kid friendly. Pretty cheap too but I am used to so cal prices and everything seems cheap around here.
(5)Jennie S.
Despite its ugly (IMO) sign, The Dish Cafe offers some pretty exciting menu items. They have lots of vegetarian (and even vegan!) options - sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps, salads and soups. I loved that when we walked in, EVERYONE working there said hello to us! I got the half Eastern quesadilla which had artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, feta and havarti. The half dillas are huge! It was sooo good. Got a cup of the creamy roasted pepper soup, too - it was weird, kind of sour. Their soup selection varies daily, and you serve yourself. You may want to go over to the soup bar and check to see if the one you want is empty before you pay for a cup. Their prices are very reasonable, plus they have $5 lunch specials from 11-3. Check out their website - their whole menu is on there. They were quick to serve the food, and I am sure that if you had some specific request in your order they would be more than willing to oblige. And they all said goodbye/have a nice day when we left :) That was really nice.
(5)Eric C.
Shrimpy shrimpy shrimpy!!! Can't go wrong with the shrimpy here. Thought the food here was terrific, fresh, and a good value. Great stop for a quick lunch.
(5)Colleen C.
The Dish has been a long-time staple in TC for some seriously freshy-fresh cafe fare. Quick meals that are better than many "real" restaurants, great smoothies, soups, limeades and excellent salads with homemade dressings! (the Dill Ranch is quite possibly the best thing to ever hit a salad, true). (And, this building was the site of my FIRST ever job, as a little cashier at Javasite, back when internet cafes even made sense...1996!) Other fabulous amenities: *Lots of veggie options *Huge list of salads, sandwiches, soups and beverages *Cafe seating outside, right on Union Street. *Ample indoor seating *Fresh, flavorful ingredients *Counter service *Clean, modern interior *Warm, inviting staff (ALWAYS say hello, no matter how busy) Chef Salad: piles of fresh romaine, chunks of fresh cheese and ham, tomatoes and artichokes with aforementioned Dill Ranch. I devoured every single bite. Travel companion man opted for the Toss Salad (all gone) and a ciabatta sandwich, only able to finish half. (Very big, served hot!). There's a reason they've made it this long in Downtown...before it was hip and cool to be down there. It's great food at very good prices, and of course...I'm a fan. Casual lunch in TC? This is your spot !
(5)John J.
Turkey Havarta was a little bit of nothing. Dull atmosphere. Nice staff. Great tomato basil soup at a good price. But felt the 4.5 stars was definitely high.
(3)Meredith T.
The Dish is where it's at in Traverse City. I moved up here from Chicago and quickly fell in love with this place. It offers a wide variety of options from wraps, sandwiches, panini's, salad's and sweets. But I can't talk about the wide variety because all I ever get is one thing. And it's the most delicious item the Dish offers on their expansive menu...the Grumpy wrap. The Grumpy is a bunch of really delicious ingredients, like kalmata olives, lettuce, artichokes, onions, homemade hummus and a zingy lemon dressing all wrapped up in a spinach tortilla. Something about this thing is addictive. It's comforting and yet healthy all at the same time. What could be wrong with that? Although I have yet to branch out and try other items on their menu which I'm sure are just as good (although I'm still skeptical), I can say with total certainty that the Dish is one of the best places to eat in TC. The service is fast and friendly. It's clean. They have free wi-fi. It has a real cafe feel to it and you don't feel pressured to eat and run. You can just hang out if you want. Definitely give this place a try!
(5)Joe V.
Still the best smoothies in town!
(4)Sheresse S.
I will always love this place! The best sandwich of my life was consumed here. I have been searching for a restaurant to top it and I don't believe it can be done.
(5)Carson B.
Great coffee and sandwiches. Quick service. Staff wasn't rude but wasn't very bubbly either.
(5)Jessica A.
Stumbled upon this place when we were staying in the area. The food is good, and they aren't badly priced. Ended up eating lunch here pretty much every day of our vacation.
(4)Dan B.
One of our best meals in Traverse City and it was a quick in and out lunch. You can tell the staff cares about you and your time spent at their restaurant. Welcoming and thanking everyone who enters is a small step to making customers happy. The quesadillas were great, salsa was a standout performer along with the great and fast service. Kids PB&J is pretty big so expect to eat some of that if you order it for a little one. Looks like smoothies and soups are their standouts. Really glad we tried it but I agree with 1 reviewer their signage needs work. I saw the word DISH but not really anything else from coming up Union from the Lakeshore. Thank goodness the Pineapple ice sculpture drew us in.
(4)Joanne R.
Creamy jalapeño chicken soup - yum
(4)L W.
Surprisingly delicious breakfast burritos! Husband and I ventured out in search of a quick place to grab breakfast and coffee. This place fit the bill! Breakfast Burrito choices were varied and accommodating for meat eaters and vegetarians. They even had an oatmeal bar with assorted toppings. Coffee was delicious. Would come back! Lunch also looked good although we didn't try it - I would like to!
(5)Cale W.
Awesome lunch, great service, definitely coming back! The soups are fantastic - I recommend trying the tomato coconut curry. My sandwich, The Western Club, was also great. I just wish there was one in my hometown too!
(5)Suzy B.
The other reviews probably built up this place for us. The girl at the counter was rude and rolled her eyes at my questions about ingredients since I have dietary limits. Food was "meh."
(2)Jessica S.
I super love the lime dill ranch here. I got tomato soup and tried half of the shrimpy and the chubby sans onions. Both are very good but the shrimpy needs less guacamole or more other stuff to balance it out. Very good food though and I look forward to returning.
(4)Pam C.
I was looking for a smoothie in Traverse City and found this great place! Everything fresh and home made. Soups are delicious. I had the curried chick pea soup, not too strong on the curry, simple and healthy!
(4)Susan M.
If you go here for one thing, and one thing only, it'd be worth the stop: tomato coconut curry soup. Still dreaming about it. Motivated to recreated it but I'm not holding my breath. Their turkey club was pretty good too. But wasn't a fan of smoothies. My hubby and I shared sandwich and soup and each got our own smoothie. Way more than enough food.
(4)Dustin F.
I live downtown, and eat downtown a lot. Usually looking for quick and easy. The dish is both, plus it's consistently good. I like trying new food each time, even though my wife always get the same sandwich. Highly recommended. Also great, fast smoothies
(5)Ken M.
Heard about this place on bring fido. Since we were traveling with the dog we thought we would check them out. The breakfast burritos were amazing. The salsa tasted homemade. the dog was allowed on the patio. They even had a dish of water for him.
(5)Jenny B.
I love coming here when I'm in town. They always have healthy fresh food and its reasonably priced. Get the San Diego salad! My man get the tuna pesto melt on cibatta and he loved it!
(5)Renee B.
We always hit Dish Cafe for a lunch when we're in TC. They have unique sandwiches & wraps and great soup selections. Try something with the lime dill ranch, it's super tasty! I also tried a smoothie this time, it was good but very tart with cherries and raspberries.
(5)Hannah S.
YUM! Totally unexpected deliciousness. I ordered a cup of the chickpea bell pepper soup (serve yourself with nice chunks of bread & crackers), and the chicken cherry wrap. SUPERB. Wrap tasted healthy with the spinach tortilla, chicken with light italian dressing, and the cherries added a wonderful pop (and it's Traverse City, you have to have cherries). Bestie ordered her own smoothie, coconut pineapple something, and it was awesome! No hesitations I'm coming here again next time I visit. Simple goodness.
(5)Britany L.
This is an awesome little cafe to hang out and enjoy delicious vegan/vegetarian food, as well as meat lovers dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner- this was the perfect place for me to chill out on my iPad and have some yummy food! They also have espresso and smoothie drinks that I can't wait to try!!
(5)Steve M.
One of the 2 publicized Dog-Friendly restaurants I found in Traverse City... surprised there aren't more. We enjoyed nice outdoor seating with our French Bulldog, complete with water bowl. We went for breakfast and split the Bacon, Guacamole and Cheddar burrito... Awesome. As was the coffee and friendly staff! The menu looks delicious and we look forward to our next visit.
(4)Sarah C.
This is a pretty solid lunch choice with a good variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches and quesadillas plus smoothies and other drinks. They also have quite a few soups daily, but I've never been too impressed with those. I usually stick with a salad (especially with the lime-dill ranch, yum) or sandwich and smoothie. The staff is very friendly. That being said, if I were visiting TC this would not be one of my first choices as there are better lunch options in the area.
(3)Katy M.
This is my go-to lunch spot downtown. Awesome staff (they get to know your name quickly if you are a regular)! Great soups, salads, quesadillas, wraps, sanwiches, espresso/coffee beverages and smoothies. There are a ton of options for those who do not eat meat and also for the health concious. Great outside seating in the summer for the ultimate downtown people watching experience!
(5)Matthew N.
Great place for lunch. I enjoy the pesto chicken sandwich and the smoky chicken quesadilla cooked extra crispy.
(4)John S.
This restaurant is very good for a quick, lite, fresh and delicious meal. They have several delicious sandwich, salad, and 6 soups on tap. Many vegan and vegetarian options! The food is quick, and a good quality. My girlfriend swears the go green quesadilla is one of the best quesadillas shes ever had, so try that one! I had a wrap with wasabi peas in it that was quite delicious, and a big bowl of curried soup that was amazing.
(4)Robynn J.
I love the Dish! If you are vegetarian or vegan, it should be your favorite lunch spot, as it is mine. Excellent counter service, friendly, clean, and the food is fresh and tasty.
(5)Riley'sMama s.
We really enjoyed this place. It reminds me of a deli that would be found on the beach in San Diego. The employees were very friendly and helpful. I had the number 6 Turkey, and ordered it specifically on ciabatta bread. Yum! The ciabatta bread was outstanding. My spouse had the shrimpie wrap. This one was just so-so. It was a little bland, and the tortilla was hard as a rock.
(4)Tony S.
Great sammies and great drinks. Right in the downtown area off Front St. You'll find many interesting food combinations and healthy things to choose from. Try the fruit smoothies.
(4)Paul G.
Had lunch here. Really fast and efficient service from the friendly staff. Food was great and the prices were good.
(5)Dana T.
Just returned from a recent visit Up North. Stopped for lunch after shopping with my 16-year-old daughter. We both agreed that DISH is a total find! First of all, there are soup specials daily - we loved the tomato basil (best ever); then they have great sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas. In this world of over-sized portions, I appreciated being able to buy a half sandwich and half quesadilla. Both were AMAZING. Our order was taken by the owner, Randy, who could not have been more helpful and friendly. And did I mention it's really affordable? Hate the Drake, but love the Dish :)
(5)Marin C.
I have had their sandwiches, soups, and smoothies. I heartily approved of all of them =). Their vegetarian options deserve a warm fuzzy for sure. ps. If they are serving the tomato coconut curry, and you like any of those things, you should get it. It is delicious. I tried a bit of the veggie soup with artichoke too, and it was super too.
(4)sara k.
A great stop for new twists and old classics. MANY vegetarian offerings. I enjoyed my sandwich (the Bay Bread is delish) and soup. I also enjoyed my husband's wrap. (It was on our pre-nup that all restaurant food must be open for tastings.) The servers/sandwich artists/baristas are pleasant and knowledgable. All-in-all, a very nice lunchtime destination that I will visit again.
(4)Mike W.
Randomly stopped here while walking around the downtown. Ordered a couple sandwiches and coffees. Coffees were local but slightly burnt/not the best in the world. Sandwiches were made quickly but were only mediocre.
(3)Marcia N.
Very limited breakfast with a selection of scrambled egg wraps. They are very good however.
(4)Molly K.
The shrimpy wrap is really a gem, and the Onassis salad is my standby. I miss the limeade and soda from previous ownership days, but the limeade (sans soda) is still around, and still delish. I'm going more than I have in years cause it's looking cleaner than it did for years, and the people working there now are much friendlier than they used to be... Nice to have it back as a solid lunch choice.
(4)Stephanie K.
This place is awesome. Ate here twice this past week while on spring break. The staff here are very friendly and make you feel very comfortable. Everything I tried off the menu has been very fresh and very tasty. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options. I would definitely recommend any of the quesadillas (make sure you get the salsa for dipping) and also really enjoyed the selection of soups (especially the spicy black bean and spinach parmesan). Wish I had a little restaurant like this back home.
(5)Anne-Michelle E.
I've lived in California since 2004 so I don't often get a chance to go to The Dish anymore. But when I lived in Traverse City, The Dish's Tuna Pesto Melt was SO good..they've changed ownership several times and I'm not sure if the Tuna Pesto Melt is what it used to be but definitely a place to check out if ever you are in Traverse City, MI.
(5)Gene U.
Lots of light and veggie dishes. My favorite is the Pudgie wrap. My bride is a fan of their shrimp and artichoke salad. Super friendly service. The Dish is the sort of place that makes a point of remembering your name. I like that.
(5)JP N.
first visit here, giant veggie & vegan selection, everyone enjoyed their soup & sandwich combos, I think there were 8 soups to choose from to boot.
(4)JR W.
low key and yummy.
(3)Anne C.
Good food if you're looking for a lighter bite for lunch in TC. The service can be quite hit-or-miss for me, but maybe I've just had bad luck. I keep coming back anyway!
(4)Naoko M.
A casual cafe/restaurant with fresh salads, yummy sandwitches & soups. The variety of the menu selection is great (for vegetarians too) - I always find something I want to eat. The service is quick and friendly.
(5)Latin B.
Great food! They have a serious variety of food to choose from. I chose the Shrimpy and it was scrumptious!
(5)Ann S.
Good little place to swing by for a sandwich, wrap, etc. We got the smokey chicken quesadilla and I got the spicy jalapeno chicken soup. Good prices, good food, can't go wrong.
(3)John H.
Great service, great food. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Brandon U.
Love this place! Went up north for a few weeks and to come here was absolute treat. We ate there like 4 or 5 times, the place is quick and fresh, I got a few breakfast burritos and a salad all were real good and cheap!?! burrito was like $3.75 and salad was like $6 something for a big salad. Great coffee and super nice staff highly recommended!
(5)Matt H.
Dish still is a great option downtown. The quesadilla's are good but a little pricey. The real way to go are the ciabatta sandwiches which are about $8 but they are huge, easily big enough for two.
(5)Sarah P.
The Dish is a good place for a freshly cooked quick meal. I typically get a quesadilla because I love their homemade salsa. Sandwiches are also quite tasty. They have a variety of about six soups per day. The smoothies are refreshing and made with fresh fruits. The interior decor is simple and nothing worth mentioning. The staff is always friendly and cheerful.
(4)Kelly K.
My absolutely FAVORITE place to go in TC. I make the fiance take me here each time we go up to visit his family. My go-to is a quesadilla (can't remember the name) with black beans, cheese, avacado, and tomatoes. Portion is HUGE so I always have 1/2 to take home, and their salsa is phenomenal. Everyone is super friendly, and their menu is very expansive, so they have something for everyone. Definitely check it out!
(5)Christina A.
Yum. So happy we chose to eat here. The food is delicious, fast and inexpensive. There were six of us and all of us are still talking about it hours later. We tried sandwiches, wraps, soup, salad and a quesadilla. Delightful. If you have children this is definitely a must stop in TC.
(5)Chi T.
The Dish is the best! Organically grown food that is tasty!!! Go there for breakfast or lunch - they won't disappoint! Whenever I'm in Traverse City I can't wait to visit the Dish because I know I'm getting a AWESOME meal that's good for me too! Staff is friendly & quick & the prices are extremely reasonable. Try their smoothies - they are EPIC!
(5)Liz K.
Dish is right near work and I keep wandering over when I need a little sugar kick. Thus far, I've had two diet cokes, an Izze, a cookie and rice krispy treat. Given that, I can't yet comment on the actual menu... but the cookie and RK were good! Seems to be a fave hangout of many downtown TC business people and is always busy.
(3)