In Traverse City, dining isn’t just about food—it’s about stories, and few restaurants capture this better than Red Spire Brunch House, located inside the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons. What was once a sprawling state asylum has been reborn as a vibrant hub of restaurants, shops, and history—and Red Spire is its culinary heart.

💡 Traveler Reflection: I still remember walking through the brick halls of the Commons and stepping into Red Spire for the first time. The high ceilings, rustic charm, and the smell of fresh coffee made me feel like I’d stepped into both the past and the present at the same time.

At Red Spire, brunch becomes an experience—not only because of the food but because of the history wrapped around it.

🥞 Red Spire’s Food: Brunch That’s Worth the Wait

Red Spire isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Traverse City brunch institution.

⭐ Signature Dishes

• Eggs Benedict (Multiple Styles): Classic, vegetarian, or with smoked salmon.

• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: A sweet favorite with locals.

• Cherry-Inspired Specials: Many dishes include Traverse City’s famous cherries.

• Locally Roasted Coffee: A perfect pairing with brunch.

💡 Traveler Note: I ordered the cherry-stuffed French toast once, and it was like a love letter to Traverse City in every bite.

🏛 The Commons Connection: Dining Inside History

What makes Red Spire truly unique is its location inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, once the Northern Michigan Asylum.

• Historic Vibe: Exposed brick, tall arched windows, and original 19th-century architecture.

• The Commons Today: A hub for restaurants, galleries, wineries, and boutiques.

• Dining with Depth: Every meal feels like part of a larger story. After brunch, stroll to The Outpost Traverse City for locally made crafts.

💡 Traveler Reflection: Sitting there with my coffee, I could almost feel the echoes of the past, yet the room was alive with chatter, laughter, and clinking glasses.

🍳 Why Locals Love Red Spire

• Consistency: The food is always reliable.

• Service: Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.

• Community: A favorite brunch spot for locals and students.

💡 Traveler Note: My server asked if it was my first time. When I said yes, she suggested their famous benedict—and she was right. It was perfect.

🥘 The Red Spire Menu Experience

Red Spire isn’t just about brunch—it’s about comfort food done right. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared, combining hearty portions with Traverse City’s local flavors.

Amazing food and variety. Eat outside and enjoy a leisurely meal with friends. Hight recommend, quality, fresh ingredients.

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💡 Traveler Reflection: When I looked at the menu, I realized I wanted everything. The problem wasn’t finding a dish—it was narrowing it down to just one.

🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Highlights

Red Spire has made its name with brunch, and the menu reflects it.

• Eggs Benedict Variations: From classic ham to vegetarian with spinach or smoked salmon, every version comes with rich hollandaise sauce.

• Omelettes: Filled with fresh vegetables, local cheeses, or meats.

• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Thick, fluffy, and topped with icing—decadent but worth it.

• French Toast: Often featuring Traverse City’s iconic cherries or local berries.

• Breakfast Skillets: Hash browns layered with toppings like sausage, peppers, and cheese.

💡 Traveler Note: My skillet came sizzling hot, loaded with peppers and bacon—it could have fed two people, but I didn’t leave a crumb.

🥪 Lunch Favorites

While brunch dominates, lunch here is equally satisfying.

• Sandwiches: Turkey clubs, Reubens, and BLTs.

• Wraps & Salads: Lighter fare with fresh, local greens.

• Burgers: Juicy, with creative toppings (sometimes cherry BBQ sauce).

• Daily Specials: Seasonal soups and chef’s creations.

💡 Traveler Reflection: I stopped in after a morning hike once and had their turkey club—it tasted like the perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing.

🍒 Local Flavors on the Menu

Red Spire proudly embraces Traverse City’s identity as the Cherry Capital of the World.

• Cherry Pancakes & French Toast

• Cherry Jam & Syrup Additions

• Cherry BBQ Glaze (for meats)

💡 Traveler Note: The cherry syrup on my pancakes wasn’t overly sweet—it was tangy and rich, like Traverse City itself.

☕ Coffee & Drinks

• Locally Roasted Coffee: Strong, smooth, and bottomless.

• Fresh Juices: Orange, apple, or cherry blends.

• Specialty Drinks: Occasionally, seasonal lattes or house specials.

💡 Traveler Reflection: Their coffee alone could keep me coming back. It’s the kind of cup you sip slowly while people-watching in the historic brick dining room.

🧾 Menu Snapshot

💡 Traveler Reflection: The menu at Red Spire feels both familiar and unique. It’s comfort food, but with a Traverse City twist that makes it special.

🍴 The Red Spire Dining Experience

A great restaurant isn’t just about food—it’s also about atmosphere, service, and the sense of place. Red Spire checks all the boxes by blending Traverse City hospitality with the unique setting of the historic Commons.

Red Spire was on our to-do list, based primarily on Trip Advisor reviews. We were most certainly not disappointed!

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💡 Traveler Reflection: Walking in, I noticed the tall ceilings, rustic brick walls, and the hum of conversations bouncing off history-soaked walls. It felt warm, casual, and alive.

🏛 Atmosphere: Historic Charm Meets Cozy Comfort

• Exposed Brick & Arched Windows: The building’s preserved asylum architecture creates a setting you won’t find in any other restaurant.

• High Ceilings & Natural Light: Makes even a busy brunch rush feel airy.

• Decor: A mix of modern simplicity and vintage details.

💡 Traveler Note: Sitting at a window table, I could see sunlight filtering in across the brickwork. It felt like stepping back in time—but with the smell of fresh pancakes.

👨‍🍳 Service: Friendly & Familiar

The staff at Red Spire are known for their Midwestern warmth.

• Quick Greetings: Even when busy, you’re welcomed immediately.

• Menu Guidance: Servers happily recommend local favorites.

• Community Feel: Many staff members live nearby, making it feel personal.

💡 Traveler Reflection: My server remembered I’d visited a week earlier and asked how I liked the French toast last time. That personal touch made me feel like a regular.

📍 Location Inside the Commons

Red Spire’s setting inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons makes the dining experience even richer.

• Historic Corridor Walk: To reach Red Spire, you walk through the long halls of the Commons, lined with other shops and cafés.

• Post-Meal Exploration: You can easily browse boutiques, visit a winery, or stroll the grounds after brunch.

• Atmosphere Beyond Food: The Commons adds context, making Red Spire a destination instead of just a meal.

Very knowledgeable tour guide and well informed. I took advantage of the 10% discount in the stores and restaurants for taking the tour.

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💡 Traveler Note: After brunch, I wandered into a small art gallery just steps away—it turned breakfast into a whole morning adventure.

🎶 Sounds & Vibe

• Weekend Buzz: Busy chatter, clinking silverware, and laughter.

• Music: Low background tunes, usually classic or soft rock.

• Energy: A balance of casual comfort and lively activity.

💡 Traveler Reflection: The room buzzed with energy, but it never felt rushed. It reminded me that brunch is supposed to be savored, not hurried.

🍳 Best Times to Visit

• Weekday Brunch: Quieter, easy to get a table.

• Weekend Mornings: Very popular—expect a wait.

• Late Morning (11 a.m.): A sweet spot where breakfast and lunch overlap.

💡 Traveler Tip: If you want their famous pancakes without the wait, arrive on a weekday morning right when they open. 

🧾 Dining Experience Snapshot

Visiting from out of town? Stay at the nearby Park Place Hotel Traverse City to enjoy the best of the city within walking distance.

💡 Traveler Reflection: For me, Red Spire isn’t just about brunch—it’s about the whole experience. The food is great, but the setting and vibe are what make it unforgettable. Housed within the historic village, Traverse City State Hospital offers guided tours that enrich your visit.

🏛 History of the Commons & Red Spire’s Place Within It

Dining at Red Spire Traverse City isn’t just about good food—it’s about eating inside one of the most fascinating redeveloped historic sites in Michigan: The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

💡 Traveler Reflection: Before I even walked into Red Spire, the building itself caught my attention. Tall brick towers, sprawling lawns, and a story that’s far richer than your average restaurant setting.

🏥 From Asylum to Community Hub

• Original Use: The Commons began as the Northern Michigan Asylum, built in the late 1800s.

• Architecture: Designed in Victorian-Italianate style with long corridors, high ceilings, and arched windows.

• Philosophy: Patients were treated with “beauty and order”—gardens, fresh air, and natural light were part of the therapy.

💡 Traveler Note: Walking through the halls today, I thought about how these walls once represented healing. Now, they’re filled with laughter, art, and food.

🏚 Decline & Abandonment

• Closure: By the 1980s, the asylum was closed.

• Decay: The buildings sat empty for years, rumored to be haunted, and nearly demolished.

• Preservation Efforts: Local groups pushed to save the complex and repurpose it.

💡 Traveler Reflection: It’s hard to believe that the same building where I enjoyed brunch once stood abandoned and crumbling. It makes the rebirth even more powerful.

🌟 The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Today

Thanks to redevelopment, the Commons is now a vibrant cultural hub.

• Shops & Galleries: Boutiques, artisan shops, and art studios.

• Food & Drink: Cafés, wineries, breweries, and of course, Red Spire Brunch House.

• Events: Wine walks, seasonal markets, art fairs, and historic tours.

• Living History: Many of the asylum’s original details—woodwork, tunnels, and architecture—remain intact.

💡 Traveler Note: After brunch, I took a guided tour of the Commons tunnels. Walking from the warm restaurant into the shadowy underground passages was like stepping into two different worlds in the same place.

🍴 Red Spire’s Role in the Commons

Red Spire isn’t just another restaurant—it’s part of the Commons’ cultural rebirth.

• Culinary Anchor: One of the most popular dining options within the Commons.

• Brunch Identity: Appeals equally to locals and travelers.

• Storytelling Through Food: Blends Traverse City’s cherry heritage with the historic setting.

💡 Traveler Reflection: Eating cherry pancakes in a place once built for healing felt symbolic—like food and history had come full circle.

🧾 History & Dining Snapshot

💡 Traveler Reflection: The Commons shows how history can be reimagined, and Red Spire is one of its brightest examples. You don’t just eat here—you participate in history.

🧭 Visitor Guide to Red Spire Traverse City

Dining at Red Spire Brunch House is simple—but if you plan ahead, you can make your visit even better. Here’s a practical guide with everything from hours and parking to nearby attractions.

💡 Traveler Reflection: On my first trip, I didn’t realize how popular Red Spire was on weekends. I ended up waiting 45 minutes—but the food was worth every second. The second time, I came early and walked right in.

⏰ Hours & Best Times to Visit

• Hours:

  • Open daily, generally from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (brunch hours).

  • Closed in the evenings—this is truly a breakfast-and-lunch spot.

• Best Times:

  • Weekdays: Quieter, perfect if you want a relaxed meal.

  • Weekends: Lively but crowded—expect a wait.

  • Late Morning (10–11 a.m.): Ideal if you want the full brunch menu overlap.

💡 Traveler Tip: Arrive by 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays in summer to beat the brunch rush.

🚗 Parking & Getting There

Red Spire is located inside the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, so parking is straightforward.

• Commons Parking Lot: Free, but fills quickly on weekends.

• Overflow Parking: Additional lots near the Commons campus.

• Walking/Biking: If staying downtown, it’s a short drive or bike ride.

💡 Traveler Reflection: I parked once in the far lot and walked through the leafy grounds—it turned a brunch stop into a morning stroll through history.

💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Expect a Wait: Especially on weekends—grab coffee from Higher Grounds nearby while waiting.

• Explore the Commons: Don’t just eat—take time to browse shops and galleries afterward.

• Share Dishes: Portions are hearty—splitting pancakes or skillets is a great idea.

• Try Something Cherry: Even if it’s just syrup or jam, it’s part of the Traverse City identity.

📍 Nearby Attractions

Dining at Red Spire puts you steps away from some of Traverse City’s best attractions.

• Village at Grand Traverse Commons Tours: Explore underground tunnels and historic buildings.

• Shopping: Boutiques and artisan shops inside the Commons.

• Wineries & Breweries: On-site tasting rooms for local wine and beer.

• Hiking Trails: The Commons Natural Area has forested walking paths.

• Downtown Traverse City: Just a short drive away for more dining, shopping, and lakefront views.

💡 Traveler Reflection: After brunch, I wandered into a local winery in the same building. Sampling cherry wine right after cherry pancakes made me laugh—it was a Traverse City theme day.

🧾 Sample Itineraries

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Brunch Adventure

• 9:00 a.m. – Arrive early, order pancakes and eggs for the kids.

• 10:30 a.m. – Explore the Commons shops.

• 11:30 a.m. – Walk the natural trails behind the buildings.

🌸 Couples’ Morning Escape

• 10:00 a.m. – Share an Eggs Benedict and cherry pancakes.

• 11:00 a.m. – Visit a winery or art gallery in the Commons.

• 12:00 p.m. – Stroll hand-in-hand through the historic grounds.

🍷 Foodie Traveler’s Day

• 9:00 a.m. – Brunch at Red Spire (try cherry French toast).

• 11:00 a.m. – Take the historic Commons tour.

• 1:00 p.m. – Sample wine at Left Foot Charley, a nearby winery.

• Afternoon – Head downtown for more Traverse City dining adventures.

🧾 Visitor Snapshot

🌟 Final Thoughts

The Red Spire Traverse City experience blends food and history in one unforgettable stop. You’re not just eating pancakes—you’re dining inside a restored 19th-century asylum turned cultural village. The atmosphere is unmatched, the food is hearty and flavorful, and the location offers endless opportunities to explore.

💡 Traveler Reflection: My best Red Spire memory isn’t just the food—it’s the way the morning unfolded. I walked through historic halls, enjoyed cherry pancakes, chatted with locals, and left with a sense of Traverse City’s soul.

If you’re in Traverse City, put Red Spire on your list. It’s more than a meal—it’s a story you’ll carry with you.

❓ FAQs About Red Spire Traverse City