Information on Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northwest Michigan area

Autumn Guide, September 2006

Let's Do Lunch

Bubba's Restaurant & Bar

by doug davenport
For more restaurant profiles, see our Let's Do Lunch page

Address: 428 E. Front St, Traverse City (GET MAP)

Phone: 995-0570

Atmosphere/Cuisine: About a year ago, Bubba's moved into a renovated sports bar on E. Front Street. A polished L-shaped bar is surrounded by tables. Bright colored works of art hang on the walls. Overhead, the ceiling sports windsurfer sails, under which folks enjoy "pub style" food and libations. Bubba's is all about burgers, burritos and beer, but the friendly wait staff will help you choose from appetizers such as spicy chicken wings, guacamole & tortilla chips, baked brie, batter-dipped crab stuffed mushrooms, fried zucchini planks, and more. ($3-11)

Fresh greens ($6-9) come dressed as a Southwest Salad with black and pinto beans. Or try the shrimp Caesar, the Grand Traverse Salad with dried cherries, or the special Bubba Salad featuring homemade salsa, cheddar, and lime-dill.

Sandwiches ($6-8) and burgers ($5-10) are the specialty here. Choose from wraps like shrimp & avocado, chicken Caesar, or Buffalo chicken. There's slow roasted pulled barbecue pork, a classic Reuben, baked smoked turkey, and hot beef-n-cheddar. Be sure to check out the famous Bubba Burger, topped with Bubba sauce.

Hot dog aficionados will love Bubba's foot longs. Try the Reuben dog, the Cowboy dog, a southern dog or the Mexi dog as well as more traditional styles. Southern quesadillas ($7.50-9.50) feature chicken with pinto and black beans, Crab and scallion, Veggie, and Beef. Tacos and burritos complete the Mexi-style fare.

Full entrees ($10-16) include the 12 oz. NY Strip, and Cajun seafood alfredo. Leave room for desserts prepared in house by Bubba's baker, Shelly. Warm apple crisp and frozen mud pie are tempting ($5). Ask about making your own table campfire party of S'mores.

My Choice: On the run at lunch, I ordered carry-out at the bar. In just 10 minutes I was savoring a California chicken club sandwich. Grilled chicken breast, guacamole, bacon, tomato, cheddar and Bubba sauce on a fresh baked bun. I also ravished an order of seasoned fries, among the best in Traverse City, for sure.