Whether you’re looking for a unique dining experience or something a little more affordable, the Petoskey area has some great choices to take your sweetie out for a great date night. It’s not all about where you go to eat. Put a little more thought into it and pick a fun activity, try a new place for a cocktail, or snag some dessert.
Let’s take a look at our top picks for dinner and a few other fun things to do! Oh, and if you’re looking for a weekend getaway there are some Valentine’s Day lodging specials going on too.
Romantic Dining
Looking for something a little more romantic? Fancy, even? Petoskey area has quite a few options. Some I can even point out a special table to request, menu items that I love, or describe the atmosphere a bit for you.
Chandlers – A Restaurant – Petoskey
Number one on my list of places to go for a special occasion or if you’re looking for a fancy place to grab a happy hour special, try Chandler’s on Howard Street in Petoskey. This little spot that lives directly behind Symons General Store (a great spot for lunch to-go, fine cheeses, and other goods) is the perfect place if you are looking for a dimly lit dining room and the most fantastic meal. A little more on the expensive side but rightly so if you are a foodie. The flavors they capture in every dish I have tried will leave you thinking about it for days if not weeks afterward.
Their menu is constantly being refreshed with new proteins and flavors to try. I would recommend going all out and making it a three-course meal with an appetizer to share and dessert too (crème Brulé with fresh berries, yum).
Leto’s Osteria – Petoskey
This restaurant is just next to Tap 30 (they even share a doorway) and is a great spot to come for date night. Formerly the home of POUR Petoskey, Leto’s is a modern Italian restaurant with fresh handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients.
The Pier Restaurant – Harbor Springs
Pier Restaurant is well-known for its waterfront dining – really, the only true waterfront dining on Little Traverse Bay. It is a great experience in the warmer months to grab a table on the deck that overlooks the deep basin, where you can view large boats moving about. In the winter you can expect it to be a little quieter and cozy. For Valentine’s Day, check out their special three-course menu being offered.
Want a brunch out for just the girls? Check out their annual Galentine’s Brunch! You’ll love their special brunch menu, exciting games with prizes, and of course check out their theme to make sure you dress the part and go all-out.
Café Sante – Boyne City
Situated steps from Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City, Café Sante serves European-inspired dishes. After perusing their menu from pasta to steaks, it leaves you with a tough decision on what to choose. The good thing is that it truly is hard to go wrong with your choice.
Don’t Skip: Dessert. Why? When at a European-inspired restaurant, always save room for dessert. You’ll want to have a dessert with your sweetie, I promise. Not up for dessert? Their cocktail selection has some great options too: Sante Cosmo or a Cucumber Cooler
1911 Restaurant at the Terrace Inn – Bay View
This historic inn, located in the community of Bay View, just outside of downtown Petoskey, is home to 1911 Restaurant. An intimate setting in their dining room, decorated with antique wood chairs sitting on maple hardwood floors, chandeliers hanging throughout, and front porch seating in the warmer months. The atmosphere is intimate but not too fancy, which is fitting, as they describe themselves as offering casual fine dining. On their regular dining menu, you have the option to order your selections individually or choose your favorite entrée as a three-course prix-fixe. For the Valentine’s holiday, you can expect special features. Check out their website for all of their Valentine’s specials.
Looking to make a romantic getaway out of it? Check out the Terrace Inn!
Sage – Petoskey
When you think of a restaurant located inside of a casino you don’t typically think of a quiet intimate setting. However, at Sage inside of Odawa Casino, you can expect a high-level experience that is separate from the casino atmosphere in sound as well as sight. In Sage, you have your choice of lounge seating near the bar as well as the dining area that has such a private feel, even when there are other diners present. You’ll want to plan on trying their Signature Roasted Mushroom Gnocchi as an appetizer – a personal favorite. Usually, for Valentine’s Day, Sage will offer a Prix Fixe menu! Keep an eye on their Facebook and website for more information.
Vintage Chophouse – Bay Harbor
Located inside the Inn at Bay Harbor, Vintage Chophouse | Wine Bar is an upscale place for a special occasion. Their lounge is brought together by beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay and a cozy fireplace. This year, they will be offering a Fondue for Two experience on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Valentine’s weekend. We would recommend making reservations ahead of time on their website or by giving them a call.
Fun Activities for the Evening
Sometimes a special occasion calls for something fun to experience. Whether you’re looking for a post-dinner cocktail and games or an activity, there are a few options to consider.
SkyBridge Michigan – Boyne Falls
Take your date to new heights… ok, I had to. If you haven’t been yet, now is as good a time as any to experience SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort. You ride a chairlift to the mountain peak (in any season) and then walk across the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Midway across the bridge is a see-through section where you can look below to the slopes. In the winter you may not be able to see through this section as they usually have rubber mats here to avoid slipping on the surface of this section. Also, in the winter months you can experience their “Lights in the Sky” display with over 150,000 twinkle lights decorating the bridge. If you’re not sure if you are afraid of heights, you might find out here.
New for the 2025/26 winter season, make sure you give yourself a little extra time to check out their Iglu experience located after you cross the bridge at the Disciples Overlook. Boyne Mountain is calling this part Tyrolean alpine hut, part childhood snow fort fantasy. Iglu is indeed an igloo and is carved entirely from snow and ice – includes an ice bar and ice-carved and snow-carved seating.
Movie at the Lyric Theatre – Harbor Springs
This small-town theater is relatively new and features three intimate screening rooms. The largest of the rooms at the Lyric Theatre features artistic talents on the walls and the ceiling. What does that matter if the lights are off for the movie? You’ll see once you experience a showing for yourself. Other great small-town delights can be found at the concession stand like freshly popped organic popcorn using coconut oil – trust me, it’s amazing-, mini Tom’s Mom’s Cookies – a local favorite, and local adult beverages as well.
Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor – Bay Harbor
Looking for a relaxing getaway? This year, because Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, make a little weekend out of it and sign up for a couples massage. OR this year the Spa is offering a Touch of Love Couples Massage Workshop! This workshop is “a great way to discover a deeper connection with your partner as you learn and practice therapeutic touch and techniques”.
Gypsy Distillery – Petoskey
Just outside the Bay Harbor Village is Gypsy Distillery, the newest of the Gypsy Vodka/High Five Spirits locations. This former equestrian club has an indoor “cocktail garden” area, cornhole, arcade games, darts, and more. With a range of seating – lounge, picnic tables, and patio furniture, you can choose one of their specialty cocktails from their spirits.
Know Way Out – Petoskey
Know Way Out escape room in Petoskey is a great way to get to know your date and see what you can accomplish together.
Live Entertainment – Petoskey Area
There are many great bars, restaurants, and performance venues to choose from that offer live music or maybe you’re looking to watch theatre or dance. We are proud to have the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor and Petoskey’s Crooked Tree Arts Center as larger venues. To see the most current events in our area or things going on during your visit, keep an eye on our event page!
This is just a small list of intimate places in the Petoskey area that you will want to consider when picking a restaurant or activity for date night.
About the Author: Ellen Hillier is a native of the area and loves to promote the next fun thing to do in the Petoskey Area – but also loves giving out local favorites and learning opportunities for all. She hopes to help in your planning process for your next trip to the Petoskey Area of northern Lower Michigan.