Neighbors Try To Keep This Michigan Fried Chicken Joint Under The Radar
Nestled in Traverse City, Michigan, Boone’s Long Lake Inn is a fried chicken treasure that locals want to keep all to themselves.
From the moment you walk in, the smell of perfectly seasoned, golden-crisp chicken makes it impossible not to linger.
This cozy spot has earned a devoted following, with neighbors quietly cherishing its secret recipes and homey vibe.
Patrons swap stories over heaping plates of comfort food while savoring the kind of fried chicken that feels like a warm hug.
Every bite carries a mix of nostalgia and flavor that keeps people coming back again and again.
Boone’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a slice of Michigan magic that the community fiercely protects.
The Fried Chicken Isn’t Even on the Main Menu
Most people know Boone’s as a steakhouse famous for prime rib, but the real insiders come for something completely different.
The fried chicken is one of those off-menu legends that gets passed around in whispers at local gatherings.
You won’t find it advertised on their website or splashed across social media.
Regulars just know to ask for it, and the kitchen happily obliges with some of the crispiest, most flavorful bird you’ll ever taste.
The seasoning blend is a closely guarded secret that has stayed consistent for years.
Each piece comes out with a golden crust that shatters perfectly when you bite into it.
Tender, juicy meat inside contrasts beautifully with that crunchy exterior.
Smart diners order a bucket to share, though sharing might be the hardest part of the whole experience.
The Building Started Life as an Old Mill
Before Boone’s became a dining destination, the building at 7208 Secor Rd served a completely different purpose in the Traverse City community.
The structure originally functioned as a working mill, grinding grain and serving the agricultural needs of the area.
Walking through the doors today, you can still feel traces of that history in the exposed beams and rustic architecture.
The owners preserved much of the original character when they transformed the space into a restaurant.
Old photographs on the walls show what the property looked like decades ago.
The mill’s bones give the dining room a warmth and authenticity that new construction simply cannot replicate.
Locals appreciate how the renovation honored the building’s past while creating a welcoming space for families.
That connection to history makes every meal feel like you’re dining in a piece of Michigan heritage.
Weekend Live Music Turns Dinner into an Event
Friday and Saturday nights at Boone’s transform from simple dinner service into something that feels like a hometown celebration.
Local musicians set up in the corner and fill the dining room with everything from classic rock to country tunes.
The atmosphere shifts from quiet weeknight dining to a lively gathering where neighbors catch up over plates of food.
You might arrive planning to eat quickly and leave, but the music has a way of keeping you planted in your seat.
Families with kids sit alongside couples on date night, all tapping their feet to the same beat.
The acoustics in that old mill building create a surprisingly intimate sound that wraps around the whole room.
Performers tend to be talented local artists who know how to read the crowd and keep energy levels just right.
This isn’t a loud bar scene but rather a comfortable community vibe where good food meets good times.
Prime Rib Gets All the Glory for a Reason
While we’re here celebrating the fried chicken, ignoring the prime rib would be like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower.
Boone’s has built its reputation on serving some of the finest prime rib in northern Michigan.
The kitchen slow roasts massive cuts until they reach that perfect pink center surrounded by a savory crust.
Each slice arrives at your table thick and juicy, accompanied by au jus and creamy horseradish.
Regulars swear the seasoning blend and cooking method haven’t changed in decades.
The consistency keeps people coming back week after week, year after year.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.
Many locals make Sunday prime rib dinner at Boone’s a weekly tradition, bringing three generations of family to share the same meal they’ve loved for years.
The steakhouse designation is well earned and proudly displayed.
The Location Keeps Tourists Away
Situated on Secor Road several miles from the bustling downtown Traverse City waterfront, Boone’s occupies a spot that casual visitors rarely stumble upon.
Tourists typically cluster around Front Street and the bay area, leaving this gem to the people who actually live here.
The drive takes you through residential neighborhoods and past Long Lake, away from the wine tasting rooms and souvenir shops.
No flashy signs or tourist board recommendations point vacationers in this direction.
Locals prefer it this way, enjoying shorter wait times and a dining room filled with familiar faces.
The location acts as a natural filter, separating curious travelers from committed food lovers.
GPS coordinates put it at 44.7179332, -85.7206471 for anyone determined enough to seek it out.
Once you make the trip, you understand why regulars don’t mind the distance from downtown.
Quality like this is worth a few extra minutes in the car.
Dinner Hours Mean Serious Business
Boone’s doesn’t mess around with all-day service or breakfast crowds.
The doors open at 4 PM Monday through Saturday, and noon on Sundays, making it clear this is a dinner destination.
That focused approach allows the kitchen to perfect what they do without spreading themselves thin across multiple meal periods.
The staff arrives each afternoon with one mission in mind: delivering an exceptional evening meal.
Closing time hits at 9 PM on weeknights and stretches to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The schedule reflects the rhythm of a community where people work during the day and gather for dinner when the sun starts to set.
Sunday hours accommodate the after-church crowd looking for a leisurely afternoon meal.
Calling ahead at 231-946-3991 helps secure a table during peak times.
The limited hours create a sense of occasion around each visit, making dinner feel special rather than routine.
The Price Point Hits That Sweet Spot
Google lists Boone’s in the triple dollar sign category, placing it firmly in the moderate to upscale range without reaching pretentious territory.
You’ll spend more here than at a chain restaurant but far less than at the fancy waterfront spots downtown.
The value becomes obvious when your food arrives and you see the portion sizes and quality.
A dinner for two with drinks and appetizers typically runs a reasonable tab that feels fair for what you receive.
Families can afford to bring kids without breaking the budget, while couples can enjoy a nice date night without mortgage-level spending.
The pricing reflects honest food made well rather than inflated costs based on location or hype.
Locals appreciate being able to dine out regularly without feeling guilty about the expense.
Special occasions and casual Tuesday nights both feel appropriate here, which explains why the parking lot stays consistently full throughout the week.
Nearly 3,000 Reviews Can’t Be Wrong
Accumulating 2,935 Google reviews while maintaining a 4.5-star average tells you everything about consistency and quality.
That many opinions represent years of service and thousands of meals served to real people with real expectations.
Reading through the reviews reveals a pattern of repeat customers who return monthly or even weekly.
Negative comments are rare and usually relate to wait times during peak hours rather than food quality.
Visitors from out of town express surprise at finding such a gem tucked away from the tourist areas.
Long-time patrons write nostalgic reviews about bringing their own children to the same place their parents brought them decades ago.
The staff earns frequent praise for friendliness and efficiency even during busy weekend rushes.
A rating that high with that much volume doesn’t happen by accident.
It requires dedication to doing things right, night after night, year after year, without cutting corners or resting on past success.
The Seafood Selection Surprises Steakhouse Visitors
Calling yourself a steak and seafood house means committing to excellence in both categories, and Boone’s doesn’t phone in either half of that equation.
The seafood offerings rival what you’d find at dedicated fish houses along the coast.
Fresh catches arrive regularly, prepared with the same care and attention as the famous prime rib.
Grilled salmon, pan-seared scallops, and buttery lobster tail all make appearances on plates throughout the dining room.
Landlocked Michigan might seem like an odd place for great seafood, but Boone’s proves location matters less than sourcing and preparation.
The kitchen treats fish with respect, never overcooking or drowning delicate flavors in heavy sauces.
Surf and turf combinations let indecisive diners enjoy the best of both worlds on one plate.
Regular customers know to ask about daily specials that showcase whatever looked best at market that morning.
The seafood menu adds welcome variety for repeat visitors.
The Atmosphere Feels Like Coming Home
Walking into Boone’s Long Lake Inn feels less like entering a restaurant and more like arriving at a gathering where everyone already knows your name.
The rustic interior with its exposed wood and warm lighting creates an instantly comfortable environment.
Tables are spaced far enough apart for conversation without feeling isolated from the communal energy.
Decorations stay simple and unpretentious, focusing attention on the food and company rather than flashy design elements.
Staff members treat regulars like old friends while making first-timers feel equally welcome.
The noise level hits that perfect balance where you can hear your own table clearly without sitting in uncomfortable silence.
Families with young children fit right in alongside retirees celebrating anniversaries.
That old mill building wraps around diners like a warm blanket, making even Monday nights feel a little bit special.
This is the kind of place where memories get made over shared meals and good conversation.