Some restaurants earn a reputation that travels farther than the aroma of a slow-roasted roast, and this one has folks planning entire road trips around a single dinner. Tucked just outside a beloved northern Michigan town, an old mill turned steak house has been drawing families back for decades, generation after generation.
The star of the show is a prime rib so talked about that it fills tables on quiet weeknights and packs the deck all summer long. There is live music on weekends, a woodsy lodge setting, and a menu that reaches well beyond beef into fresh seafood territory.
Curious where this spot sits and why steak fans keep returning? Keep reading, because the story behind this northern Michigan favorite is worth every mile of the drive.
An Old Mill With a Lodge Heartbeat
Set at 7208 Secor Rd in Traverse City, Michigan, this steak house lives inside a converted old mill that has become a landmark for anyone chasing a proper northern Michigan dinner.
Boone’s Long Lake Inn sits a little outside the busy center of town, which is exactly part of its charm. The short drive out feels like the start of an evening rather than an errand.
The building itself carries a woodsy, hunting-lodge personality that greets guests before a single plate arrives. It reads casual enough for summer shorts yet keeps an upscale edge for special nights.
Despite the word inn in its name, regulars are quick to clarify that this is a restaurant only, not a place to stay overnight. That small detail catches some first-timers by surprise.
What holds steady across the years is the reputation for that legendary prime rib, the dish that put this address on the map for steak lovers across the state.
The Prime Rib That Built the Legend
Ask anyone what pulls people through the door here, and the answer lands on one thing before all others: the prime rib.
Mentioned again and again by those who make the trip, the slow-roasted prime rib is the anchor of the entire menu. There is even a hefty 22-ounce cut that has left plenty of hearty appetites impressed.
The meat is often described as juicy and tender when done right, finished with a flavorful crust that fans rave about. Regulars pass along one key tip: order it medium rare, since going too brown can leave it chewy.
Many people build their own surf and turf by pairing the prime rib with a fresh catch, turning one dish into a full northern Michigan feast.
Not every plate has been flawless over the years, and a few longtime guests have noted off nights. Still, the prime rib remains the reason this old mill keeps its loyal following.
Seafood in a Landlocked Corner
For a spot far from any ocean, the seafood selection surprises a lot of first-time guests.
Beyond the beef, the kitchen turns out whitefish, perch, cod, lobster, snow crab, and a seafood platter that has become a favorite in its own right. Regulars often point out how impressive the variety is for such a landlocked place.
The perch earns steady praise, and it pairs beautifully with a cut of prime rib for anyone who cannot choose between land and water. Whitefish shows up on plenty of tables too, a nod to the region’s freshwater roots.
There is even an all-you-can-eat shrimp option that keeps seafood fans coming back whenever they roll into town.
The seafood platter and snow crab both get frequent mentions, proving that this steak house is far more than a one-note stop. Beef may headline, but the ocean-inspired offerings hold their own with an easy confidence.
The Deck and the Patio Bar
When the northern Michigan summer finally arrives, the outdoor deck becomes the place everyone wants to sit.
The open-air eating area and patio bar give guests a relaxed way to enjoy dinner under warm evening skies. It is casual, easygoing, and made for lingering over a leisurely meal.
Plenty of people plan their visit around scoring a seat outside, calling a summer dinner on the deck one of the highlights of their trip. Going early tends to help with landing that coveted spot.
The deck seating comes up often among those who love the warmer months here, and it pairs naturally with the woodsy surroundings.
For anyone hoping to trade the indoor lodge glow for fresh air, the patio delivers a laid-back setting that feels tailor-made for northern Michigan nights. Just remember that popular deck tables fill quickly once the weather turns kind.
Fireside Seating and Woodsy Charm
Cold-weather visits have their own reward, and it glows in the corner of the dining room.
The fireplace draws steady affection from guests who get seated nearby, especially on cooler evenings when the woodsy interior turns cozy. Being sat near the fire has made more than a few dinners feel extra special.
The hunting-lodge vibe carries through the whole space, with warm wood tones that suit both a casual outing and a dressed-up celebration. It is the kind of setting that works for a quiet dinner or a lively gathering.
That mix of comfort and character is a big part of why people describe the atmosphere so fondly. The fireplace, in particular, earns repeat mentions from those who treasure a snug seat.
Between the timber walls and the flickering hearth, the indoor setting gives the old mill a personality that stays with guests long after the last plate is cleared.
Weekend Live Music and a Festive Mood
Time your visit for a Friday or Saturday and the evening comes with a soundtrack.
Live music on weekends adds a festive layer to the dining room, giving the whole place a celebratory hum. It is the kind of touch that turns an ordinary dinner into an occasion.
Birthdays here can get delightfully lively, with an older gentleman known to break into cheerful birthday songs while celebrations bubble around the room. Guests describe a warm, everyone-having-a-good-time energy on those nights.
The music is understated rather than overwhelming, blending into the lodge setting instead of taking it over. It complements the food rather than competing with it.
For anyone who enjoys a little atmosphere with their meal, the weekend crowd and live entertainment make Boone’s feel like a genuine event. Show up on the right night and the celebration practically finds you.
Servers Who Remember Your Name
Behind the food, the people carrying the plates leave a lasting mark on many visits.
The wait staff earns consistent praise for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Some servers here have decades of experience, and it shows in how smoothly they run their sections.
Guests often walk away feeling well cared for, with a few describing the polished, professional touch as the highlight of the whole evening. Certain sections come recommended by regulars who know exactly who to ask for.
That said, the service has not been perfect every single night, and slower stretches have frustrated a handful of guests during busier moments. Timing and staffing can swing the experience.
On its best evenings, though, the attentive crew helps the old mill live up to its fine-dining aspirations. When the service clicks, it becomes a big reason people say they will be back.
Who Fits Right In at the Table
Part of the appeal here is how many different groups feel at home.
Families have been making Boone’s a tradition for generations, with grandparents, parents, and kids all sharing the same booths across the years. It is a place woven into countless northern Michigan summers.
The setting flexes easily between casual and upscale, so it works for a relaxed dinner in shorts or a dressed-up anniversary night. That range makes it a rare fit for nearly any occasion.
Road-trippers passing through the area have discovered it too, often on the recommendation of a local guide or friend. First-timers regularly leave calling it a must-visit near town.
With something on the menu for steak devotees, seafood fans, and even the kids, there is genuinely a little of everything. That broad welcome is a big reason the tables keep filling, night after night.
Hours, Prices, and Getting There
A bit of planning goes a long way toward a smooth visit.
The kitchen opens at 4 PM Monday through Saturday, staying until 10 PM early in the week and stretching to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sundays run a longer stretch, from noon to 10 PM.
Prices land on the higher side, generally in the 30 to 70 dollar range per person, and the total can climb quickly depending on your order. Larger cuts and full surf and turf plates push the bill up fast, so it helps to know that going in.
The restaurant sits on the outskirts of Traverse City, a short and easy drive from the center of town. A large parking lot makes arrival simple, with room even for bigger vehicles.
Reservations come with a catch worth noting: they are typically taken only for parties of ten or more. During peak summer hours, arriving early is the smart move.
Why the Old Mill Still Draws a Crowd
Few places manage to hold a loyal following across generations, yet this old mill keeps doing exactly that.
With a strong 4.5-star standing from more than three thousand guests, Boone’s Long Lake Inn remains a fixture on the northern Michigan dining map. The prime rib carries the legend, and the woodsy lodge setting seals the deal.
Not every night has landed perfectly, and a few longtime fans have noted the odd off evening. Even so, the count of people who return year after year speaks loudly about what keeps them coming.
Between the seafood, the summer deck, the weekend music, and that signature roast, there is a reason folks build road trips around a single reservation here.
For steak lovers weighing a short drive outside Traverse City, this legendary spot makes a strong case for putting it at the top of the list. The old mill’s story is best experienced at the table.
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