Modern Bird

Modern Bird is a celebrated restaurant located at 541 W Front St in the heart of Traverse City, Michigan. Founded by husband-and-wife chef team Andy Elliott and Emily Stewart, both graduates of Chicago's renowned fine dining scene, this restaurant represents a beautiful migration from Michelin-starred kitchens to northern Michigan's thriving food community. After honing their skills at prestigious establishments including BOKA, GT Fish & Oyster, Ria, and Blackbird in Chicago, the couple chose Traverse City for its exceptional access to fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, livestock, and locally produced wines and spirits. The restaurant occupies a lovingly restored 1890s building overlooking Front Street, where exposed brick meets refined modern touches. Modern Bird has garnered national acclaim, appearing on The New York Times' Restaurant List 2025, Eater Detroit's Best Traverse City Restaurants, and featured in Wall Street Journal and Condé Nast Traveler. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing produce from local farms including Lakeview Hill Farm, Second Spring, and Loma Farm. Diners can enjoy carefully crafted dinners, desserts, and beverages. For private events, Upstairs at Bird offers an intimate space seating 7-18 guests for seated dinners or 7-25 for cocktail receptions in a stunning 1895 building with arched windows and historic character. Open for dinner service, Modern Bird has become a destination restaurant drawing food enthusiasts from across the country to experience Michigan's finest farm-to-table dining.