Frenchies Famous — Restaurant in Traverse City

This place is cute, and a testament to human adaptation and ingenuity. I enjoyed looking at all the items in the more than small space. We had tried to go here a few times before with no success. This time we arrived at opening, a really good idea.

A few notes that everyone should consider. This is an opinion and everyone can have those, so make sure you build your own and don't just go by mine or someone else's.

1. Seating is tough, don't expect to walk in and suddenly get a seat. The 2 person crew works as hard as they can and in the short time I was there several people were less than pleasant as they were told the wait time was longer and they would have to wait outside. If you want to play Karen, you likely should not go here.

2. The ambiance is fun, and this is a place I glad I visited even though I will likely not go again. Go for the ambiance and you will not be disappointed.

3. The food is ok. It is not bad, nor is it as earth shatteringly good as I expected. I think the cook/chef/guy who is cooking does a great job. Expect a good meal but a little smaller than normal and you will not be disappointed. For me, the 2 eggs were smaller than I am used to so I walked away hungry, but I am a giant, for most it was likely just right. The food was fresh and hot, because it was cooked a few feet from us, as we sat there and did not wait for someone to pick it up.

4. The wait staff is busy, busier than your average place, don't expect snappy patter or enjoyable pleasantries, it is a two person shop and it works, but if they stop to make you feel good, someone else may not get fed.

5. The value is ok. This is not a cheap or budget breakfast. It is a little higher than many places. Compared to the top places I go for breakfast it is high priced, that is fine, it is worth the visit. I am glad I went and hope they...

I seldom write reviews but periodically my experience is so much better, or worse, than the expectation that I feel compelled to share. Frenchies Famous is such a unique gem that I will now consider a MUST before one can say “I have experienced the best of Traverse City’s unique food scene.” Hole-in-the-wall does not do it justice as it is so much more than meets the eye. Five tables are packed (comfortably) into a small sitting area right next to the kitchen so you can see the lone chef work. Our bottomless pit of “Mug O Mud” (aka fresh french press coffee) was more richly satisfying than expected as it was served by the lone, stoic but friendly waiter wearing his winter boots and wool toque with flaps down, covering his ears (it was a cold and icy morning). My son (a chef) and I ordered off the breakfast specials from the chalkboard near the door and expected a solid “Hole-in-wall” meal based on many positive reviews. But when we received our verde chorizo omelet and pastrami egg benedict the plating & presentation was more in keeping with high end Nordic restaurant in a major metro (clean, balanced, purposeful and pleasing to the eye). The flavors and texture were as good as the presentation as we enjoyed the best breakfast we have ever had in Traverse City. I will be surprised if Frenchies Famous doesn’t end up on an Anthony Bourdain or Guy Fieri show in the not too distant future. You should go now and say you did it before...

This may be the best scratch breakfast in Northern Michigan. The seating was outdoors only, 4 tables in the back patio/garden area. This was glorious on a sunny fall day, but may be problematic in inclement weather. However there was a cute to-go window for dining elsewhere. While absolutely everything on this menu looked and sounded delicious, they make their own pastrami. If you follow my reviews at all you know I am a pastrami/corned beef connoisseur. So as scrumptious as the monte cristo, chorizo sausage and gravy and french toast all sounded, the pastrami hash on the special board was screaming my name. Alas it did not disappoint, tender pulled pastrami, grilled seasoned russet potatoes, a piped red pepper sauce and 2 eggs over easy combined to make a savory world class hash. The sourdough toast with the freshest raspberry jam was the coup de gras of this breakfast. Absolutely delightful! The french press coffee with real cream was a perfect pick-me-up. And my friend seemed to revel in his fresh crepes places in a pool of amber Michigan made maple syrup. This is one of those meals that will stick with me for a while. Service and ambiance were too notch as well. Ever since Golden Harvest closed in Lansing's Old Town neighborhood last year, I've been craving my scratch hash fix. Now I just need an excuse to drive 2.5hrs back up to TC to visit again. Highly recommend! Bring a few quarters for the...