Welcome to Willie's Rear
At Willie's Rear, nestled in Traverse City, we celebrate a passion for hearty, homemade meals served in a welcoming, old-school diner atmosphere. Renowned for its breakfast delights, the menu boasts favorites like Jeff's Shaved Turkey sandwich and Lanny's Tuna Melt, crafted with fresh ingredients and served by a dedicated team. The inviting decor fosters a relaxed ambiance, making it the perfect spot to savor dishes like Jim's Potatoes or indulge in Willie's Special Sauce. Customers rave about the attentive service, smooth coffee, and the sense of community that permeates this charming eatery—truly a local gem where every meal feels like home.
Willie's Rear: Reviews & Ratings
Great little place for breakfast and lunch. Awesome server! Thanks, Beth!
Beth and Joe go out of their way to ensure you have the best breakfast in Traverse City. Shhhh..don't tell your friends!
Really, why wouldn't you rate Willie's a top notch rear? Open nice 'n early, an awning and umbrellas for that rainy day, newspapers to peruse, solid breakfast food for a low price, coffee refills by a courteous but tough old fellow. The kind that would grimace at an overcooked egg, because things worth doing are worth doing right. I liked starting my day in Willie's Rear.
Nice little place with great food and service. Small town feel. The breakfast potatoes were really good and so we're the sauces - Willie's Special Sauce and Willie's Hot. We were here on a weekday morning at 11am...I assume this place is packed on weekend mornings. Will make a stop here again the next time we're in the area.
Classic old school diner with a northern small town ambience and decor. We are glad that we gave this place a try despite not having many photos. Coffee was fresh, mild, not too strong and not weak, the waitress was attentive in a subtle way, not overbearing or too talkative, but to the point and pleasant. The omlette, breakfast quesadilla, potatoes, toast and the house sauces were fresh and tasty. They had cabin style walls with cabin decorations and little signs at the booths to encourage conversation over using phones and that was a nice touch. The whole place had a nice calm ambience which is great when you're trying to have breakfast and to wake up. We were able to have a booth in the front part where you can also have a view of the area where breakfast is made. Everything was clean and smelled nice. We will have this place in mind when we're in the area again.
Great hometown diner vibes at Willie’s! Staff is friendly and Willie’s has very cheap prices for a tourist town such a Traverse City. Seating is somewhat limited and the local regulars will be there with coffee mugs in hand, so make sure to get there early! Oh, and the sourdough toast is AMAZING!
I love “the works” omelet, food and conversation is always part of this adventure. Best bacon in town!
Great little find. Loved it. Large portion sizes, good food, great prices. The service was excellent. We were so delighted to have stumbled on this place. I would highly recommend it
Location
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1315 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States Hotline: +1 231-421-5506
Welcome to Willie's Rear, a charming gem located at 1315 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, MI. This cozy eatery, known for its inviting atmosphere and hearty fare, serves as a perfect retreat for breakfast and lunch enthusiasts. With a phone number of +1 231-421-5506, it stands ready to welcome both locals and visitors seeking comfort food with a delightful touch.
What sets Willie's Rear apart is its dedication to quality and simplicity. The extensive menu offers a mouthwatering selection of dishes that echo the classic diner vibe, making it a perfect spot for a hearty meal at a reasonable price. Highlights include:
- Jeff's Shaved Turkey: A delightful combination of turkey, tomato, red onion, lettuce, and mustard, all nestled in whole wheat bread for just $5.99.
- Tuna Salad on Lettuce: A refreshing option at $4.25, perfect for those looking for light yet satisfying fare.
- Lanny's Tuna Melt: Tuna, tomato, onion, and Swiss cheese melted on sourdough, priced at $5.69, oozing with comfort.
- Big Tuna: A tasty BLT with jack cheese on a Kaiser bun, also for $5.99—an instant classic.
To complement your meal, Willie's Rear offers delightful sides like Jim's Potatoes for $1.75 and Homemade Sausage Patties for $3.25, enhancing that feeling of home-cooked goodness. Pair these with a selection of beverages, including Hot Chocolate at $1.99 or a refreshing Pepsi Product at $1.79, to round off your dining experience.
Customer reviews sing praises for both the food and the service. Bob Dettwiler appreciates the "awesome server," while Luc Birchmeier emphasizes how the staff goes out of their way, suggesting secrets not to be shared with friends. Laura Casaletto captures the essence of a perfect morning at Willie's Rear with complimentary coffee and a cozy environment. It's a place where the food is prepared with care, where overcooked eggs aren't tolerated, and where even the décor encourages conversation over mobile distractions.
The atmosphere at Willie's Rear is reported as both quaint and unpretentious, with cabin-style walls and subtle decorations enhancing the small-town vibe. Each detail, from the attentiveness of the staff to the aroma of freshly prepared dishes, contributes to an inviting experience. The positive remarks on the signature sauces, including Willie's Special Sauce, add an element of excitement to the meals.
For anyone visiting Traverse City, Willie's Rear is not just a meal; it's a slice of the community's heart. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast or lingering over lunch, the friendly ambiance and lean towards quality make it a must-visit destination. Discover your favorite dish in this delightful oasis, and you might find yourself returning for more of Willie's charm!