Taco Wars: Which Grand Traverse Mexican Spot Truly Satisfies Your Cravings?
Featuring Cantina TwentyTwo and Suttons Bay restaurants

The appeal of a Mexican restaurant grand traverse region continues to grow, with fresh concepts arriving to delight residents and visitors alike.
One of the newest arrivals generating buzz is Cantina TwentyTwo, now calling the waterfront of Suttons Bay its home.
The restaurant occupies the revamped space that once hosted North Country Kitchen and Bar, marking a bold shift in theme and flavor for this iconic Suttons Bay address.
Cantina TwentyTwo's owners have embraced a vibrant, patio-driven atmosphere where Mexican-inspired favorites meet the bounty of local ingredients.
From the first bite, patrons note both the heartiness of authentic Mexican staples and the surprising freshness of local seafood and house-smoked meats.
Community members have quickly flocked to this stylish new gathering spot, eager to experience a menu that bridges tradition with regional twist.
In addition to crowd-pleasing tacos and shareable appetizers, the restaurant boasts a beverage program with handcrafted margaritas and a selection of premium tequilas, bourbons, and mezcals.
Diners appreciate the lively yet approachable setting, with happy hour deals offering an affordable taste of the menu's highlights.
Suttons Bay restaurants have always been destination-worthy, but the arrival of Cantina TwentyTwo signals a new chapter for the village’s dining scene.
Locals remark that the evolution of this space—from classic pub fare to southern cuisine, and now to a Mexican-inspired kitchen—reflects Suttons Bay’s willingness to embrace culinary innovation.
For visitors exploring Grand Traverse County and looking to enjoy a lakeside meal, Cantina TwentyTwo joins the list of must-visit stops.
This summer also brings extra energy to Suttons Bay, with bustling U-pick berry fields, the reopening of nearby tasting rooms, and new transportation services connecting area attractions.
Local business owners and residents alike are optimistic that this season’s wave of new ventures—including standout openings like Cantina TwentyTwo—will further elevate Grand Traverse’s reputation as a food lover's haven.
For those seeking authentic flavors and welcoming ambiance, there’s never been a better moment to revisit the ever-evolving Mexican restaurant grand traverse lineup—and to discover what’s next in Suttons Bay dining. |
Never miss a story.
Get the best of Cherry Buzz in your inbox — free, no spam.

18 Comments
Join the conversation
Can’t wait to take my parents here when they visit. Good excuse to go wine tasting nearby too!
That sounds like a wonderful plan—pairing a visit to Cantina TwentyTwo with local wine tasting is truly Suttons Bay at its best!
new spot looks colorful inside, not what I expected but it works
Thanks for noticing the vibrant new look—Cantina TwentyTwo definitely brings a fresh energy to the familiar spot!
miss the old southern food menu but excited to try something new!
Kath McGillI get that, Kath! I always liked their shrimp and grits, but the new menu looks fun. Let us know what you think if you try it first!
happy hour deal is hard to beat—love affordable drinks right on the water
Happy hour by the water is a highlight, with handcrafted margaritas and menu favorites at great prices—perfect for unwinding in Suttons Bay.
hope prices aren’t crazy, Suttons Bay can get $$$ real fast
visited last weekend & the shrimp tacos were AMAZING. service was great too!
house-smoked meats? didn’t expect that at a cantina. cool twist
worried it’ll be super crowded this summer lol
Your concern is a good one; with all the buzz, it might get busy, but the patio-driven layout is designed to make the most of those lively summer crowds.
Glad Suttons Bay has more variety now. Mexican food with a view sounds awesome.
We agree—it's exciting to see the local dining scene broaden, and Cantina TwentyTwo's lakeside views make the experience even more special.
local seafood tacos??? ok I’m in
used to like North Country spot... hope this is just as fun
need those margaritas on the patio asap