History
Lil Bo was built as a hot dog stand featuring outdoor seating, a drive up window and an annual ritual of making sauerkraut in the basement. Located in the heart of Little Bohemia as this area of Traverse City was known, and being of Bohemian decent, the original owner named Lil Bo in honor of the Bohemian community that settled on the western perimeter of the city. Lil Bo immediately became the gathering place on Saturday nights. Today the ethnic group has scattered, but Lil Bo has stood the test of time and still maintains its original name. At the end of prohibition the building was expanded to include a tavern (ending the making of moonshine in the basement) and its popularity continued to grow into the Traverse City landmark and icon it is today. The Scott family, long-time Traverse City residents, are the proud new owners of Lil Bo. They emphasize how important it is for this adventure to be majority-owned and operated by the women in their family.
Specialties
Jenni Scott as Owner-Operator. Jenni, owner and chef of Betty's Hot Dish, is renowned for her award-winning chili, killer Po' Boys and her love of bringing people together with homestyle comfort food. As a family-run business, the Scotts are committed to retaining Lil Bo's identity as a neighborhood family tavern, saving much of its nostalgic interior dating back 88 years and the familiarity and fun of local music and happy hour specials. With some welcomed new additions on the horizon, most of what locals expect from the new Lil Bo will be there on your first visit. Smiles, cold beer, great food and fun music. No fancy attire required.