From five-stars to dive-bars, Door County has an outstanding dining scene. Read on to learn more about places to eat and drink in Door County, including restaurants, fish boils, bars, coffeehouses, food trucks, and more.
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Places To Eat in Door County
Door County has a wide variety of places to eat including restaurants, supper clubs, food trucks, fish boils, fish fries, lunch restaurants, coffeehouses, bakeries, and more. You’re sure to find a place to eat in Door County that will suit your tastes.
One very important consideration when choosing a place to eat in Door County is the fact that many Door County dining establishments can have irregular schedules. This is for several reasons. First, the seasonality of tourism to Door County means that many Door County restaurants are closed during the winter. Even during prime tourist season, some restaurants may need to restrict their hours because of staffing shortages. A good rule of thumb when selecting a restaurant in Door County is to call ahead before you go. Even if the restaurant does not accept reservations, you do not want to be disappointed when you show up to find the restaurant closed.
Door County Restaurants
Door County has a wide variety of restaurants, including waterfront restaurants, restaurants with outdoor seating, and restaurants that are great for families with kids.
One very popular restaurant in Door County is Al Johnson’s, the restaurant with goats on the roof in Sister Bay. It is popular not only for the cute goats on the roof, but also for the Swedish fare that it offers. This restaurant is especially popular for breakfast, where people like to eat Swedish pancakes with Swedish meatballs.
Door County Food Trucks
Over the last few years, more and more food trucks have been setting up shop in Door County. Several can often be found in Sturgeon Bay, alone, and they can even be found a little more north in Door County. These food trucks often offer a little more adventurous fare than many of the restaurants, so if you are starting to get a little bored with the American food offered in most restaurants, these food trucks may offer a little more variety for you.
Door County Supper Clubs
One very unique dining opportunity in Door County is the classic Wisconsin supper club experience. It’s hard to exactly define a supper club, but the main thrust is that a supper club is a destination restaurant, a place where you go to spend an evening rather than a place you eat at on the way to somewhere else. A supper club is a place where you can linger. Check out our post on Door County supper clubs to learn more about these Door County institutions.
Door County Fish Boils
Another culinary experience that is unique to Door County is the Door County fish boil. And when we say experience, we mean this. A fish boil is not just the food that you eat, but it is a fascinating, rustic cooking process that is itself a spectator event.
You may not think that boiled fish sounds particularly appetizing, but there is a reason why these are some of the most popular events in Door County. Check out our post on Door County fish boils to learn more about this great experience.
Door County Fish Fries
Another opportunity to eat fish is the traditional Wisconsin Friday fish fries that are well represented in Door County. Although these are less pyrotechnic than fish boils, they are no less enjoyable.
The Friday fish fry became popular in Wisconsin through a combination of the Catholic custom of not eating meat on Fridays and Wisconsin’s proximity to Lake Michigan, a great source of freshwater fish. It’s an old tradition that is still well loved in Wisconsin, and many restaurants in Door County offer a Friday fish fry.
Check out our post on the best Door County fish fries to learn more about where to enjoy this great Wisconsin custom.
Door County Lunch Restaurants
Some restaurants have all-day service, while others cater more to a lunch crowd. These restaurants might specialize in food like soups and sandwiches. Many bakeries have service for breakfast and lunch, even though they do not offer dinner.
Door County Coffeehouses
Door County has several great coffeehouses. It even has its own coffee roasting company: Door County Coffee
Sturgeon Bay has the largest preponderance of coffeehouses, but there are several in Northern Door County, as well.
A couple of popular coffeehouses in Door County include the Gnoshery and Jefferson Street Coffee in Sturgeon Bay.
Door County Bakeries
Door County also offers a nice number of bakeries that offer bread, pastries, and other kinds of treats. One very popular bakery in Door County is Scaturo’s on the west side of Sturgeon Bay. Besides baked good, Scaturo’s also offers breakfast and lunch food. Some bakeries specializes in ethnic treats, like Norwegian baked goods.
Tips for Dining in Door County
Here are some tips to make your dining experience in Door County as memorable as the sunsets over Green Bay:
- Embrace the Local Flavors: Door County is famous for its cherries and fish boils. Don’t leave without trying these local specialties. The tart cherries find their way into pies, jams, and even savory dishes, while the traditional fish boil is an experience that combines history with taste.
- Make Reservations for Popular Spots: Some restaurants in Door County have a cult following. To avoid disappointment, especially during peak season, call ahead or book online where possible. You don’t want to miss out on the best spots because they were too busy.
- Explore the Waterfront Dining: With miles of shoreline, Door County offers plenty of options for dining with a view. Whether it’s breakfast by a calm, sunny harbor or dinner with a view of a stunning sunset, make sure to include at least one meal by the water.
- Don’t Skip the Small Town Gems: Sometimes, the best meals come from the most unexpected places. Door County’s small towns are dotted with charming cafes, bakeries, and diners that offer delicious food and a warm welcome.
- Visit Local Farmers’ Markets: For a taste of Door County you can take home or picnic with, visit one of the local farmers’ markets. Fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and local crafts make for a perfect afternoon browse.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Door County locals love to share their favorite spots. Don’t be shy to ask for restaurant recommendations. You might discover a hidden gem!
- Sample the Craft Beverages: From wineries to craft breweries and even a distillery, Door County has a growing scene for craft beverages. Many places offer tastings and tours, making for a great afternoon activity.
- Consider Seasonal Hours: Remember that many restaurants and cafes in Door County are seasonal. Check the operating hours before you go, especially if you’re visiting in the spring or fall.
- Indulge in a Sweet Treat: No trip to Door County is complete without indulging in some homemade ice cream or fudge. It’s a sweet way to end your day of adventures.
- Respect the Environment: Door County is known for its natural beauty. Wherever you dine, take only memories, leave only footprints. Opt for places that use sustainable practices and local ingredients.
Eating your way through Door County is as much a part of the experience as exploring its lighthouses and natural parks. Every meal has a story, every flavor tells you something about this unique place. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Unique Dining Options and Food in Door County
Door County offers a wealth of unique dining experiences and local flavors that are as diverse and inviting as its landscapes. Here’s a list of must-try experiences and foods that define the area’s culinary culture:
- Traditional Fish Boils: Experience a Door County tradition at places like White Gull Inn or Pelletier’s. Watch as local whitefish, potatoes, and onions are cooked in a large kettle over an open fire, then served steaming hot. The “boil over” is a spectacle not to be missed.
- Cherry-Stuffed French Toast: Door County is famous for its cherries, and what better way to start your day than with cherry-stuffed French toast? Try it at places like the White Gull Inn or other local breakfast spots.
- Orchard Tours and Tastings: Visit one of the many orchards for a tour and tasting. Sample fresh cherries, apples, and other fruits, along with locally made products like jams, jellies, and pies. Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market is a popular choice.
- Winery Tours: With several wineries dotting the peninsula, taking a tour and tasting local wines is a must. Many wineries, like Door Peninsula Winery, offer tastings of wines made from local fruits, including the famous cherry wine.
- Local Breweries and Distilleries: Sample craft beers and spirits at Door County Brewing Co. or Door County Distillery. Each offers a unique taste of the area’s burgeoning craft beverage scene.
- Outdoor Al Fresco Dining: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Door County while dining outdoors. Many restaurants offer patio or deck seating with views of the water, sunsets, and lush landscapes.
- Fish Creek’s Sunset Suppers: Dine with a view of one of Door County’s stunning sunsets. Restaurants like The White Gull Inn offer candlelit dinners where the timing is aimed to coincide with the sunset, offering a breathtaking backdrop.
- Artisan Cheese Tasting: Wisconsin is famous for its cheese, and Door County is no exception. Visit local cheese shops or markets to sample artisan cheeses made in the area.
- Farm-to-Table Experiences: Several restaurants pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a meal that’s not only delicious but also supports local farmers and producers.
- Swedish Pancakes at Al Johnson’s: Enjoy a breakfast of authentic Swedish pancakes topped with lingonberries at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, complete with goats grazing on the grass roof.
- Homemade Ice Cream and Fudge: Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream and fudge from local shops. Door County Ice Cream Factory and Country Ovens Cherry De-Lite offer some of the best treats around.
- Seasonal Farmers’ Markets: For a casual dining experience, visit one of the county’s many farmers’ markets. Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products for a picnic or to take home.
Each of these experiences offers a taste of Door County that goes beyond the plate, blending local traditions, flavors, and the natural beauty of the area into memorable dining adventures.