Door County Fish Boils

By Mark Stoneman
Door County Dining

Here are the 7 best door county fish boils:

Food with a flair: you won’t want to miss a Door County fish boil. As a local favorite and a unique culinary experience, fish boils are not just about food; they represent a celebration of community and tradition. Join me as I explore the best places in Door County to enjoy this spectacular feast, complete with roaring fires, fresh fish, and a captivating history. Get ready to dive into a meal that delights all the senses!

Fish boils aren’t just about food. Community, tradition, and showmanship are part of the fish boil experience.

Are you considering a visit to Door County? Make sure to get your lodging lined up well ahead of time. Our post on the best hotels in Door County is your best place to find a great deal on a Door County hotel.

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black cauldron over a wood fire at a Door County fish boil

Best Fish Boils in Door County

Churches and Civic Organizations

If you have a chance to visit a fish boil at a church or civic organization, you should go. These fish boils often won’t feature the same level of showmanship as a fish boil at a restaurant, but the food will be no less delicious.

Keep an eye on community bulletin boards, Facebook pages, and newspapers to find a fish boil put on by a church or civic organization.

Two organizations that often offer fish boils are Saints Peter and Paul Parish and the Liberty Grove Historical Society.

Pelletier’s Restaurant

white clapboard buidling. Sign that says Pelletier's.

With the most consistent boiling schedule, Pelletier’s is a sure-fire place to experience a Door County fish boil. Pelletier’s is located in Fish Creek’s historic Founders Square. Classic, white clapboard buildings, old trees, and nearby parkside access to the bay make this a picturesque place to spend an evening.

  • Nightly boilovers at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00
  • Reservations requested
  • Arrival 45 to 60 minutes ahead of boilover requested
  • A full menu, including a children’s menu, is available for those who would prefer not to eat fish.

Website
Address: 4199 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Map
Phone: 920-868-3313

White Gull Inn Restaurant

white clapboard building. Sign that says "White Gull Inn."

Like Pelletiers, White Gull Inn is located in the historic heart of Fish Creek. Located in a lovely old bed and breakfast, you’ll get a great feel for Door County’s timeless charm at this fish boil.

  • May-October: Seatings on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays at 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00.
  • Winter: Seatings on Fridays at 7:00.
  • Baked chicken is available for those who do not like fish.

Website
Address: 4225 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Map
Phone: 920-868-3517

Old Post Office Restaurant

sign advertising a fish boil along the bay of Green Bay in Ephraim, WI

Due to its dramatic location on the shore of Eagle Harbor, many people consider Old Post Office the best fish boil in Door County. Delicious food will melt in your mouth, and a stunning setting will delight your eyes at the Old Post Office . Located on the grounds of Ephraim’s Edgewater Resort, the Old Post Office Restaurant offers waterfront dining, a surprisingly rare treat in Door County. You will also enjoy the historic building, at one time Ephraim’s post office, that hosts this event.

  • Boilovers Monday-Saturday evenings and Sunday evenings on holiday weekends.
  • Call ahead for boilover times.
  • Reservations requested
  • Chicken or ribs are available for those who do not like fish
  • Hot dogs or chicken tender are available for children.

Website
Address: 10040 N Water St, Ephraim, WI 54211
Map
Phone: 920-854-4034

Waterfront Mary’s

Waterfront Mary’s offers a unique fish boil experience. First, instead of Lake Michigan whitefish or trout, they use cod in their boils. Second, Waterfront Mary’s is a popular haunt for Door County locals and has a fun, party atmosphere.

True to their name, Waterfront Mary’s fish boils are held on the waterfront of the bay of Sturgeon Bay from their location near Potawatomi State Park.

  • Boil-overs at 5:30 and 7:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday, and Sundays
  • Arrival 30 minutes prior to boil-over requested
  • Reservations required
  • Full menu available for those who do not like fish.

Website
Address: 3662 N Duluth Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Map
Phone: 920-743-3690

Kettle Black Fish Boil

white clapboard building. Sign that says "Kettle Black Fish Boil"

On the harbor at Fish Creek, Kettle Black offers a waterfront fish boil experience. Something that sets Kettle Black apart from other fish boils is that in addition to a traditional Door County fish boil, they also offer a Cajun Boil that includes shrimp, sausage, and corn.

  • Boil-overs Monday- Saturday evenings, May through October
  • Reservations requested
  • Chicken and ribs are available for those who do not like fish.
  • Chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs are available for kids.

Website
Address: 4158 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Map
Phone: 920-868-5215

K.K. Fiske Restaurant

Signage on the outside of a restaurant that says: K.K. Fiske Restaurant. Fresh lawyers. Pictures of two lawyer fish.

A funky establishment on Washington Island, The Koyen Collection: K.K. Fiske Restaurant, Granary Saloon & Coop Hangout boasts to having “the only friesh caught, boneless, skinless fish boil in all of Door County.”

True to Washington Island’s mystique, finding information for this establishment, including a schedule of fish boils, is not particularly easy. You can check their Facebook page for updates, or just give them a call at 920-847-2121.

Address: 1177 Main Rd, Washington, WI 54246
Map
Phone: 920-847-2121

What is a Door County fish boil?

Fish boils are a popular culinary tradition in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in which a fish is boiled over an open flame with potatoes and onions to serve a large group of people.

An oily fish is used, most commonly whitefish or lake trout but potentially also brown trout, rainbow trout, or salmon. The fish, potatoes, and onions are typically served with rye bread and cole slaw.

Originally meant to feed large groups of lumberjacks and sailors, the tradition was kept alive by churches and civic organizations, and they have become a popular tourist attraction in Door County, Wisconsin.

In a way, written words cannot justly describe a fish boil. Like so many of the things that make Door County great, it is an experience that combines tradition, togetherness, earthiness, and the peninsula’s unique geography and culture.

While Door County is famous for its fish boils, they can be found in many other locales as well. The origins of fish boils in this region are a little unclear, but it seems that Scandinavian immigrants introduced the custom, and they were adopted to feed large numbers of workers during the period of large logging operations and when the land was being converted from forest to farmland.

Door County fish boil video

While fish boils have become a tourist attraction in Door County, they are still an authentic part of the area’s culture. You can find churches and civic organizations putting them on for fellowship and fundraisers, and families will enjoy them for their big gatherings as well.

What To Expect at a Door County Fish Boil

photo depicting a boil-over at a Door County fish boil

Door County fish boils are about more than just the food, although the food is excellent. They have a festive, earthy atmosphere. Fellowship and spectacle are integral parts of them. Come early to a fish boil to enjoy friends, meet new people, take in the earthy and primitive cooking process involving wood fire, cast iron, and water, and to enjoy the entertainment that many fish boils provide.

The typical menu at a fish boil is steaked whitefish, unskinned and still on the bone, potatoes, onions, rye bread, and cole slaw.

picture depicting the food at a Door County fish boil

Commercial fish boils will usually feature a “boil over,” an impressive spectacle when a jar of kerosene is tossed on the fire, resulting in flames shooting up about a dozen feet, and water and steam pouring out of the cauldron. Some claim that this aids the flavor of the fish boil by removing the fish oil from the cauldron. Whether or not this is true, it’s still a sight to see.

Tips for Attending a Fish Boil in Door County

Attending a Door County fish boil is a must-do for any visitor, offering a delightful mix of tradition, taste, and camaraderie. Here are some tips to make the most of this unique experience:

  • Arrive Early: Fish boils are popular events. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot to watch the boil-over spectacle—a highlight of the experience.
  • Dress Appropriately: Evenings can get cool, especially by the lake or bay. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable as the sun sets.
  • Bring Your Appetite: Fish boils typically include generous servings of freshly caught whitefish, potatoes, onions, and bread. Make sure you come hungry!
  • Watch the Boil Master: The boil master is key to the event, perfectly timing the addition of ingredients and the dramatic boil-over that cleanses the fish of oils. It’s a sight to see!
  • Chat with Locals: Don’t be shy! Locals love to share stories about the history of fish boils and their significance to the community.
  • Check for Seasonings: Traditional fish boils are lightly seasoned to let the natural flavors shine through. Check if there are extra seasonings or butter available if you prefer a bit more flavor.
  • Enjoy the Outdoors: Most fish boils are held outdoors with beautiful views of the water or landscapes. Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings.
  • Save Room for Dessert: Many places serve local cherry pie as dessert—a perfect end to a traditional meal.
  • Take Photos: The boil-over moment and the communal atmosphere are worth capturing. Just make sure to protect your camera from the steam!
  • Explore Different Venues: Each venue has its own charm and sometimes different menu items or traditions. Try a few to see which you like best!

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to dive into the delightful tradition of a Door County fish boil. Enjoy the food, the people, and the unforgettable atmosphere!

Door County Fish Boil Restaurants

Door County’s fish boil restaurants offer a unique blend of culinary tradition and community spirit. Each establishment, from the shores of Sturgeon Bay to the tip of the peninsula, invites diners to gather around crackling fires for a feast of fresh whitefish and local charm, making every meal a memorable event.

Sturgeon Bay Fish Boil

You don’t need to travel all the way to northern Door County to experience a fish boil. You can enjoy one at a Sturgeon Bay fish boil. At Waterfront Mary’s, the spectacle begins as flames envelop a pot of local whitefish, creating a memorable feast that ignites all your senses. This quintessential Door County tradition offers more than just a meal; it’s a performance that celebrates our maritime heritage and community spirit.

Fish Creek Fish Boil

If you experience a fish boil in Door County, it’s likely to be a Fish Creek fish boil. This is because Fish Creek has the most fish boil restaurants in Door County. Fish Creek offers visitors a true taste of local flavor and community. Here, the fish boil isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of heritage.

Fish Boils in Wisconsin

Other areas besides Door County have fish boils. Fish boils in Wisconsin are a cherished tradition, especially along the Great Lakes, including Bayfield County. This unique cooking method, often a communal event, features freshly caught fish and hearty vegetables, all spectacularly cooked in a large kettle. It’s a culinary ritual that brings communities together, embodying the spirit of the region.

Seafood Boils

Fish boils in Door County represent a unique twist on the seafood boils found across the country. While Southern states might spice their pots with shrimp and crawfish, Door County’s version features local whitefish, cooked in a dramatic display of fire and water, making it a distinct and cherished regional tradition.

Cajun Boil

If you are looking for a little more zing to your fish boil, Kettle Black offers a cajun boil style of fish boil. The community and showmanship are the same – the flavor hearkens more to the South.

More Door County Restaurant Roundups

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Door County, we have lots of other content to help you find the perfect eatery for you. Check out our other restaurant roundup reviews:

FAQs

How much does a fish boil cost in Door County?

Commercial boils will charge about $22 to $35 for adults and $12 to $20 for children. Boils offered by churches and civic organizations will typically charge less.

What kind of fish is used in a Wisconsin fish boil?

Most commercial fish boils use Great Lakes whitefish. Lake trout used to be the most common fish used in boils, and this can still be found at boils offered by churches and civic organizations. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon can also be found.

What’s in a Door County fish boil?

Most fish boils serve fish, potatoes, onions, rye bread, and cole slaw. Melted butter and lemon slices are offered along with the dinner. A dessert of cherry pie is typical at a commercial fish boil.

What is Door County whitefish?

Lake whitefish is a cool water fish native to the Great Lakes, silvery in appearance and growing from 12 to 22 inches long and 1.5 to 4 pounds in weight. It is an important commercial fish to the region.
More information can be found by clicking here.

Is boiled fish really any good?

The fish at a fish boil is typically tender and mild-flavored.
All we can say is that you should definitely give this meal and experience a try. While we cannot guarantee that you will like boiled fish, there’s a reason why people keep coming back to these year after year and that they pack the fish boil restaurants so tightly.

Conclusion

We hope this post has inspired you to give a Door County fish boil a try!

But, this isn’t the only way to eat fresh, delicious fish in Door County. Check out our post on the best Door County fish fry restaurants to find a place to enjoy this classic Wisconsin experience.

About the author
Mark Stoneman
Hi! My name is Mark! I have been a resident of Door County for almost ten years now, and I'm glad to help you say "Hello" to Door County. I believe that travel helps to change lives, and because of that, I want to help you improve your life through travel.