Here are the 9 best supper clubs in Door County:
- Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant
- Alexander’s of Door County
- The Nightingale Supper Club
- The Mill Supper Club
- Sister Bay Bowl
- The English Inn
- The Log Den
- Barringer’s
- Hügel Haus
Door County supper clubs are a journey back in time, offering a unique blend of family-style dining, friendly atmosphere, and timeless traditions. As a local, I’ve experienced firsthand the charm and warmth these establishments offer, where hearty meals, engaging conversations, and the simple pleasure of spending quality time with loved ones reign supreme.
It’s more than just dining out; it’s about embracing a slice of Door County’s rich culinary heritage and creating memories that linger long after the meal has ended. Join me as we explore the heart and soul of our community, one supper club at a time.
Are you planning a trip to Door County? Make sure to check out our post on Door County’s best hotels for your stay.
Best Door County Supper Clubs
Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant
With a dramatic setting right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. The building and grounds of this classic Door County supper club are timeless and classy. It seems that not much has changed over the decades at this supper club, and that’s a good thing. Just like Lake Michigan itself, it seems that Donny’s Glidden Lodge has always been there, and that it will be the same the next time you come, whether that’s in a month or in a decade.
People tend to dress a little nicer at Donny’s Glidden Lodge, and given its location next to the Glidden Lodge Beach Resort, it caters to many out-of-towners.
Check out our review of Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant to learn if this is a good spot for you to dine.
Website
Phone: (920) 746 9460
Address: 4670 Glidden Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Map
Alexander’s of Door County
A contemporary take on the supper club experience, Alexander’s of Door County is one of the most highly rated restaurants on the Peninsula. The decor is more clean and modern than most supper clubs, and the menu quite a bit more adventurous. However, the central element of a supper club endures at Alexander’s. This is a place to linger.
Website
Phone: +19208683532
Address: 3667 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Map
The Nightingale Supper Club
Is it the NightIngale Supper Club or the NightEngale Supper Club? Nobody really knows how it’s spelled, because it has signs for both spellings. This is just one of the many endearing things about this classic Door County supper club.
The Nightingale is where Door County locals go to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary. To a Door County local, the Nightingale is the fancy place to eat. And, its decor does have a certain retro upscale feel to it. However, the dress is comfortable. The ladies pair a sweater with jeans, and the men don their nicest hoodies. Yes, there’s such a thing as a “nice hoodie” for locals in North East Wisconsin.
Nightingale perfectly encapsulates a true supper club’s tight connection to the community. Several walls in the bar area have pictures filled with pictures of area servicemen and vets, along with newspaper clippings about them and their service. The are in the dining room reflects the area’s maritime industry. Much of the staff have worked there for years.
Par for the course, the Nightingale offers classic Friday night fish fry options
Despite being full of locals, there’s still a place for you at the Nightingale. Get a reservation, show up early to sit at the bar, top off your dinner with an ice cream drink, and you’ll be an honorary citizen of Sturgeon Bay.
Make sure to check out our comprehensive review of Nightingale Supper Club!
Website
Address: 1541 Egg Harbor Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: +19207435593
Map
The Mill Supper Club
Right on the way to the Northern Peninsula, The Mill is a Door County institution. Steeped in the traditions of Northeast Wisconsin, their menu has a German specialties section, and this is a favorite spot for Friday night fish fries.
Customers appreciate the cool old barback and the bright, clean atmosphere in the dining area.
The Mill Supper Club is Hello Door County’s pick for best Friday night fish fry in Door County.
Website
Phone: 920-743-5044
Address: 4128 State Highway 42, WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Map
Sister Bay Bowl
Billing itself “Your Go-To Bowling Hub and Supper Club,” Sister Bay Bowl is a third-generation family institution in Northern Door County. You can spend an entire afternoon and evening at Sister Bay Bowl. Bowl a few rounds in the late afternoon, have dinner in the supper club, and stay into the evening for their frequent live music concerts. The Sister Bay Bowl epitomizes the supper club quality of being a destination rather than a stop along the way in one’s evening.
Website
Phone: 920-854-2841
Address: 10640 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Map
The English Inn
The roots of the English Inn go back over a century, when the original building on the site, a lumber mill, was constructed. Over the years, owners have added on to the original building, but that classic edifice still stands as part of a classic Door County supper club.
Inside you will find dark wood, suits of armor, crests, shields, and swords. Outside is a lovely garden patio with miniature fire rings at every table and babbling water features. Throughout the English Inn, customers are greeted by friendly staff and top-notch food.
This is a fun place to spend the evening.
Website
Phone: 920-868-3076
Address: 3713 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Map
The Log Den
Many restaurants have begun sourcing local ingredients for their food. How many source local materials for their buildings? That’s the Log Den’s claim to fame.
The idea of the Log Den began in the 80s when owner Wayne Lautenbach felled some lumber in the Ellison Bay area for their log home building business. The pieces were far too big to go into a home but would be perfectly suitable for a commercial building. Over decades of collecting such lumber, they were finally able to construct this unique edifice with a northwoods feel.
When eating at the Log Den, not only the food, but also the building has been hand crafted. This is a supper club with soul.
Website
Phone: 920-868-3888
Address: 6626 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Map
Barringer’s
If you’re craving a genuine supper club experience in Fish Creek, Barringer’s is your go-to spot. Owned by JR Schoenfeld, the mastermind behind Chives Door County and a fleet of local food trucks, Barringer’s is where the warmth of a Wisconsin supper club meets the elegance of a steakhouse. It’s a place where every bite feels like home, yet every dish is a work of art.
Menu
Barringer’s menu is a symphony of flavors. It offers an array of fresh seafood and succulent steak options. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic surf ‘n’ turf or something more adventurous, the menu caters to all tastes with its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Ambiance
The ambiance at Barringer’s marries modern sophistication with cozy, supper club charm. The dining space is inviting, with a contemporary flair that doesn’t overshadow the warmth and friendliness you’d expect from a local favorite.
Quick Facts
- Hours: Click for hours
- Address: 1 Spruce Street, Fish Creek, WI
- Website: barringersdoorcounty.com
- Phone: 920-868-5445
Hügel Haus
Hügel Haus in Ellison Bay, Door County, stands out as a unique dining spot offering a blend of German-inspired and Wisconsin-influenced cuisine. Hügel Haus is renowned for serving Deutschland classics alongside inspired favorites, complemented by a selection of German drafts, wine, and a full bar.
Their menu is rich in traditional German fare, including Jagerschnitzel, Wienerschnitzel, and Rouladen. They are open year-round, with a focus on dinner meals. Nightly specials are a highlight, featuring items like Friday Fish Fry and Pork Shank.
Quick Facts:
Address: 11934 WI 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Phone: 920-633-4080
Website: Hügel Haus
What Is a Supper Club?
Once again, supper clubs defy easy definition. One way simple way to identify a supper club is that it is a place you go as a destination rather than a place to eat on the way to somewhere else. Because of this, completely absent is the expectation of many restaurants that you eat your meal and be on your way. You can linger at a supper club, and that’s part of the whole experience.
You can linger at a supper club, and that’s part of the whole experience.
Supper clubs are intimately connected with the community. They are usually locally owned and owner-operated. Half the staff is probably related to the owners, and you probably know half of the staff. The staff at supper clubs tend to work there for years, even decades because it is a place where they connect with friends and family just as much as the customers. And, connecting with friends and family is a huge part of the supper club experience.
The bar at supper clubs is as important as the restaurant. While at many restaurants, people sit at the bar while waiting for tables, sitting at the bar is part of the supper club experience. Most patrons show up early and spend some time at the bar drinking Old Fashioneds before taking a table.
The fare at supper clubs tends to be simple, meat-and-potatoes type food. Expect steaks, roasted chicken, baked or fried fish, and baked potatoes. Many supper clubs have either a salad bar or offer relish trays before dinner. Friday night fish fries are mandatory. Topping everything off with a delicious ice cream cocktail is an indulgent delight that is customary at a Supper Club.
Tips for Visiting a Supper Club in Door County
- Reservations Are Key: Many supper clubs fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Call ahead to ensure you have a table.
- Dress Code: Supper clubs have a casual to smart-casual dress code. Comfortable yet neat attire will fit right in.
- Arrive Early: Enjoy the full experience by starting with a drink at the bar. It’s a great way to meet locals and soak in the atmosphere.
- The Relish Tray: Don’t skip the relish tray! It’s a traditional start to your meal and a chance to try a variety of pickled and fresh veggies.
- Friday Fish Fry: A staple at many supper clubs, especially on Fridays. It’s a must-try for any visitor.
- Saturday Prime Rib: If you’re visiting on a Saturday, the prime rib is often the special of the night and comes highly recommended.
- Savor the Experience: Supper clubs are about more than just food; they’re about relaxation and enjoyment. Don’t rush—savor each course.
- Explore the Menu: Beyond the specials, supper clubs often offer a wide range of steaks, seafood, and homemade desserts.
- Ask for Recommendations: Staff are usually locals who love to share their favorite dishes and stories about the club’s history.
- Bring Cash: Some supper clubs may have a cash-only policy or use it for the bar. It’s always a good idea to have some on hand.
- Enjoy the Scenery: Many supper clubs in Door County boast beautiful views. Request a window seat if possible.
- Engage with Your Surroundings: Chat with the staff and other diners. Supper clubs are known for their friendly atmosphere.
- Leave Room for Dessert: Whether it’s homemade pie or a classic ice cream drink, you’ll want to try the dessert.
Support Door County Supper Clubs
Door County’s classic supper clubs, with their unique blend of nostalgia, community, and delectable dining, face an uncertain future. In recent years, we’ve seen several of these beloved establishments close their doors, a trend that threatens to erase a vital part of our local heritage.
These supper clubs offer more than just a meal; they provide a space where memories are made, where families and friends gather to celebrate life’s milestones. Supporting them is not just about preserving a dining experience but safeguarding a tradition that has brought our community together for generations. Let’s cherish and patronize these culinary treasures, ensuring they thrive for years to come.
