If you’re visiting Door County, Wisconsin, chances are you’re spending your days exploring the great outdoors through all the scenic hiking trails and parks that this region has to offer. Beautiful places such as Cave Point County Park and Washington Island are wonderful spots to explore all day with your family. But did you know Door County is home to some delicious food and sweet treats as well?
While the Door Peninsula and surrounding areas of Wisconsin are known for their amazing selection of fresh cheese and seafood, you can find a wide array of cuisines ranging from amazing steakhouses to international specialties, wood-fired pizzerias, and local breweries.
You can find some of the best restaurants in Door County in Fish Creek, Sister Bay, Egg Harbor, Baileys Harbor, and Sturgeon Bay. These towns are also close to most of the top attractions located on the peninsula.
Due to the abundance of fresh ingredients produced locally in Door County, we can guarantee that you’ll absolutely love our recommendations for the best restaurants in Door County. So without further ado, let’s get into the best restaurants Door County has to offer!
Best Restaurants in Door County, Wisconsin
1. CHOP
Address: 2345 Mill Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Topping our list of amazing Door County restaurants, we have CHOP, located in Sister Bay. The restaurant offers high-quality steaks and seafood. Each steak selection comes with your choice of four house-made compound butters, or you can stick to classic plain (and delicious) Wisconsin butter.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring the highest level of food quality by using fresh ingredients. This modern and upscale eatery offers seating spread over two levels, the second of which is accessible via an elevator.
Bar seating is also available. CHOP is a bit on the pricier side but is definitely considered one of the top Door County restaurants due to its high-quality ingredients.
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2. Nightingale Supper Club
Address: 1541 Egg Harbor Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
If you don’t already know, supper clubs are a long-standing tradition in Wisconsin. Think classic Midwestern meets quasi-European-style slow dining with a warm and cozy ambiance and great food. One of the best supper clubs you can find in Door County is Nightingale Supper Club.
This casual eatery has been serving locals and tourists since it opened its doors in 1913. The menu includes classic American fare and is affordably priced, making it one of the best restaurants in Door County for dinner. The prime rib is a local favorite.
If you’re dining in on a Wednesday or Friday, you can enjoy Nightingale’s Door County Fish Fry, which includes a selection of locally-caught fish. It’s also worth noting that, as the name suggests, supper clubs are only open for dinner.
3. The White Gull Inn
Address: 4225 Main St, Fish Creek, WI 54212
The White Gull Inn is an awesome spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The historic inn dates back all the way to 1896.
One of the main favorites here is the Door County cherry-stuffed French toast with farm-fresh eggs. If you’re ordering off the lunch menu, the open “doorwich” will have your mouth watering with its shaved ham, apple slices, and melted Wisconsin brie.
If you stop by the inn’s historic dining room during dinner time, you won’t want to miss the famous White Gull Fish Boil. It features Lake Michigan whitefish cooked over an open flame and is served with a side of potatoes and coleslaw with local cherry pie for dessert.
The Door County tradition of fish boils goes back generations and can be enjoyed at the White Gull every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in the summer and every Friday night in the winter. Non-fish eaters can still enjoy the festivities and substitute the fish for chicken or a yummy quinoa salad.
Kids will love the experience of watching their food cooked right over the fire pit, and kids’ meals also include dessert. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Door County for families, and somewhere you won’t want to miss eating at while in the area.
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4. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Address: 10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Get ready for your taste buds to go on an adventure at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant located in Sister Bay. This family-owned restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere for you to enjoy with the entire family.
The big thing to try here is the Swedish pancakes, which can be served with meat or fruits, making it a great vegetarian option. I highly recommend getting the lingonberries, a traditional Swedish jam that tastes similar to cranberries with less tartness.
Children’s menus are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and breakfast is served all day. After your meal, everyone can enjoy lawn games or admire the goats that graze on the grass rooftop of the restaurant! Don’t forget to stop by Al’s Butik, where you can find Scandinavian themed clothing, gifts, and food items to take home.
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5. Door County Creamery
Address: 10653 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Nothing screams Wisconsin more than a charming cafe that specializes in artisanal cheeses and other dairy products. Door County Creamery has been serving cheese, gelato, sandwiches, and more since 2013.
Everyone can find something here, with sandwiches like the jalapeno popper curd sandwich made with truffle tomato pesto and the lamb gyro, which will transport you to the Greek islands. Kids’ menu items like mac ‘n’ cheese and pizza rolls are also available. Gelato made with goats’ milk can be ordered by the scoop or pint and includes fantastic flavors like lemon cookie and pumpkin pie.
Their handmade goat milk soaps, wide variety of flavors of chevre (goat cheese), and feta make awesome gifts to bring back home. Charcuterie boards and cheese plates are also available and are perfect if you’re looking for something to bring on a picnic.
It’s worth noting that Door County Creamery closes seasonally during the winter months and reopens in the late spring.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Wisconsin & Places to Visit
6. Harbor Fish Market & Grille
Address: 8080 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Located in downtown Baileys Harbor, the Harbor Fish Market & Grille is a top spot to sample Lake Michigan whitefish along with other fresh seafood options. Visitors love this spot for its waterfront location.
While seafood is the main character in this story, the restaurant also offers an amazing selection of steaks. If you’re stopping by for lunch, start with the mouth-watering fried cheese curds served with ranch dressing. There’s also nothing better than a creamy Maine lobster bisque.
There is a special menu for kids under 11 and a ton of gluten-free and vegan-friendly options as well. The Mediterranean Ravioli is an amazing vegan option that includes red pepper romesco and a balsamic glaze.
7. Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza & Grille
Address: 4023 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Pizza is something that can be so simple yet absolutely delicious, and no one does it better than Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza & Grille. The Fish Creek eatery was the first wood-fired pizza place in Door County and is still one of the most popular restaurants in Door County when it comes to pizza.
What sets Wild Tomato apart from other pizzerias is their partnership with local farms to serve customers only the freshest ingredients. Take, for example, the fun guy, which is made with foraged local mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a garlic cream sauce. Parmesan knots and fried cheese curds are amazing sides that can complement any pizza dinner.
If your kids want more than pizza, there is a kids’ menu that offers pasta and a fun peanut butter and jelly pizza. Additionally, the pizza crust at Wild Tomato in Fish Creek can be made gluten-free.
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8. Wickman House
Address: 11976 Mink River Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out the warm and cozy Wickman House, located on the northern tip of Door County in Ellison Bay. This fine-dining Door County restaurant serves new American fare and is known for their amazing craft cocktails.
The restaurant sources many of their key ingredients straight from the garden located behind the property. The dinner menu is limited, but each menu item’s flavor profile has been perfected. Start off the tartine du jour, which is basically an open-faced sandwich made with seasonal vegetables.
Main dishes range from pork katsu to grilled trout, cast-iron chicken, and the chef’s cut steak. If you want something lighter, the spaghetti squash cacio e pepe is light but filling and a great vegetarian option.
Now, onto the drinks. The cocktail list is extensive but organized by the type of liquor used so you can pick your poison accordingly.
Wickman House also offers a wide range of wines, as if your decision wasn’t hard enough. And if wine or liquor don’t tickle your fancy, the restaurant also carries a rotating selection of local craft beers. This certainly tops the list as one of the best Door County restaurants.
9. Twelve Eleven Wine Bar + Provisions
Address: 10339 WI-57, Sister Bay, WI 54234
The vibes at the outdoor patio of Twelve Eleven Wine + Provisions can simply be described as warm, amplified by the crackling fire pits, soft blankets, and live music. As the top-rated wine bar in Door County, Twelve Eleven partners with low-yield, family-owned vineyards to produce their own wine. The wine bar showcases a carefully-selected array of wines along with local beers and ciders.
While sipping on a glass of wine, you can enjoy a charcuterie board and other small bites. The wine bar doesn’t have a huge selection of food, but what it lacks in variety, it makes up in flavor. Sample local cheeses, preserves, and even locally-made crackers all while in a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
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10. Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill
Address: 6301 WI-57, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Sometimes you don’t really know what kind of food you’re in the mood for; you just want something delicious. This is where Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill comes in.
This Sturgeon Bay eatery is known for its huge menu, which includes vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian items. The Caribbean-inspired decor will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a tropical location.
Island Fever combines yummy favorites like tacos and lobster rolls with local specialties such as smoked whitefish dip and Wisconsin cheese curds. A variety of burritos, tacos, and tostadas are available, along with burgers, sandwiches, local fish, and salads. If your kids aren’t fans of the above menu items, a kids’ menu is available as well.
Island Fever is open during lunch and dinner. In the warmer months, guests can enjoy the outdoor bar and fun lawn games.
They also offer a fabulous array of drinks, including piña coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris. Try the local favorites with the Island Fever cocktail flight!
11. The Fireside Restaurant
Address: 7755 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
The Fireside Restaurant is considered one of the best Door County restaurants for an upscale and innovative take on traditional Cajun comfort foods. It’s a great little taste of the Big Easy up in Door County.
This chef-owned and operated supper club specializes in delicious food using fresh local ingredients. The Monterey shrimp and goat cheese grits combine Southern comfort with a Wisconsin favorite.
The bacon apple pork chops is a gluten-free dish that features sage stuffing and a mouth-watering bacon apple compote. Several gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.
Kids can also enjoy classic southern dishes like chicken and waffles and more on the kids’ menu. If you can’t get enough of this delicious eatery, the chef also owns a breakfast restaurant called Big Easy at the same location as the supper club. Don’t miss out on the breakfast sandwiches and traditional beignets.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
12. Door County Coffee & Tea Co.
Address: 5773 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Speaking of breakfast, if you find yourself in the Sturgeon Bay area, you’ll definitely want to stop by Door County Coffee & Tea Co. This gourmet coffee spot is perfect for coffee connoisseurs or those just looking for a yummy breakfast cafe. Unique coffee flavors like sweet clementine, blueberry cobbler, and peanut butter crunch will make you want to visit everyday to try something new.
Visitors can enjoy a refreshing nitro cold brew on tap to go or sit down for breakfast. Their “Hashbrown” potato bake is made with savory seasonings, melty Wisconsin cheese, and onions.
The vegan baked oatmeal includes brown sugar, dried cherries, and fresh apples and makes for a perfect sweet breakfast. All breakfast items can be served with gluten-free bread.
13. Roots Inn & Kitchen
Address: 2378 Maple Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Roots Inn & Kitchen has been serving tourists and the community since 2016. This bed and breakfast is also an awesome spot to stop by for lunch or brunch. The kitchen has a rotating menu that changes weekly and can be found on the inn’s Facebook page.
Some favorites on the menu include organic bratwurst on a pretzel bun, truffle, chips, and cauliflower tacos. The kitchen always offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options; in fact, most menu items fall into at least one of these categories, so you can always find something for everyone here. The inn and its kitchen close seasonally during the winter months, but be sure to check them out when they reopens in the spring!
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Green Bay, Wisconsin
14. Door County Brewing Co. Taproom, DCBC Eats & Music Hall
Address: 8099 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Door County Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that features a taproom showcasing some of their most amazing brews. The taproom also doubles as a music hall with live music every Saturday afternoon. During the warmer months, visitors can also enjoy the outdoor beer garden.
This brewery offers everything from crisp lagers to rich IPAs and stouts. Each season also has its own featured beer, like the floral hibiscus witbier Big Sister in the summer and the dark and velvety oatmeal stout called Silurian in the winter. Small bites like pretzels and cheese curds are available in the tap room, or you can head next door to DCBC Eats for larger meals.
Kids are welcome, and the folks at Door County Brew Co. want everyone to have a good time, so non-alcoholic and gluten-free drink options are also available. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden as long as they are leashed.
BONUS: Island Orchard Cider
Address: 12040 Garrett Bay Rd, Ellison Bay, WI 54210
For hard cider fans, check out Island Orchard Cider. The orchard has been operating since 2005 and harvests all its fruits by hand.
The orchard is made up of 250 pear trees, 25 hazelnut trees, and almost 3,000 apple trees. Island Orchard Cider won 10 medals at the 2022 Great Lakes International Cider & Perry competition, which is the largest hard cider competition in the world.
At the taproom, visitors can enjoy a wide array of classic and specialty ciders. Flavored ciders, like apple cherry cider, are definitely something to try while you’re here. While not exactly a restaurant, you can still enjoy your cider with a selection of delicious snacks made with local ingredients, including Marieke raw milk gouda, Nueske’s smoked meat, and milk chocolate-covered cashew brittle from Uncle Tom’s Candy Store.
Kids and those who don’t want to drink alcohol can enjoy two types of non-alcoholic apple cider. Indoor and outdoor seating (pet-friendly!) is available.
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