Are you planning a visit to Door County, Wisconsin? If so, you probably know that there are lots of beautiful towns and locales to explore. After you’ve booked a fantastic vacation rental home, it’s time to do some trip planning. Regardless of whether you are visiting Fish Creek, Sister Bay, or Baileys Harbor, there are lots of delicious restaurants to explore.
There are plenty of opportunities to try Cajun food, enjoy some fine dining at a local steakhouse, and even dig into some ice cream for dessert! One of the best parts of exploring someplace new is trying all of the delicious food.
Take a look at some of the top Door County restaurants you need to check out during your next getaway!
1. CHOP
Price: $$$$
Address: 2345 Mill Rd Sister Bay, WI 54234
Put simply, if you are looking for surf and turf, this is the place to go. It will give you the white tablecloth experience you are looking for, and is all so perfect for a romantic date. There is no doubt that CHOP is one of the top steakhouses in the region. You can go with a tender ribeye, enjoy a delicious pork chop, and dig into some fresh lobster tails. Of course, the filet mignon is one of the best options on the menu. Just make sure that you don't overcook it!
Don't forget to add some additions to your steak as well, such as the delicious bearnaise butter or the amazing chimichurri sauce.
2. Roots Inn & Kitchen
Price: $$
Address: 2378 Maple Dr Sister Bay, WI 54234
If you want a bit of history with your food, this is the place to go. Roots Inn & Kitchen is right in the middle of Sister Bay, and it is also on the National Register of Historic Places. When you step inside, you will immediately feel the cozy charm that everyone talks about.
This is an innovative restaurant that has a wide variety of options on the menu. If you are looking for a vegan salad, you can find it here. If you are looking for a delicious, organic bratwurst, you can find that here as well. You can also find some of the best chicken wings in the area on the menu.
3. The Wickman House
Price: $$$
Address: 11976 Mink River Rd Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Without a doubt, one of the best places you need to visit in Ellison Bay is The Wickman House. This is a traditional American Eatery, and is an exceptional option if you are looking for modern dining in a fancy setting.
You can enjoy traditional Wisconsin fare while also taking advantage of meals that have been prepared using local ingredients. There is also an extensive list of cocktails from which to choose. Some of the items you may want to try include fresh local mushrooms, their delicious chicken dishes, and their litany of amazing sauces.
4. The Ephraim Coffee Lab
Price: $
Address: 3055 Church St Ephraim, WI 54211
Are you looking for the best coffee in the local area? If so, you will want to check out the Ephraim Coffee Lab. This is one of the most popular destinations for coffee connoisseurs in Door County, and just about all of their drinks are made using a handcrafted Italian espresso machine. Furthermore, there are a lot of amazing brunch entrees from which to choose.
This is a great spot to catch up with some friends, and it is a great spot to get some breakfast in the morning.
5. The Pearl Wine Cottage
Price: $$
Address: 3058 Church St., Ephraim, WI 54211
If you are looking for a wine bar in Door County, you should check out the Pearl Wine Cottage. You can find some of the best wine and cheese tasting in the region right here at this restaurant.
The instant you put your lips on any type of wine coming from this restaurant, you will immediately see what people have been talking about. You should also feel free to sample a few of the delicious sandwiches. If you want to bring out the best flavors in the wine, make sure you ask the chef for some recommendations!
This is also a great place to go if you are looking to socialize with some family members and friends.
6. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
Price: $$
Address: 10698 N Bay Shore Dr Sister Bay, WI 54234
Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik is one of the oldest restaurants in the local area. It has been welcoming people for more than 60 years, and the food has only gotten better over time.
The first thing you will notice when you pull up to the restaurant is the charm and goats on the rooftop, and you know that you are in for a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience.
Of course, you can enjoy some delicious Scandinavian food, but if you are truly looking for something special, make sure you get something with lingonberries on it. For example, you might want to go with their delicious Swedish pancakes!
7. The Fireside Restaurant
Price: $$$
Address: 7755 WI-42 Egg Harbor, WI 54209
This restaurant is run by one of the best chefs in the country. Operated by Blake Schar, the restaurant is known for its amazing Cajun dishes, all of which come with a contemporary twist. If you are looking for a mixture of cajun and American flavors, be sure to swing by this restaurant.
You may even want to try the pork belly and risotto, as it will certainly create the symphony of flavors you are looking for! Do not forget to add this restaurant to your list when you visit Door County.
8. The Door County Creamery
Price: $
Address: 10653 N Bay Shore Dr Sister Bay, WI 54234
Now, you may not be able to get an entire meal here, but you can certainly choose from a wide variety of sweet treats and fresh cheese.
When people think about Wisconsin, they usually think about cheese. Therefore, you cannot leave until you try some actual Wisconsin cheese!
This Creamery will give you access to some of the best artisanal cheeses available. Then, don't forget to try some of the ice cream as well! You will immediately realize the difference that fresh goat cream can make to a dairy product. It can get a bit crowded here, so make sure you show up as early as possible!
9. Lure
Price: $$$$
Address: 10627 N Bayshore Drive, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Lure is a casual fine dining restaurant that's loved by many in Door County. They recently launched a new menu that highlights small plates, sushi, fresh seafood, and steaks. Along with their new menu, the restaurant itself also got a facelift.
Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail while you dine with a group of friends or family at Lure in Sister Bay. With so many great menu items, it just may take you a few minutes to decide what to order. Regardless of what you choose as your main, we highly recommend you order a few small plates (appetizers) to share.
You’ll love the high-end experience and high-quality food at Lure.
10. Cornerstone Pub
Price: $$
Address: 8123 State Highway 57, Baileys Harbor, WI
Located in downtown Baileys Harbor, at Cornerstone Pub you’ll get a no frills dining or drinking environment in a great location. The cozy atmosphere of the pub is inviting for you to stay with your friends for hours, laughing and catching up.
The Cornerstone Pub has a long history in Baileys Harbor. Originally opening its doors as a hardware store in 1886, it was later a funeral parlor, and then became a bar. Although these are unique origins for your typical lunch spot, if you’d like to enjoy some of Bailey Harbors history, along with great food and a wide variety of beers on tap, you’ll love Cornerstone Pub.
This pub is also walking distance from many of our cottages, making it an even more convenient place to grab a bite.
11. Wild Tomato
Price: $$
Address: 10677 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Are you in the mood for pizza? If so, Wild Tomato is the best place to go. It is one of the most popular restaurants for those looking for a family-friendly vibe, and there are lots of choices on the menu.
You can also customize your wood-fired pizza to meet your needs, so it is a great place even for families with picky children! Furthermore, it is not that expensive, so you can fill up without having to worry about breaking the bank. If you really want to enhance the taste of your pizza, you may want to consider adding a few cheese curds!
If you are ready to check out one of the best pizza restaurants in the area, swing by this restaurant.
12. Trixie’s Food and Wine
Price: $$
Address: 9996 Pioneer LnEphraim, WI 54211
Trixie's is situated just behind the local town hall in Ephraim, and there are a lot of delicious wines from which to choose. Do not forget to talk to the local sommelier to see what he or she recommends for your food.
It is a popular spot for dinner, and the staff is always available to help you make the right choice. In particular, this is a great place to go if you are looking for pasta. They have a wide variety of sauces on the menu, and you can select the sauce to go with your wine.
If you are looking for sparkling wine, you can find it on the menu here!
13. Bearded Heart Coffee
Price: $
Address: 8093 State Highway 57, 54202
Bearded Heart Coffee is another great place to go if you are looking for a fresh cup of gourmet coffee. Here you can expect fresh coffee and simple, yet delicious food to accompany it. Choose from a variety of toasts, sandwiches, bagels, and more, and get the full breakfast treatment. Just keep in mind that the kitchen closes daily at 2 p.m.
It is a bit more upscale than a traditional coffee shop, but it is still not going to break the bank. Plus, they have plenty of unique coffee-based drinks that I’m sure will pique your interest.
14. The White Gull Inn
Price: $$
Address: 4225 Main St Fish Creek, WI 54212
This is one of the oldest buildings in the local area, so you know they have had plenty of time to get their food right. The building was constructed in 1896, and you can come here for a delicious breakfast that will certainly fill you up!
It has even been featured on Good Morning America, and the breakfast did not disappoint! It is also open for lunch and dinner, so do not hesitate to swing by for different options. You may want to try the delicious fish boil, or you may want to try the French toast!
It is open on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
15. Chives Restaurant
Price: $$$
Address: 8041 Hwy 57, Bailey’s Harbor, WI 54202
For the freshest meal you can imagine, visit Chives Restaurant in downtown Bailey’s Harbor. Focused on a farm to table culinary experience, the menu will change with the season to reflect what locally grown products are available.
Open 6 days a week, only closed on Tuesdays, Chives opens at 4 p.m. and serves only dinner. The only exception is on Saturday and Sunday when you can visit Chives for brunch starting at 2 p.m. At Chives, you can dine indoors and outdoors and their patio is pet-friendly.
Find the Best Door County Restaurants
Clearly, there are a lot of great dining options in Door County. There are plenty of local breweries in the area, and you can enjoy upscale entrees with a fine dining experience.
You might even be able to find some take-out restaurants that allow you to relax on the shore of Lake Michigan! Many of the restaurants have outdoor seating available as well, so consider these fantastic options during your visit to Door County!