Door County, Wisconsin, is home to a wide range of eateries and restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual take-out. Visitors can find unique seafood dishes along the waterfronts of Fish Creek, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and more. For a taste of Door County history, try one of the area’s many classic supper clubs or taverns. Don’t forget to check out Door County's seasonal favorites like cherry pies, homemade ice cream, and local fish boils! With so many delicious options, Door County is sure to satisfy any appetite.
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1. Sonny's Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sonny's Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay has been a favorite pizza spot for locals since 1996. In 2015, Sonny's opened its new waterfront location along the bank of Sturgeon Bay.
Once you step inside the building, you will notice how cozy the inside is. Take your time to savor both your food and the environment. If the weather is nice, step outside and enjoy the view of the bay.
There are a variety of dishes for everyone. The Burrata appetizer shown above is creamy and is great with the drizzle of balsamic on top.
The Bruschetta is another great appetizer that you are sure to enjoy before you get your main course.
Sonny's Pesto and Tomato pizza is made with olive oil, fresh garlic, basil, and covered with mozzarella and topped with Roma or sundried tomatoes.
The sauce on the pizza - well that is a secret sauce that owner Jason Estes uses. (He got it before moving to Door County from Chicago's south side.)
For dessert, the Door Co. Cherry Pie is a hit. For chocolate lovers, I recommend Zepolle - fried Neapolitan dough with a side of Nutella.
Other items on the menu include Baby Back Ribs, Jumbo Shrimp, Perch & Cod (on Fridays), Sandwiches, Salads, Chicago-Style pizzas, and more. The kids menu includes Chicken Tenders, Butter Noodles, Spaghetti, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo, and Mac & Cheese.
Sonny's opens at 11 am seven days a week. You can view the menu and learn more at Sonny's Pizzeria's website (click here).
2. Al Johnson's - A Taste of Sweden in Door County
For the best breakfast in Door County, head to Al Johnson's.
When it comes to Swedish pancakes, people may not think of Wisconsin, but they should. In Door County, Al Johnson's serves authentic Swedish pancakes in a cozy environment that transports diners to Scandinavia.
Al Johnson's is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving residents and visitors of Sister Bay for over 50 years. In the beginning, Al Johnson did it all from washing to cooking.
In 1960, Al met his would-be wife, Ingert. She brought authenticity to the restaurant with her Scandinavian roots. Visitors can thank Ingert for the two Butiks (boutiques) where they can purchase souvenirs and gifts from Europe as well as lingonberries and Swedish pancake mix from Al Johnson's to take home and make.
Breakfast begins at 6 am and is served all day at the restaurant. Diners can pair their pancakes with sweet toppings such as Door County cherries or strawberries and cream. On the savory side, Swedish meatballs are available. Lunch and dinner items are available from 11 am until 8 pm daily.
During the tourism season (late May until mid-October), goats graze the grass roof that tops the restaurant. The goats have become so popular that they even have their own Goat Cam.
Al Johnson's is located at 10698 N. Bay Shore Drive in Sister Bay. Restaurant hours are from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.
3. Scaturo's Restaurant and Bakery
Diners to Door County, Wisconsin will quickly notice the obvious - a lack of chain restaurants. That void, though, is filled by local establishments such as Scaturo's - a family-owned full-service restaurant and bakery.
Scaturo's opened its doors 21 years ago and has been specializing in home-cooked food in a laid-back atmosphere. Open 7 days a week, patrons can dine in or pick up a casserole to-go. Scaturo's offers weekly specials, such as Pizza Night on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 2-for-1 Bread on Wednesdays, and brunch on Sundays.
The bakery offers homemade treats such as cookies, pies, and pecan rolls. The restaurant has a variety of menu items from biscuits and gravy for breakfast to The Seat Mac 'n Cheese for lunch to Chicken Parmigiana for dinner to just about everything in between.
Scaturo's is located at 19 Green Bay Road in Sturgeon Bay and opens daily at 5 am, Monday through Saturday (7 am on Sundays). You can view their menu online by clicking here.
4. White Gull Inn
Over 100 years ago, Scandinavian settlers would boil freshly caught fish over an open fire. The tradition continues today at the White Gull Inn where diners can watch the fish boil over and then go inside and enjoy the fish along with potatoes, coleslaw, and fresh-baked bread. It's a Wisconsin culinary experience everyone should have.
The pièce de ré·sis·tance is the cherry pie that comes along after the meal. It is made with a sweet crust and topped with whipped cream.
The White Gull Inn is located at 4225 Main Street in Fish Creek Wisconsin. Fish boils are served on Fridays with seating at 6:30 pm. Reservations are recommended.
5. Door County Coffee and Tea Company
Door County, Wisconsin is known for its cherries and wine. Another thing that is known for is coffee. While the locale is not ideal for growing coffee beans, the people at Door County Coffee & Tea have learned how to roast it to perfection.
Once you step inside the quaint storefront, you are greeted by the wonderful aroma of coffee. Door County Coffee & Tea, a family-owned artisan coffee roaster, has been in business since 1993. They roast more than 100 flavors of coffee on the premise.
In addition to freshly roasted coffee, Door County Coffee & Tea also serves breakfast and lunch, as well as a variety of sweet treats.
Door County Coffee & Tea was founded in 1993 and is located on Highway 42 in Sturgeon Bay. Cafe/Drive-Thru hours are 7:30 am until 4:00 pm every day.
6. Mojo Rosa's
Mojo Rosa's is the kind of place you go to unwind and just be yourself. The restaurant offers a variety of Mexican dishes including seafood quesadillas, taco salad, and chimichangas. They also serve cheese curds, whitefish tacos, and chicken tenders. They also serve beer and the most amazing cherry margaritas.
Mojo Rosa's is located at 7778 State Highway 42 in Egg Harbor.
7. Renard's Cheese Store
Of course, when in Wisconsin you have to eat cheese curds, the quintessential Wisconsin snack. A trip to Renard's Cheese Store in Door County is sure to satisfy your cheese craving with its selection of fresh, local Wisconsin cheeses. From mild cheddar curds to tangy blue cheese, there's something for everyone! Enjoy these treats on the go, or pair them with some Door County craft beer or wine for a truly unique experience.
Renard's Cheese Store is family-owned and operated by the third generation of cheesemakers. The prices at the store were some of the best that I saw on cheese curds and jam.
Renard's is located at 2189 County Road DK in Sturgeon Bay. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Where's your favorite place to dine in Door County?
Tom Huber says
The Waterfront Great Food Great Sunsets Sister Bay Runner-up Chop Sister Bay Best Steak New Fireside Egg Harbor Old favorite English Inn Fish Creek