Food/Dining Places to Stay Shops Activities

Inn at Cedar Crossing - Sturgeon Bay
This has been a favorite place to eat for my husband and I.  We started going to Door County in the off season before we were married and we also got married in Door County.  We had our rehearsal dinner at the Inn at Cedar Crossing and my family and my husband's family loved the food and atmosphere.  We are planning to stay at the Inn at Cedar Crossing for the first since they were offering a speacial which included a gift certificate for their restaurant.  we plan on making continued visits to the restaurant for their excellent food for all times of the day.  - Rebecca K.

The Chef's Hat- Ephraim
By far the best salad I have ever had! I ordered the Cranberry Walnut salad and it was the perfect blend of fruits and veggies. My husband also ordered a salad and it actually filled him up! The prices were very reasonable and the staff was very nice. Also has a great view of the lake from many seats in the restaurant.  - Jacki M.

Inn at Cedar Crossing Restaurant - Sturgeon Bay
We ate there on the recommendation of this site.  The waitress was friendly and I went with the special, flank steak with mushrooms in a chipotle sauce.  It was excellent.  They made the steak exactly as I asked.  My husband's filet was perfect.  We liked it so much we came back on Friday night again.  I had the ribeye and he had the filet again.  Both were excellent.  Would definitely recommend this place!    - Evie B.

Door County Confectionery
I've had more than my fair share of Wisconsin Dells fudge, which I love.  The Bear Paw fudge here is the best that I have ever tasted!  We had to go back to get more as we left town as we had eaten everything we bought!  Nice people both in Sister Bay and in Sturgeon Bay.  Great taffy apples. - Evie B.

Shipwrecked - Egg Harbor
We stopped for lunch wanted to taste the beer brewed here.  We each had a sampler.  It was pretty good.  I had a pork chop sandwich and he had the hamburger.  Both were very good.  The soup of the day was beer cheese soup.  Strong tasting as it was made with their porter ale, but we liked it.  It is definitely a bar atmosphere but was fine for lunch.  - Evie B.

 
Sonny's Pizzeria - Sturgeon Bay
We wanted to stay in as it was cold and rainy and asked the front desk who delivered.  She recommended Sonny's.  The pizza arrived hot and fresh in about 25 minutes.  We ordered thin crust and I have never had such a thin crust before.  It was great.  Would definitely order from here again when you just don't feel like going out.  - Evie B.

Whistling Swan - Fish Creek  
By far our favorite restaurant in Fish Creek, though White Gull Inn is a close second. Superb food, quiet intimate setting and excellent service.  What more could you ask? Well worth the price!    - Sara C.

Gibraltar Grill - Fish Creek  
My husband and I spent a wonderful winter weekend in Door County recently and had the perfect dinner at the Gibraltar Grill. Neither one of us had dined there before and were anxious to try this fairly new restaurant. I had the Walleye Dinner and my husband had crablegs (a special for the night). I have to say that the walleye was the best I have had since a vacation to Minnesota a few years back. Just fantastic! We were seated by the big fireplace in the dining room which added to the wonderful experience. Very attentive and friendly staff. Highly recommended.    - Monica H.

Alexander's - Sister Bay
Well, we were going to go to Alexanders for dinner, but things changed. We had read somewhere that they had a Sunday brunch, so we gave them a call. They still do and they said it was $15.95 per person. So, off we went Sunday morning (served from 9:30 am to 1 pm). We walked in and were impressed by the ambiance and friendly greeting. We sat down and were offered champagne or mimosas which are part of the brunch. I didn't get either, but our other diners said the mimosas were very good. And their coffee was good too, nice aroma and flavor.

Off we went to the brunch line. The chef was making omelets and answering questions about what was out for the brunch. The omelets were just the right size, not too big to fill you all the way up and they offered all the usual fillings and then some (like 4 different types of onions/scallions). The bacon and sausage were tasty and high quality. The potatoes were fresh and tasty (nothing boxed or frozen). The pepper steak, Swedish meatballs and quiche...all great (all three of us concurred). Another table had various salads, mostly pastas and they were all good, I couldn't find a fault with any of them. Desert table was constantly refilled with different cakes, pies and cream puffs.

I didn't get to try everything, but I'll be back to try more again. As other reviewers have stated, they had one of the best fine dining experiences at Alexanders for dinner. The brunch I believe is on the same caliber as the dinners. Breakfast in DC can cost close to $10 a person in many restaurants. But for another $5.95, you get the champagne or mimosas and a wide selection of great tasting foods. Now we have a tough choice, Alexanders for brunch or Sandpiper for breakfast....I like eating in DC!   - Chris R.

Fred and Fuzzy's - Sister Bay
We wouldn't miss lunch at this most picturesque bayside eatery.  Parking is a little far, and the up hill hike back to your car is a bit of exercize, but the experience is worth it.  I often wonder why there aren't more scenic restaurants.

We came at 11 AM, and they offered us lounges on the pier where we relaxed until opening at 11:30 AM.  Got the best table with shade.

We had the delicately pan-fried perch, and it was delishand the cole slaw is special.  Service by Susan was solid.  The begging ducks are a little nuisance, but a special treat and may one day rival the goats at Al Johnson's.   - Jim A.

Sister Bay Cafe - Sister Bay
We never miss at least one lunch and one dinner at this exceptional ethnic restaurant.  The Norwegian specialties are unusual, I have even eaten reindeer steak.  It is also the healthiest place you can eat with fresh fruit accompanying every meal.  Desserts aren't bad either considering the homemade chocolate peanut butter pie I had at my last visit.   - Jim A.

Mission Grille - Sister Bay
We love to have lunch al fresco under the towering trees at this marvelous restaurant.  The salads and sandwiches are to die for, and an evening dinner inside can be very romantic.  Extensive wine and beer selections.  Dinner is not cheap.   - Jim A.

JJ's La Puerta - Sister Bay
Love to have guacamole (4 star) and margarita s on the patio.   - Jim A.

Espresso Lane - Baileys Harbor
Wow we have been happily surprised by another local business in Door County. The Espresso Lane in Baileys Harbor has a great atmosphere and the best coffee and bakery goods in the county. They have just moved to a new location next to the Common House restaurant in Baileys Harbor and the new place is great. They now have a great deck out front where you can enjoy your lunch and take in the great view of the water. You can truly taste the freshness in their bakery goods like the jumbo cinnamon roles which are a meal in themselves. They also have homemade Door County Cherry Bread Pudding which is to die for. The owner Kathy is a very friendly little lady who loves to chat when they aren't so busy which isn't too often in the summer. Sometimes you might have to wait a little while for your food but believe me it is worth it. My wife and I have now made the Espresso Lane a regular stop for us when we are in the area.   -Scott & Jessica D.

Trio Restaurant - Egg Harbor
Our family had a wonderful time. The staff was very helpful and sweet to our children, age 3 and 6. We tried several different things from the menu, all very good. The portions were quite large. Be sure to try the tuna and for dessert, the chocolate cake. My daughters tried licking the plate! - Jennifer E.

Sandpiper Restaurant - Baileys Harbor
What can we say? We drove past the Sandpiper for many years, but never stopped. After reading the review here, we stopped, and we'll never stop going! Breakfast? Where can you find a better breakfast anywhere?? (And I'm not just talking about Door County). We had a large group that meals ranging from pancakes to country fried steak. The folks eating pancakes were in heaven! The largest, tastiest ones they've ever had. I don't know how they make them, and I know they'll never tell. I had the country fried steak with eggs, biscuits and gravy....the whole mess! Ever so good! Someone had a skillet meal, same thing, fantastic. What I'm getting at is that you can't go wrong with a breakfast there. Bring an empty stomach and just go at it, it will be the best meal you'll have in Door County! - Chris R.

Donny's Glidden Lodge - Sturgeon Bay
This was recommended to us and it was absolutely perfect for a romantic dinner for two.  The food was incredible and staff very friendly.  The lodge has a very magnificent view of the water.  The prices are very reasonable for the amount and quality of food you get.  I highly recommend it if your looking for a great romantic dinner.  We will be back! - Dagmara

JJ's/La Puerta - Sister Bay
JJ's is the best restaurant on the peninsula.  JJ himself is so laid back and cool, and the waitstaff is fun and all have grewat customer service.  Dave makes the best margs - and they have Red Stripe beer!  The nachos, quesadillas, and enchiladas are the best here and could easily rival any authentic Mexican restaurant.  Just walking into this restaurant makes you feel like you're living the Jimmy Buffet lifestyle of good drinks and great food.  Totally fun. :)  - Melissa

C & C Supper Club - Fish Creek
We had gone there for Saturday night prime rib a few years ago and found the food to be good but the price was a shocker - we paid 52.00 for 2 prime rib dinners with 2 beers; thought this was a little steep - good food but ugly prices. Am returning to Door County in 3 weeks to try a few new places - we just love Door County always peaceful friendly and just wonderful time.  - Ethel

Sister Bay Cafe - Sister Bay
What a friendly, delicious find!  Many dishes come in regular and "light"  portions.  I couldn't resist the whitefish chub, fruit and cheese plate, and it didn't disappoint.  Filled to the brim with fresh, delicious delicacies--I even had to take some home.  My husband had pan friend perch and enjoyed it as well.  Don't miss the home made pie.  NOWHERE is the crust like this!  Flaky, delicious and matched by the fruit filling.  Friendly courteous service;  our waitress even waved to us through the window as we passed by the restaurant again after viewing the sunset over Sister Bay.  No reservation needed. - Karen B.

Digger's - Fish Creek
Digger's is my favorite place to have lunch!  My husband and I go at least twice each time we go up to Door County.  Between the two of us we have tried almost everything on the menu, and everything is great.  Our favorite is the curly fries with the homemade yogert dip and the pizzas.  They offer seating both inside and out.  The outside has nice tables with umbrellas to shade you from the sun. The inside has table and booths and all sorts of things hanging on the walls to look at.  Great food, friendly staff, and reasonalbe prices.  - Jessica F.

Wilson's Restaurant - Ephraim
If you didn't already know, when in Door County you MUST stop at Wilson's for a burger and ice cream - absolutely fabulous!!! -Terree J.

The Hitching Post - Sturgeon Bay
One thing you overlooked was the fact that the "cheeseburger" at the hitching post is the best cheeseburger in wisconsin followed closely by the cheese plazza in madison
-David L.

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant - Sister Bay
REVIEW: No one goes to Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant for a quiet atmosphere and cozy ambience. People return to Al Johnson's, year after year, because that's what they've always done, and they are always eager to share the experience with newbies. From the mountain of whipped cream topping your chocolate milk, to the butter, syrup and lignonberries atop your swedish pakncakes, every meal at Al's is an experience to remember and treasure. I've been eating at Al Johnson's for over 25 years and in that time, nothing has changed. The waitresses still don the same costumes, the plastic chairs still pull up to the same oak tables, and the shazam-striped carpet is still nearly worn through in high-traffic areas (pretty much the whole place). You will always have a good meal at Al Johnson's and, more importantly, you will always have a good memory. - Laura

Trio - Egg Harbor
REVIEW: This restaurant, which opened -- was it ten years ago? -- has long been one of my favorites. If you're looking for a traditional "supper club" atmosphere, this isn't for you. But if you want something more sophisticated and elegant without being overpriced, you'll love Trio. The menu is small, but all the dishes are wonderful. The entrees are mostly French or Italian in origin. The entrees offer a unique twist on traditional favorites, in addition to some creative new combinations. Service is almost always wonderful; you won't sit for a half hour waiting for your water glass to be refilled. The garden-bistro decor adds to the dining experience. Desserts are wonderful, particularly the tiramisu. Be forewarned that there can be a very long wait if you go on the weekend or at a popular time of day. I like to go very early (5-6 p.m.) I don't have to wait an hour for a seat. This restaurant only serves dinner. -Sue S.

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant - Sister Bay
We went here for dinner and had a lovely time. Fast friendly service, excellent food, great kids menu-kids can have pancakes for dinner! I'd recommend this place highly. - Elaine H.

Viking Grill - Ellison Bay
This is definately NOT the place to go with kids! You have to wait in one line to pay for your fish boil, wait in a second line to get your food, and the IF you want a kids meal go inside and order it TO GO???? I can't think of anything more difficult. The food may be good, but be warned if you have little ones in tow.

Inn at Kristopher's - Ephraim
My husband and I had read a lot about the Inn at Kristophers and were a little skeptical about it. We went on a weeknight and were immediately greeted by the warmly lit resturant and wonderful staff. We were allowed to pick where we wanted to sit because it wasn't extremely busy. And I must say that it was one of the best meals we've had in a long time. The coffee was excellent, and I'm usually not a coffee drinker. The dessert was sinful and rich. I would recommend the Inn at Kristophers to anyone visiting Door County wanting to have a lovely and tasty dinner. - Wendy

The Bayside Tavern- Fish Creek
This is a very nice place to eat. They have a good fish fry in fridays. They have a pool table you can play on after you order. Very good price for very good food. - Alex

JJ" and La Puerta
This is an awesome place to eat. We have been there over 5 times for supper. The food is exelent for the price and the laid back atmosphere is nice. They give you free chips and salsa which is a nice treat. After you are done eating you can go watch the sunset at a nice pebble beach just behind the place. Very kid friendly. - Alex

Wilson's - Ephraim
Wilson's is a great 50's style burger and ice cream joint
restaurant. They have basic, but good food (hamburgers, hot dogs,
sandwiches, etc...) Save room for dessert as their Sundays are HUGE!!
Each booth has a little jukebox that has old time music.
Sam P.

The Shoreline - Gills Rock
This place has it all. The views at sunset are breathtaking. The service is friendly and casual. The place tends to get crowded on sunny weekend evening, but there is a nice bar with a good selections of wine and beers to help the wait.

The food is creative and excellently prepared with an emphasis on local cuisine. I've been going there for years and always look forward to an exceptional dining experience.
Claudia M.