Door County is one of Wisconsin’s top tourist destinations and is dotted with amazing places to see and fun things to do that will fill your vacation. However, it also is full of so many fun things to eat. With all the places to eat in Door County, you shouldn’t be hungry for one second of your trip. With so many places to eat in Door County to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of all of the Door County favorites unique to any Door County trip. Fitting all of this food into one weekend trip is a challenge but we think you can do it! So pack the stretchy pants and enjoy.
1. Al Johnson’s Swedish Pancakes
There is no restaurant more iconically Door County than Al Johnson’s. When we come back from our Door County weekends, we always get the question, “Where are the goats on the roof?” That’s right, this restaurant’s main attraction is their heard of goats that graze upon the restaurant’s grass roof. This unique draw will bring everyone to Al Johnson’s but it is the Swedish pancakes that should encourage you to go inside for breakfast. These thin pancakes are best served with their homemade lingonberry sauce. If you love the lingonberry sauce, you can even buy a jar to take home with you. If you choose one place to eat in Door County for your first trip, this should be it.
2. Fish Boil
A Door county classic, fish boils have been occurring on Door County for years. Originally intended to serve large groups of people, such as workers or community celebrations, many restaurants serve fish boils a few days a week. The boil master gets a pot of boiling water going over an open fire. Once it’s boiling, they add fish, salt and potatoes. It sounds simple but it tastes delicious. This is a fun experience to watch the boil cook and the flame erupt at the end of cooking. Most fish boils are flat rate and include other sides or dessert. Check what nights the restaurants do fish boils as most don’t serve them every night.
3. Wine
There is an entire Door County map devoted to wine – enough said. But I’ll say more. One of Door County’s main attractions is their wine trail, taking you to 5+ wineries as you circle the island. Circling the wine trail is a great way to spend a rainy weekend. However, even if this isn’t the reason you came to Door County, make sure to stop and sample some of the local wine. We recomend Lautenbach’s or Door Peninsula Wineries if you’re only going to stop at one location as they have the widest selections and are sure to please everyone.
4. Cherry Pie
Enjoy a fresh baked pie from Seaquist Orchards. This is one of the top place to eat in Door County for their pie alone. You can buy the pies fresh, frozen or as canned filling. We recommend buying a freshly baked pie and having it for dessert as you watch the sun set over Lake Michigan.
5. Cheese
Wisconsin is one of the most cheese crazed places in the world. And for good reason. This state makes amazing dairy which turns into great cheese. Door County is no exception to this practice. While visiting Door County, make sure to stop for cheese. The Door County Creamery and Wisconsin Cheese Masters our some of our favorites. Grab a block of cheese for a car snack as you drive the Door County Coastal Byway or take it to the beach with you. If you don’t have time to visit a cheese shop, make sure to order cheese curds as an appetizer for your meal to get your cheese fix.
6. Wilson’s Ice Cream
Enjoy a Wilson’s ice cream sundae while watching the waves roll in in Ephraim. Wilson’s has tons of old fashioned ice cream specialties on menu to enjoy. And as a self-proclaimed ice cream specialist, I can say that this is some of the best hard serve ice cream I’ve tasted. The unique flavors also make great to-go cones for those wishing to stick to the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous (and hungry), you can even attempt the Banquet but know you won’t be hungry for a while. Wilson’s also serves old fashioned burgers and hot dogs for those who feel the need to eat a “real meal” before dessert, making it a top place to eat in Door County.
7. Hand Picked Cherries or Apples
If you drive the Door County Coastal Byway, you’ll pass plenty of fruit orchards during your trip. If you’ve timed your trip during cherry or apple season, stop at any one of the U-pick orchards and grab yourself a bucket of fruit. This makes a great driving snack for your Door County Road Trip. This makes for a fun activity and the fruit will taste better when you hand pick it.
8. Wild Tomato Pizza
This pizza joint with two locations is one of the top places to eat in Door County. The interesting toppings and locally sourced ingredients make for some great pizza you would not expect coming from Wisconsin. This wood fired pizza is worth the wait!
9. Cherry Stuffed French Toast at White Gull Inn
The White Gull Inn is one of the best breakfast places to eat in Door County. This is largely due to their Cherry Stuffed French Toast, which was voted America’s Favorite on Good Morning America. And it’s good! This french toast is filled with a whipped version of cream cheese and topped with Door County cherries. Top it with some local maple syrup and you’re starting your day off right.
10. Cider At Island Orchard
Island Orchard is more a top place to drink than a top place to eat in Door County, but everyone needs a happy hour spot. Island Orchard is one of the most popular spots in northern Door County. They brew a wide variety of hard ciders, ranging from the traditional to the unusual. They pour glasses and flights and its a great place for a group to hang at the end of a long day doing things. If you have non-drinkers in your party, they also serve non-alcoholic cider as well.
