Baileys Harbor: Morning Bakery Runs to Waterfront Evenings

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Baileys Harbor keeps things simple — the kind of town where you can grab a latte and fresh croissant in the morning, explore the shoreline by afternoon, and end your day over a classic Wisconsin perch fry or a cocktail at sunset. Book a stay in Baileys Harbor at our charming Tanglewood Cabin!

Breakfast:
Start your day at Sway Brewing + Bakery — the baked goods are unreal. Think flaky pastries, warm sourdough loaves, and excellent coffee. For something a little more refined, Chives Restaurant does a weekend brunch that locals swear by — upscale without feeling stuffy, and always delicious.

Lunch:
If you only have one lunch in Baileys Harbor, make it Inland Sourdough Pizza. The sourdough crust alone is worth the trip, and the mocktails, salads, and seasonal toppings make it one of the best casual spots on the peninsula.

Dinner:
For a low-key evening, AC Tap is a local institution — it’s the kind of dive where the jukebox still works, the Friday perch fry is perfect, and the bartenders know everyone’s name. If you want something quieter or more scenic, head to Gordon Lodge’s Top Deck Restaurant. Grab a drink on the patio and take in the sunset over the water — it’s a relaxed, beautiful setting to end your day.

Sturgeon Bay: Where Tradition Meets Comfort Food

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Sturgeon Bay has that mix of working harbor grit and small-town heart — where you can grab a great breakfast, find the best burger in town for lunch, and settle in for supper club comfort food by evening. ** If you are hankering for a real ‘in-town’ experience, book our Gull House vacation rental, right in Sturgeon Bay! Foodie guide Door County’s best eats!

Breakfast:
Get Real Café is bright and welcoming, with wholesome breakfast options, smoothies, and good coffee. Just down the road, Lawless Coffee has a modern atmosphere, great beans, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to linger.

Lunch:
The Red Room is an absolute classic — no frills, just great food. Their signature burger (a half-pound patty on grilled bread with cheese and onions) is legendary, and the fries and chili seal the deal. Pair it with a $2 Budweiser and you’ll understand why locals love it.

Dinner:
For dinner, you’ve got options. The Greystone is a must for the prime rib sandwich with their house tiger sauce (a zippy horseradish aioli) and fried mushrooms. For classic Wisconsin vibes, Stone Harbor Resort serves up a great Friday fish fry, and Donny’s Glidden Lodge — right on the water — offers that cozy supper club feel. If you’re up for a short drive, The Hitching Post and Birmingham’s Bar & Restaurant both deliver on hearty comfort food and that friendly, “you belong here” energy.

Egg Harbor: Equal Parts Casual and Hidden Gourmet

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Egg Harbor balances small-town charm with big flavor.

Lunch or Dinner:
For a casual bite with a view, Casey’s BBQ & Smokehouse nails it — smoky ribs, wings, and brisket with a side of sunset. Just up the road, Cupola House offers a cozy café and bakery with fresh pastries and sandwiches that taste like home.

Fish Creek: Lively Patios & Upscale Steakhouses

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Fish Creek is where locals and visitors mingle — good energy, great patios, and top-notch food. It’s where old-school Wisconsin meets modern flavor.

Lunch or Dinner:
Hill Street is the go-to for easygoing, fun food and drinks with a laid-back crowd. If you’re looking for something elevated, Barringer’s Restaurant is a local favorite. Come for the steaks and cocktails, stay for the indoor-outdoor bar and lively energy.

Ephraim: Postcard Views with Thoughtful Menus

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Small, quiet, and scenic — Ephraim is made for long lunches and lingering evenings.

Dinner or Drinks:
Pearl Wine Bar is the definition of cozy elegance, with water views, a thoughtful wine list, and Persian-inspired small plates. Just a short walk away, Bad Moravian Pizza serves creative pizzas in a fun, artsy space that feels perfectly Ephraim — casual, local, and just the right amount of quirky.

Sister Bay: All Day Flavor

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Sister Bay is buzzing with some of the best food on the peninsula — from sunrise bagels to sunset cocktails.

Breakfast:
Start your morning at Carroll House, a true diner-style spot with generous portions and good coffee.

Lunch:
Cultured Door County is a sourdough lover’s dream — fresh bagels, focaccia, sandwiches, and donuts, all made from scratch. Or, grab a seat on the back deck at Roots Inn & Kitchen for a relaxed, locally sourced lunch that’s vegetarian-friendly but loved by everyone.

Dessert or Afternoon Stop:
Door County Creamery is part café, part creamery — serving fresh goat cheese, sandwiches, and small-batch gelato made in-house. It’s the perfect spot to cool off after exploring town.

Dinner:
End the day at The Waterfront Restaurant — it’s fine dining with a view, where every table feels like front-row seating for the sunset.

Gills Rock: The Taste of Old Door County

Foodie Guide to Door County’s Best Eats

Right at the tip of the Door Peninsula, Charlie’s Smokehouse has been smoking fish for generations — whitefish, salmon, and trout that locals swear by. Grab a pack for your cooler or have it shipped home — it’s that good.

Wherever you end up to eat and drink — I’m certain you will leave with a real taste of Door County’s local flavors! I hope this foodie guide to Door County’s best eats leads you to some unforgettable meals during your stay.

Looking for a place to stay during your visit to Door County? Look no further than Shorebird Hospitality Co.’s vacation rentals in Baileys Harbor and Sturgeon Bay.