Our favorite places for dining “al fresco” throughout the peninsula
There’s something kind of magical about enjoying a meal outside, and in Door County, we take this kind of dining to a whole new level. Finding a waterfront restaurant in Door County is a special thing — there’s nothing like gazing out at the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan or Green Bay and sharing a meal with the people you love.
At Ephraim Shores Resort, we’ve never met a waterfront restaurant in Door County that we didn’t like. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites that showcase the best of what our peninsula has to offer: great food combined with stunning scenery.
Looking for a waterfront restaurant in Door County? Here are six to consider:
Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor — Ephraim
While technically across the street from Eagle Harbor rather than on the water, this beloved place deserves a spot on the “best waterfront restaurant in Door County” list for its historic charm, great ice cream, and delicious, no-frills burgers and sandwiches. A Door County institution since 1906, the iconic red-and-white striped awning at Wilson’s has been welcoming visitors to Ephraim for generations.
Visitor Tip: Wilson’s gets busy during peak summer hours, so consider visiting for a late-afternoon ice cream or early dinner to avoid the longest waits. After enjoying your meal or ice cream treat, head across the street and sit on the benches along the shore, where you can take in Eagle Harbor in all its beauty!
Old Post Office Restaurant — Ephraim
Housed in a historic building that once served as Ephraim’s post office in the early 1900s, the Old Post Office is just a walk across Water Street/Highway 42 and offers incredible views of Eagle Harbor. The restaurant’s multiple dining rooms and outdoor patio maximize the waterfront seating. During the morning hours, Old Post Office serves one of the most popular breakfasts in Door County (the Belgian waffles and cherry pancakes are a must-order). By night, it transforms into one of the most popular fish boils in Door County, where you can see the “boil over” of the whitefish preparation before you head in to eat your meal.
Visitor Tip: Reserve well in advance for sunset dining times, especially if you want a table with prime water views. And, factor in an extra half-hour for the boil over — if you haven’t seen one before, it’s a sight to behold!
Sunset Harbor Grille — Ephraim
Our waterfront restaurant in Door County list wouldn’t be complete without talking about the restaurant on the second floor of Ephraim Shores! With its big bay windows, Sunset Harbor Grille is the place to take in a view of Eagle Harbor for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether it’s pancakes and omelets for breakfast; sandwiches, burgers, and salads for lunch; or fresh fish, pasta, or steak for dinner, you won’t have any problem finding something tasty here.
Visitor Tip: Plan to eat dinner here — the sunset view is unmatched anywhere on the peninsula!
Coyote Roadhouse — Baileys Harbor
Located on the shores of Kangaroo Lake, Coyote Roadhouse is a more secluded waterfront restaurant in Door County. This rustic, casual restaurant combines the atmosphere of a friendly local tavern with stunning views of the inland lake. Known for their generous portions and comfort food classics (make sure you and your party get an Onion Loaf to share as an appetizer!), the Coyote specializes in upscale bar food.
Visitor Tip: The Coyote’s large outdoor deck is a great place to have a drink and watch the sunset over the lake. They’re also open year-round, which means you can enjoy the food in all seasons.
Donny’s Glidden Lodge — Sturgeon Bay
Don’t let the fact that you’re staying in northern Door County (hopefully with us!) keep you from heading south for dinner. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan just north of Sturgeon Bay and housed in a historic stone building, Donny’s Glidden Lodge offers some of the most dramatic and panoramic views for a waterfront restaurant in Door County. Donny’s dinner menu focuses on perfectly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and traditional supper club specialties. Their whitefish is sourced locally, and the restaurant is known for its generous portions and old-fashioned Wisconsin hospitality.
Visitor Tip: Request a window table when making reservations to fully appreciate the magnificent lake views!
Bonus: Many of our favorite waterfront restaurants welcome diners of all ages, making them perfect destinations after a day of family activities. Most offer kid-friendly menu options while still allowing parents to savor the water views and fresh local cuisine that make Door County dining special. And if you need a reminder, here are a few reasons why Ephraim Shores is one of the best Door County resorts for families.
Ephraim Shores Resort — a waterfront Door County resort for the whole family
Located in downtown Ephraim, Ephraim Shores is a family-friendly resort for groups of all sizes. From our private sundeck overlooking Eagle Harbor and our many room types to our beautiful waterfront location, Ephraim Shores has everything your family needs for the perfect vacation. Some of our amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, an exercise room and game room, and bikes for our guests to use. To make your reservation, contact us at 877-854-2371 or visit our website at ephraimshores.com.
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