6 of our Favorite Door County Dining Spots

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​At Olson Cottages, we’re not just hosts—we’re locals. And after decades of exploring all the flavors Door County has to offer, we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite go-to restaurants that are always worth the trip (or just down the road).
These are some of the spots we find ourselves returning to again and again, whether it's for a casual lunch or a full family dinner. This is just the tip of the iceberg for great Door County dining and we’ll share more in the future, but to start, here are six of our favorites.
 
1. The Mill Supper Club – Sturgeon Bay
4128 State Highway 42/57, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Open Wed–Sat 4:30–9:00pm, Sun 4:00–8:30pm
 (920) 743-5044
A true local gem, The Mill serves up hearty comfort food with a German twist. Their family-style chicken dinners are legendary, and you can't go wrong with any of the German classics—from schnitzel to sauerbraten. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like a regular, even on your first visit.  The bar is vintage, dark and one of a kind, but the dining room lacks the coziness of other supper clubs – the food makes up for it thought.
Insider Tip: Come hungry and come early. Portions are generous but the place fills up on the weekend. 
 
2. Island Fever – Jacksonport
6300 WI-57, Jacksonport, WI
Open Daily 11:00am–9:00pm
(920) 823-2081
Just down the road from Olson Cottages, Island Fever is a family favorite for its handiness, its relaxed vibe and dependable menu featuring a mix of American and Mexican dishes. It’s also a hit with kids—there’s a casual outdoor space with picnic tables, lawn games, and an ice cream and drink shack that’s perfect for a post-beach snack.
Insider Tip: Grab a table outside on a sunny afternoon. The margaritas and street tacos hit just right.
 
3. Kitty O’Reilly’s Irish Pub – Sturgeon Bay
59 E Oak St, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Mon–Thu 11:00am–10:00pm, Fri–Sat 11:00am–11:00pm, Sun 9:00am–9:00pm
(920) 743-7441
kittyoreillys.com
Located out of the way on the west side of Sturgeon Bay, from the outside, Kitty’s looks like your classic neighborhood bar—but step into the backyard and you’ll discover a beautiful multi-level patio surrounded by lush greenery. Their daily specials make every visit a little different, and the menu is full of crowd-pleasers from burgers to fresh fish.
Insider Tip: Head there for a relaxing outdoor dinner and enjoy the atmosphere with a drink in hand.
 
4. Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant – Sister Bay
10698 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI
Daily 7:00am–3:00pm
(920) 854-2626
aljohnsons.com
Yes, it’s clearly on the tourist radar. And yes, we still love it. Locals know to come early to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful morning buzz. The Swedish pancakes are a must, especially when paired with Swedish meatballs and don’t forget the lingonberries. It’s a true Door County tradition—with goats on the roof, no less.
Insider Tip: Arrive before 8:00am for no wait. If you miss that window and the queue is too long, place a to-go order and enjoy it outside at seating in their outdoor Stabbur bar next door.
 
5. Coyote Roadhouse – Baileys Harbor
3026 County Rd E, Baileys Harbor, WI
Mon–Thu 11:00am–9:00pm, Fri–Sat 11:00am–10:00pm, Sun 10:00am–9:00pm
(920) 839-9192
 coyoteroadhouse.com
Located on the shores of Kangaroo Lake, Coyote Roadhouse offers a mix of cozy indoor dining and scenic outdoor seating with lawn games and lake views. Best of all, it's less than 10 minutes away from the cottages! The menu has something for everyone—try the perch sandwich or the German potato salad. Daily specials keep things interesting, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it a great stop after a hike or day on the water.  It’s close by, reliable and always enjoyable.
Insider Tip: A perfect early dinner spot to catch golden hour over the lake.
 
6. The Boat House – Sister Bay
10716 N Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI
Daily 11:00am–9:00pm
(920) 854-2622
boathousedoorcounty.com
Since the closure of Fred & Fuzzy’s, this has become one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset in Sister Bay. The second-floor balcony offers a stunning view of the marina—perfect for a relaxing dinner after a day of exploring. The menu leans into fresh seafood with plenty of other options to satisfy all tastes. The lobster roll might surprise you in Door County, but trust us—it’s delicious and worth paying market price.
Insider Tip: Time your reservation for sunset. It's one of the best waterfront views around.
 
More to Come!
These six spots are just the beginning—there’s a lot more to love (and eat) around Door County. In future posts, we’ll dive into some of our other favorites. Until then, enjoy these local-approved favorites and tell them the Olsons sent you (not that it will mean anything to them, but it sounds good!) 😊
 
And don't forget, all of our cottages have fully equipped kitchens if you prefer to do your dining at home.  Check our availability HERE.
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Have a favorite Door County dining spot of your own? Let us know next time you're at the cottage, or shoot us a message—we’re always looking for our next great bite and another favorite to share!