Tasting Door County
For me, Door County is about experiencing the nature of the area. But a traveler's gotta eat and drink to keep the energy up. Here are some of the coffee and dining spots I discovered along the roads traveled during my past two trips to The Door.
If you're searching for some tasty caffeine to jump-start your visit to Door County, there are plenty of coffee shops to choose from. Most serve coffee, tea, and offer pastries, specialty meals, and everyday fare. If it's dinner you're looking for, the variety of eateries available assures that there is something for everyone. With so many offerings, it's a tough choice to make, but you won't leave hungry.
If you're searching for some tasty caffeine to jump-start your visit to Door County, there are plenty of coffee shops to choose from. Most serve coffee, tea, and offer pastries, specialty meals, and everyday fare. If it's dinner you're looking for, the variety of eateries available assures that there is something for everyone. With so many offerings, it's a tough choice to make, but you won't leave hungry.
Big Easy - Bagel & Beignet
A popular specialty breakfast spot in Egg Harbor, Big Easy is known for their fresh, warm beignets, breakfast bagels, coffee, and more. On my first trip to Door County in November, 2022, I made it my first stop of the morning. I ordered the beignets (one made it home to my husband), and breakfast bagel sandwich, which came with the tastiest tater tots. So good! The breakfast sandwich could easily be shared. I enjoyed this spot so much, I returned for coffee and beignets during my early summer visit to The Door. Just like the first time, they didn't disappoint. Location: 7755 Hwy 42 in Egg Harbor. Open 8-2, closed Tuesdays. |
Door County Coffee & Tea
I stopped for a cold beverage and a bit of lunch. But, if you're into brewing coffee at home, they have lots of Door County Coffee flavors ready to take with you. If you're doing some gift or souvenir shopping, they've got you covered. And if you're hungry, the cafe has a delicious menu to choose from. Dine in or get it to go. Under blue skies you can enjoy your meal out on the patio. I ordered an iced latte and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich to go. Both were quite tasty. Note: they even have a drive-thru! Location: 5773 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay Open Daily: 7:30am - 4pm |
Coffee and Bakery, Yum!
In search of coffee and something simple for breakfast, I made a few stops: first at Scaturo's, a nearby restaurant and bakery, for a fresh-baked chocolate croissant. Scaturo's Baking Company & Cafe - 19 Green Bay Rd., Sturgeon Bay |
Followed by a quick stop at two different coffee shops in downtown Sturgeon Bay - Pinky Promise Coffee, and Lawlss Coffee Roasting. They were within a block of each other, so I had to sneak a peek at each. Both have character, and great coffee.
Pinky Promise Coffee - 60 S. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay Lawlss Coffee - 108 S. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay |
Red Cup Coffee House
I took the ferry to Washington Island. Once docked, the cars drive off the ferry and go on their way. My first stop was for something cold to drink at The Red Cup Coffee House. Inside you'll find a variety of coffeehouse drinks, snacks, and ample shopping of artfully crafted, locally made items. Right next door is Fair Isle Books, a charming local book shop that features many local (Wisconsin) authors, and a variety of fair trade jewelry and other gift items. The staff at Fair Isle Books were so welcoming! I could imagine spending a great deal of time browsing their offerings. Should I return to Washington Island, I'll definitely go back. They have an online store as well. Located at 1885 Detroit Harbor Road |
Door County Fire Company
Door County Fire Company is a Sturgeon Bay ale house and restaurant that resides in an original working firehouse dating back to 1907. When the fire department moved to a new facility in 2007, the original building was developed as a restaurant and event venue. The ale house has a casual, comfortable atmosphere, and family-friendly, quick service. I enjoyed a burger, along with a non-alcoholic Kaliber by Guinness beer. Both were delicious! Location: 38 S. 3rd Ave., Sturgeon Bay |
The Blue Ox Bar & Grill
After a long day of travel, and a peaceful walk along the Hidden Brook Boardwalk at The Ridges Nature Sanctuary, I headed to the Blue Ox, in Baileys Harbor. A friend recommended it to me as a dinner option. True to form, I arrived after the kitchen had closed, so I had an appetizer of tasty, fresh Wisconsin cheese curds, and a cold pint of Spotted Cow from a seat on the outdoor patio, watching the swallows trace swirls in the sky with their wings, and enjoyed the quirky ambience of a spot favored by the locals. Location: 8051 WI-57, Baileys Harbor |
Summer Kitchen
After a full day of touring Door County, I was famished, so I decided to visit the aptly named Summer Kitchen Restaurant, just outside of downtown Ephraim. Serving old-fashioned homemade cooking from April through October, it seemed like a good choice. Walking up the steps to the restaurant is like entering a botanical garden. There were flowers blooming everywhere. I took a seat on the open-air porch, and enjoyed one of the days special entrees, chicken chimichangas. I washed it down with a non-alcoholic brew. I was hungry and thirsty, and then I was full. Location: 10425 N. Water Street (Hwy 42), Ephraim Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 7am - 8pm, Sunday 7am - 3pm |