Fresh fish. You expect it when you’re traveling to a coastal destination. And that’s also what you’ll get, when you visit the “fresh coast!” Door County is known for whitefish, caught in the waters of Lake Michigan. Many restaurants serve a version of it, and we hope you’ll try it. But if that’s not your thing, what about…
Oysters
One of our favorite things to do when we visit the “Nantucket of the Midwest,” is to indulge in oysters. It’s a thing of beauty to see the server swing by with a dozen oysters nestled on a bed of ice. Of course, we like to slurp them down with a Dirty Bleu Door martini (Barringer’s) or a crisp bubbly with a view of Lake Michigan (Chives Door County). At Harbor Fish Market in Baileys Harbor, the oysters came to us in a giant martini glass.
On our “to do” list: the shucked-to-order oysters at Waterfront in Sister Bay while watching the sunset. We may even have to try their Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters.
Classic Door County Fish Boils
It’s been a minute, but we still enjoy a traditional Door County Fish Boil. Get people talking about them, and it’s often a house divided. Here’s how it works: you gather outside around a bonfire. The boil master gets the huge kettle ready with potatoes, onions and salt. Once that’s ready, they bring in chunks of freshly caught Lake Michigan Whitefish.
Finally, when the fish is ready, the boil master throws kerosene onto the fire, causing a huge fireball. Or something like that! Then you get to eat all of that with a lot of butter and almost always a slice of cherry pie. It’s fresh LOCAL fish. And butter. What’s not to like! Guaranteed a Door County memory you will take with you.
May we suggest Pelletiers, White Gull Inn, and the Old Post Office Restaurant. And if you want to take it to another level…
New England Lobster Boil
We only know of one. And have only been to one. You’ll find it at Harbor Fish Market & Grille, located on the water in Baileys Harbor. You’ll start with creamy lobster bisque, then comes the live Maine lobster, baby red potatoes, corn on the cob, mussels and clams. Instead of cherry pie, you’ll get a warm piece of Door County cherry bread pudding. It’s pricier, but memory making!
Fresh Fish, Fine Dining
Seriously so many places to get a fine fish dish in Door County. Head to any of the fine dining restaurants we’ve already talked about: Alexander’s, Chop, Lure, Shoreline for salmon, tuna, halibut and locally caught whitefish. Our favorite whitefish dish is on the menu at Chive’s in Baileys Harbor. It’s their French Battered Whitefish in Beurre Blanc. French. Butter. Yes. While you’re at Chives we also recommend the mussels and frites and a platter of oysters. You’re welcome.
If shrimp is more your thing, try the Shrimp & Grits at Ember at The Landmark. (It’s the Fireside’s new location.)
Pro tip: If your restaurant offers whitefish chowder, by all means, order it! (Thyme, Sister Bay)
Lobster Rolls and Fish Sandwiches
We love a fish sandwich. A perfect pairing to a bloody mary on a lovely summer day, sitting on a patio somewhere. Think lobster roll at Barringer’s in Fish Creek. Or at Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. We like the upstairs patio and often order a Po’ Boy. Choose shrimp, catfish, or again… the whitefish! And if you’re looking for something a little different, try the grilled and blackened Whitefish Reuben at Husby’s.
Raw Bars, Sushi & Poke
One more note about Boathouse on the Bay: sometimes all you need is the peel and eat shrimp by the pound from their raw bar. Steamed and dusted with cajun spices and served with lemon, drawn butter and cocktail sauce.
Speaking of raw, there aren’t too many places to get Sushi in Door County. But it’s there! Try Fat Belly in Sister Bay or Crate in Sturgeon Bay. We recently enjoyed a poke bowl at Fat Belly and are going back for sushi. We hear it’s great. And the tuna appetizer at Alexander’s is on regular rotation. Fresh sushi grade tuna steak, (sesame encrusted or blackened), and served with soy, wasabi and pickled ginger.
And if you love fish, then you must try Lure. It’s in the name. The variety of fish dishes are too many to name. Fresh. Fried. Sushi. Crab Cakes. Tuna Nachos. And the list goes on…
Find a Friday Night Fish Fry
On our “to do” list is the Fish Fry at Lure. While it’s on their main menu, on Fridays it’s on special and comes with a free slice of Cherry Pie and $5 Old Fashioneds! We also hear great things about the fish fry at Sway in Baileys Harbor. If you’re looking for a more traditional Friday Night Fish Fry, in a supper club atmosphere, head across the street to the Sister Bay Bowl. You’ll get your choice of perch, walleye, or cod. And in traditional Wisconsin style, it comes with a choice of potato (fries or baked, usually), coleslaw and a slice of rye. Don’t ask. It’s just what it is!
For another traditional Friday Night Fish Fry, try the one at Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor. Fish… with a view!
Catch your own!
And if you really want fish with a view, why not reel in your own fresh catch of the day with a Door County Charter Fishing Experience. You’ll be up early with your crew, spending a day with a Captain who knows the waters. And by evening, you’ll be cooking your own catch in the fully stocked kitchen of your Door County vacation rental. Book today!
