Door County family lunch guide, town by town

Door County's 75-mile peninsula serves up far more than cherry pie and fish boils — it's packed with laid-back, kid-tested lunch spots from Sturgeon Bay to the tip of Ellison Bay.

This guide covers every major community on the peninsula with casual, family-friendly restaurants perfect for a midday refuel between beach days, lighthouse tours, and state park hikes. Each spot has been vetted for welcoming vibes, kid-friendly menus, and the kind of food that makes everyone at the table happy. Whether your crew wants wood-fired pizza, a train-delivered burger, or goat-cheese gelato, there's a seat waiting.

Most Door County restaurants outside Sturgeon Bay operate seasonally (roughly May through October), so always confirm hours before visiting. Summer peak season means long waits at popular spots — arriving by 11:30 a.m. or opting for counter-service restaurants can save your sanity.

Sturgeon Bay: year-round options

Sturgeon Bay is Door County's largest community and the first stop for most visitors crossing the bridge. It offers the peninsula's best year-round dining variety.

Scaturo's Baking Co. & Cafe (19 Green Bay Rd) is the family institution you didn't know you needed. This bakery-cafe has been family-owned since 1994, serving huge sandwiches, an Ultimate Door County Burger, homemade soups, and award-winning cherry pie made with real local cherries. Jersey-style pizza shows up Wednesday through Friday. The move here: order lunch, then exit through the bakery so the kids can pick out cookies and pecan rolls. Covered outdoor picnic tables, a kids' menu, and family meals to-go for four at $19.99–$24.99 make this a no-brainer. Open Monday through Saturday year-round.

The Gnoshery (23 N 3rd Ave) might be the single best family lunch spot in Sturgeon Bay. This board game café has hundreds of games free to play while you eat — staff will even teach your family new ones. The food is simple and affordable: sandwiches, pretzel bites, soups, smoothies, and coffee drinks. Kids are entertained for hours. Multiple family travel blogs name it a top Door County pick, and reviewers call it "10/10 across the board." Open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sonny's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria (129 N Madison Ave) pairs Chicago-style hand-tossed pizza with waterfront views of the famous Michigan Street Steel Bridge and the marina. Deep-dish, thin-crust, and stuffed options are all on the menu alongside gnocchi, lobster ravioli, and a weekday lunch buffet. Families love the outdoor tiki patio, the on-site game room, and Bridge Up Brewing's craft beers for the adults. A gluten-free cauliflower crust is available. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Kitty O'Reilly's Irish Pub (59 E Oak St) wins points for its outdoor beer garden, which features a sandbox for kids, oversized rocking chair, and cornhole games — plus complimentary ice cream for children. The menu hits pub favorites: Irish eggs benedict, cod fish fry, open-face Reubens, and cheese curds fried to golden perfection. Pet-friendly too. Weekend breakfast served.

Old Mexico Cantina and Grill (901 Egg Harbor Rd) fills a crucial niche as Door County's go-to for Mexican food. Fajitas, brasa tacos, tableside guacamole, and burritos come in huge portions at $10–$15 per entrée. The dedicated kids' menu (Platos De Niños) and colorful, welcoming atmosphere have earned it a 4.4-star average across hundreds of reviews. Open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Bluefront Cafe (86 W Maple St) is the local favorite for creative lunch fare — think Cubano sandwiches, fish tacos, banh mi, and what many call the best huevos rancheros they've ever had. The house-made hot sauce is legendary. It's a smaller, cozy space with quick service and an eclectic menu that gives picky and adventurous eaters alike something to love. Established in 2002 and still going strong.

New on the scene: A'Boat Time Restaurant (26 E Oak St) opened in late 2024 with cheesesteaks, chicken wings in 20+ sauces, and breakfast daily from 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Prince of Pierogi opened a second Sturgeon Bay location (846 Egg Harbor Rd) in 2025, bringing their beloved Polish pierogies down from Ephraim.

Egg Harbor: waterfront charm and cherry-wood BBQ

This bayside village about 15 minutes north of Sturgeon Bay packs serious culinary punch for its size.

Casey's BBQ & Smokehouse (7855 Hwy 42) smokes every cut with Door County cherry wood and a signature dry rub. The brisket, pulled pork with house cherry BBQ sauce, and award-winning brisket chili are the stars, but kids gravitate toward the mac-n-cheese and the Ruby Cheeseburger. Elevated outdoor seating overlooks Green Bay, and the bronze pig sculpture "Chopper" out front is a guaranteed kid photo op. Kids' menu and gluten-free buns available. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Shipwrecked Brew Pub (7791 State Hwy 42) is Door County's original microbrewery, and the cherry wheat ale remains a fan favorite. Upstairs dining offers water views, while the menu covers smoked pulled pork with cherry BBQ, ale-battered haddock, a Wisconsin Brat Burger (brat patty stacked on a burger patty), and hand-battered cheese curds. Kids' menu with sliders, patio dining, and an attached souvenir shop round out the family appeal. Check seasonal hours — winter service is reduced.

Village Café (7918 State Hwy 42) has been an Egg Harbor institution since 1969 — and earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence nine years running. Famous cherry pancakes, pumpkin pancakes, and harbor potatoes fried in beef tallow anchor the all-day breakfast, while lunch brings California chicken sandwiches, cherry jack wraps, and burgers. The art-filled interior (everything on the walls is for sale) keeps kids browsing. Outdoor pet-friendly patio. Prices are remarkably gentle at $5–$10 per plate. Open Thursday through Monday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Pizza Bros (4633 Market St) is the newer hidden gem Egg Harbor needed. Wood-fired Roman-style pizzas come in creative combinations — a Mexican-themed pie with chili dry-rubbed pork sausage and street corn, a "So Smokey" with triple smoked ingredients — alongside reliable classics for cautious young palates. Located next to One Barrel Brewing Company, so parents can grab a craft beer while kids demolish pizza. One Chicago visitor declared it the "absolute BEST pizza I've ever had."

MacReady Artisan Bread Company (north side of Egg Harbor on Hwy 42) is the perfect light-lunch pitstop. The cherry scones alone are worth the detour — 248 TripAdvisor reviews and almost universal devotion. Grilled cheese and ham on artisan bread, fresh loaves, and Italian-influenced baking in a charming small space. Quick service, affordable, and utterly kid-friendly.

Fish Creek: the bustling heart of the peninsula

Fish Creek sits at the entrance to Peninsula State Park and is arguably Door County's most popular tourist village. The main street is walkable, and restaurants cluster together — perfect for browsing before committing.

Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza & Grille (4023 WI-42) is many families' first stop and last memory of Door County. The wood-fired oven turns out specialty pies like The Fun Guy (five mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions on garlic cream base), the Hot Honey, and the Green & Gold with real Wisconsin cheese curds. The kids' menu features a peanut butter & jelly pizza — enough said. Hand-battered cheese curds are a must-order appetizer. The dog-friendly outdoor patio faces Peninsula State Park. Expect 20–30 minute waits in summer; put your name in and browse the shops. Open year-round.

Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil (4199 Main St, Founder's Square) gives families the quintessential Door County fish boil experience. The dramatic boil-over — Lake Michigan whitefish, red potatoes, onions, and corn finishing with a spectacular flame — is pure kid entertainment. Children's fish boil plates run $10.50 for ages 12 and under, and kids get to ring the dinner bell. The breakfast and lunch menu (7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) includes cherry-stuffed French toast and Early Riser specials starting at just $4.65. Ample outdoor patio seating. The boil technique has been passed down through the Peterson family for generations. Seasonal, May through October.

White Gull Inn (4225 Main St) won Good Morning America's Best Breakfast Challenge for its cherry-stuffed French toast, and it's available all day. This 1896 inn also serves lunch — the Creek's Fish Sandwich (grilled Lake Michigan whitefish on rye) and the White Gull Burger (tenderloin tips ground in-house) are standouts — plus some of the county's best fish boils on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Children's menu, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a dog-friendly patio. One of the rare Door County spots open year-round (closed only in March). Reservations recommended for fish boils.

Not Licked Yet Frozen Custard (4054 Main St/Hwy 42) is the family lunch-and-play combo that keeps parents sane. Beyond frozen custard with a daily flavor rotation, the menu includes burgers on fresh-baked buns, Reubens, paninis, and "greaseless" fries. The real draw: a giant on-site playground where kids burn energy while waiting for food, plus a creek running through the property where they can feed the ducks. Dogs get a free cone. Family-owned since 1982, now in their 43rd season. Outdoor-only seating, open seasonally 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Blue Horse Beach Cafe (4113 Main St) sits directly across from Fish Creek Beach, making it the ideal pre- or post-swim lunch. Handmade cinnamon rolls, breakfast burritos, chicken curry salad, panini sandwiches, and daily house-made soups all pair with what reviewers call one of the best mochas in Door County. Kids' menu available. The four-seasons indoor room has bay views, and there's outdoor seating in back. Open daily 7 a.m.–5 p.m. year-round.

Bayside Tavern (4160 Main St) has been Fish Creek's "Cheers" for over 50 years. The homemade pizza (Bayside Deluxe is the go-to), thick-patty burgers, and Friday perch fry with German-style potato salad keep locals loyal. Back patio has water views. Food arrives fast — sometimes under five minutes — which matters enormously with hungry kids. Gluten-free options available.

Sweetie Pies (9106 State Hwy 42) isn't a full lunch spot, but no family guide to Fish Creek is complete without it. Handmade pies with hand-rolled crusts using just fruit, flour, sugar, and butter. The Door County cherry pie is the signature. Wide green lawns out front invite lingering, and the towering maples are spectacular in fall. Open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m., seasonal.

Ephraim: white clapboard charm on Eagle Harbor

This small Moravian village on the bay side of the peninsula has fewer restaurants than Fish Creek but several that rank among the peninsula's best.

Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor (9990 Water St) has been a Door County landmark since 1906 — nearly 120 years of flame-broiled burgers, taco salads in tortilla bowls, and a legendary old-fashioned soda fountain. The home-brewed draft root beer is iconic. Every waffle cone comes with a jelly bean tucked at the bottom, which kids adore. The 1950s atmosphere — booths, jukebox, counter stools — is the real experience. Located across from Eagle Harbor, where you can take ice cream and watch the boats. Seasonal, mid-May through mid-October.

Old Post Office Restaurant (10040 Water St) hosts what many consider the best fish boil in Door County. Boilmaster Jeremy Klaubauf (a Top Chef alum) explains the history and process before the dramatic boil-over, and they're the only restaurant that debones the fish tableside. Chicken and ribs alternatives are available for kids who won't touch fish. The outdoor patio overlooks Eagle Harbor with sunset views. Reservations required for fish boils. Breakfast is also served daily. Seasonal, May through October.

Chef's Hat Cafe (3063 Church St/Highway Q) is ranked among Ephraim's top restaurants for good reason. The pistachio-crusted chicken sandwich, Door County cherrywood smoked bacon burger, and New Orleans pasta headline an inventive lunch menu. The lunch special — half sandwich, cup of soup, and a slice of homemade pie — is an outstanding value. Indoor and outdoor seating overlooks Eagle Harbor and Peninsula State Park. Small space means waits in summer, but reviewers consistently call it "our favorite Door County restaurant." Open seasonally.

Prince of Pierogi (9922 Water St S, Unit 6, Shorewood Village Shops) is the only Polish restaurant in Door County — and one of the most authentic in Wisconsin. Homemade pierogies come in savory (potato and cheese, jalapeño) and sweet (Door County cherry stuffed) varieties, alongside golabki, Hunter's Stew, and smoked kielbasa dogs. It's counter-service with picnic-table seating, extremely affordable, and kids love pierogies as finger food. Vegan and gluten-free options available. A true hidden gem. The owners opened a second location in Sturgeon Bay in 2025.

Good Eggs (9820 Brookside Ln) is technically breakfast, but it stays open until 1 p.m. and the made-to-order breakfast burritos justify the slight stretch. Kids watch the chef build their wrap in front of them — choose your tortilla, cheese, fillings, and sauce. Surfboard-shaped picnic tables, Eagle Harbor water views, and a line that moves fast once you're ordering. The black bean salsa and "Rooster Sauce" are fan favorites. App ordering available to skip the line. Seasonal, daily 7 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Summer Kitchen (10425 N Water St) earns its reputation with a soup bar offering at least five different homemade soups daily with fresh bread. All lunch entrées include a cup of soup. The cashew chicken salad is a standout, and the garden-like atmosphere is genuinely relaxing. Kids' menu available, plus strong vegetarian and vegan options. Seasonal, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sister Bay: the northern hub with a goat on the roof

Sister Bay is one of the peninsula's largest and liveliest tourist communities, with a walkable downtown and a public beach.

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant & Butik (10698 N Bay Shore Dr) needs no introduction — live goats graze on the sod roof from late May through mid-October, making it the most photographed restaurant in Wisconsin. Inside, servers in traditional Scandinavian dirndls bring Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, meatballs, Pytt i Panna, and limpa bread. The adjacent Stabbur beer garden has life-size Jenga and cornhole for families waiting out the inevitable line. Breakfast is served all day, which is a lifesaver for kids who want pancakes at noon. Be warned: peak summer waits run 1–3 hours. Open year-round (reduced winter hours). Counter-service at the Stabbur is faster.

Wild Tomato (10677 N Bay Shore Dr) has its second location here, and the Sister Bay version adds a playground directly behind the restaurant — a game-changer for antsy kids. Same beloved wood-fired pizzas, same PB&J pizza on the kids' menu, but with outdoor patio views of the waterfront. Carry-out is available for families heading to Sister Bay Beach across the street. Open year-round.

Door County Creamery (10653 N Bay Shore Dr) is a farmstead goat dairy that doubles as a casual lunch spot. The Turkey Brie on sourdough with lingonberry sauce is a fan-favorite sandwich, and the BLT gets an upgrade with chèvre goat cheese and arugula. But the real star is the handmade goat milk gelato — Sea Salt Olive Oil and Roasted Almond & Fig are standouts. Counter-service means no wait for a table, and the creamery offers farm tours where kids can pet baby goats. Outdoor patio, seasonal operation.

Fred & Fuzzy's Waterfront Bar & Grill (10620 Little Sister Rd) offers the only true waterfront dining in Sister Bay — plastic chairs, colorful umbrellas, and terraced seating right on the shore of Green Bay. The vibe is pure Jimmy Buffett. Grilled brats, chicken salad sandwiches, smoked fish plates, and burgers come at moderate prices, but you're really paying for the setting. Kids watch boats while eating. Entirely outdoor, seasonal only (Memorial Day through September). Parking is tight — park above and walk down.

Carroll House Restaurant (2445 S Bay Shore Dr) is the classic family diner that Sister Bay locals don't want you to know about. Open since 1957, it serves old-fashioned cherry waffles, potato pancakes, chicken fried steak, and club sandwiches at prices that feel like a time warp — $5–$10 per plate. Located just south of downtown with easy parking (a rare luxury in Sister Bay). Open seasonally 7 a.m.–2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch only.

Husby's Food & Spirits (10641 N Bay Shore Dr) is Door County's original sports bar, voted "Best Burger" by Door County Magazine. The thin, crispy-crust homemade pizza is another sleeper hit, alongside garlic parmesan wings and a blackened whitefish Caesar. The Garage Bar out back has live summer music and outdoor space for kids. Kids' menu, 14 TVs, open daily year-round.

Door County Ice Cream Factory & Sandwich Shoppe (corner of Beach Rd & Hwy 42, north Sister Bay) combines lunch and dessert under one roof. Over 30 flavors of super-premium ice cream made in-store sit alongside 15+ made-to-order sub sandwiches and homemade pizza. The ice cream cookie sandwich — vanilla pressed between chocolate chip cookies and rolled in chocolate chips — is the move. Seasonal operation.

Ellison Bay and Gills Rock: the quiet northern tip

Near the tip of the peninsula, Ellison Bay is smaller and less touristy, with a handful of excellent spots.

Blue Bear Ellison Bay (12029 WI-42) replaced the legendary Viking Grill in 2024 and has quickly earned its own following with a farm-to-table brunch menu. The Blue Bear Benedict, "Garbage Pile" loaded breakfast hash, and Wisco Burger are highlights of an entirely scratch-made menu. Two outdoor patios (one dog-friendly), strong coffee program, and excellent gluten-free and vegan options. Tuesday evening ramen pop-ups — panko fried chicken ramen, braised pork belly ramen — are a newer hidden-gem dinner option. Open Friday through Tuesday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., year-round.

Mink River Basin (12010 Hwy 42) is the go-to casual lunch in Ellison Bay. Burgers are the main event — The Western, the 12 Pepper Butter Bacon Burger, the Patty Melt — alongside Wisconsin cheese curds, homemade pizza, hand-dipped chicken fingers, and tacos. The game room, jukebox, outdoor patio, and TVs keep everyone occupied. An impressive 35 beers on tap for parents. Food served noon–8 p.m. daily.

The Shoreline Restaurant (12747 WI-42, Gills Rock) is technically in Gills Rock, a few miles past Ellison Bay, but the nearly panoramic views of Green Bay from this waterfront restaurant are worth the extra drive. Smoked whitefish dip, whitefish cakes, pecan-encrusted walleye, and pan-fried walleye headline a menu that balances accessible comfort food with local seafood. Ranked #1 of 9 restaurants in the Ellison Bay area on TripAdvisor with 4.5 stars across nearly 400 reviews. Open seasonally for lunch (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) and dinner.

Hügel Haus (11934 WI-42) is a newer German-inspired bier hall opened around 2023 by the Mink River Basin team. Bratwurst, schnitzel, spaetzle, pretzels with dipping sauces, and a "Best of the Wurst" sampler bring Deutschland to Door County. Kids' menu available, cozy stone fireplace inside, and lawn games in the front yard. Note: this is a dinner-only spot (opens at 4 p.m.), so it works for an early family dinner rather than midday lunch.

Baileys Harbor: the quiet side's best-kept secrets

On the Lake Michigan (eastern) side of the peninsula, Baileys Harbor has a more relaxed feel and some genuinely special family spots.

PC Junction (7898 County Road A) is widely considered the #1 family restaurant in all of Door County — and it earns the title. Model trains deliver food to your table on overhead tracks, carrying burgers, fries (among the best in the county), homemade chili, and ice cream. Between food runs, the trains haul action figures, Disney princesses, dinosaurs, and a bubble machine. Outside, pedal carts on wooded trails — singles, doubles, and four-person models — keep kids busy for hours before or after the meal. Located between Egg Harbor and Baileys Harbor on County Road A. Seasonal, roughly late May through October. Arrive before the lunch rush.

Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub (8123 State Highway 57) serves Door County's oldest continuous pan-fried fish fry alongside homemade pizza (available until bar close), Black Angus burgers, fish tacos, and broasted chicken. The video game room entertains kids, Green Bay Packer memorabilia decorates the walls, and prices stay grounded at $10–$15 per person. Outdoor seating offers harbor and marina views in summer. Open year-round, with happy hour Monday through Friday 3–6 p.m.

Coyote Roadhouse (3026 County Road E) sits on the shores of Kangaroo Lake and operates as a genuine hidden gem. BBQ baby-back ribs, the "Kanga" Reuben with slow-cooked corned beef, and a heaping loaf of thin-fried onion rings are the signatures, plus all-you-can-eat grouper fish fry on Fridays. The outdoor deck overlooks the lake, and reviewers specifically mention grandchildren running and playing in the adjacent space. A canoe and kayak launch sits right next to the deck. Open daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. year-round.

Door County Brewing Co. Taproom & DCBC Eats (8099 Highway 57) is a family-owned craft brewery that explicitly welcomes kids — board games are available in the taproom, the expansive outdoor beer garden has fire pits, and non-alcoholic beverages are plentiful. The adjacent DCBC Eats kitchen serves casual food alongside the full tap list. Live music every weekend. Owner Mike McMahon is a fifth-generation Baileys Harbor resident. Open year-round with extended summer hours.

Sway Brewing + Blending (2434 County Road F) is Baileys Harbor's newest arrival, opened in 2024. Mornings bring a scratch bakery (pastries, baked goods, coffee from 7:30 a.m.), and lunch shifts to Taqueria La Brisita serving tacos and street food from noon to 6 p.m. Easy-drinking beers brewed on-site, outdoor beer garden, and a laid-back vibe make this an exciting new stop for families. Open Thursday through Sunday.

Harbor Fish Market & Grille (8080 Highway 57) is the more upscale-casual option for families wanting a special waterfront lunch. The whitefish chowder is a must-order, alongside lobster bisque, walleye fish sandwiches, and blackened whitefish, all with stunning harbor views. Reservations recommended. A splurge option at $$–$$$ pricing, but memorable.

Jacksonport: the lakeside sleeper with brand-new energy

Jacksonport is the smallest dining community on this list, sitting quietly on the Lake Michigan shore. But 2025 brought exciting new life.

Island Fever Rum Bar & Grill (6301 Highway 57) is Jacksonport's anchor restaurant and the #1-rated spot in town on TripAdvisor (4.6 stars, 472 reviews). The Caribbean theme delivers fish tacos made with fresh catch (reviewers call them the best in Door County), fajitas, nachos with homemade guacamole, and burgers made from local Jacksonport grass-fed cattle. The laid-back beach-bum atmosphere, outdoor seating steps from the lake, and live music throughout summer make it feel like a vacation within a vacation. Open daily May through October; weekends in winter.

Scotty's Pub + Grub (6269 Highway 57) is brand new for 2025, opened by two local couples in the former Mike's Port Pub building. Comfort food — juicy burgers, broasted chicken, rotating specials — plus local beer on tap and Saturday night karaoke. Listed as family-friendly on all Door County tourism sites. Steps from the lake. This is as new and hidden-gem as it gets.

Bistro 57 (6313 Highway 57) also opened in 2025, filling Jacksonport's need for a daytime café. Pastries, sandwiches, ice cream, and coffee in a casual format. Still accumulating reviews, but the Door County Pulse spotlighted it in their 2025 new restaurant roundup. A welcome addition for families wanting a quick, light lunch or afternoon treat.

Planning tips for families eating across the peninsula

The biggest decision families face isn't what to eat — it's navigating the seasonal rhythms and summer crowds. A few practical strategies make the difference between a relaxed lunch and a hangry meltdown.

Counter-service spots are your secret weapon during peak season. Wild Tomato, Door County Creamery, Good Eggs, Prince of Pierogi, and Pizza Bros all skip the sit-down wait entirely. Budget roughly $20–$25 per person for lunch with a drink at most peninsula restaurants, though bakeries, cafés, and counter spots like Village Café and Carroll House come in well under that.

For the full Door County fish boil experience with kids, Pelletier's in Fish Creek and the Old Post Office in Ephraim are the two best bets — both offer children's pricing, the boil-over show entertains all ages, and non-fish alternatives exist for picky eaters. Reservations are essential.

The quieter Lake Michigan side (Baileys Harbor, Jacksonport, Coyote Roadhouse on Kangaroo Lake) typically has shorter waits and a more relaxed pace — a smart play for families who'd rather skip the Fish Creek and Sister Bay crowds. And with Sway Brewing, Scotty's Pub + Grub, and Bistro 57 all debuting in 2024–2025, the east side is having a genuine dining moment.