Door County Dining Scene Springs Back With New Spots and Returning Favorites

FISH CREEK, Wis., May 21, 2026 — Door County's dining scene is back in full swing for the 2026 season, with a mix of returning favorites and at least one notable relocation giving food lovers fresh reasons to visit the Wisconsin peninsula this spring and summer.

The annual reopening of seasonal restaurants and markets signals the start of tourism season on the Door Peninsula, a stretch of land jutting into Lake Michigan that draws visitors from across the Midwest for its shoreline views, cherry orchards and independent dining culture.

Savor BBQ Co. Claims a Bigger Home in Sister Bay

One of the season's more significant moves comes from Savor BBQ Co., which opened May 2 in the former Grasse's Grill space in Sister Bay. The new location gives the restaurant more room and street visibility after building its following through a food truck operation and a smaller storefront.

The restaurant specializes in small-batch smoked meats, including brisket and pulled pork, alongside locally sourced craft beer, hard cider and wine. A pet-friendly patio with live music on Friday afternoons is part of the offering at the Sister Bay location.

Wilson's Marks Its 120th Season in Ephraim

Wilson's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim reopened May 14, beginning its 120th year of operation along Eagle Harbor. Founded in 1906, the destination is known for its soda fountain, house-made root beer, malts and ice cream sundaes served in a setting that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The red-and-white striped parlor sits across from the harbor, making it a common final stop for visitors after a day on the water or along the trails of Peninsula State Park nearby.

Creamery, Beer Garden and Orchard Market All Reopen

Door County Creamery in Sister Bay reopened May 1, offering handcrafted goat cheeses, gelato, sandwiches and regional food products sourced from its nearby farm. The creamery has become a go-to stop for visitors seeking locally made artisan products on the peninsula.

Stabbur Beer Garden, the outdoor Scandinavian-inspired gathering space behind Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, also reopened May 1. The garden serves craft beer, cocktails and small plates in a communal outdoor setting that draws both tourists and locals throughout the warmer months.

Seaquist Orchards Farm Market outside Sister Bay followed on May 7, restocking shelves with cherry pies, apple cider donuts and seasonal produce. The family-run market has served as a landmark of Door County agriculture for generations and remains a consistent draw for visitors exploring the northern part of the county.

Fish Creek and Gills Rock Options Expand Choices Across the Peninsula

Julie's Park Café in Fish Creek, which reopened April 24 as one of the first seasonal restaurants back on the peninsula, continues to draw morning visitors heading into Peninsula State Park. The café builds its menu around locally sourced ingredients, including Door County cherry French toast and house-made baked goods.

At the northernmost tip of the peninsula, The Shoreline Restaurant in Gills Rock returned May 5. The waterfront spot is known for locally sourced whitefish and harbor views, and it serves as one of the few full dining options in the quiet village of Gills Rock.

Several Restaurants Already Running Through the Season

A number of Door County dining staples, including Hill Street, Alexander's, Barringer's, Husby's and Sister Bay Bowl, were already open before the wave of late April and May reopenings. Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market also began the season early, offering wine tastings and local products for visitors arriving in the cooler spring weeks.

Together, the returning and relocated restaurants point to a dining landscape on the Door Peninsula that continues to build on its regional identity — local sourcing, waterfront settings and independent ownership remain the defining characteristics of the county's food culture heading into the 2026 season.