If you’re looking for a quintessential (and delicious) Wisconsin dining experience, look no further than Door County’s renowned fish boils. A tradition begun as a way to feed large groups of hungry fishermen and lumberjacks, the fish boil has remained a tasty way to gather the community and share local specialties.
These boils have been celebrated for decades in Door County and are distinctively Wisconsin, with each fire offering the crowd of hungry onlookers an unforgettable experience followed by an incomparable meal. The classic menu consists of fresh whitefish, baby red potatoes, little white onions and fresh Door County cherry pie.
The fresh yet timeless tastes nourished by the places below will welcome you into this Wisconsin tradition.
Pelletier’s Restaurant & Fish Boil – Fish Creek
Pelletier’s of Fish Creek carries the torch of this Door County tradition in the flames of their expertly ignited fish boil. Once the fish oils float to the surface of the boiling water, the master boiler will throw fuel into the fire, causing a climactic flaming boil-over of the fish oils. Then, dinner is served! Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time as this is a hot ticket.
White Gull Inn – Fish Creek
Reserve your spot on this inn's gorgeous patio for Wisconsin pampering that entails both dinner and a show. Serving fresh Lake Michigan whitefish caught by local fishermen, White Gull Inn offers a pristine fish boil experience that allows you to sit back and relax as dinner is prepared and catered to you.
Old Post Office Restaurant – Ephraim
Located in the heart of Ephraim, the Old Post Office Restaurant offers mouthwatering cuisine as well as a breathtaking overlook of Eagle Harbor. This home-style establishment specializes in carrying on the fish boil tradition that was brought to Wisconsin by the Scandinavians more than a hundred years ago.
Waterfront Mary’s Bar and Grill – Sturgeon Bay
Head to Beach Harbor Resort near Potawatomi State Park for panoramic views of Sturgeon Bay and to enjoy a good old-fashioned fish boil with friends and family. The tasty show at Waterfront Mary's runs from May through October and includes all the traditional delicious fixins’. You and your crew can even bring your pups along for the fun!
Looking for more quintessential Wisconsin dining experiences? Learn the story behind Wisconsin's iconic supper clubs.
