Despite Obvious Challenges, 36 New Ventures Debut 2020-2022
By Marise Redmann
Find this article in the 2022 Door County GO! Guide.
It could have been all that pacing the home front last year that got people thinking, or maybe the dissolution of a job or business created a new opportunity. Whatever it was, we are the beneficiaries, for the county is teeming with delectable options in new eateries from coffee houses to restaurants to food trucks and more. Here is a sampling of 35 new ventures in Door County.
Backbone Food Truck
Located at Nicolet Beach in Peninsula State Park, the service is all about your hunger needs. Featuring an array of brats, seasoned fries, sandwiches, cheese curds, and a tasty vegetarian Beyond burger.
Bad Moravian
A tongue-in-cheek name for the settlers who first banned alcohol in Ephraim, they now celebrate it with a curated beer menu of craft and specialty beers. Along with a food menu to unite the drinking sensation with delectable pizza and specialty Mac ‘n cheese. Located at 3055 Church St. adjoining Ephraim Coffee Lab.
Bayside Coffee
Located at 4151 Maple St. in a relaxed out-of-the-way place with views of the boat dock, park and launch. A family-run operation serving Colectivo coffee, healthy sandwiches, salads and bakery treats with outdoor seating.
Blue Bear
The Viking has new owners, now Blue Bear, located at 12029 Hwy 42 downtown Ellison Bay. A farm-to-table restaurant using locally-sourced, all-natural ingredients to create unique and traditional dishes, offering gluten-free, vegan and keto options. Full Bar serving craft cocktails, specialty coffee drinks, local beers and sustainably-sourced wines. Dine-in, outdoor (pet friendly), and online ordering with Grab & Go options.
Burton’s On the Bay
Formerly the Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor at 7715 Alpine Rd., the newly-restored Burton’s on the Bay is an upscale waterfront restaurant offering delicious daily cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, indoor or out, with panoramic views of Green Bay’s Egg Harbor.
Clover & Zot
A clever new twist on the old Yum Yum Tree property, formerly the Clover Farms Store, in downtown Baileys Harbor at 8054 Hwy. 57. They’ve created an exciting unique assortment of shared plates and nightly specials of crepes, gluten-free fish ‘n chips, pizza specials and create-your-own pasta. Topped with a well-considered European wine and beer selection.
Crain’s Kitchen
Located at the cozy south end of the On Deck building in Sister Bay serving casual food with a south-by-southwest flair for lunch and dinner, baking fresh biscuits all throughout the day for their roasted chicken, pork and beef sandwiches, along with a variety of soups, including tomato, chili, green chili, posole, and chicken.
Cultured DC
An incredible homemade assortment of sourdough and other fermented goods, crafted with organic ingredients. Pre-order online at cultureddc.minimartapp.com and arrange to pick up at various locations, also find them at Waseda Farm Market, Healthy way Grocery and local farm markets.
DC Chocolate Design Café
A special coffee shop tucked in the front corner of Top of the Hill shops at 9331 Spring Rd. in Fish Creek. If you are a chocolate connoisseur, this is your place. Enjoy one-of-a-kind designs of handmade specialty truffles, bars and molded chocolate that can be ordered for special occasions, complemented with delicious coffees.
DCBC Eats
Adjacent to the Door County Brewing Company taproom at 8099 Hwy. 57 in Baileys Harbor, this is an outdoor pick-up-and-go venture designed for the consumption with the brewery beer selection, indoor seating or outdoor beer garden, and to enjoy the live music. A takeaway selection of nachos, pork ‘n beans, BBQ Mac ‘n cheese and more.
Door County Cherry Hut
Bridge Up Brewery in Sturgeon Bay opened this new business in the former Cherry Hut location at 8813 Hwy. 42, a couple miles South of Fish Creek. An indoor and outdoor beer garden with craft beer, wine, artisan goods and easy eats like street tacos, finger-style wing tips and hot dogs. A great place to relax and enjoy some live music.
Fat Belly
Bowls, burritos and beer! Located at 10621 North Highland Rd. next to Johnson’s Park Go-Carts. Great for take-away, go online to view the menu, decide if you want a bowl or burrito, then choose your protein, next chose the style of flavor from asado, baja, Far East or caprese, order and pick it up. Perfect for the beach, boat or concert in the park.
Fresh Take 42
Located at 10420 Hwy. 42 north of Ephraim in the former Jo Jo’s Pizza, Fresh Take 42 is a new concept that caters not only to dine-in customers but also has easy grab ‘n go vending with salads, sandwiches, and wraps, weekend breakfast to go and Americana family meals ordered the night before to feed the entire family. Focusing on seasonal ingredients and scratch cooking for comfort food with a twist with a build-your-own-mac-and-cheese bar, freshly baked breads, homemade root beer, beer and wine.
The Gnoshery
The Gnoshery is a Board Game Café located at 23 N. 3rd Av. in Sturgeon Bay. They serve delicious soups, sandwiches and other ‘Gnoshables’ that you and your friends and family can enjoy while you play games from the Gnome Games Stay & Play Library, with games for retail as well.
Great Lakes BBQ
This food truck is described as Southern BBQ meets Midwestern style hustle. They specialize in in-house smoked meats made from scratch with perfected recipes. Available for catering events, weddings and parties, and parked at various locations in Door County. Try the Badlands Burnt Ends Appetizer, Smoked Pulled Pork Cornbread Tacos, or That’s a Hot Italian…Beef Sandwich and more.
The HarBar
As part of the Florian II in downtown Baileys Harbor on Hwy. 57, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor waterfront view on weekends for Frozen Cocktails and drinks plus classic lunch baskets such as barbeque ribs, breaded shrimp, chicken tenders, lobster rolls and walleye. Guests are invited to play lawn sports, bring a blanket and enjoy the view.
Kettle Black
A new restaurant located at 4158 Main St. downtown Fish Creek, formerly Paul David Jewelry, offering a traditional Fish Boil, a tasty Cajun boil and non-boil meals of barbecue ribs or chicken dinner. Experience the boils on the outdoor patio or indoor dining room overlooking the beautiful bay of Green Bay where the whitefish is caught daily by local fisheries.
Kitchen Barons Public House
Located at 23 W. Oak St. on the West side of Sturgeon Bay, enjoy innovative versions of traditional sandwiches like the juicy burgers, rubbed side of pork sandwich, steak & havarti cheese sandwich, shrimp po’ boy and more. Also bowls, salads, kids menu and order online to-go.
Loft
Located on Main St. and corner of Hwy. 42, downtown Fish Creek, in an attractive outdoor covered space with a diverse menu including appetizers, salads, half-pound burgers, sandwiches, entrees with gluten free options and delicious desserts. Sip on distinctive beer, wine, liquors and cocktails while watching passersby.
Lost Tuk Tuk
Located in Ephraim in the Shorewood Village Shops at 9922 Water St., formerly Czarnuszka Soup, reopening as Lost Tuk Tuk, an Indian and Asian-inspired spot focusing on rice, noodle and curry dishes. A cozy, friendly establishment with few indoor tables and some outdoor seating.
MAX at Maxwelton Braes
Located just south of Baileys Harbor at 7670 Hwy. 57, is a newly concepted indoor-outdoor venue prepared to host a variety of unique experiences for guests, with outside catering partners and vendors, from pop-up style dinners and rotating food trucks; to local fundraisers and reunions; to casual gatherings and happy hours around the fire-pit, MAX provides ample opportunity to showcase Door County’s diverse culinary talents and to partner for a one-of-a-kind event.
Mezzanine
Mezzanine is a brand-new concept in Egg Harbor, formerly Harbor View, from the creators of Tine & Cellar and Mikey’s in Central Wisconsin. With deep roots in Door County, the food and beverage program will feel native to the area with an elevated twist. Featuring a rooftop bar, craft cocktails and picturesque sunsets over the harbor. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – located at 7821 Horseshoe Bay Road.
Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery
Located just up the hill from the Village of Sister Bay at 2450 S. Bay Shore Dr. Hwy 42, they specialize in brewing delicious, local beer in a relaxing and inviting environment with cozy seating on a 1.5 acre beautifully landscaped property with pergolas, fireplaces and a new indoor taproom.
Prince of Pierogi
Located in Ephraim at the Shorewood Village Shops, they offer Polish comfort food like dumplings with a variety of fillings to satisfy every taste, homemade Pierogi, cabbage rolls, hunter’s stew and kielbasa hot dogs in less than 10 minutes, available to go or sit outside and enjoy Polish lagers, other fine ales and wines.
Sara’s Artisan Gelato
Located at 4192 Main St. in the Whistling Swan Shops, Sara has created a true artisan Italian gelato with over 30 recipes of gelato and sorbet. The recipes are all handcrafted using traditional, Italian techniques, Wisconsin milk and high-quality ingredients using real fruit, pure nut pastes, top quality French chocolate and gelato sauces made from scratch.
Savor BBQ Co.
Savor food truck is located at 214 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay serving lunch and dinner and specializing in low and slow wood-smoked meats paired with “comfort food” sides. They feature Texas style brisket, pulled pork, chicken Texas hot links, smoked burgers, meat-topped mac & cheese and daily specials.
Savor Tex-Mex BBQ
Serving breakfast and lunch on the lakeshore next to Florian II in Baileys Harbor. The breakfast menu offers Breakfast tacos & Loaded Breakfast Boats. Lunch menu features Quesa Birria Tacos with dipping Consomme, Texas style brisket, pulled pork, Texas hot links, BBQ Loaded Nachos, Loaded Elotes, and specials.
Shiny Moon Café
A delightful open space on the second floor, just above the Fish Creek Market on Main St., serving a variety of healthy dishes from vegan to meat lovers, quiche, home baked goods, delicious coffees, wine, beer and ciders.
SIP
Door County’s colorful new coffee and wine bar, Sip, is creating quite the stir. Located in the former Rusty Rabbit Gift Shop in North Ephraim, Sip offers modern home goods, delicious food, gourmet coffee, a large outdoor patio, comfortable indoor seating with a grand fireplace, and an extensive beer and wine list. Open daily year-round.
Skaliwags Fish Creek
In the former Cookery building at 4135 Main St. in Fish Creek, Skaliwags is known for its inspired food experience by Chef Chris with a changing menu based on the freshest ingredients in-season, always including an aged Black Angus steak. Casual setting with fine dining meals.
Sunset Harbor Grill
Located on Hwy. 42, downtown Ephraim at Ephraim Shores Resort on the second floor, with gorgeous views of Eagle Harbor. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with options to satisfy all palates. Breakfast burritos, classic Ruben, perch, whitefish, ribs, pork chops and homemade desserts.
Thyme Restaurant & Twelve Eleven Bar & Provisions
Located at 10339 Hwy. 57 just south of Sister Bay, Twelve Eleven & Thyme Cuisine collaborate in a full-service restaurant (coming Spring 2022) with indoor and outdoor dining, private events, separate wine bar (now open), and provisions shop which offers wine selections, artisanal cheeses and a curated selection of local wares.
The Vault Door County
Located in the former Nicolet Bank on Hwy. 42, downtown Ellison Bay, is a family-oriented shop offering soft serve ice cream, scones, cookies and baked goods from local artisan bakery, candy and gourmet popcorn from Minocqua Popcorn & Puffs featuring 10 different flavors, all with an enchanting indoor and outdoor experience.
Wally’s Weenie Wagon
Find them between Lakeshore Adventures and Cornerstone Pub in Baileys Harbor, five days a week May through October. A former Chicagoan, Wally had a desire to offer the real Italian beef and Chicago hot dogs. They also have Gyros off the spit, lamb and chicken kabobs, French fry creations and vegetarian options. Outdoor seating available in the neighborhood.
Zeke’s Village Market
Located within steps of Sister Bay beach across from the amphitheater at 2361 Mill Road, Zeke’s is a nautical-themed village market offering grab ‘n go food, snacks, refreshments as well as fine wine, craft beer, pre-mixed cocktails and liquor. Convenient provisions perfect for a family picnic, beach day or sunset at the Waterfront Park. Find a selection of beach games, kids toys and local goods.
Zero Sum
A healthy option offering many gluten-free and vegan dishes, located at Country Walk Shops in Sister Bay. Enjoy Isley coffee, Harney & Sons tea, fruit and green smoothies, breakfast and sweet options including nutritious food-packed oatmeal, waffles, frittata and smoothie bowls.
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