A Guide to Winter in Door County: Foodie Adventures
Whether you plan to spend your trip tromping through snow, learning something new, or shutting out the rest of the world in front of your in-suite fireplace, you’re going to need to eat. Fortunately, your options for winter eating and drinking in Door County are better than they’ve ever been.
If you need ideas for how to work up an appetite, check out our Outdoorsy Getaway guide and our Romantic Getaway guide.
Sample an experimental Hacienda beer at Door County Brewing Company
The folks behind Door County Brewing Company created Hacienda Beer Company in 2017 to give them the freedom to take risks without letting down fans of reliable favorites like Little Sister witbier and Lost Camper helles lager. Hacienda brews its beer on location at the Door County Brewing Co. tap room and music hall in Baileys Harbor. Current draft selections include Divine Herb, an IPA inspired by Thai iced tea and brewed with lactose sugar, Rishi Thai black tea, tamarind, and spices; and A Means to an End, a Mexican-hot-chocolate-inspired stout brewed with Pasilla peppers, Mexican vanilla, cacao, nutmeg, and vanilla. Visit the Hacienda or DCBCo. websites to view current draft lists.
Treat your palate at Stone’s Throw Winery
The vintners of Stone’s Throw Winery have been making award-winning wine from California-grown grapes since 1993. In addition to making high-quality wines, it was recently named Wisconsin’s best wine bar by Lux Magazine. The tasting room is open daily during the winter.
Savor a sandwich at Blue Horse Beach Cafe
Blue Horse Beach Cafe is a Fish Creek fixture. No matter the day of the week, no matter the time of year, the cafe turns out deeply satisfying breakfast and lunch favorites like clockwork. If you can’t decide what to order, trust us and try the curried chicken sandwich. It defies expectations and delivers moist, perfectly seasoned curried chicken salad nestled between slices of flavorful focaccia.
Loosen your tie for Casual Midweek Dinner at Whistling Swan.
The Whistling Swan keeps it casual — and more wallet-friendly — for mid-week dinner service during the winter season. Enjoy some of the same menu items as the more formal weekend menu, or enjoy a dish in a new way. The formal dinner menu’s prime rib lets loose a bit and becomes a sandwich on the casual menu, finished with horseradish and onion straws.
Sample smoked whitefish at Charlie’s Smokehouse
No one will stop you at the county line, but if you leave Door County without sampling smoked fish from Charlie’s Smokehouse, have you really experienced Door County? The family-run smokehouse in Gills Rock was started in 1932 with a cigar box for a cash register, and today it is a must-stop for anyone looking for an iconic Door County experience.
Bring home a souvenir from Fat Louie’s Olive Oil Company
Fat Louie’s is the go-to source for olive oils, vinegar, condiments, wine, spirits, and they even have a large selection of hot sauces suitable for the most enthusiastic heat seeker. Fat Louie’s has a standalone retail store in Egg Harbor, but you can also find their wares at Door Peninsula Winery, Barrel Room, and Root Bistro.
Discover global flavors at Clover & Ash Public House and Craft Kitchen
Everyone has Door County favorites they revisit year after year, but the peninsula has also been the site of culinary innovation in recent years. The most recent addition to the dining landscape is Clover & Ash in Baileys Harbor. Its fresh menu uses global flavors to give local ingredients a welcome jolt of energy. The wine and beer lists were curated with care, including a handful of vermouths that are perfect as an aperitif.
