Where to Dine Outdoors in Door County

Summertime is peak dining season in Door County, which means local restaurants are currently churning out some of their best, brightest, and boldest dishes of the year. 

Some local dining spots are now offering dine-in service for those who want the full experience of a restaurant. But, for those who want to drink and dine in the open air this summer, there are plenty of outdoor dining and seating options. 

Just remember—when you can, it’s a good idea to try to dine during restaurants’ off-hours or rush periods to do your part to reduce crowding and maintain physical distance from other parties.

Restaurants with Outdoor Dining

If enjoying a fantastic meal with the sun on your face and a cool breeze in the air is one of your must-dos on vacation, look no further. 

There’s a restaurant with an outdoor patio or sidewalk seating in nearly every Door County community, and many are open all day for breakfast/brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.

Bonus: just about every meal or activity is made better with a view of the lake, so also check out these dining spots with water views.

Restaurants with Takeout

If you're looking for takeout dining options when you’re up here this summer, you will not be disappointed. Dozens of local restaurants are continuing to offer takeout and curbside pickup for guests who prefer to dine offsite, and some are only offering to-go services. 

If you have the time and ambition, pick up the freshest produce and ingredients you can buy at a farmers market and cook up something special at your rental home. Many food shops and markets are now open for the season and offer fresh produce, flowers, bread and bakery items, meat, eggs, and more. Or, find some grab-and-go items and eat them on a walk or in town.

Picnic Spots

Whether you go the takeout or the grocery route, you’ll be in need of a beautiful place to enjoy your open-air meal. Consider one of these public outdoor greenspaces that offer plenty of elbow room for a socially distanced meal.

• Many state, county, and municipal parks are equipped with picnic tables and designated picnic areas, grills, day-use campsites, and plenty of grassy areas perfect for an outdoor meal. Pack up a picnic kit with snacks and drinks as well as a blanket, sunscreen, and an activity like playing cards or a Frisbee and enjoy the sun and the space.
  
  
• Beaches and shorelines make for stunning backdrops for a casual meal. Grab some sandwiches from a deli or snacks from a bakery and find a quiet place along the Door County’s hundreds of miles of shoreline. Some communities are set up so that you can grab to-go food or snacks and simply cross the street to admire the lake or or the bay from a bench or boat launch area.
  
  
• Many lodgings offer outdoor spaces for guests to use, so consider eating on a patio, dock, or bench/seating area, right at home on your vacation rental’s property. 

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