Door County’s Best Outdoor Eats and Drinks

When the sun is shining, and the breeze is coming off Lake Michigan, there's no better place to grab a drink and a few Door County delights than a patio. Whether you’re in the mood for a frosty local brew, a handcrafted cocktail, a refreshing mocktail, or a mouth-watering meal, you’ll find an array of outdoor spaces perfect for soaking up the sights and tastes of our peninsula.

Start planning your outing with a few of our favorite outdoor bars and restaurants. You’ll discover dog-friendly spaces and mocktail menus to delight non-drinkers and designated drivers. Get ready to sip, savor, and sit a while at some of the best places in Door County to relax outside with great food and tasty drinks.

The Thirsty Cow Taphouse

Baileys Harbor

The first and only self-pour tap house in Door County is in Baileys Harbor at The Thirsty Cow Taphouse. The 25 self-service taps feature a wide variety of beers, ciders, seltzers, and cocktails from Wisconsin breweries and distilleries. Pour a small sample, such as half a glass or a full pint, to try a variety of local flavors at your own pace. Non-drinkers can choose from non-alcoholic beer, craft sodas, milk, and juice boxes.

Pair your perfect pour with a bite from a bold and playful menu. Choose from comfort food favorites, including Cowabunga Curds (golden-fried Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds served with homemade ranch for peak cheesy indulgence), Walleye Fingerlings (walleye filets cut into bite-sized pieces, lightly hand-breaded, and fried golden brown), and the Boss Bovine (a juicy burger stacked with bacon, Wisconsin Cheddar, creamy coleslaw, and BBQ sauce). For the grand finale, order the Cow Pie, a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie crowned with marshmallow and caramel drizzle.

One Barrel Brewing

Egg Harbor

With a beer garden, expansive menu, and pizza connection, One Barrel Brewing is the perfect place to soak in the Wisconsin sunshine while sipping something cold. Whether you’re craving a crisp cider, refreshing seltzer, handcrafted soda, or one of their signature small-batch beers, One Barrel serves up quality and character in every pour. Grab a table with friends, bring the kids, and don’t forget your furry companion — dogs are welcome in the outdoor space. Even better, Pizza Bros dishes out piping-hot pies from inside the taproom, making it easy to pair your pint with a slice (or three) of cheesy goodness.

Born from a commitment to craft and a love of the process, One Barrel Brewing has been serving up approachable, high-quality brews since 2012. What began with small batches and a simple mantra — “Handmade in small batches with love” — has grown into a beloved brand with a loyal following. But while the scale may have grown, the heart remains the same. Every beer and cider is brewed with premium ingredients and a whole lot of passion. 

Blue Bear

Ellison Bay

The charming, family-owned farm-to-table restaurant Blue Bear specializes in an all-scratch menu built around what’s fresh and in season, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. With plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, Blue Bear makes it easy for everyone to enjoy wholesome, delicious meals. Their cozy and dog-friendly outdoor patio is the perfect place to start your day with a hearty brunch or wind down with a leisurely dinner under the stars.

Complementing Blue Bear’s delicious dishes are seasonal coffee creations, handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated wines, and local beers. For brunch-goers looking to skip the buzz, there is a line of creative mimosa mocktails made with non-alcoholic prosecco. 

Sip

Ephraim

Start your day with a specialty coffee and breakfast bite, grab lunch with friends, or wind down with a flavorful dinner and a glass from the rotating beer and wine list at Sip. This vibrantly colorful restaurant delivers a cheerful dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. The menu complements the colorful dishware and sunny interiors and is sure to boost your mood.

The diverse offerings at Sip are thoughtfully designed with everyone in mind, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to ensure everyone finds something delicious. The kitchen takes pride in serving food that’s not only fresh and flavorful but also visually stunning, with bright ingredients that turn every plate into a piece of art. Moreover, a selection of mocktails caters to non-drinkers, offering a non-boozy spritz, margarita, and ginger mule. Whether you’re a foodie, a coffee lover, or someone just looking for a cozy, creative space to relax, Sip is the place to soak up the colorful spirit of Door County.

Stabbur Beer Garden

Sister Bay

Beside the iconic Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, is the uniquely Scandinavian twist on the classic Wisconsin beer garden — Stabbur Beer Garden. The exterior bar, situated within a traditional Nordic-style building, boasts 20 rotating taps of beer and an interior that doubles as a massive walk-in beer cooler. But the drinks don’t stop at beer: house specialties like the Stockholm Cooler (a refreshing original by Al Johnson’s executive chef Freddie Bexell) and the Bloody Mary (inspired by the restaurant’s beloved Tomato Dill Soup and created by Rolf Johnson) add personality and flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Non-drinkers can choose from a selection of non-alcoholic wines, beers, and the St. Agrestiis Phony Negroni mocktail.

Whether you're lounging in the grassy outdoor space, listening to live music, enjoying your comfort food ordered from the Stabbur Kӧk (Kitchen) Window, soaking in the Scandinavian design and festive, inviting energy, or all of the above, Stabbur is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink in style. The charming, turf-covered roof building that serves as one of Sister Bay’s most eye-catching commercial structures (there are goats on the roof, weather permitting!) is worth the visit. Add in the friendly vibe, curated drinks, and a prime location steps away from waterfront attractions, and you’ve got a Door County tradition in the making. Skål to that!

Lure

Sister Bay

Known for its locally sourced fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, and seasonal specialties, Lure pairs quality ingredients with creative flair. Indulge in an artisan cocktail or a Wisconsin-made draft while enjoying dinner on the lush garden patio, breezy covered porch, or in a cozy booth indoors. With nightly specials and a warm, welcoming ambiance, every visit feels like a special occasion. Don’t miss their Famous Friday Fish Fry, complete with a slice of Door County cherry pie on the house.

Make time for Happy Hour, daily from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the bar, where guests can enjoy discounted cocktails, an impressive wine and beer selection, sushi, small plates, and Lure’s iconic $5 Wisconsin Old Fashioneds. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or prefer a zero-proof mocktail, the bar menu is crafted to impress. Reservations are encouraged, but spontaneous stops are always welcome at this gem of the Door County culinary scene.

Northern Grill & Pub

Sister Bay

Northern Grill & Pub boasts an inviting outdoor beer garden, where you can savor delicious drinks in the fresh Wisconsin air. From ice-cold beers and curated wines to craft cocktails and zero-proof options like non-alcoholic beers and mocktails, there’s something for everyone. 

The menu features a variety of creative dishes, all carefully prepared. Start with the Okee Dokee Artichoke (cream cheese, garlic, and artichoke dip with fried pita), cheese curds, fried calamari, and more. Choose your own pizza toppings or order fun combinations, such as The G.O.A.T. (Door County Creamery Cherry Chevre, mozzarella, applewood-smoked bacon, topped with arugula and balsamic drizzle). A wide selection of salads, sandwiches, and dinner entrees of grilled salmon, spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, and more are offered daily, while the Friday Night Fish Fry is a must for those seeking a traditional Wisconsin supper club-style treat. 

Wickman's 2 Brews

Sturgeon Bay

Wickman’s 2 Brews pours only Wisconsin craft beer, from crisp lagers to bold stouts, so you can experience the state’s brewing excellence one flight at a time. Located near Sturgeon Bay’s public alcohol consumption area, you can even take your drink to go while exploring downtown. With a cozy, pet-friendly patio and a rotation of live music, events, and smoked meat Thursdays featuring pork and chicken wings, Wickman’s is more than just a bar; it’s a hub of good times and community connection.

Start your day with a smooth Black Cat espresso or an expertly crafted cup of Intelligentsia Coffee, and stay for the beer when happy hour hits. Whether you're in the mood for a cold brew, nitro, or a fresh pint, Wickman’s has you covered from sunrise to last call. And thanks to its prime location near Martin Park and Sturgeon Bay’s 3rd Avenue events, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink before, during, or after local festivities. 

Kitty O'Reilly's

Sturgeon 

Kitty O’Reilly’s Irish Pub blends the charm of old Ireland with the energy of a modern-day gathering spot in Sturgeon Bay’s Historic West Side. Whether you’re settling in for a meal or a lively evening with friends, Kitty’s is the authentic pub experience you’re looking for. The menu boasts hearty Irish favorites, fresh seafood, burgers, tacos, and an impressive lineup of domestic, craft, and imported beers. The pub’s welcoming layout features a lively interior, cozy dining room, and pet-friendly patio.

Raise a glass and explore an impressive drink menu that includes Scotch and Irish whiskeys, Irish craft beers, premium cocktails, and a selection of wines. Weekly entertainment, including live music and pub events, keeps the place buzzing, while appetizer and drink specials flow during Happy Hour Monday through Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It all adds up to a lively, flavorful experience that feels like a warm Irish welcome with every visit. Sláinte!

Sonny's Pizzeria & Bridge Up Brewing

Sturgeon Bay

Famed for its Chicago-style hand-tossed pizzas, savory pasta, crispy wings, and satisfying sandwiches, Sonny’s Pizzeria is the go-to spot for authentic Italian comfort food made with love. Whether you’re dining indoors, enjoying a breeze on the waterfront patio, or sipping cocktails at the rooftop tiki bar, you’ll find every bite as fun as it is flavorful. And with regularly scheduled live music and entertainment, it’s easy to linger a little longer.

Complement your meal with a drink from their impressive full-service bar, featuring Wisconsin’s best tap beers, craft cocktails, a curated wine list, and over 40 unique brews from their on-site partner, Bridge Up Brewing. Yard games, an outdoor fireplace, and unbeatable views of ships arriving in port make Sonny’s a lively social hub and the perfect place to eat, drink, and soak in the Sturgeon Bay spirit.