I just got back from Door County, Wisconsin, a fantastic, relaxing vacation spot about 6 hours north of Chicago. There are so many places to eat and drink, you could spend a month there and still not have time to try every restaurant. But this list is a good start to finding some of the best grub. Please note that most of these restaurants close early or have seasonal hours, so call ahead!

Bread & Water, 1275 Main Rd., Washington Island, (920) 847-2400

This kitchen turned out one of the best simple salads I’ve ever eaten: baby spinach topped with green apple slices and bacon with Dijon vinaigrette. They also bake their own breads and pastries and use organic and local products whenever possible.

The Cherry Hut, 8813 Hwy. 42,
Fish Creek, (920) 868-3406

Door county is known for their cherries, and this is a one stop shopping center for all your cherry needs! I was determined to pick up a freshly baked pie before going home, and what better place to have them than The Cherry Hut? I was especially lucky—I was able to score one so fresh it was still piping hot and cooling by the door. You can also find cherry jam, chocolate-covered cherries, cherry wheat beer, cherry wine, cherry baking mixes, cherry salsa…

DC Deli, 531 Bayshore Dr. (Hwy. 42), Sister Bay, (920) 854-4514

This is a very cute hybrid of ice cream shop, sandwich shop, and casual coffee house that serves some traditional deli fare (BLTs, corned beef, and the like) and some unusual specials like the Cajun Burger topped with peanut butter and salsa.

The English Inn, 3713 Hwy. 42, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3076

If you want an upscale meal and dessert, this is the place to go. The dining room is dimly lit and decorated in the style of an English castle; it’s the perfect place for a special date. The prices here are a bit high, but the portions are substantial so you don’t feel cheated. The Clam Chowder alone was almost enough for a meal, and it came with some very tasty, subtle garlic bread. Although I ordered the Prime Rib medium rare, it was still red and bloody. After a short second firing in the oven, it was still a little underdone according to my definition of medium-rare, but after one bite it didn’t matter. The meat was so tender and juicy that I may never order steak any other way. Sadly, I had no room for dessert, but the list was so extensive you may want to start there.

Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, 360 Little Sister Rd., Sister Bay,
(920) 854-4013

Our guidebook said that this was Door County’s “best-kept secret” with a great view, so it seemed like the perfect place to get dessert and chill out. The desserts were decidedly not homemade, but you come to Fred & Fuzzy’s for the breathtaking sunset and a drink, not necessarily the food. However, the decadent Ultimate Chocolate Cake with a chaser of milk scratched my chocolate itch.

Husby’s Food & Spirits, 10641 N. Bayshore Dr. (Hwy. 42), Sister Bay, (920) 854-2624

We went here once for dinner and once for drinks. The menu is not extensive, but they make a tasty portobello sandwich with cheese and red onion with slaw on the side. Husby’s is where I discovered Muscato, a dessert wine reminiscent of orange juice.

Old Post Office Restaurant, 10040 Water St. (Hwy. 42), Ephraim,
(920) 854-4034

When you’re in Door County, you can’t avoid restaurants that specialize in traditional fish boils. We decided to try the Post Office with memorable results. This was a fine example of dinner and a show. Boil Master Earl told us the history of the fish boil (punctuated by fish puns) while our meal cooked inside an iron cauldron in the restaurant’s backyard. The fresh Lake Michigan whitefish was tender, subtly salty, and accompanied by homemade rye, zucchini, lemon, and pumpkin breads; slaw, boiled potatoes and onions, a beverage and cherry pie (another omnipresent Door County specialty) for only $19.

Second Story Restaurant, 10018 Water St. (Hwy. 42), Ephraim, (920) 854-2371

This is a basic, no-frills restaurant with all the sandwiches, entrées, and salads you’ll find at any neighborhood joint, but it provides a great panoramic view of Eagle Harbor on Lake Michigan. The Black Russian—roast beef, ham, and Swiss served warm on toast with horseradish mayo and a pickle really hit the spot.

The Shoreline Restaurant, 12747 Hwy. 42, Gills Rock, (920) 854-2950

After a day at the beach, The Shoreline is a perfect place to unwind and watch the boats float by in a quiet little patch of Green Bay. The Pheasant Mushroom-Potato soup and a side salad with homemade croutons were perfect beginnings to a meal of Baked Scallops, shredded, sautéed veggies, and fresh fruit including champagne grapes.