Door County: Coffee Shops (and a Fish Boil)

Ok, there are a LOT of coffee shops in Door County, so this is not at all an exhaustive list. These are, however, my favorites. (Plus my favorite fish boil.)

This is a popular stop in DC – not surprising once you try their coffee, tea, pastries, or food. They flavor roast their beans on the premise (they also give tours – there is a cost, but you get coffee and pastry samples), and you can find their coffee in many other shops even outside of DC (my grocery store here in Green Bay even carries it). If you are looking for a place for breakfast or lunch, look no further (I highly recommend the ‘Hashbrown’ Potato Bake, though that is breakfast only). They also offer a full coffee menu, and their pastry display is hard to walk by without taking one or two treats to go. They even have a drive-thru window.

If you don’t come for the tasty food or the scrumptious coffee, come for the view. This coffee shop is located right across from the Fish Creek beach, looking out over the waters of Green Bay. You can view their menu online through the online order option.

This is a recent addition thanks to a ladies weekend with my high school friends. One of them recommended this place, and I’ve been back several times since. The drinks are great, the food is delicious, and the bathrooms have neon signs directing you to please seat yourself. 😂

This is the newest addition to my favorite stops – their focus is healthy, local food with vegetarian and organic options. It was a lovely spot to sit, eat, and write while sipping on a chai latte. There are many other shops nearby, so you can walk off any sweet treats you can’t resist buying.

I understand that the idea of boiled fish sounds…well, not at all appetizing – but believe me, it’s DELICIOUS. The whitefish is moist and flaky and, along with red potatoes, onion, and corn on the cob, it’s smothered in butter. (There is also a scoop of cole slaw, a beverage of your choice*, and locally made cherry pie, which you can opt to eat ala mode.) And the BEST place to experience a fish boil is at Pelletier’s in Fish Creek.

You will need to call ahead to make reservations and arrive early – they do fill up in the busy season, so hoping there’s a table is never a good idea – make the reservation. After you have checked in, head outside to listen to the boil master as he walks you through the process and history. If nothing else, make sure you are there (but stand back) for the boil over.

*Beverages include milk, coffee, soda, lemonade, and tea. They have beer on tap for extra. Ala mode is three dollars extra. Also, if you are going to be dining with someone who doesn’t like fish, there are other menu options.

Hours listed above are all for the summer. If you are traveling in the late fall, winter, or early spring, make sure you double check their websites (or even call).

If you are traveling with a pup, please note that DC Coffee, Blue Horse (out back), and Pelletier’s all have outdoor seating. You will need to keep your pup outside while you order.