Ellison Bay Top Picks
Ellison Bay has some truly incredible restaurants, coffee shops, drinking spots, shopping, and more in a beautiful setting you won’t soon forget. A tiny town tucked into a bay near the top of the peninsula, Ellison Bay is a paradise for nature, food, art, and water lovers. With a diverse selection of restaurants – from upscale dining to a fish boil spot, trendy dining locales, and diner fare – we are lucky to have a little bit of everything for everyone (and some places even deliver!). Below you’ll find a list of our favorites that we wholeheartedly recommend to all visitors.
Pioneer Store
If you forget any last minute needs for your vacation, don’t worry the Pioneer Store will save the day and is only a mile away. It looks like a very small store, but you will be surprised that they have all the essentials you need during your stay (like eggs, milk, pizza, meats, fish, paper towel, toilet paper, beer, wine, etc). This is our go-to for groceries and household necessities.
Mink River Basin
Want to get that cozy, up-north Wisconsin bar feel that has incredible food and 35+ beers on tap? We have tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all amazing and fresh. A few of our favorites are the Pork Belly Cubano, pepper butter bacon cheeseburger, lake perch po boy, and hand dipped chicken fingers. They routinely have specials each week which can include Asian night on Wednesdays, Fish Fry Fridays, Saturday Pasta nights, and homemade soups. They are always busy and it’s a great place for kids with a huge arcade room. Also, good for adults, as they have gambling machines, pool, and adult arcade games.
theminkriverbasin.com
Wickman House
Winner of the 2023 James Beard Award, The Wickman House is the definition of fine dining and an exceptional farm to table restaurant. This restaurant is on another level and is our favorite restaurant in Door County. It is full of history and has a large garden on site where they get many of the key ingredients in their own backyard. The menu changes seasonally based on what ingredients are freshest. If you like craft cocktails, they are incredible here! They take reservations and book up a month out so make your reservation early!
www.wickmanhouse.com
Blue Bear Ellison Bay
Take a walk or short bike ride less than a mile away to one of our favorite brunch spots. If you don’t feel like leaving Paddler on the Bay, they even deliver starting at 11am with a $40 minimum. Our favorites are “blue beary” pancakes, smoked pork hash, and morning bun French toast. If they have any specials with chimichurri sauce, get it! It will not disappoint. They have great brunch cocktails; our favorite is the blue bear mimosa. They just started a Ramen carryout menu this winter and people love it! While they do not take reservations for brunch, you can call ahead or go online to join a waitlist for dinner.
bluebeareb.com
Hugel Haus
It is located in the Hillside Hotel, right where you turn to get the Paddler on the Bay, so it’s close enough to take a walk or bike ride. If you like German food this is the place for you! Best known for their Schnitzel, they also have a great fish fry on Friday nights and a roaring fireplace for those cold winter nights!
hugelhausdoorcounty.com
Kick Ash Coffee and Door County Love Granola
This old, restored Lutheran church was eclectically rehabbed into a space that is home to a small batch coffee roaster and artisan granola. They have great local coffee, homemade granola, and an amazing bakery. They also have a cute gift shop with a nice selection of books, granola, and Door County décor and souvenirs.
kickashproducts.com
Brew Coffeehouse
This is another cute local coffee shop with great coffee drinks and delicious pastries to start your morning on the right foot.
facebook.com/BrewCoffeehouse
The Last Stop
This one is inside a gas station and repair stop that happens to make homemade pizzas that are really (maybe even surprisingly) good! They have free delivery which is always a bonus for nights when you’re too tired to go out!
Uncle Tom’s Candy Store
We know you’ll love this stop for homemade candy and gift ideas with pancake mixes, nuts, and gift boxes. It’s fun just to browse… or take a few goodies back home with you!
uncletomscandy.com
The Vault Door County
Get your treat fix here. With popcorn, ice cream, and root beer floats, how could you go wrong?
vaultdoorcounty.com
Island Orchard Cider
Visit the taproom for flights, full pours, snacks, and bottles to go. They even ship bottles to your home! Give the pear or apple lavender cider a try for something delicious and different.
www.islandorchardcider.com
Bea’s Ho-Made Products
This is a great shop to buy local gifts or enjoy for yourself including jams, jellies, pickles, relished, fruit syrups, and bakery. Everything is small batch and handmade with love!
www.beashomadeproducts.com
Savory Spoon Cooking School
Looking for a fun and different experience while in Door County? This cooking school offers classes that are “hands on”. The classes are 2.5-3 hours with 12 to 16 students per class and they create menus to focus on the interests of all levels of cooking experience. Some of the themes have been pasta, potstickers, brunch, seafood, and beyond! If you are looking for fun for a group or date night, give this a try!
