06/09/2024
Door County’s New Restaurants for 2024
By Door County Pulse , June 6th, 2024
Among the long list of new businesses opening doors in Door County this year are 20 new restaurants, coffee shops or event spaces. In some cases the names are familiar, but the menu and ownership has changed. Take a look and make your plans to try these new eats this summer.
Anatolia Cuisine, 9922 Water St. S., Unit 7, Ephraim
Mukhtar Aghazada, an Azerbaijan, Turkey native, first came to Door County as a J-1 student in 2017. His restaurant located in the former Lost Tuk Tuk building features Turkish food, such as kebabs, falafel wraps and kofte.
Villagio’s Italian Steakhouse, 7778 Hwy 42, Egg Harbor
Diners have long awaited this former Juddville restaurant to reopen into the former Trio, and it has now happened. The outside of the building looks similar, but the inside has had some significant updating. As the name suggests, Italian dishes, pizza and steak are on the menu, in addition to liquor, beer, wine and a cocktail list that includes lighter, Italian-inspired creations, along with American classics.
Gatsby’s Grille (at Maxwelton Braes lodge), 7680 Hwy. 57, Baileys Harbor
New restaurant owners have brought the food back to Maxwelton Braes Lodge. The restaurant recently held a soft opening for the lunch and dinner menus, and a social media review said the lobster bisque was creamy, the shrimp and chicken pasta excellent, and a meatball sandwich a diner’s favorite.
Inland Door County, 8085 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor
You’ve seen the papered-over windows at the former Willow Clothing Co. location. You’ve seen the ‘Pizza Coming’ written on one of those. You know the space is being renovated for a new restaurant’s home and while it’s not quite there yet, it’s coming. Stay tuned.
Roost + Banter, 8093 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor
Classic espresso drinks with seasonal specials. Breakfast, lunch and baked goods, all made in house. Wine and beer, with indoor and outdoor seating. Open every day of the week, every week of the year.
The Augusta Club, 8048 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor
A third generation now owns the former Florian II and are adding their own business-twist to the established supper club at its lakefront location. The building will now primarily be used as an events center for people to gather and celebrate (wedding, family reunion, corporate event, fundraiser – you name it) with some in-season music nights (stay tuned for details).
Cuesta Coffee, 12625 Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42), Ellison Bay
Eat, drink, journey on – that’s the laid-back theme of this far-north coffee house that has an Ellison Bay postal address but is really in Gills Rock. (The blueberry-basil iced matcha was a recent drink of the moment.)
La Piazza, 12029 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay
This new restaurant is being added to the Blue Bear and Della Porta site, this one located behind the building, and features a different menu and wine list than either of the other two restaurants.
Osteria Tre Tassi, 11976 Mink River Road, Ellison Bay
A new Italian restaurant reopened in the former Wickman House through a three-person partnership, including the former executive chef of Della Porta, also in Ellison Bay. Expect fresh-from-the-garden produce and herbs to compliment the hand-made pastas and locally sourced proteins, with an impressive wine list and hand-crafted cocktails available to enhance the experience.
Backroads Deli, Top of the Hill Shops, 9331 Spring Road, Fish Creek
This newly opened deli offers an array of sandwiches, paninis, fresh salads, charcuterie boards, and more. The owners say the favorites so far are the Sagan’s Sicilian, the Ba Da Bing, the Bacon Cuban, and the Anna Pat (vegetarian and vegan options available). A bit of insider news: the deli is owned and operated by the same team behind Sol Grass Music Festival on Washington Island.
Base Camp Coffee Bar, (behind Ecology Sports), 10740 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42), Sister Bay
The cry was heard ‘round Northern Door when this popular coffee spot closed shop in 2020. Now, the casual cafe with a French twist is back, this time out behind Ecology Sports instead of in the basement.
KOKOS Ice Cream, 2363 Mill Road, Sister Bay
A Nashville, Tennessee favorite brought to Door County, serving plant-based ice cream and specialty coffee drinks.
Elmo’s Wood Fired Pizza, 143 N. 4th Ave., Sturgeon Bay
This new restaurant’s motto is “Pizza that Hits the Spot Every Time,” and if that spot craves the wood-fired variety, you’re in the right place. Quality ingredients, customizable pizzas – what more could you want?
LoLo’s Food Truck, boppin’ around the city, Sturgeon Bay
Gourmet-on-the-go deli sandwiches, salads and charcuterie from family recipes (Lois was the matriarch’s name, and great-grandmother of the owner).
Gloria’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, 23 W Oak St.
These business owners own the Morning Glory restaurants (Morning Glory of Door County, Morning Glory by the Bay and Morning Glory on Baileys). Their new Mexican eatery honors one of their moms, Gloria, and her specialty recipes that reflect the food culture of Chihuahua and Michoacan, Mexico.
LoLo’s Food Truck, boppin’ around the city
Gourmet-on-the-go deli sandwiches, salads and charcuterie from family recipes (Lois was the matriarch’s name, and great-grandmother of the owner).
The Door County Boardwalk, 1023 Egg Harbor Road, Sturgeon Bay
An entertainment venue, that is home to Virlee Gunworks Shooting Center, Door County Sandbox – and ax throwing, golf, bar and restaurant – and Door County Gala (for weddings and events).
Sunrise Food and Drinks, 1463 Egg Harbor Road, Sturgeon Bay
This restaurant opened over the past year in the old Subway store across from Walmart and serves up American and Mexican breakfast and lunch items, with a small liquor menu also, including a variety of mimosas.
Taqueria Neri Food Truck, 214 Michigan Ave., Sturgeon Bay
You don’t have to sacrifice homemade, authentic Mexican food because you don’t have time to sit down at a restaurant when you’ve got this order-and-go option to enjoy the taste of Mexico.
Shoreline Restaurant, 12747 Hwy 42, Gills Rock
The restaurant long owned by Mike and Mary Mead has retained the Shoreline name, but with a different menu under new owners Bob and Mekaila Novitski
