The Door County Fish Boil — Because a Fish Fry Lacks Pyrotechnics
Fire. Food. Fish. Looking for the quintessential Door County dining experience? Then head over to a Door County fish boil, a dinner event the whole family will enjoy. Experience the excitement of showmen (or women!) performing the age-old ritual of cooking dinner upon an open fire.
The boil master circles the fire and watches it closely. Door County fish boils are a nightly event, rain or shine!
The Door County fish boil features Lake Michigan whitefish caught by local fishermen and served fresh the same day. Fish boils are a major attraction in Door County, popular among visitors and locals alike. The Door County fish boil is a dramatic presentation and is always on display outdoors, rain or shine.
Because of the nature of the Door County fish boils, most places suggest — and some require — a reservation. You are also encouraged to arrive early, not only to assure your seat at the table but to enjoy the process of the fish boil as well. Restaurants typically ask that patrons arrive 30-40 minutes early to witness the spectacle. Children will love sitting around the fire and squeal with excitement when the flames jump high.
A boilover occurs when kerosine is added to the fire at a Door County fish boil. Photo credit: Judd Zandstra, flickr.
The Door County Fish Boil Antics
Guests and onlookers alike tend to gather around the firepit from a safe distance, approximately 30-40 minutes before serving time.
Behind the scenes, the fresh fish is cleaned and cut into chunks. Red potatoes and whole yellow onions are washed and ready.
Once the crowd has gathered, a Master Boiler will address the audience, sharing some of the history and details about the Door County fish boil. The fire is lit, and the Master Boiler and his/her assistants will bring the fish baskets to the cauldron, carefully placing the fresh catch into the kettle of boiling water. Typically, potatoes and onions are placed in their own separate baskets as well. While waiting for the fish and potatoes to cook, the crowd relaxes for a while.
When the cooking process is complete, the Master Boiler warns the onlookers as a small amount of kerosene is thrown onto the fire. The sudden and great burst of flame brings the water in the kettle to an overboil and the water in the pot spills over the sides carrying with it the foam and fish oils that have formed on the top. And now the fish is ready for diners. The crowd disperses and heads to their tables, anticipating the buttery, perfectly cooked whitefish — a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Door County fish boils are often served with melted butter, potatoes, onions, vegetables, coleslaw, and bread. Customarily, the meal is concluded with a slice of Door County Cherry Pie.
For more about the history of the Door County fish boil and to see the pyrotechnics in action, don’t miss the video at the end of this article!
There is nothing like melt-in-your-mouth, light, buttery, fresh fish caught that very same day! Door County fish boils are typically served with melted butter, coleslaw, and potatoes.
ABOVE: The Master Boiler at Pelletiers tends to the fire while onlookers enjoy the fiery display. Photo credit: LearningLark, Flickr.
The Top 5 Door County Fish Boils
- Pelletier’s, Fish Creek
- White Gull Inn, Fish Creek
- Old Post Office Restaurant, Ephraim
- The Viking Grill, Ellison Bay
- Rowley’s Bay Restaurant, Rowley’s Bay
Pelletier’s Restaurant
LOCATION: FISH CREEK
Pelletier’s Restaurant is located in Founder’s Square — a wonderful area to spend an afternoon shopping and afterward, relax with a fish boil demonstration and delicious dinner. The food is piping hot, the atmosphere lively and the dress is very casual. Because Pelletier’s has multiple boilovers nightly, chances are there will be room for you. But do expect a crowd.
- Served nightly: 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm
- Reservations suggested
- Full menu offering
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Children’s menu
- Rain or shine
- Request 40-minutes prior arrival to purchase tickets and see the process
Pelletier’s Restaurant
4199 Main Street
Founders Square
Fish Creek, WI 54212
920.868.3313
Website (needs a bit of work): http://www.doorcountyfishboil.com/
White Gull Inn Restaurant
LOCATION: FISH CREEK
The White Gull Inn is a quaint, historic B&B located in the bayside village of Fish Creek. The inn, opened in 1896, has been beautifully renovated and meticulously maintained. Fish boils are served to the inn’s guests and to the general public. The dress is semi-casual, but you’ll feel better if you dress up a tad.
- Winter: Friday 6:30 seating
- May – October: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00.
- Reservations recommended (carryout is not an option)
- Baked Chicken available for non-fish lovers
- Indoor dining only
- Children’s menu
White Gull Inn
4225 Main Street
Fish Creek, WI 54212
920.868.3517
Website: www.whitegullinn.com
Old Post Office Restaurant
LOCATION: EPHRAIM
This is Door County Mom’s favorite fish boil, not so much for the flavor (as all fish boils are incredibly delicious) but for the atmosphere and setting. Enjoy waterfront dining with a nod to the past in this historical and restored building that housed the 1900 Ephraim Post Office. When not serving Door County fish boils, guests can enjoy delicious home-cooked breakfasts featuring cherry pancakes and Belgian waffles. Dress is casual, but you’ll be more comfortable if you dress up a tad. Don’t miss this opportunity to dine while overlooking Eagle Harbor in the village of Ephraim.
- Served nightly, call for hours
- Reservations required
- Chicken or ribs are available for those who prefer an alternative
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Children’s menu
Old Post Office Restaurant
10040 Water St, Hwy 42
(located At Edgewater Resort)
Ephraim, WI 54211
920.854.4034
Website: www.oldpostoffice-doorcounty.com
The Viking Grill (Permanently closed)
LOCATION: ELLISON BAY
Venture north to Ellison Bay and visit the home of Door County’s first commercial outdoor fish boil. The Viking Grill is a friendly diner known for its amazing fish boils, but also we love their breakfasts including a large stack of their Swedish Pancakes (simply the BEST hands down!). The dress is casual and there is a small outdoor play area for impatient and active kids. Enjoy the demonstration and then sit down and enjoy the fish melt in your mouth!
The Door County fish boil was started at the Viking Grill in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin by then grill owners Annette and Lawrence Wickman when they decided to duplicate the trout boil held by local churches and civic groups but instead use the local whitefish.
- Served Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays, 5 pm and 6 pm.
- Reservations required
- Full menu featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Children’s menu
The Viking Grill
12029 Hwy 42
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920.854.2998
Find the Viking Grill on Facebook
Rowleys Bay Restaurant and Fish Boil
LOCATION: ROWLEY’S BAY
Things have changed slightly at Rowleys Bay Resort & Restaurant. Due to COVID-19, the fish boils are only available to pre-arranged groups. This means your large group, whether it be a family reunion, wedding party, or business retreat, can enjoy this special exclusive event and meal, designed just for you. Best of all, your group doesn’t need to be staying with Rowleys Bay Resort to enjoy this amazing dinner.
Rowleys Bay Resort & Restaurant features the only all-you-can-eat fish boil buffet.
In the past, the restaurant served any size party (from 1-30) and you could have as much potato, onion, and Lake Michigan whitefish as you could eat, including options from their full buffet. As an alternative to fish, a diner could enjoy chicken, pork, or meatballs. There was a salad add-on, as well as Rowley’s Bay famous chili. The dessert table included all of Grandma’s Swedish Bakery, which featured over a dozen various incredible bakery delights! Guests walked away full and happy!
Call ahead in 2021 to find out how they will be serving this year. As of this publication, details have not been confirmed.
- Served Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights — call to confirm
- Reservations required — COVID-19 Policy: Groups Only. No longer serving the public at large.
- Possibly other items on the menu — call to confirm
- Closed for winter
Rowleys Bay Restaurant and Fish Boil
1041 County Road ZZ
Rowleys Bay, WI 54210
920.854.2385
Website: www.rowleysbayresort.com
Rowleys Bay had an awful fire. They are closed.