Folks like to think of this as flyover land, but we Wisconsinites know that our Great Lakes afford us some very gorgeous coastline. We know there are tons of great places to eat along our rivers and smaller lakes, but for this topic, we’re sticking to the restaurants right along our coasts or very close to them. Even if the weather isn’t nice enough for outdoor meals, the lake views many of these restaurants afford make them great places to eat no matter the time of year. In no particular order, here are the 13 best coastal restaurants in Wisconsin:
- Waterfront Restaurant - Sister Bay
Yelp/Waterfront Restaurant
Yelp/Jordin S Near the tip of Door County on the interior bay side, this restaurant features a seasonal menu, hand-rolled pasta and a great wine list. Located at 10961 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234. To learn more, visit the official website for Waterfront Restaurant in Sister Bay.
- Harbor House - Milwaukee
Flickr/Lisa L
Yelp/Heather L This is an iconic Milwaukee restaurant location, and Harbor House has been doing it proud for years, serving amazing, fresh seafood and innovative dishes in a gorgeous setting. Located at 550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202. To learn more, visit the official website for Harbor House.
- Waterfront Warehouse - Kenosha
Yelp/Christine K
Yelp/John L People head here for unique burgers and loaded fries of all kinds. Casual, delicious and on the water - what more could you want? Located at 3322 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140. To learn more, visit the official website for Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha.
- Top Deck Restaurant - Bailey’s Harbor
Yelp/Patrick B
Yelp/Kate G On the calm shores of the small North Bay, Top Deck lives up to its name, offering stunning views from their second floor restaurant. Part of Gordon Lodge, the building used to be the boathouse and now serves guests pizza, pasta, seafood and stunning sunsets. Located at 1420 Pine Dr, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. Visit Top Deck Restaurant’s website to learn more.
- The HobNob - Racine
Yelp/Mick B
Yelp/Rachel H A classic Wisconsin supper club for more than 50 years, this place is retro, fun, chock full of steaks and a total experience. Save room for a frozen cocktail. Located at 277 Sheridan Rd, Racine, WI 53403. Visit The HobNob’s website to learn more.
- Gib’s on the Lake - Kewaunee
Yelp/Gibs on the Lake
Yelp/Eve L Just about 15 minutes north of Two Rivers on the Lake Michigan coast sits one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin. Gib’s is part supper club, part family restaurant. They’ve got the requisite steaks and seafood, but also feature a broasted chicken and a fish fry. Something for everyone in a beautiful setting. Located at N110 WI-42, Kewaunee, WI 54216. To learn more, visit the official website for Gib’s on the Lake.
- Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant- Sturgeon Bay
Yelp/Erika R
Yelp/Erika R You’ll find upscale surf n’ turf here in a charming, stone-walled building perched right on Lake Michigan. It’s more upscale, but should be on your must-visit Door County list. Located at 4670 Glidden Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. To learn more, visit the official website for Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant.
- Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn - Bayfield
Yelp/Old Rittenhouse Inn
Yelp/Old Rittenhouse Inn Part of the Rittenhouse Guest House, this restaurant is in a sprawling Victorian setting. Though the meal can be fancy, the restaurant encourages visitors to come as they are, dressed in comfort to dine on some delicious food. The epitome of refined elegance meets a slow, peaceful summer vacation. Located at 303 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814. To learn more, visit the official website for Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn.
- Chef’s Hat - Ephraim
Yelp/Christine C
Yelp/Nemrata D This cozy cottage serves up spectacular meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a patio that’s perfect for breakfast in the summer months. Located at 3063 Church St, Ephraim, WI 54211. To learn more, visit the official website for Chef’s Hat in Wisconsin.
- Reefpoint Brewhouse - Racine
Yelp/Kim S
Yelp/Tony F Located right on the Harbor, Reefpoint serves what they call “elevated pub grub.” In warm months, they’re the perfect place to sample local beers and enjoy Sunday brunch outside. Located at 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway, Racine, WI 53403. To learn more, visit the official website for Reefpoint Brewhouse.
- Deep Water Grille - Ashland
Yelp/Sue S
Yelp/Josie M It’s actually Deep Water Grille, the Alley Restaurant and South Shore Brewing all rolled into one here. Deep Water is tasty, innovative and upscale food in a casual environment. Don’t forget to try to locally brewed beers. Located at 808 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806. To learn more, visit the official website for Deep Water Grille.
- Barnacle Bud’s - Milwaukee
Yelp/Jennifer J
Yelp/Dylan A It takes some work to find it, but when you do, you’ll never want to leave. The atmosphere is an amazing mix of city folks chilling on a dock on an industrial canal drinking and having a good time. It’s an experience. Located at 1955 S Hilbert St, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Visit Barnacle Bud’s website to learn more.
- Oconto Dockside Inn
Trip Advisor/Elaine S
DocksideOconto.net Fish frys, sandwiches, pasta, steak and of course, a fish boil at a superb, friendly restaurant on Green Bay. Located at 1302 Harbor Rd, Oconto, WI 54153. Visit Oconto Dockside Inn’s website to learn more.
Have you eaten at any of the best coastal restaurants in Wisconsin? Where else do you like to dine along and near the coast? Let us know in the comments.
Yelp/Waterfront Restaurant
Yelp/Jordin S
Near the tip of Door County on the interior bay side, this restaurant features a seasonal menu, hand-rolled pasta and a great wine list. Located at 10961 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234. To learn more, visit the official website for Waterfront Restaurant in Sister Bay.
Flickr/Lisa L
Yelp/Heather L
This is an iconic Milwaukee restaurant location, and Harbor House has been doing it proud for years, serving amazing, fresh seafood and innovative dishes in a gorgeous setting. Located at 550 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202. To learn more, visit the official website for Harbor House.
Yelp/Christine K
Yelp/John L
People head here for unique burgers and loaded fries of all kinds. Casual, delicious and on the water - what more could you want? Located at 3322 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140. To learn more, visit the official website for Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha.
Yelp/Patrick B
Yelp/Kate G
On the calm shores of the small North Bay, Top Deck lives up to its name, offering stunning views from their second floor restaurant. Part of Gordon Lodge, the building used to be the boathouse and now serves guests pizza, pasta, seafood and stunning sunsets. Located at 1420 Pine Dr, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. Visit Top Deck Restaurant’s website to learn more.
Yelp/Mick B
Yelp/Rachel H
A classic Wisconsin supper club for more than 50 years, this place is retro, fun, chock full of steaks and a total experience. Save room for a frozen cocktail. Located at 277 Sheridan Rd, Racine, WI 53403. Visit The HobNob’s website to learn more.
Yelp/Gibs on the Lake
Yelp/Eve L
Just about 15 minutes north of Two Rivers on the Lake Michigan coast sits one of the best restaurants in Wisconsin. Gib’s is part supper club, part family restaurant. They’ve got the requisite steaks and seafood, but also feature a broasted chicken and a fish fry. Something for everyone in a beautiful setting. Located at N110 WI-42, Kewaunee, WI 54216. To learn more, visit the official website for Gib’s on the Lake.
Yelp/Erika R
You’ll find upscale surf n’ turf here in a charming, stone-walled building perched right on Lake Michigan. It’s more upscale, but should be on your must-visit Door County list. Located at 4670 Glidden Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. To learn more, visit the official website for Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant.
Yelp/Old Rittenhouse Inn
Part of the Rittenhouse Guest House, this restaurant is in a sprawling Victorian setting. Though the meal can be fancy, the restaurant encourages visitors to come as they are, dressed in comfort to dine on some delicious food. The epitome of refined elegance meets a slow, peaceful summer vacation. Located at 303 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814. To learn more, visit the official website for Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn.
Yelp/Christine C
Yelp/Nemrata D
This cozy cottage serves up spectacular meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a patio that’s perfect for breakfast in the summer months. Located at 3063 Church St, Ephraim, WI 54211. To learn more, visit the official website for Chef’s Hat in Wisconsin.
Yelp/Kim S
Yelp/Tony F
Located right on the Harbor, Reefpoint serves what they call “elevated pub grub.” In warm months, they’re the perfect place to sample local beers and enjoy Sunday brunch outside. Located at 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway, Racine, WI 53403. To learn more, visit the official website for Reefpoint Brewhouse.
Yelp/Sue S
Yelp/Josie M
It’s actually Deep Water Grille, the Alley Restaurant and South Shore Brewing all rolled into one here. Deep Water is tasty, innovative and upscale food in a casual environment. Don’t forget to try to locally brewed beers. Located at 808 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806. To learn more, visit the official website for Deep Water Grille.
Yelp/Jennifer J
Yelp/Dylan A
It takes some work to find it, but when you do, you’ll never want to leave. The atmosphere is an amazing mix of city folks chilling on a dock on an industrial canal drinking and having a good time. It’s an experience. Located at 1955 S Hilbert St, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Visit Barnacle Bud’s website to learn more.
Trip Advisor/Elaine S
DocksideOconto.net
Fish frys, sandwiches, pasta, steak and of course, a fish boil at a superb, friendly restaurant on Green Bay. Located at 1302 Harbor Rd, Oconto, WI 54153. Visit Oconto Dockside Inn’s website to learn more.
Looking for more restaurants that provide great vistas while you dine? Check out this gorgeous lookout restaurant in Wisconsin.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 10947 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234, USAAddress: Harbor House Drive, Harbor House Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53224, USAAddress: 3322 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53140, USAAddress: 1420 Pine Dr, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USAAddress: 277 Sheridan Rd, Racine, WI 53403, USAAddress: GIBS ON THE LAKE, N110 WI-42, Kewaunee, WI 54216, USAAddress: Donny’s Glidden Lodge Restaurant, 4670 Glidden Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235, USAAddress: 303 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, USAAddress: 3063 Church St, Ephraim, WI 54211, USAAddress: 2 Christopher Columbus Causeway, Racine, WI 53403, USAAddress: Deep Water Grille, 808 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806, USAAddress: Barnacle Bud’s, 1955 S Hilbert St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USAAddress: 1302 Harbor Rd, Oconto, WI 54153, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best coastal restaurants in Wisconsin September 03, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? For some magnificent fish dinners, visit St. Paul Fish Company. This scrumptious restaurant is known for whipping up amazing lobster rolls. Believe us, you’ll want to make this place your go-to spot for tasty seafood. If you loved this place, you should also check out Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and stellar meals will keep you coming back for more. And to make things even better, this restaurant is known for their affordable prices. Stop by and see what the fuss is all about! What are the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin? There’s nothing quite as magical as relaxing near a shimmering body of water. And when you’re dining on mouthwatering meals, it’s a match made in heaven. If you need some ideas for your next dinner adventure, check out our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin. This article showcases some of the most incredible eateries the Dairy State has to offer. What are the best restaurant patios in Wisconsin? There are so many lovely restaurant patios in Wisconsin. And The Nelson Stone Barn is no exception. You’ll love their authentic wood-fired pizzas and stunning pastoral atmosphere. Campo di Bella, located in Mt Horeb, is another exceptional outdoor eatery. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals, and you’ll love every bite. Craving even more? Visit Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. Their magnificent salmon dinners, refreshing cocktails, and breezy patios are truly wonderful. It’s a fantastic place to go for a date night!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best coastal restaurants in Wisconsin
September 03, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best seafood restaurants in Wisconsin? For some magnificent fish dinners, visit St. Paul Fish Company. This scrumptious restaurant is known for whipping up amazing lobster rolls. Believe us, you’ll want to make this place your go-to spot for tasty seafood. If you loved this place, you should also check out Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and stellar meals will keep you coming back for more. And to make things even better, this restaurant is known for their affordable prices. Stop by and see what the fuss is all about! What are the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin? There’s nothing quite as magical as relaxing near a shimmering body of water. And when you’re dining on mouthwatering meals, it’s a match made in heaven. If you need some ideas for your next dinner adventure, check out our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin. This article showcases some of the most incredible eateries the Dairy State has to offer. What are the best restaurant patios in Wisconsin? There are so many lovely restaurant patios in Wisconsin. And The Nelson Stone Barn is no exception. You’ll love their authentic wood-fired pizzas and stunning pastoral atmosphere. Campo di Bella, located in Mt Horeb, is another exceptional outdoor eatery. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals, and you’ll love every bite. Craving even more? Visit Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. Their magnificent salmon dinners, refreshing cocktails, and breezy patios are truly wonderful. It’s a fantastic place to go for a date night!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For some magnificent fish dinners, visit St. Paul Fish Company. This scrumptious restaurant is known for whipping up amazing lobster rolls. Believe us, you’ll want to make this place your go-to spot for tasty seafood. If you loved this place, you should also check out Salty’s Seafood in Fond du Lac. The casual atmosphere, friendly service, and stellar meals will keep you coming back for more. And to make things even better, this restaurant is known for their affordable prices. Stop by and see what the fuss is all about!
What are the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin?
There’s nothing quite as magical as relaxing near a shimmering body of water. And when you’re dining on mouthwatering meals, it’s a match made in heaven. If you need some ideas for your next dinner adventure, check out our list of the best waterfront restaurants in Wisconsin. This article showcases some of the most incredible eateries the Dairy State has to offer.
What are the best restaurant patios in Wisconsin?
There are so many lovely restaurant patios in Wisconsin. And The Nelson Stone Barn is no exception. You’ll love their authentic wood-fired pizzas and stunning pastoral atmosphere. Campo di Bella, located in Mt Horeb, is another exceptional outdoor eatery. This farm-to-table Italian restaurant serves nothing but scrumptious meals, and you’ll love every bite. Craving even more? Visit Boathouse on the Bay in Sister Bay. Their magnificent salmon dinners, refreshing cocktails, and breezy patios are truly wonderful. It’s a fantastic place to go for a date night!