Over the years, we’ve enjoyed many great breakfasts at these top Door County breakfast restaurants. Each one has its special dish that we keep going back for, and we plan around them each trip. As we’ve started to dine out with a toddler, these breakfast stops haven’t had to change much as they are each child friendly (some more than others). Our secret these days is to go right when they open, which helps beat the crowds in peak season. Regardless, each one is worth the wait, and they usually aren’t too bad. It’s hard to say that these are in order, but we’ll just say they’re all in a close tie. Without further ado, here are our top Door County breakfast Restaurants!
White Gull Inn
This is our favorite stop for breakfast on our trips, the White Gull Inn located in Fish Creek. The dining room is large, but be careful of a wait during the peak season and prime breakfast hours. When it’s nice out, dining on the patio is a nice option and usually has a shorter wait if you’re willing to sit outside. We have settled into 2 favorite dishes that we split. The door county cherry french toast is incredible and definitely what the White Gull Inn is known for. Every bite of this is delicious, and the side of bacon is perfectly cooked. The other dish we split is the Nice Guy Hash. This perfectly crisp bunch of hashbrowns comes topped with cheese, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. A perfect mix of savory and sweet between the two dishes.
Once you’re done, check out their gift shop by the cash registers. They have some nice books and decorations and we seem to always find something to take home.
The Old Post Office
In a close second is The Old Post Office in Ephraim. The view can’t be beaten for Door County breakfast dining. Arrive early for your pick of a table outside that overlooks Eagle Harbor. The dining room is also open, and the big windows allow you to see the water as well. They have several classic breakfast items, but our favorites are the airmail belgian waffles with cherries and the bulk-rate blueberry pancakes. Both are good-sized portions and are sure to fill you up before some outdoor adventures. On your way out, don’t forget your bottle of Curts seasoning. This is a classic Door County item that goes great on everything at the dinner table.
Chef’s Hat
Chef’s Hat is another great breakfast spot in Ephraim. With a smaller patio than the Old Post Office, it can be hard to get an outdoor seat during the peak season. The views of Eagle Harbor are wonderful while you eat. We’ve found our favorite dishes to be their scrambles. The Matzke is a go-to, with a great blend of flavors including bacon, ham, and andouille sausage. Another favorite is the southwest, with toppings from andouille sausage to guacamole. Each scramble includes a freshly baked scone, croissant, or toast. We highly recommend the scones, which the flavors change over time.
Good Egg
A small breakfast spot, Good Egg is located on the south side of Ephraim (wow, Ephraim has great breakfast options). Good Egg is a small building with only outdoor seating. There are surfboards and other spots to sit around the building, with the ones up front having the best view of the water. As you enter the building, you’re greeted with your drink order while you wait for your spot on the griddle to free up. Once it’s your turn you get to pick the ingredients for your breakfast burrito. There are a few different wrap options, then add your choice of potatoes, meat, and ingredients that change based on the season. Our favorite is when they have corn and black bean salsa. If you’re in a hurry, they offer online ordering through their app, which you can pick up and go.
Carroll House
The Carroll House in Sister Bay is a great stop for a classic breakfast. Located on the main highway into Sister Bay, it’s a small building with a smaller dining room and breakfast counter. The service is always fast, and a nice secret is calling in a to-go order to take back home to eat instead of dragging everyone out early in the morning. Their corned beef hash is our favorite, along with the chocolate chip pancakes, in which there is no shortage of chocolate chips in. Out of all the breakfast options, this is one of the most reasonably priced.
Others
Of course, there are plenty of other breakfast stops in Door County, and no we have not hit them all. These are a few others that we’ve tried and liked or have heard are good and just haven’t gotten to try yet.
- Sunset Harbor Grill in Ephraim
- Blue Horse Beach Cafe in Fish Creek
- Village Cafe in Egg Harbor
- Julie’s Cafe in Fish Creek
