What is it about the Door County Fish Boil that makes food writers, travel
columnists, visitors, and locals sing its praises?
Maybe it's the main ingredient - steaks of mild, delicate whitefish fresh from
the local waters of Lake Michigan. Perhaps it's the fiery spectacle of the "boil
over" that signals it's time to eat. Most assuredly the savory combination of
ingredients that fill the boiling kettle plays a strong role.
One fact everyone seems to agree on - the end result is delicious.
What began as an economical way to feed large, hungry groups of lumberjacks and
fishermen has become an integral part of the Door County experience.
It all starts with a hot wood fire under a kettle of salted water. When the
temperature is just right, the boil master adds to the kettle a porous steel
basket filled with small potatoes and onions. A few minutes later, another
basket with the fresh whitefish steaks is added and the water is brought back to
a rolling boil.
At just the right moment, a dose of kerosene is tossed onto the fire, causing it
to blaze well over the top of the kettle - to the accompaniment of clicking
cameras. The superheated fire causes the water to boil over the kettle's sides,
dousing the flames while carrying off the fish oil that has collected on the
surface.
With the use of a metal pole, the baskets are lifted from the kettle, drained,
and then served up with a generous drizzling of butter. Even people who say they
don't like fish have been known to change their minds.
Second servings are expected, so don't be shy. But save a little room for the
traditional dessert. You guessed it - Door County cherry pie.
You'll find the authentic Door County Fish Boil served at restaurants throughout
the county, but you won't find the real thing anyplace else.
The following restaurants offer fish boils.
| Baileys Harbor |
Sandpiper Restaurant
8177 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, (920) 839-2528
Serving May 21st-June: Mon-Sat at 5:30pm
Mid-June: Mon-Sat at 5:30 & 6:30pm
July & Aug.: Mon-Sat at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm
September: Mon-Sat at 5:30 & 6:30pm
October: Mon-Sat at 5:30pm |
| |
| Egg Harbor |
|
Village Café
7918 Hwy 42, (920) 868-3342
Fish boils by special arrangements for parties of 30 or more, evenings only.
|
| |
| Ellison Bay |
|
Viking Grill
12029 Hwy 42, (920) 854-2998
April-Fri night
Serving Tues, Fri & Sat in May from 4:30-7pm
Serving nightly from June 19th through October 18th from 4:30-7pm+ |
| |
| Ephraim |
Old Post Office Restaurant
10040 Water St & Hwy 42, (920)
854-4034
First boil of the season is May 16th.
May & June: nightly except Sundays at
5:30pm &
6:45pm
July & August:
5:15pm,
6:30pm &
7:45pm
Sept. & October:
5:15pm,
6:30pm, Fri. & Sat. at
7:45pm |
| |
| Fish Creek |
|
Pelletier's Restaurant,
Founders Square
(920) 868-3313
Serving May 16th through October 18th nightly from 5pm to close every half hour
White Gull Inn
4225 Main St, (920) 868-3517
Serving Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Summer- May 14th-Aug 31st
at 5:45pm, 7pm & 8:15pm
September & October – call for times
Serving Fish Boils every Friday in the Winter at 7pm. |
| |
| Jacksonport |
Square Rigger Galley
6332 Hwy 57, (920) 823-2408 or (920) 823-2404
Serving nightly- mid-June through August 5:30pm, 7pm &
8:30pm.
Sept. & Oct.: Sun-Wed at
5:30pm and Thurs-Sat at
5:30pm &
7pm.
Winter fish boils every Fri & Sat. at
5:30pm.
Call ahead for times. |
|
The Mill Food & Spirits
4128 Hwy 42 & 57, (920) 743-5044& 57, (920) 743-5044
First boil of the season is June 12th serving through October 11th
Tuesdays and Thursdays at
5:30pm & 7:00pm.
Serving times and reservation policies vary, call ahead for specifics. Reservations are
recommended. It is recommended that you
arrive a half hour earlier than your reservation time so you can watch the boil
over |
| |
Sturgeon Bay
| Washington Island |
K.K. Fiske Restaurant and The Granary
1177 Main Road
Washington Island, Wi. 54246
(920) 847-2121
Fish Boils served Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 6pm to 9pm. |
| |
|
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Harbor Fish Market & Grille
Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, (920) 839-9999
Serving Fri –year round 5-9pm
Additional boil Weds in
season
Outdoor Seating Available
|