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:
1. Waterfront Restaurant - Sister Bay
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.
2. Harbor House - Milwaukee
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.
3. Waterfront Warehouse - Kenosha
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.
4. Top Deck Restaurant - Bailey's Harbor
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.
5. The HobNob - Racine
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.
6. Gib's on the Lake - Kewaunee
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.
7. Donny's Glidden Lodge Restaurant- Sturgeon Bay
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.
8. Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn - Bayfield
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.
9. Chef's Hat - Ephraim
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.
10. Reefpoint Brewhouse - Racine
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.
11. Deep Water Grille - Ashland
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.
12. Barnacle Bud's - Milwaukee
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.
13. Oconto Dockside Inn
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.
Looking for more restaurants that provide great vistas while you dine? Check out this gorgeous lookout restaurant in Wisconsin.
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