Birchwood Lodge–Close To Sister Bay’s Top Rated Dining Destinations

In case you haven’t heard about the thriving dining destination that Sister Bay has become, let me fill you in. Sure, some restaurants have limited hours in the off season, and others may be closed until spring, but you’ll still find a variety of dining opportunities when you’re up here in winter. Lure (formerly known as Mission Grill) was once a Catholic church which still retains an interior sanctuary style, is home to a favorite dining establishment by locals and tourists alike.The menu includes a variety of seafood entrees, steaks, chicken, scrumptious appetizers and desserts and an extensive wine list. Lure is open Weds. – Sat., 5:00 – 9:00 PM. Reservations are recommended even in winter. The Waterfront Restaurant in Sister Bay, rightfully claims a stunning waterfront view (yes, even in winter) in north Sister Bay, where magical sunsets accompany a delightful menu that includes steaks, chops, seafood, pasta entrees (made fresh daily) delectable salads and desserts, and a comprehensive beverage list. They’ll host family and business holiday dinners. Reservations a must. Sister Bay’s most iconic restaurant, Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik, is known nationally and internationally for the goats grazing on the roof (late spring to late fall, weather permitting . Al even had a copyright created for the term, “the place with the goats on the roof”. Visitors are attracted by the goats and to sample the Swedish pancakes and other Swedish dishes on the menu. Al Johnson’s is only open for breakfast and lunch during the winter, so get there before 3:00 PM closes. Wild Tomato, a family favorite restaurant all year long, is open in winter:  Mon. – Thurs., 4:00 – 8:30 PM and Fri., – – Sun., 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM. They are well known for open hearth baked pizza with a long list of pizza toppings as well as their monthly  “Donation Creation” pizza. The Donation Creation is an inventive combination of unusual meats and vegetables with a quirky sauce…highly recommended for adventurous pizza lovers. Salads, soups (in winter) and sandwiches fill out the menu, with special sandwiches just for the kids. Boathouse on the Bay, has become a local favorite not only because of the harbor view with the nightly sunsets, but the full bar and live entertainment on the Flydeck, draws quite the crowd. Their menu is distinctive not only for some unusual seafood, try the Gator Bites and Church’s Chowder. Their veggie burger is unusually tasty, unlike veggie burgers you may get elsewhere. Boathouse is open from 11:00 AM- 10:00 PM, Friday – Monday, until January 1st. One of my favorite places is CHOP. It’s easy to find, just look for the two story building across from the waterfront park. The seafood (I love the walleye), staks and chops and specialty salads are tops. To take advantage of the “Early Bird Specials’, get there by 5:00 PM and get a three course meal for only $21.95. Be sure to ask for more popover rolls….the best! CHOP is open Mon,- Sat., 5:00 – 9:00 PM, and on Sundays for brunch, too. These restaurants are all within walking distance from Birchwood Lodge. So, no excuses. Come stay with us and enjoy a culinary adventure in Sister Bay for the holidays and throughout the winter. Birchwood Lodge Reservations can be made on-line at www.birchwoodlodge.com, or through our toll-free number, 866-854-7195.