With football season fast approaching, it’s time to break out the ol’ green and gold and gather with friends and family at a local bar or restaurant to cheer on the Green Bay Packers! But what if you’re not a Packers fan? Are there still fun and friendly places for you to watch the game? No need to worry! Door County attracts a variety of people from all over the country, and there are several places to watch the game with friends and foes alike, complete with delectable bar food, overflowing drinks, and friendly banter. So, if you’re with Da Bears, a Skol Viking, a Packers cheesehead, or simply a football fan, pull up a chair (or barstool) at one of these great places to watch a football game in Door County.
5. Bayside Tavern, Fish Creek
Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek is a favorite among locals and visitors alike! You can watch football at the bar or seated in the restaurant all year-round, keeping warm in the cold winter months with hot apple cider or their famous Bayside Flaming Coffee. Other drinks include a long list of ciders, imports & crafts, and a rotating list of 18 beers on tap to suit every taste! Of course, no football game is complete without a wide array of snacks and appetizers, and Bayside Tavern delivers! Munch on onion rings, cheese curds, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, and so much more during the first half, and enjoy dinner during the second half with chili, burgers, fish, homemade pizza, and even hot dogs or bratwurst, better than any stadium’s offerings. Make sure to get to Bayside early—seats fill up fast!
4. One Barrel Brewing, Egg Harbor
One Barrel Brewing in Egg Harbor is one of the best places to watch the game in Door County, with massive TV screens that can be seen both inside and outside! In early fall, relax by the fire pit with a craft beer in hand or belly up to the outdoor bar to watch the Packers take on their rivals. This brewery boasts plenty of seating space either inside or outside for your large party, and it’s family-friendly with board games and retro video games for young ones to play. With 15 beers on tap on a consistent rotation, try something new each time you visit! There’s plenty to eat, too—partnered with Pizza Bros, one of the best pizzerias in Door County, eat woodfired pizza with a range of tantalizing toppings, like the Taco Porko with chili-rubbed ground beef and street corn; the Mother Cluckin’ BBQ with smoked chicken thigh, bacon, and BBQ drizzle; or the Mactastic, with mac ‘n cheese and every cheese you can think of!
3. Mink River Basin, Ellison Bay
Mink River Basin is a fun townie sports bar that’s a little bit of a hike all the way up in Ellison Bay, but you can’t beat the good vibes and great food. Featuring large flat-screen TVs all over the bar and restaurant, you won’t miss a minute of the game! If you’re looking for a good cold drink that pairs well with football, Mink River Basin is the place to be, with an ever-changing rotation of 35 tap beers and the largest selection of bourbon, rye, and scotch in Door County (150, in case you were curious!) Despite the bar atmosphere, Mink River Basin is kid-friendly too, with the largest arcade in northern Door! There are plenty of games for adults to play as well, such as pool and shuffleboard, in case the game on TV isn’t going the way you want it. Of course, a great bar is going to have great bar food, so order a basket of French fries or nachos for the table to share, and enjoy chicken wings, burgers, tacos, or fish for dinner.
2. Thirsty Cow Taphouse, Baileys Harbor
Owned by former Chicago residents, Thirsty Cow Taphouse in Baileys Harbor is the only self-pour taphouse in Door County, and it’s one of the most fun places to visit for a Packers game! Game-day specials include 10% off the tap wall, a raffle drawing for a free pour after each Packers score, and a free T-shirt to the fan with the most team spirit! Their 25 taps are also on a constant rotation, but only featuring Wisconsin-made local and craft beer. There are even six taps of cocktails, including the Moogarita, Cow Punch, Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet, and so much more! Their shareable appetizers are the best pre-game to the meal, with their iconic Tipsy Tots smothered in cheese, house pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and bacon; Rooster Wings with six house wing sauces; and a giant Brewhaus Pretzel that nearly weighs a pound! Burgers are Thirsty Cow’s specialty, with thick patties coming topped with cheese curds and ranch dressing, or bacon and tater tots, or even an over-easy egg, peanut butter, and lingonberry! Enough about the food now—what about the football? Even if the Packers is the team of choice, the environment is fun for everyone, with friendly service from servers and an easy-going atmosphere from patrons. Watch the game inside at a table or outside on the patio, with string lights and cushioned chairs for your comfort. During halftime, play a game of giant Connect 4, cornhole, or some board games, and remember to refill your glass!
1. Husby’s, Sister Bay
This is perhaps the most popular place to watch any football game in Door County, regardless of who you root for. Fans from all over flock to Husby’s in Sister Bay not just to watch the game, but to enjoy the camaraderie and team spirit that each football fan has! With the famous accolade of Door County’s “original sports bar,” you can watch the game on 14 flatscreen TVs inside and out, either at the restaurant, the bar, or the Garage. The Garage Bar menu is more limited than the inside menu, but it still offers an excellent selection of bar food like nachos, tacos, and sliders, and you can sip on a specialty cocktail or boozy slushie on comfortable couches, on the outdoor patio, or at the bar. Though the Garage closes in October, the fun doesn’t stop there! Visit Husby’s in the winter for “pub grub” like jalapeño poppers, chicken wings, burgers, pizza, and delicious nightly specials. While Husby’s definitely gets busy on game day, the football fun, spirited atmosphere, and friendly banter simply can’t be found anywhere else in Door County.