Singing for Your Supper

In a twist on the old adage ‘singing for your supper,’ many Door County restaurants now offer singing (or playing) while you sup.

The menus and musicians at these restaurants are varied enough to appeal to people with differing tastes in food and music and make for an enjoyable dining experience. Here are a few to check out.

Joe Jo’s Pizza and Gelato in Ephraim is not the first place one would expect to hear live music. The cozy little restaurant is more reminiscent of Grandma’s lodge, with quilts and decorative plates on the wall, than it is of a music café. However, the comfortable environment actually provides a nice – if a little noisy – backdrop for music acts. Recently, I saw singer/guitarist Katie Dahl perform at Joe Jo’s. Dahl has a lovely, folksy voice reminiscent of Emmylou Harris. She did an extensive set of covers, singing and accompanying herself on an electric-acoustic guitar. As for the food, Joe Jo’s serves homemade pizza, boasts 18 flavors of gelato, and is a great place for families and people who are looking for a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy quality music in.

For those looking for more hearty fare, Florian II Lakeshore Rib and Steakhouse in Baileys Harbor offers a selection of pork and poultry, steak and seafood in the evening and a breakfast buffet in the morning. Paul Maclaine performs contemporary music every Friday and Saturday in the piano bar from 6 – 10 pm. The restaurant is planning to host Big Mouth and the Power Tools, a blues and jazz band, starting around the end of July. Florian II is right on the lakeshore and offers a beautiful view of the water to enhance the dining and listening experience.

Of course, I can’t write about music and dining without mentioning Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Bar and Grill in Sister Bay. I’ll admit that Fred & Fuzzy’s has a soft spot in my heart. The live music by the Nicks at 7 pm every Tuesday plus the savory food, variety of drinks and gorgeous view has quickly made this a favorite destination of mine. My best advice: try the deep-fried green beans. Now, I know what you’re thinking, because I was thinking the same thing when my waiter suggested them, but trust me on this one – they’re amazing.

The next time you go out to eat, try to find a place that also offers live enterainment (check our events calendar for a complete list). Not only will you get a meal and a chance to relax, but you are also likely to hear some wonderful music.

Some other restaurants offering regular dinner entertainment (call for details or check the Pulse events calendar):

T. Ashwell’s (Piano)

White Gull Inn (Accordian)

Inn at Kristopher’s (Piano)

Sage

Villagios (Italian vocalist)

English Inn (Keyboard)

Fred and Fuzzy’s (Acoustic)

Top Deck at Gordon Lodge

Mission Grille (Jazz)

The Cork Restaurant and Pub