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New Door County eatery pays homage to the past

History highlights a speakeasy vibe at Welcker's Lounge in Fish Creek

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June 28, 2023

FISH CREEK – Patrons are taken back in time to the Prohibition era at Welcker’s Lounge, a newly opened speakeasy-themed pub and eatery in Fish Creek.

Established in 2023, owners Steve and Lisa Devroy have brought the roaring 1920s back to Door County.

Located at 4192 Main Street in Fish Creek, the lounge is housed in the former restaurant space of The Whistling Swan, the Door Peninsula’s oldest operating inn.

“The Whistling Swan has a great history and when deciding a direction for our new restaurant we wanted to pay homage to its past,” Steve said. “I think, in all honesty, the building chose us – the history made it no question we needed to be a part of it.”

The building as it stands today, Steve said, is very different from the past.

Originally called the Lumberman’s Hotel, the building was actually built in Marinette in 1889.

“(Around 1906), the entire hotel was disassembled and brought across the Green Bay winter ice by a team of horses to Fish Creek,” he said.

Steve said in 1907, it became part of Welcker’s Resort and Casino and was filled with elegant furnishings, Asian rugs and a grand piano that all arrived from Sheboygan and Milwaukee.

“I think the history behind the building is what makes our business so unique,” he said. “Entering the lounge, it feels cozy and you can catch a glimpse of the original piano still standing.”

Steve said the lounge’s walls are covered in vintage photos of Fish Creek and other nostalgic nods to the era as they’re visually guided back in time to the height of Welcker’s Casino.

Steve Devroy said the lounge’s walls are covered in vintage photos of Fish Creek and other nostalgic nods to the building’s history. Photo Courtesy of Welcker’s Lounge

“The speakeasy theme comes to life the moment you enter the building,” he said. “We try to transport you back to the era by the full revamp of the building, wearing 20s-inspired clothing and much more.”

Menu options
Steve said the food and beverages at Welcker’s Lounge are a bit on the gourmet side, again with a nod to history.

“For brunch, we offer The Big Cheese, a breakfast charcuterie board that includes mini pancakes, French toast sticks, granola, artisan cheeses, meats, fruit, candied bacon, etc.,” he said.

Also on the brunch menu is the lounges’ signature dish, made in honor of Fish Creek – the Fresh Catch Pretzel, which Steve said is creatively served on a hook with homemade dipping sauces.

A signature brunch dish at Welcker’s Lounge, made in honor of Fish Creek, is the Fresh Catch Pretzel, which is served on a hook. Photo Courtesy of Welcker’s Lounge

Omelets, quiche, cinnamon rolls, potato pancakes, scallop eggs Benny and other classics are also served.

For evening starters, Steve said diners can choose from a variety of “intros” – such as The Chump and Bootleggers Beef.

Two of the most popular starter options at the eatery, Steve said, are the Octopus Tower, which includes grilled octopus and garlic heirloom tomatoes topped with micro cilantro, and the Lemongrass Grass Lump Crab Cakes, which are rolled in breadcrumb panko and served with an avocado cilantro yogurt sauce.

Dinner selections, Steve said, take to the land and sea with options, such as the Lucky Luciano Lamb, Martha Far’s Invite and the Swanky Salmon.

“Our most sought after entrée is our filet mignon, a seven-ounce prime cut served with sautéed mushrooms and onions,” he said.

Twice a week, Steve said guests can also listen to live music.

Specifics on days, times and performances are available on Welcker’s Lounge website (welckers.com) and on the establishment’s Facebook page.

Starting off seasonal
Currently, Steve said Welcker’s Lounge is open seasonally but that could soon change.

Co-owner Steve Devroy said Welcker’s Lounge is a family-owned and -operated business and treats its customers like family. Photo Courtesy of Welcker’s Lounge

“We hope in the future we can expand to year-round,” he said. 

Steve said he and Lisa are excited to be part of the Fish Creek and Greater Door County community as they continue to get their feet wet as restaurant owners.

“We are a family-owned and operated business and treat our customers like family as well,” he said. “We hope our business can grow into a staple of the Fish Creek community. We love this area and are excited to be a part of it.”

TBN
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