Burtons on the Green: What Most People Get Wrong

Burtons on the Green: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re driving down Horseshoe Bay Road, the kind of winding Door County path that makes you want to roll the windows down even when it’s brisk, and you see it. The Alpine Golf Course. Most people just keep driving toward the water, thinking the only place to get a decent meal is the big, flashy resort. But honestly? They’re missing out on the actual soul of the place.

Burtons on the Green isn't some corporate franchise tucked into a strip mall. It’s the "off-season" heartbeat of the historic Alpine Resort in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. If you've been searching for it online and getting confused by a grill in Massachusetts or a village in the UK, you’re looking at the wrong map. This is pure Door County.

Why Burtons on the Green is the local secret

Most tourists flock to Burton's on the Bay during the humid summer months because, well, it’s on the water. It’s gorgeous. But when the leaves start to turn and that lake wind gets a little too bitey, the action shifts inland to the clubhouse.

Burtons on the Green takes over the historic clubhouse from October through May. It’s a bit of a seasonal handoff. While the waterfront spot takes a nap, the "Green" becomes the place for locals to actually hear themselves think. It’s cozy. Think wood-beamed ceilings, views of the fairways that look like a painting in the winter, and a fireplace that actually gets used.

Executive Chef Tony Gorham doesn't just phone it in because it's the "winter spot" either. The menu is surprisingly tight. We’re talking classic American cuisine that actually tastes like someone in the kitchen cares.

The food you actually want to eat

You’ve probably been to those golf course grills where the food is an afterthought to the 18th hole. This isn't that.

  • The Breakfast Game: Their breakfast burritos are massive. Not "I can eat this and go for a run" massive, but "I might need a nap before my tee time" massive.
  • The Friday Fish Fry: If you’re in Wisconsin and you don’t have a fish fry, did you even visit? They do perch, cod, and walleye that’ll make you realize why people stand in line for this stuff.
  • The Cocktails: It’s a clubhouse, so the bar is legit. Their Old Fashioneds are the real deal—muddled cherries, oranges, the whole nine yards.

Kinda funny thing—some people complain it gets a little chilly inside because it’s a historic building. Honestly? Just wear a sweater. It’s part of the vibe. You’re in a building that has seen decades of Door County history; a little draft is just the house breathing.

Breaking down the schedule (Because it’s confusing)

Here is the thing about Door County: everything is seasonal. If you show up on a Tuesday in January, you're going to be disappointed.

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Usually, they’re open Wednesday through Saturday for the full trifecta—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They run from 8 am to 8 pm. Sunday is strictly for the breakfast crowd, serving from 8 am to about 11:30 am. That’s when you get the bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, which is basically a local religion at this point.

Don't expect it to be open in July. That's when everyone is down at the Bay location. It’s a weird seasonal dance, but once you get the rhythm, it makes sense.

Is it actually "Good"?

Nuance is important. If you’re looking for Michelin-star molecular gastronomy, you’re in the wrong county. But if you want a stuffed pork chop or a bowl of soup that actually tastes like it was made from a real stock pot, Burtons on the Green hits the mark.

People like Noah Langenfeld and Christie Johnston (real diners, not AI bots) have raved about the views and the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your name if you show up two days in a row. That counts for a lot when everything else feels like a transaction.

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What most people get wrong about the location

Don't put "Burtons Grill" into your GPS. You'll end up at a very nice, but very different, chain restaurant in a mall somewhere in the suburbs of Massachusetts or Georgia.

The address you need is 7670 Horseshoe Bay Road, Egg Harbor, WI. It’s tucked right into the Alpine Golf Course. If you see people swinging clubs or—depending on the month—cross-country skiing, you’re in the right spot.

Practical steps for your visit

If you're planning to stop by, keep these three things in mind:

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  1. Check the Calendar: Since it's the winter-focused spot, their hours can shift based on the weather or resort events. Give them a quick ring at (920) 868-3000 just to be sure.
  2. Dress for the "Historic" Vibe: As mentioned, it’s a classic clubhouse. It’s charming, but it’s not a hermetically sealed modern box. Layers are your friend.
  3. Go for Breakfast: While dinner is great, the breakfast at the clubhouse has a specific kind of magic. The light hitting the greens through those big windows is the best way to start a Door County morning.

Basically, Burtons on the Green is the local's version of the Alpine experience. It's less about the "look at me" waterfront and more about the "let's have a good meal" community. It’s worth the short drive from downtown Egg Harbor.

To get the most out of your trip, check the Alpine Resort’s official dining page for the most current seasonal menu, as Chef Gorham tends to swap things out based on what’s fresh. If you're visiting in the transitional months of May or October, double-check whether they've officially moved operations back down to the Bay or up to the Green.