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Patio Drive-in (and Motel)-Sister Bay, Wisconsin

The Patio Drive-in (and Motel)

10440 Orchard Drive (can be seen from Hwy 57)

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

920-854-1978

The Patio Restaurant is a bit of a "blast from the past."  They do have a small indoor dining room, but most people pull up under the overhang, get out and order at the window.  You have to read from menu boards, as there is no printed menu. The person who takes your order slides up a little window and talks to you through a screen.  When you food is ready, she slides it out on a tray. You can eat in your car, or round the corner and eat at a picnic table.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from late May until late October. You can get breakfast in the dining room from 8-11 a.m. Lunch and dinner items are available from 11 a.m. until closing, which tends to be about eight or nine o'clock.  It's a great little place to go before you head to the Skyway Drive-In movie theater in Ephraim.  It won't be crowded, you can have a quick meal and skip the popcorn, and then hop onto County Trunk Q, which is just south of the Patio, which takes you back to highway 42 in Ephraim.  From there you head south about two minutes to the theater.

The burgers are made with locally-raised beef, and are made fresh.  You can tell that the soups are home-made when you taste them, and the same goes for the chili (served Wisconsin-style with macaroni). There are daily specials and picnic plates, which feature a freshly grilled bratwurst or hot dog with homemade potato salad and baked beans.

If you are looking to buy the kids ice cream on your trip and don't want to spend a mint, go to the Patio.  They have delicious malts, shakes and soft serve and ice cream for a fraction of what the touristy custard companies charge.

The restaurant is family-friendly, and does not serve alcohol.  The dining room is smoke- free. There is a small playground out back to occupy the kids while waiting for your order, too.

If you happen to eat inside, take a gander at the "International Family" Map. Since the year 2000, many international students have worked at the Patio, and the countries they have come from are designated on the map. You may detect a bit of an accent from the staff, many of whom have come to the United States to work, improve their English skills, and learn about our culture.