Food for the obvious reasons, drink because you’ll hear quite a bit about the potent “bitters”—an antifreeze-proof Scandinavian tradition still served in local pubs in Washington Island. If you can stomach a shot, you’re in the club.

An island delicacy is a “lawyer.” No, not the counselors, but rather another name for the burbot, a mud-dwelling gadid fish with barbels on the chin.

To-live-for Icelandic pancakes and Norwegian barkram pankaka—cherry and cream filled pleasures—are the house specialties at breakfast at Sunset Resort (Old W. Harbor Rd., 920/847-2531, 8–11 a.m. daily July–Aug., Sat.-Sun. only June and Sept., $2–7). This local hot spot serves morning grub, including homemade breads.

Landmark Bitter’s Pub and Restaurant (Main Rd., 920/847-2496) is in Nelson’s Hall, a century-old structure in the center of the island. Famed for its Bitter’s Club, initiated in 1899, it draws about 10,000 visitors annually. Bitter’s is the best elbow-rubbing option on the island; the restaurant is classic Americana—steaks, seafood, and chicken. A $5 breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner are served daily. Fish boils are held three days per week.