On the shores of Lake Superior, the small town of Bayfield and its neighboring South Shore communities punch far above their weight when it comes to memorable food. Travelers heading out to explore the Apostle Islands will find chef-driven lakeside dining, laid-back taverns, and cozy waterfront patios all within an easy drive of the ferry dock and marinas. The focus here is on local ingredients, fresh fish, and heartfelt hospitality that reflects the character of northern Wisconsin.
The Bayfield Inn: Classic Lakeside Dining in the Heart of Town
Steps from the Bayfield waterfront, The Bayfield Inn has become a staple for travelers who want to pair Apostle Islands views with a full-service dining experience. The property looks directly over the harbor, so you can watch sailboats, ferries, and tour boats glide in and out while you eat. Inside, the inn’s main dining spaces balance traditional Northwoods warmth with crisp, contemporary finishes, creating a setting that works for everything from a casual breakfast before a cruise to a more polished dinner after a day on the water.
The Lakeside Dining Room is the inn’s culinary centerpiece. Here the menu leans into comforting Midwestern fare informed by the region’s ingredients, with a strong emphasis on Lake Superior fish and seasonal produce from local farms. The kitchen is led by chef Duane “Duey” Bohnert, a decorated regional chef with decades of experience who has earned repeated honors at area culinary competitions. His approach favors familiar flavors that are elevated by careful technique and thoughtful presentation rather than trend chasing.
Beyond the main dining room, the property offers several distinct ways to eat and drink under one roof. The Lounge, tucked just off the lobby, is an inviting stop for a glass of wine, a classic cocktail, or a local beer, and it often becomes a relaxed gathering spot for both hotel guests and year-round residents. In warmer months, The Deck, a rooftop venue, comes into its own. It is Bayfield’s only rooftop bar and dining space, offering casual lunch and dinner options along with sweeping harbor views that stretch to Madeline Island and the outer Apostles on clear days.
Because The Bayfield Inn is open through the seasons, it is a reliable option even in the quieter months when some smaller operations hibernate. In summer and early fall it can be wise to plan ahead, especially if you want to time a meal with a cruise departure or return. The combination of location, culinary consistency, and views makes it one of the most convenient and rewarding choices in town.
Harbor Table in Washburn: Lakefront Dining Along Chequamegon Bay
Just south of Bayfield in the town of Washburn, Harbor Table offers another perspective on Lake Superior dining. Attached to The Washburn Inn and facing the marina, the restaurant sits directly on the shoreline, with big windows and an outdoor patio that keep the water in view from almost every seat. It makes a natural stop for travelers driving the scenic stretch of Highway 13 that links Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland, or for paddlers and boaters exploring Chequamegon Bay.
The atmosphere at Harbor Table is relaxed but polished, with a historic bar anchoring the interior and a lake-view dining room that feels brighter and more open than a traditional supper club. The menu highlights what the restaurant calls “Superior food and cocktails,” with a mix of approachable dishes that often feature regional fish, Wisconsin cheeses, and hearty, shareable plates. While the exact offerings change, visitors can expect a balance of familiar comfort food and slightly more contemporary options suited to lingering over a drink.
One of Harbor Table’s strengths is its versatility. It operates as a sit-down restaurant for regular service but is also designed to host events, from small celebrations to larger gatherings. That means the staff is accustomed to handling groups, which can be useful for families or paddling clubs traveling together on an Apostle Islands-focused trip. In summer, the patio becomes especially appealing, catching long evening light over the marina as sailboat masts clink in the background.
For travelers staying in Bayfield, Harbor Table is an easy side trip that broadens the dining options beyond the compact downtown. The short drive south parallels the shoreline, offering glimpses of the lake almost the entire way, and the more open setting in Washburn can feel like a pleasant change of pace after a busy day among tour boats and ferries.
Poncho’s Tavern in Cornucopia: Laid-back South Shore Flavor
On the west side of the Bayfield Peninsula, the tiny community of Cornucopia sits on a natural harbor a short drive from some of the most scenic stretches of shoreline near the Apostle Islands. Poncho’s Tavern has emerged as one of the village’s most popular gathering places, capturing the easygoing character of the South Shore. It is the kind of spot where locals, anglers, paddlers, and road-tripping visitors end up side by side at the bar or around a table.
The menu at Poncho’s reflects the tavern’s deep connection to Lake Superior. Fresh fish is a point of pride, and the kitchen sources its catch from nearby Halvorson Fisheries, a longstanding commercial fishery based in Cornucopia. That short supply chain means whitefish and other lake species often go from boat to plate with minimal delay, and diners can taste that freshness in simply prepared, satisfying plates. Alongside the fish, Poncho’s is well known for generous pizzas and other casual tavern staples that work well after a long day outside.
Inside, the tavern leans into its Northwoods personality. The walls are lined with mounts of local deer, bear, and fish, each one a visual reminder of the surrounding forests and waters. There is a pool table that doubles as the home base for the local “Corny” pool league, and the calendar features regular events from weekly bingo to periodic live music by regional performers. On Green Bay Packers game days the place can fill quickly, with potluck spreads, fans in jerseys, and a festive, noisy atmosphere.
For travelers, Poncho’s offers more than just a meal; it is an immersion in the social life of a small Lake Superior harbor town. Its location makes it particularly convenient for those visiting the nearby sea caves, hiking the coastal trails, or staying at lodgings around Cornucopia and Siskiwit Bay. Stopping in for a fish fry, a pizza, or a drink becomes part of the broader Apostle Islands experience, especially for those who want to see the peninsula beyond Bayfield itself.
Casual Waterfront Eats in Downtown Bayfield
While a number of restaurants in Bayfield’s compact downtown open and close or change hands over time, the general experience of eating along the harborfront remains consistent: casual spots serving Lake Superior fish, simple sandwiches, and unfussy comfort food a short walk from the marinas. Travelers staying near the ferry dock or arriving by boat will find it easy to stroll from the pier to a meal without ever getting in a car.
Several establishments near the waterfront emphasize fresh whitefish and other local species, often in the form of fish and chips, sandwiches, or platters. Many operate with seasonal hours that align with the Apostle Islands cruising schedule, staying busiest from late spring through the peak foliage of early October. Because ownership and names can shift from year to year, it is wise to check current hours locally, but visitors can reliably expect to find at least a handful of options within a few blocks of the main harbor.
These casual eateries are particularly convenient for travelers on tight schedules. Those heading out on a morning or mid-day cruise can grab a quick breakfast or lunch, while evening sail returns often line up nicely with a low-key dinner on a patio or deck. During festivals such as Bayfield’s well-known Apple Festival, the streets around the harbor fill with food stalls and pop-up vendors that add another layer to the dining scene.
Eating in downtown Bayfield also comes with a built-in sense of place. Even when menus are simple, the setting does much of the work: ferries to Madeline Island ringing their bells, kayak trailers rattling by, and gulls circling above the slips. It is an easy way to stay immersed in the maritime atmosphere before or after heading out into the islands.
Cafes, Coffee, and Light Bites Around the Peninsula
Not every meal near the Apostle Islands needs to be a full sit-down affair. The region has a growing number of cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops that cater to early-morning adventurers and travelers who want something light between hikes and paddles. In Bayfield, small coffeehouses serve espresso drinks, drip coffee, and pastries, often highlighting beans roasted in Wisconsin and baked goods made in-house or sourced from nearby bakeries.
These spots are well suited to early ferry riders and sea kayakers, many of whom are on the docks well before the main restaurants open for lunch. A hot drink and a quick breakfast sandwich or pastry can make the difference on brisk spring and fall mornings when a cold breeze comes straight off Lake Superior. Some cafes also sell simple trail snacks, making them convenient provisioning stops before a day trip out to Madeline Island or a hike along the lakeshore trails.
Beyond Bayfield, small-town cafes along Highway 13 in communities like Washburn and Cornucopia offer additional options for coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. Hours can be seasonal, and menus fairly compact, but the service tends to be personal and friendly. Many of these businesses have strong relationships with local farms and orchards, incorporating seasonal berries, apples, and maple syrup into specials throughout the year.
For travelers who enjoy a slower pace in the morning or an afternoon break between outings, these cafes provide a quiet counterpoint to the busier harborfront restaurants. Settling in with a cup of coffee and a view of the water or a village street gives you another angle on daily life around the Apostle Islands.
The Takeaway
The Apostle Islands region may be best known for its lighthouses, cliffs, and sea caves, but its small-town dining scene is a worthy part of any itinerary. In Bayfield and the neighboring South Shore communities, chefs and tavern owners make the most of what Lake Superior and the surrounding farms provide, from fresh-caught fish to seasonal berries and apples. Whether you prefer a white-tablecloth meal with harbor views, a relaxed tavern packed with locals, or a quiet coffee before your ferry crossing, you will find options that feel rooted in this particular corner of Wisconsin.
Because many restaurants operate seasonally and hours can shift with the tourism calendar, it is sensible to check opening times locally once you arrive, especially in late fall, winter, and early spring. Planning at least one or two sit-down meals, while leaving space for spontaneous stops at cafes or taverns along the way, offers a good balance. However you structure your days, allowing time to savor the region’s flavors will deepen your connection to the landscape beyond the waterline.
FAQ
Q1. Are these restaurants open year-round or only in summer?
Some places, such as larger inns and hotel restaurants, typically operate year-round, while smaller cafes and harborfront spots may close or shorten hours in the off-season. Always confirm current hours locally, especially between late fall and early spring.
Q2. Do I need reservations for dinner near the Apostle Islands?
Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer, holiday weekends, and Bayfield events like Apple Festival. On quieter weekdays or in shoulder seasons you may be able to walk in, but planning ahead helps avoid long waits.
Q3. Is fresh Lake Superior fish widely available on local menus?
Yes. Many restaurants and taverns around Bayfield, Washburn, and Cornucopia feature Lake Superior whitefish and other regional species, often supplied by nearby commercial fisheries. Availability can vary with weather and fishing conditions.
Q4. Can I find vegetarian or gluten-conscious options in this area?
Most full-service restaurants and many cafes offer at least a few vegetarian dishes, salads, or bowls, and some can accommodate gluten-conscious diners. Menus are evolving over time, so ask your server about current options and modifications.
Q5. How far are Washburn and Cornucopia from Bayfield by car?
Washburn is typically a short drive south along the Lake Superior shoreline, while Cornucopia lies to the west on the Bayfield Peninsula. In normal conditions you can usually reach each community within about half an hour from Bayfield.
Q6. Do waterfront restaurants stay busy during bad weather on the lake?
Even when wind or waves keep boats in the harbor, waterfront dining rooms and taverns can remain lively as travelers adjust their plans. Rainy or windy days often become cozy opportunities to linger over a meal with lake views.
Q7. Are the local restaurants family-friendly?
Yes. Most establishments welcome families, and many have children’s menus or shareable dishes. Casual taverns and cafes are especially accommodating, though late-night bar crowds can be livelier on weekends.
Q8. Can I walk to most restaurants from the Bayfield ferry dock?
Several of Bayfield’s main dining rooms, cafes, and harborfront eateries are within a short walk of the ferry dock and tour boat piers. This makes it easy to plan meals around cruise and ferry schedules without needing to drive.
Q9. Is it customary to tip servers and bartenders here?
Yes. Tipping follows typical United States customs. A gratuity of around 15 to 20 percent on the pre-tax bill is standard for good table service, with additional tips for exceptional service or large groups.
Q10. What should I expect to pay for a meal near the Apostle Islands?
Prices vary, but casual taverns and cafes are generally moderate, while full-service waterfront restaurants are somewhat higher, especially for fresh fish and steak. Overall, costs are comparable to many other small, seasonal tourist towns in the Upper Midwest.