Our restaurant blogs, by far, get the most attention. 

Last summer’s blog featuring our 6 favorite restaurants in Bayfield, WI was a big hit, and one I sent to many guests.

And it’s no surprise. You must eat to live – or at least avoid the hangry stage. And when you’re on vacation, you want to eat well. 

As someone who loves good food, finding good eats is one of the first things I do when traveling with my husband and boys.

I’m Mollie, co-owner and host at Seagull Bay. These days, with three boys under eight years old, my search prioritizes fast and family-friendly. But when I have the chance to indulge in something special, here are some of the things I look for:

• An enticing menu
• Outdoor seating options
• Live music performances
• Eye-catching design 
• A relaxing vibe

You’ve already spent so much time planning your Bayfield vacation – picking dates, reserving your room, and planning things to do. 

If you’ve visited Bayfield, WI before, you know the culinary landscape is constantly changing. In fact, it has changed enough that our blog from last year needed a refresh.

This year’s restaurant lineup boasts farm-to-table dishes, outdoor seating, and tantalizing flavors. Our list is geared towards the best restaurants in Bayfield where you can sit back, relax, and connect.

Seagull Bay’s Go-to Restaurants in Bayfield, WI

Our go-to restaurants in Bayfield are fuss-free and geared toward travelers who are ready to sit down, dig in, and indulge in local flavors. 

Here are the top 6 restaurants you need to try when you visit us in Bayfield this summer!

St. James Social

St. James Social is an integrated social lounge, restaurant, and boutique hotel in the center of town.

From loungy seating areas to eye-catching art, the atmosphere is a beautiful blend of historic elegance and modern luxe.

This one-of-a-kind restaurant in Bayfield, WI is open daily from 7 am to 2 pm. During this time, you can enjoy a cup of espresso or specialty drinks featuring Antler Coffee. House-made pastries, macaroons, and cinnamon rolls adorn the glass case on the counter. 

At the time I’m writing this, their Instagram stories are filled with mouth-watering dishes they’re testing for their upcoming lunch menu (stay tuned!)

In the evenings, dinner starts at 5 pm with a fun and lively vibe. During the weeknights, people come together and chill on Tuesdays and Thursdays for “Pizza and Vinyl Nights.” On these nights, you can spin classic records and enjoy wood-fired pizza. Speaking of pizza, The Socialite is one of my favorites, and their gluten-free crust is perfection.

On the weekend, you can sit back and relax in the sophisticated atmosphere and enjoy delicious entrees like:

• Roasted Bone Marrow
• Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
• Local Pan-Seared Bourbot

St. James Social is classy yet light-hearted and welcoming to all who visit. They offer a variety of gluten-free options and mocktails.

The Pier Plaza

The Pier Plaza Restaurant is located on Bayfield’s Waterfront. This corner of Bayfield has served food to fishermen and tourists since 1937.

The original building was a log cabin where the Gonia family handed out box lunches to commercial fishermen and ice to pack the fish boxes brought in from Lake Superior. 

In 1954, this location was home to the A&W, a popular hangout for Bayfield teens. But still, it continued to serve as Bayfield’s trolling fishing headquarters.  

In 1962, the Johnson family purchased the A&W, later turning it into The Pier Plaza, a diner-style family restaurant. The Johnson family continues to serve food and beverages to locals, fishermen, and tourists alike. 

We love The Pier because it’s operated by a family driven to serve our community. Its location offers lakeside seating with spectacular views of the Bayfield City Dock and Madeline Island.

The Pier menu is filled with classic American dishes – with a modern twist. 

Juicy burgers. Hand-cut ribeyes. And a mouth-watering protein bowl with black beans, sweet potatoes, scallions, and white barbecue sauce. 

The Pier is also home to one of the top 10 Wisconsin fish fries. There’s nothing more Northern Wisconsin than this.

The Pier is open for walk-ins every Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. They offer outdoor seating and is one of the few restaurants in Bayfield, WI that’s dog-friendly, too! 

Superior Taco Truck at Howl Adventure Center

Parked on the lawn outside of Howl and Adventure Club Brewery, this taco truck elevates classic Mexican dishes with a Midwest flair. It has quickly become a local favorite!

For tacos, you get to pick from fresh-caught Lake Superior whitefish, yams, or pulled pork. And they’re topped with delicious homemade queso, pickled veggies, or fresh slaw. 

The burrito bowl features cilantro lime rice, homemade guacamole, pickled onions, salsa, and sour cream. And it’s perfect for sharing. 

But let’s not forget the Loaded Tots. Pulled pork, queso, and jalapenos are generously piled high on top of streaming hot tater tots. 

Pair this with your favorite microbrew from Adventure Club and enjoy the outdoors. Superior Taco Truck is the perfect place for the laid-back adventurer who loves good food, good beer, and good friends. All the must-haves for what it takes to be one of the best restaurants in Bayfield, WI!

Open Thursday through Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Also, rumor has it there may be more yummy treats at Howl Adventure Center this summer.

Good Thyme

Good Time Restaurant holds a special place for me and Isaac. In January 2016, we exchanged vows here and shared a delicious brunch with our friends and family after a small winter ceremony.

Good Time Restaurant in Washburn, WI is located in the big yellow house less than 10 minutes from Seagull Bay. 

Its warm atmosphere featuring chocolate and copper accents is rich and inviting – just like its menu. Artisan dishes fusing flavors from around the world with modern American cuisine.

• Mussels drowned in a creamy garlic and white wine sauce
• Their infamous Double-Smashed Cheeseburger
• Saffron & Salmon with wild mushroom ravioli
• All-you-can-eat Friday Night Fish Fry
• Delicious hand-cut ribeye steaks

…are a few of the most popular dishes found on their menu. You’ll also find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options.

Good Thyme is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. They get pretty busy, so we recommend giving them a call to make a reservation ahead of time!

Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider

This family-owned orchard and vineyard is not a full-scale restaurant, but we had to include it on our list. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on their outdoor patio sipping wine, nibbling on a charcuterie and cheese plate while listening to live music.

Owners Phil and Jen are committed to using estate-grown and regional fruit. And honestly, it has the feel of a small Northern California vineyard. Thankfully for us, it’s only a five-minute drive from Seagull Bay in the heart of the “Bayfield Fruit Loop.” So take the drive, order your favorite wine, a charcuterie and cheese plate, and indulge in this light afternoon picnic experience. 

It doesn’t get any more farm-to-table than this. The tasting room is open daily from 11 am – 6 pm, May through October.

Hoop’s Fish Dockside

The newest restaurant in Bayfield, WI, Hoop’s Fish Dockside (next to Hoop’s Fish Market) is an easy 10-minute walk from Seagull Bay.

Now, you may wonder why we’re sharing this as one of our favorites when it’s just opened. But we’ve been eating Hoop’s Fish for years.

Craig Hoopman is one of the few commercial fishermen left in the state of Wisconsin. He comes from a long line of fishermen before him – The Boutins. Yes, the same family with the incredible survival story we shared last November.

Hoop’s Fish Dockside is a fish and chips only restaurant with outdoor seating on the dock overlooking the South Channel of Chequamegon Bay. The fish is guaranteed fresh and they’ll be open seven days a week (weather permitting).

Through the summer, Hoop’s also features a live music series featuring bands like Lawless – a 70s & 80s rock band.

Eat and Sleep Well When Staying at Seagull Bay in Bayfield, WI

From food trucks to rustic upscale dining, you’ll find delectable dishes for a variety of palettes when visiting us in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

At Seagull Bay, we’re here to offer you an upscale motel experience filled with old-school charm and modern mid-century design. 

Located on the edge of Bayfield right on the shoreline of Lake Superior, you’ll find Seagull Bay has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with easy access to Chequamegon Bay’s best restaurants.

BOOK NOW and start planning your summer vacation to include the best restaurants in Bayfield, WI.

Enjoy the View!

Mollie, Isaac, Axel, Ridge, and Banks 

Quick Links:

St. James Social

Pier Plaza Restaurant

Superior Taco Truck

Good Thyme Restaurant & Catering 

Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider

Hoop’s Fish Dockside