Bayfield

Manypenny Bistro, Bayfield, WI., 8/29/25

~ hsnixon ~ 6 Comments
building – 201 Manypenny Ave., Bayfield, WI., 54814

Manypenny Bistro is a family run place that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with offering take out options.  It touts itself as serving classics as well as inventive combinations, and indeed it does.   Lots of pizza options and burgers for later in the day but we were there for breakfast.  In addition to the good sized menu they had daily specials.  One room is filled with tables and streaming with sunlight from all the windows in a corner building.  The second room has the bar and high-topped tables for dining.   The menu sounds inviting and I hope to get back to try some of their dinner options, like whitefish livers which are rare to find and exquisite when done well.  At breakfast they also offered special of raspberry fritter French toast which also sounds fun to try.  The service was attentive and efficient and the portions were large and good.  We were not ordering adventuous options so I look forward to getting back and trying more things.  Let me know if you get there first and what you try. Continue reading →

St. James Social, Bayfield, WI., 8/28/25

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
building – 200 Rittenhouse Ave., Bayfield, WI., 54814

St. James Social is a hotel and restaurant combination that offers a new and modern take on things in the restored original 1883 St. James hotel.  Annalisa and Cody Bermel bought the building in May 2022 and they manage, bartend and do whatever is needed along with their 2 daughters.  .  The first floor is a large space with a lounge area, curved bar counter with seats and tables for dining.   The two story room is filled with wood, brass, chandeliers and mirrors along with artwork to give it an urban yet comfortable feeling.  Upstairs they have a 8 rooms and on the roof is a small lounge area for hotel guests.  The kitchen uses local ingredients when available, which for this short growing season are amazingly abundant.   One of their specialties is pizza and Tuesday they dedicate the menu to their artisan Neapolitan style pizzas.  They have a sourdough crust with more on that later. Thursday through Saturday they offer the Chef’s menu with more plated options and a fewer number of pizza varieties.   Sunday is brunch only.  The service is great and the vibe is too.  We really enjoyed our evening there with some long time friends.  I would highly recommend a meal and maybe a stay here when you visit the lovely town of Bayfield. Continue reading →

Hoops Dockside, Bayfield, WI., 6/25/24

~ hsnixon ~ 3 Comments
order area – 207 Wilson Ave., Bayfield, WI., 54814

Hoops Fish Market has two retail shops (second one opening in 2019) operated by Craig Hoopman Fisheries.  The Hoopman family has had 6 generatons of commercial fishing from Lake Superior with the primary catch being whitefish.  The family went all in to open Hoops Dockside this year which is a short walk down the driveway next to their retail store.  They are open during the summer and have live music on weekends from 6:30 – 10:30.  The music line up is on their Facebook page.    They have built a lovely seating area with stools along the sides facing Lake Superior.  You can watch the boats go by to the marina next door as the band plays and you munch on whitefish caught that morning.  It’s a simple menu of fried whitefish, fries and slaw in a basket.  He cooks the fish and his wife and son were taking payments and selling drinks.   It is truly a family operation.  They have wine by the glass, beer and soft drinks.   As you enter the booth is on your right and you make your order, pick up drinks and pay.  They call you when your fish is ready.  The band that night was not my particular favorite but what a stunning backdrop for a fun, casual dinner.  Coming from the heat of Texas it was particularly lovely to be able to sit and enjoy the outdoors.  I thoroughly recommend you check it out. Continue reading →