Rising from the Ashes: Tom's Burned Down Cafe'

This Place is on Fire

Tom’s Burned Down Cafe
La Pointe, Wisconsin

Tom’s Burned Down Cafe is a hastily cobbled-together bar draped with tents and tarps that could easily be mistaken for a junkyard. Presiding over Lake Superior, it is located on Madeline Island and only accessible by ferry boat from the mainland port of Bayfield. This cannabis-scented open-air ramshackle wonderland of bars, decks and stages is adorned with eclectic art and twinkling lights. Hundreds of signs share sayings like, “You have to be tough if you are going to be stupid.” How did this place come to be? Nearly 30 years ago, a fire broke out at an existing bar called Leona’s and the structure mostly burned to the ground. The name was changed to Tom’s Burned Down Cafe (“Tommy’s” for those in the know). By day, it’s a funky beach break. By night, locals and tourists come together to enjoy live music and celebrate another day in paradise. Cash only. 

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

"Such a wonderful place to hang out.  One can pass a full day just finding and reading all the signs.  They have several nook areas where one can pass the time playing cards and watching tourists.  At night, if it is chilly, they lite up wood burning fireplaces next to the bar to cozy up to.  Bring cash as they do not accept credit cards...but there is a ATM at the entrance."  John N.

“I love this place!! I will make a point to stop here for drinks every time I’m on the Island, from now on. Drinks were great, funky atmosphere, and the staff had such great attitude. I could spend hours just looking at all of the cool “stuff” and reading all of the funny signs hanging all over the place. I can’t wait to go back!!”  Joeseph F ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dive Bars With MJ

To think it has already been a week since I've checked out this one-of-a-kind dive bar on Madeline Island!

I am a BIG FAN of

Tom's Burned Down Cafe'

The review:

Drinks 9.5/10 - On the Ferry over I was told to try the Island Punch, so that's what I did. A very strong tasty drink! I also had a summer hummer that was just as delicious.

Atmosphere 9/10 -It's a fun bar. There's so much to look at. Everyone was kind. I had some very fun conversations. I even met someone who lives on Madeline Island year round.

Overall 9/10 -Check the pictures out! I felt like I was at some Florida beach bar but I was on an island in Northern Wisconsin sippin' a cold drink on a beautiful summer day. I'm still trying to figure out how they are open in the winter, I guess I'll have to go back up there to find out!