A Living Piece of Fish Creek History
For 50 years, MacDonald’s Bayside Tavern has been a downtown Fish Creek cornerstone, carrying on a legacy that began over a century ago. Generations of locals and visitors have gathered here—swapping stories, clinking glasses, and making memories.
More than a business, Bayside is a tradition, woven into the fabric of the community. With its timeworn hardwood bar, vintage decor, and restored facade, the tavern preserves Fish Creek’s charm while remaining a welcoming hub for all. Through dedication to authenticity and hospitality, the MacDonald family ensures Bayside stays true to its roots—where history and good company always go hand in hand.
Thank you to the Gibraltar Historical Association for their help in researching the history and sharing photos.
the Tavern HiStory
1922
Local entrepreneur Myron Stevens bought Fish Creek’s old schoolhouse and moved it to Main Street, opening the “White Front” Pool Hall & Soft Drink Saloon during Prohibition.
It started out as an ice cream parlor in front with a pool room in back – a popular (and occasionally notorious) hangout in the village’s dry years.
This humble gathering spot laid the groundwork for what would become the Bayside Tavern’s century-long presence at the heart of town.
1968
After Myron’s era and decades of the Pelke family’s ownership (who had dubbed it “Bill’s Bar” in the 1930s, the tavern changed hands to Ray and Millie Walters (Wolters). The couple rechristened it Bayside Tavern, ushering in a new identity for the old bar
They even gave the building a bright facelift – painting the facade yellow and updating the interior with the shag carpet and harvest-gold style of the times – as they welcomed a new generation of patrons.
1975
“Smilen” Bob and Elaine “EMac” MacDonald purchased Bayside Tavern from the Walters, moving their six kids from Green Bay to Fish Creek to begin a new family adventure
With all six MacDonald children pitching in behind the bar, the Bayside quickly became a true family-run pub “where friends and family come together to celebrate good times” under the MacDonalds’ warm stewardship
This 1975 handover marked the start of a lasting legacy – the MacDonald family firmly planted Bayside Tavern at the center of the community, a role it continues to fulfill today.
1980 - 1999
Bayside Tavern earned a reputation as one of northern Door County’s liveliest music venues. On many a weekend (and especially Monday jam nights), bands from Milwaukee and Madison would trek up to Fish Creek to play the Bayside’s back room, rocking the house for locals and summer crowds
Many longtime visitors recall dancing shoulder-to-shoulder on those nights – some of the fondest memories made within Bayside’s walls during this era.
2022
CentenNial
Marking 100 years on Main Street, the MacDonald family undertook a major renovation to restore the tavern’s facade to its original early-1900s appearance. Carpenters peeled away old siding from the 1970s and revealed the building’s historic wood exterior – a project that was celebrated by the community and local historians as a big win for preservation. Once again sporting its classic look, the Bayside Tavern now seamlessly blends into Fish Creek’s quaint downtown streetscape, as if time has stood still on its corner of Main Street.
Today
Five decades since taking the helm, Elaine MacDonald (along with her and “Smilen’ Bob’s” children and now grandchildren) are still often found behind the bar – a living link between past and present – reminding us that while Door County has changed, some classics remain.
The Bayside continues to be a welcoming hub for locals and tourists alike, just as it was generations ago. It even earned “Best Small Town Bar in Wisconsin,” by Thrillist.
Every day, new stories are added to the tavern’s lore, even as the MacDonalds honor the old traditions – keeping the Bayside Tavern timeless in its role as Fish Creek’s favorite gathering place.
