The Bayside Cottage Shops:
A Legacy of Door County Charm
Tucked just behind Bayside Tavern, a row of vintage waterfront cottages once welcomed summer travelers looking for a simple place to stay near the heart of Fish Creek. Today, those same cabins have been thoughtfully restored and reimagined as The Bayside Cottage Shops—home to Bayside Coffee and The Bayside Shop.
While the beds have been swapped for shelves and espresso machines, the spirit remains the same: welcoming, relaxed, and rooted in Door County charm. These historic buildings now serve as cozy community spaces, continuing to offer hospitality in a new form—one cup of coffee and one charming gift at a time.
Thank you to the Gibraltar Historical Association for sharing photos.
SHOPS & COFFEE
HiStory
Early 1900
What is now Bayside Coffee begins its life as an ice house, owned by Myron Stevens—Fish Creek’s local ice man. He cut blocks from the bay and stored them in the thick cedar-lined walls of this small waterfront building.
1920–1970
The old ice house and surrounding cottages are used as seasonal lodging, welcoming summer visitors looking to stay close to the water and in the heart of town.
1980–2010
The buildings behind Bayside Tavern take on various uses. The cottage that becomes Bayside Shop houses a mix of tenants, while the coffee cottage is later known as Malibu Moo’s, a casual seasonal café.
Bob MacDonald sketches a dream: a cozy coffee shop in one of the Bayside cottages. He shares the sketch with his wife, Barb, and files the idea away for later.
2018
The Bayside Shop is officially launched by the MacDonald family. Originally focused on Bayside Tavern merch, it quickly evolves into a curated boutique offering fragrances, accessories, gifts, and seasonal treasures for all ages.
2020
The old ice house is lovingly restored and opened as Bayside Coffee—bringing espresso, from-scratch breakfast sandwiches, and bakery to the waterfront. The original cedar ice-house planks welcome visitors through the repurposed porch columns and front counter.
Today
The Bayside Cottage Shops are a vibrant extension of the Bayside legacy—welcoming, community-rooted, and full of small-town character, tucked in the colorful cottages just behind the tavern.
