Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Home in Bayfield: Hotel, Restaurant & Lounge Since 1937
Pier Plaza has been family-owned and operated for three generations, serving the Bayfield community since 1937. What began as a simple trolling headquarters with box lunches evolved into a cornerstone of local history through decades of adaptation to changing industries. Our restaurant, established in its current form in 1995, maintains its role as a community gathering place while offering enhanced dining experiences with panoramic Lake Superior views. The 1970s-era hotel expansion provided lake-view accommodations, and the 1998 addition of the Pickled Herring Lounge created a distinct space for casual socializing.Today, we continue this legacy by welcoming visitors to experience our historic property's unique combination of hospitality, local tradition, and breathtaking natural scenery. Our staff remains committed to serving both tourists and residents alike, maintaining the same dedication to quality food and community service that has defined us for nearly a century. The property's three distinct businesses - hotel, restaurant, and lounge - work in harmony to create memorable experiences that reflect Bayfield's rich cultural heritage.
Services
Hotel accommodations
Full-service restaurant
Lounge with drinks
Gift card sales
Event hosting
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1937 with deep local knowledge
- Daily fresh fish specials and traditional recipes
- Panoramic Lake Superior views from most rooms
- Historic property with authentic Northern Wisconsin charm
- Convenient access to Apostle Islands and Bayfield attractions
Services
Hotel accommodations
Our hotel offers comfortable rooms with private balconies overlooking Lake Superior. Most rooms feature whirlpool tubs and modern amenities while maintaining historic charm. Guests enjoy convenient access to downtown Bayfield and Apostle Islands attractions.
Full-service restaurant
The Pier Restaurant serves daily specials including famous Friday fish fries. Our menu features fresh local ingredients with both casual and fine dining options. Enjoy panoramic lake views from our dining room or seasonal outdoor patio seating.
Lounge with drinks
The Pickled Herring Lounge offers craft cocktails, local beers, and classic drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy signature items like Grandpa Jack's pickled herring while mingling with locals and visitors in this historic space since 1998.
Event hosting
Our venue hosts weddings, holiday parties, and special events with lakefront views. The space accommodates groups of various sizes with flexible seating and catering options from our restaurant kitchen.
Gift card sales
Purchase gift cards for any amount to give the gift of Northern Wisconsin hospitality. Cards can be used for hotel stays, restaurant dining, or lounge drinks, making perfect presents for any occasion.
Questions
What are Pier Plaza's operating hours?
We're open Sunday 11am-8:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm, and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
Is Pier Plaza family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome families at all times. Our restaurant offers kid-friendly menu options and our hotel rooms accommodate families comfortably.
Do you offer lake view rooms?
Most hotel rooms feature private balconies with panoramic Lake Superior views and direct access to our historic pier location.
What makes your restaurant special?
We've served fresh, locally-sourced meals since 1937 with daily specials including Wisconsin fish fries and our famous Friday night events.
Can I book event space at Pier Plaza?
Yes, we host weddings, holiday parties, and special events with customized catering and lakefront views for groups of all sizes.
What's the history of Pier Plaza?
Established in 1937 as a fishing headquarters, we've evolved into a Bayfield landmark while remaining family-owned through three generations of Johnsons.
