The Beach Club, situated right on the shore of Lake Superior on Madeline Island, is a can't-miss summer stop for me and my entire family. A dozen or so of us make the six-hour trek up to the island to camp every summer, and we always visit at least once. Last year, we awoke to pouring rain that showed no signs of letting up. Rather than get cranky about it, we packed ourselves into our cars and drove to town straight to the Beach Club. The kids fled to the jukebox and games, while the adults - grandparents to twentysomethings - lined up a row of tequila shots. In no time at all the rain was forgotten and we were in the middle of creating an unexpectedly joyful memory.
The Beach Club's food is no-fuss, quality bar fare. The burgers are named after various Apostle Islands (try the Raspberry - it's a sort of caprese burger, no raspberries in sight). You'll find local fish in a number of dishes, including a smoked Lake Superior trout salad and delicious whitefish tacos. The view of Lake Superior and the island ferries makes this humble restaurant memorable, and a place to which I hope I'll return someday with my own grandkids.
The Beach Club
817 Main St.
La Pointe
715-747-3955
