Tom's Burned Down Cafe

I couldn't drink, because I'm pregnant, but the atmosphere was great, the drinks were reasonably priced, the service was stellar.  We ordered a pizza, which I wasn't happy with because it was burned, but it's not a restaurant, it's a bar, so I can't really fault them for that.  We didn't see any live music, cuz we were only there during the day, but it looked like a great stage & seemed like it'd be fun to come back for music one night.  Hopefully next time we go, I'll be able to enjoy something with a little more punch than Diet Coke, cuz their mixed drink selection looked great! :)

The live music, the eclectic crowd, the intentionally haphazard yet thoughtful decor -- and even a Tom sighting -- made a recent weekend's excursion to Tom's just as memorable as ever. This is the annual watering hole stop for our group's yearly excursion to Madeline Island. After a long day of sunning on one of the island's beautiful beaches, Tom's welcomes us to its dimly lit, joyously unique deck for music, dancing, tossing back a few and mixing with an interesting crowd.

The drinks aren't shy with booze and they're .50 cheaper if you get the Tom's cup (and why wouldn't you? It doubles as a water glass the next morning). There's a good selection of alcohol and beer, for those with discerning tastes. Otherwise, this place is just as much about its community as it is about what it sells; and really, almost anything goes.

One tip: be sure to read the walls closely; there are painted-on quotes aplenty, especially from the founder himself. There is a cover usually on weekends, but they offered us a group discount that was negotiable.

Obviously, I'll go back to Tom's next year and the next and next... there's nowhere else quite like it.

Fantastic island bar!  I had read about Tom's prior to my visit to Madeline Island and it was a definite on my places to see.  After a long day at the gorgeous beach, this is the perfect place chill out and have a cold drink.  Everyone there was super friendly and they had live Caribbean  music setting the vibe.  Tom and some of his buddies were off in grass playing croquet.  If you are looking for a unique spot to stop off for great atmosphere and conversation...this is the place.