I couldn't drink, because I'm pregnant, but the atmosphere was great, the drinks were reasonably priced, the service was stellar. Â 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. Â 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. Â 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! :)
Review Source: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.
Review Source:Best bar I've ever been to, in the most beautiful place on earth. Tom's is my "happy place" that I think about when it's February in Chicago and I'm stuck in the office until 8pm during a blizzard. Just picture yourself sitting in sunshine at a bar, drinking island punch, surrounded by dogs, feeling the breeze off of Lake Superior and watching the sun sparkle on the bay between La Pointe and Bayfield. Truly, it's heaven.
Things of note: Tom's is cash-only. No beers on tap, but the selection of bottles is good and mostly local. Order the island punch at least once. Consider taking a $2 shower in one of the bathrooms, but then reconsider when you actually look closely. Bring your dog. If you get too drunk and can't drive back to your campsite, sleep in the car you parked across the street in the free lot. Visit as often as possible. Tip your bartender.
Was here on Wed 7/6. There was a reggae dj that night so it was great vacation music and ambiance. The place was busy, but not too crowded that you couldn't move. They had an open outdoor fire stove around a bench seating area. There are fun signs to read everywhere!
We had a couple of the Rachelli's Deli pizzas; vegetarian supreme and the kickin chicken. The vegetarian had a mozzarella stuffed crust and was pretty good. The kickin chicken had a cream cheese and jalapeno stuffed crust. Phenomenal! It was a little spicy and reminded us of a jalapeno popper.
Next time we're on the island we will definitely stop by Tom's again!
Best bar within 500 miles. Â The first time I walked in, there was a large blonde woman passed out face-down on the floor. Â A dog was crouched beside her, licking the side of her face. Â As I walked up to the bar, the 'tender must've noticed my raised eyebrow, to which he responded "She does that all the time."
Drinks are very strong and affordable for the island. Â Strange things happen at Tom's. Â If you're dainty or Victorian or douchebaggy, go have a cup of tea at one of the B & B that dot the island and point your pinky toward heaven.
This may be one of the coolest bars I have ever visited. From a distance, it looks like a junkyard. It consists of a trailer, surrounded by a wooden bar with a large canopy tent over the whole bar. Needless to say, it is exposed to the elements so it is best to visit from late May thru mid September. There are boards with pithy or funny quotations hanging all over the bar. The atmosphere is quirky, the service very friendly. I was a little in love with the cute suntanned bartender after one too many beers.
Madeline Island is lovely and Tom's is the best man made thing on it.
A classic !  Ever ever-evolving dive bar!One of my favorite beach bars ... anywhere in the world!  This place is sooo unique. If you have a dog bring it with!  Grab a  shower with that gorgeous girl you've been drinking  with all Sunday afternoon ... rent the shower and have some fun !  The locs are super friendly... unlike most of the super pompous dickhead locals where I live in JH !  The bloody mary rivals any. Sweet happy hour pours!
Review Source:This is the dive bar to end all dive bars. Â For two years I heard of the legend of the Burn Down but you've got to go there to believe it. Â First, you do have to take the ferry to go to Madeline just allow an hour if you're making plans on the island.
Living on the island is not for the faint of heart. Â It's cold, it's hot, it's windy, it rains and that's just the summer time. Â The Burndown has all of the great qualities of a dive bar. Â Characters, Cheap Beer, Great live music, Fantastic Art, Quotations on the wall, Camaraderie, and Wi-Fi. Â (OK, while the last one is true, I guess not every dive bar needs it.) Â For real, in three nights we saw a country band, a reggae DJ and some great rock.
We partied with some fun bikers, a bride and a groom in wedding garb, a golf pro and some members of our nation's military, all in the same night. I even accidentally stalked Senator Feingold. Â Every night you go will be different. Â Hang out and dig the locals.
Tom's has actually burned down twice, and I'm glad it keeps coming back to life. Â My family vacations on Madeline Island and this is one of the most happening joints on the island after dark. Â
I will agree with Ryan that dressing for the weather is a necessity. Â Not much protection from the elements is offered. Â They are cash-only. Â They have no running water. Â If you need to use the facilities, please note they are in the form of port-o-potties. Â If you drink too much, find a local to drive you home; they're all really nice people. Â
One more thing: The bar doesn't keep standard hours. Â It might be closed one night and open the next.
GREAT BAR-
I spent the weekend on Madeline Island and one of the best bars on the Island is Tom's Burndown bar. When you walk up to the bar it looks like there is just a trailer with a big great and white tarp tent over a wooden deck. But after spending time reading the funny quotes and off the wall humor that is on all the signs and t-shirts, you will fine yourself spending hours just hanging out and having a great time. Things that you should know about this place before you go. Dress for the weather, the bar is more outside that in. Plus you must have cash there is only 2 ATM on the Island and the store right next to Tom's bar will help you out if you are running low.
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