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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

BayView is back

Popular Lake Vermilion landmark now open Thursday-Sunday

Jodi Summit
Posted 6/22/16

GREENWOOD TWP- After a two-year hiatus, BayView Lodge’s popular bar and restaurant is back in business.

The lodge, built in 1926, has been a Vermilion landmark for almost a century.

BayView …

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BayView is back

Popular Lake Vermilion landmark now open Thursday-Sunday

Posted

GREENWOOD TWP- After a two-year hiatus, BayView Lodge’s popular bar and restaurant is back in business.

The lodge, built in 1926, has been a Vermilion landmark for almost a century.

BayView was only open for special events the past two years, following a zoning dispute with Greenwood Township over outdoor music. The issue was resolved earlier this year, and BayView opened up in late May, offering its full-service bar and restaurant services four days a week, Thursday through Sunday.

Owners Alissa and Patrick Horan are offering a totally revamped menu, and have created a new weekly Sunday brunch, and Sunday do-it-yourself Bloody Mary and mimosa bars.

Alissa also runs the Sawmill Saloon in Virginia, and the new menu at BayView features some of their award-winning appetizers and entrees, such as the walleye egg rolls, which took top honors at the United Way’s Taste of the North competition.

“They are made-to-order,” said Alissa, “with a cabbage blend and Minnesota wild rice and served with a chili dipping sauce.”

Walleye holds a featured spot on the new menu, included in returning favorite walleye chowder along with walleye tacos and walleye sticks. Appetizers include nine varieties of wings, bruschetta with fresh basil, and fried green beans. Salad offerings include a grilled romaine salad, chopped salad, and a classic cobb.

The bar menu features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and pizzas.

While the menu is mostly casual, the restaurant also offers nightly dinner specials such as bourbon and orange-glazed salmon.

“We wanted to get the new menu down first,” said Alissa, “before we started expanding the dinner offerings.”

The menu also includes BayView-themed drinks, such as the BayView Pain Killer, a northwoods interpretation of a classic Key West drink, and a Cucumber/Basil Collins, with fresh cucumber and basil leaves.

The outdoor tiki bar is open, weather-permitting, Thursday through Sunday.

“It is stocked and ready to go,” she said. “As soon as the weather is nice enough, we have it opened.”

Alissa said they are really thrilled with the interest in the Sunday brunch.

“It is something this area needed,” she said. “It’s attracting all ages, couples, families with kids, and a younger crowd.”

“Where else can you eat eggs Benedict with a view of the lake?” she said. “It is really unique. People can enjoy their meal in the dining room or out on the deck.”

The reopening has been welcomed by area residents, both long-time customers and newcomers.

“We are seeing lots of boat traffic,” said Alissa. “And we are getting a ton of positive feedback on social media and by email and text.”

Alissa said they are really happy that BayView is back in business.

Fourth of July weekend will be a busy one at BayView.

The outdoor deck will have live music on Thursday and Friday from 6-9 p.m. featuring the summer favorite “Steel Island Drums.” On Saturday, July 2, the BayView Flotilla will bring in hundreds of boats, and just as many land-lubbers will be celebrating on the deck. There will be a D.J. on the deck all afternoon, an outdoor barbecue featuring smoked ribs, corn on the cob, and baked beans (served all weekend), along with the regular menu.

The theme for this year’s flotilla is “Mardi Gras,” so prepare for a colorful day on the lake. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated boats. Boats can register for the flotilla starting at 12 noon on July 2, and the flotilla will sail at 1:30 p.m.

BayView plans to stay open through the end of September, and then will be sponsoring special events, probably once a month, for the rest of the year. The venue is also available for private catered parties, and BayView has cabins and motel units for rent.