Bernies: Everything You Could Ever Want From a Northwoods Style Pub

Hayward WI - Among the fragrant pines of northern Wisconsin’s playground you will find an isthmus between Grindstone Lake and Lac Courte Oreilles also known as “The Boulevard” by the locals.  Northwoods Beach, a small community in the Bass Lake township located in Hayward Wisconsin was once home to businesses, taverns, restaurants and convenience stores.  For the last two decades or so, the community has watched businesses come and go, some stayed longer than others, but for the most part, businesses haven’t survived for a very long time - until recently.  

Once, the Northwoods Inn, and later named The Fireside, a quaint high-end supper club style northwoods pub sits right on the highway in Northwoods Beach now owned and operated by Bernard and Laura Taylor.  Bernies, the newest sports bar, is serving up more than sports and spirits.  Bernard and Laura, along with son Skylar are running this new establishment that is bringing in visitors and locals.  Skylar, you can find in the kitchen cheffing up some of the most delicious burgers you’ll find anywhere. 

Grab the Goodness

Bernie’s is best known for their smash burgers.  Some say, “... it’s the best burger around”, and others might say, “You’ve gotta try this smash burger.”  

When asked about Skylar’s secret to these extremely popular smash burgers, he smiles and says, “It’s just seasoned with salt.”  The smash burgers are rolled into 4oz balls, then hand-smashed into what you find when your mouth-watering order comes out piping hot with dripping cheese, and steaming toppings on a buttery-toasted brioche bun.  

Bernies was opened in April of 2021 with just a bar-only service, serving up can and bottle beer with options for mixed drinks and cocktails.  In September of 2022, the kitchen was ready to start dishing out some delectable creations.  All of the sauces are homemade with the Buffalo and BBQ sauces becoming the most popular on the menu.  The chicken sandwich is a hand-breaded chicken breast and has more than generous portions.  Increasing in popularity is the Friday Fish Fry, a Wisconsin tradition, which comes with double beer battered Haddock.  The Fish Fry is served with fries, mashed potatoes or twice-baked for your potato choice.  Let’s not forget the homemade coleslaw with house sauces.  

On occasion, Bernies will have specials on the menu which include Prime Rib, Butternut Squash Risotto, and other seasonal specialties.  The menu itself is seasonal with a fall/winter menu, then in the spring you’ll find a spring/summer menu.  Any given weekend, Bernies is serving dinner to roughly 300 customers.  

Stop by and Say "HI"

​Bernies is found on Hwy K where the old Fireside was once located, right on the Sawyer County ATV Route, stop #9 to be exact.  Bernies does not have tap beer at the moment, but you can grab yourself any one of your favorite beers in a can or bottle, and let’s not forget to mention the cocktails and mixed drinks available upon request.  

As a sports bar, you can enjoy some great specials while enjoying your favorite team competing on the gridiron or the diamond.  Bernies offers $1 off burgers and $1 off whiskey on game nights.  The current specials are for Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays with Packers and Vikings games.  Wednesday is when you’ll find $1 off whiskey specials. 

More Than a Sports Bar

Other great amenities include pool league that happens on Mondays and Tuesdays with the two pool tables, and plans to add more tables.  You can also find Dart League on wednesdays nights with their two state of the art dart boards.  From time to time, you’ll catch some live music - stay tuned and follow Bernies on Facebook for future events.  Fight nights are also a hit at Bernies as you can find most Saturdays to include the main event for UFC and Boxing events.  

Follow them on Facebook for future Pool and Dart Tournaments

About Bernies

Skylar comes with 16 years of experience working in various restaurants, from high end establishments including The Waterfront, Angry Minnow, Famous Daves, and the Sheeley House Saloon to various restaurants in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Skylar has attended Culinary School and brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen.  Bernard is a long-time employee of the Sevenwinds Casino and Laura teaches at the LCO Ojibwe School.  Both Laura and Bernard have been long-time members of serving the community in a volunteer capacity.  Bernard coached Hayward Hurricane football for over 20 years, and Laura has been coaching various sports with the LCO Ojibwe School.  Bernies is a proud sponsor of Hayward Hurricane and LCO Migiziwag athletics.  Sponsors for the Hayward Football Booster Club, Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance, as well as the Tuscobia Trails ATV association.  

Bernies
14451w, Co Rd K
Hayward, WI 54843
Phone:  (715) 699-1900
Website:  https://www.bernies-bar.us
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