There are several cool coffee spots in and around Ashland, WI, but when it comes to the the view and multi-level atmosphere the Sandbar coffee shop is in a league all its own. The Sandbar Cafe is part of the Blue Wave Inn building, which also houses the awesome gear & clothing shop Solstice Outdoors.
History of the Sandbar Cafe, Blue Wave Inn, and Solstice Outdoors
As a kid, I remember the retail store Bodin’s on the Lake in the spot where the building housing the Sandbar coffee shop, Blue Wave Inn, and Solstice Outdoors now stands — just east of Maslowski Beach (also known as “Sandbar Beach” by locals). Do you remember the giant fish outside the Bodin’s store along the highway? It’s now over on the other side of the highway at the River Rock Inn & Bait Shop, just painted a bit differently.
The unique building which the three businesses now call home was originally developed by Ashland native Jim Hagstrom in 2012 and opened in 2015. Jim and his wife Beth purchased the property, and their son & architect Brian created the nautical looking complex then known as Blue Wave on the Bay.
Current owners Katie and Dave Gellatly took over the operation a few years later, after the Hagstroms had donated the property to Northland College. Today, the Gellaty family continues to manage the businesses, with their Solstice Outdoors shop anchoring the building and providing both retail and rental services — heck, you can paddleboard or kayak right outside the door! And the paved lakeside trail heads from the Sandbar Cafe to the other end of Ashland, then through town along the old railroad corridor. So you can easily walk or bike to & from Solstice & Sandbar as well.
Where is the Sandbar Coffee Shop Located?
Sandbar Cafe Address
2521 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI 54806
What’s on the Menu at the Sandbar Cafe?
I may be partial to the coffee at the Sandbar Cafe (hot dark mocha, thank you very much), but they also have excellent food choices and a bar if you feel like grabbing an adult beverage. I’ve happily worked my way through their complete sandwich menu and from my point of view there’s not a bad one in the bunch — I think I’ve had them all more than once. They also have great breakfast offerings and tasty pastries, along with appetizers & salads. You really can’t go wrong with a food & drink order at the Sandbar.
For the most current list of items, check out the Sandbar Cafe Menu on their website.
What People are Saying About The Sandbar Cafe
You don’t just have to take my word for it. Online reviewers of the Sandbar coffee shop confirm it’s a top choice in Ashland, WI for many folks — locals and travelers alike.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Cute venue, nice selection. Pretty busy when we visited. Mocha was good and the banana chocolate chip muffin was delicious! Bright, natural light space with great views of the bay.”
Mel E.
“We will always stop here when heading up the shore line and on the way back. The drinks are always amazing and the sandwiches are so filling. The layout of the place is amazing. You can sit downstairs and view the ice heaves in the winter (or the waves in warmer temps) or sit upstairs and see for miles.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gloria W.
The Sandbar Coffee Shop is a Go-To Spot in Ashland, WI
The vibe at Sandbar Cafe is always fantastic and I usually find myself stopping by for a coffee and a bite to eat at least once or twice when I’m in Ashland. From the great coffee, to the fantastic lakeside atmosphere, to the friendly staff, it’s a must-go location in this writer’s opinion. Make sure to follow The Sandbar on Facebook to keep up with the latest food & drink offerings and fun events like bingo nights, craft workshops, and beach parties!
Well…One More Thing
A great bonus feature of the Sandbar coffee shop in Ashland, WI is its proximity to the local artesian well in the Masklowski Beach parking area. This continuously-flowing source of pure, clean water is available to the public and a spot where we fill up our water containers every time we’re in town. Fun fact: the Sandbar Cafe also has their own artesian spring right outside the door for on-demand artesian water right as you walk inside.
