Bay Creek

A neighborhood in Madison

Since 2014, Lakeside St. Coffee House in Bay Creek has run as a music venue and wine bar by night, while serving coffee and sandwiches during the day. Occupying the former Lakeside Fibers space attached to the coffeehouse, the bar and live-music room sits inside a building with 122-year-old wood-paneled walls, with a view of Monona Bay and a patio with outdoor seating. Management puts the music first, giving musicians who are still building an audience a dedicated listening room, while reserving a second space for people who want to talk. Gigs are booked through word of mouth across a web of local bands. Acts have included neighborhood groups like The Spine Stealers, indie musician Cass Magpie, and folk project Bear in the Forest. Beyond this one venue, Bay Creek's live-music footprint is small. Lakeside St. Coffee House is the neighborhood's only regular music room, making it the sole anchor of the local scene.