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Dano's Lakeside Pub since 1991

Dano’s Lakeside Pub was first located on Miller Lake, a cozy neighborhood bar near the corner of Main Street and Rt. 619. Regulars of those first 25 years speak of the great food, good friends and the warmth of owner Dano. Staff members came on in those early years and never left.
The old building wasn’t big, but it was home. Those who frequented this favorite Portage Lakes bar and even one-time visitors had covered the walls and ceiling with dollar bills over the years, each a memento of an evening, an event, a season on the Lakes. “It started when we first opened and a friend tacked a $10 bill on the wall and said good luck,” Dano says. “It just continued with people posting dollar bills marking the years. I never knew how much was up there. It didn’t matter. I always said it belongs to them.”

Them, of course, being his customers—his friends—his family.

A fire in July 2015 destroyed the old location, but it didn’t destroy the memories or the spirit of the Dano’s family. For the next three years, Dano helped out at other Portage Lakes establishments until an opportunity opened up to buy Howie’s on the Lake. When he opened the new Dano’s Lakeside Pub on Turkeyfoot Lake in November 2018, many of his employees returned to continue the tradition.

“I’ve been fortunate to have many long-term employees”

“Some have been with me from the beginning. We didn’t know what we were going to do during that time, but they have made it easy. We’re like a family.”

Dano’s Today

Dano’s today features an open, comfortable layout that has been renovated to make maximum use of the space. He added 18 large TVs to give it a sports bar feel. The lakeside patio sits on one of the best views of Turkeyfoot Lake and an expanded menu provides even more great selections in addition to the Dano’s specialties he has become known for.

A long-time Portage Lakes resident, Dano says he appreciates the chance to become a positive presence in his new neighborhood. His community involvement is well known throughout the area, and he has been recognized more than once for his contributions. Each year sees him working with the Portage Lakes Fireworks Association planning the Fourth of July fireworks, parade, and sandcastle contest, the Project St. Nick Polar Bear Jump and Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump in December and February, respectively, and many other groups whose mission is to better the community.
“The opportunity has been great,” he says of bringing the Dano’s family back together.

“After the fire, we thought we would be going our separate ways. We were drifting at sea, and then suddenly we find ourselves all together again.”

Dano’s Lakeside Pub is located at the southwest corner of Turkeyfoot Lake by boat and at 4856 Coleman Dr. by car.

 

Stop by for a bite;

stay for the afternoon!