Cottage areas are not always big on the foodie options, but Muskoka is different. Here, in Toronto’s official cottaging mecca, local food purveyors turn out some seriously gourmet eats on the daily. Every summer, there seems to be one Toronto chef or another setting up in Muskoka with a cool new restaurant or takeaway food operation. It makes for a fun weekend road trip. Here are six of our favourite cheap-and-cheerful food options.
Smokin’ Birds
Founders (and birds, as they call themselves) Jennifer Dewasha and Jane MacDonald (ex-Café Boulud, Sofia) serve up heaping plates of smoked brisket, pulled pork or turkey breast with delish sides, like pineapple coleslaw, and much more from their parking lot perch in Bala. We can attest that the brisket is incredible, but one of the best-kept secrets is that the burgers are actually made from the brisket and are the best in Muskoka. The smoked beet side is also a must-have.
View this post on Instagram
Mrs H’s Fish and Chips
From her always-busy spot at Wahta Station, Mrs. H, or Berta as she’s known around town, claims to have the “best fish and chips north of the South Pole” and the accolades to prove it, earning the title of “the best fish and chips in Muskoka” five years in a row.
View this post on Instagram
Tulo’s Taqueria
This place was once run by the fellas from Toronto’s Grand Electric, and it continues to this day as Tulo’s. We’re not sure if it’s the tequila or the tacos, but this Port Carling hot spot is always buzzing come summer, with its picturesque dockside patio overlooking the lake. Check out the tuna tostada and the intriguing veggie options, then wash it down with a cocktail, like the Surfboard, with tequila, grapefruit juice, agave and soda.
View this post on Instagram
Well Fed
Well Fed in Gravenhurst, a historic stable transformed into a deli and bakery, offers comforting home-cooked foods passed down through generations. Annette Gillan and her team create delicious lunch boxes, sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked goods, making it a favourite spot for take-away meals and picnic lunches.
View this post on Instagram
Bass Lake Roadhouse
This place is a welcoming and warm pub-style restaurant located on Hwy 169 in Mactier, just west of Port Carling. It offers delicious food and a wide selection of beers in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. It’s a rarity in Muskoka in that it is enjoyed by locals and cottagers alike, open all-year, and is always busy. It’s nothing fancy, but the classics are always good quality at affordable prices and the service is friendly. Their specialties include beer-battered fish and chips, shrimp, and local beers from Lake of Bays Brewing and Muskoka Brewery.
View this post on Instagram
Weber’s
Okay, we had to mention this gem on Hwy. 11. Yes, everyone knows and loves Weber’s (pictured at top) and it’s easy to see why. It’s an ideal location just inside cottage country for a stop on the way north or back down to the city. There is ample parking for the hordes who descend here on the daily with parking on both sides of the highway and a pedestrian bridge that used to be part of the original Skywalk in Toronto connecting Union Station to the SkyDome. These guys stick to what they are best at, cooking up a ton of tasty burgers and fries for cottagers to enjoy in the park-like setting with additional seating in the train cars that have been transported to the site over the years.
For more great stories check out the StreetsofMuskoka.com.