Fresh air, fresh food, good times: summer patios await in Huntsville and Lake of Bays
Nothing says summer more than fabulous food and bevvies on a sun-soaked patio. From Main Street and waterfront patios to a gelato barge, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy the flavours of Muskoka outdoors.
Find your summer oasis in our go-to summer patio guide for Huntsville, Lake of Bays, and Algonquin Park.
3 Guys and a Stove, Huntsville
- Fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
- Many vegetarian options.
- Summer BBQ menu.
Try it: The coconut shrimp is a crowd favourite!
Bonus: Dog-friendly patio.
Affogato Café & Gelato, Huntsville
- Authentic Italian gelato, Italian pastries, and desserts.
- Specialty coffees and teas.
- Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.
Try it: The café’s namesake, an affogato, is gelato with a shot of espresso. Vanilla is traditional, but hazelnut is to die for.
Bonus: Watch for the Gelato Barge cruising Peninsula Lake, Fairy Lake and Lake Vernon every weekend (weather permitting).
Algonquin Cafe & Deli, Huntsville
- Signature in-house smoked meats, including brisket, turkey, salmon, and Montreal smoked meat.
- Open for breakfast.
Try it: Baby back ribs smothered in the café’s signature dry rub, slow roasted to perfection, and served with BBQ sauce.
Bonus: Double the fun! The Algonquin Cafe has a riverside food truck on the shore of the Muskoka River in downtown Huntsville.
- Authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
- Refreshingly unique cocktails and beverages.
Try it: La Coppa – an off-menu favourite, this pizza features electable Coppa Di Parma surrounded by a bed of fresh arugula, hand-torn fior di latte, balsamic, and parmigiano reggiano.
The Antler Steakhouse at Deerhurst Resort
- A carnivore’s paradise.
- Fresh Lobster Fridays until Sept. 2 (reservations required).
- Gather around the patio campfire with views of the golf course and historic canal between Fairy and Peninsula Lakes.
Try it: Splurge on the Australian Wagyu 8 oz striploin steak or the 45 oz AAA Tomahawk steak.
Bonus: Work up an appetite and hit the links at Deerhurst Highlands for a round of golf before dinner.
- Mediterranean meets West Coast fusion.
- Local, seasonal ingredients.
- No reservations required – the patio is walk-in only, weather permitting.
Try it: Homemade Lobster and Salmon Ravioli…need we say more?
The Birches at Hidden Valley Resort
- Something for everyone!
- Open for breakfast and dinner.
- Patio views of Peninsula Lake.
Try it: Blackened Rainbow Trout Tacos – a summer favourite!
Boiler Room Tap & Grill, Dwight
- Local craft beers on tap.
- Fresh food prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
- Open for breakfast.
Try it: Black Bean Burger – House cajun bean patty on a house-baked bun topped with garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato and pickle.
- Spacious riverside patio.
- Extensive menu – something for everyone!
- Fun fish-bowl cocktails.
Try it: The pizza flight – your choice of three six-inch pizzas, served with dips.
Bonus: Boat in and dock nearby!
Canvas Brewing Co., Huntsville
- Onsite brewery and craft beer from 20 taps.
- Snacks are available onsite or check out the nearby food trucks and restaurants and bring back takeout to enjoy with your brews.
- Rooftop and streetside patios with views of the Muskoka River.
Try it: The Beergarita – tequila, Last Light Lager, and Canvas’s house-made margarita mix.
Bonus: Live music Fridays and Saturdays.
- Known for their AAA steaks, aged at least 28 days and grilled over an open flame.
- Great deals daily.
- Half-price apps after 9 p.m.
Try it: Wednesdays are rib day!
- Homestyle food.
- Fun atmosphere – check out all the memorabilia inside.
- On the way to Algonquin Park.
Try it: Grilled pickerel, a fresh summer treat!
- Italian-inspired with something for every taste.
- All-you-can-eat soup/salad and garlic homeloaf.
- Kids can build their own pasta.
Try it: Four new pizzas, only this summer – Balsamic Pesto, Mario’s Famous Chicken Parmigiana, Hell’s Kitchen Chicken, and Pepperoni Bee Sting.
Eclipse Restaurant & Terrace at Deerhurst Resort
- Stunning views of the bay and golf course. Note: reservations are required for al fresco dining.
- Open for breakfast.
- Kids under 4 eat free!
Try it: The Eclipse Endless Summer Menu features a selection of chef-curated entrees made to order, an all-you-can-eat starter bar featuring fresh salads, baked rolls, soup of the day and more, and an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet complete with a chocolate fountain.
Family Place Restaurant and Pizza, Huntsville
- Wholesome, made-from-scratch comfort food.
- All-day breakfast, including six things topped with Hollandaise sauce.
- Fresh pizza with signature homemade dough and sauce.
Try it: The Family Place Special pizza.
- Microbrewery onsite with a rotation of seasonal and one-off brews to mix things up.
- Locally sourced ingredients.
- New Main Street patio – people watch while you eat!
Try it: Giant Buttered Pretzels – two warm pretzels, three-cheese sauce, and Lake of Bays beer-infused grainy mustard for dipping.
Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse, Huntsville
- Special summer menu with new items and refreshing cocktails.
- Something for everyone!
Try it: Game Day Hot Dog – Nathan’s Famous® 12-inch hot dog topped with burly chili, three-cheese blend, fried onions strings, and Cajun sauce stuffed into a butter-toasted pretzel bun.
Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Baysville Taproom
- Grill and chill on the weekend (Saturdays/Sundays only).
- Mosey up to the tasting bar to sample new brews and old favourites.
- Live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-3, all summer long.
Try it: Day Dreamin’ – the new Tropical Fruit Pale Ale, perfect for summer!
Maple Pub & Patio at Deerhurst Resort
- Lots of pub classics – and more – to choose from.
- Three-course kids’ menu.
- No reservations required.
Try it: Deer Tail Ale, the Deerhurst-exclusive brew from Muskoka Brewery.
Bonus: Stunning views of Sunset Bay.
- Extensive menu.
- Two-tier patio overlooking River Mill Park and the Muskoka River.
- Free refills on soft drinks.
Try it: Wood-fired pizzas – 11 varieties to choose from with gluten-free crust option.
Moose Delaney’s Sports Bar & Grill, Huntsville
- Lots of pub favourites to choose from.
- Weekly features.
- Sun-soaked patio.
Try it: The Bull Moose Burger – an all-beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, mozzarella cheese, and applewood smoked bacon. Get it with a side of Moose Chips.
- Guitar shop and cafe, all in one.
- Selection of from-scratch cafe offerings, from breakfast to sandwiches. Smoothies, too!
- Main Street patio with a larger backyard patio in the works.
Try it: Mike’s daily special sandwiches – from a muffuletta to a “Gweech”, ask him what’s on today.
Bonus: Owner and musician, Mike, can regale you with tales of life on the road.
Muskoka on the Rocks, east of Huntsville
- Traditional pub-style fare.
- Thursday night is wing night!
- Kids’ menu includes a free ‘world’s smallest sundae’.
Try it: Savoury Chicken Pot Pie topped with flaky phyllo pastry.
- ‘No-fry’ with delicious fresh food.
- Live entertainment every weekend.
- Three-level patio right next to the Town Docks. Boat in for dinner!
Try it: Steak Salad – grilled tenderloin, mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, peppers, chow mein noodles, peanuts, sesame seeds, and cucumber wasabi dressing.
Bonus: Snag a patio seat on Wednesday night and enjoy both great food and great tunes with a view of the Algonquin Theatre’s Concerts on the Dock series through the end of August.
The Portage Store, Algonquin Park
- In the heart of Algonquin Park, with gorgeous views of Canoe Lake.
- Stop in for a drink after your hike, or make a special trip for the great food.
Try it: Aloha Algonquin Burger – Swiss cheese, ham, and grilled pineapple ring, drizzled with BBQ sauce.
Seng’s Thai Cuisine, Huntsville
- Authentic Thai, inspired by Northern Thailand cuisine.
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
- Friendly Thai hospitality.
Try it: Panang Curry – a rich Thai peanut curry mix with red curry paste and green bean cooked in coconut milk. Veggie, chicken or beef options.
Bonus: Views of the historic swing bridge and the Muskoka River.
- Homemade breakfast and lunch with organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free options.
- Fresh juices made with fresh fruit and vegetables or smoothies made with unsweetened frozen fruit plus your choice of milk.
- Delicious baked goods.
Try it: Veggie Burrito Bowl – basmati rice, avocado, black bean, salsa, corn, tomato, red onion, and cheddar with creamy chipotle sauce.
- Everyone’s favourite rotisserie chicken and the one-and-only Chalet sauce.
- Extensive menu with lots to choose from.
- Kids’ meals include a sweet treat.
Try it: The new Nashville Hot Chicken lineup.
Tall Trees Muskoka, Huntsville
- Screened Muskoka Room and screened-in gazebos with views of Hunters Bay.
- A selection of Huntsville-themed cocktails.
- The Famous Butter Tart is famous for a reason.
Try it: Summer Three-Course Features – choose from three appetizers, five mains including the Tall Trees BBQ Mixed Grill or Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli & Chorizo, and a selection of desserts.
That Little Place by the Lights, Huntsville
- Features Annie’s time-honoured recipes for gnocchi, lasagna, pizza, and pasta.
- Authentic gelato, too!
- Enjoy the new outdoor patio, La Terrazza.
Try it: Chicken Parm Panino – breaded fresh chicken breast, topped with tomato sauce & provolone cheese on an herbed ciabatta.
Bonus: Patio overlooks the Muskoka River.
Trading Bay Dining Company, Dorset
- In-house smoked ribs and pulled pork.
- Plenty of pub-style favourites to choose from.
- Located right next to the channel on Trading Bay in Dorset. Boat in for dinner!
Try it: Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich – served on a scallion bun with crispy onions and choice of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce or creamy horseradish sauce.
Westside Fish and Chips, Huntsville
- Hand-dipped, authentic, English-style fish and chips. Light and crispy!
- A variety of diner-inspired options, too.
- Open for breakfast.
Try it: The coconut cream pie is a local favourite!
Bonus: Just steps away from Avery Beach.
- Known for its famous hamburgers.
- All-day breakfast.
- Lots of diner-inspired options to choose from.
Try it: Add peameal bacon to your not-so-Wimpy burger.
- A selection of breakfast and lunch favourites.
- Ice cream parlour!
- Covered patio has gorgeous views of the Dorset channel and Lake of Bays.
Try it: Prime Rib Burger.
Is your mouth watering yet? Treat yourself to the best of the season courtesy of the talented chefs in Huntsville, Lake of Bays, and Algonquin Park. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Muskoka views in classic summer style.
Make the most of your time in Huntsville and Lake of Bays and check out these great accommodations nearby.