Huntsville’s Scenic Beaches
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Fresh Air, Fresh Food, Good Times: Summer Patios Await in Huntsville
Nothing says summer more than fabulous food and beverages 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.
What you'll find in this guide:
- 25 Local Patios: Complete breakdown of the best outdoor dining spots across town.
- Waterfront Views: Where to catch the best lakeside and riverside settings.
- Craft Brews & Eats: Highlights on local microbreweries, authentic wood-fired pizza, and Texas BBQ.
The Patios
This charming spot specializes in authentic Italian gelato, Italian pastries, and desserts, complemented by specialty coffees and teas. They cater to various dietary needs with gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options. Don't miss trying their café's namesake, an affogato, which features gelato with a shot of espresso - while vanilla is traditional, their hazelnut version is absolutely divine.
Experience authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza paired with refreshingly unique cocktails and beverages at Allora. Ask for their local favourite, Pizza Mortadella Pistacchio, which features pecorino, white sauce, pistachio pesto, fior di latte, Italian mortadella, pistacchio, and chives for a truly memorable dining experience.
The Birches at Hidden Valley Resort
Offering something for everyone, The Birches serves up delicious food with stunning patio views of Peninsula Lake. Their Beef Brisket Sandwich has become a summer favourite, combining fresh ingredients with bold flavours in a picturesque lakeside setting.
Enjoy dining on Boston Pizza's spacious riverside patio, where their extensive menu ensures something for everyone alongside fun cocktails. Try a signature pizza, perfect for sharing while taking in the waterfront views.
This onsite brewery features craft beer from 20 taps, with snacks available onsite or the option to bring takeout from nearby food trucks and restaurants to enjoy with your brews. Their rooftop and streetside patios offer views of the Muskoka River while you sip away.
Nestled along the picturesque Muskoka River, C'est Cheese is a specialty cheese and poutine shop that offers both a gourmet retail experience and waterfront dining. Their waterfront patio provides stunning river views where guests can enjoy elevated gourmet poutines and irresistible grilled cheese sandwiches that showcase their carefully curated cheese selection.
Known for their AAA steaks grilled over an open flame, Chuck's offers great deals daily. Be sure to try their perfectly prepared ribs in a lively atmosphere.
Drawing inspiration from Muskoka's stunning natural landscape, Drift Kitchen + Bar delivers exceptional Muskoka dining with sweeping lake views. A welcoming atmosphere showcases thoughtfully crafted Canadian cuisine, from family dinner favourites to expertly mixed sunset cocktails at the 360 Bar. Drift offers an elevated dining experience that perfectly balances refined culinary artistry with the relaxed charm that defines lakeside living.
This Italian-inspired restaurant offers something for every taste, featuring all-you-can-eat soup, salad and garlic homeloaf, plus a kids' menu where children can build their own pasta. This summer, try one of their signature pastas: Linguine Chicken Tetrazzini or Sausage & Peppers Penne!
This microbrewery features onsite brewing with a rotation of seasonal and one-off brews. Their Main Street patio is an incredible addition to the downtown core. Don't miss their Giant Pretzels - two warm pretzels served with pilsner sauce and Lake of Bays beer-infused mustard for dipping.
Kelsey's features a special summer menu with new items, ensuring something for everyone. With a huge selection to choose from, you'll want to try their Lobster specials with the Lobster Four Cheese and Spinach Dip, or the Lobster and Avocado Grilled Cheese.
Maple Pub & Patio at Deerhurst Resort
This casual spot offers lots of pub classics and more, with a kids' menu and no reservations required. Try the delicious Lamb Kofta Tacos with spiced minced lamb on 2 pieces of corn tortilla, shredded lettuce, mint labneh, tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, parsley, red onion salsa., all while enjoying stunning views of Sunset Bay.
Featuring an extensive menu, a two-tier patio overlooking River Mill Park and the Muskoka River, and a new Main Street patio, The Mill on Main specializes in wood-fired pizzas with gluten-free crust and vegan cheese options, making it easy to find something perfect for every taste.
Moose Delaney's Sports Bar & Grill
This pub offers lots of favourites on their sun-soaked patio. Try the Bull Moose Burger - an all-beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, mozzarella cheese, and applewood smoked bacon, best enjoyed with a side of their famous Moose Chips.
Music on Main combines great food with live entertainment in the heart of downtown Huntsville. This cozy, welcoming bar features fresh, made-from-scratch bar bites including meatballs. The venue offers karaoke nights where the mic is open to all, and live music featuring everything from acoustic sets to high-energy bands.
On the Docks Pub serves delicious fresh food with live entertainment most weekends on their three-level patio right next to the Town Docks. Make sure to try the delightful Steak Salad that features grilled tenderloin, mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, peppers, chow mein noodles, peanuts, sesame seeds, and cucumber wasabi dressing.
Located in a charmingly renovated old house, Portuguese House offers an authentic taste of Portugal with dishes crafted using traditional recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients. This highly-rated establishment features an enclosed balcony area and outdoor patio, specializing in perfectly prepared dishes like grilled octopus, and seafood risotto.
Experience authentic Thai cuisine, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available. Their Panang Curry - a rich Thai peanut curry with red curry paste and green beans cooked in coconut milk - is incredible and comes in veggie, chicken, or beef options that can be enjoyed with views of the historic swing bridge and Muskoka River.
Serving homemade breakfast and lunch with organic, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free options, this spot also features fresh juices made with fresh fruit and vegetables. Try their East Mediterranean Bowl with fresh baby spinach, seasoned quinoa, red onion, fresh diced cucumber, fresh hummus, cherry tomato, chickpea and delicious cashew Tzatziki.
Located in the historic Train Station, Smokin' Hot BBQ brings authentic Texas BBQ to Huntsville in a unique and atmospheric setting. This family-owned operation combines real BBQ with a calendar full of entertainment including open mic nights, karaoke, and live music. The historic train station provides a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of both railway history and southern BBQ tradition.
With its open kitchen, cozy booths, and an inviting bar you’ll want to sit and spend time at with friends, The Stove serves up fine-dining comfort food in beautiful Huntsville. They love food, refuse to rush, and cater beautifully to both families and adult nights out—offering wide-open spaces for large parties alongside cozy corners for romantic evenings. A must-try dish this season is their signature Seafood Pasta, featuring a rich combination of shrimp, mussels, and scallops tossed with mushrooms, broccolini, and spring onions, perfectly showcasing their dedication to quality and flavour.
Everyone's favourite rotisserie chicken restaurant serves their famous chicken with the one-and-only Chalet sauce, offering an extensive menu with kids' meals that include a sweet treat. This summer, beef is back for a limited time, so you'll want to try the Chicken & Roast Beef Combo served with creamed horseradish, a dinner roll, and your choice of side.
Featuring a screened Muskoka Room and screened-in gazebos with views of Hunters Bay, Tall Trees offers a selection of Huntsville-themed cocktails and their Famous Butter Tart. Their Summer Three-Course Features include a choice of three appetizers, four mains including the Smoked BBQ Trio or Artisanal Spanakopita Cavatelli, and a selection of desserts.
That Little Place by the Lights
This cozy restaurant features time-honoured recipes for gnocchi, lasagna, pizza, and pasta, plus authentic gelato. Enjoy their new outdoor patio, La Terrazza, which overlooks the Muskoka River. If you're stopping in for lunch, make sure to try their Chicken Parm Panino - breaded fresh chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and provolone cheese on an herbed ciabatta.
Known for its famous hamburgers and all-day breakfast, Wimpy's offers lots of diner-inspired options. Add peameal bacon to your burger for a truly Canadian touch that locals have been enjoying for years.
Work Up an Appetite with Outdoor Adventures
Before settling in for a delicious patio meal, consider exploring Huntsville's incredible outdoor offerings to build up a hearty appetite. The area boasts numerous hiking trails including through Arrowhead Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can work up a sweat while taking in breathtaking views of the Canadian wilderness. Paddle the pristine waters of the Muskoka region's countless lakes, try your hand at fishing, or cycle along scenic routes that wind through cottage country. These active pursuits not only showcase Muskoka's natural beauty but also ensure you'll arrive at your chosen patio with a well-earned appetite ready to fully appreciate the culinary delights awaiting you.
Stay and Savour the Experience
To truly experience all that Huntsville's patio scene has to offer, consider booking an overnight stay in our charming Muskoka town. A longer visit allows you to leisurely explore multiple restaurants without the pressure of fitting everything into a single day trip. Wake up to stunning lake views and enjoy breakfast on one patio, perhaps take a midday break for gelato at another, and cap off your evening with dinner and drinks at yet another establishment. The town offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from cozy inns and boutique hotels to waterfront resorts and vacation rentals, ensuring there's something to suit every preference and budget. An overnight stay also gives you the freedom to truly relax and enjoy the local craft beer and cocktail offerings without worrying about the drive home, making your Huntsville patio adventure a complete and memorable getaway.