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.
1858 Caesar Bar has arrived in downtown Huntsville, housed in a beautifully restored heritage-designated building overlooking the Muskoka River. With an impressive selection of over 50 signature Caesars, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this establishment elevates Canada's national cocktail to new heights. Guests can choose from specialty options like the Sweet Hottie, Bacon Bomb, or Taco Fest, or create their own perfect Caesar with an extensive build-your-own menu featuring unique rimmers, spice elixirs, and an array of garnishes.
Known for their commitment to fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, 3 Guys and a Stove offers many vegetarian options alongside their popular summer BBQ menu. Their coconut shrimp has become a crowd favourite, perfectly showcasing their dedication to quality and flavour that keeps diners coming back season after season.
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.
Start your day right at Algonquin Cafe, which opens for breakfast and features signature in-house smoked meats including brisket, turkey, salmon, and Montreal smoked meat. Their baby back ribs are a standout, smothered in the café's signature dry rub, slow roasted to perfection, and served with their house-made BBQ sauce.
Experience authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza paired with refreshingly unique cocktails and beverages at Allora. Ask for their local favourite, La Coppa, which features delectable Coppa Di Parma surrounded by a bed of fresh arugula, hand-torn fior di latte, balsamic, and parmigiano reggiano for a truly memorable dining experience.
The Birches at Hidden Valley Resort
Offering something for everyone, The Birches serves breakfast and dinner with stunning patio views of Peninsula Lake. Their Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos have become a summer favourite, combining fresh local 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, and you must try The Beergarita - a unique blend of tequila, Last Light Lager, and lime.
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. Make sure to visit on Wednesdays for their special rib day, where you can enjoy perfectly prepared ribs in a lively atmosphere.
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!
Eclipse Restaurant & Terrace at Deerhurst Resort
Offering stunning views of the bay and golf course, Eclipse rewards guests with an exceptional buffet dining experience for breakfast and dinner.
This microbrewery features onsite brewing with a rotation of seasonal and one-off brews. Their new Main Street patio is an incredible addition to the downtown core. Don't miss their Giant Buttered Pretzels - two warm pretzels served with pilsner sauce and Lake of Bays beer-infused grainy mustard for dipping.
Kelsey's features a special summer menu with new items and refreshing cocktails, ensuring something for everyone. With a huge selection to choose from, you'll want to try their Big Rig Loaded Nachos with chicken or beef, or the popular Thai BBQ Beef Tenderloin Lettuce Wraps tossed in sweet and spicy Thai BBQ sauce.
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 Yellowfin Tuna Tataki or the classic Muskoka Deer Tail Ale Fish & Chips, all while enjoying stunning views of Sunset Bay.
Featuring an extensive menu and a two-tier patio overlooking River Mill Park and the Muskoka River, The Mill on Main specializes in wood-fired pizzas that come in 11 varieties 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 with weekly features 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 juicy shawarma, and killer 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.
Located just east of downtown Huntsville, this spot serves traditional pub-style fare with Thursday night wing specials. Their kids' menu includes a free 'world's smallest sundae,' and you must try their delicious Shepherd's Pie topped with homemade mashed potatoes.
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.
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 Tall Trees BBQ Mixed Grill or Artisinal Ricotta Spinach Gnocchi, 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 not-so-Wimpy burger for a truly Canadian touch that locals have been enjoying for years.
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.
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.