10 great places to eat in cottage country near Toronto

Are you fleeing Toronto and heading north to cottage country? Please take me with you. Depending on the traffic, you could be relaxing lakeside in no time. If you get hungry in the area or en route, there are plenty of options besides gas station meals, including iconic burger joints and craft breweries with hot pizza ovens.

Here's where to grab a bite on the way and in and round cottage country.

Near Muskoka

Weber's
The legendary burger joint on Hwy. 11 holds sentimental value for generations of Toronto cottage-goers. You'll find long lineups during peak season, but many won't be deterred; the flame-broiled burgers are tradition.

R Cottage (3385 Muskoka St., Washago)
This quaint little spot embraces all the warm, fuzzy vibes you'd want while on vacation. The menu features comfort foods like maple bacon wrapped meatloaf, chicken and rib dinners, s'mores milkshakes and giant butter tarts.

Grand Electric Muskoka (2 James Bartleman Way, Unit 6, Port Carling)
The waterfront taqueria is open noon until 10 p.m., Fridays through Sunday during the summer months. If you've made it this far, you're likely almost at your destination, but this place is a serene spot-over for bourbonade and tacos.

Near Simcoe County

Ground Burger (352 Doug Duncan Dr., Newmarket)
If hunger pangs hit you before you make it out of the 'burbs, head to Newmarket to pick up a burger for the road. You can call in your order from the 404, which means you can grab your Cajun-crusted patty with blue cheese and bacon salsa without delay.

Creemore Kitchen, (134 Mill Street, Creemore)
Roast beef sandwiches topped with braised onions and burrata and beer battered fish on a bun are just a few of the menu favourites at this Simcoe Country restaurant, which serves up hyper-local fare.

Bicycle Cafe (14 Sydenham St., Flesherton)
This charming country kitchen and live music venue serves up daytime fare, including brunch dishes and sandwiches. Find an eclectic range of beer-friendly comfort foods including dumplings and stews in the evening.

Near Parry Sound

Whatta Pizza (7 Allan Cres., Seguin Falls)
Make a quick detour off the 400 onto the 141 for a quick bite at this pizza joint where the menu offers an assortment of classic pies along with salads, wings and cheesy garlic-filled dough balls.

Near Kawartha Lakes

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St., Peterborough)
Before heading into the rugged wilderness, stop over in Peterborough to fill up on smoked duck wings and Redneck Nachos loaded with smoked pulled pork chili, cheese and all the other essential toppings.

Near Haliburton

Boshkung Brewing Co. (9201 Hwy 118, Minden Hills)
Pizza and beer are what you should order at this brewery on Mirror Lake. Get yourself a pie dressed with double-smoked bacon, mushrooms and roasted chicken for the road while stocking up on Campfire Smoked Rye Ale or an assortment of house brews in a tasting flight.

Smokin' Jake's BBQ Shack ( 10752 County Rd. 503, Gooderham)
This BBQ joint operates out of an Airstream 20 minutes from Haliburton. It serves up cherry wood-smoked ribs, wings and jerk chicken along with poutine and corn bread spiked with spicy jalapenos.

Photo by @jeffblay via Instagram.

Add your favourite cottage country pit stops in the comments.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO