Best Biker Burgers to Brake for in Ontario’s Highlands
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As riders, we are always searching. Searching for those roads less travelled, searching for the twisties to ride, searching for the best butter tart or sticky bun. Many of you have been hunting for the best burgers in Ontario’s Highlands, asking the Ride the Highlands crew where you should stop. We’re happy to tell you that your search is finally over.
There are a lot of great places in the Highlands that serve up some mighty tasty burgers, and we have selected a list of five we think are worth braking for. These five locations pride themselves on using local ingredients when possible and this special touch can be tasted in their epic burgers.
Not a meat eater? No worries, we’ve included veggie and vegan options below.
The Elk Rancher – The Lumbertown Alehouse steps outside the box with their famous Elk Rancher burger. This 7 oz. elk burger is sourced from the local Elk Ranch in the nearby town of Carp. It’s topped with caramelized onions, tomato, spinach, and a brown cow milk stout BBQ sauce on a fresh brioche bun. Drop the kickstand for this bad boy of burgers.
Route: Deep Valley Run, The Highlands Loop, Riding and Relaxation, Curvy Quebecor
The Dynamite – The Bancroft Brew Pub has a selection of gourmet burgers, but the one that reigns supreme is the Dynamite Burger. This is very fitting since this restaurant is located on the Dynamite Alley route. The Dynamite Burger is a 7 oz. handmade Angus chuck burger with their Bancroft Brewery BBQ Sauce, old cheddar, bacon and house made dynamite sauce.
Parked your bike for the night? Bancroft Brew Pub recommends pairing this burger with their Claim Jumper Ale.
Sometimes less is more, and that’s what Charlie D does with his burgers. His charbroiled Angus burgers receive rave reviews from anyone who has eaten them. Stay simple with a plain hamburger or opt for the Lumberjack Burger – a double bacon cheese beast. All burgers are dressed with the classic toppings, mustard, ketchup, relish, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles, and don’t forget to add Charlie D’s famous poutine with personality to your order.
The Cove Burger – A smoking classic around the Cove Country Inn Restaurant, the Cove Burger is the menu favourite. This 7 oz. 100% pure AAA grade beef burger is served on a brioche bun with Boston lettuce, local hot house tomatoes, red onion, dill pickle, mustard, relish, Ontario cheddar, and crispy onions. Be like us and add bacon, or get lucky with a burger special when you ride through next.
Route: Rideau Ridge, Riding and Relaxation, Bolingbroke & Westport Road
Whitewater Burger – If you’re looking for a burger full of flavour, then the Whitewater Brewing Co. is the place to stop. This burger is made with local beef, Spanish onion chutney, St. Albert’s old cheddar, smoky bacon aioli and mixed greens, on a local brioche bun. Still wanting more? You also have the option to add bacon or upgrade to an elk patty.
Route: The Highlands Loop, Curvy Quebecor, Valley Sally
Don’t eat meat? That’s cool.
We know there’s a possibility that you or a riding buddy may not eat meat, so we have included a few vegetarian and vegan options.
Black Bean, Corn, & Mushroom Burger – Whitewater Brew Pub
This vegan burger is a house-made black bean & corn patty, topped with avocado, tomato, mixed greens, on ciabatta. Even if you’re a meat eater, you will enjoy this burger.
Rustic Quinoa Burger – Lumbertown Alehouse
Try this quinoa and black bean hand pressed burger topped with Boston lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cucumber on a brioche bun.
Check one or all of these burgers off your list as you ride through the Highlands. Just make sure you opt for the elastic waistband in your chaps… Plan your Ride the Highlands trip today.