Kickstands Down, Umbrellas Up: 13 Patios Worth Parking For
After carving through twisty roads and soaking in sweeping views, there’s nothing better than rolling into a laid-back patio where you can kick back, cool down, and refuel. Whether you’re chasing lake breezes, riverside views, or just a damn good burger, Ontario’s Highlands delivers a patio scene that’s as memorable as the ride itself.
From dockside decks to hidden rural gems, each stop offers something unique and all are bike-worthy. These 13 patios, grouped by our four signature motorcycle routes, are the perfect rest stop to an epic day on two wheels.
Ride the Highlands promotes safe and responsible riding. Save the boozy drinks for when your kickstand is down for the night. If it’s a plate of nachos, iced tea or non-alcoholic beer you’re after, saddle up and see how many of these patios you can hit before the sun dips below the trees.
Iron Rooster Rotisserie & Grill, Marmora
Vibe: Unexpected roadside eats
Why Riders Love It: This spot punches way above its weight when it comes to food. The casual patio serves up bold, flavourful dishes that riders rave about.
Try This: “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” burger or their famous rotisserie chicken
View: Small-town charm meets roadside energy
Other Routes: Gravel Crusher
Hook Line & Sinker, Haliburton
Vibe: Lakeside dining with local flavour
Why Riders Love It: Overlooking Head Lake, this casual waterfront restaurant dishes out hearty plates and relaxed energy ideal for a riding lunch stop or dinner wind-down.
Try This: Fish & Chips (gluten-free) or the Boshkung Brisket Sandwich + Virgin Guava Mojito
View: Serene views of Head Lake
Other Routes: Dynamite Alley, Timber Trail, Haliburton/Hastings Local Rides
Back Forty Artisan Cheese, Mississippi Station
Vibe: Rustic farmstead patio
Why Riders Love It: Off the beaten path but totally worth it. Ride in on a short 1.5km gravel road to find wood-fired pizza, handcrafted cheese, and grazing animals including sheep, Highland cattle, and hogs.
Try This: Cheese plate and brick oven pizza
View: Rolling pastures, lakeside peace, and open skies
Note: Open Fridays & Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Other Routes: I Ride for Cheese
On the Rocks, Calabogie
Vibe: Elevated pub grub with serious views
Why Riders Love It: After conquering Centennial Lake and Calabogie Road, this is a well-earned pit stop. Swing by during happy hour (3–4:30 p.m.) and dig into an inventive menu with killer lake views.
Try This: Truffle Parmesan Fries or Tuna Ceviche with a non-alcoholic Berry Mule
View: Calabogie Lake and distant hills of the Highlands
Other Routes: Deep Valley Run, Pick-Axe, Calabogie Boogie
Whitewater Riverside Brew Pub – Foresters Falls
Vibe: Chill brewery with epic river views
Why Riders Love It: Right on the banks of the Ottawa River, this patio delivers big views, tasty eats, and zero-proof drinks brewed in-house.
Try This: Norman’s Confit Duck Wings + the “Farmer’s Daughter” non-alcoholic blonde ale
View: The mighty Ottawa River
Other Routes: Valley Sally
Calabogie Brewing Co., Calabogie
Vibe: Chill brewery with a community feel
Why Riders Love It: A local favourite that blends small-batch craft beer, tasty eats, and a relaxed vibe. The cozy back patio overlooks the Madawaska River and offers a peaceful place to unwind after a day of chasing curves. Bonus: lawn games and friendly locals.
Try This: Mediterranean Club
View: Surrounded by trees and river
Other Routes: The Highlands Loop, Pick-Axe, Calabogie Boogie
Bent Anchor Bar & Restaurant, Combermere
Vibe: Laid-back riverfront hangout
Why Riders Love It: Tucked along the Madawaska River, this colourful, quirky spot is biker-friendly to the core. It’s the kind of place where you can shed your gear, grab a shaded table, and just chill to the sounds of summer.
Try This: Pulled Pork Nachos
View: River views and boats drifting by—you might even spot a float plane
Other Routes: Valley Sally, Roller Ramble, Calabogie Boogie
Bancroft Brew Pub, Bancroft
Vibe: Craft beer and comfort food
Why Riders Love It: Centrally located and great for meetups or post-ride meals. It’s a prime people-watching spot to soak up small-town buzz.
Try This: The “Iron Man” Burger and non-alcoholic Lake of Bays Pale Ale
View: Streetside buzz with town charm
Other Routes: The Highlands Loop, Dynamite Alley, Timber Trail, Haliburton/Hastings Local Routes
Dockside Patio – Bonnie View Inn, Haliburton
Vibe: Dockside party patio
Why Riders Love It: With its cabana-style bar, lakeside BBQ, and welcoming crowd, this spot feels like a resort dropped into cottage country. Enjoy live music every Wednesday and a lively, laid-back vibe that keeps riders coming back.
Try This: Dockside Burger
View: Watersports action on Lake Kashagawigamog
Other Routes: The Highlands Loop, Timber Trail, Haliburton/Hastings Local Routes
The Lakeside Smokehouse – Spectacle Lake Lodge, Barry’s Bay
Vibe: Peaceful lodge vibes near Algonquin
Why Riders Love It: After tackling legendary Highway 60, this is the perfect place to unwind. The patio overlooks the lake and dishes up comfort food done right.
Try This: Grilled Bacon Burger
View: Lake and rolling hilltops
Other Routes: The Highlands Loop
Wally’s Pub, Apsley
Vibe: Cottage-country classic
Why Riders Love It: Located across from Gilmour Bay Marina on beautiful Chandos Lake, this easygoing patio serves up great pub fare, cold drinks, and a welcoming vibe. A great place to unwind lakeside.
Try This: House pizzas (gluten-free available) and a cold soda
View: Trees, water, and the hum of lake life
Other Routes: The Highlands Loop
Mex & Co., Perth
Vibe: Mexican flair with a canal-side twist
Why Riders Love It: Park your ride on Perth’s historic main street, grab a patio seat along the Tay River, and dive into fresh Mexican flavours. This is a hot-weather patio with big vacation energy.
Try This: Guacamole and fresh corn chips with a virgin margarita
View: Overlooking the gentle Tay River
Other Routes: Gravel Crusher
CC’s on the Rideau, Rideau Ferry
Vibe: Waterside restaurant with Rideau views
Why Riders Love It: A true gem just off the Rideau Ferry Bridge, this patio is perched above the docks with a front-row seat to the Rideau River. A top pick for Rideau Ridge riders looking to slow down and savour the view.
Try This: Crispy shrimp tacos and a refreshing sip from their mocktail menu
View: Boats bobbing on the Rideau with expansive water views
After a day of throttle therapy, sometimes all you need is a good view, a cold drink, and a solid meal to make the ride complete. So map your route, pack light, and take the time to stop and savour the season.