Sticky Throttle Fingers – BBQ to Brake for
Fresh black top, hot sun, tantalizing aromas of charcoal BBQs and smokers, and patios with bikes parked out front; these are common themes you’ll experience during a summer ride through the Highlands.
Ontario’s Highlands has many restaurant locations that, much like the road builders of the past, understand the importance of taking the time (low and slow) to craft something really good. To help you find these craftspeople and their smoky stops, we’ve created a list of five BBQ locations you need to try this summer.
Routes: Highlands Loop, Riding & Relaxation
The Iron Rooster combines two of our favourite things; motorcycles and BBQ. Find them on Highway 7 between Marmora and Madoc, and take a break on the Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill’s large patio for some of the best rotisserie chicken you will find in the area. When restrictions allow, make sure you venture inside and check out their vintage motorcycle museum. See, we told you this place is awesome.
What to order: Rotisserie chicken dinner
Routes: Highlands Loop, Dynamite Alley, Fall Loop
At the basecamp of the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve you will find Truss Foodworks Cookhouse. This hidden gem is a little off the beaten track, but the ride and food are definitely worth the detour. Upon arrival, you will notice the tantalizing smells of brisket, ham, pork or chicken coming from their smoker. Take a seat on their patio and try their pulled pork sandwich or brisket mac + cheese.
What to order: Brisket Mac N Cheese
Routes: Deep Valley Run, Valley Sally
As you wind your way along Combermere Road you may be greeted with the smoky smells of chicken and pork as you near the Madawaska River. The Bent Anchor Bar & Restaurant pride themselves in creating the majority of their menu in-house using the freshest ingredients. Stretch your legs on their riverside patio and try their smoked chicken or rib dinner. You can also find their smoked goodness in other menu items including their Pulled Pork Sammy, Food Coma Poutine with house smoked BBQ pulled chicken, or nachos topped with your choice of smoked meat.
What to order: Smoked Chicken or Baby Bent Ribs Dinner
Routes: Highlands Loop, Deep Valley Run, Calabogie Boogie
Homemade and handcrafted are the main attributes of the Redneck Bistro’s menu. If you’re enjoying a day of riding the Calabogie Boogie, make sure you drop your kickstand at Redneck Bistro and try their mouth-watering pulled pork. Slow roasted overnight, then pulled and spiced with sauteed onions and Black Donald BBQ Sauce, you can find their pulled pork on a selection of menu items; even breakfast.
Tip: If you have a campsite booked, or plan on BBQing at your final destination, stop into their Meat Shop and pick up some quality meat for the grill.
What to order: Pulled Pork Sandwich
We bet that made you hungry. Share this blog with your meat loving friends and start planning your next ride. Pair this delicious food tour with our list of baked goods to brake for, and maybe opt for your bigger pants…
You should think about providing a general map of all the locations to see at a quick glance
Hey Peter!
We created a map just for you. Enjoy!
~Ride the Highlands