The days are long, the nights are warm, and the mosquitoes are finally getting less annoying. It’s patio time. Whether you’re looking for river views, a more urban oasis, or craft beers under the stars, Hastings County has you covered. From north to south, here are a dozen of the best patios in the area.
Madawaksa Kanu Centre
247 River Road, Barry’s Bay
It’s not just rapids and learning how to paddle them at MKC. There’s a great café too and a sprawling outdoor deck with tables and Adirondack chairs to lounge in. The menu features freshly roasted Madawaska Coffee, homemade soups, paninis, pastries, and ice cream. Most of it’s from local organic producers, but the MKC crew also grow their own herbs and edible flowers.
Sun Run Café and Bakery
33021 Hastings County Road 62, Maynooth
Nab one of the outdoor picnic tables and brunch under the sun here and you’ll be a very happy camper. The Sun Run menu includes classic breakfasts, sandwiches, incredible pastries, and a rotating cast of plates like “Brie and Apple” (sauteed apple, brie, caramelized onions, spicy honey, and arugula on buttermilk white bread). Everything is made from scratch and always fresh.
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Bancroft Brew Pub
4 Bridge Street West, Bancroft
The Bancroft Brew Pub sits on one of the busiest corners in town, and its patio is the spot to sit back and watch with a cold one. The Bancroft Brewing Company is right next door, so you can’t get any fresher suds. If you’re hungry, there’s lots of choice: wings, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and entrées like steaks and Atlantic salmon.
The Granite
45 Bridge Street West, Bancroft
Just up the street from the Bancroft Brew Pub is The Granite, a slightly more upscale option with a solid craft beer list and a great patio overlooking the York River. The vibe is still casual though, and the food is a mix of salads, burgers, sandwiches, pastas, and different entrées that have included butter chicken, beef tenderloin, blackened halibut, and cheese tortellini.
For the Halibut
220 Hastings Street North, Bancroft
For those wanting to combine fish and chips and patio river views of the York, this is your spot. The family-run shop isn’t your typical grease trap, however. They take pride in high-quality, fresh ingredients — from the hand-cut Alaskan halibut to the locally-grown and fresh-cut Yukon Gold potatoes. And it’s not just about fish and chips. Go for the famous clam chowder or lobster tail to taste what I mean.
The Barn Chefs
5543 Highway 620, Coe Hill
Sarah Woods and Luca Molteni are the geniuses behind this Italian deli specializing in charcuterie, fresh pasta, breads, buffalo milk cheeses, preserves, and desserts. You won’t go wrong indulging in a little capocollo, focaccia, and spicy onion marmalade on one of the outdoor wooden tables. Top it off with hand-whipped, made-to-order Nutella gelato and dreams of Tuscany.
Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill
104221 Highway 7, Marmora
End your chicken wings search on the patio of this rotisserie chicken joint between Marmora and Madoc. These hand-breaded beauties come in over a dozen flavour combos and are some of the best in the area. The burgers are solid too, as are the chicken dinners. As for the patio, it’s a big wooden deck with high tops, regular tables, and plenty of umbrellas to enjoy a cold one under.
ironroosterrotisserieandgrill.com
The Iron Grille
239 Station Road, Marmora
Find the Iron Grille and its pergola patio just north of Marmora. This family-style restaurant does the grille classics: salads, burgers, wraps, wings, and entrées like pastas and fish and chips. For breakfast, it’s the standards plus unique ones like the breakfast bowl (bacon, ham, or sausage; shredded potatoes; hollandaise; fried egg; toast). Out on the patio, the extra shade is nice, as is the multi-level layout.
7/62 Craft Brewers
162 Russell Street, Madoc
The canines Barley and Hop will likely greet you at the entrance of 7/62’s picnic-tabled patio. They are statues, but you might be welcomed by an actual dog at this very pooch-friendly outdoor space. Either way, 7/62’s unfussy craft beers taste good out here. Check for seasonal choices but the core beers include Al’s Best Bitter, Madoc Dark, Hastings Canadian, Isolation IPA, The Little Irish, and Nutmeg Stout.
Finn’s Pub and Patio
15B Trudeau Lane, Tweed
The only lakeside patio in Hastings is at Stoco Lake Lodge in Tweed — and what a patio Finn’s is. Those water breezes are as refreshing as the cold drinks, and the wings aren’t bad either, especially on Thursdays ($12.50/pound). Try the glazed duck wings for something different. The rest of the menu includes wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of entrées. Weekend breakfast goes 9 am – 12 pm.
Longtooth Beverage Co.
429 West Front Street, Stirling
Head around back to find Longtooth’s patio, which could be grooving to live music on a Saturday afternoon. Inside, the craft beers will include some or all of the staples — pale ale, lager, Irish red, and milk stout — as well as seasonal offerings like the recent Mango Ice Cream IPA and Hastings County Light. Hungry? Go for a snack (e.g., soft pretzel), meal (e.g., pizza), or shareable (e.g., nachos).
Kings Mill Cider
596 Kings Mill Road, Stirling
It’s all about serenity and refreshing brews at this cidery nestled in the rolling hills near Stirling. The covered patio is the perfect perch to nibble on a snack or a pizza and sip on a flight of award-winning hard ciders that range from bone dry to sweet. You’ll be treated to views of gardens, old growth forest, and Kings Mill’s glamping yurts.
Want to work up a thirst before hitting a patio? Check out these options for combining a hike with a post-trek cold one.
