Patio Life in Kawartha Lakes

Patio vibes

Whether you’re looking for a cold pint with a friend or a family meal, patios across Kawartha Lakes have you covered

GEOFF COLEMAN Writer-at-large

Hannah Ormston, of That Place on Cameron in Fenelon Falls.

Just when it seemed like patios couldn’t get any better, they became our first place to socialize during the provincial reopening. To help you decide where to go, the Advocate has compiled a guide to the best of local patio culture in Kawartha Lakes.

BEST PLACES FOR CRAFT BEER

The Pie Eyed Monk

Lindsay

Six varieties of craft beer in a renovated industrial building that makes you feel like you worked hard all day and deserve a good meal and a distinctive brew.

All photos: Geoff Coleman

The Locker by the Falls

Fenelon Falls

Old Dog Brewing Company

Bobcaygeon

Flipping the European practice of bringing wine to a restaurant, the brewery suggests patrons bring their own food to the patio, and Old Dog will provide the beer.

Desiree McMahon at The Locker at the Falls in Fenelon Falls, with a view of the water behind her. MaryBeth Buckley serves up a cold one at The Pie Eyed Monk in Lindsay.

BEST PLACES FOR SCENERY

That Place On Cameron

Fenelon Falls

Awesome sunsets from a two-level patio. Expect to struggle to find parking on wing nights.

CONT’D ON PAGE 24 Full sun or in-the-shade views of Fenelon’s falls. The Locker Extreme Burger is in the big leagues when it comes to great taste.

Fenelon Falls Brewery

Fenelon Falls

Another old building given new life, the pub has a patio adjacent to the windowed overhead door leading right to the brewing tanks. You can almost reach out and refill your own glass.

CONT’D FROM PAGE 23

BEST PLACES FOR ATMOSPHERE

El Patio

Bobcaygeon

With a brightly painted food truck on-site and coloured flags strung above the seating area, there is something about this place that makes you feel like you stepped into another country when you enter the gates.

Ziraldo’s

Fenelon Falls

Brick walls on each side, canvas awnings overhead and a wooden deck below your feet make this patio smack of Italy(grapevine included). The restaurant shades the patio perfectly on hot afternoons.

Deb Blackmore, manager of Lotus, one of the newest patio offerings in Fenelon Falls.

Lotus Indian Bistro Fenelon Falls

Bringing some variety to the village, this new bistro features authentic Indian cuisine, such as bhindi aloo (potatoes, okra and tomatoes cooked with mild Indian spices) and baingan bharta (fire-roasted eggplant with spices). Of course, there are also cold drinks.

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BEST PLACES FOR FAMILY FARE

Boston Pizza Lindsay

There is something terribly wrong if you can’t please every member of the family with something from the menu here.

Kelseys

Lindsay

A sprawling and nicely appointed patio makes this standby a solid choice for meals or appetizers or both. Great food.

Symposium Lindsay

Breakfast al fresco is one of the greatest rewards for getting through last January. But not just breakfast. This great menu includes lunch and dinner, whether you’re a fish, steak or chicken lover, or a vegetarian.

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1. Ziraldo’s in Fenelon Falls. 2. El Patio in Bobcaygeon feels like you’re in a different country. 3. Asa Coleman and Victoria Gee enjoy a meal at Kelseys in Lindsay.

Riverside Inn Norland

Worth the drive no matter where you live in the city. Bright and well-appointed patio near the four corners of the village. Excellent menu, affordable entrees.

Murphy’s Irish Pub Fenelon Falls

The pub is situated at the corner of the locks and shopping, and the raised patio gives a good view of exotic boats, beautiful cars and the people in them. Always a chance that an authentic Irish fiddle tune will be heard, whether the popular open mic night is on or not.

The Royal Moose at The Bobcaygeon Inn

Bobcaygeon

The Kawarthas’ largest waterfront patio is also the first restaurant other than one in Toronto to offer The Tragically Hip’s new Lake Fever Lager.

MOST AUTHENTIC

Coach and Horses

Lindsay

Nothing beats the Coach for a true local vibe. Never touristy, always authentic. A holdout from Lindsay’s bar days, the Coach has been around for 33 years. It was taken over by sisters Nicole Rochette and Kim Wagg just a few months before the pandemic hit.

Murphy’s Irish Pub draws a good summer crowd in Fenelon Falls.

Nicole Rochette, co-owner of Coach and Horses, Lindsay, serves up some cold drinks.

Door Dash now available!

All Your All Day Long.

Make this the year that you Pay it Forward and make someone’s day with a small gesture of kindness. Yours in Good Health,