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Huntsville, Ont., about 200 kilometres north of Toronto, is in the middle of Muskoka where people go to cottage, sail and do other lakeside activities in the summer. In the winter, my friends go there to get married.
Chowhounders thankfully recommended Westside Fish and Chips, a little diner in the town that is open year-round.
We drove up to a building with a laundromat in the rear basement and a grocery store next door. “Seriously?” said Jason, who never trusts my dragging him to strange places (but is also never disappointed).
Undeterred, I stomped into the family-run diner where one of the first things I saw was a counter full of homemade pies. Already a good sign.
The walls and shelves are lined with dozens of teapots, neatly dusted (which earns bonus points in my books). Jason later pointed out they’re categorized! Ones shaped like houses on one wall, vehicle teapots and furniture teapots on others.
We went straight for the fish and chips ($11.99), which were highly recommended. Our halibut was absolutely fantastic. A thick (but not too thick!) batter covered the moist, tasty fish. We made the mistake of also getting fried shrimp, which were fine, but really I could have gone for a second piece of halibut.
For dessert, we also went with the highly touted coconut cream pie. THE BEST COCONUT CREAM PIE I’ve ever had: a light, flaky crust with a smooth pudding middle and a fluffy, heavenly meringue top with toasted coconut flakes.
We returned the next day for a diner breakfast. The place was packed with what I’m guessing is a regular clientele.
The breakfast plates were huge.
And yes, I might have had another piece of coconut cream pie. After breakfast.
Westside Fish and Chips, 126 Main St. West, Huntsville, Ont. (705) 789-7200. Open daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Coonut Pie on Pi day
Sounds like a great find! I have to admit I was thinking Huntsville? Why is she in Huntsville? Forgetting there was a Huntsville in Ontario
We’re in the Muskokas in the summer sometimes… I’ll have to put this place on the map since by your description I think I might have passed it by….I can’t count how many times I’ve given in to a chain in favour of a sure thing when feeding the kids on the road.
Erica B.: Westside Diner is after the drag with all the chain restaurants on it, past the main street, and past the “green bridge.” (Those are the directions we got from a store clerk.) When it almost feels like you’re heading into an all residential area is when you’ll spot it.
Thanks! I really have to start a file with this kind of stuff so when we do finally go somewhere I’ll be somewhat organized and not miss out on that Coconut Cream Pie
we love this restaurant. we travel to the Huntsville area every few weeks, and always enjoy the fish and chips. The breakfast is also great! I really love the raspberry pie, but all the desserts are good. especially the butter tarts.
Driving home from Algonquin Park, I had a craving for fish & chips, so I plugged it into my GPS. For once the thing worked! I’m from the maritimes and this place has the best fish & chips this side of the east coast! I’d darn near drive the 3 hours to back again! Fantastic!!