‘Tis the season for all things warm, gooey, hearty, and rich. And while you may love stirring your own stews and baking those apple pies, you might also want to leave the fall comfort foods to the experts. Hastings County has more than a few. Keep reading for nine restaurants, cafés, and bakeries with a taste for cozy deliciousness and what to try at each.
Grilled Cheese: Sun Run Café and Bakery
33021 Highway 62, Maynooth, Ontario
From sausage and egg sandwiches to honey crullers and cinnamon buns, most items on Sun Run’s menu are pure comfort. But for the ultimate warmup, it’s got to be the grilled cheese. The beauty you see here is a spinach and artichoke special with roasted tomatoes on homemade twelve-grain bread. This version might not be there when you visit, but the classic cheddar on buttermilk white bread should be — and will always be good. Pair it with a seasonal soup and a pastry for all the fall feels.
Learn more and explore: Facebook
Sausage Penne: The Granite
45 Bridge Street West, Bancroft, Ontario
The Granite is known for its slightly upscale yet relaxed vibes, and this warming sausage penne fits right in. It’s made with chorizo sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and house-made arrabbiata — which is a spicy sauce made from garlic, tomatoes, and dried red chili peppers cooked in olive oil. With a garlic breadstick on the side and a glass of red wine, it’s the perfect dish on a dark and dreary fall evening. Not up for pasta? Go for the pulled-pork sandwich, striploin, or butter chicken instead.
Learn more and explore: thegranitebancroft.com
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup: Farm Girl Café
18 Mill Street, Stirling, Ontario
How about a hot bowl of homemade soup to soothe those cold-weather aches? Each of Farm Girl’s soups is like a hearty hug, but if it’s available, try the roasted tomato and garlic concoction. Made with local tomatoes and fresh garlic, it’s earthy and smooth, and has a nice balance of buttery and pungency. For a side, try a sandwich. And for a drink, check out the special fall menu: pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin white chocolate mocha, fall chai, iced apple crisp latte, and hot apple cider with apple whip.
Learn more and explore: Facebook
Mini cheesecakes: Wattle and Daub Café
26b Station Street, Bancroft, Ontario
When you need some sweet comfort, Wattle and Daub has you covered. This tucked away café is known for its soups, salads, and sandwiches, but the desserts are just as good. The cheesecakes consistently get raves, but the best part is that you don’t have to have just one. The mini cheesecake variety pack comes with a rotating cast of selections — from classic to strawberry to chocolate. Even better: your dollars go to a sweet cause. Wattle and Daub is not-for-profit raising funds for Bancroft Community Transit.
Learn more and explore: wattleanddaubcafe.taliupexpress.com
Classic burger: Rustic Roadside Restaurant
21162 Highway 62, Gilmour, Ontario
There’s a reason a giant inflatable hamburger stands outside this roadside gem: the one inside is really good. There are six burgers on the menu here, but you can’t go wrong with the classic. With its juicy, six-ounce beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion — and squeezed between two fresh buns — it’s a timeless staple made for a filling fall lunch. Next time, come back for the big moose breakfast or hot turkey sandwich. But never leave without homemade baked goods like pies, tarts, and cookies.
Learn more and explore: Facebook
Cinnamon Roll: Cube Coffee Bar
301 Victoria Street North, Tweed, Ontario
Not much beats the delicious aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. If you're looking to treat yourself to some sweet cinnamon goodness, be sure to stop by Cube Coffee Bar in Tweed. Delight your senses with a freshly baked cinnamon roll or try some of their other delectable menu items like their vegan banana bread, crossiants, sandwiches, wraps and of course a warm cup of coffee.
Learn more and explore: Facebook
Wings and Fries: Tap and Tonic
16 Forsyth Street, Marmora, Ontario
Tap and Tonic in downtown Marmora does all the comforts with a little elegance and creativity. The well-rounded menu includes everything from veggie samosas to nachos to chicken parm to seafood linguine. But if you have a group with a hankering for finger food, go for one of the wing platters with fries (they are available in three pound, four pound, and five pound options). The jumbo chicken wings are legendary around here, and can come in 17 flavours.
Learn more and explore: marmora.tapandtonic.ca
Chicken Pot Pie: The O’Connor House English Tea Room
369 Main Street, Deseronto, Ontario
Few foods say comfort food quite like chicken pot pie. The one on offer at The O’Connor House will likely have you saying, “More, please.” Topped with a flaky golden pastry, it’s made with tender roasted chicken, carrots, peas and a rich gravy. It also comes with cranberry sauce and a salad. Other classic comforts on the menu include daily soups, a variety of sandwiches, quiche, warm scones, sticky toffee pudding, and old English bread pudding.
Learn more and explore: theoconnorhouse.com
Apple Pie: Hidden Goldmine Bakery
59 Durham Street South, Madoc, Ontario
No fall comfort food list is complete without an apple pie. And while you’ll find incredible versions on menus up and down Hastings County, it’s tough to beat Hidden Goldmine’s. Just look at it. Is there anything that reminds you more of one of your grandma’s beauties? The handmade golden crust. The caramelized brown oozing from the corners. The sweet taste of fresh, warm apples in every bite. Go on, grab another slice. Winter is just around the corner.
Learn more and explore: hiddengoldminebakery.ca
