Jessica Huras, Author at Tourism North Bay

5 Essential Coffee Shops in North Bay

Jessica Huras — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 16:20:36 +0000

From a quick to-go cup to sit and linger spots, here are the best coffee shops in North Bay to get your buzz on.

Whether you prefer a classic drip coffee or an artful espresso-based drink, North Bay has you covered when a craving strikes for the perfect cup. From hole-in-the-wall local favourites to cafes that roast their beans on-site, these are the essential North Bay coffee shops to sip and snack your way through.

1. Twiggs Coffee Roasters: The much loved local chain

Founder Jennifer Twigg launched Twiggs Coffee Roasters in 1995. After being introduced to the exceptional coffee produced at some of Vancouver’s small-batch roasteries, Twigg was inspired to create a similar concept in North Bay. Almost two decades later, Twiggs Coffee Roasters now has six locations in northern Ontario, including three in North Bay. The brand has gained a loyal following for its coffee, which is roasted in-house daily. In addition to high-quality coffee, Twiggs offers an excellent selection of soups, salads, deli-style sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, breakfast and baked goods, along with a juice bar featuring freshly-squeezed juices and real fruit smoothies.

2. Pine Hill Coffee Shop: For a quick caffeine fix with friendly service (Closed in 2023)

Pine Hill Coffee Shop is a local favourite spot that doubles as both a cafe and a convenience store. In addition to hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, this unassuming neighbourhood joint offers homestyle fare for breakfast and lunch, such as burgers and sandwiches. Pine Hill Coffee Shop quickly turns first-time visitors into regulars thanks to its fast, friendly service and affordable prices.

3. Opera Bakery Cafe: A great Artisanal Lunch & Dessert spot in historic digs

Photo Credit: Vanessa Tignanelli

Defined by its timeless interior architecture, Opera Bakery Cafe is a charming spot for grabbing a quick morning coffee or enjoying a relaxed lunch. Set in a former watchmaker’s shop, this locally-owned cafe features scratch-made baked goods; daily soups in flavours ranging from Thai coconut to yellow-split pea; and sandwiches served on housemade bread, including a gluten-free bread that’s widely praised as being among the city’s best. Opera Bakery Cafe also offers made-to-order cakes for special occasions, including a popular Triple Chocolate cake, which features chocolate buttercream and chocolate ganache.

4. The Urban Cafe: For creative types looking to sit and linger

Photo: The Urban Cafe Instagram: @theurbancafe_northbay

This humble coffee shop located in downtown North Bay aims to cater to customers seeking an on-the-go pick-me-up as well as those looking to savour their morning coffee at a more leisurely pace. The Urban Cafe’s unfussy interior features cheerful chalkboard signs and painted brick walls decorated with artwork. Opt for the soup of the day or filling lunch items like the chicken kiev panini or the honey mustard roast beef wrap. The Urban Cafe also offers sweet treats like brownies for dessert, and frozen soups to enjoy at home.

5. Home Style Cafe: For coffee lovers looking to give back

Operated by Community Living North Bay, a non-profit dedicated to services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, Home Style Cafe offers a cup of joe that you can feel good about ordering. The cafe is dedicated to using local ingredients and eco-friendly practices wherever possible, and all of its proceeds go directly towards supporting community programs and services. Home Style Cafe offers coffee courtesy of Reunion Coffee Roasters, as well as hearty breakfast and lunch options spanning from breakfast platters with bacon and eggs to sandwiches and wraps.

Explore more and discover the best places to eat and drink in North Bay!

The post 5 Essential Coffee Shops in North Bay appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

Discover Outdoor Dining in North Bay

Jessica Huras — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:27:03 +0000

From lakefront views to urban gardens,

these sunny patios are open for business!

article updated: June 2023

If there’s anything better than getting outside to soak up the summer sun, it’s savouring a delicious meal and an ice-cold drink at the same time. Make the most of the warm weather by checking out these top North Bay patios, where you can safely get some much-needed vitamin D, along with some of the city’s best sips and nibbles. Whether it’s a lakeside view or a downtown vibe you’re after, North Bay’s vibrant outdoor dining scene has got you covered.

Here is a sampling of our many restaurants with patios to check out in North Bay.

Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen

With its bright red umbrellas offering pleasant shade, the patio at Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen is a wonderful spot for enjoying the fresh air while sipping on a house-brewed beer. House-made brews range from easy-drinking lagers to fruit-forward options like the Wyld Blueberry Wheat Ale and the Ruby Red Radler. The crowd-pleasing menu features pub classics like nachos and sandwiches, as well as entrees like beef bourguignon. Stop by on Saturdays and Sundays to take advantage of their special prime rib dinner deal.

Average Joe’s

The restaurant’s name may be Average Joe’s but the beautiful views of Trout Lake visible from its rustic patio are far from average. Channel lakeside vibes by ordering a plate of potato-crusted pickerel, or opt for the hearty prime rib burger or the beef and mushroom pasta. Don’t miss the restaurant’s weekend brunch, which features dishes ranging from breakfast poutine to sweet crepes.

Station Tap House & Steak Co.

Set behind the handsome brick building that houses its indoor dining area, Station Tap House & Steak Co’s wood deck patio has a down-to-earth vibe. With 20 beers and two wines on tap plus a variety of other wines and cocktails available, the restaurant’s extensive line-up ensures you can while away many sunny afternoons on their patio without running out of new drinks to try. Burgers made with tender Canadian prime beef patties are the restaurant’s specialty, but the menu also features a range of sandwiches, salads, and bar bites.

The Boat

True to its name, The Boat is set on a retired 99-foot steel-hulled boat, which ran from 1947 to 1974. Perched on Lake Nipissing, the unique restaurant is known for its picturesque sunset views and approachable menu of bar snacks and seafood staples like chowder and fish and chips. Diners can choose between colourful benches or tables for seating, both of which are sheltered by patio umbrellas and illuminated by rows of string lights after dark.

Casey’s Bar Grill

This popular family-owned bar and grill has been welcoming hungry diners in North Bay for more than 35 years. After a massive patio renovation during the 2021 lockdown, Casey’s is back with loads of new outdoor seating atop a custom-made deck by Complete Carpentry. Known for their fresh, innovative salads (the Spicy Thai Chicken Salad is a must-try) and hearty entrees like back ribs and sirloins, this is a great place to enjoy an upgraded, spacious patio this summer.

The Crown and Beaver Pub

This cheerful neighbourhood spot specializes in British pub staples, ranging from chicken madras curry served over cinnamon-infused rice to beer-battered haddock. The Crown and Beaver Pub‘s pretty patio is dotted with plantlife is a lovely spot for soaking up the sun while indulging in a platter of nachos and a crisp lager.

gd2go

Whether you have special dietary needs or are just looking to incorporate better-for-you foods into your diet, gd2go has you covered with its menu of wraps, salads, bowls, and other wholesome eats. The restaurant’s offerings are free of GMOs, white sugar, white flour, and canola, plus they have lots of options for vegetarian, vegan, and paleo diets. Enjoy these light, healthy eats out on the restaurant’s expansive sunny patio, which is decorated with multi-hued umbrellas and chairs.

Moose’s Cookhouse

Moose’s Cookhouse has been a downtown North Bay mainstay for almost a quarter of a century, known for its made-to-order chicken wings. The restaurant’s popular wings are seasoned by hand and served with a choice of over 100 sauces in flavours ranging from honey garlic to inventive combos like Stompin Tom, which is a mix of maple BBQ and Hickory BBQ. Dig into a plate of wings paired with a beer while dining outdoors on their delightful patio overlooking Main Street.

Arugula

Head to Arugula to dine on handmade, Neapolitan-style pizza while admiring the views on their leafy patio. The restaurant’s pizza is made using authentic ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian Caputo double 00 flour, and cooked in a traditional, wood-fired pizza oven. Their menu also features sandwiches, salads, and plenty of vegan-friendly dishes, plus lengthy lists of wine, beer, and cocktails. The sunny side patios offer guests a relaxing spot to enjoy some classic al fresco dining.

East Side Mario’s

East Side Mario’s is a North Bay favourite and luckily the sunny front patio overlooking Lakeshore Drive is open for business. Order your favourite Italian dish (calamari anyone?) and soak up the sun in their signature red chairs. Kids will love their new Unicorn Chillers (smoothies topped with sprinkles and a sugar cone) while adults can enjoy innovative Italian cocktails and Canadian craft beer.

Bay Bistro

One of the newest additions to the North Bay Patio scene is the Bay Bistro located inside the NUSU Student Centre on College Drive. It is open to all the public and is already hit with its diverse menu featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the sun and the forest views and who knows you may be able to spot some furry or feathered friends while your there.

Other notable patio’s in North Bay are: Match Eatery & Public House, Lou Dawgs, Boston Pizza, Fox & Fiddle, Lot 88 Steakhouse and Marigold Unique Flavours on Lake Nipissing.

So come up stay the weekend and kick back at one of North Bay’s vibrant patios to enjoy the sunshine!

The post Discover Outdoor Dining in North Bay appeared first on Tourism North Bay.