Photo courtesy Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co
Contributor Hanna Dykstra visits the best café’s and coffee shops in Huntsville and the Lake of Bays in search of Muskoka’s best cuppa joe…
When it comes time to look for a great ‘cuppa joe’, Lake of Bays and Huntsville coffee shops certainly deliver.
Here in the heart of Muskoka Ontario you’ll find some of the best coffee shops in Cottage Country, each of them unique and just perfect to kick back, relax, and enjoy a sweet treat with your piping hot beverage (Muskoka’s famous for its butter tarts, too!). And while you’re there, be sure to check their menus for other items, including some of the best lunches and take out food and drink in Muskoka.
Be sure to read through our list of the top places to visit for the best coffee in Huntsville and Lake of Bays. Enjoy!
(Editor’s Note: If you’re going to be travelling to other areas of cottage country, be sure to check out our list of the top Muskoka coffee shops and cafés on LuxuryMuskoka.)
The best cafés and coffee shops in Huntsville & Lake of Bays
Affogato Café & Gelato

Affogato Café & Gelato is an authentic treat not to miss when in Huntsville. The gelato, made fresh in house daily (what more could you want!) is authentic and oh so delicious.
So, too, is the real Italian espresso coffee served fresh here… it’s to die for. Especially when you order an ‘affogato’ – their speciality, naturally – which consists of a shot of hot espresso poured onto a scoop of frozen gelato. The result? Something that’s just perfect when you can’t decide between dessert and coffee.
This delightful small café is tucked away just behind the main street, meters away from the river that feeds from Lake Vernon into Fairy Lake. There are a number of pleasant parks and a small boardwalk area here, and usually a gathering of people enjoying this little oasis just far enough away from the downtown Huntsville traffic.
To learn more, visit their website at https://affogatomuskoka.com.
That Little Place by the Lights

It’s pretty hard to miss That Little Place by the Lights. Located in the heart of downtown Huntsville by the (you guessed it!) traffic lights and town bridge, this charming Muskoka restaurant has been a long-time cottage country favourite.
Featured on the hit Food Network show, You Gotta Eat Here, the restaurant boasts some amazing food and drink options. Their coffee is a real treat, and includes excellent Italian espressos guaranteed to provide that caffeine fix. And along with that latte or cappuccino, why not order lunch? That Little Place by the Lights is well-known for its authentic Italian food, too, which can be eaten in or taken home.
Find out more about this top-rated restaurant at http://thatlittleplacebythelights.ca.
Soul Sistas Café

Another popular place to visit in Huntsville for coffee or lunch, Soul Sistas Café has become something of a staple in northern Cottage Country. Here you can get fresh organic options to fuel your day, or enjoy something from their organic espresso bar made with an alternative milk option, or even a fresh juice or smoothie.
Everything available at Soul Sistas is made with care and attention: their goal is quality over everything, so you can expect that their smoothies and juices are made with fresh fruit and no added sugar.
This top-rated health and wellness restaurant is also comfortable and cozy. Within the shop you can purchase products like protein powder, cold drinks, and even food to go. Their daily specials allow for something fresh every day.
Be sure to check out the Soul Sistas website at www.soulsistas.ca.
Miss Nelle’s Antiques & Café, Baysville

This family run shop in Lake of Bays has something for everyone, and is the perfect place to stop and satisfy that craving for a coffee while en route to the cottage. Located in the heart of the quaint village of Baysville, Miss Nelle’s also serves ice cream, sweet treats, and lunch and is newly licensed.
Miss Nelle’s is also a fun place to shop for antiques, its shop packed full of history. The building itself is something of an antique, its old-world charm certainly adding to the experience. Built in 1872, the building has been standing for almost 150 years.
Come by boat (there’s ample docking across the road) or by car, either way you won’t be disappointed by this Baysville staple. (And be sure to pop-into the excellent Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory & Pizzeria for… you guessed it… some of the best Muskoka butter tarts you’ve ever have!)
Learn more about this Lake of Bays staple at www.missnelles.ca.
(Editor’s Note: If you’re going to be travelling to the Muskoka area, be sure to check out our list of the best Muskoka Coffee Shops.)
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Contributor Hanna Dykstra is fueled by caffeine all over Muskoka.


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