Kawartha Localist is a new editorial series from kawarthaNOW sharing trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from people who know and love this region. It’s what we love about where we live.
When you’re on those long and hot drives to the cottage, or just want to enjoy a meal with the family, roadside eats are a tried-and-true option for a reason: they’re convenient, fast, often affordable, and a great way to connect with locals.
One of the many benefits to living in the Kawarthas is the impressive number of food trucks and roadside shacks, some freshly opened this season and some with nearly 40 years of history. They’re serving up loaded poutines, affordable smash burgers, refreshing ice creams, and international twists on classic chip truck fare. Better yet, with gluten-free menus, vegetarian options, family sizes, and kids’ menus, there’s something for everyone — even bites for your furry friend!
Wherever you find yourself exploring across the region this summer, these roadside eateries are worth a stop.
Chow down on fish tacos on Highway 28 at Mikey D’s Fire’d Up Food Truck in Apsley
You’ll rarely drive along Highway 28 through Apsley without seeing diners munching on tacos at Mikey D’s Fire’d Up Food Truck.
For five years, this family-operated business owned by Mike Del Mastro has been running out of a redone fire truck that has become a staple for both locals and those driving to the cottage. You’ll forget you’re dining roadside while sitting on the property where the Creekside Music Festival was held prior to being cancelled.
The signature menu item is undoubtedly the fish tacos made with beer-battered cod. You’ll also find pulled chicken, BBQ pulled pork, and veggie tacos that can be purchased solo, in a pair, or as a trio depending on your appetite. Homemade burgers (including veggie), fish and chips, poutines, sandwiches, and a kids’ menu round out the offerings, while every weekday offers a new special.
Mikey D’s Fire’d Up Food Truck is open seasonally at 10027 Highway 28 in Apsley. To learn more, follow Mikey D’s Fire’d Up Food Truck on Facebook.
Feast on all your Greek favourites at Two Fat Greeks in Selwyn
One of the best things about dining at Two Fat Greeks in the Selwyn Township is you never know what’s going to be on the menu any day of the week.
Everything is made from scratch at this roadside spot, whose full dinner plates make it feel more like a restaurant than a food truck. The specialty here is, you guessed it, Greek food including souvlaki, gyro, pita, and Greek fries, with all meat coming directly from the butcher.
Don’t worry, you’ll still find your food truck favourites, with burgers, poutine, fish ‘n’ chips, and sausage all up for grabs. And of course, Two Fat Greeks always gives you a reason to come back by having a daily menu addition.
To bookend your meal, Two Fat Greeks serves up crepes with a selection of toppings including homemade jams, as well as baklava, Kawartha Dairy ice cream, and a Greek frappe.
Two Fat Greeks is located at 1399 8th Line Smith, four kilometres west of Lakefield. To learn more, follow Two Fat Greeks on Facebook.
Dig into hefty portions at Leo’s Chip Truck north of Bancroft
Leo’s Chip Truck is one of Bancroft’s longest-lasting food trucks. It was already well loved when Craig Cannon took over ownership 23 years ago and kept the name to pay homage to the original owner.
Under Cannon’s reign, Leo’s Chip Truck continued to grow over the decades until he was operating three local food trucks, including one in Maynooth. Now he’s back to focusing his time and efforts at the original Bird’s Creek location just north of Bancroft.
This unassuming though iconic food truck is known for delivering sizable portions that won’t break the bank. The banquet burger and poutine are customer favourites, alongside other comfort food classics like hot dogs, chicken fingers, fish and chips, and sausage.
Leo’s Chip Truck is open seven days per week at 29890 Highway 26 North in Bird’s Creek.
Take a chance on the peanut butter burger at The Highland Chip’py’ in Haliburton County
Just outside Harcourt where Elephant Road meets Loop Road (County Road 648), you’ll find The Highland Chip’py’, a spot well-known for its lengthy — and surprising — menu offerings.
The entrepreneur behind this truck, Mac Burroughs, was just 14 years old when he first opened it four summers ago. Now a recent graduate of high school, he continues to provide a destination with quality food that has become loved by locals.
In addition to serving up regular chip truck fare including burgers, poutine, and chicken strips, Burroughs likes to convince customers to try his signature burger that’s topped with peanut butter and bacon. Other delicious offerings you may not find elsewhere include a grilled cheese topped with pickles or bacon. For dessert, there’s a selection of ice cream.
The Highland Chip’py’ is open at 4167 Haliburton County Rd in Dysart et al from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. To learn more, follow The Highland Chip’py’ on Facebook.
Treat your pup to a snack at Skippy’s Chip Truck in Bridgenorth
Donna and Brad Bethune have been serving up such large portions at Skippy’s Chip Truck that they had to come out with an extra-small fry size. Now, the Bridgenorth truck offers everything from the extra-small to a family size that will keep your whole crew full.
The menu also features seven-ounce homemade burgers, a homemade chicken club, hot dogs, and poutines. You’ll find rotating daily specials including well-loved popular chicken fingers and a Fishy Friday special featuring fish ‘n’ chips, with the beer-battered fish covered in salt and vinegar chips.
Just as you’ll leave Skippy’s well-fed, so too will your pup! Every dog is welcomed with a chunky slab of bacon.
Located at 989 Ward Street in Bridgenorth, Skippy’s season is later than most, with service on until the third week of December. To learn more, follow Skippy’s Chip Truck on Facebook.
Cool down with a slushie and Central Smith ice cream at Momma Dukes in Omemee
What was once a hydro truck has been revamped into a vibrant blue roadside eatery named Momma Dukes Food Truck in Omemee.
Named for owner Melissa Bryer, Momma Dukes Food Truck is now in its fourth season of serving up daily-made burgers and daily-cut fresh fries. Pulled pork poutine, hot hamburger poutine, and a new chicken poutine are all well-loved by regulars, while smaller bites found on the menu include battered mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, and deep-fried pickles.
For a refreshing end to your meal, Momma Dukes serves up 10 different flavours of Central Smith ice cream and, new this year, has launched the original Slush Puppie, available in lime, cherry, and blue raspberry.
Momma Dukes is located at 4679 Highway 7 in Omemee. To learn more, follow Momma Dukes on Facebook.
Taste Quebecois cuisine at the Smokin’ Chip Wagon in Bancroft
Located in downtown Bancroft, Smokin’ Chip Wagon has been serving comfort food bites to cottagers and locals since 2001. Born and raised in Montréal, Erin Browning moved to town with the goal of bringing the taste of Quebec to Ontario.
That’s why the family-owned and -operated Smokin’ Chip Wagon is serving up steamed hotdogs topped with homemade coleslaw, Quebec-style poutine, and Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches.
You’ll also find lamb and beef gyros and Halifax-based donairs both made with homemade sauces alongside burgers, sausage on a bun, fish and chips, and more.
Smokin’ Chip Wagon is located at 198 Hastings Street North in Bancroft. To learn more, follow Smokin’ Chip Wagon on Facebook.
Top off your roadside meal with an ice cream float at J’s Place Chip Truck in Northumberland County
With its 38-year history, J’s Place Chip Truck in Trent Hills has served generations of families. But since new owners Lori Laro and Scott Argyle took over three seasons ago, they have put their own spin on the legacy business and nearly doubled the menu options.
Now, J’s Place is known for the extensive menu, serving up a six-ounce burger, salads, hot dogs, Newfoundland-style fresh cut fries, chicken tenders, and so much more. When expanding the menu, the owners were conscious about introducing more vegetarian and gluten-free options, so now all burgers and hot dogs are gluten free and gluten-free buns are available. Even more accessible to all, J’s Place serves a family size as well as a “small appetite” menu (they assure, it’s not just for children!).
New this year, J’s Place has launched an ice cream shack with four flavours that are served in bowls, in cones, or as decadent floats.
J’s Place Chip Truck is located at Highway 29 at the intersection of Highway 30 in the Municipality of Trent Hills. To learn more, follow J’s Place Chip truck on Facebook.
Eat and stay for a while at Chemong Chuck Wagon in Selwyn
At the new Chemong Chuck Wagon in Selwyn, you’ll find traditional and modern food truck options paired with competitive pricing and a space that’s being built with community in mind.
Situated beside the Chemong Home Hardware, Chemong Chuck Wagon is a new project from Adam and Amanda Levesque, who ran the Beavertails food truck that was previously located on the site.
Chemong Chuck Wagon blends traditions of old-timey chuckwagons with modern concepts by hopping on the smash burger trend. From banquet burgers to those topped with peameal, cheddar, and mozzarella, there are a handful of smash burger toppings on the menu. These can be paired with breaded mushrooms, deep fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, and other fun sides.
Offering a relief from rising food costs, this food truck is delivering goods that are competitively priced. We’re talking under $10 for a smash burger!
You can enjoy your burger from the grassy seating area, while playing a game of cornhole, or under the heated gazebo that will provide comfort even in the cooler fall months. Adam says as they get comfortable in their new business, they’ll be making the space even more inviting for customers to stick around awhile by laying blankets for picnicking, installing bird feeders, and building a community library.
Chemong Chuck Wagon is located at 1665 Chemong Road. To learn more, follow the business on Facebook.
Take home some smoked BBQ from Mammoth Barbeque in Douro-Dummer
Meat lovers can unite over the smoky smells found at Mammoth Barbeque where rock ‘n’ roll and high-quality delectables meet.
You may have heard about BBQ styles named for Texas, the Carolinas, and Memphis, but owners John Ellis and Nik Aström are on a mission to put Canada on the map when it comes to BBQ. At this roadside eatery on Highway 28, not only can you grab a bite during your stop, but you can also take some smoked delectables home by the pound.
Diners are flocking to the 12-to-16-hour slow-cooked briskets that make for a tender bite and the Cajun-style blackened chicken done with homemade mayo-based barbeque sauce. Ellis previously worked at Peterborough’s now-closed Hot Belly Mama’s and brought the Cuban brisket sandwich over to Mammoth Barbeque.
Other favourites are an acclaimed poutine, a mac ‘n’ cheese topped with chicken, and the regular specials that come with rockin’ names.
Mammoth Barbeque is located at 2893 Highway 28 in Douro-Dummer. To learn more visit www.mammothbarbeque.ca.
Find groovy eats for vegetarians and meat lovers alike at The Hippie Chippie in Woodview
Don’t worry, plant-based diners — there’s a food truck on Highway 28 for you, too! It’s not always easy to find good vegetarian options when you’re on the road, but fortunately The Hippie Chippie makes it possible.
Owned by locals Carla Soles and Nathan White, The Hippie Chippie is what you’d imagine from its groovy name: a hand-painted colourful trailer donned with flowers, smiley faces, and sunshine. The menu is a vegetarian’s dream with a crumbly housemade sweet potato and black bean burger, a balsamic-marinated portabello, as well as decadent grilled cheese sandwiches.
There’s lots of options for meat lovers too, including the house-smoked pulled pork and hand-breaded chicken sandwiches. The Hippie Chippie has new specials every weekend, while the shoulder seasons introduces weekly Fish Fridays.
The Hippie Chippy is located at 6220 Highway 28 in Woodview. To learn more, follow The Hippie Chippie on Facebook.
Browse a gluten-free menu and indulge in loaded poutines at Pit Stop 62 in Hastings County
Located just south of Bancroft, Pit Stop 62 may be a relative newcomer to the food truck scene compared to other long-standing options in Hastings County, but it sure stands out.
The family-operated truck was launched in 2024 to intentionally curate a gluten-free food truck experience to address the lack of accessible roadside options. That’s why Pit Stop 62 includes a gluten-free menu, with one fryer reserved for gluten-free items and gluten-free patties in the smash burgers.
Pit Stop 62 is also well-known for decadent poutine, with 10 different options available, including the popular bacon cheeseburger poutine. Whether you want your poutine made with onion rings, sweet potato fries, or chicken fingers, you’ll find it on the menu, as well as varied combinations — including fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings all in one poutine!
Pit Stop 62 is located at 27565 Highway 62 South. To learn more, follow Pit Stop 62 on Facebook.
Dine on breakfast burgers and slushies at Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries in Asphodel-Norwood
The former owner of the now-closed Charlotte Anne’s Restaurant in Peterborough, Michelle Christie is at the helm of Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries located in Asphodel-Norwood.
Named for its location beside the auto shop run by Christie’s husband, Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries serves up smash burgers with on-brand names like “F150” and “The Hot Rod.” The buffalo chicken poutine is a customer favourite, as is the farmers’ breakfast burger topped with fried egg, bacon, and barbeque sauce.
The menu rounds out with hot dogs, chicken fingers, sausage on a bun, and more. While Beyond Meat burgers are currently available for those who eat plant-based, Michelle is on the hunt to perfect her own homemade veggie burger recipe.
New this year, Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries has slushie machines on site to serve rotating flavours like lemoncello, blue raspberry, and even a chocolate froster!
Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries is located at 2004 County Road 38 in Asphodel-Norwood. To learn more, follow Mrs. Christie’s Wrench Fries on Facebook.
Savour Mexican flavours at La Mesita Mexican Grill in Buckhorn
One of Peterborough’s favourite downtown restaurants is now available roadside in Buckhorn. Earlier this year, Martin and Kelly Carbajal opened La Mesita Mexican Grill with the goal of reaching diners outside the downtown core.
Long-time customers who have been asking for fish tacos now have their dreams realized thanks to the food truck’s frier. Other specialties combine Canadian and Mexican cuisine like the Mexican burger or the Mexican poutine — a poutine topped with chorizo sausage, tomatillo, avocado salsa, pico de gallo salsa, and sour cream.
Las Mesita Mexican Grill is located at 3192 Buckhorn Road. To learn more, follow La Mesita Mexican Grill on Facebook.
Kawartha Localist is a new editorial series from kawarthaNOW celebrating the places, experiences, businesses, and communities that make our region extraordinary. Written by people who live here, work here, and have spent nearly 30 years exploring the Kawarthas and surrounding region, each edition shares trusted local recommendations, hidden gems, and favourite discoveries from across Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Whether you’re looking for your next hiking trail, favourite patio, scenic drive, farmers’ market, or weekend adventure, Kawartha Localist is what we love about where we live.
