After a full day of touring Muskoka and sampling artisanal excellence, Matt and I weren't looking for anything special for dinner — just a place to unwind. But once again, we stumbled into something exceptional.
Near Bracebridge, Ontario, a basic search for nearby pubs led us to the Griffin Gastropub. After parking, it wasn't clear where the building was, so we wandered down a nearby alley out of curiosity. At the end, tucked away like a secret, sat a quaint two-storey square brick building wrapped in ivy and greenery, marked by a warmly lit red door. Still unsure of what we'd find, we stepped inside — and were immediately greeted by the sound of singing, acoustic guitar, conversations, laughter, and the clinking of plates and glasses.
A little pub that's hard to find but harder to forget.
Hygge
Hygge — pronounced "hoo-gah" — is a Danish word that doesn't have a direct English translation. It describes a mood of comfort and contentment where soft lighting, warmth, good company and good food all come together. It's not about luxury. It's about being present, relaxed and together.
That's exactly how it felt inside The Griffin. Not luxury. Something better.
The close seating had us sharing a table with two others, and after a brief exchange it felt like sitting down for dinner with old friends in a home I had forgotten about. The walls were covered in local lore and Muskoka history. In the corner, a former owner strummed acoustic covers — he was in the middle of "Feeling Good" when we sat down. Piece by piece, the experience came together. A memory being made in real time.
The Food
The menu was tight and well-curated. No fluff — just one page featuring eight appetizers and five mains, plus salads and a house-made soup simply called The Soup. Made in-house and served with sourdough. I regret not trying it.
I ordered the Nashville Chicken Sandwich, always curious to see each kitchen's spin on it. Crispy buttermilk-fried chicken, spicy house-made Nashville sauce, pickles and tangy buttermilk dill ranch on brioche. When they say spicy, they mean it. Hats off to the chef — I loved every bite.
Being in Canada, I had to get poutine at least once. Griffin's version: hand-cut fries topped with cheese curds and a rich house-made gravy. Next time I'll be back for the Truffle Fries — hand-cut and tossed with truffle oil and parmesan, served with garlic aioli — and The Club, their take on a classic with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato and basil aioli on toasted sourdough. Vegetarians are well looked after too: Cauliflower Bites, Risotto Balls, Sesame Steamed Greens and both Beet and Caesar Salads.
The Taps
The Griffin isn't messing around on the drinks side. Seventeen taps pouring exclusively from Ontario craft breweries, plus a handful of collaborations and a local cider. Crisp pilsners and lagers to juicy hazy IPAs, creamy stouts and tangy sours — the range ensures there's something memorable in your glass no matter your palate. An ever-changing tap list keeps things fresh, giving space to both household names and rising stars in Ontario craft brewing. They pour just as much passion into their pints as their plates.
The Point
Since 2008, The Griffin has been a hub for bringing the community together over beer, food, music and events. It proudly describes itself as "a community gathering spot, a place to rest, relax and be yourself — a safe, inclusive and welcoming space." It lives up to that promise in every way.
Nothing about it was hype or pomp and circumstance. Only real craft and community building.
During the warmer months they open tables out front and host live music outside, effectively doubling their space. Everything about the evening was authentic. Whether you're drawn by the truffle fries, spicy chicken, craft brews, or the warmth of live music in a cozy setting, The Griffin delivers — showing what happens when connoisseurship meets comfort. You end up with something unforgettable.
Find your way to 9 Chancery Lane in Bracebridge, pull up a chair, and let the Griffin do the rest.
The Griffin Gastropub thegriffingastropub.ca · Map 9 Chancery Lane, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E1
