Burgers are beautiful things. Juicy ones, stacked ones, charred or classic. Burgers are practical. They don’t need ceremony – just two hands and maybe a napkin. Burgers are versatile. Smother them in cheese, pile them with bacon, or keep it simple with lettuce and tomato. Burgers, they’re beautiful things. And this is where you should be eating them in North Bay.
Terry’s Place
$ | (705) 475-1111 | WEBSITE
In the manner of early birds and the most dedicated brunch enthusiasts, we are extremely motivated by breakfast. That being said, we wouldn’t set an alarm for 6 AM or battle weekend traffic for any old plate of eggs. But Terry’s Place’s pan-fried potatoes? We’d wake up at dawn if we had to, alert the coffee pot, we’re on our way.
Luckily for our sleep schedule, you don’t have to make a pilgrimage to have access to these truly glorious potatoes, you just have to make your way to this cozy hidden gem in North Bay. The potatoes are oh-so-crispy and come with a generous portion of eggs for peak breakfast potential. Yes they’re just under $15 but this is their signature side, and when they’re this perfectly homemade it’s worth every penny.
Churchill’s Prime Rib House
$$$ | (705) 476-7777 | WEBSITE
There’s something quite majestic about Churchill’s prime rib. All there, alone, glistening with jus, on a classic white porcelain plate. Can prime rib be regal? Can prime rib look like it belongs at a state dinner? Does anyone want, or need, the answer to these questions? Yes. Yes to everything. And yes to one more Prime Rib © from Churchill’s. Sometimes with horseradish cream, sometimes with au jus, sometimes with other stuff, it’s always good.
A&W Canada
$ | (705) 495-8888 | WEBSITE
A&W Canada treats its burgers with the same focused affection that you treat a new pair of sneakers for the first two weeks. In fact, it tends to treat everything with a fastidious kind of love. The Strawberry Sweet Cream Shake is incomparably good versus almost any other fast-food shake in North Bay. The fries are crisp, golden, and unmistakably potato-ey. And the burgers are the kind you imagine caused a road trip to detour early.
They’re the juicy, satisfying sort that are scarred with grill marks, cheese melted, dripping sauce onto a pristine wrapper. The staff, like Emily and Saniya, go the extra mile with a friendly and welcoming nature that makes the whole experience feel valued, whether you’re at the drive-thru or dining in.
Swiss Chalet
$$ | (705) 474-4111 | WEBSITE
If you let your eyes wander across the dining room and focus just the right way, then Swiss Chalet’s Chicken and Rib Combo looks like a glorious, hearty, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented feast. It would be a truly magnificent centerpiece, if those tender ribs and juicy chicken weren’t going straight onto your plate.
At $25 a plate this perfectly seasoned and satisfying combo is up there with North Bay’s best and most reliable, and make sure you ask Filomena or Steven about gluten-free options.
Cultura
$$$ | (705) 476-7777 | WEBSITE
In our office we don’t have debates about Oasis or Blur or The Fast and the Furious vs Furious 7. We debate Cultura’s short rib dish vs Cultura’s 50 shades of bacon. Back and forth, to and fro, all roads leading to one place: hunger. At the end of the day, they’re both really, really, head-noddingly delicious. The short rib above, served with Parmesan risotto and greens, is a magnificent specimen. Tender with a coat of rich flavor, the meat collapses into your mouth.
It sort of succumbs to your salivation, savory bits left on the plate, and all.
Harvey’s
$ | (705) 474-4111 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of burger joints around North Bay, but Harvey’s has long been our go-to when we’re craving a straightforward, satisfying meal. All things chicken are excellent here. The crispy chicken burger is perfectly crispy and juicy, while the poutines are somewhere between classic and elevated—a comforting staple, if you will—and are served hot and fresh.
It’s actually worth taking a moment to appreciate the friendly service, just so you get that warm, accommodating experience that makes the visit special.
Hit The Spot
$ | (705) 472-9335 | WEBSITE
You know that feeling when you finally find the perfect pair of jeans? It’s absolutely nothing on the pure, unbridled, mouth-watering anticipation you’ll feel as Hit The Spot’s bacon cheeseburger arrives at your table. Less of a burger and more of a – what’s the culinary term? – glorious tower of flavor, it’s undoubtedly the best burger in North Bay. Juicy, charred, stacked high on that homemade bun with crispy bacon and melted cheese, you’ll savor every satisfying bite.
Burger World
$ | (705) 475-0089 | WEBSITE
If there was a hall of fame for North Bay’s burgers (why isn’t there a hall of fame for North Bay’s burgers?) then Burger World would surely be the equivalent to the championship trophy. But with far fewer calories, obviously. The sizzling burgers from this popular establishment are so renowned that one has even been recommended to every passing traveler. Taste-wise they’re not quite transcendent but nor are they ordinary.
Juicy with quality and flavor but always on the generous rather than the skimpy side of portions, you’ll find yourself coming back for more and more.
Hoagie’s Diner
$ | (705) 474-1166 | WEBSITE
Hoagie’s Diner is a certified legend of North Bay. The roomy 50’s-style diner on the main strip has been making classic burgers with the works, perfect fries, and of course, their famous hoagies for going on decades. Call them generous, call them hearty, call them whatever you like – you’ll be able to put these away in large quantities. The batter is of the light, crispy variety (our favourite kind) and full of flavour, though some might wish for a bit more substance.
The homemade fries are golden and plentiful, and the breakfast deals on Sundays are a highlight that keeps regulars coming back. With its nostalgic Coca-Cola signage and vintage car photos, the recently spruced-up space offers a relaxed, old-timey feel that makes every meal feel like a celebration. While the parking lot can be tricky to navigate, the warm, attentive service and reasonable prices make Hoagie’s Diner a true gem in the area.