If you are up to ski Blue Mountain, or frequent one of the private ski clubs, and you have even the slightest modicum of taste, there is no reason to après in Blue Mountain Village or the tired old Alphorn. Collingwood has emerged as a bit of a culinary destination. If you want to après right, there is amazing food and drink to be found in inspiring, lively rooms, all clustered within several blocks. The places on this list are excellent to visit anytime, but they just hit different after a day out playing in the snow.
Georgian Bay Surf Club opened just over a year ago and was an instant hot spot, showing the appetite for places like this in Collingwood. Sophisticated yet relaxed, feels like a place you would find in Malibu or Nosara. The staff is friendly and engaging. A nicely curated selection of agave and cane spirits, which show up in the craft cocktail list. A tasteful wine and beer selection round out the drinks menu. The food is inspired by the regional cuisines of surf destinations around the globe. Lots of tasty bites beautifully plated. If you can hit their “Golden Hour”, between 3-6pm, you will find great deals on drinks and shareable food. Oh, and there is an actual surf shop upstairs!
Endswell Brewery & Later Pizza
Pizza and beer! This place is pure good vibes, you feel it as soon as you walk in the door. People crowded around tables, lots of smiles and laughter, feels like walking into the garage your buddy has built out to be the best hang spot. This is actually two separate businesses. The overall space is Endswell, a brewery hand-crafting small batch ales and lagers. Later is a literal hole-in-the-wall in the corner of the room that is churning out Collingwood’s best pizza. Pet friendly, kid friendly, overall friendly. Grab a beer, order a pizza, and join the fun.
This is the upscale hang that delivers on style and substance. Building on their success in Prince Edward County, Bocado has come into Collingwood hot. The large restaurant is made up of smaller spaces that give it an intimate feel, each table packed with people having a good time. The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming. The ambiance is supported by stunning interior design, refined and relaxed. The menu is sophisticated Spanish, and the food is sublime. Fantastic cocktail list, and a strong selection of Spanish wines. Sit at the horseshoe-shaped bar to interact with the lovely staff and patrons while crunching on pan con tomate.
This is the small-town pub that you’ve been looking for. There’s nothing fancy about Huron Club, it’s just good. Good vibes, good food, good drinks, excellent service. The gastro-pub food menu is a crowd pleaser, from outstanding burgers to red curry salmon. The drink menu has all the classics, with an emphasis on Ontario craft beers. Sitting at the bar is a good time, chatting with regulars and the gregarious bar-tender who will recognize you if you come in more than a couple of times.
There’s a narrow alley off the main street, downtown. Through a door at the end of the alley is one of the coolest places you could ever want to hang out. Also, the best coffee in Collingwood, but Fri/Sat nights it’s a wine and whisky bar. The food menu is small plates, light fare, perfectly prepared with top-notch ingredients. They also have a bottle shop with an outstanding selection of wines you won’t find anywhere else.
