Bethune's Bistro — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

The classic breakfast ($9.95) consists of a choice of eggs, protein (bacon, sausage, or ham), home fries, and toast. I’m glad to see their scrambled eggs are made with real eggs and not the boxed liquid ones; I could tell from the telltale flecks of white mixed in with the yolk and denser texture.

Their bacon was also tasty: crispy, not too salty, and had a nice smoky flavour. If anything, the home fries could use more time on the flat top to develop a crispier crust, but they were still decent and would pair nicely with fried eggs to create a soft hash.

I was excited to see the lovely caramelization on the house pancakes ($9.95 for three) but it didn’t really translate into flavour. As pancakes go, they’re nice and fluffy but also store-bought tasting, especially when served with packaged table syrup.

Bethune’s plain house burger ($9.95) reminded me of the ones I had in high school at Johnny Andersons. The beef patty is thicker than McDonalds, but also seems to be mixed with flour as it has a softer consistency. Still, it had a nice crust, and was adorned with all the classic fixings: mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion. The French fries are also a step up from the home fries – crispy, hot, and made with real potatoes.

The low prices may partially be attributed to Bethune’s lean (but not mean) staff. Even on weekends there’s usually only one person out front and presumably one chef. Yet, service was efficient, and I’ve always felt taken care of and welcomed.

If you’re in Gravenhurst, I’d recommend skipping fast food and support local at Bethune’s Bistro instead. While it’s more aptly described as a diner or family-style restaurant (as opposed to a bistro), there’s a friendly small-town charm to the place and you won’t leave...

Honestly, the WORST experience I've had in a LONG time.

It started with an old man (I'd say gentlemen, but he wasn't) telling us it'll be on one bill because it's too busy. There were 12 individuals in here, 8 of who were waiting for food, 2 who had finished, and 2 were eating.

We waited 45 minutes to have our food served. We ordered for four people: Eggs Benedict with home fries, French Toast, Grilled Cheese with home fries, and toast. They didn't have peanut butter packages because "people steal them". My friend had only toast because she's allergic to specific oils. She asked what oil they use and he said "Canola, uh vegetable oil". Couldn't trust his completely unprofessional answer. The toast was cold. Nothing had seasoning.

Eggs Benedict, the bread was not toasted and soggy. My hash browns tasted like the pan he used to cook them in.

He must have been the only one cooking and serving because he wasn't out on the floor enough to refill drinks. I can only imagine the lack of hygiene used during these breakfast hours.

Overall, this place should have a health and safety inspection done, hire some staff, or just stop serving...

I went to this place to have breakfast and I ended up finding a hair in my meal. I sent it back to the kitchen and the waitress came back and said the owner (also the cook) told her to charge us half price! I told her I was not going to pay for a meal with hair in it she agreed! So I requested to speak with the owner and when she came out of the kitchen with her hair not fully covered with a hair net but are required to do so when serving food to the public! the owner then started to accuse me of putting my own hair in my own meal this is absurd as we use to eat there alot but when you get accused of doing this we will not be back I will rate the customer relations that the owner has none of a - 4 stars guess that's why they keep her in the back! If you eat at this establishment please be aware of what is being served to you as a paying customer whatever comes out of the kitchen should be servable for public...