Mapleton House - PALMER RAPIDS

We were journeying from Ottawa to cottage country in Bancroft. From Highway 41 turning off at Highway 28, there are very few or no restaurants, and we were getting hungry. The restaurant the Swiss Inn at the junction of Highway 28 and 41 was shuttered, closed with a for sale sign and we despaired getting lunch until we got to Bancroft.However just a few minutes down the road near the junction of Highway 28 and Schutt Road, we came across this gem of a place. Years ago, there was a sugar bush attached to the property, but now it is a huge log cabin restaurant, a bit of a maple syrup museum, a bit of a gift shop and downright good eats. The place is huge, and they hold weddings, parties and there is a stage for a live band and a dance floor. It feels like we were in an Adirondack log cabin that was expansive yet cosy and homey. There was a bird feeder outside the window, and it was obvious that the grounds were maintained.The menu is home cooking style with a bakery. It is plain, wholesome and nothing fancy -- just delicious. We sat by the stone fireplace. They had a wonderful soup of the day, and I ordered a club sandwich that was superb. The bread was fresh, the ingredients were fresh, and I chased it down with a beer.The owners are a couple who have had the place for over seven years, and it is quite apparent that they are happy as restaurant hosts. They chatted amiably.On the way into the restaurant area, we saw a pan of home-baked, still warm cloverleaf buns and my partner mentioned that she hadn't had one in years. The hostess said that it was for a party that night, however, she brought one on a plate for us to share with butter. It was melt in your mouth goodness. My mouth is watering as I type this. There is a variety of baked goods for dessert, and a lot of them are baked on the premises.Mapleton House also sells local maple syrup and souvenirs, but they were sold out of the maple syrup, being so late in the season. They also sell some maple vinaigrette, salad dressings, jams and other local products. This place is a lot out of the way, but we were going by anyway on our route to Bancroft, and we will definitely stop in again when we are down that way.

We traveled from Ottawa to Bancroft and found ourselves hungry with few restaurant options along the way. The Swiss Inn restaurant at the intersection of highways 28 and 41 was closed, leaving us desperate for lunch until we reached Bancroft. Fortunately, just a few minutes off the road near the intersection of highway 28 and Shutt Road, we stumbled upon a hidden gem. Once a sugar bush, this spot has been transformed into a large log cabin-style restaurant, part horn syrup museum, part gift shop, and all delicious food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with high ceilings, a stage for live music, and a cozy feel reminiscent of an Adirondack cabin. The menu offers simple, home-cooked dishes with a bakery where you can find fresh and tasty treats. We enjoyed a hearty soup of the day and a delicious club sandwich, complemented by a refreshing beer. The owners, who have been running the place for over seven years, clearly take pride in their establishment as they chat with guests and ensure everyone has a great experience. We were even treated to a freshly baked gooey cinnamon roll, a special touch that made our visit even more memorable. Mapleton House also offers local maple syrup, souvenirs, and other products. Although a bit off the beaten path, we will definitely be returning on our next trip to Bancroft.

We have dined at this restaurant twice in the past five years and have noticed a decline in the quality of food. During our last visit, we saw that the restaurant was apparently for sale. Hopefully, someone interested in running a restaurant will take over and improve the quality. This restaurant is one of only two places to eat between Bancroft and Renfrew, so it has the potential to be successful if managed properly. Our last meal there, which we had last year, was terrible with dishes that were partly boiled and had strange odors. It is clear that the current management is lacking.

We have dined at this restaurant twice in the past five years out of necessity. Unfortunately, the quality of the food has declined with each visit. During our last visit, we noticed that the restaurant was up for sale. Hopefully, someone with the interest and ability to run a restaurant will purchase it. This establishment is one of only two dining options between Bancroft and Renfrew, so it has the potential to thrive if managed properly. However, our most recent meal there last year was incredibly disappointing, with poorly cooked and strange-smelling fries, an undercooked burger, and other subpar dishes. Unless there are changes in management, I cannot recommend dining here.