THIS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON
Brought to you by this community-minded organization because they recognize that
good business is good for everyone:
Dwight’s Route 35 Steakhouse aims to be a favourite location for both locals and tourists as a rustic steakhouse in a beautiful forested environment.
It’s located just seconds from the intersection of highways 60 and 35 and has been home to other restaurants in the past including the Boiler Room and the Bush Company.
Route 35 offers specials nightly such as All You Can Eat prime rib, daily fresh oysters, as well as their classic menu.
They also offer event space to host private functions such as weddings and company parties.
In the winter months they also offer a more relaxed pub environment in the lower level that is host to many snowmobilers.
“My husband is a restaurateur, we also own two franchise restaurants,” said owner Dawn Corbett. “The location of Route 35 is nostalgic for us as we loved to ATV and snowmobile here throughout our lives and have a great time! When it came for sale, we jumped at the chance to own this beautiful building.”
Corbett also says there are many things they love about the food industry.
“Owning a restaurant is fast-paced, ever-changing and we love meeting our guests,” she said. “We have guests that travel to the area from all over the world. Some have sent their children to summer camp here in Muskoka and have found our steakhouse a nice haven to enjoy a great meal and glass of wine while in the Lake of Bays area.”
Corbett says that many of their patrons love the alternative, private setting within the Muskoka forest.
“Lake of Bays cottagers are enjoying not having to leave their beloved cottage dock for long to grab dinner with this great Dwight location instead of leaving the area for dining,” she said. “Many local businesses are also suggesting their overnight guests dine here so that has been a blessing.”
The restaurant has a small staff of less than 10 led by manager Shea Barker.
Route 35’s chef, Jamie Weaver, is best known in Muskoka for his time as head chef at the Norseman Inn, which is now permanently closed but had a strong reputation in the area for its food.
Weaver has many years’ experience as a chef including a co-op placement at The Globe restaurant in Toronto, culinary school in Vancouver, and cooking all over the world in places such as Australia and Nicaragua.
Weaver has been at the Route 35 as head chef since January and says he loves the individuals he has the pleasure of working with.
“It always feels good when you hear from a customer how great of a meal they had,” said Weaver. “But most of all I just really enjoy being in my element in the kitchen cooking.”
Some of the popular items on Route 35’s menu include their blue cheese gnocchi, Caesar salad, and Louisiana crab cakes.
Corbett says their busiest night of the week is always Thursday, Prime Rib Night.
Route 35 is located at 25748 Highway 35, just south of Dwight and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4-10:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended so they can offer the best service.
To make a reservation, call (705) 635-8778. For more information visit route35.ca.
Thank you Janis!
“Route 35” sounds great! Glad the metion of the days closed. As I will certainly drive for a change or real classical cooked probably!
Looking forward to going in the fall!
Hi Jim! thank you for your comment. Our prime rib nights are Thursdays and best to make a reservation 705.635.8778. We are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays are Buck a shuck Oysters as well as fresh Oysters daily for $2.00 per. We also have Daily features. Hope to see you!
Could you send me your menus and days when you have specials, like your all you can eat prime rib. Thanks