Why Boshkung Smokehouse Is Cottage Country's Most Delicious Detour

Published by the Boshkung Smokehouse Team

Let's be honest — when most people think about Haliburton food, they picture a patio burger or a fish fry by the lake. And hey, nothing wrong with that. But if you've never pulled off Redkenn Road, rolled down your windows, and followed the smell of real wood smoke deep into the forest… you're missing out on something special.

Welcome to Boshkung Smokehouse — the only authentic Texas-style smokehouse in cottage country, sitting right at the basecamp of Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve. We're not your average Haliburton dining experience. We're low and slow, loud and proud, and we've got the brisket to back it up. 🔥

Texas BBQ Meets the Haliburton Forest

There's something almost magical about eating fall-off-the-bone smoked meat surrounded by 100,000 acres of Ontario wilderness. As a Haliburton Forest restaurant, we've got a setting that no downtown spot can touch — and we lean into it hard.

Our pits run for hours. Our rubs are house-made. Our sauces are bottled with love (and available to take home). Every plate that comes out of our kitchen is the result of patience, fire, and a whole lot of heart.

The brisket sandwich is our crown jewel — thick-cut, smoky, sauced just right, and absolutely worth the drive. It's the kind of Haliburton food that makes people plan return trips before they've even finished eating.

More Than Just Great BBQ

Sure, we're one of the best restaurants in Haliburton when it comes to smoked meat — but Boshkung is a whole vibe.

Live music every Saturday night (no cover, ever). Cold craft beer on tap. A crowd that's equal parts locals, cottagers, and curious travellers who stumbled onto us and never looked back. If you're exploring restaurants in Haliburton Ontario and want somewhere with actual soul, this is it.

We're also proud to be part of the cottage country BBQ scene in a way that feels genuinely rooted here. This isn't a chain. This isn't a concept. This is a community gathering place that happens to serve world-class smoked meat.

On the Water? We've Got You Too

Heading out to Kennisis Lake? Catch us at Smoke On Kennisis at Kennisis Lake Marina — our seasonal outpost bringing the same smoky goodness lakeside. Because great BBQ shouldn't be landlocked.

Craft Beer + BBQ = The Perfect Haliburton Pairing

We know you've probably been checking out the Haliburton breweries scene on your trip — and we love that for you. But before (or after!) your brewery hop, swing by the smokehouse. Our craft beer lineup pairs perfectly with everything on the menu, and our team knows how to set you up right.

Smoked meat and cold beer in the forest? That's not just dinner. That's a memory.

Come As You Are

No dress code. No pretension. No reservations required (though we love when you call ahead for groups!). Haliburton dining doesn't get more welcoming than this.

We also do catering for weddings, corporate retreats, and cottage weekends — because if you're feeding a crowd, you might as well feed them something they'll actually talk about. Our smokehouse Haliburton crew has served everything from 30-person family reunions to 200-guest lakeside events.

Come Find Us in the Forest 🌲

Boshkung Smokehouse

1095 Redkenn Rd, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0 📞 (705) 809-0512

Rated 4.3 stars on Google with nearly 200 reviews — and we're just getting warmed up.

Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, there's always something smoky and delicious waiting for you here. Come hungry. Leave happy. And for the love of brisket — bring your friends.

Ready to visit? Call us, find us on Facebook or Instagram, or just follow your nose down Redkenn Road. We'll have the smoker going.