Road trips are always better when you discover a place worth planning future stops around, and…read morethat's exactly what happened when I found The Crispy Spud in Carleton Place.
What started as a quick meal on the road quickly became a family favorite. Now it's one of our go-to stops whenever we're passing through the area.
The Crispy Spud operates out of a food truck-style setup with a walk-up ordering window and plenty of outdoor seating. The process is simple: place your order, receive a buzzer, find a seat, and wait for your food to be prepared fresh. Our food took a little longer than I expected, but once it arrived it was clear everything was being made to order.
The menu is extensive, with a wide variety of poutine, loaded fry, and burger options. There are plenty of ways to customize your meal, and the portions are generous. On my most recent visit, I tried the Truly Canadian Burger, which was very good. That said, I still think the Bacon Cheeseburger I had on a previous visit remains my favorite.
In addition to burgers, you'll also find sandwiches, wraps, and the option to turn burgers into platters, making it easy to find something for everyone.
One of the things that initially caught my attention was how accommodating they are for gluten-free diners. They offer gluten-free buns, and their fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, which means those of us avoiding gluten can enjoy fries without worrying about cross-contamination. That's not something you find everywhere, especially at a food truck, and it's one of the reasons I keep coming back.
The staff has always been friendly and welcoming, and the large gravel parking lot makes stopping here easy, even during busy periods.
A couple of things to know before you visit: The Crispy Spud is cash only, so come prepared. I also don't recall seeing public restrooms on-site, so that's something to keep in mind if you're making this part of a longer road trip.
Between the creative menu, generous portions, gluten-free options, friendly service, and convenient roadside location, The Crispy Spud has earned a permanent place on our road-trip food list. It's the kind of local spot that's worth pulling over for.