In a city that boasts a variety of culture and cuisine from block to block, there’s no surprise the craft beer scene proves to be just as diverse and sprawling. Whether you’re looking for a hops-scented tap room, cottage-style patio or formal dining room, there’s a spot to satisfy your deepest craft cravings.
Bellwoods Brewery
Tucked into the hustle of boutique shops, restaurants and a healthy nightlife, Bellwoods Brewery brings a quaint and inviting presence to the neighbourhood – white picket fence and all (which also happens to be the name of one of their favoured craft brews). With a menu of dishes to complement their taps, country-chic décor and a picnic table-laden patio, this spot doesn’t disappoint.
Where to Find:
124 Ossington Avenue., Toronto, ON
416-535-4586, bellwoodsbrewery.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Mill Street Brewery
A visit to Toronto for any brew lover isn’t complete without walking the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District. And if location isn’t enough to persuade you, Mill Street’s brewpub, patio and added beer hall should do the trick.
Where to Find:
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON
416-681-0338, millstreetbrewery.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Amsterdam Brewery
With an expansive two-storey dining room, outfitted with white tablecloths and plush leather seating, plus a Muskoka chair-lined patio facing the harbourfront, Amsterdam charms dinner clientele and patio lovers alike with good eats and good beer.
Where to Find:
245 Queens Quay West, South Building, Toronto, ON
416-504-1020, amsterdambrewhouse.com
- Story by Elaine Song
bar Volo
In the heart of the city is a cozy bar with a vine-covered exterior and extensively handwritten blackboard of beer options. Thanks to their full roster of rotating regional craft beers, along with their own must-try house ales, bar Volo’s intimate and laid back atmosphere is calling you to relax and enjoy a brew.
Where to Find:
587 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
416-928-0008, barvolo.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Indie Alehouse
While the exterior signals a clean and modern look, upon entering there’s an inviting comfort in the rough red brick walls and tin ceiling. Their love-it-or-hate-it approach to their menu brings big flavours and high quality food (the mac and cheese and parmesan popcorn are popular options) and beer to the table.
Where to Find:
2876 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
416-760-9691, indiealehouse.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Junction Craft Brewing
Formed by a native Toronto restaurateur and highly educated brewing connoisseur, the Junction Craft Brewing’s tap room is the place to go in one of the city’s most up-and-coming neighbourhoods and worth the trek.
Where to Find:
90 Cawthra Road., Unit #101, Toronto, ON
416-766-1616, junctioncraftbrewing.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Kensington Brewing Company
After moving breweries, we can now anticipate KBCo’s brewery and bar to open in Kensington Market. With the intent to open in September 2014, the city awaits bringing this brewery home to its namesake.
Where to Find:
(Currently) 156 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON
647-648-7541, kensingtonbrewingcompany.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Get Well
If you’re looking for a casual beer with a vintage twist, Get Well is the establishment for you. From the décor to the well-loved (and free!) 1980s arcade games, to the devoted cask, to craft brewers, it’s a fun-loving spot in the buzzing Little Portugal neighbourhood of downtown Toronto.
Where to Find:
1181 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
647-351-2337, getwellbar.com
- Story by Elaine Song
Left Field Brewery
Left Field Brewery will be opening its microbrewery in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood since outgrowing outsourcing their in-demand beers. It’s the place to go for any beer and baseball fan, where they pride themselves in “great taste and good times”.
Where to Find:
36 Wagstaff Drive, Toronto, ON
647-402-3449, leftfieldbrewery.ca
- Story by Elaine Song
TALLBOYS
While they may not be a brewery, TALLBOYS adamantly and proudly serves an exclusively craft menu of beer and (self-described) craft food. Taking a cue from its location, situated in a neighbourhood near plenty of Korean, Portugese and Ethiopian cuisine, they take just as much pride in their food as they do their taps.
Where to Find:
838 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
416-535-7486, tallboyscraft.com
- Story by Elaine Song. Image courtesy of TALLBOYS.
