Amelie CameronCraving a dose of liquid courage? Fortunately, you won’t need an ounce of bravery to venture into the world of local brews – after all, that’s what we’re here for!
After careful selection, we’ve proudly curated our top 9 favorite breweries in Toronto, each with its own unique and delightful kick. From hop-forward ales to velvety stouts, a whole new world of flavor awaits!
1. Steam Whistle Kitchen
Website: https://steamwhistle.ca/pages/kitchen
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd Bay 6, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-362-2337
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – closed
Steam Whistle Kitchen is a vibrant locale for local beer lovers that has been around since the late ‘90s. In a way, it stands as a tribute to the late railway roadhouse, adorned with a classic touch of brick architecture.
Anyway, to see how they do their tasty concoction in person, you can easily book a tour on their website. It comes with thrilling inclusions of 6 Pack of Bottles, 6 Pack of Tall Cans, a Retro Wall Opener, and a Classic Opener.
This brewery is considered the biggest independent brewery in the city, another reason why it’s a must-visit.
Oh, and did we mention that they also have their very own kitchen? Get to savor their carefully crafted beverages with equally delightful treats.
Either visit the eatery after a fun tour or visit it on its own – it’s your choice of adventure! For a well-rounded discovery, the former is much more recommended, of course.
2. Radical Road Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.radicalroadbrew.com
Address: 1177 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L5, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-794-7909
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 6 PM to 11 PM
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Radical Road Brewing Co. is a rustic little brewpub that boasts a stylish and sleek facade.
They have a satisfying range of bar grub, but of course, their exciting beer offerings particularly stand out. In fact, these fascinating brews are made right on-site!
During our visit, we found ourselves leaning towards the yuzu pale ale, a delightfully smooth beverage with exciting hints of citrus.
Oh, and here’s a local tip: if you’re visiting during the summer, don’t forget one of their most popular picks – the cucumber mint beer, a thoroughly refreshing drink to escape the sweltering heat!
3. Muddy York Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.muddyyorkbrewing.com
Address: 22 Cranfield Rd, Toronto, ON M4B 3H1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-619-7819
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Muddy York Brewing Co. focuses on producing tasty brews in small batches, ensuring undeniable freshness and impeccable quality control.
One drink we particularly like from this brewery is the Freudian Sip Vienna-Style Lager, partly because of its humorous name, and mostly because of its surprising toasty notes.
Those looking for a more immersive experience that goes beyond buying a can of their finest can also grab a seat in their pub that exudes a welcoming ambiance. During warmer months, seating by the patio is a standout choice.
4. Left Field Brewery
Website: https://www.leftfieldbrewery.ca
Address: 36 Wagstaff Dr, Toronto, ON M4L 3W9, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-346-5001
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
As you can probably tell from the name, Left Field Brewery draws inspiration from the world of baseball. They brew a wide array of beverages including hard seltzers, dark ales, sours, and more, ensuring a home run for any beer enthusiast’s heart.
They also have a buzzing pub if you want to enjoy a drink in the midst of a dynamic atmosphere. Try one of their sour beers for a taste of the crowd favorite!
On a side note – do visit their website for a good laugh. Scroll further down to the ‘meet the team’ section to be introduced to their head of security and customer relations, a charming pup named Wrigley.
Needless to say, we trust Wrigley not only with our lives but also with any left-field brewery-related concerns.
5. Goose Island Brewhouse Toronto
Website: https://gooseisland.ca
Address: 70 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1M1, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-862-7575
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Goose Island Brewhouse offers a broad selection of brews, captivating the interests of beer drinkers who love either lagers, stouts, or IPAs.
Doubling as a brewpub, you get to enjoy their delicious beers in the company of equally delectable bar grub. For the best of both worlds, ask your friendly server for a brie burger and a coraggiosa, both of which are a popular choice.
A delightful addition to their brewpub is a wall decorated with an original Banksy creation.
By the way, it’s just a short stroll from St. Lawrence Market, a bustling hub with the neighborhood’s best eateries.
6. Louis Cifer Brew Works
Website: https://www.louisciferbrewworks.com
Address: 417 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-350-5087
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Louis Cifer Brew Works is a stylish locale that serves an extensive mix of flavors through its own beer concoctions.
The coconut lemongrass Thai-pa transports you to the tropics with its refreshing taste. As an IPA, you can expect a good, satisfying kick with its 6.5% alcoholic content.
Speaking of a satisfying kick, people who truly want to feel the alcohol buzz should try the belialed bourbon – a devilish beverage with a complex flavor profile boasting a surprising 10% alcoholic content!
Brewed only once a year, this flavor disappears from the shelves before you know it!
7. Saulter Street Brewery
Website: https://www.saulterstreetbrewery.ca
Address: 31 Saulter St #1, Toronto, ON M4M 2H8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-463-9379
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Nestled inside a barn-looking facade, Saulter Street Brewery brings a rather rustic vibe to the unassuming enclave of Riverside.
One particular crowd favorite we heard most about is the Riverside Copper Pilsner, a refreshing drink with a prominent malt taste. It even won gold for the Ontario Brewing Awards in 2019, making it a distinguished beverage in the brewing scene.
In their inviting brewery in the off-the-beaten-path of Toronto, they also have a taproom where people can hang out to try their quality drinks.
The ambiance is casual and vibrant – the perfect vibe to complement your drinks other than their delectable small bites.
8. Rorschach Brewing Co.
Website: https://www.rorschachbrewing.com
Address: 1001 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 1A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-901-3233
Operating hours:
Brewery
- Sunday and Monday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday 12 PM to 11 PM
Kitchen
- Monday and Tuesday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 2 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Rorschach Brewing Co. prides itself on providing an exciting variety of beer. We’re talking about IPA, stouts, sours, lager, and all that good stuff.
Their most popular, however, are the stouts for their interesting notes. Try the decadence, a blueberry cream chocolate milk concoction to see what we mean.
Aside from their delectable offerings, they also have an inviting nook in the form of a stylish structure dating back a hundred years.
By the way, if you decide to dine in, make sure you have your card on hand since they’ve already gone cashless!
9. Black Lab Brewing
Website: https://www.blacklab.beer
Address: 818 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 1A1, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-352-2525
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Black Lab Brewing is known for its inventive sour ales that come with a satisfying tartness. For a delectable juicy and fruity taste, we urge you to try the mango kennel sour.
As true blue IPA and stout fans, this is a surprising choice for us. However, this just shows that its complex flavors can appeal to any beer enthusiast.
They also have a buzzing watering hole where visitors are welcome to bring their fur babies. While they don’t serve food, patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks.
