If you're searching for the best craft beer in Toronto, you're in for a great experience. This city is full of amazing breweries just waiting for you to check them out. In this article, we'll explore 13 of the coolest places to grab a tasty beer.
From the well-known Steam Whistle Kitchen to the pet-friendly Black Lab Brewing, there's something for everyone.
These breweries were chosen because they offer more than just awesome beer, each one has its own special vibe and story. So let's get started!
1. Steam Whistle Kitchen
Located in the busy downtown area of Toronto, Steam Whistle Brewing is a place you definitely want to check out.
They offer different tours that tell you all about how Steam Whistle started and the history of the building.
You can sip their award-winning Pilsner in the taproom, chat with the nice staff, and learn how beer is made.
But there’s more than just tours! The place looks fantastic, with high ceilings, hanging plants, and lots of sunlight. It has a bright and welcoming feel.
And, since it’s near the famous CN Tower, it’s a great stop if you’re visiting other cool places or going to a sports game nearby.
The food at Steam Whistle Kitchen is also amazing. They have a menu that changes with the seasons, featuring popular dishes like Peri Peri Chicken and Red Sangria.
The brewery is spacious and tidy, making it perfect for groups. Many people even choose it for weddings because of its stylish industrial look and bright natural light.
If you enjoy shopping, there’s a souvenir shop, and during the summer weekends, you can find a small food spot outside that adds to the lively atmosphere.
2. Bellwoods Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery started out as a small brewpub in Toronto's west end in 2012 and has become a local favorite. Now, it has two retail shops and a production brewery in North York.
They make about 10,000 hectoliters of beer each year and are known for their wide variety of beer styles.
One of their most popular beers is the Jelly King, a dry-hopped sour with fruit that has an alcohol content of 5.6%.
If you want something lighter, try the Bellweiser Pilsner at 4.8%—it's crisp and refreshing. For pale ale lovers, the Jutsu is a great pick at 5.6%. IPA fans won't want to miss the Roman Candle, which is a stronger option at 6.8%.
And if you’re looking to skip the alcohol, they have non-alcoholic choices like the Stay Classy IPA and the Jelly King Dry Hopped Sour with Raspberry & Blackberry.
The dinner menu is exciting and features popular dishes like tuna crudo and lamb sausage that get a lot of praise. The service is friendly and attentive, which makes the overall experience even better.
3. Black Lab Brewing
Located in the east end of downtown Toronto, Black Lab Brewing opened its doors in October 2018. It was inspired by a friendly black Labrador mix named Snoopy.
When you walk in, you'll notice the modern look with tall stools and benches that makes it feel easy-going and friendly.
There are also several patios, including a big one in the back, which is perfect for enjoying sunny days with your dog.
Speaking of beers, Black Lab Brewing has a wide selection! If you like dark, rich beers like stouts, or lighter ones like sours and Hefeweizens, there's something for everyone.
Their special Black Lager is a must-try, along with fun options like mango sours and traditional ales.
While the brewery doesn’t have a regular food menu, that’s part of what makes it exciting! They often have pop-up food stands, so you can try something new each time you visit.
Events are a big deal at Black Lab Brewing. They host live music, trivia nights, and movie screenings, so there's always something fun going on.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
4. Old Flame Brewing Company
Old Flame Brewing Company is a cool spot in Toronto where they make really good craft beer and have a lot of fun!
They have main locations in Port Perry and a new one in Newmarket, and each place has its own special story while keeping some of the old history of the buildings.
Now, let’s talk about the beer. Old Flame is known for making tasty German-style lagers. One of the most popular ones is the Red - Vienna Lager, which even won a Gold medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2022.
If you visit on a Monday, you can try a beer flight for just 4 CAD. This means you can sample different kinds of craft beers, like sours, ciders, and hazy ales.
And you really should try their pretzel with mustard, it goes great with the beer! The staff is super friendly, and the whole setting is just really chill.
They also have a food booth called "Tito's BBQ," which is famous for its delicious food. And, you can get $5 beers, and the blonde ale is a favorite among many.
This brewery is also pet-friendly and hosts various food events and live music, making it a lively place to hang out.
With beer flights at half price on Monday evenings and a lovely, relaxed environment, it’s no surprise that people love coming here. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere feels warm and inviting.
If you’re planning to go, check their website for details on events. They have different things happening every day, and the helpful staff can guide you to the best beer for you.
5. Blood Brothers Brewing
Located in a renovated horse stable that's over a hundred years old, Blood Brothers Brewing is a unique beer experience.
When you walk into their industrial-style taproom, you’ll find 19 different beers on tap, each with its own unique flavor.
The taproom itself is pretty impressive. It’s spacious, filled with barrels and tables made from old hydro cable spools, making it feel both roomy and cozy.
Now, let’s get into the beers. Blood Brothers Brewing has a wide range of options. If you like lagers and ales, try the Mighty Eagle, a refreshing American Lager at 4.5% alcohol, or the Bloodvar, which is similar to a Pilsner at 5% alcohol.
For those who enjoy pale ales, the Blood Light at 4% alcohol is easy to drink, while the triple IPA called Everything Goes Away is stronger at 10% alcohol.
But it’s not just about the drinks—the food is great too! They offer tasty options like beef and chicken tacos, brisket sandwiches, and poutine.
The service at Blood Brothers Brewing is excellent. The staff are known for being friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you choose the perfect beer to go with your food.
With baby-changing stations in the washrooms and a relaxed atmosphere, Blood Brothers Brewing is a great spot for casual hangouts or bigger gatherings.
6. High Park Brewery
High Park Brewery started in 2015 and it's all about bringing people together, being kind to the planet, and making everyone feel welcome.
The venue features colorful artwork on the walls, high ceilings, and large windows that allow for plenty of sunlight. There’s also a nice patio for those who love being outside!
They have great beer too! With 12 different types available, including IPAs, lagers, stouts, and sour beers, there’s something for everyone.
And if beer isn’t your favorite, they have cider in the fridge! You can even try a little bit of everything with their beer flights, which are pretty affordable.
If you’re feeling hungry, High Park Brewery has plenty of tasty food options. You should definitely try the fries and goat cheese flatbread!
And guess what? This brewery is family-friendly and accessible for people in wheelchairs. The big covered patio is even dog-friendly, so you can bring your pets along.
They host fun events like Superbowl parties and receptions, so there’s always something happening.
The staff at High Park Brewery are awesome too. They are friendly, professional, and know a lot about their beers, making sure you have a great time.
7. Something in the Water
Located in Toronto's Liberty Village, Something in the Water is a cool brewery that really stands out because of its craft beer and eye-catching branding.
It was started by three guys who used to work in advertising, and they’ve created a cozy place that feels like a hidden treasure.
If you’re trying to find it, just walk past the BMO bank and turn at Wings Up—it's worth the little hunt!
When you walk inside, you’ll see a stylish taproom with a nautical theme, a fancy quartz countertop, and nice glassware.
The vibe is friendly and relaxed, making it a great spot to hang out with friends or even host a small get-together.
They have trivia nights every Tuesday at 8 pm, so it’s a fun place for anyone who loves beer and trivia games.
Their beer selection is really impressive, with over 30 new beers released just last year. You can try popular ones like the Pancake Bay Sweet Brunch Stout or the refreshing Hazy Maitland IPA
They serve tasty sandwiches and wraps that go perfectly with a cold beer. The staff is super friendly and always happy to give recommendations or chat. And, the venue is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the sunny patio.
8. Left Field Brewery
If you're checking out Toronto's cool craft beer scene, you definitely need to stop by Left Field Brewery in Leslieville.
What makes Left Field Brewery special is the variety of beers they have. They brew everything from hoppy IPAs, like the popular Greenwood, to tangy sours and rich dark ales, so there's something for everyone.
They also have light lagers and hard seltzers, which means you can find a flavor you love. With eight taps and different cask beers that change regularly, there's always something fresh to taste.
The atmosphere at Left Field Brewery is really welcoming. The taproom and bottle shop are open from 11am to 11pm, and you can even bring your dog with you.
They also give tours and hold events with beer tastings, making every visit feel like an adventure.
While the brewery doesn't serve food, you can bring your own snacks or grab some chips there. Sometimes, food trucks and pop-up vendors come by too, which adds to the fun.
If you'd rather enjoy their beers at home, Left Field Brewery delivers across Ontario, so you can sip their drinks no matter where you are. It's no surprise that locals love the strong community feel and excellent service here.
9. Rorschach Brewing Co.
Tucked away in a cool, century-old house, Rorschach Brewing Co. is a standout spot in Toronto’s craft beer scene.
This brewpub serves up a great selection of unique beers and tasty snacks inspired by flavors from around the world, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves good drinks and food.
Rorschach has a really impressive and varied beer menu. Some fan favorites include the Colossal DDH IPA, which is a bold choice starting at $5.27 CAD, and many more.
But it’s not just about the beer. Rorschach also has a mouthwatering food menu featuring pizza, sandwiches, pierogis, pretzels, kimchi fries, and a unique pulled duck sandwich.
The brewery itself is just as welcoming as its menu. There are different seating options, including a front patio, upstairs balconies, and even a rooftop patio, so you can find the perfect spot to chill.
They also have a takeout window for people on the go. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit feel special.
Rorschach Brewing Co. also hosts fun events like bi-weekly salsa nights and trivia nights. It’s a family-friendly place, so strollers and babies are welcome, and pets can join in too.
Their delivery service is super efficient, making it easy to enjoy their quality beer and delicious food at home.
With all these amazing offerings, Rorschach Brewing Co. is highly recommended for anyone wanting to dive into the best of Toronto’s craft beer and food scene.
10. Collective Arts Toronto Taproom & Café
In the lively center of Toronto, there's a cool place called the Collective Arts Toronto Taproom & Café that every craft beer fan should check out.
This brewery is special because it mixes tasty drinks with the creative works of new artists and musicians from all over the world.
When you walk into the taproom, you’ll notice how modern and stylish it is. The walls are filled with colorful artwork, and you can feel the creative energy buzzing around you.
The drink menu is like a treasure chest for anyone who loves beverages. They have a wide range of craft beers, ciders, spirits, and even ready-to-drink cocktails, so there's something for everyone.
Their beer selection is especially cool, featuring everything from rich stouts to refreshing fruity drinks.
You can enjoy things like jerk chicken sliders, poutine with potato wedges, and their famous pretzel. Don't forget to try their amazing fries to go with your meal!
The staff at Collective Arts are super friendly and always happy to help. They know a lot about the different beers and gins, so they’ll help you find something you'll like.
If you want to take a little bit of the experience home, the taproom has a shop filled with different craft beers and fun merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and art prints.
11. Burdock Brewery
Burdock Brewery is a special place in Toronto that started serving drinks in 2015. It’s a cozy spot where they make tasty beers that go well with food and fit any event.
They mainly create lagers and pale ales, but they also try out Grape Ales, which are beers that are inspired by wine.
Now, let’s look at the different kinds of beer they offer. For example, they have Ducks, which is a fruity beer called a double-dry-hopped IPA with a 6.3% alcohol level, and Cherry B, a tasty sour beer with cherries that has a 5.2% alcohol level.
If you want something without alcohol, their Pickle Dilluxe is a fizzy pickle-flavored drink that’s really refreshing.
For a smoother choice, you can try the Deluxe, a creamy lager, or the Classic, which is a super easy-drinking beer.
They offer a variety of creative dishes like a vegan mushroom Caesar salad, lamb bacon toast, and even delicate squash chips.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lights and a lovely patio that’s great for summer evenings or cozy winter nights with heaters.
One of the best things about Burdock Brewery is how flexible it is. You can hang out casually on the patio, enjoy a nice dinner in their stylish dining area, or listen to live music in their performance space.
12. Steadfast Brewing Company
Steadfast Brewing Company, found at 301 Landsdowne Avenue, is a hidden treasure in Toronto's craft beer scene.
Upon entering, the smell of freshly brewed beer mixes with the delicious aroma of Mexican street food. Right away, it feels like a place you belong.
They work hard to make sure that everyone—no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, or religion—feels welcome.
Their taproom is a big, open space where you can choose where to sit.
There’s also a small patio if you want to enjoy your drink outside. Plus, if you have a dog, you can bring them along because Steadfast is dog-friendly!
The beer selection at Steadfast is impressive, with different options on tap and seasonal brews that keep things fresh.
Steadfast Brewing Co. also hosts all kinds of events, so each visit is different. If you’re into video game tournaments, trivia nights, or comedy shows, there’s always something going on.
13. Radical Road Brewing Co.
Located right in the heart of Leslieville, Radical Road Brewing Co. is a cozy craft brewery that has quickly won over the locals.
To start, the beer selection here is impressive. They brew fresh beer on-site every week, so there's always something new to try.
They even offer sample flights, which let you taste several different kinds at once.
The atmosphere at Radical Road is all about comfort and community. The tasting room feels warm and inviting, making it a great place for tours or just spending time with friends.
The friendly staff adds to the relaxed vibe, and there’s even a small patio where you can bring your dogs along.
The food is really good too. They serve tasty pub-style food from around the world that pairs perfectly with their drinks. You can find snacks like pretzels with beer cheese, potato wedges, sliders, buffalo wings, and cold noodles.
Radical Road is also a family-friendly spot, even for those with little babies. The bar area is clean and spacious, making it a comfortable setting for everyone. And, they often have live music and games like Trivial Pursuit and Connect 4 to keep the fun going.
For anyone who loves craft beer, Radical Road Brewing Co. is definitely worth a visit. With a variety of freshly made beers, tasty food, and great service, it’s no wonder this place is popular with both locals and visitors.
To Sum It All Up
So, there you go! Thirteen awesome breweries in Toronto that will definitely please any craft beer fan. WYou can relax at Bellwoods Brewery or taste some unique flavors at Blood Brothers Brewing. Toronto’s beer scene is full of surprises!
Each of these breweries was picked because they have a cool atmosphere, tasty drinks, and fun experiences to offer.
Also, check out ActiviFinder Toronto for more exciting things to do in the city. Cheers to your next adventure!