Aliu IsaSure, I love downing fancy cocktails as much as the next guy, especially vodka martinis where I get to say “Shaken, not stirred” in a sad impression of James Bond. But I have to say, nothing hits quite like an ice cold craft beer.
Now add a lovely Toronto patio, beer battered fries, and your Saturday night crew, and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer night.
So, if you’re anything like me, then you need to visit the best breweries Toronto has to offer. Not only will you get to taste the latest offerings from small batch-makers and local legends, but you’ll also know which hops to order for your next night out.
Don’t worry, I won’t let you be overwhelmed with choices—here’s a complete guide to the only breweries in the 6ix that are worth visiting!
Red Tape Brewery
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Website: https://redtapebrewery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redtapebrewery
Address: 159 Main St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 2 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 690-0007
Must-Try: Sara’s Power Sour
Located at the corner of Main and Gerrard, Red Tape is Toronto’s first Inuit-owned brewery that offers top-notch pints. No wonder they took home the Silver at the Canadian Brewing Awards!
We recommend Sara’s Power Sour—a dry-hopped sour that provides the perfect balance of pucker and hop goodness. Another favorite is their yummy French Fog, a Belgian Tripel brewed with Earl Grey tea—very smooth and aromatic.
Feel free to bring your own food and hang out at their brewery with a floor-to-ceiling garage door opening, giving you a view of Main and Gerrard intersection. As a bonus, your furry friend can also hang since they’re a dog-friendly spot.
If you’d like to take the party home with you, their BYO Growler Fill service is quite affordable—$27 for a 64 oz fill or $15 for a 32oz fill.
Pro Tip:
Red Tape offers a unique bespoke brewing service, where their Brewmaster and Taster will work with you to craft a personalized beer. This is perfect for hosting special events, creating party favours, or just making your own signature brew.
Old Flame Brewing Company
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Website: https://oldflamebrewingco.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldflamebrewery/
Address: 43 Tank House Lane
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 360-1209
Must-Try: Blonde Lager
Old Flame Brewing Company was named the Most Awarded Craft Lager Brewery in the city by the Canadian Brewing Awards. If that doesn’t give you street cred, I don’t know what will.
Check out their Tasting Room, where you can sip new creations and Old Flame signatures, or even fill up a growler on the go. If you don’t know where to start, we recommend the Blonde Lager—a smooth German-inspired Helles (meaning ‘bright’).
Another cool event is their Friday Night Pop-up, where you can pair your chosen lager with a rotating menu of pub bites and courtyard pizza.
But I have to say, I much prefer going here on Saturday nights. Local musicians play from 1 PM to 5 PM, so you can just chill and vibe to the music while sipping your pint.
Pro Tip:
Consider booking a brewery tour. Not only will you hear all about Old Flame’s history, you’ll also get to learn how they craft their award-winning signature lagers
Black Lab Brewing
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Website: https://www.blacklab.beer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklabbeer/
Address: 818 Eastern Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (647) 352-2525
Must-Try: Xoco Xolo
Black Lab Brewing was named after Snoopy, a black labrador mix, so it’s no surprise that it’s a dog-friendly spot. Their mission is to create a welcoming space, where family and friends (and their dogs!) can hang out and bond while sipping quality beer.
Speaking of quality beer, I particularly enjoy their Xoco Xolo, based on a Mexican hot chocolate stout. This is made from cinnamon, lactose, and chocolate habanero peppers, which I heard were grown from their own rooftop garden.
While they don’t serve food, you can bring your own or order from one of the neighboring eateries. Sometimes, however, they might host a pop-up food stand or two.
Plus, if you want to soak up the sun (or people/dog watch), you can choose between their front patio or beer garden.
Pro Tip:
If you’re going as a group, email [email protected] to book a spot. They accept reservations for groups of 8 or more.
Steadfast Brewing Company
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Website: https://www.steadfastbrewingco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steadfastbrewing
Address: 301 Lansdowne Ave
Hours:
- Mon, Wed – Fri: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 343-9595
Must-Try: Hidden Rivers Pale Ale
While Steadfast Brewing Co. focuses mostly on traditional brews, they also—on occasion—whip up experimental ones as well.
Our favorite is their Hidden Rivers Pale Ale, a light, dry body that smells like a yummy mix of citrus, herbs, and pine. It definitely deserves its 2024 Ontario Brewing Awards win for Gold Pale American Ale.
And who doesn’t love Mexican food with beer? Yep, they serve delicious Mexican street food from Wednesdays to Saturdays, whipped up by Miguel from @migueliscooking.
If you want their craft beer in your next event—office party, birthday, etc.—feel free to book them for a beer guided tasting.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for cool events on their website calendar. They host bi-weekly trivia, games (Nintendo Smash Bros, Magic Cards, etc.), and jazz nights!
Left Field Brewery
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Website: https://www.leftfieldbrewery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leftfieldbrewery/
Address: 36 Wagstaff Dr
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (647) 346-5001
Must-Try: Squeeze Play
Left Field Brewery is a cool sports bar and brewery with two locations in TO. You’ll notice that the theme is baseball-inspired—from decor to the names of their beers.
An example is their famous Squeeze Play, which is a baseball term but also a pink lemonade sour with hints of lemon and raspberry. Basically, it’s the perfect summer drink, best paired with salty, crunchy eats.
We like enjoying their lagers during one of their famous game nights—think trivia, board games, or Magic The Gathering. Just cough up a small fee of around $10 or so, and you’re good to go.
Now, if you’re hosting a party, you can order a keg from their website, and you can even rent a keg pump for free. Just give them two to three days to process your order.
Pro Tip:
We suggest walking, biking, or taking the TTC when you go here. That’s because parking on Wagstaff Drive is quite limited—the nearest street parking spot is on Greenwood Ave, or you could try other neighboring residential streets.
Halo Brewery
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Website: https://www.halobrewery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halobrewery
Address: 247 Wallace Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Must-Try: Magic Missile
If you happen to be near Toronto’s Junction Triangle, then make sure to give Halo brewery a visit. Word on the street is that they offer the best sours in the city!
They like creating ales based on Belgian and American methods. And they use fruit, spices, and other unexpectedly delicious ingredients on their hops and malts.
A go-to we always order is their flagship dry hopped pale ale, Magic Missile. This orange-based hop also has hints of passionfruit and strawberry, and it’s so delicious that it pairs with almost anything.
If your taste runs more toward sweet stouts, then the Milky Way is for you, which they whipped up using chocolate chip cookies as their inspiration.
Pro Tip:
We just love their outdoor patio, but it’s a bit small. So, if you’re planning to snag a seat on a summer day (or night), make sure it’s not during peak hours.
Saulter Street Brewery
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Website: https://www.saulterstreetbrewery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saulterstreetbrewery/
Address: 31 Saulter St #1
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (416) 463-9379
Must-Try: Riverside Copper Pilsner
Saulter Street Brewery is an independent brewery, bottle shop, and taproom.
Fans of Czech-style pilsners would have a field day here. As a matter of fact, pilsner-focused breweries are a bit uncommon in the city because it takes longer to create, making it a tad more costly—but the resulting taste? Heaven.
One of our faves is the Riverside Copper Pilsner, which is quite smooth—very deserving of its 2019 Gold win at the Ontario Brewing Awards.
You could also find free pretzels and peanuts on their tables. But if you’re after something a bit more substantial, simply snag a cheese and meat box from the Leslieville Cheese Market.
Pro Tip:
Attend Sea Shanty Sunday, held every last Sunday of the month, from 3 PM to 6 PM—you’re guaranteed to have a swell time!
Lost Craft Brewery
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Website: https://lostcraft.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostcraftbeer/
Address: 837 Runnymede Rd
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 587-6753
Must-Try: Coastal Wave
Lost Craft Brewery was founded by Shehan De Silva, who was bitten by the beer bug. He left his career in finance, travelled through Europe, and teamed up with a brewmaster to create Lost Craft, which you have to admit is kinda hardcore.
We love that they’re the only brewery in the 6ix who is Certified B Corp. Meaning, they met the highest standards for environmental and social performance.
Visit their cool taproom and patio, where they have 12 rotating taps, plus snacks and big screen TVs—nothing like watching the game with an ice cold pint in hand.
Speaking of which, don’t miss their Coastal Wave IPA, said to be a mix of the East and West Coast; I really enjoy its grapefruit and pine hints. Non-alcoholic drinks and cold teas are available as well.
Pro Tip:
Looking for an offbeat yet super charming rental space? You could actually transform their spacious brewery into a wedding venue, a live music concert space, or anything you want, really.
Steam Whistle Brewing
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Website: https://steamwhistle.ca/pages/kitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steamwhistlebrewing
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd Bay 6
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 362-2337
Must-Try: Steam Whistle Pilsner
Around 20 years ago, three friends—who used to work at a top Canadian microbrewery that suddenly shut down—came up with Steam Whistle Brewing. They believe in doing one thing really well, and that’s why they only brew one beer: Steam Whistle Pilsner.
Their signature Steam Whistle Pilsner is very smooth yet full bodied, made using traditional Czech-style methods. In addition to their in-house beer, they also have seltzers, bar rail, and Ontario wines.
Make sure to hang out at their onsite restaurant, which is quite spacious (can seat up to 100). Order homemade dishes from their seasonal menu, but to pair with their beer, we recommend oysters or spiced meats.
If you can, sit on their lovely patio, where you’d have a gorgeous view of the CN Tower.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a party, why not rent their event space, Pilsner and Locomotive Hall? It’s quite charming, with cobblestone patios, locomotive trains, and exposed tracks—very hip yet tasteful.
Bellwoods Brewery
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Website: https://bellwoodsbrewery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellwoodsbeer/
Address: 124 Ossington Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 535-4586
Must-Try: Cat Lady
Since 2012, Bellwoods Brewery has been a go-to brewery, especially for people on Toronto’s West End. They’ve also garnered a bunch of wins from the Canadian Brewing Awards, the Golden Tap Awards, and Now Best of Awards.
They focus mostly on hops, lagers, and wild, fruity blends, but they sometimes serve stouts as well. We recommend trying their Cat Lady—a double dry hopped brew that’s very bright and smooth, with hints of strawberry and pineapple.
You could also sample their signature beers from one of the 20 taps in their large pub and dining room, with a mezzanine to boot. But our favorite place is their dog-friendly front patio—I just love sipping beers while soaking in some Vitamin D.
If you’re dining with a large group (or maybe even hosting an event), make sure to reach out at [email protected]. Their bar, dining hall, and upper mezzanine can accommodate up to 100 people.
Pro Tip:
Check out Bellwoods Brewery’s Sunday Roast. Every Sunday, they serve a classic chicken roast with all the sides, so invite your people for good beer and good food.
Blood Brothers Brewing
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Website: https://www.bloodbrothersbrewing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodbrothersbrewing
Address: 165 Geary Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 628-6062
Must-Try: Holy Ghost Breakfast Drink
Blood Brothers Brewing is probably one of my favorite breweries, since it’s located at the Geary Avenue arts district in a very rustic, 100-year-old stable.
One of my favorite drinks that they offer is the Holy Ghost Breakfast Drink. Think of it like a morning mimosa but very, very sour and refreshing.
As for food, who doesn’t love Southern cooking? They actually smoke their meats in-house in the same kegs where they age their beer—trust me, you can’t go wrong with their Louisiana-style pork drenched in BBQ sauce. Yum!
If you’re a hardcore fan, grab some merch on their website—cool shirts and caps with the Blood Brothers Brewing logo await.
Pro Tip:
Check out their website or socials for awesome events. They typically host Board Game Nights (with $1000 worth of prizes) and adorable Mutt Galas (a talent and fashion show for your furry friends).
Eastbound Brewing Company
Media credit: eastboundbeer
Website: https://eastboundbeer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastboundbeer
Address: 700 Queen St E
Hours:
- Monday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 901-1299
Must-Try: Turbo Chop West Coast
Tucked in Riverside, the Eastbound Brewing Company is a must-visit if you love experimental craft pints and Tex-Mex food.
We recommend their Turbo Chop West Coast IPA, a clear dry hopped concoction (which we learned was made from California Ale yeast). It sort of tastes like root beer but more bitter—in a good way!
As for the food, honestly, everything tastes delicious. But you absolutely need to try their Frito Fuego taco—buttermilk fried chicken with hot honey and sweet pickles; they even have a gluten-free version, served on a hard corn shell.
And if you’re all about brunch, then visit on Sundays. Brunch is served from 10 AM to 2 PM so make sure to notify your crew!
Pro Tip:
Beer-loving foodies, keep an eye out for their Chef’s Kitchen Bar event. Here, Chef Tara Lee will cook in front of you and serve you a delicious 4-course dinner; she’ll also explain the story or inspiration behind each dish.
