From local craft beers to premium imports, Toronto is a beer lover’s paradise. A tall frosty glass of lager or ale is the perfect way to finish off a day of sightseeing.
For the ultimate Toronto beer crawl, see how many of these 10 breweries and bars you can cross off your list during your stay.
Mill Street Brew Pub
In the city’s historic Distillery District, the Mill Street Brew Pub offers a wide selection of brews on their constantly changing draught taps. The pub is housed in what was once the tank house of the old Gooderham & Worts Distillery. 21 Tank House Lane.
Amsterdam Brewhouse on the Lake
The Amsterdam Brewing Company is well-known for their wide range of regular and seasonal releases, including 3Speed Lager and Amsterdam Blonde. Amsterdam Brewhouse on the Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy these and other year-round favourites in style. The 14,000 square-foot space on the shores of Lake Ontario includes a full working brewery so you can see what’s brewing before you order. 245 Queen’s Quay West.
C’est What
This cozy basement pub is one of the earliest, and still among the best, places to “drink local.” With 42 all-Canadian, craft-brewed ales and lagers on tap, including several of their own creation, C'est What is heaven for beer lovers. To boot, the bar boasts a diverse menu of comfort food, regular live music events and other fun distractions like board games, pool tables and fireplaces. 67 Front Street East
Steam Whistle Brewing
Downtown Toronto’s biggest and best-known brewery, Steam Whistle Brewing is located in a historic roundhouse at the foot of the CN Tower. Make sure to have a tasting of the brewery’s sole brand, a sharply malty and refreshing lager called—you guessed it—Steam Whistle. 255 Bremner Boulevard.
beerbistro
Another Toronto beer pioneer, beerbistro is trendier than a pub and more casual than a fancy restaurant. It features a wide array of domestic and international beers, including numerous exclusives. It also boasts a food menu heavy on “beer cuisine.” You can even order beer-flavoured ice cream! 18 King Street East.
Bier Markt
Beer is more than just a refreshing beverage to the people at Bier Markt— it’s a passion. Let the knowledgeable staff help you choose from among their 150 different beers. Pair your selection with a dish from the European brasserie-inspired menu for an unforgettable culinary experience. Raise a glass to the beautiful Bier at Bier Markt! 58 The Esplanade & 67 O’Neil Road.
Granite Brewery and Restaurant
Toronto’s oldest brewpub offers upscale pub food and English-style brews from its on-site brewery. Now entering its third decade of operation, The Granite is renowned for its cask-conditioned ales – English-style brews that receive their final fermentation in the barrel and are served at cool rather than cold temperatures. The Granite is an oasis of fine beer and pub food in the thriving Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood (sometimes referred to as “young and eligible”). 245 Eglinton Avenue East.
Indie Ale House
Located in the Junction (near Dundas Street West and Keele Street) this brewpub brings brewing to a district that remained “dry” right up until the turn of the century. Thirsty Junction-ites are no doubt grateful, and you will be too if you pop in for a cold one. Indie Ale House brews craft beers in a variety of styles that change throughout the year. Instead of standard lagers and pilsners, they specialize in hard-to-find ales like a Belgian Sour or English Porter. If you like what you taste, make sure to drop by their beer store on the way out! 2876 Dundas Street West.
Birreria Volo
One of the original purveyors of craft beer in the city, Birreria Volo has an impressive list of brews on tap and an even more impressive list of bottled beer. Located in Little Italy, its sister outlet, Bar Volo had to close after 25 years but has reopened in the Yonge and Wellesley area. 612 College Street.
WVRST
With loads of craft beers, a wide selection of sausages and tasty duck fat fries to munch on, there is a reason why this King Street West German-style beerhall is always packed to the brim. WVRST is conveniently located in Toronto’s Fashion District and in Union Station. 609 King Street West & 65 Front Street West.
Choose from 23 Toronto craft breweries for up to 4 tastings per day with one convenient pass, starting at $22.