Planning a trip to Toronto.

I went to Toronto a year ago and found some great places. Here is my travel blog from the four nights i spent there. http://www.betterbeerauthority.com/2012/12/exploring-toronto.html

 

Toronto is a great city - a toned down version of New York, if you will (a difference of degrees such that it is somewhat quieter, cleaner, less crowded, people are nicer, etc). Toronto also has a much more international feel to it than nearly any city I've been to in the United States. Only New York is (possibly) comparablel.

With that being said, and seeing that this is a beer website, I would say that Toronto will provide you with the same ability to find great bars and great beers as you would in a major American city. I haven't been there in a few years, but I know that Toronto has some great sports/ local bars that have good craft on tap.

As far as breweries go, Steam Whistle is up there - not a beer you've probably heard of, but it's got pretty passable reviews on here: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/730 I actually had the opportunity to tour the Steam Whistle Brewery when I went, but that was because I attended an event located at and hosted by the brewery. I don't know if it is regularly open to the public. In my opinion (based on a long faded memory), their main beer has a somewhat steam beer quality to it - but other than that distinction, it is mostly like any other mass produced lager you can probably find.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

 

I just did a quick search, and Amsterdam Brewing Company seems pretty good with a lot of varied brews: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/769

P.S. - For some great after drinking/ late night grub - you should definitely check out Burrito Boyz - 218 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1W7, Canada

 

It was a great time and I would go back in a second. Another brewery to keep an eye out for is Bellwood. I have got some of their imperial stouts in trades and was very impressed.

Amsterdam Brewery has a beer called Tempest you will want to try.

 

Great city, I recommend anyone wanting to go to Europe but lack funds to go here first. I love Canada. bring warm clothes if you go now. lol

beer, eh.

 

It ain't fancy, but its open late and it's pretty great if you are in the mood for great burritos

 

yea bring lots of cash for just food, 100's of great places to eat at.

 

I put in a strong rec for Bar Volo. They must have had 5 different Cantillon options when I stopped in. One of the greatest drinking experiences of my entire life.

 

Here is a pretty good thread on downtown TO beer bars. It also looks like someone else asked the same question on a different thread recently; there are a couple good suggestions, although it's a bit redundant with the the other link. Hope that helps.

 

I'm from Toronto and would highly recommend Bellwoods Brewery if you're able to make your way there. I would also agree with Bar Volo. Adding to the list I would also recommend a place called Bar Hop tons of our local craft beer and others on tap. Hope you enjoy the city and the beer we have to offer.

Cheers.

 

I wouldn't bother with 3 Brewers, they are pretty junk for the most part

 

I agree.

For a wide selection of Ontario beers - Bar Volo (although they do have a bunch of their own Ales in their selection of 26 taps (and I think one is wine and one is cider) and up to 6 casks and a pretty diverse bottle list:
C'est What - once again numerous (maybe 40) draught taps and a handful of casks;
Bar Hop - I think about 30 taps and two casks.

These are all in the downtown core and pretty low key, but not divey places.

For a fancier dinner and with a few Ontario beers and some European beers but with an excellent bottle list try Beer Bistro.

If you are in the east end for dinner one night, check out The Only on the Danforth at Donlands (steps from the subway). Good tap list and if they are doing a festival on the patio (even in winter) it would be worth it. No food, although you can bring it in from elsewhere. (and if you have ever heard of the band The Lowest Of The Low, then check out "Just About The Only Blues"

For brew pubs that feature their own beers and maybe a guest tap or two. The Amsterdam Brew Pub, Bellwoods, Granite Brewery and Indie Ale House are the places to go. They are all transit accessible but not in the main downtown core (although the Amsterdam is close). The Beer Academy is downtown but is corporate owned (Molson).

You probably want to go to Niagara Falls to check out the falls and two breweries - Oast House and Silversmith which are both in Niagara On The Lake, just down the road from the falls.

Have a great time, Cheers!