Hi guys, Sorry for asking the same questions all over again, did my research but still looking for suggestions from locals. Coming to Toronto on september 5th and coming back to Montreal on the 7th. I'm a big fan of hoppy beers, american IPA mostly (Trillium kinda style, big on hop, quiet on malt/sugar), I also enjoy sour, saison, barley wine and APA. Looking to bring back home some bottles/cans and would like your inputs. For sure going to Bellwoods, very interested in Great Lakes too, their IPAs seem very nicely done but they don't seem to be carrying much at the brewery...? Best to buy at LCBO? Amsterdam seems nice too, worth going? Any new or interesting breweries worth checking out that sells bottles/cans to go? Should I go to LCBO? If so, which one has the best selection of craft beers? My hotel will be downtown, going to see the Jays on sunday sept 6th, is there a bar/brewery near where I can drink a beer or two before or after the game? (Game at 1pm) Bar Volo is a good place to eat/drink? What about Bellwoods pub? Which TO bar has the best local draft selection? Any inputs/help would be appreciated. Don't really know how to plan my schedule, girlfriend wants to visit the CN tower, Jays on sunday but nothing else set in stone for now. Thanks
You seem to be on the right track. In terms of American style IPAs, you may get lucky and find something from Great Lakes while you are here. Grab some fresh Nickel Brook Headstock at the LCBO. I would recommend Bar Hop for after your game. It isn't too far from the Dome. Great selection on tap, and good food. The following is amended from another similar thread with some quick links to the some of the better breweries and bars in the city: Bellwoods is the place to make sure you visit. They are generally recognized as brewing the best beer in the city. Their bottle shop opens at 11 AM. The pub is open from 2 PM on week-ends. If you only visit one brewery, this is the place to visit. http://bellwoodsbrewery.com/ For good local selection on tap - and downtown - you might want to check out BarHop. You can check their twitter feed for a photo of the current tap menu. They usually have a couple casks on too. http://barhopbar.com/barhop/home.html Barvolo also has a great selection, usually with a little more on offer from Quebec breweries than Barhop. Again, you can see a photo of the current tap list on their website. Good bottle selection there too. http://barvolo.com/ I like Indie Ale House. They are a little west of Downtown. http://www.indiealehouse.com/#slideabout Amsterdam's Brewhouse is a lot nicer place to visit in the summer time, but depending on how close you are to the water, it may be a good place for a quick visit. http://amsterdambrewhouse.com/ Other breweries in the city that may be of interest: Great Lakes Brewery. No relation to the Ohio brewery of the same name. http://www.greatlakesbeer.com/ Junction Craft. Near Indie Ale House. Nothing earth shattering, but they always have 10-15 different beers available to either try on site or take away. A reasonably up to date list of what is available is on the web-site. Maybe worth a visit if you are in the area already. http://www.junctioncraftbrewing.com/jcb/ The Granite Brewery. Again, if you are in the area it may be worth a visit. Check the web-site for their offerings. Nothing groundbreaking here, but they usually have three beers on cask. http://www.granitebrewery.ca/ Left Field Brewing is a little east of the downtown core. Most of what they brew is good, and their tasting area is quite nice. Fairly easy to get to on the subway with a little walking from the station. http://www.leftfieldbrewery.ca/ Rainhard Brewing is out in the same general area as Junction and Indie Ale House. They make good beer and the bottle shop seems to be open regularly now. http://rainhardbrewing.com/ Muddy York had their first pop-up shop at the brewery recently. They may be open again in the near future. Again, like the other two, early reviews are good. http://www.muddyyorkbrewing.com/
I was just in Toronto this week for work and can vouch for the awesomeness of Bellwoods. That place is pretty awesome, and the beers are great. Ended up going twice in two nights. Also hit Indie Ale House in The Junction.
Thanks guys! Can you recommend me the best LCBO for fresh local beers too? In or near Toronto. Thanks
For selection the Summerhill location and Queens Quay location would probably have the largest overall selection of beer. Keep in mind that much of the best local beer is not sold at the LCBO. You may be in luck with respect to Great Lakes. They released cans of Karma Citra this morning at the brewery. This may mean they will have bombers out to the LCBO in the next few weeks. This was what transpired the last time Karma Citra was released. I have seen nothing to corroborate this though, so keep your fingers crossed.
Just noticed a tweet that the Karma Citra is just at the brewery and select bars/restos this time. Also, half of the 150 cases already gone. Doesn't anyone work on friday?
Hopefully Bellwoods still has their Mango Witchshark on tap - it's pretty delicious. I enjoyed the regular version more, but my colleagues couldn't get enough of the Mango. Also - if you're into barrel aged sours, the Motley Cru was top notch.
but hold off on summerhill, their selection is crap right now due to the renovations...but should really kick ass when the new room opens up
Rainhard's imperial stout rocks. Indie Ale house's IPA, killer. ANYTHING BELLWOODS. Junction, meh. Granite, real ale, sweet. Amsterdam, nice view, decent brews. Great Lake, pretty good, shitty location though. Left field, not so familiar with, same with Muddy. LCBO Queen's Quay has a great selection.
For a bit different experience take a walk up Augusta Ave in Kensington market between dundas and college, just west of spadina... Thirsty and Miserable is TO's best dive bar (cheapest as well with a decent fridge); great food in the area. Colorful characters.
If you are staying downtown and near the stadium go no further than Bar Hop and Wvrst. Bellwoods is great, but requires ride and then the possible wait. Volo is a ride and in a crappy neighborhood for tourists and out of towners. Not to mention the concept of ordering at the bar is one that I still don't understand. Sorry to interrupt our conversation but I have to leave and fetch us some more beer. Just odd. If it was a good concept more bars would do it. Sorry for rant. I just don't get the appeal. Tap list is ok, some decent bottles. But for the location and service its not worth it.
