Top 25 Best Toronto Craft Breweries 2024

Craft beer enthusiasts certainly are aware that Toronto has carved out a significant niche within Ontario’s ever-evolving microbrewery industry. Each offering a unique blend of craftsmanship and creativity to beer lovers. From the hop-heavy delights of Bellwoods Brewery in the trendy neighbourhood of West Queen West to the experimental successes of Blood Brothers Brewing in the heart of Riverside, Toronto’s microbrewery and craft brewpub scene is as diverse as the city itself.

With craft breweries such as Left Field Brewery in Leslieville and Bandit Brewery in Roncesvalles Village, Toronto beer aficionados can embark on a flavourful journey through the city’s distinct neighbourhoods, discovering the rich tapestry of tastes that define Toronto’s brewing landscape.

Here we will explore the top 25 craft breweries in Toronto, showcasing their specialties, and what makes each one a standout in the city’s wide-spread craft brewery landscape.

Exploring Toronto’s Top 25 Craft Breweries

Toronto, the vibrant cultural hub of Canada, is a massively contributor the Ontario craft beer craft beer family. With a multitude of breweries spanning across the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, each offering unique flavours and experiences, Toronto has become a paradise for beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Let’s take a journey through the top 25 craft breweries in Toronto, showcasing their locations, specialties, and what makes each one a standout in this thriving industry.

1. Bellwoods Brewery

Location: 124 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: bellwoodsbrewery.com

Bellwoods Brewery is synonymous with Toronto’s craft beer renaissance. Known for their innovative approach and commitment to quality, Bellwoods offers a diverse range of beers from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, all brewed with a touch of creativity and passion.

2. Blood Brothers Brewing

Location: 165 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: bloodbrothersbrewing.com

Located in a former industrial area, Blood Brothers Brewinghas quickly become a staple in Toronto’s craft beer scene, making a name for itself with experimental brews and bold flavours. Their taproom offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a wide range of craft brews from hop-forward IPAs to complex stouts.

3. Left Field Brewery

Location: 36 Wagstaff Dr, Toronto, ON
Website: leftfieldbrewery.ca

Inspired by their love for baseball, Left Field Brewery combines sports nostalgia with exceptional craft beer. They are renowned for their well-balanced beers, including their flagship Eephus oatmeal brown ale and a variety of seasonal offerings.

4. Indie Alehouse

Location: 2876 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Website: indiealehouse.com

Indie Alehouse is not just a brewery but a culinary destination known for its gourmet pub fare and meticulously crafted beers. With a commitment to quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, Indie Alehouse offers a diverse menu that caters to every palate.

5. Amsterdam Brewery

Location: 45 Esandar Dr, Toronto, ON
Website: amsterdambeer.com

One of Toronto’s oldest craft breweries, Amsterdam Brewery has been a cornerstone of the local beer scene since 1986. They offer a wide range of beers, including their flagship Boneshaker IPA, brewed with a focus on tradition and craftsmanship.

6. Henderson Brewing Co.

Location: 128A Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: hendersonbrewing.com

Located in the historic Junction Triangle neighborhood, Henderson Brewing Co. celebrates Toronto’s cultural heritage through its beers. They are known for their community-focused approach and a lineup that includes everything from classic lagers to seasonal brews.

7. Godspeed Brewery

Location: 242 Coxwell Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: godspeedbrewery.com

Founded by renowned brewmaster Luc “Bim” Lafontaine, Godspeed Brewery brings a touch of Japanese brewing tradition to Toronto. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, Godspeed offers a unique lineup of beers that blend Eastern and Western influences.

8. Bandit Brewery

Location: 2125 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Website: banditbrewery.ca

Nestled in Toronto’s vibrant Junction neighborhood, Bandit Brewery is celebrated for its inventive brews and welcoming atmosphere. From their flagship IPA to experimental sour ales, Bandit Brewery continues to push the boundaries of craft brewing in Toronto.

9. Great Lakes Brewery

Location: 11 Lower Jarvis Street and 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd, Toronto, ON
Website: greatlakesbeer.com

With a history dating back to 1987, Great Lakes Brewery has played a pivotal role in Toronto’s craft beer evolution. They are known for their award-winning beers, including the iconic Canuck Pale Ale, and Octopus Wants To Fight IPA, a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

10. Halo Brewery

Location: 247 Wallace Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: halobrewery.com

Halo Brewery stands out for its small-batch approach and dedication to quality over quantity. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Junction Triangle, Halo Brewery offers a rotating lineup of beers that showcase their creativity and passion for the craft.

11. Rorschach Brewing Co.

Location: 1001 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: rorschachbrewing.com

Named after the famous psychological test, Rorschach Brewing Co. invites patrons to interpret their lineup of beers through their own experiences. Located in Toronto’s east end, Rorschach Brewing is known for its eclectic range of beers and a welcoming, community-focused taproom.

12. Black Oak Brewery

Location: 75 Horner Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: blackoakbeer.com

Founded in 1999, Black Oak Brewery has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality and consistency. They offer a diverse range of beers, including their flagship Nut Brown Ale, brewed with a blend of tradition and innovation.

13. Folly Brewpub

Location: 928 College St, Toronto, ON
Website: follybrewing.com

Folly Brewpub blends the art of brewing with culinary excellence, offering a rotating selection of beers paired with a creative menu. Located in Toronto’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, Folly Brewpub is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

14. Muddy York Brewing Co.

Location: 22 Cranfield Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: muddyyorkbrewing.com

Named after Toronto’s historical nickname, Muddy York Brewing Co. pays homage to the city’s rich brewing heritage. They are known for their classic approach to brewing and a lineup that includes everything from traditional ales to seasonal specialties.

15. Burdock Brewery

Location: 1184 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Website: burdockbrewery.com

Burdock Brewery seamlessly blends brewing with culinary arts, offering a unique experience that celebrates creativity and innovation. With a focus on wild fermentation and barrel-aged beers, Burdock Brewery continues to push the boundaries of craft brewing in Toronto.

16. Rhythm & Brews Brewing Company

Location: 100 Symes Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: rhythmandbrews.ca

Rhythm & Brews Brewing Company combines a passion for music with a dedication to brewing exceptional beers. Located in Toronto’s Stockyards District, Rhythm & Brews offers a diverse lineup of beers inspired by musical genres, from crisp lagers to bold ales.

17. People’s Pint Brewing Company

Location: 90 Cawthra Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: peoplespint.com

People’s Pint Brewing Company is known for its commitment to community engagement and brewing innovation. Located in Toronto’s Junction Triangle, People’s Pint offers a rotating lineup of beers that reflect their dedication to quality and creativity.

18. Shacklands Brewing Co.

Location: 100 Symes Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: shacklands.com

Shacklands Brewing Co. takes inspiration from traditional Belgian brewing methods, offering a unique lineup of beers that highlight complexity and balance. Located in Toronto’s Stockyards District, Shacklands Brewing Co. continues to garner acclaim for their dedication to craftsmanship.

19. Eastbound Brewing Co.

Location: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON
Website: eastboundbeer.com

Eastbound Brewing Co. combines a passion for brewing with a commitment to culinary excellence. Located in Toronto’s vibrant Riverside neighborhood, Eastbound Brewing Co. offers a diverse lineup of beers, from hoppy IPAs to refreshing lagers, paired with a creative menu.

20. Woodhouse Brewing Co.

Location: 150 Symes Road, Toronto, ON
Website: woodhousebrewing.com

Woodhouse Brewing Co. is known for its dedication to quality and craftsmanship, offering a lineup of beers that celebrate tradition and innovation. Owned by Junction Craft Beverage Co., Woodhouse Brewing Co. continues to push the boundaries of craft brewing.

21. Steam Whistle Brewing

Location: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Website: steamwhistle.ca

Steam Whistle Brewing has become synonymous with Toronto’s craft beer culture, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Located in a historic railway roundhouse near the CN Tower, Steam Whistle Brewing offers a signature Pilsner brewed with traditional European methods.

22. Brunswick Bierworks

Location: 25 Curity Ave, Toronto, ON
Website: brunswickbierworks.com

Brunswick Bierworks partners with breweries from around the world to bring a diverse range of beers to Toronto. Located in Toronto’s East York neighbourhood, Brunswick Bierworks offers a unique lineup of international collaborations and local favourites.

23. High Park Brewery

Location: 839 Runnymede Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: highparkbrewery.com

High Park Brewery draws inspiration from its namesake park, offering a lineup of beers that celebrate nature and community. Located in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, High Park Brewery continues to innovate with seasonal releases and a commitment to sustainability.

24. Junction Craft Brewing

Location: 150 Symes Rd, Toronto, ON
Website: junctioncraft.com

Junction Craft Brewing is rooted in Toronto’s historic Junction neighbourhood, known for its dedication to quality and community. They offer a diverse lineup of beers, including their flagship Conductor’s Craft Ale, brewed with a focus on tradition and innovation.

Final thoughts

Toronto’s craft beer scene is a testament to the city’s creativity, diversity, and passion for brewing. From established breweries with decades of history to newcomers pushing the boundaries of experimentation, each brewery on this list contributes to Toronto’s reputation as a top destination for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavours or a visitor eager to experience the best of Toronto’s craft beer culture, these 25 breweries offer a taste of what makes this city’s beer scene truly exceptional.

There is now question, Toronto’s extensive craft brewery scene is a testament to the city’s spirit of innovation and diversity. With a blend of established favourites like Bellwoods Brewery offering their tantalizing hop-heavy delights alongside experimental gems like Blood Brothers Brewing, there’s truly something for every berr lover’s palate. Whether indulging in the crisp, refreshing lagers of Left Field Brewery in Leslieville, the bold and hoppy IPAs of Bandit Brewery in Roncesvalles Village, or the inventive and boundary-pushing brews of Burdock Brewery in Bloorcourt, Toronto boasts a kaleidoscope of flavours waiting to be explored.

So, as the sun beats down on the crowded streets of Toronto, there’s no better time to escape and grab a cold pint from one of Toronto’s microbreweries. Savour the unparalleled joy of a perfectly crafted beer on a summer day.

by Myles Shane and Terry Lankstead

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