10 Best Breweries in Oakville

"Bellwoods Brewery opened up in April of 2012, and is not shy about admitting the hardships of managing their growing brewery because they believe the beer tastes all the better for it. The brewery's popularity comes down to their beers - crisp, fruity pale ales and bold, hoppy IPAs - and they are particularly proud of their imperial stouts, farmhouse ales (saison) and barrel-aged brews. Bellwoods Brewery has won numerous awards from Ratebeer Best, a global community of beer snobs, and the Golden Tap Awards, an annual beer awards events held in Toronto to celebrate Ontario's best craft beer and microbreweries."

"As soon as Bellwoods Brewery opened its doors on Ossington Ave. in 2012 it was an instant hit. The small brewery has a roster of staple beers in constant production, but they’re also steadily experimenting with tons of other beers so there’s always something new to try or buy to take home from the bottle shop. The creative menu serves seasonal fare in the form of snacks, salads and a few larger entrees, depending on what you’re in the mood for."

"Some of the more popular ones include Barn Owl, Bell Weiser, Grisette, Jelly King, and Jutsu. Both Bellwood’s locations are currently not open to the public. However, you may make use of the brewery’s $15 flat-rate shipping offer as long as you order at least eight cans or nine bottles."

"One of Toronto's oldest craft breweries, Amsterdam BrewHouse opened back in 1986. Today, the brewery operates three locations, the events-only brewery and retail shop in Leaside, the flagship 500-seat BrewHouse on Toronto's coveted waterfront and their newest brewpub, Barrel House. BrewHouse is the most happening of the three, a place where homemade pub grub meets crisp lagers and full-bodied ales brewed right in-house."

"The Brewhouse is Toronto’s largest waterfront craft brewery and restaurant. With four large outdoor patios, rotating seasonal taps, and landscape views of the lake, there’s plenty to enjoy at this restaurant patio. Sip creative craft beer creations like the Space Invader IPA, while taking in the views under a patio umbrella."

"In case you are looking for great night’s fun, Steam Whistle Brewery would be your right choice. It is situated at the base of the CN Tower – which is one of Toronto’s number one tourist destinations and this place gets improved thanks to its kind and friendly employees. Steam Whistle Brewery exists for two decades as well as has managed to earn the title of Canada’s biggest and most popular standalone brewery."

"For so long, Roundhouse Park’s resident brewery made its name on simplicity: it made exactly one product, a refreshing and universally chuggable pilsner, and presented it in a historic – if pared-back – setting. But times have changed, and with them comes a second beer (Steam Whistle Pale Ale) and a gorgeous beer garden complete with the Food Dudes’ German-style eats."

"Steam Whistle Brewery makes a Canadian pilsner that they are rightfully proud of. This local beer maker is located right near the Roger's Centre and the CN Tower and it is a perfect stop on the Toronto tourism train. Their beer recipe has been exacted using European brewing standards, yet there is a lightheartedness to the company that is all Canadian."

"Burdock has a lot going on – it’s a restaurant, a music hall and it also happens to be brewing some of the best beers in the city. Go to catch some live music or sit down to a meal made with local, seasonal ingredients; but stay for the beer (or grab some to go from the bottle shop). Burdock brewed their first batch of beer in July 2015 and have been going strong ever since."

"Burdock Brewery serves beer, wine and beer-wine.|© Joel Clifton. The Bloor West brewery is one of the most innovative in the country. Some of their most spectacular beers aren’t beers, but beer-wine hybrids; Burdock combines beer and winemaking techniques, like aging in neutral oak barrels, adding splashes of local wine or aging beers on the skins of orange wines."

"Burdock brings to the table various ales, lagers, and wine-beers. Some of its popular offerings include BBB, Burdock Pilsner, Rice Lager, Tuesday, and Vermont Blonde. New releases from its cellars are in the pipeline."

"Bar Volo has been an institution for the past 30 years so, and they’ve carried their reputation to the new location on Nicholas Street. The biggest attraction here is probably the 26 rotating taps that they have, often with some unique and unusual beers that aren’t widely available at other Toronto bars. It makes them a favourite for die-hard Untappd users who are looking to pad their check-ins."

"If you find yourself cruising the Railpath or visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, stop in at Henderson for a refreshing brew. Best known for its flagship amber ale – appropriately named Henderson’s Best – the brewery is also home to around a dozen seasonal collaborations, like the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies’ blood orange saison. Henderson’s taproom is charmingly industrial with just the right amount of rumpus room kitsch, and while it doesn’t have a kitchen, patrons are welcome to pick up something next door at the Drake Commissary or one of several food trucks often parked outside."

"What is it: Henderson’s industry veteran co-founders (they used to brew and consult for major brands) bring years of experience to this West End brewery. The monthly Ides series pays homage to Toronto’s history with unique one-off brews. Why go: Part of the Sterling Ave. revitalization (along with the Drake Commissary eatery and brand-new Museum of Contemporary Art), Henderson is helping to turn this up-and-coming neighborhood into a destination."

"Despite only being founded in 2014, Henderson’s Toronto roots run deep, from its name – an homage to Robert Henderson, the city’s first brewer – to its award-winning Henderson’s Best, a modern reimagining of a classic Toronto bitter. But that’s not all: they also release a new 6ix-inspired beer monthly as part of their limited-edition Ides lineup. Try: Henderson’s Best, a beer that lives up to its name, and then some."

"Radical Road Brewing Co. opened up in 2019 in the up-and-coming hipster neighborhood of Leslieville on Toronto's east side. While they do whip up some interesting creations, like the cucumber-mint kolsch or the yuzu pale ale, the company focuses on brewing suspiciously easy-drinking crowd pleasers, and you won't find anything too outside the box here. Radical Road rents out the premises for private events, and also manages a portable version of their bar known as the Radical Roadster, a mobile, customizable craft beer bar for weddings, corporate parties and the like."

"While nothing’s better than a cold beer on a hot summer day, not all beers are created equal when it comes to beating the heat. Light, low-alcohol kölsches are always a reliable thirst quencher, and this Queen East brewery has devised an ingenious way to up the cooling factor of their version even higher, infusing their cucumber-mint kölsch with a hit of crisp, herbal freshness to create one of the most sweat-slaying sips in the city. 1177 Queen St. E.,647-794-7909, radicalroadbrew.com."

"Save for the giant tanks, drinking at Shacklands feels like hanging in your fave neighbourhood dive bar: the walls are slathered in action figures, the stereo’s playing Matthew Sweet and old cartoons are on a loop on the TV. But instead of Labatt 50, the bar’s pouring a delightful jumble of sours, bretts and fruity blends, courtesy brewer Jason Tremblay."

"Don’t come to Shacklands looking for a lager or an IPA—you won’t find any. They pour only Belgian-style brews: farmhouse ales, saisons, tripels and dubbels. Everything here is downright funky."

"Stay aboard for the full two-hour tour, or if you're itching to tackle Toronto , hop off at one of the 21 stops, which include many of Toronto's top attractions, such as the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum. Consult with the guides for optimum planning and when the busses will be stopping at certain locations. Don't miss the boat tour at the Harbourfront, which is included in your ticket."

"The AGO is hard to miss: the monumental glass and titanium facade designed by Toronto native son Frank Gehry hovering over the main building…"

"If you’re looking for another garden oasis outside Toronto’s downtown core head to Guild Park & Gardens. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, within the Scarborough Bluffs chain of parks, is a stunning expanse of green space. Guild Park & Gardens stretches across 80 acres and is a fantastical blend of history and nature."

"Centre3 for Print and Media Arts is a not-for-profit, charitable artist-run centre that connects, educates and collaborates with people on local, national and international levels. Centre3 is a place for artists to not only create and produce art, but also to exhibit their work. The space supports both traditional and experimental print media and art practices; whether you want to stick with what you know or attempt something that’s never been done before, you have Centre3’s support."

"If you’re looking for another garden oasis outside Toronto’s downtown core head to Guild Park & Gardens. Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, within the Scarborough Bluffs chain of parks, is a stunning expanse of green space. Guild Park & Gardens stretches across 80 acres and is a fantastical blend of history and nature."

"Equipped with a luxurious bar, an international wine list, and stunning decor – this neo-bistro is an ideal date destination. Start with drinks and a few appetizers at the bar, then stay for dinner and devour creations by executive chef Luke Donato. Address: 60 Sudbury Street, TorontoPhone: 416-586-1188"

"Inspired by generations of Sicilian family-style cooking, ARDO chef Robert Marotta cooks with love and it definitely shows. The menu features seasonal produce, fresh seafood, pizza and pasta made daily in-house."

"The newly opened Maison Selby at Bloor and Sherbourne is an Instagrammer’s dream – from the front bar area and each dining area, to the secret speakeasy downstairs, no detail is left unattended. Stop by for brunch if you want to get some of that great morning light, or come by to enjoy the bar scene with some friends (and try to snag a seat at the speakeasy downstairs, ask your bartender about it)."

"This chic spot from Oliver & Bonacini is serving up a brunch menu featuring avocado toast, Eggs Hemingway, and mimosas. If you prefer to infuse your day with vibes à la France, this is inarguably the place to be. Address: 592 Sherbourne StreetPhone: 647-943-1676"

"Indoor dining might be on hold for 28 days, but that French onion soup doesn't have to wait. Maison Selby is open for lunch and dinner Wed-Fri and for brunch and dinner Sat-Sun."

"One of the best hotels with a view, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, is also home to Cafe Boulud and d|Bar restaurants. Chef Daniel Boulud’s French Brasserie serves a seasonally-changing menu rooted in French tradition, highlighting both bistro classics and contemporary dishes inspired by the chef’s family meals in Lyon. Their takeout dinner menu is offered from Wednesday to Saturday, and you can order your takeout to enjoy a truly elegant dinner at home."

"Get swept away at Cafe Boulud with its vintage style dining room and lounge that features a DJ late at night. Here, chef Daniel Boulud takes inspiration from his own family meals to create deliciously decadent dishes. Address: 60 Yorkville Avenue, TorontoPhone: 416-963-6000"

"Nestled in tony and fabulous Yorkville, Café Boulud, spearheaded by world-renown restaurateur Daniel Boulud, occupies the coveted dining room...Read More"