One of the most courageous resolutions people make coming into the new year is to cut back on their consumption of alcohol. We applaud you for this. We know it’s not easy to cut back on something that’s normally associated with socializing. And not drinking as much can be yet another reminder of the socially distanced reality that we’re enduring to help keep our communities safe. We know it’s necessary, but happy hour over Zoom just doesn’t have the same appeal.
Regardless of the situation, not having a glass or two of wine a week is tough when it’s been part of your routine for so long. Some of you have taken the pledge to go completely dry for January or February, which is even more admirable. If you made it through the end of the month, give yourself a medal. And when you’re ready to start sipping again, how about supporting some local bottle shops that offer quality wine of craft beers?
6 local bottle shops near Toronto
Living in Ontario in particular, we don’t immediately think local when it comes to purchasing alcohol. The LCBO and The Beer Store are considered the gold standard for many of us in the province, but you’d be surprised how many different options there are, especially living in Toronto. And these aren’t just secondary options or “let me give this place a try” to be nice. Not at all. These bottle shops offer quality and uniqueness that makes them stand out in whatever niche they’re operating in, be it wine, beer or spirits.
1. Saulter Street Brewery
Location: 31 Saulter Street #1, Toronto
Delivery hours: Ontario wide Monday – Friday (Free delivery within Toronto for deliveries of $50 or more)
The red barn doors are how you know you’ve stepped inside Saulter Street Brewery. And while you can’t step inside their doors at the moment, the team is still hard at work brewing mixes patrons have been enjoying since Saulter Street opened in 2017. Founder John Sterling said he fell in love with the process and that, “Watching others enjoy our creations made me feel like I’d found my true calling in life and, at that moment, I knew that we had the opportunity to do something great.”
2. Bellwoods Brewery
Locations: 124 Ossington Avenue & 20 Hafis road, Toronto
Store hours: (Ossington) 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily (Hafis) 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Bellwoods popped in Toronto’s west end in 2012. Since then, they’ve remained a relatively small team focused on their quest to create the perfect beer. Right now, their menu focuses mostly on “aromatic hoppy stuff, crisp lagers, barrel-aged wild blends, fruit-forward zingers, and the occasional barrel-aged stout.” They’re always down for new ideas, though, so don’t be surprised to find something out of the ordinary. Curbside pickup or delivery options available.
3. Junction Craft Brewery
Location: 100 Symes Road, Toronto
Stour hours: Tuesday – Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Call an hour ahead for curbside pickup.
Founders Tom Paterson and Doug Pengelly wanted to build something in their home neighbourhood of the Junction, and boy did they hit a home run. Since 2011, Junction Craft Brewery has been a staple in the neighbourhood. They’ve also expanded their offerings and moved into their current location, which has the most memorable name of any bottle shop: The Destructor, an 1930’s ex-art deco incinerator.
4. Indie Ale House
Location: 2876 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Online delivery only
Try a selection of their brews. Available in-store or online.
Indie Ale is all about experimentation and breaking the rules. They got their start in 2012 and have tried to balance making simple beers that everyone loves with more rare blends that you can’t find anywhere else. They push the indie lifestyle hard and encourage their community to shop at other local stores and shops to ensure originality and creativity are properly rewarded.
5. Badlands Brewing Company
Location: 13926 Chinguacousy Road, Caledon
Store hours: Online delivery only. Must order Saturdays starting at 6:00 p.m. Orders will be mailed out on Mondays only.
Stepping outside Toronto and extending into the GTA, Badlands Brewery lives on a farm in Caledon. Brewing IPA is their thing, but they also do farmhouse ales and lagers. They admit that their setup is small, but the heart they put into it is big, and they have a strong commitment to delivering beer at its highest quality.
6. Kensington Brewing Company
Locations: 299 Augusta Avenue, Toronto & 1033 Edgely Avenue unit 3
Store hours: (Augusta) Daily from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Edgely) Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Kensington Brewing Company started out as part of a restaurant. They were brewing hoppy pale ales to go along with the burgers their customers were eating. Once the beer stole the show, they knew it was time to focus on the brewing and concoct flavours that were as diverse as the Kensington neighbourhood.
Stay safe and have your drinks delivered
We all have our part to play right now, and as much as it sucks, it means staying inside whenever you can. If you do find yourself taking the TTC, remember that there are ways to stay safe on transit. We have features in the Rocketman app that lets you know how crowded the next bus is and real-time countdowns, so you don’t have to be outside longer than you need to be.
Rocketman transit app for Android
Learn more about using the Rocketman transit app in Toronto
One of the most courageous resolutions people make coming into the new year is to cut back on their consumption of alcohol. We applaud you for this. We know it’s not easy to cut back on something that’s normally associated with socializing. And not drinking as much can be yet another reminder of the socially distanced reality that we’re enduring to help keep our communities safe. We know it’s necessary, but happy hour over Zoom just doesn’t have the same appeal.
Regardless of the situation, not having a glass or two of wine a week is tough when it’s been part of your routine for so long. Some of you have taken the pledge to go completely dry for January or February, which is even more admirable. If you made it through the end of the month, give yourself a medal. And when you’re ready to start sipping again, how about supporting some local bottle shops that offer quality wine of craft beers?
6 local bottle shops near Toronto
Living in Ontario in particular, we don’t immediately think local when it comes to purchasing alcohol. The LCBO and The Beer Store are considered the gold standard for many of us in the province, but you’d be surprised how many different options there are, especially living in Toronto. And these aren’t just secondary options or “let me give this place a try” to be nice. Not at all. These bottle shops offer quality and uniqueness that makes them stand out in whatever niche they’re operating in, be it wine, beer or spirits.
1. Saulter Street Brewery
Location: 31 Saulter Street #1, Toronto
Delivery hours: Ontario wide Monday – Friday (Free delivery within Toronto for deliveries of $50 or more)
The red barn doors are how you know you’ve stepped inside Saulter Street Brewery. And while you can’t step inside their doors at the moment, the team is still hard at work brewing mixes patrons have been enjoying since Saulter Street opened in 2017. Founder John Sterling said he fell in love with the process and that, “Watching others enjoy our creations made me feel like I’d found my true calling in life and, at that moment, I knew that we had the opportunity to do something great.”
2. Bellwoods Brewery
Locations: 124 Ossington Avenue & 20 Hafis road, Toronto
Store hours: (Ossington) 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily (Hafis) 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
Bellwoods popped in Toronto’s west end in 2012. Since then, they’ve remained a relatively small team focused on their quest to create the perfect beer. Right now, their menu focuses mostly on “aromatic hoppy stuff, crisp lagers, barrel-aged wild blends, fruit-forward zingers, and the occasional barrel-aged stout.” They’re always down for new ideas, though, so don’t be surprised to find something out of the ordinary. Curbside pickup or delivery options available.
3. Junction Craft Brewery
Location: 100 Symes Road, Toronto
Stour hours: Tuesday – Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Call an hour ahead for curbside pickup.
Founders Tom Paterson and Doug Pengelly wanted to build something in their home neighbourhood of the Junction, and boy did they hit a home run. Since 2011, Junction Craft Brewery has been a staple in the neighbourhood. They’ve also expanded their offerings and moved into their current location, which has the most memorable name of any bottle shop: The Destructor, an 1930’s ex-art deco incinerator.
4. Indie Ale House
Location: 2876 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Online delivery only
Try a selection of their brews. Available in-store or online.
Indie Ale is all about experimentation and breaking the rules. They got their start in 2012 and have tried to balance making simple beers that everyone loves with more rare blends that you can’t find anywhere else. They push the indie lifestyle hard and encourage their community to shop at other local stores and shops to ensure originality and creativity are properly rewarded.
5. Badlands Brewing Company
Location: 13926 Chinguacousy Road, Caledon
Store hours: Online delivery only. Must order Saturdays starting at 6:00 p.m. Orders will be mailed out on Mondays only.
Stepping outside Toronto and extending into the GTA, Badlands Brewery lives on a farm in Caledon. Brewing IPA is their thing, but they also do farmhouse ales and lagers. They admit that their setup is small, but the heart they put into it is big, and they have a strong commitment to delivering beer at its highest quality.
6. Kensington Brewing Company
Locations: 299 Augusta Avenue, Toronto & 1033 Edgely Avenue unit 3
Store hours: (Augusta) Daily from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Edgely) Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Kensington Brewing Company started out as part of a restaurant. They were brewing hoppy pale ales to go along with the burgers their customers were eating. Once the beer stole the show, they knew it was time to focus on the brewing and concoct flavours that were as diverse as the Kensington neighbourhood.
Stay safe and have your drinks delivered
We all have our part to play right now, and as much as it sucks, it means staying inside whenever you can. If you do find yourself taking the TTC, remember that there are ways to stay safe on transit. We have features in the Rocketman app that lets you know how crowded the next bus is and real-time countdowns, so you don’t have to be outside longer than you need to be.
Rocketman transit app for Android
Learn more about using the Rocketman transit app in Toronto
Don’t have Rocketman? Stay on top of your commute by downloading it:
Not sure if Rocketman works in your area? View our list of supported regions.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
