$$ Brewpub
About
Bellwoods Brewery originated as a cozy brewpub in Toronto's west end back in 2012. Since then, it's grown steadily, adding two retail shops and a production brewery in North York. Despite producing just 10,000hL annually, they're dedicated to crafting diverse styles, from aromatic hoppy brews to barrel-aged stouts. Bellwoods Brewery is always exploring new brewing techniques and flavours, ensuring there's always something exciting brewing.
Location
Over the years, South Ossington, nestled between Queen and Dundas in Toronto, has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a quiet stretch has now emerged as the city's premier destination for wining, dining, and boutique shopping. The influx of bars, restaurants, and chic boutiques has breathed new life into these three blocks, making it the epitome of Toronto's vibrant culinary and nightlife scene. Whether you're craving innovative cocktails, delectable cuisine, or unique shopping experiences, South Ossington has it all. It's no wonder this area has earned a reputation as Toronto's ultimate hotspot for drinking and dining.
Our Experience
It's Saturday night in Toronto, and we had just finished having dinner and drinks at Bar Poet on Queen. We tried their pizza, pasta and cocktails and loved them, but we were hoping to find a place more quiet and intimate so that we didn't have shout or lean halfway across our table to hear each other. We walked down Queen Street West and turned and walked northward on Ossington and while looking for through the windows on many bars and restaurants with room to sit, we noticed Bellwoods Brewery.
I had heard the name in passing, and we noticed some empty picnic tables on their patio so we decided to see if we could get a seat. It was still a chilly Toronto spring evening so we hoped there would be seating available inside, if not, we would brave the cold. We waited in a short queue for about 10 minutes and a host in a T-shirt frequently came to let everyone in queue know the progress and availability of tables. When the host came to us he asked if we preferred to sit inside or out, we inquired about the inside availability and he let us know a table would be ready shortly.
Once the queue moved up we were able to wait inside the foyer of the brewhouse. The space was filled with a golden glow, radiating from the modern gold accented light fixtures around the space. The walls were panelled white with strips of brown, giving it an almost nautical feel. From the entrance we could see the large brewery vats sitting behind a glass window, which separated the dining room from the brewery. The host returned to us to let us know that our table was ready and that it was worth the wait, since its the best seat in the dining room. He was not wrong, we were led to a corner booth in their second dining area. The space was perfect for a night of reconnecting with old friends. The sound in the room was not too loud, and so we did not have to strain to hear each other and atmosphere perfectly cozy.
We received our menu and ordered our drinks. They had an extensive list of beers to choose from but I was intrigued by their Ultra Light. It had a citrusy refreshing taste which I imagine would be perfect on a warm summer day. We also ordered $12 fries to share amongst the four of us, which worked out perfectly since we were a bit full still from Bar Poet. The fries themselves went perfectly seasoned and came with a tasty aioli that worked well with our drafts,
Conclusion
Bellwoods Brewery is a worthwhile destination for a visit, whether you're looking for a night out of catching up with friends, like I had, or as a fail safe for when you can't decide where to go, this will not disappoint. Despite the initial wait, the attentive service and inviting atmosphere made the experience enjoyable, and I believe they do take reservations online. The cozy ambiance and the option to sit indoors or outdoors provide flexibility for guests. The extensive beer selection, including unique options like the Ultra Light, adds to the appeal. Additionally, the tasty fries and the comfortable seating make it a great spot for catching up with friends. Overall, Bellwoods Brewery appears to offer a pleasant dining and drinking experience, making it worth a visit for those seeking a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
How To Get There
Toronto Transit: Take Subway Line 2 to Ossington Station and then take the 63 Ossington Bus route south to Ossington Ave at Argyle St.
Comments