Burdock

Founded in 2015 by Jason Stein and Matt Park, Burdock Brewery transformed the Bloordale Village scene by blending a refined, modern brewery with an intimate, acoustically engineered music hall. While they have since expanded production to a larger facility in Kensington Market, the Bloor Street location remains the heart of their operation. The vibe here is effortlessly cool and unpretentious, striking a balance between a neighborhood hangout and a serious destination for craft beer enthusiasts. They are widely respected for their technical precision, producing everything from crisp, everyday-drinking lagers and pilsners to experimental, fruit-forward grape ales that blur the line between beer and natural wine. The space is bright, airy, and welcoming, making it an ideal spot to settle in for an afternoon or evening.

When visiting, skip the standard pub fare and focus on their seasonal, locally-sourced menu, which is designed specifically to pair with their complex brews. If you are a first-timer, order a flight to explore their range, specifically looking for any of their barrel-aged hybrid creations. The kitchen’s small plates are consistently excellent, with their fries and rotating seasonal vegetable dishes being reliable standouts. Prices are mid-range, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the craft involved. It is a popular spot, so booking a table for dinner is wise, though the bar area often has space for walk-ins. It is a fantastic place to catch an intimate live music set, so check their calendar before heading over if you want to pair your pint with a performance.