Best Places To Buy Beer In Toronto

If you're looking to buy beer in Toronto, you're in luck! The city offers a variety of options for beer enthusiasts. The primary place to purchase beer in Toronto is The Beer Store, which is the only establishment legally allowed to sell beer in Ontario. You can visit one of their physical locations or take advantage of their drive-thru and delivery services. Additionally, there are some grocery stores in downtown Toronto that sell beer, such as Loblaws and Food Basics, although the selection may vary by location. For those interested in imported beers, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is an option, although their stock is unpredictable. If you're unable to find your desired beer at these locations, you may need to explore alternative options, such as importing it yourself or visiting bars with extensive beer lists.

Beer at grocery stores

In Toronto, Canada, social drinking is a popular pastime, and the city offers many options for purchasing alcoholic beverages. While the drinking age is lower in Canada than in the United States, various laws, customs, prices, and taxes help ensure that alcohol is consumed responsibly and safely.

When it comes to buying beer in Toronto, you have several options, including dedicated alcohol retailers, grocery stores, and craft brewers with bottle shops. Here's what you need to know about buying beer at grocery stores in Toronto:

Availability at Grocery Stores

Not all grocery stores in Toronto sell beer. However, there are a number of grocery stores in downtown Toronto that do offer beer for sale. Major grocery store chains with beer sales include Loblaws, Longos, and Food Basics. When visiting these stores, look for specific locations that are licensed to sell beer, as not all locations may offer it. For example, the Longos location on York Street is currently the only one selling beer downtown.

Provincial Liquor Laws

It's important to note that Ontario's provincial laws strictly regulate the sale of alcohol. These laws prohibit drunk driving and open consumption of alcohol on the streets. Additionally, they limit the sale of beer to government-run stores or authorized retailers, with a few exceptions. This means that not all grocery stores will carry beer. The hours during which beer can be sold and served are also restricted by law.

Comparison with the United States

Unlike the United States, where most alcoholic beverages are sold through private businesses, Canada centralizes beer sales through specific retailers. In Toronto, this typically means purchasing beer from The Beer Store or the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) for wine and liquor. This limited distribution, coupled with taxes, results in higher prices for alcoholic beverages compared to the United States.

Specialty Beers

If you're looking for specialty beers, Toronto offers a unique experience with make-your-own beer and wine shops. These shops are ideal for long-term visits, as the process of creating your own beer or wine can take a couple of months. Additionally, some bars in Toronto offer extensive beer lists and may import their own selections, providing a wider range of choices.

The Beer Store

In Toronto, you may purchase beer at The Beer Store, one of the two outlets set up to buy alcohol in Ontario. The Beer Store is a government-run store, which is the only establishment that is legally allowed to sell beer in Ontario.

LCBO

In Toronto, the sale of wine, beer, and liquor is restricted to government-run stores, with very few exceptions. This means that most alcoholic beverages can only be purchased through government-run stores. Beer can be purchased at The Beer Store, and wine and liquor can be purchased through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).

The LCBO is the primary retailer for wine and liquor in Ontario. It is a government-owned chain of retail stores that sell a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits, and beer. The LCBO has a vast selection of products from local and international producers, and it offers a variety of price points to suit different budgets. The LCBO also provides product advice and recommendations to customers to ensure they find the right beverage for their needs.

The LCBO's website is a great resource for customers. It provides detailed information about the products they offer, including tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and information about the producers. The website also features a store locator tool, which allows customers to find their nearest LCBO location and view store-specific product availability.

In addition to their physical stores, the LCBO also offers a convenient online shopping experience. Customers can browse their product selection, place orders, and have their purchases delivered directly to their homes or a store for pickup. The LCBO also provides a click-and-collect service, allowing customers to place orders online and pick them up in-store at their convenience.

The LCBO plays a significant role in promoting responsible drinking and ensuring the safe consumption of alcohol. They provide resources and information to educate customers about the importance of drinking in moderation and the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The LCBO also enforces age restrictions and often has policies in place to prevent drunk driving and public intoxication.

Overall, the LCBO is a trusted source for purchasing alcoholic beverages in Toronto. With their extensive product selection, convenient services, and commitment to responsible drinking, they offer a reliable and safe option for individuals looking to enjoy a drink in the city.

Craft brewers with bottle shops

Toronto has seen an influx of craft breweries, many of which have bottle shops attached, meaning there are plenty of options for buying beer directly from the source.

Bandit Brewery

This always-busy brewery in the city's west end is a great place to hang out with friends and also has a small bottle shop that's open from 11 am to 11 pm every day.

Left Field Brewery

Head here to take home some of its best brews in cans, bottles, and larger 750ml swing-top growlers. The swing tops need to be kept cold and should be consumed within five days.

Bellwoods Brewery

This always-packed brewpub on Ossington Avenue has a popular bottle shop next door. You can also pick up branded merchandise such as toques, T-shirts, hoodies, and beer totes.

Rainhard Brewing Co.

Rainhard Brewing Co. is in Toronto’s Stockyards area and is generating a lot of positive feedback for its selection of beers. You can stop by the bottle shop to stock up or stay for a pint in the taproom.

Amsterdam Brewery and Amsterdam BrewHouse

Both locations make it easy to stock up on your favorite beers. Shop for 473ml cans, 355ml bottles, seasonal brews, growlers, and kegs.

Granite Brewery

If you're after hand-crafted, all-natural ales made in small batches, this is the place to go. You can buy growlers and kegs of various sizes, as well as bottles, branded merchandise, glassware, coasters, and gift boxes.

Make-your-own beer shops

If you're looking to make your own beer in Toronto, there are plenty of shops to help you get started. Making your own beer is a popular phenomenon in the city, and while the process takes a few months, it's a fun activity and costs less than buying beer.

Toronto Brewing Co. is a highly-rated home-brewing supply store with a large selection of hops, malts, and other ingredients. They also stock glassware and gear from local Ontario breweries. Their staff are extremely helpful and patient, so it's a great option for beginners. You can visit their retail store at 3701 Chesswood Drive or get in touch via phone or email.

Noble Hop is another excellent choice, known for its knowledgeable staff who are happy to answer any questions. They also host events and hang-outs for the brewing community.

Brew North in the east end is a great option if you're new to brewing and want to try out some recipe kits. They have over two dozen to choose from and can help you select the right ingredients if you want to create your own unique brew.

The Brew Kettle in Richmond Hill is both an onsite brewing facility and a supply store. Owner Andy Bretton is very knowledgeable and can guide you through the home brewing process step-by-step.

Finally, for those in Scarborough, the Soda Centre and Home Brewer's Retail is a one-stop shop for all your brewing needs. They have a vast selection of supplies and are willing to special order anything they don't have in stock. They also sell beer signs, taps, and other decor for your home bar.

Frequently asked questions