Mill Street Brew Pub: Toronto, ON

Mill Street brewery has done what every small brewery in Ontario hopes to achieve as they have just expanded their operation in order to meet demand nation wide. Brew master Michael Duggan (no longer with the company)along with Jeffery Cooper and Steve Abrams opened the doors to Mill Street back in 2002 making them the first commercial brewery to open in East Toronto in more than 100 years. Located in a beautiful spot and tourist destination, the Mill Street brewery occupies a building in the Distillery District. Since gaining Canada's acceptance as a reputable brewery, Mill Street had to expand and thus moved their brewing operation to a warehouse outside of Toronto. Instead of letting go of their great spot in the distillery district, the company decided to renovate and create the "Mill Street Brew Pub".

Walking into through the front door you'll notice the retail store on your left. Here you'll find many of Mill Street beer products in six packs, singles and growlers. Along the back wall you can purchase t-shirts, sweaters, hats and other apparel all emblazed with Mill Street's logo.

Walking back out of the retail store, you immediately enter the huge brewpub. To your right you will notice the large glass walls encasing several vats, cooling tanks and fermenters that are in the middle of producing beer that will be served at the pub. They were actually in the middle of brewing their fruit beer and I was fortunate enough to sample some that was being kegged. Mill Street has 11 of their beer's available for the public to choose from which was a surprise to me as I never knew they brewed that many.

Beers available:
Award winning Tankhouse Ale
Stock Ale
Award Winning Coffee Porter
Wit Beer
Cobblestone Stout
Extra Special Bitter - which at the time was available in cask
Mill Street Pilsner
Organic Lager
Raspberry Fruit Beer
Helles Bock
India Pale Ale (wish it was in bottles)

The Layout of the brewpub: There is a huge front patio that has to sit more than 100 people and also probably used for special events. The dining area is exposed, wide open, high ceilings with rustic wooden beams from the original building and the area is capable of seating hundreds. Mill Street beer posters, brewing artifacts and tools are scattered throughout the pub on walls and in cases. There is a fireplace near one of the exits, but I assume it is a gas fireplace as opposed to a wood burning one. There is a very attractive bar located in front of the brewing equipment that also serves some good single malts. Shakira and other pop music plays loudly in the background which I don't like to much. First I don't like Shakira and secondly it makes it hard to carry on a conversation.

Our server was great. She had answers for all of my questions and never hesitated to bring me more samples. She helped explain the history of the brewery/brewpub which was very nice and helpful. My fiance and I split the beef nachos which were excellent and filling. The Tankhouse Ale complemented them very nicely.

In all, it is a great place for tourists to visit and for those that appreciate great craft beer. Although it doesn't really fit into my definition of a pub, due to the sheer size of the place, I will be going back for a full meal and I might as well have a few pints while I'm there.

55 Mill Street Building 63, Toronto, ON
416 681-0338
http://www.millstreetbrewpub.ca/

Cheers