Goose Island fans, you’re in luck! The Goose Island Brewhouse is now open and brewing beers in Toronto along with delicious eats. The massive space (18,000 square feet) has ample seating, including a patio in the front and back of the restaurant.
The decor includes nods to Chicago with black and white subway tiles. Sections of the walls are made with aged bourbon barrels that they use to brew one of their most popular brews, and it looks beautiful.
Goose Island encourages their guests to learn about their beers and the brewing process. In addition to being a restaurant, the space is also a functional brewery. You’ll find up to 7 beers fermenting at once, and they have several giant 1500 liter tanks in the space. Guests can interact with the brewers as they work on a tank. Almost all of the beers brewed here are re-imagined specifically for the Toronto market.
There’s also an original Banksy!
There’s a small garden in the back where they grow their own hops as long as the weather permits. The growing season for hops starts in May and they’re harvested in September. Next year they will be able to brew a truly local triple hops beer.
“We’re thrilled to bring Toronto beer lovers the Goose Island favourites that they already know and love, along with outstanding new locally made brews,” said Bernard Priest, Head Brewer, Goose Island Toronto Brewhouse. “Since coming to Canada in 2013, Goose Island has been warmly welcomed by Canadians. We’re very enthusiastic about the experience we will deliver in partnership with the Bier Markt Esplanade, re-establishing its roots and being a part of the community.”
There’s a retail store where people can buy T-shirt, hats and growlers of beer. Speaking of beer…. the pub will serve Goose Island’s classic brews along with new and
innovative styles developed by the local brewers. The bar features 12 draught taps, many of which will constantly rotate. Rare brews from Chicago will be featured for special occasions. Flights of beers will be available. Want to see what’s on tap? Check out the website before heading down.
Low & Slow Reuben Sandwich $16
Executive Chef Kevin Maniaci and Chef de Cuisine Shawn Jackson are passionate about beer and understands the nuances of pairing food with beer. The menu features local ingredients and in some cases, Goose Island brews.
The Low & Slow Reuben Sandwich $16 is filled with brisket that’s been cured in-house for 6 days then smoked for 6 hours with sauerkraut. It’s super tender and packed with flavour. The sandwich has Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and house-made mustard on light rye.
Chicago Sausage Dog $15
The Chicago Sausage Dog $15 is a Goose Island Matilda-infused sausage, topped with house mustard, vine-ripened tomatoes, shaved onion and hot peppers.
General Tso Cauliflower $12
General Tso Cauliflower $12 Cauliflower flourettes fried crisp and tossed with house-made General Tso sauce. Really delicious!
Bern ‘The Brewer’s’ Sharing Board $28 has features aged 18-Month Prosciutto di Parma, Bier-Cured Pastrami Salmon, Crispy Brussel Sprout Leaves, Pacific Rock Cheese & Bavarian Pretzels with pickle jar and house-made mustard. My favourites were the freshly baked pretzels and the Pacific Rock cheese. Yum!
The Goose Island Brewhouse is located at 70 The Esplanade, Toronto ON.
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