Burdock Brewery

Burdock Brewery is the Bloor St W spot that does three things and does them well: brews its own beer, runs a real kitchen, and hides one of Toronto's best small music rooms in the back. Here's the honest rundown, plus a quick way to grab a table.

What it's actually like

Burdock is a brewery first, which means the beer is the point and it's made right there. The front is taproom-and-tavern: cozy, low-key, the kind of place you settle into for a few rounds and a plate. Then there's the Music Hall in the back, an intimate room that punches way above its size. Catch a show there and you're basically in the front row no matter where you stand.

This isn't a bottle-service club or a flashy night out. It's a west-end neighbourhood spot for people who care about good beer and live music played close. Indie, folk, jazz, electronic, comedy, storytelling. The lineup changes constantly and the room makes all of it feel personal.

Know before you go

Request a table at Burdock

Walk-ins are welcome in the taproom, but for the kitchen or a group it's smarter to put your name in ahead. Drop your night and headcount and we'll pass the request to the venue. Note: Music Hall shows are usually ticketed separately on the venue's own calendar, and a table request is subject to the venue's confirmation, capacity and hours.

Burdock Brewery: the full review

Address & location

Burdock is at 1184 Bloor St W (M6H 1N2), on Bloor near Dufferin in the west end. It's an easy reach off the Bloor subway line, which makes it a simple night out from most of the city.

The beer

This is the reason it exists. Burdock brews its own range on site, with taproom pours and bottles to take home. The lineup rotates with the seasons, so there's almost always something new on tap worth trying. If you're into craft beer, you came to the right address.

The kitchen

A seasonal food menu rounds it out, so you're not drinking on an empty stomach. It's the kind of menu that pairs with the beer rather than competing with it. Reserve a table if you're rolling in for dinner.

The Music Hall

The back room is the secret weapon. It's small and artist-driven, which means whatever's on, you're seeing it up close. Indie, folk, jazz, electronic, comedy, storytelling, all of it lands harder in a room this size. Shows are usually ticketed and they sell out, so check the calendar and book ahead.

Move like you know

• Walk in for beer, but reserve if you want a kitchen table on a busy night.
• Eyeing a show? The Music Hall is small, so grab tickets early before it's gone.
• New to the brewery? Ask the taproom what's fresh on tap that week.

The music

Burdock's Music Hall is one of the better small rooms in the city. It runs a wide range, indie and folk through jazz and electronic, plus comedy and storytelling nights. The point isn't volume or spectacle, it's seeing real artists in a room where every seat is a good one.

What to wear

No dress code. This is a brewery and a music room, so come as you are. Casual is the whole vibe.

Age limit

You'll need to be 19+ to drink, so bring ID. Some all-ages shows may run in the Music Hall depending on the event, so check the listing if that matters for your group.

Reserve or walk in

Walk-ins are welcome in the taproom. For the kitchen or a group, send a table request and we'll line it up with the venue. For Music Hall shows, tickets are handled on the venue's own calendar. Drop your date and headcount in the form above.

▸ Request a table

Burdock FAQ

Where Burdock is

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Before you head out, check the Toronto club dress code guide and how guest lists work.