October is an awesome month. I mean what other month of the year do you get three holidays? There’s Halloween for the kids and then there’s Thanksgiving for the family. But really, who cares about those? Us adults just want to drink beer during Oktoberfest. Granted, it is not a tradition rooted in Canadian history, but almost everyone knows about the epic Oktoberfest party throwdown in Kitchener-Waterloo. For those of us who don’t want to make the trek to the GTA however, here’s where to get your drink on in Toronto. Don’t forget your lederhosen (hopefully they’ll still fit by the end of the night).
Wvrst
We are so over turning to street meat to fuel our post-drinking hunger; thankfully there’s Wvrst. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of King West, it’s a one-stop-shop for sausages and beer. From the traditional currywvrst to the more adventurous kangaroo or pheasant, it’ll please even your snobbiest of foodie friends. Don’t forget to get a side of twice-fried duck fat fries. With all the beer you’ll be consuming, you’re going to need the extra carbs.
Beer Bistro
Beer may be made for drinking, but Beer Bistro takes lager consumption to the next level. The food is not your average pub grub. I highly recommend their mussels and an extra basket of bread to sop up the delicious juices! Who said that mussels can’t be doused in beer? They will also be featuring an Oktoberfest menu from now until October 31st.
Mill Street Beer Hall
This Saturday, October 4th, head over to the Mill Street Beer Hall in the Distillery District to sample 1 of 20 beers on tap. Doors open at 6pm with the ceremonial tapping of the keg, and tickets are already 90% sold-out according to their official Twitter feed. Tickets are $25 a pop or $200 for a table of 10 and include a stein of beer, a shot of bierschnaps (a beer‑distilled spirit ringing in at 45% ABV) and some “light fare” served from 6-8pm, which no doubt will include their delectable pretzels.
Amsterdam BrewHouse
The Amsterdam BrewHouse will be spreading their celebrations over three days from October 2nd to 4th including a nightly keg tapping at 8pm, German-inspired menu, Oom-pah-pah band and a souvenir take‑home stein. Admission is free and while you’re there you might as well take a tour of the brewery (if only to take a break from all the drinking). If you are short on lederhosen, you might want to nab one of their Oktoberfest t-shirts available now at their retail store.
Bier Markt
With three locations to choose from and Bavarian-inspired fare such as spaëtzle soup, wurst board and whole roasted pig (requires 48 hours advanced notice), it’s time to break bread and clink steins whole hog! On Saturday, October 4th at 8pm, Biermarkt will also feature $6 pints (22oz) or $10 steins (1L) of Paulaner with a complimentary roast pig station, pretzels and prizes with live music. The best part? No cover!
Brewer’s Backyard – Torontoberfest
A great prequel to Thanksgiving dinner (because family gatherings are much more bearable after a few drinks), The Brewer’s Backyard will take place in the Holcim Gallery and Koerner Gardens of the Evergreen Brick Works from 11am to 4pm. Featured breweries include Beau’s, Black Oak and Junction Craft. With Wvrst providing the carbs and protein, it’s going to be delicious! Admission is free, so go ahead, have another pint or two.
OktoberFEAST
OktoberFEAST returns again this year at a new venue, the popular Artscape Wychwood Barns. It is the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser featuring Toronto’s hottest restaurants and food trucks along with live local music. The event will take place this year on Thursday, October 16th from 5pm to 11pm. If you line your stomach properly at the likes of Bacon Nation, HotBunzz and the Pie Commission, you might even be able to forego the morning-after hangover. Not to mention that the money goes towards a worthy cause. Admission ranges from $25 to $60 for VIP tickets. Beers ring in at $5 for 12 oz.
So strap on your lederhosen and raise your steins! Prost!
Where will you be getting your drink on this Oktoberfest? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
