A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Niagara | Ontario Culinary
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A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to Niagara

Sip and savor your way through these breweries that are making their mark in the St. Catharines craft beer scene.


Lock Street Brewing Co. | Port Dalhousie

Lock Street Brewing Co. keeps things simple. Following the German Purity Law of reinheitsgebot, they focus on four key ingredients in the brewing of their beer: water, malt, yeast and hops. Should a particular beer require something additional, they source an option that is from Niagara and 100% organic.

Must-Try Brew: Port Side Pilsner is a very light, clean, crisp-bodied beer with a noticeable earth and spicy presence of hops.

Must-Try Chew: Shareable plates and boards from local caterer, CHZPLZ, make for delicious pairings with your pint.


Coldbreak Brewing | St. Catharines

Coldbreak Brewing’s 15-barrel brew house serves up interesting, consistent, sessional and great tasting beer to a 125-seat taproom and spacious patio.

Must-Try Brew: Niagara Vice IPA’s bright citrusy orange and grapefruit pith blend with dark tones and spice for an IPA that is both refreshing and satisfying for those craving hops.

Must-Try Chew: Honey Butter Hot Fried Chicken

Credit: Cold Break Brewing / Amos Photgraphy

The Merchant Ale House | St. Catharines

A founding father of Niagara’s craft brewing scene, The Merchant Ale House has been crafting signature brews in their downtown St. Catharines location since 1998.

Must-Try Brew: Drunken Monkey Oatmeal Stout is one of the brewery’s original house beers, and there’s no question as to why it has withstood the test of time.

Must-Try Chew: The delicious Smoked Mushroom Sandwich is proof that “The Merch” stands behind its commitment to vegan meals that feel right at home beside a pint of craft beer.

Credit: Merchant Ale House