KW Craft Beer Bars - Part 1

KW Craft Beer Bars - Part 1

Craft beer is on the rise here in Ontario. In 2002 craft beer represented less than 2% of the LCBO's sales, it now stands at around 5% with a forecasted growth of 10% each year. With this has come a demand for establishments to provide craft beer on tap or at least have a wide selection of bottles.

Kitchener - Waterloo is no different, people are craving variety. There seems to be a change of mindset for the next generation of beer drinkers where locally brewed beer, specially by one of the Ontario Craft Brewers, is preferable to main stays such as Alexander Keith's or Coors. However a lot great bars are going unnoticed due to the abundance of Sports Bars in the area, below is a list of some great bars to visit for Craft Beer in Kitchener - Waterloo.

The Bent Elbow

The newest bar in Kitchener, The Bent Elbow offers nothing but craft beer (if you want a Budweiser you better go to the washroom). A constantly changing selection of beer is offered in this hidden away bar on Weber Street East. Draft and bottled beer is in great supply as well as one hand drawn Cask tap. Each patron is presented with a little black book to help you make up your mind on which beer to choose which is immensely helpful. Mondays offer is $5 on all pints of Ontario Craft Beers, which I regularly take up. 

Imbibe

This sleek and trendy bar isn't the biggest in Kitchener but provides a stylish selection of beer and live music. Located below the museum on King & Queen in the heart of Downtown Kitchener it can be easily missed but its an excellent bar for the location. My first visit consisted of discovering Silver Smith Black Lager and listening to a local blues musician, both excellent 

Beertown

By far the biggest player in the area and probably the best located. Beertown is owned and operated by the Charcoal group, owners of a variety of bars and restaurants in the area. Located in the prime location of Uptown Waterloo Square this bar is seldom quiet. Beertown boasts over 20 beers on tap as well as 4 seasonal in addition to a very well stocked bottle fridge. A tad more expensive then the other bars in the area but it's worth paying the premium for the stylish decor and range of beers. 

Thanks for reading so far Part 2 to follow later.

PROST!!

@EyeBeerHolder