Plan Your Adventure to the Best Breweries in Bruce County
When you think of craft beer, chances are destinations like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Collingwood come to mind. However, what you may not realize is that we have some pretty fantastic brews right here in Bruce County! You’ll find everything from ales to sours to stouts that taste just as good as the impeccable country views you’ll be treated to as you enjoy them. If you’re a fan of beer and looking to explore as you indulge, check out our fantastic breweries in Bruce County and what else each destination has to offer!
Kincardine Brewery: Grey Matter Beer Company
Address: 726 Queen Street, Kincardine
Kincardine may be known for its beautiful sandy beach but did you know there’s a fantastic craft brewery in town? As the first brewery to ever be established in the history of Kincardine, Grey Matter Beer Company has been serving up brews since 2018. They aspire to craft beers that inspire creation, exploration and innovation in those who sip them.
Grey Matter Beer Company has four standard brews: a pale ale, a lager, a wheat beer and an oatmeal stout. They also offer a variety of rotating seasonal beers including black IPAs, red ales, seltzers and sours. Though their most unique offering has to be their weekly “brew lab”. Every Thursday, Grey Matter releases a limited run of a brand new beer that always features specially selected ingredients. If you’re a big craft beer fan, this is not to be missed so plan to arrive at 4 p.m. sharp – it’s not uncommon for the keg to run empty by 6 p.m.!
Kincardine Restaurants Nearby
While it’s well known that they offer a number of delicious brews, Grey Matter Beer Company focuses on that and does not offer food at their establishment. Luckily they’re located right in the heart of Kincardine so you have a number of great restaurant options to choose from!
The Bruce Kincardine – Run by locals for the locals, The Bruce offers everything from pub fare to juicy burgers to perfectly cooked steaks.
Erie Belle House – A Kincardine staple for over 30 years, you’ll find fresh fish and chips along with all the fixings made in-house including coleslaw and mushy peas!
Hawgs Breath Saloon – Known as the “biggest little pub” in Kincardine, this female-owned and operated restaurant offers amazing appetizers, soups and sandwiches that are perfect for a casual lunch date.
Port Elgin Brewery: Three Sheets Brewing Company
Address: 1246 Goderich Street in Port Elgin
Authenticity is the name of the game at the newest brewery in Bruce County. Located along Ontario’s beautiful west coast in Port Elgin, Three Sheets Brewing Company looks to embody the chill vibes of vacationing in every pint they serve. The name was inspired by the old saying “Three Sheets to the Wind” and while they’re not talking about the original seafaring term but rather the more colloquial usage of the phrase, it’s clear that these folks want you to come in and have a great time. It’s also a nod to the beautiful body of water just west of Port Elgin – Lake Huron. Be sure to try a bite from their new food truck, Ralphie’s Fries, while you enjoy a pint on their patio.
While they started with four flagship beers: a lager, a red ale, a pilsner and an IPA, Three Sheets has since expanded their repertoire to include a vanilla coffee porter, a Cerveza-style brew, an Oktoberfest ale and more. The best part? They have not one but two locations to serve you: their main brewery with a gorgeous tap room and brewing facility as well as their original location at The Wismer House. Affectionately referred to by locals as The Wiz, The Wismer House is the place to go in town. Whether you’re looking to grab dinner with friends, enjoy some local music, play darts, shoot some pool or test your knowledge at trivia, there’s a seat for you!
Keep an eye out for their seasonal specials where you can save a few dollars on their great brews. It’s not uncommon to see flights for $10 on Fridays or $6 pints on Saturdays. Why not take advantage of these great deals when it means more beer for your buck?
Port Elgin Restaurants Nearby
Similar to Grey Matter, Three Sheets Brewing Company does not have a kitchen at their tap room location. When you’re feeling hungry, here are some of the restaurants in Port Elgin to satisfy your grumbling stomach!
The Berkshire – Close to the heart of Port Elgin, you’ll enjoy top-notch steaks, incredible schnitzels and fresh fish all paired to perfection with sides made from scratch in-house.
Ristorante Rosina – The spot in town to go for Italian eats. Their menu features bold flavours and rustic charm inspired by Southern Italy with specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Allan’s Fireside Grill – A vast menu of hearty eats with everything from burgers to seafood to steak. Allan’s has daily specials as well as deals for late night eats after 9:00pm!
Outlaw Brew Co: Southampton Craft Beer
Address: 196 High Street in Southampton
Brewery? Check. Kitchen? Check. Coffee? Check! That’s right, Outlaw Brew Co is a country-inspired hub in what was originally the 1867 Southampton Hotel. Located in the heart of town and just steps from the brilliant sunsets of Lake Huron, Outlaw is the place to be – especially when a live band is playing on those warm summer nights.
Beginning with just four beers, a wheat beer alongside dark, copper and light ales, Outlaw Brewing’s collection now includes IPAs, blonde ales, fruity beers and more. You’ll enjoy a truly local taste in every pint as the majority of their grain comes from Fergus and all of their equipment is sourced from Walkerton. Alongside these great brews, you have a small but versatile menu of the classics. Burgers, pizza, wings and poutine all pair so perfectly with their beers. If you’re unsure of what to get, anything with ‘Outlaw’ in the name is a good choice.
Whether you choose to take your beer and eats to go or dine in, chances are you’ll be back for more so don’t be shy! However, you might be wondering why the name Outlaw? Well… you’ll have to stop by to hear the story.
Southampton Restaurants Nearby
While they’re open every day, sometimes things happen and you may not be able to visit. While we recommend take out, you can always grab some of their beer or coffee and hit up one of these other fantastic restaurants in Southampton.
The Lighthouse Restaurant – Breakfast is the name of the game here with your typical eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc as well as omelettes, skillets, eggs benedicts and smoothie bowls. However, they do have soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches if you’re not feeling the breakfast vibes.
The Walker House – A staple of Bruce County for over a century, dine in a Cheers-style environment or enjoy your meal in their elegant dining room. You’ll find classic pub fare, a number of fish dishes, steaks, sandwiches and more on the menu with options for those with food restrictions.
Room 797 – Simple yet sophisticated, their menu offers exquisite eats you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant. Don’t miss their three-course menus on Mondays as it’s the perfect way to start your week.
Southampton Thai Cuisine – Your taste of Asia in Southampton. Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine in their beautifully decorated dining room. Rumour has it that this is where you’ll find the best Pad Thai in the county!
Tobermory Brewery: Tobermory Brewing Company
Address: 28 Bay Street in Tobermory
Say hello to Bruce County’s original brewpub! Established in 2015, Tobermory Brewing Company has been serving up small-batch beers to both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a pint or a flight as you watch the boat traffic from their idyllic harbourside location. They currently have five flagship beers that are always available on tap and they all are a salute to icons from the peninsula. Little Cove Light Lager, Fathom Five Porter, Bruce Trail Blonde Ale… the last one is certainly a favourite among those who complete the over 900-kilometre-long trail that finishes just steps from the brewery!
Try a beer on tap with your dinner at the restaurant where you can enjoy fish and chips, their daily pasta special, a variety of sandwiches as well as a menagerie of appetizers. Or if you’ve pitched a tent at one of the parks close by and are looking to indulge around the campfire, grab a growler to go. Let’s just say that if you’re a beer lover that finds yourself in Tobermory, your visit is not complete without a visit to the Tobermory Brewing Company!
Tobermory Restaurants Nearby
As Tobermory has gained popularity in recent years, it’s not uncommon to find a line up at the town’s only brewery. If you’re unable to get in and grab a table, we recommend giving one of these restaurants in Tobermory a go!
Coconut Joe’s – Just up the road from the brewery, head to Coconut Joe’s for a taste of the tropics. Sip on a fruity cocktail and enjoy some jerk chicken as you catch those brilliant Georgian Bay sunsets.
Crowsnest Pub – If pub grub is your jam then the Crowsnest Pub is the place for you. They offer a massive patio overlooking Tobermory as well as live music throughout the summer.
Shipwreck Lee’s – The go-to place for fish and chips for almost 40 years. With two locations to serve you, don’t be surprised if you need to walk off your food baby after you indulge in their all-you-can-eat experience.
Tacomory – If you’re looking for Mexican eats, Tacomory has you covered with fresh burritos, nachos and tacos, of course. If you’re lucky and they have their Tacomory Crunch on special during your visit, do yourself a favour and snag one.
One thing to note is that some of these establishments may be closed or have limited hours during the off-season. Tobermory is certainly more of a summer destination so it’s something to consider when planning your visit!
Formosa Brewery: Formosa Springs Brewery 1870 Inc
Address: 1120 Bruce Road 12 in Formosa
Say hello to a newly re-opened brewery in Formosa! The Formosa Springs Brewery 1870 Inc is one of the oldest operating breweries in Canada, originally opening in 1870 by German settlers. Now a designated historical site, this brewery has been through many changes since it first opened over 150 years ago. What remains the same is their reputation for award winning and crisp tasting lager – thanks to their secret ingredient, spring water, sourced from a pristine aquifer in the brewery’s backyard. Take your pick from their collection of beer: Formosa Springs, Blonde Baron, Lime Baron and Platinum Baron.
Bruce County Brewery Getaway
Looking to explore the region and enjoy all of these breweries during your visit? Make a weekend of it! Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton and Tobermory are all within two hours of one another which can make for a fantastic Lake Huron road trip.
Wondering where to stay in Bruce County for a beer extravaganza? Port Elgin and Southampton are both great destinations as they’ll allow you to split the driving so you can easily hit all four breweries in one weekend. The Paradise Inn in Port Elgin is the town’s only beachfront hotel property. It offers plenty of rentals for unending fun in the sun and the inn is steps from the downtown core. As for Southampton, Rosewood Cottages is a stellar option as they’re equipped with everything you need for a cozy stay right along the Saugeen River. Bruce County is your oyster so if you’d like to stay in Tobermory or Kincardine rather than our recommendations above, take a look at all of the great places to stay across Bruce County!
Of course, there’s only so much eating and drinking one can do in a day so plan to enjoy some of the fantastic outdoor activities we have to offer! From lighthouse hunting to fantastic fishing opportunities and, of course, plenty of beaches to enjoy, there’s certainly something for everyone. Be sure to explore our website for things to do in Bruce County for even more ideas on how to spend your days in the region.
Whatever you choose to do, please enjoy responsibly. Stay well within the legal limits while enjoying some of the best breweries in Ontario. If you plan on indulging, have a designated driver or plan a ride ahead of time so everyone stays safe!
It looks like there aren't many listings for the season. Please try another season.
