Best Restaurants with Great Beer in Yorkdale

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

Fantastic and our server Emily looked after us brilliant along with her other colleagues

Hemmingways is a great choice if you’re looking for an excellent casual dining experience that’s not hard on the pocketbook. The food, service and ambience are excellent. But, depending on the weather, being seated at the upper level can feel a bit chilly. Heaters did help, but not always enough.

Excellent offer of beers. Pasta was very good but came a bit cold. The underground atmosphere of the place creates a weird contrast with the more lively restaurants of the group upstairs. Go if you love beer and/or is looking for a quiet place.

The Indie Alehouse was super accommodating of our group that grew from 6 to 9 people. The beer was awesome (I had a grape ale was had a faint taste of grape without being overbearing or sweet) and fantastic food. Would come back again!