rev:text
| - Having beers at Junction are like having beers in your beer-making buddy's nicely appointed garage - and that's a good thing.
The place is tucked away in the back of a warehouse area and close to the railroad. The place is small - there are two huge tables and room for standing, but you're literally in the brewery's work-space - surrounded by tanks, sacs of malted barley, etc. - so it feels intimate, like you've been invited to the brewmaster's studio.
Despite the working nature of the place, there's been a lot of attention to the decor, and the beer menu and wall treatment emphasize the railroad connection (the area was once a station stop, the West Toronto Junction). So the chalk menu is also a big train schedule, lined with clocks showing times in other Canadian time zones. The furniture is heavy, wooden, distressed. "Workshop" chic. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and the place was filled with warm light streaming in from above.
Prices are excellent - a reward for making the trip off the beaten path - and let you sample widely without breaking the bank - $4.50 for 10 oz. and $2.25 for a 5 oz. taster.
There doesn't appear to be any food on offer - not that there would be room to prepare it. This is fine by me. The brewmaster's attention should really be on the beer anyway, not on jalapeƱo poppers.
We're already fans of Junction beers from trying Conductor's and Engineer's draught and cans, so were pleased to try a few unfamiliar varieties on our visit.
Now that we know how to find this place, we'll definitely be back.
|