Beer has always had a place in Waterloo Region, dating back over 175 years. The Ayr Brewery opened in 1857 and operated for over a century; Waterloo’s Kuntz Park Brewery opened in 1854 and became the second largest brewery in Ontario by 1910; and we can’t forget that nearly one million visitors come to Kitchener-Waterloo every year to enjoy the tasty suds at our annual Oktoberfest celebrations.

Prohibition along with increasing mechanization and consolidation meant the end to most independent brewers. However, small breweries have experienced significant growth in recent years, including here in Waterloo Region. Today there are a number of brewpubs, craft breweries and restaurants with extensive beer lists contributing to this growing industry. The focus on specific flavours and brewing styles is making beer connoisseurs flock to their favourite suds in the same fashion that fine wines and whiskeys have done for generations.

Within the Waterloo city limits, you’ll find 4 great breweries:

Abe Erb

A new brewery and pub in Uptown Waterloo, they have a rotating experimental tap with new and seasonal brews.

Innocente Brewing Company

Located at Northfield at Bridge in Waterloo, stop by for a tour and sample their latest brews.

Lion Brewery

Founded in 1842 and located in the Huether Hotel block. Try their 4 mini-glass sampler!

Brick Brewing

Home of the Waterloo Brewing Co craft brew series, as well as the Laker brand beers.

If trying new beer is your thing, try visiting one of the local brewpubs or craft breweries. If you’re interested in hearing how beer is made or want to learn more about the history of beer in this area, Waterloo Region Museum is running “Beer! The Exhibit” until January 3, 2016. Check it out!

It’s patio season! With the weather getting warmer and the sun shining brighter, there’s no better way to cool off in the city than sipping an ice-cold drink with friends.

There are a lot of beautiful patios in Uptown Waterloo and Downtown Kitchener. If you’re looking for a cozy rooftop patio, be sure to check out Shoeless Joe’s on the corner of King and University. Outdoor couches and live music make for a relaxing summer night after a long week. If you’re looking for a taste of Waterloo, take a stroll down King Street to the Barley Works. They’ve got a great balcony patio with an awesome view of Uptown. While you’re there, be sure to try one of their craft beers brewed at the Lion Brewery right next door.

If you want a place to catch-up with a big group of friends, pop into Bobby O’Brien’s in Downtown Kitchener. This pub and grill boasts the largest patio in the tri-city area and even has its own outdoor beach volleyball court. Looking for a bite to eat during your lunch hour? The Firkin at the Tannery has an inviting patio located in the heart of Kitchener’s tech hub. And if you’re feeling low-key and casual, you can always work on your tan while eating tacos at Ethel’s, especially on Taco Tuesday!

For more summer patios in Waterloo, check out Uptown’s Patio Map.

Patio chair photo above from Wicker Paradise.

If you’re not well acquainted with Kitchener’s revitalized downtown, you might want to be. Since 2004, the City and its partners have invested heavily in the redevelopment of the downtown with new streetscapes, a new School of Pharmacy, the Communitech Hub and much more, not to mention a new multi-modal station with a Light Rail Transit system that will transform the area.

The City of Kitchener aspires to make its downtown one of the best downtowns in North America. The plan is to create an urban environment that’s truly unique, creative, energetic and welcoming. And the plan seems to be working.

Today, global companies like Google and countless startups are setting up here. There are also many unique restaurants, pubs, cafés and retail shops in downtown, as well as a thriving arts community. That’s probably why a growing number of people are choosing to live here, too. It could be the start of something awesome.