Introducing: Louis Cifer Brew Works, a huge new brewpub on the Danforth

Introducing: Louis Cifer Brew Works, a huge new brewpub on the Danforth

(Image: Gabby Frank)

Name: Louis Cifer Brew Works
Contact Info: 417 Danforth Ave., 647-350-5087, louisciferbrewworks.com, @LouisCiferBW
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
Previously: Longstanding Greek restaurant Myth, which closed in 2010, followed by two short-lived tenants (Legion sports bar and 417 Restaurant)
Owners: Erin Gamelin and Craig Abbott, who also co-own the nearby Stout Irish Pub.
Chefs: Angel Sevilla and head brewer Christine Nagy

The Food: The menu includes pub staples (burgers, nachos) and a handful of more upscale options, like a rack of lamb with sour-cherry gastrique. Dishes are infused with beer wherever possible—the house ale adds flavour to an onion soup, a cheese fondue and a plate of PEI mussels. This being the Danforth, there’s also a kids’ menu.

The Drinks: Once the brewery is fully operational, the 24 taps will be divided evenly between house beers and ones from Ontario craft mainstays like Great Lakes, Cameron’s and Nickel Brook. Pommies cider can be ordered as a regular pint, or as a boozy slushie made with a special machine Gamelin imported from Japan. Beer cocktails (called Hoptails), traditional mixed drinks and house-made root beer are also available.

The Place: With 230 seats (including 20 on the patio), Louis Cifer is one of the largest restaurants in the neighbourhood. Gamelin and Abbott took possession of the space in May and spent the summer overhauling the massive space. Multiple big-screen TVs give the restaurant a sports-bar vibe.