Burdock fans no longer have to depend on the brewery’s original Bloordale location if they want to throw back a pint or three. After turning the former Sasmart department store in Kensington Market into their brewing space in 2023, the Burdock team has opened a full-service restaurant right next door, on the former site of an iconic market eatery and watering hole.
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End-of-an-era tears were shed when Amadeu’s Restaurant—which had been serving up affordable Portuguese dishes and cheap drinks since 1989—suddenly shut its doors in February. But what market die-hards didn’t know was that, from the moment Burdock opened their brewing facilities next door, the wheels had been in motion for Burdock Brewery Kensington Tavern to take over the coveted space. “Amadeu’s owners told us they’d be retiring and wanted to pass the torch to someone who would do something meaningful with the space,” says Burdock co-owner Matthew Park. “It was an institution—an iconic spot in an iconic market. It was near and dear to a lot of people. The patio is the pièce de résistance of that corner.”
The team quietly Beyoncé-dropped the new tavern this past Friday after a quick renovation. “People familiar with the space will recognize the feel of it,” Park says. “It’s just new and fresh.”
Now, in addition to whiling away summer days on the dog-friendly wrap-around patio, patrons will be able to enjoy the freshest of beer. “We’re literally hoofing the kegs right off the canning line,” says Park.
The menu will echo that of the brewery’s Bloordale location (pickled eggs, steak frites) with some additional Portuguese specialities to pay homage to the previous tenant. Right now, this means things like roast chicken, chorizo sausage, and grilled sardines with tomatoes and cornbread. Plus, unlike Burdock HQ, this one has cocktails.
“We want to make this a place for anyone to have a snack and a beer without losing their shirt,” says Park. “It’s a tavern for everyone.”
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Leah Rumack has worked as the deputy editor of Today’s Parent and the features director of Fashion and has contributed as a writer to a long list of Canadian brands including Toronto Life, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Chatelaine, Elle Canada, Zoomer, the National Post, EnRoute and Re:porter. Her work focuses on travel, food, pop culture, beauty and fashion.