In early 2020, as the world was gripped by uncertainty and lockdowns were announced, a troubling thought hit us: what if we couldn’t get beer anymore? Like so many others, we were unsure of what the future held, but we knew one thing for certain—beer was essential. So, we acted fast. Mike, Pat, and Jody decided to take matters into their own hands and learn how to brew their own. What started as a practical solution quickly turned into something much bigger—a shared passion for creating great craft beer. It’s the beer that binds us, family, and friends.

With nothing but time on our hands and a Grainfather bundle system, we set up shop in the garage on Schooner Crescent in Waterloo, ON (more on that later). The system made about 20 litres of beer per batch and came equipped with everything we needed to brew like the pros: a counterflow wort chiller, conical fermenter, and glycol chiller to optimize our fermenting process. It was a modest start, but it had us dreaming big. Our first brew was an event, filled with equal parts excitement and trial and error. We even took full advantage of the ‘yellow heating element band’ in the Grainfather (ask us about that story—it’s a funny one). What we learned from brewing that first batch was that we didn’t just like drinking beer; we loved making it. We had fun doing it. Loved the challenge, the science, and the camaraderie of brewing together quickly turned our Sunday garage sessions into the highlight of our week. It was more than beer—it was the perfect antidote to an uncertain time. Our Sunday funday…

One of the most memorable moments early on was a visit from the “OG” (Original Gangster or Original Gravity) himself, Jim Brickman, the founder of Brick Brewing. His stories, intuition, and encouragement meant the world to us. When Jim said, “Jimmy like!” after trying one of our first beers, it was a defining moment, solidifying our passion to learn more and get better at our craft.

Then came the day we’ll never forget: the transport truck. A massive delivery of professional brewing equipment pulled up to the driveway, signaling the next phase of our journey. If the gear had been any bigger, we’d have needed a garage retrofit. Pallets of equipment were dropped off, complete with instructions (thankfully), and we dove headfirst into assembling our mid-sized brewing system. Watching it all come together was a thrill, especially knowing we were one step closer to making brewery-quality beer.

That summer, every Sunday became a brewing adventure. We started at 10 a.m., played our favorite music, and worked until the last detail was done. Neighbors on Schooner Street couldn’t help but notice the activity, with some walking by and mouthing “WTF” as they tried to figure out what was happening. We’re sure some thought we had a meth lab going… After a few weeks, they started asking when they could sample the beer?! Word spread quickly, and what began as a personal passion project started to feel like something much bigger.

By the end of summer, we’d settled into a rhythm, even donning full uniforms for fun (Khaki and Schooner T-shirt). One of the best parts was sampling our “green” beer before it was fully ready—it tasted so good even in its early stages. Like eating a green banana before it’s ripe… we didn’t realize we needed to wait for it to condition and become even better. We’re grateful to our Schooner neighbours—John H, Bruce (Juicy Brucy) , and Mike H—for their honest feedback along the way, helping us refine and improve our brews. These guys are so appreciated for being part of our journey. What began as a response to the uncertainty of lockdowns has grown into a labor of love. Brewing beer became our way of staying connected, creative, and inspired during a difficult time. Today, we’re driven by that same passion to create delicious, fresh craft beer—not just for us, but for our friends, family, and hopefully, one day, the masses.

Ahoy there, let us regale you with the tale of how Schooner Street Brewery came to be! Picture this: a bunch of intrepid brewers, pots and pans clinking, in our humble garage on Schooner. It all began as a small batch operation, a hobby that made Sundays our favourite day of the week. Sunday fundays!

As our brews grew bolder and our equipment mightier, the notion of turning our passion into a profession dawned on us. But what about a name? That, my friends, took quite a few 'meetings' - cozy gatherings with our trusty advisors Shelby John, Juicy Brucy, and Tesla Mike. We affectionately dubbed our garage brewery 'Schooner Street Brewery' during those sessions.

Then, one fateful day, we had a chuckle... you see, our street isn't actually called 'Schooner Street,' but rather the slightly more nautical 'Schooner Crescent'. We're pretty sure there's no Schooner Street in Waterloo, Ontario. Fear not, we plan to right this geographical wrong ship at our farmstead in the future!

Today, we're delighted we went with 'Schooner Street Brewery'. It encapsulates our beginnings, it sounds downright awesome, and it's a perfect reflection of who we are. Cheers to that!

Welcome to Schooner Street Brewery, nestled in the heart of Waterloo, Ontario, where we take pride in crafting a diverse array of exquisite, small-batch brews.

Our tap room is open and shares live acoustic local music almost every Saturday afternoon, ensuring an intimate setting for those seeking a truly distinctive experience. In the summer months take advantage of our outdoor space which is truely incredible. Schooner Street Brewery is a cherished retreat for our esteemed customers and friends. Come for a beer, and seek us out!

We're delighted to extend an invitation to host your special private events within this unique space. Whether it's a milestone birthday celebration, a romantic wedding affair, a lively evening of entertainment, or a cherished anniversary, or a diaper party for your special new little member of your family... our tap room offers an unparalleled backdrop for creating cherished memories.

Immerse your guests in an atmosphere unlike any other, where the artistry of brewing converges with a warm, inviting ambiance. The result? An experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all in attendance, and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Come, raise a glass with us at Schooner Street Brewery, where every occasion is elevated to a celebration of a lifetime.

Book the Perfect Event Venue in Waterloo, Ontario – Weddings, Parties, and Corporate Meetings at Our Craft Brewery

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable venue for your special event? Look no further than Schooner Street Brewery, the premier craft brewery in Waterloo, Ontario.
Our tap room is the perfect setting for a wide range of events, including:

• ✓ Weddings
• ✓ Company events and parties
• ✓ Birthdays
• ✓ Holiday celebration parties
• ✓ Live music and concerts
• ✓ Community events

With its stylish and modern atmosphere, our tap room is sure to impress your guests. Our state-of-the-art facilities can accommodate groups of all sizes, making it the ideal choice for intimate gatherings or large events. Our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience, ensuring that your event runs smoothly from start to finish.

In addition to our fantastic tap room, Schooner Street Brewery also offers an incredible dance floor making it the perfect choice for live bands or DJ's to get your party started. We understand that every event is unique, which is why we offer customized packages to suit your specific needs.

So if you're looking for a unique, memorable and affordable venue for your next event in Waterloo, Ontario, look no further than Schooner Street Brewery Tap Room and Event Space. To book your event or to learn more, contact us today!