Ultimate St. John’s Newfoundland Pub Crawl: Best Breweries, Pubs and Craft Beer Experiences

Historic Pubs and Modern Breweries: A St. John's Pub Crawl

Explore the Best Local Brews in St. John's on a Self-guided Walking Pub Crawl

If you're looking for one of the best ways to experience the city, the Ultimate St. John's Newfoundland Pub Crawl: Best Breweries, Pubs and Craft Beer Experiences is your perfect guide.  Nothing captures the city's character quite like a classic pub crawl. More than just an evening of drinks, a tour of local breweries is a fun, social, and immersive way to explore the city's unique charm. Wander through colourful neighbourhoods, discover historic pubs, and sample Newfoundland craft beer while enjoying the lively spirit that defines St. John's nightlife. Whether you're a solo traveller, part of a group of friends, or simply looking to connect with fellow adventurers, this self-guided pub crawl in St. John's offers a stress-free way to experience the city—one pint at a time.

St. John's Newfoundland blends history and modernity in a way few other Canadian cities can. Perched at the edge of North America, its winding streets, colourful row houses, and centuries-old harbour set the stage for a vibrant and lively drinking culture. From historic taverns with long local legacies to sleek St. John's breweries redefining Newfoundland beer, this city offers a pub scene unlike anywhere else. Exploring it on foot is not just a night out—it's a walking tour through the city's most inclusive, creative, quirky, and charming corners.

At the heart of the action lies George Street, famous for having one of the highest concentrations of pubs and bars in Canada. Here, tradition meets innovation: historic pubs pour pints of local favourites while modern craft breweries serve IPAs, stouts, and small-batch creations. Therefore, whether you're a beer lover, history enthusiast, or nightlife seeker, a St. John's pub crawl showcases the very best of the city's past and present. So raise a glass—it's time to explore the best pubs, bars, and breweries St. John's Newfoundland has to offer!

Stop One: Quidi Vidi Brewery – A Scenic Start to the Ultimate St. John's Newfoundland Pub Crawl

Our tour begins just a short walk from downtown St. John's, in the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi, home to Newfoundland's largest and most iconic craft brewery. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and calm harbour waters, Quidi Vidi Brewery offers a quintessential Newfoundland experience where stunning scenery, local history, and exceptional craft beer come together.

Founded in 1996, the Quidi Vidi Brewery is best known for its Iceberg Lager.  Interestingly, it is brewed with water harvested from icebergs drifting off Newfoundland's coast. Furthermore, the brewery's commitment to local ingredients and inspiration from the surrounding landscape is evident in every pint. For example, their Quidi Vidi 1892, a rich amber ale, celebrates both the village's and brewery's history.

The taproom overlooks the harbour, providing an ideal backdrop for sampling a flight or settling in with a pint. In addition, guided tours are available for those curious about the brewing process and the importance of local water to Newfoundland beer. During our visit, the "Beers for Queers" show added a lively, inclusive energy. We grabbed a patio seat, where Sean sampled a flight and declared the Fogtown lager to be a favourite, while I enjoyed a crisp cider. Together we shared a delicious falafel pita pocket - perfect alongside the drinks.  It was an unforgettable afternoon of fun, excellent food and drink, and spectacular scenery.

Stop Two: Bannerman Brewing Co. – A New Twist on Old-World Brewing

For the next stop on our Ultimate St. John's Newfoundland Pub Crawl: Best Breweries, Pubs and Craft Beer Experiences, we head to the east end of downtown St. John's to the Bannerman Brewing Co. Located in the repurposed East Fire Station on Duckworth Street, this locally owned brewery, café, and event space has become a beloved gathering spot. In addition, the building itself reflects the city's resilience after the Great Fire of 1892.

Inside, Bannerman Brewing Co.'s industrial-chic taproom is warm and communal, with long shared tables, friendly service, and the buzz of people enjoying craft beer. Interestingly, old-world brewing techniques meet new-world experimentation here, with rotating taps offering crisp lagers, rich stouts, and adventurous creations. For example, their Newfoundland IPA is a local favourite, while the Mosaic Pale Ale delivers a bright, hoppy punch. During our visit, Sean crowned Punch Drunk Love his favourite, and I tried a darker stout.  We paired our beverages with a generous portion of proper fries, which were truly delicious.

Finally, Bannerman's commitment to local ingredients and seasonal creativity ensures there's always something new to discover. Therefore, whether sampling experimental beers, enjoying locally roasted coffee, or sharing a casual snack, the taproom's friendly vibe makes it a perfect second stop on our St. John's pub crawl.

Stop Three: YellowBelly Brewery – Where History Meets Craft Beer

Our St. John's pub crawl continues through downtown to the YellowBelly Brewery on Water Street. Amazingly, this brewery is housed in one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to 1725, making it a testament to St. John's craftsmanship and resilience. Reconstructed after the fire of 1846, it survived the Great Fire of 1892 and now anchors the Water Street National Heritage District.

Inside, exposed brick walls, original beams, and five floors of pub and brewery space blend old-world character with modern warmth. As a result, from the rustic cellar pub to the rooftop patio with its epic harbour views, the YellowBelly Brewery invites exploration. In addition, it also houses St. John's only speakeasy, the Underbelly, with remnants of the 1892 fire still visible.

On-site beers include the Flagship Pale Ale, Wexford Wheat Ale, and Fightin' Irish Red Ale. Sean sampled a full beer flight and declared the Fightin' Irish Red Ale to be a favourite, while I enjoyed the cheeky Elbows Up! ale.  Finally, we paired our drinks with hummus and pita that were among the best we've tasted in Canada. With wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, and fresh seafood, the YellowBelly Brewery perfectly combines history, craft beer, and culinary excellence.  In our opinion, this makes the YellowBelly Brewery a must-stop on an ultimate St. John's Newfoundland pub crawl: best breweries, pubs and craft beer experiences.

Stop Four: The Duke of Duckworth – A True Newfoundland Institution

Finally, no St. John's pub crawl is complete without a stop at the Duke of Duckworth, tucked down a narrow passage off McMurdo's Lane. A staple of local nightlife for over 25 years, this pub offers cozy, well-loved charm. In particular, its warm, dark interior invites visitors to relax, enjoy a pint, and mingle with locals.

Known for one of Newfoundland's largest selections of draught beers, the Duke is perfect for sampling local brews or enjoying a classic Guinness. In addition, its food menu highlights hearty maritime classics, including fish and chips and cod chowder, reflecting the province's deep connection to the sea.  Furthermore, what really sets the Duke of Duckworth apart is its sense of community. During our visit, we cheered on the Toronto Blue Jays in Game Six of the World Series, swapping stories with locals over plates of fries and a few too many pints. It was a night to remember, and highlighted that this final stop offers a quintessential St. John's pub experience, where history, friendliness, and hospitality meet.

"So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate'er befall
And gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all."

by Traditional Scottish song

Raise a Final Glass: Wrapping Up Your St. John's Pub Crawl

In conclusion, from the scenic waterfront of Quidi Vidi Brewery to the historic charm of the Duke of Duckworth, this St. John's pub crawl blends history, local culture, and Newfoundland craft beer. Along the way, visitors encounter innovative breweries, cozy pubs, and vibrant neighbourhoods that define the city's social scene. Sampling iceberg lager, small-batch IPAs, or sharing a pint with friendly locals, each stop tells a story of St. John's past and present. Therefore, a self-guided St. John's pub crawl isn't just a night out—it's an immersive experience that leaves lasting memories of the city's flavours, history, and character.

Ultimate St. John's Newfoundland Pub Crawl

Explore the Best Breweries and Craft Beers in St. John's, NL