When Amadeu's Restaurant closed its doors after 36 years in Kensington Market, longtime locals wondered what could possibly fill such an iconic space. The answer came from an unexpected but fitting source: Burdock Brewery, the beloved Bloordale craft beer makers who had already established roots in the neighbourhood.
Kensington Tavern, which opened in spring 2025, represents the perfect marriage of craft beer excellence and hearty comfort food. The restaurant occupies the corner unit at 184 Augusta Avenue, complete with its legendary wraparound patio that has been a Kensington landmark for decades.
Co-owner Matthew Park and the Burdock team approached the transition with deep respect for the space's history. "We really didn't want to be those New Kids on the Block coming in, tearing something down and then restarting and thinking that we're hot shots," Park explains. "I really wanted to just fit in and keep the space feeling safe and comfortable for everybody."
The concept? A steakhouse meets craft brewery, something Park says is surprisingly rare. "We'd never really heard of a brewery being a steakhouse. It's such a good combination," he notes. "Beer is like a performance-enhancing drug for steak — it just makes the meat taste more intense and really makes things shine."
The menu features quality cuts from a trusted beef supplier, including a 7oz Flat Iron, 12oz New York Strip, and impressive 24oz Ribeye. Chef Tom and his sous chef bring extensive steak-cooking experience to every plate.
The atmosphere perfectly balances cozy steakhouse warmth with cottagecore charm. Park personally sourced the country landscape paintings and vintage knick-knacks that line the walls during multiple thrift excursions, creating a space evocative of the historic Barberian's.
Of course, the real star might be the beer, brewed just next door at Burdock's Denison Square facility. Giant one-litre steins of house-made pilsners, ales, sours, and lagers complement every cut perfectly.
"We're really happy with where it is. We're ready for winter and for people to come in and nest," Park says of the tavern that has quickly become a beloved neighborhood institution.