I like to visit these establishments while touring around mostly North America.
To mention a few success stories:
Spinnakers in Victoria, I was in the neighbourhood when it open as a bare bones tavern with one vat and look at it now. Was even mentioned on Good morning America during the Vancouver Olympics. They have a face book page with nightly activities and even guest carriage houses.
Garrison in Halifax, right at pier 21 and catch the cruise ships. Kinda neat they have a small bar with nice sized tasters with 5 choices available.
Kingston Brewery old style brewery. Quaint and always full.
Taps in Niagara Falls. Built in an renovated garage. At least 7 options and like looks like the vats are connected to the bar taps with all the pipes.
These are just a few of many.
Why can't we have something like that downtown (old Regal or Corktown), or Jackson Square. Or the waterfront.
Hopefully some day. We have so many fairly local breweries that could be set up. Cameron's in Oakville, Several in the Guelph area or Kitchener.
http://www.garrisonbrewing.com/