Trolley 5 opened in 2016 in part of the space previously occupied by the popular Melrose Café “In The Heart of The Red Mile”. Since then, it has maintained the former occupant’s popularity and become an important fixture along 17th Avenue. Named after the long-departed trolley line that ran along the avenue, Trolley 5 is another brewpub full of unique and different spaces.
Trolley 5 brews seven core beers; Turntable Lager, The Conductor Beltline Lager, First Crush White IPA, Una Pizza Upbeat Wheat, Derailed Pale Ale, High Five IPA, and Hey Porter plus a variety of seasonals and collaborations. They also have other craft and imported beers in bottles and cans. The full menu includes appys, burgers and sandwiches, pizza, desserts, and smokehouse BBQ made fresh each day, available until it runs out.
When you enter its foyer, there are stairs to the second level with the main room and bar to the right. This is always a jumping place, with a small patio out front great for people watching, and an open concept when the garage doors are raised. If you go past this bustling area, you will see the brewing system on the right and a semi-private room across from it. There are also stairs here which lead to another room and bar on the lower floor, along with more brewing equipment with its growler rail on the ceiling.
The upper floor has another dining area with its own bar and is often reserved for private parties. Its street facing windows completely open to give the area a well-lit, airy balcony feel. The kitchen is located at the back of this room, which allows for more space on the main floor.
They are open Monday-Wednesday 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m., Thursday -Friday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Brunch is served until 3:00 p.m. on weekends. Tasters, flights, pints, and growler fills are all available and brewery tours are $20 which includes a flight and a pint.
Part of the triumvirate of new downtown brewpubs (along with Mill Street and Last Best) at 728-17 Ave. S.W., T2S 0B7