Best craft breweries in Sydney
Long gone are the days when Australia’s drink offerings included VB and Carlton, and red or white. Although amazing wineries have been in Australia for ages, the recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of craft beers. (Also, as an aside for my American readers, Foster’s beer literally isn’t even Australian! Yes, we were as surprised as anyone after moving here.) It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it- here’s some of the best craft breweries in Sydney.
Why craft beer?
There are so many great craft breweries in Sydney, especially in the Inner West area of the city. I think one of the great things about them is that most are locally owned, and the passion, enthusiasm, and love of the product really comes through when you visit. Usually, the beer is brewed on-site, producing a sweet, hoppy smell as you walk in, and friendly bartenders can guide you through different tasters or recommend beers or ciders based on your preferences. I always try to support small businesses whenever possible, and it’s great to see so many of them thriving in Sydney.
I find the microbreweries in Sydney also tend to be less hectic and busy than typical bars sometimes, maybe them great spots to catch up with friends for some afternoon drinks and chat, knowing that you’ll be able to hear each other talk and find a table. Most are also dog and pet-friendly.
Where to find the best craft breweries in Sydney
Many of the best breweries are in the Inner West, and often in former industrial areas. Although they can be easily reached by walking or public transport, if you’re planning a special event or a big group, or if you’re new to Sydney and unfamiliar with the area, a brewery tour is a great way to visit.
I recently had the chance to tag along with Urban Legends, a young and enthusiastic tour company who offer bespoke tours of breweries in Sydney or the Hunter Valley’s wineries. They do all the planning and driving for you, and are a great option for birthdays, large groups, or special occasions.
Here are some of my favorites, along with a beer recommendation for each. However, most of the breweries change their rotation quite frequently, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Or, at least start with a taster, if you’re unsure if you’ll like it.
Want to read more about Sydney’s food scene? Check out our top cheap eats in Sydney, the best places to find American food, or have a bite and a beer at this indoor mini-golf course.
Willie the Boatman, St Peters
This brewery is situated in the revitalised Precinct 75, in St Peters (although also a short walk from Sydenham station).
According to their website, “When you were a lot younger than you are now, two fat dads from Tempe changed the world (probably). Somehow blessed with an extraordinary talent for creating beers that make jaws drop, Pat McInerney and Nick Newey launched Willie the Boatman in 2012.”
The passion and talent for beer certainly shines through- the beers are fantastic here, but the architecture and design is also a special drawcard here. I loved the back lounge, full of knick-knacks and comfy sofas, as well as the clean lines and art deco vibes of the front booths.
Definitely will be back, but note they are only open Thurs-Sunday.
Beer to try- Lil’ Louie XPA or Albo Corn Ale (yes, named after MP Anthony Albanese- suppose you know you’ve made it when a beer is named after you.)
Batch Brewing Company, Marrickville
Batch has been a top choice of mine for years, as I have friends who used to live just around the corner. It’s a great spot for relaxing, sampling good beer, and just unwinding. It’s great to see the success Batch has had in recent years, as their beers can now often be found on tap in pubs around Sydney. They offer a wide range of brews that are constantly changing, and you’re likely to see many locals pop in throughout the day to grab some takeaway beers.
Beer to try– Just Beer or Elsie the Milk Stout
Yulli’s Brews, Alexandria
A sister property to Yulli’s restaurant in Surry Hills, this spot was a great find- perhaps unexpectedly for a brewpub, the menu is completely vegan. The food at Yulli’s is incredible, and their creations of vegetarian versions of some of your fav pub snacks, like nachos, schnitzels, and tacos.
It seemed equally popular with both locals and tradies from the nearby worksites, and they also host live music.
Beer to try– Has to be the Seabass lager- I think this was my pick out of the day.
Archie Rose, Rosebery
I’ve included Archie Rose, even though it technically isn’t a brewery, for two reasons- it is in the area, so makes sense to include on a listing of cool Inner West spots, and it’s also Sydney’s first independent distillery of craft spirits in Sydney since 1853- how cool is that? They started off with gin, but, to be honest, as I am not a big fan of gin, they weren’t really on my radar until they started producing their own whiskey.
And whiskey they did. They’ve produced some amazing products, and the atmosphere in the bar is really unique. I loved the wall of whiskey barrels and cozy nooks- it has a weird blend of being in an industrial area yet still feeling like you’re in a hip spot in the city.
When I ordered an old fashioned, I love that their ice cubes were monogrammed with AR- stay classy guys.
Beer to try– Although beer is served here, don’t miss the Chocolate Rye Malt Whisky. Yep, I said chocolate.
Looking for more unique things to do in the Inner West? Check out Holey Moley or explore some street art.
Grifter Brewing Company, Marrickville
Grifter is another top choice for the large, laid-back space, complete with pool tables. Founded in 2012, Grifter’s beers are easy to drink and refreshing. It’s also across the street from Enmore Park, so pop in for some beers to take to your picnic in the park on a warm Sydney’s day.
Kids and dogs are welcomed and it is a popular weekend spot for locals in the area.
Beer to try– Pink Galah (a super refreshing, but not too sweet, pink lemonade beer), or Serpent’s Kiss
Sauce Brewing Co
Sauce is the best choice if you’re looking for a Sydney beer garden. Their large outdoor space, with long picnic tables, running around space for dogs and kids, and garden areas are literally perfect for a summer day.
Beer to try– Saucy Pils
Urban Legends
As mentioned earlier, Urban Legends is a great option if you want to plan a full-day tour of the breweries. They can help with planning an itinerary and making bookings for large groups, and their passion and enthusiasm for tourism in Sydney is really infectious. In addition to Sydney beer tours, they can also help with tours to the Hunter Valley, cycling tours, or bespoke itineraries.
Can I grab a bite to eat?
Beer and snacks go hand in hand, I know. Some breweries, such as Yulli’s, have their own kitchen. However, most partner with food trucks on the weekend, with the trucks pulling up outside (or even inside, in the case of Grifter), and serving eats. This is awesome as it means every time you go you might get to try something new, and I assume it makes things easier for the brewery, as they can focus on beer and leave food to someone else.
If you happen to see Rosa’s (often at Sauce or Grifter), don’t miss out on the opportunity- she makes some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in Sydney.
Know before you go
- Most of the inner west breweries don’t keep the same hours as pubs or bars, and generally close around 8pm or so.
- If you don’t drink (kudos for agreeing to hang out at the pubs anyway), but most offer homemade juices or sodas.
- Most breweries sell growlers or cans of their beers to take home but aren’t always the same beers that they’ll have on tap that day.
- It goes without saying, but always be careful if you’re driving – in New South Wales, the blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower than parts of America. RBT, or random breath testing or drivers on Sydney’s roads, is not uncommon in Australia. The breweries and beers mentioned are a result of several years of living in Sydney, not all from one day- please drink responsibly, especially in the hot Aussie sun.