From bustling breweries to pumping pubs, we’ve found all of the best places to drink craft beer in Sydney!
Sydney’s craft beer scene is thriving more than ever before. No longer does craft beer conjure up the image of small-batch, home-grown ales, shrouded in mystery and with no guarantee on taste. Nowadays, the thriving craft beer landscape in Sydney boasts a whole host of artisans and craftsmanship who can magic up some really tasty tap brews to tempt any palate. Thanks to this, Sydney has some of the best craft beer and breweries in Australia.
From bars to micro-breweries and everything in between, there’s almost too many places to choose from where you can pour a delicious artisan cold one. To help you navigate it all, we’ve formed a list of the top craft beer bars and pubs in Sydney of 2023!
Photographed by Paul McMillan. Image via Destination NSW.
Bitter Phew
Escape the bustle of Oxford Street and head upstairs to this little slice of craft beer paradise. With 12 rotating taps and a passion for making craft beer more accessible for Sydneysiders, this little bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cold one in hand. Or, head out to their keg garden with some mates and be sure to get sampling.
Photographed by Adam Wilson. Image via Unsplash.
Dove & Olive
Sometimes a simple pub facade hides all sorts of tastes and eccentricities, and the Dove & Olive proves exactly that. They specialise in a neat selection of craft beers – from tap to tin and bottle – all ready to be matched with whatever pub classic meal that you fancy. Or, to make your decision easier, why not try a beer paddle? Even better, look out for Sydney’s original Craft Beer Fight Club hosted here, where you’ll be able to sample contenders and vote for your favourite.
Photographed by Seth Weisfeld. Image via Unsplash.
Harts Pub
They may serve 12 craft beers on 24 taps split between each of their two floors, but Harts Pub’s selection is specially curated. You won’t find any of the big brands, only the best brews according the Harts’ team of beer specialists. There’s plenty of fresh-on-the-Aussie-market brews here, along with a lovely mix of locals and tourists alike. One of the best craft beer pubs in Sydney!
Photographed by Fabio Alves. Image via Unsplash.
Henley's Bar & Kitchen
Previously known as Beer Deluxe, Darling Harbour’s now Henley’s Bar & Kitchen boasts jaw-dropping harbourside views and some tasty golden liquids. With 20 taps to choose from, Henley’s Bar matches popular favourites with lesser known and underground offerings. Their tap selection is constantly revolving, so you’re bound to discover something new every time, or sample a few with their paddles, complete with snacks. A must try in 2023!
Photographed by Christin Hume. Image via Unsplash.
Local Drinks Collective
This might not be a bar as such, but Local Drinks Collective in Marrickville offers a range of tastings in store, as well as a beautiful beer selection to take home. You won’t find Tooheys or Coronas lining the shelves, but instead some of the world’s most sought-after craft beer, from California to Belgium and even here at home in Australia. Plus, with a friendly and enthusiastic team, you’ll walk away with some interesting facts and a great tasting craft beer to drink at home!
Photographed by Jonas Jacobsson. Image via Unsplash.
Quarryman's Hotel
Quarryman’s Hotel prides itself on being the “funnest go-to bar”, which is not hard to understand once you get through the doors – especially for one of their quirky game nights. But, don’t get distracted from their impressive beer selection, featuring 30 of the most eclectic craft beers you could find around Australia. The menu’s not to be missed here either, so stop in for a drink, and stay for dinner.
Photographed by Meritt Thomas. Image via Unsplash.
Rag and Famish
Welcome to Sydney’s best craft brew bars and pubs! But first, you’ll need to take a trip over the Harbour Bridge and make your way to North Sydney for an authentic Irish pub feel at Rag and Famish. And with 22 taps to choose from, you’ll be sure to find what you want. Sweet, sour, strong, light, pale, they’ve got it all. And, if you want to mix things up, Rag and Famish also have espresso martinis on tap – now that’s a real pick-me-up.
Photographed by Evan Dvorkin. Image via Unsplash.
Royal Albert Hotel
Royal Albert Hotel is an old-style pub, laden with everything you’d expect to see in one. But their lovely craft beer range brings them into the 21st century, sourced from breweries throughout the rough Australian landscape. In fact, their impressive beer list includes offerings from across Australia, New Zealand, USA and beyond. It’s no wonder why they are famed for being one of the best places for craft beer in Sydney!
Image supplied.
The Taphouse
If you’re not such a fan of keeping it old school, then bring all your mates to The Taphouse instead. Their buzzing outdoor area and calm sophisticated interior exudes rustic charm and will suit all those more decadent tastes. They have a vast selection of craft beers on tap, but, if you’re having difficulty making your choice, why not go for a Taphouse beer paddle? Nothing beats a tempting selection of sweet, sour and bitter, matched with some yummy nibbles. With outdoor drinking, be sure to round up your mates for your visit to The Taphouse.
Photographed by Charlie Solozano. Image via Unsplash.
The Union Hotel
The safest place to open a craft beer bar is sure to be in the Inner West, simply because there are so many great breweries within a three-kilometre radius (you can learn more about it here). The Union Hotel knew this well and took full use of the opportunity. But don’t worry fellow aficionados: they also like to search outside the state, so don’t worry about limited selection here! If you’re looking for craft beer in Sydney, The Union Hotel will have it.
Looking for a well-established brewhouse? Why not check out the Top 10 Craft Beer Breweries in New South Wales this year? For outdoor drinking and dining, crawl your way through The Best Beer Gardens in Sydney of 2023!
This article was first published on March 11 2019. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on April 27 2023.