Name a better way to spend an afternoon than sinking cold beers with good mates. We'll wait.
Sydney's craft beer scene is thriving, with top-notch breweries pouring fresh pints across the city. Whether you're after a hazy pale ale, crisp lager or something experimental, there's a taproom with your name on it. These breweries cater to both beer lovers and non beer drinkers, offering natural wine, cocktails, and grazing boards.
Leave the car keys at home, gather the crew, and check out these 7 breweries pouring Sydney's best beers right now.
The Grifter Brewing Co
Marrickville
Grifter started as a homebrew hobby between three mates and is now one of the Inner West's best-loved breweries. The Marrickville warehouse is always buzzing with locals, dogs and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Part of the West Ale Trail, it's a must-visit for craft beer fans.
The spacious taproom is decked out with vintage pinball machines, comfy couches, and pool tables, creating a laid-back vibe that keeps regulars coming back. The beer list always features their core range, including the signature Watermelon Serpent's Kiss, alongside seasonal brews.
Grifter's dedication to brewing beer with natural ingredients has made them a staple in Sydney's craft beer scene. Grab a tasting paddle, find a sunny spot, and settle in for an afternoon session.
Must try: Watermelon Serpent's Kiss
Young Henrys
Newtown
Young Henrys is the OG of Sydney's craft beer boom. This Newtown institution is a go-to for live music, sausage dogs, and pints of their signature Newtowner Pale Ale.
The brewery is a favourite among locals, with long communal tables for lazy afternoons. There's always a rotating lineup of food trucks parked out front, dishing up everything from burgers to vegan bites. Their tasting bar also serves natural wine and gin for non beer drinkers.
Young Henrys isn't just about beer – they also make their own gin and whiskey. Whether you're there for a pint, a gin and tonic, or to catch a gig, it's one of the best breweries in Sydney right now.
Must try: Newtowner Pale Ale
Mountain Culture Beer Co
Redfern
Fresh from winning Australia's best beer two years running, Mountain Culture has landed in Sydney. The Redfern taproom is pouring cult-favourite hazy pales straight from the source.
Originally based in the Blue Mountains, Mountain Culture's Redfern outpost brings their award-winning beers brewed with precision to the city crowd. The industrial-chic space is built for beer lovers, with long communal tables and an ever-changing tap list.
The Status Quo Pale Ale is the headline act, but the experimental small-batch brews are always worth a try. Grab a pint and some snacks, and soak up the relaxed vibes.
Must try: Status Quo Pale Ale
Mixtape Brewing & Bar
Marrickville
A laid-back warehouse brewery in Marrickville's Golden Triangle. Mixtape rotates its taps between house-brewed beers and guest pours from other breweries in Sydney.
With 16 taps on rotation, there's always something new to try. Their own small-batch brews lean towards fresh, seasonal styles, while the guest taps showcase the best independent breweries across Sydney's Inner West.
The space is full of greenery, vintage décor, and good vibes. There's trivia on Wednesdays, a solid snack menu, and plenty of dog-friendly spots – making it the perfect midweek or weekend hangout.
Must try: Whatever's fresh on tap
Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre
Marrickville
Hawke's Brewing pays tribute to Australia's favourite former Prime Minister with ice-cold lagers and retro pub snacks. The Leisure Centre's nostalgic fit-out is worth the visit alone.
The sprawling venue feels like stepping back into the 1980s, with wood-panelled walls, vintage paraphernalia, and a pool room straight out of your uncle's garage. The main bar pours award winning beers brewed with natural ingredients, while the kitchen serves up the cult-favourite Deep Fried Viennetta.
The brewery's flagship lager is brewed with 100% Australian ingredients and best enjoyed alongside a game of pool or a round of darts. It's the kind of place where an afternoon easily turns into an evening.
Must try: Hawke's Lager
Bucketty's Brewing Co
Brookvale
Bucketty's is one of the best things to happen to Brookvale's brewery scene. They pour unlimited free tasters to help you find your favourite, and there's live music on most nights.
The warehouse-style taproom is buzzing with a mix of locals and beer tourists. Their 5 Day XPA is the standout, but the experimental small-batch brews keep things interesting.
With regular live music, food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere, Bucketty's has quickly become a Northern Beaches hidden gem. It's the kind of place where you come for one beer and end up staying for three.
Must try: 5 Day XPA
One Drop Brewing Co
Botany
One Drop isn't afraid to push boundaries with big, bold beers. Expect hazy IPAs, fruited sours and dessert stouts served in a laid-back backyard beer garden.
The brewery's Caribbean-inspired taproom is one of the most unique spaces in Sydney. Reggae tunes, lush plants, and colourful murals set the vibe, while the beer list is packed with experimental brews and limited releases.
Their hazy IPAs are some of the best in the country, with juicy hop flavours and pillowy mouthfeel. If you're into big flavours and laid-back vibes, One Drop is the spot.
Must try: Hazy IPA