You can grab a beer pretty much anywhere in Melbourne, but we think tasting it from the tap is the better way to go about it. Breweries in Melbourne have perfected their craft, with the typical brewery fare at its best—core ranges accompanied by unique limited releases, good food and a relaxed vibe, from the CBD all the way out to the wine regions.
Collingwood has two great spots—Stomping Ground Brewing Co. and Fixation Brewing. Stomping Ground is the larger of the two, housed in a converted warehouse styled like a German beer hall. This one is perfect for the weekend, and even kids, with their beer garden’s retractable roof and a kid’s cubby house. There are 24 taps, with your typical brewery fare all the way up to Double Shot Coffee beers. They’ve even got a beer hall in Moorabin if the Collingwood venue doesn’t suit.
Fixation is focused on IPAs, with their brewer holding international experience in the IPA scene. This spot is a bit more DIY than Stomping Ground, with BYO food and a small tasting room, but it makes it all the more personable when visiting with mates.
Richmond is home to Mountain Goat, a Crown Street brewery that most locals regard as the catalyst for the rapid growth of Melbourne’s craft brewing scene. The label is familiar, but not more than the beer’s great taste paired with their pizzas. You can even ride a bike right up to their bar for an exclusive surprise.
On the other side of Melbourne you’ve got Two Birds in Spotswood, based in ‘The Nest,’ an old sheet metal factory. You’d have to try the Taco Beer, popular with regulars and best paired with Mexican food. Footscray sees Hop Nation, where cyclists on the Maribyrnong River Bike Trail typically refuel. Some of their beers are barrel-aged, as the owners have a winemaking background, making for some unique flavours.