14 of the best Brisbane breweries and pubs

Sip on the state’s finest thirst-quenching cold ones at the best Brisbane breweries and pubs.

Midweek lunches, after-work downloads, taste investigations or weekend hangs — there’s always a good reason to hit a brewery or pub. As the city’s hospitality and dining scene continues to evolve, rivalling the edge and creativity once reserved for Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane breweries and pubs are on fire.

Restaurant-quality meals, trendy crowds and locales and of course, outstanding handcrafted brews are nourishing locals across the city. Here are our top picks of the best Brisbane breweries and pubs.

1. Felons Brewing Co.

With comfortable capacity for thousands, yes thousands, of guests, Felons Brewing Co. in Howard Smith Wharves is a wonderland for beer lovers. Set right against the Brisbane River and poured over two venues plus al fresco seating, the Brisbane brewery streams a core range of lager, Aussie pale ale, Indian pale ale and hazy American-style pale ale before throwing fearless innovation at barrel-aged beer (oaky wine notes breathe euphoric new life), cider and more.

And then there’s the food. Choose from fish and chips by the interactive, kid-friendly outdoor art installation, a menu of pizzas, burgers and other refined classics in the brewery itself or flavour-jammed Thai in the Barrel Hall. It’s a head spinning hub of creativity (there’s even yoga on Wednesdays) with tasty beer at the core of every master stroke.

Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City

Opening hours: From 11am to late daily.

2. Newstead Brewing Co.

If you’ve been to the footy at Suncorp Stadium and never pre or post-gamed at Newstead Brewing Co., you’re yet to do Brisbane right. Sprawled across two venues, The Milton Brewhouse and The Tasting Room, this award-winning team of brewers diversify palettes with the likes of sour beers, lagers, Australian pale ales, hazy pale ales, Indian pale ales and more. While the brewhouse is the place to get dizzy among beer tanks and rowdy revelry, The Tasting Room is a smidge more refined and offers new spins on their evolving skills spanning spirits and wines. A flavour-rich menu of contemporary food pairs harmoniously with the liquid gold.

Address: 67 Castlemaine Street, Milton

Opening hours: The Milton Brewhouse and The Tasting Room run off two separate schedules from Tuesday to Sunday, so best to view specific hours on their website.

3. Working Title Brew Co. Taproom

An industry heavyweight that attracts high praise within the country’s beer circles, Working Title Brew Co. operate a relaxed taproom and kitchen out of Newstead.

Step inside for good vibes as 12 beer taps keep masterfully crafted pale ales, stouts, sours (occasionally blended with sweet supermarket treats) flowing alongside a menu of generous Asian-inspired meals, killer cocktails, arcade games and board games.

Address: 85 Doggett Street, Newstead

Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 12pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am

4. Straddie Brewing Co.

Whether you’ve just landed on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) or you’re keen to experience its distinct flavours, Straddie Brewing Co.’s brewery is the main town’s hottest ticket. Spread over three levels in Dunwich near the ferry terminal, it’s a significant on-island project.

The ground-level tanks do all the heavy lifting, but it’s the first floor that draws the action. Savour a core range of ales and lagers plus pizzas and light snacks from a tapas-inspired menu that embraces all things local. If views are your thing, head to the top floor Sunset Deck for a side of Moreton Bay vistas.

Address: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Opening hours: Thursday, Sunday and Monday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am until late

5. Brewtide Brewery

The inner-northern suburb of Albion is gaining momentum (and not just for Albion Park Raceway) thanks to a blossoming convergence of hospitality creatives. Their preferred watering hole? Brewtide Brewery, located within Craft’d Grounds, a hip precinct of eateries and bars.

A rich hardwood aesthetic adds ultra-sleek vibes to lazy catchups plus they stock a tight edit of limited-release craft beers from around the country as well as their own creations inside the 12 tanks onsite. Wash the good stuff down with hearty pub meals elevated through unexpected twists.

Address: Craft’d Grounds, 31-37 Collingwood Street, Albion

Opening hours: Wednesday and Sunday 11am to 9pm, Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am until late

6. Green Beacon Brewing Co.

Flavourful yet smashable is the way the team at Green Beacon Brewing Co. like to describe their brews and they’re bang on. Savour limited-run blends and their core range at their Teneriffe ‘brewpub’, serving up too-easy-to-drink beers spanning sours, pale ales and lagers. The converted warehouse is warm and welcoming, as is the irresistible scent coming from Helen Street Kitchen, located inside the brewery. Pair your poison with the menu’s flavoursome comfort food including juicy burgers, loaded fries, fish and chips, and tacos.

Address: 26 Helen Street, Teneriffe

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 2pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 10pm

7. Catchment Brewing Co.

In the heart of energy-plus West End lies Catchment Brewing Co., a Brisbane brewery where good times are harnessed. While the brews are delicious (think a crowd-winning lager, pale ales, and sours), it’s the atmosphere that keeps regulars happy.

There’s a bunch of rotating events and deals to get amongst including Thrasher Tuesday Toasties, Trivia Thursdays, and Sunday Roasts, but no matter when you drop by, you’ll be met with a mouth-watering menu of hearty pub classics and pizzas, and friendly staff eager to spread their passion for beer.

Address: 150 Boundary Street, West End

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12pm until late, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 1am, Sunday 11am until late

8. Stone & Wood

One of the country’s most renowned labels, readily poured in one of the city’s most renowned locales. Stone & Wood, a Brisbane brewery that stems from Byron Bay origins, can be gulped in serious style on Bridge Street where chic Brisbanites and after-work revellers love to let their hair down. Two dozen taps stream the brand’s core creations spanning their famed Pacific Ale, lagers, and pale ales as well as barrel aged ales, sours, stout, and more.

The industrial space is dotted with waxy greenery, warming up its industrial warehouse vibes, while a short but sweet food menu featuring snacks, a charcuterie board, burgers, and schnitzels ensures smiles on dials when tummies rumble.

Address: 99 Bridge Street, Fortitude Valley

Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm

9. BrewDog Fortitude Valley

Spreading its wings even further in Brisbane, BrewDog Fortitude Valley brings the Scottish label to Brisbane’s coolest crowds.

With established followings in Melbourne and Sydney, and also through its Brisbane River-fronting Murarrie location, the team create a vibrant scene inside a heritage-listed building.

Three levels and a ground-level patio are decked out in rustic timbers and festoon lights as quality brews flow freely. They also do one of the best bottomless brunches in Brisbane every weekend, plus $15 lunch deals during the week.

Address: 235 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 12am

10. Brisbane Brewing Co.

Choose from Brisbane Brewing Co.’s two beautiful locations for casual dining and enthusiastic guzzling. The Woolloongabba location is set within a historic building that first opened its doors in 1963 while the West End destination features a hipster alleyway. No matter where you land, you can devour the label’s quality brews including the award-winning Walker Indian pale ale, its popular Brissy Lager, seasonal sour creations, stouts and similar dark brews, and more. Food-wise, expect big burgers, sandwiches, snacks, pies, steaks, share boards, salads and kids’ meals.

Address: Two locations across Brisbane — 124 Boundary Street, West End and 601 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba

Opening hours: The locations run off two separate schedules daily, so best to view specific hours on the website.

11. Range Brewing’s Range Taproom

Further cementing Newstead as a craft beer haven, the Range Taproom from Range Brewing nails minimalist perfection (think light timbers, unfussy seating and stone finishes), allowing their creations to do the talking.

Scan the menu for your preferred poison or let the expert team guide you through pale ales, sours, lagers and special editions. If you’re there for feed o’clock, they’ve also got you sorted with a handful of Italian snacks and hand-thrown pizza.

Address: 4 Byres Street, Newstead

Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday 4pm until late, Friday to Sunday 12pm until late

12. Sea Legs Brewing Co.

An industrial warehouse in one of the city’s prettiest suburbs is home to Sea Legs Brewing Co., a Brisbane brewery just moments away from Story Bridge. The staff are instantly endearing, as are the beers they pour which include one extremely smooth session ale, a lager, an American-style pale ale, a stout, an Indian pale ale, and additional special releases. When it’s time to chow down, a menu of beer-perfect accompaniments like burgers, pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, wings, share boards, and small plates, will satisfy.

Address: 89 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 11pm

13. Regatta Hotel

A Brisbane must-visit, the Regatta Hotel is a titan among the city’s pub scene, located in the scenic riverside suburb of Toowong. Entertaining locals and visitors alike since 1874, the Brisbane pub is unmissable as its white lace-iron verandas transport you to a bygone era. Inside, take your pick from The Main Bar, The Courtyard, The Boatshed fine dining restaurant, The Walrus Club den, The Whiskey Bar, the River Road Café (serving your morning fix from 6.30am) and yet another space, Merle’s Bar. Wherever you choose, the staff are lovely and the vibes are lively.

Address: 543 Coronation Drive, Toowong

Opening hours: Sunday and Monday 6.30am to 1am, Tuesday to Saturday 6.30am to 3am

14. The Rose & Crown

A grand Brisbane pub that blends its Queensland bones with English-inspired wining and dining, The Rose & Crown in South Bank is worth a pint or few.

The 19th-century building complete with lace-iron balconies, French doors, original fixtures and ornate finishes is built with multiple areas to cosy into.

Whether you’re somewhere inside, lost in a homely nook, or perched within an al fresco space, you can take your pick from a smorgasbord of beers, wines and spirits plus traditional English meals (yep, a scotch egg, a steak and Guinness pie and a ploughman’s lunch are all there). Head over on Sunday to score a Sunday roast with Yorkshire Pudding, too.

Address: 271 Grey Street, South Brisbane

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 12am, Sunday 11am to 9pm