BrewDog DogTap Brisbane

Overview

In 2019, after opening 90 bars over the prior eight years and 94 worldwide, Scottish brewery BrewDog finally set up shop in Australia. And, sprawling across a hefty parcel of land by the banks of the Brisbane River, it arrived with a splash. That said, while a brand-new jetty was built right next to the company's Murarrie site, aka DogTap Brisbane, opened, don't go planning on pairing your brew with a dip in the ol' Brown Snake. Brisbanites, you really do know better than that.

Acting as the brand's Australian base, the Brisbane brewery is pumping out beer that gets shipped around the country. It also has a huge taproom with food and plenty of opportunities to learn more about craft beer. Brewery tours are available, and eager drinkers can also enrol in Beer School — aka guided tasting sessions where one of BrewDog's Cicerone-certified staff talk you through the BrewDog and craft beer basics.

First announced in 2018, and only the company's fourth taproom directly attached to one of its breweries, BrewDog's $30-million street art-covered Brisbane site boasts a range of other reasons to drop by. Heading to the end of a Murarrie industrial estate hasn't ever been high on locals' to-do lists, but making the journey to sip freshly poured cold ones on a 485-square-metre riverside patio should be. The sizeable outdoor area comes with views towards Hamilton and the Gateway Bridge, as well as ample seating. There's also a selection of games, such as giant Jenga, giant chess and giant Connect Four. And, both the public and staff car parks are licensed too, so they can host beer festivals and other events.

If you're coming by for the beer, BrewDog's headliners (its famed Punk IPA among them) sit alongside a heap of small-batch brews, including options that nod to the local and Australian craft beer scenes. Should you want something other than beer, choices span wine, spirits and soft drinks.

Food-wise, it's a lineup of familiar bar favourites. Think: various burgers, tacos and pizzas, plus a 300-gram rib-eye, truffle cheese fries, chicken parmigiana, and fish and chips. Head by on Mondays and you can tuck into two-for-one vegan dishes, while Wednesdays are all about all-you-can eat wings — chicken and cauliflower.

In addition to 16 blue leather booths and high-top tables, DogTap's industrial indoor area also has arcade games. Really love BrewDog? There's a merchandise stall. Want a few brews to take home? Stop by the takeaway area on the way out the door.

Images: Pandora Photography