Sydney Bars That Are Happy For You to BYO Food

At this much-loved Darlinghurst craft beer haunt, you can expect to taste rare and little-known brew styles. Boasting 12 taps and serious mood lighting, Bitter Phew is one of the best spots to drink quirky craft beer in Sydney. Even the biggest beer nerds are bound to find something new here. Pull up a seat near the window and enjoy the colourful Oxford Street people-watching, or grab a keg in the beer garden out the back. For eats, order in from Surry Hills’ Ze Pickle to complete the burger and beer tradition. We suggest going for the 3am (wagyu patty, maple smoked bacon, fried cheese sticks, guacamole and house sauce) or the Buffalo Blue (fried chicken slathered in hot sauce and topped with sliced celery, jalapeño blue cheese slaw and baked mozzarella).

Home to one incredibly tasty watermelon pilsner, The Grifter is perhaps Sydney’s coolest local brewery. Here, you’ll find a 12-tap tiled bar with staff pouring the aforementioned Serpent’s Kiss, along with a German lager, a pink lemonade sour and an oatmeal stout — all of which are fantastic. For those who like to stay active while they drink, there’s also a free pool table to enjoy. But we wouldn’t blame you for just sitting at one of the high tables and enjoying a tasting paddle or two. The Grifter usually has food trucks on weekends but you’re welcome to order in takeaway during the week. So, when you’re ready for beer-induced eats, order from Bay Tinh. This Marrickville favourite serves up real-deal Vietnamese food. For cold nights, you can’t go past a comforting bowl of pho to accompany your pilsner. In warmer months, go for crispy prawn pancakes or lemongrass chicken, and wash it all down with an ice-cold cucumber kolsch.

Enmore Road is home to heaps of bars and vintage shops, but only one has combined booze and retail. Cottonmouth Records is a vinyl store, craft beer haven and whisky bar all in one. Speakeasy-style black curtains swish over the entrance and a recycled timber bar is the venue’s focal point. While the main bar is quite industrial, the back whisky room is filled with mixed vintage furnishings and mood lighting. Patrons are also encouraged to BYO any food they fancy. We recommend the King Street branch of Thirsty Bird. Its pride and joy is its fried chicken, which is some of the best our city has to offer. In addition to whole and half birds, you can also grab mash and gravy, tater tots and waffle fries, plus burgers and mac and cheese.

Image: Kitti Gould

Wildflower is bringing things back to basics, creating barrel-aged, blended wild beers using local, natural ingredients. Owner Topher Boehm cultivates wild yeast found in New South Wales and uses Australian malts and hops where possible. Expect balanced, easy-drinking beers that are closer to farmhouse or saison-style ales than sours. And what’s better with French-style beers than some gooey, top-notch cheese? That’s exactly what Wildflower suggests pairing with its aged brews, so look no further than The Stinking Bishops, which has some of the best cheese in Sydney. Grab a cheese board and be sure to choose a pungent variety (like washed rind). The Marrickville brewery is open on Friday and Saturdays until 6pm, so your options are lunch or an early dinner here.

Image: Cassandra Hannagan

The Noble Hops is Redfern’s go-to for all things craft beer. The bar has become a neighbourhood haunt since opening in 2016, and its ten taps are reserved for local brewers above all else. You’ll also find kegs and bottles from around the world, along with regular tap takeovers and collab brews. While the bar doesn’t have a kitchen, patrons are encouraged to order delivery, and our top pick is Alexandria’s No. 5 Restaurant. The sticky pork ribs go great with any brew, as does the swordfish ceviche, lamb kofta and the eggplant parmi. Cosy up with your pint and grub in the main bar or out back in the courtyard.

Image: Cassandra Hannagan

Hidden down an unassuming laneway behind Broadway Shopping Centre, Staves is a speakeasy-style brewery that you would never just stumble upon. But you’ll be glad when you find it. The independent brew bar is reminiscent of an English pub of old, which is expected considering its British owner, competitive beer judge and brewer Steven Drissell. His brews at the moment include a smoky rauchbier, a mole milk stout and a black passionfruit sour. Pair that last one with delivery from Osaka Trading Co. It’s turning out fan-favourite bowls of ramen. Our top pick is the spicy tantanmen with ground pork, bok choy and chilli oil. Add a side of karaage chicken and soft shell crab buns while you’re at it.

Image: Kai Leishman