Melbourne's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Melbourne is a haven for craft beer lovers, with its many microbreweries, craft breweries, and brewpubs. The city's craft beer scene has something for everyone, from small-batch beers to unique barrel-aged brews, and from cosy couches to boisterous beer halls. Whether you're looking for a chilled-out brewery or a lively party zone, Melbourne has you covered. So, if you're wondering where to buy craft beer in Melbourne, here are some of the top spots to check out.

Moon Dog Brewery

Melbourne is a haven for craft beer lovers, with its many microbreweries, craft breweries, and brewpubs. One of the most well-known and beloved breweries in Melbourne is Moon Dog Brewery, located in the northeast of Melbourne's city centre in Abbotsford. Moon Dog Brewery is known for its unique and inventive brews, often incorporating unexpected ingredients such as watermelon or truffle.

The Moon Dog Brewery taproom has a distinct personality, with ephemera-stacked shelves, table tennis tables, and a collection of mismatched cosy couches. The brewery's beers are just as distinctive as its decor, with Moon Dog pushing the boundaries of traditional beer flavours. One of their most notable brews is the Cold War Drip, designed to taste like coffee and cigarettes, resulting in a surprisingly delicious smoky coffee flavour.

Moon Dog World, the brewery's bar in Preston, is an outlandish jungle-themed space with an indoor waterfall, a lagoon, a hidden tiki bar, and an impressive 72 beers on tap. The bar has a capacity of 725 people and features a pinball parlour, reflecting the fun and experimental nature of the Moon Dog brand. The venue also offers a strong and varied food menu, including options such as tuna sashimi, chicken parma rolls, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and deep-fried buffalo cauliflower, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Stomping Ground

The brewery has a Beer Hall and Brewery located in T3 at Melbourne Airport, which was a finalist for the international Airport Food and Beverage (FAB) Awards. It also has Beer Halls in Collingwood, Morris Moor, and another in Melbourne Airport. The Collingwood location is set in an old sheet-metal factory, with industrial-chic decor featuring exposed pipes and bare bulbs softened by climbing vines. The space includes a beer garden with a retractable roof and a cubby house in the corner for children.

Mountain Goat

The Richmond brewery, located on Crown Street, is housed in a spacious warehouse with a goat's-head roller door. The industrial space is surprisingly warm and comfortable, with friendly staff and an extensive range of beers on offer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonals, rarities, and even a randall-infused pump. Mountain Goat also serves pizzas, which have received positive reviews. The brewery is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, with many praising the staff's knowledge of beer and their ability to recommend the perfect pizza pairing.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to Melbourne, a trip to Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond is well worth it. With a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and a diverse selection of craft beers and pizzas, it's no surprise that Mountain Goat has become a beloved part of Melbourne's vibrant craft beer culture.

Colonial Brewing Co’s Bottomless ‘Beerunch’

Colonial Brewing Co. in Port Melbourne offers a unique experience with its Bottomless 'Beerunch', a fun twist on the traditional bottomless brunch. For $60 per person, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing beer and a delicious lunch item. The 'Beerunch' takes place every weekend with sessions at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm, so you have plenty of opportunities to indulge.

Colonial Brewing Co. provides a vibrant and lively atmosphere with DJ beats, a basketball court, and even a retractable roof for those sunny Melbourne days. Their tap beer and pizzas are not to be missed, and their Bottomless 'Beerunch' promises an unforgettable experience.

If you're looking for a more low-key experience, Melbourne has a plethora of craft breweries and pubs to choose from. Moon Dog Brewery, located northeast of Melbourne's city centre in Abbotsford, offers a unique setting with ephemera-stacked shelves, table tennis, and cosy couches. Their beers are just as unique as their decor, with flavours like Cold War Drip, designed to taste like coffee and cigarettes.

For a more industrial vibe, check out Stomping Ground, a neighbourhood beer hall with over two dozen taps and a beer garden. Their beers are listed by how ""challenging"" they are, so you can truly test your palate. The Mill, located in Collingwood, is another great option, pouring a dozen brews from a revamped former mechanic's shop.

Melbourne also has some fantastic microbreweries, like Molly-Rose, which offers small-batch craft beer inspired by owner Nic's global travels. Inner North Brewing Co. is another great Brunswick local, producing fresh beers on-site. So, whether you're looking for a bottomless 'beerunch' or a more relaxed pub experience, Melbourne has something for every beer lover.

Carwyn Cellars

The venue is spacious, with plenty of room for large groups, both inside and out. The interior is dark and pub-like, but there is also outdoor seating. Carwyn Cellars also serves food, including wood-fired pizza and classy nibbles. It is child-friendly, with a wooden cubby house in one corner of the beer garden.

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