This is basically my favourite local pub, especially since the other local pubs really don't have…read moreany decent beers available, on tap or in the fridge. However, this one isn't just a craft beer bar, but it also brews their own beers as well, and their beers are honestly pretty awesome. They also have a decent beer garden, but unfortunately it isn't covered, meaning that you can't really sit in it when it is raining. However, I have to say that I certainly love this place.

Who would've thought Heidelberg West had a cool brewery?! This garage/warehouse type brewery had a…read moremix of all ages last Friday night. There's a pool table, loungy couches, a massive Jenga set, ping pong and a food truck parked outside. Oh yes, and the good stuff...booze. The cider was lovely and everyone was having a good time.

How fun! Large space with a really nice relaxed vibe. The beer was alright, four of us agreed it…read moretasted a bit off (American wheat ale I think? It was on special maybe that was why ) the black ipa was really good! And so great that there was a good truck out front yum!

This is one of those accidental discoveries that I discovered as I was walking down Plenty Road one…read moreafternoon after work. Having not seen it before, and pretty much picking it out as one of those trendy innercity bars (not that Preston could be considered inner city, but it is on the south side of Bell Street, so as far as I'm concerned that pretty much classifies it as inner city) I decided to check it out. I have to say that as soon as I stepped into the warehouse (it looks like it used to me a mechanic of some sort) I was immediately impressed. This is definitely the type of bar that I could spend a lot of time sitting with friends or just reading a good book. What's even better is that you can order food from the burger joint next door and they have no issue with you eating it here. Definitely on my must visit again sometime soon list.

What do you mean you're going to let me bring in my OWN food, play all your board games and sit on…read moreyour comfy lounges while serving me drinks? Are we in some kind of alternative hospitality universe here, or what!? The Raccoon Club is incredible: a warehouse styled building in the middle of seemingly nowhere (but conveniently located right in front of a tram stop) this is the kind of place that more neighbourhoods need. A huge space, great tunes, welcoming publicans, board games, a pool table, the option to call the local thai/pizza/indian and have them deliver it right to your couch or oversized bar stool...you're going to want to silently high-five the world when you first come here, and that's before you even think about having a drink. Is that a giant list of locally crafted beers and ciders I spy? Why yes, I think it is. And hang on a second, what's with the incredibly well stocked back bar? 15 types of Gin? Weird stuff I've never heard of? Good god, can I bring my tent and pitch it in the corner for a few weeks?

I've come here a couple of times, the first being a Sunday afternoon, which meant that it was…read moreactually quite packed. That was a bit of a shame because it meant that it took quite a while for me to get my order. However, when I returned recently, looking for a place to grab a beer, it was much quieter. They do have quite a nice range of beers available, which I certainly appreciated, and the staff were rather nice. Like, as a place to grab a beer, and to try a number of craft beers as well, it certainly works.

My first thought was okay; for a Friday night wow this place turned into a play pen. It was like…read moreevery local family had gotten a memo that Tallboy is open so you can enjoy a craft brew or two meanwhile your child can run around. This is a concept I try to wrap my head around. Yes, I get that broadening your market, now it's open to families who have babies and kids. Heck they even have a beer and juice combo on the board. But when I go to a brewery, because it's been a long work day and I want to relax with a nice cold one, I don't want to be in the environment with kids screaming and playing and running around like little trip hazards. I'm going to stop myself there because that's probably a little too harsh. But come here after 9pm, when it's past the kiddies bedtime, and you'll enjoy a more relaxed chill atmosphere. It's amazing how this place completely transforms. They've got about 8 taps, with 4 or so home brews, and a few guest taps. The food truck outside is rotating. That keeps things interesting, the night I ventured to Tallboy & Moose, it was visited by an Indian food truck. They hit the spot, butter chicken gnocchi and vegetable samosas. Sure, Indian is not your typical pair with beer affair, but it was great for a nibble and bite. Tallboy and Moose is a new kid on the block in Preston and it's helping to create a beer scene in the North side.

Despite the fact that I have been living in Epping for a few years now I never realised that this…read moreplace existed. Then again, it isn't all that obvious, not being on a main road and all that. However, this seems to be a place for me to go if I want some craft beers, and it also has a pretty large outdoor area. However, I suspect that it is more a night club than a bar, since it is only open on weekends, and at night. Still, it is pretty cool, and I probably should go back sometime (though it is a little dark).

At first I thought this was just a bar however it is actually, as the name suggests, the back room…read moreof a craft beer bottle shop (though I will review that separately as it is a different sort of business. Anyway, as a bar it is pretty cool, and also quite conveniently located, which is why I have found myself back here a few times after my first visit. Anyway, this is the proper definition of a craft beer bar, especially since they have a huge number of beers available, though not at cheap prices. Another thing that stands out is that they don't just sell beer, they sell art as well, though they aren't cheap (but then again when it comes to art you aren't paying ridiculous prices, namely into the hundreds of dollars). Anywaym it is a pretty cool bar, and while the beers are a little pricey, they are also pretty good.

This is the best bar in Melbourne. Amazing selection of beer in tap, that rotates all the time…read more Plus you can buy packaged beer from Carwyn to enjoy in the bar. Mind blowing assortment of spirits (try the moonshine, go on). Plus you can order food from Moor's Head and Kustom Burger. Actually, don't go here. I don't want it to be crowded.

This bar is nothing short of awesome. Not only does it have one of those awesome vibes, and some…read moregreat craft beers on tap, but they also go out of their way to support some really good causes, something that you really don't see all that much. The other thing was that the service was absolutely magnificent, I simply could not fault the guy that served me. Honestly, if I was living in the area you literally could not keep me away from this place.

this place used to be the 'go-to' place. it was the bar that served over 15 beers on tap…read more(interchangeable each night) and rocked from 12pm till 12am (so many people). now they wont serve a beer after 9pm on a Saturday...(now more than half empty). its not the same place it used to be, which is really sad. but why? is. it because rich ppl bought it? why has the atmosphere died so bad? sux, as used to be a staple of high street.

Since coming to Melbourne, I've had some serious no-joking-matter trouble. Maybe I was looking in…read morethe wrong places, but it's been difficult for me to find a good shop that has a wide range for craft beer available in bottles to buy. Sure, there's plenty of bars with local/craft beers on tap, but I was after the good stuff to have at home. Thus, Carwyn Cellars has been a heaven sent solution. There is beer on shelves, there is beer in fridge coolers, there is even beer lined up ready for picking. If your poison is wine, don't be alarmed, there's a fully stocked room filled with wines to delight your tastes. Or if liquor is quicker for you, they have an array behind the counter. The staff is helpful and I appreciate the 15% off discount when you buy a mixed six-pack of beer. That always is a push to buy more beer, as if you need one right? The cellar store leads into the bar in the back. I only got in a glance, from what I could make of it, they've got a nice little setup here. With plenty of good craft beers on tap, and the option of indoor/outdoor seating. Carwyn is the perfect place to come and get your drink on and then without even leaving, purchase a few more to take home. I'm all for it.

I really don't get to this place as often as I would like, but I guess it's because it is a little…read morebit out of my way (though not a huge amount). The thing I love about this place is the huge beer garden out the back, which even has undercover areas for times when it is pelting down with rain. They even have a barbeque, but I doubt you can just come here with your own meat and start cooking it up. The inside is pretty cool as well, and they even have trivia nights (not that I have ever participated in one). Oh, I also recently discovered that they also have a happy hour, which is also pretty cool. I've got to come here more often.

Not quite the old school pokey local, not as fancy as a gastro pub…read more There are a few different sitting areas to choose from, we had a table of 12 and very comfortably sat together (albeit under the Telly with the footy going). Strong local presence to take advantage of the lunch specials on offer while chilling with the Sunday arvo game. Quite a few of us got the Parma, I had the torpedo calamari out of curiosity (so named of the shape! Felt a bit silly having to google it). The meals were generous in serving size, especially considering the price. A good section of craft beers, you can even buy a stein to take home. Not many wines on offer, but it is a beer establishment after all. Big beer garden out the back, also a pool table inside available. Serviceable and fit for purpose as a friendly local.

All hail the ale! All cheer the beer!…read more Another local haunt of mine. The clue's in the name as to why this is an absolute must destination if you love craft beer (and if you don't, you're wrong); one of the best in Melbourne in my opinion. There's always some interesting beers to try and the selection of 12 constantly rotating taps keeps things interesting. The place is laid back, service friendly and knowledgeable, only downside is that it's not the cheapest place to drink but the quality and variety of beers makes it worth the price. There's also A/C ( very welcome on days like today; 38C). There's a small garden out back which is usually pretty quiet. Haven't tried the food but they have some daily specials which seem popular.

You don't know how hard it is not to jump off the tram every night after work and pop in here for a…read moredrink or seven. The lure of twelve rotating beer taps, delicious food (including some of, if not THE best onion rings I've ever eaten) and a great atmosphere is a little too much to resist for much longer. The Alehouse staff are very knowledgeable, as you would expect in a beer nirvana such as this. It gets busy in here, but it's usually quiet enough to have a quick chat with them as you try and decide which one of the delicious beverages on offer you will have. They're more than happy to let you taste test one before you commit to a full glass too. A great choice of beers are on offer and you're bound to find something you like on the rotating taps (the upcoming beers are listed on a wall next to the bar), but if you don't like anything on tap check out the beer fridges or even try one of their beer cocktails! In the front of the bar there are comfy couches along one side, with larger tables on the other side. In the adjoining room is the same setup, though this can be booked for private functions and it's also where the Wednesday night Trivia Night is held. Trivia is free, fun, and prizes include a bar tab, so you really can't go wrong with that. Out the back is a beer garden with a mix of tables and chairs in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a shady tree or two thrown in for good measure. As I mentioned, the food is great here. The first time I popped in the kitchen was being renovated and my order of fries was forgotten, but since then service has been prompt and the food delicious when it has arrived. I've been to Alehouse a few times now and will keep going back. I have managed to resist jumping off the tram to pop in so far, somehow but that won't last long...especially with an all too convenient tram stop right outside!