Craft Beer
Craft beer in Brisbane has moved from a niche to a staple. Ten years ago, the choice was limited to the big breweries and the occasional “boutique” option. Now, every suburb seems to have a taproom, and quality has lifted across the board. Not all breweries are worth the trip, but a few consistently deliver pints that stand out.
Felons Brewing Co. at Howard Smith Wharves is the most visible brewery in Brisbane, sitting right under the Story Bridge. Felons divides opinion — some call it too polished, others see it as the city’s craft beer entry point. Their pale ale is reliable, and their waterfront setting makes them hard to ignore.
Range Brewing in Newstead has built a reputation for hazy IPAs and small-batch releases. Their beers sell quickly, and the quality is usually high. The taproom is modern and stripped back, keeping the focus on what’s in the glass rather than the space around it.
Green Beacon in Teneriffe is one of Brisbane’s early craft breweries and still one of the most consistent. Their Windjammer IPA remains a benchmark for local beer. The Teneriffe brewery has a loyal crowd and hasn’t lost focus, even as bigger names have moved in around them.
Ballistic Beer started in Salisbury and has since expanded into West End. They built their name in the suburbs, away from the obvious nightlife areas. Their Pale Ale and Hawaiian Haze are strong sellers, and their venues keep the focus on casual drinking. It’s a good example of a brewery that grew without losing its character.
Slipstream Brewing in Yeerongpilly sits further south, but it’s worth the visit. Slipstream focuses on hop-driven beers and keeps a consistent lineup. Their taproom is simple, but the quality in the glass makes the trip worthwhile.
Brisbane’s craft beer scene is broad, but not every taproom deserves your time. Felons will always attract the crowds, while Range and Green Beacon continue to push standards higher. Ballistic and Slipstream show that quality isn’t limited to the inner city. If you want to understand Brisbane craft beer in 2025, start with these five and build from there.
