Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe, CBD

Nestled on Clarence Street in the CBD sits Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe, one of Sydney’s original independent breweries.

Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe has been around since beer cafes were a novel idea, since people referred to it as boutique beer.

But Redoak is as relevant now as they’ve ever been. While they sit outside the current wave of craft breweries, they’re still producing a range of styles, from traditional lagers and bitters through to challenging beers packed with speciality malts and adventurous hops.

Their beers continue to be recognised in national and international competitions including the World Beer Cup, The International Beer Challenge and The World Beer Awards.

A Traditional Beer Cafe

The venue itself is everything you might imagine when contemplating what a beer cafe should look like. There are dark wooden floors, tall tables and stools near the bar, and restaurant seating to the back of the venue.

There are old wooden-clad bright tanks and kegs lying around the bar. With a high ceiling and ornate fixtures, there’s something comforting about the environment. Whether you pop in for a quiet beer on a Saturday lunchtime or brave the hustle and bustle of suits at the bar on a Friday night, you’ll feel at home.

Food And Beer, Perfectly Matched

Naturally there’s a kitchen serving a range of typical beer-matching food (think burgers and pizzas) through to sampling plates and hearty mains, A stand out is their famous pie, which is a go-to for those who love comfort food. As you’d expect, the menu includes recommended beer pairings for each dish.

The beer varies throughout the year but mainstays include their Aussie Lager, Pommy Bitter and Honey Pale Ale. All are approachable, sessionable and hugely popular. The same goes for their range of german-inspired beers and Irish reds and porters.

A Little Oasis

Redoak is one of the originals of the Sydney beer scene and looks set to remain a favourite for years to come. It’s something unique among Sydney’s new wave of brewers; a traditional environment, a little oasis for when the geekery around barrel-aged stouts and hazy IPAs becomes a bit too much.

There are few places to find good beer around the City. Spooning Goats, not far away on York Street, or Lord Nelson in The Rocks, are two of the best but Redoak retains a traditional charm and the air of a welcoming third place which is all too often lost around the city centre.

Have you visited Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe? Leave a comment and share your experience including your favourite beers.