After enjoying the night views of Brisbane from Mount Coot-tha, we headed over to the Scratch – a local bar in Brisbane. Although the Scratch Bar does not sell food, the cool thing about the Scratch Bar is that you’re able to bring your own food (and dogs for dog owners) to the bar. This reminded us about the Black Doubt Brewing Company when we stayed at the Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa in the USA. There are a few choices of food next to the Scratch Bar. There you can find Thai, Chinese, Turkish, Italian and Subway to go with your choice of beer. This time, we went with Chinese food (Eggplant and Fried Calamari) with Newstead and Four Hearts beer ($8 a pint). The bar promotes a friendly atmosphere for friends to simply catch up and enjoy each other’s company – with great beers that is. And that’s exactly what we did! Love it! For more details, visit 2bearbear today!
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I'm going to start this by saying that I love beer. But you really have to love beer to come to this bar, as it serves nothing much else. The staff are arrogant and surly when asked about anything other than beer. They likely won't have what you want to drink. As for the beer it's mostly high in alcohol and loaded with hops - in other words, bitter, soapy, and likely to give you a headache. There's little that actually suits the Brisbane climate or the kinds of things that are being brewed here. Beaten up uncomfortable old furniture, dark, noisy. I get that a lot of people like it, but I don't think 4.8 stars tells the whole story so am offering an alternative view.

Located near the town. There is a carpark behind the bar, but it is very limited. Else you have to park far away. They offer plenty of craft beers there and the One Drop Pie Head is good. Recommended. Personally dont feel like it is so strong maybe because of the plum flavor. But the taste is good. The bar staff is good and polite. They are very helpful. The environment is great. Love the design inside. Only realize why they call it the scratch as the owner must be a dog lover. You know.. scratch scratch scratch... The price is alright. Just about the standard price range. The cocktail selection is not that much tho. Overall it is a good place to chill

The Scratch Bar is one of my favourite watering holes in Brisbane. There’s always a great selection of craft beers on tap and a great cocktail special on offer. My house is filled with art pieces that I have bought from Scratch, I really love how they showcase and appreciate artists in our community. Another great thing to add is the BYO food options (I personally love the eggplant chips from Glee Fu) and the free peanuts on offer. Every now and then they’ll have a great workshop to attend too. The last thing I’ll add (I promise!) is that it’s dog friendly with great spots to sit inside or outside.

This is my favourite place to drink beer and they just keep getting better. They have cheese plates and vegan pies on offer but you can also bring your own food.Some restaurants in Milton will even deliver to your table at the Scratch. The staff are always very helpful and knowledgeable about beer. I can't fault the place. They often have events such as art shows, themed days with a food van and even still life drawing on occasion. It's well worth checking out. I go here for the beer, the vibes and opportunity to pat dogs as they're always welcome.

The vibe of the place is absolutely amazing!! I had the best gin and tonic that I have ever had! The service was impeccable and the bartender was clearly very experienced. The drinks were fairly priced and used premium more esoteric but incredibly delicious spirits! I will definitely be going back again soon! Also, there are board games for you to play with your mates. It's all good fun! So thankful my mate showed me this place! Definitely a gem!

One of our favourite bars to frequent on a Friday evening or for a Sunday sesh. It’s BYO food (plenty of yummy and varied take away places around) and dogs (we love a dog friendly bar)! They have a rotating selection of independent (and delicious) beers- there’s always something new to try. The board games, vegan pies and art installations make it eclectic and original. The staff are warm, welcoming and always happy to recommend a new beer.

This is probably my favourite bar in Brisbane at the moment. Trading under the 'small bar' license, it has a maximum capacity of 60 people. It has four taps plus a hand pump, and the beers rotate keg by keg. As a result it is always worth a taster when you come in, as often most of those on tap will be unfamiliar. The staff are beer-lovers and happy to talk about the Russian Imperial stout or Red Rye ale they may have on tap at the time.

One of my favourite local places for a casual drink. They have a great selection of drinks including some really tasty non-alcoholic options, and a range of board games to play while you hang out. The decor is great and really makes you feel like you're in a cosy little nook. They don't do food but there are some great restaurants nearby, and the staff are lovely and let you bring in food, something that I really appreciate.

Absolutely love The Scratch! Been coming here for years. The staff are super great, and the rotating beer selection is amazing. Cheese boards are a treat, events are cool, and the vibes are just great. Highly recommend if you love frosty brews and good chill vibes.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Plate

The original and best dive craft brew bar in Brisbane. Staff are awesome. Great brews on tap and in the fridge. Hand delivered take out from most of the restaurants on the strip and heaps of board games in the bar. It's always a good time at the scratch. Damn I'm feeling itchy for a brew just writing this review.... excuse me I'm getting on the ferry and walking down Park Road!!

The Scratch Bar is a neat little cozy bar in Milton. The music is quiet, so you can enjoy your company, and there are lots of quirky things all around the bar. From Rick and Morty cartoons on the wall, to a plush Holy Hand Grenade. They have lots of different types of craft beers, including one brewed in house. They have other drinks too, so there is something for everyone.

You can order food from the shops on park road and they'll deliver it to the bar for you. The bar staff are smart about beer and friendly. Great place to try beers, staff are always encouraging you to try different stuff with a free sample. They have a great selection of quality board games. Very comfortable and relaxed. The music is rarely that loud.

If you’re a beer fan this is the place for you. It’s a cozy atmosphere, with loungy, mismatched couches as well as outdoor seating. Bonus it’s dog friendly, even inside. They also let you order any takeaway and eat it there. The choice of beers is impeccable! The only negative is the beer menu is so extensive it can be a bit stressful to choose!

These guys and girls are really into beer and make it totally accessible, offering tasters and a low-down on each beer. They have changing taps all the time that always provide something new to learn. You'll often find beers on the hand pump and small batch limited brews or wild yeast beers. They also feature byo food and board games.

The best part of this bar is the staff. The staff here are so accomdating they will always try to make sure you are looked after. Came here on a whim when it was extremely busy and almost booked out and not only did they go above and beyond to get us in they also looked after a few of our stragglers Of course the beer was good

Reasonable but quality selection of beers, with options for wine, spirits and ciders. Chilled and relaxed vibe for a weeknight or chilled weekend session. They have boardgames and tables available for killing time over bevvies and banter. They also allow outside food, but provide a small cheese platter option in house.

Always tip notch service here, as well as a cool atmosphere and large selection of rotating on-tap drinks to pick from! Being able to order food to here from the local restaurants is also a great idea too. Never been here on a Friday or Saturday, but it's got a lovely atmosphere still on other days of the week.

This place has character! If your looking for somewhere lively to have a drink of some delicious ales and have an after work chuckle look nowhere else! This is the place to go in Milton. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Super friendly staff. Reminds me of small pub atmospheres similar to the UK, well done!

Awesome little pub with an ever changing tap list. They offer fantastic beers from local and farther away breweries. You can bring your dog and order food from nearby restaurants. No food is offered at the bar. It can be crowded on the weekends so get there early. There's parking just behind the bar.

I came to The Scratch Bar to celebrate my birthday during the weekend with some very close friends, and although the beer was great, the service my friends got was extremely poor and unprofessional! I will not be returning and neither will my friends.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

If you're into craft beer and visiting brissie you have to visit the scratch. Brisbane didn't have a craft beer scene before the scratch. It was the original and arguable is still the best. Still as full of character and excellent beers as it was when it first opened. I love this place.

Easily the Go-To place if you are after boutique beers and a very laid back vibe. Located right next to milton train station, it is conveniently located. The staff here are absolute heroes, can praise them enough. If you have a question, ask it, the answer might just make your day!

Enjoy an ever-changing selection of great craft beers on tap. The staff are friendly and the decor is rustic and eclectic. Baskets of roasted peanuts and board games are complimentary. The Scratch runs "tap takeovers" and brew-themed events. Occasionally, there's some live music.

Great bar. Only lived in the area a short time and definitely think it's the local now. Great beverage selection and cheese boards. Cheese gromit cheeeeze
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Cheese Plate

I love this place! Very cool, kooky dive bar-esque. Excellent art, lots of board games, lots of nooks and crannies to hide in. Always a great selection of beers, excellent cocktails. Surrounding restaurants will deliver to you in the bar.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Scratch is a cosy little spot that really does feel like you're hanging out at a mate's place. Beer selection is good and I love the fact that you can order food from anywhere else song the street. A few neighbouring restaurants are happy to walk your food over, awesome stuff.

Found this place recently in Brisbane and loved it. They have a great variety of beers (both tap and fridge), and you can even try them before actually ordering (the ones from the tap, obviously)! Friendly staff, and the place itself is really nice and chilled. Worth a go!

Had a great night out with my fiance. had a great selection of drinks and made me feel welcome with open arms from the moment I walked in. I will recommend Scratch. Their Cider on tap is beautiful and fresh. Great atmosphere and amazing music will bring me back. Thank you.

Hands down best craft beer bar I've been to! And I've been to a few. .. Great staff. Great revolving beer list. And also great patrons. Wish I lived a bit closer. .. You guys thought of opening a Scratch bar on the new south coast? ??? PLEASE??? Thanks for a good night

This place gives me nostalgia for a share house. Mismatched couches, board games, great atmosphere, and even better drinks. Every few weeks they have different local beers on tap. Love going here for a casual drink.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I love the ever changing and varied list of what’s on tap at Scratch. I’m a big fan of how Scratch works with the other restaurants along the street and how the restaurants will deliver the food to your table at Scratch. The staff seem really friendly as well :)

This is my sort of venue. Scratch encourages conversation and amicable good times with board games available and music set to a volume that you can chat comfortably. If good beers, good conversation and good times are what you're after, Scratch has you covered.

Well planned bar, especially with such small available footprint. Really thought about the vibe they wanted and executed well. Love the range of beers available, and the fact that it changes regularly, so there's always something new! Staff are always great.

A lively local bar with a great atmosphere that's been around for 10 years so that alone speaks volumes. Tasty cocktails and plenty of craft beers to choose from. The cheese boards are delicious and good value. Super friendly crew. Highly recommend.

Great vibe, friendly staff and wide variety of beer. Staff are happy to walk you through if you're unsure what to get. Full meals aren't served here BUT you can get local eateries to deliver and you can enjoy it on premises so it's a good setup.

Great decor and good range of craft beers on tap. There was an eclectic mix of clientele. The large screen playing old movies added to the atmosphere but tended to dominate, making it hard to find a seat where we could talk and enjoy the beer.

10/10 best, anti pretentious, down to earth, cool bar I’ve been to. I’ve been coming here for so long and they always good. They have rotating kegs each week, free peanuts, board games and a super friendly crew. Definitely worth checking out

Great place to grab a drink with mates and try some of the craft beers. The only problem is that the bar itself doesn’t have any restrooms and one has to go out all the way around the back of the next door building to use the restrooms.

Beer is strange but taste positive and strength. Saw dirty bird eat out of bin. And man in toilet make rude expose shock and also racist. People in place very nice. Place need more bright light. We get drunk at place then eat pizza.

This place rules. You know that already from the rest of the reviews. Been coming here for a decade, and by far my favourite bar in Brissie.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

A decent selection of craft beers. Service can be mixed. Sometimes friendly, other times slightly arrogant hipster. These guys were pioneering as far as craft beer bars go, but many others have caught up and exceeded them.

Always a great place to have a drink and wind down for the day. Amazing selection of beers and they are always changing taps to keep it interesting. Also a great location to get some food from all the local nearby places.

Went there for the Saturday afternoon session of 'Weekend of Darkness ' Amazing atmosphere, amazing beers and very friendly bar staff and patrons.
Price per person
$60–80
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is a bar with its own personality! With board games available to sit and relax with friends and enjoy a pint. Great selection of on tap beers and ciders available for people who don't enjoy beers. I loved it!

Had heard many people rave about it and went there for the first time early Saturday night, great place! Loved the Dupont beer they had on tap. Tasted all on tap, friendly helpful staff. Handled our group well :)

Atmosphere is so chilled, came her with a few friends and played boards games that they offered and ate local restaurant food at the pub. As for beer selection they have all bases covered. Love it! Very unique!

Fun quirky little bar in suburbia. Interesting variety of craft beers. Some were great! Some were horrible! A little overpriced. If beers were 10-20% cheaper this place would be a true gem!! Worth checking out.

This place is cool and cosy, the selection of beers is adequate and the staff response is friendly and prompt. Have only been here a few times but the service has been always excellent. Nice hidden gem …

Quirky cute place but not many options for those not drinking alcohol (e.g. if you're accompanying friends who are drinking). Still, lovely helpful staff and looked like a great choice of unique craft beers.

Love this bar. Staff are always cheery and friendly and willing to help make recommendations on beers on tap. Huge selection of beer and cider, love coming here and never disappointed. Also dog friendly!!!!

My favourite dive bar ever!!! All the good beers, all the amazing events, great cheese boards and the most amazing staff... if you like beer, rent an apartment close by and your life will be complete!!

Knowlwedgable and super friendly staff. To any USA craft beer tourists....stop at this place to try some REALLY good brews. Make sure to talk to the staff to get some good info on the local beer scene.

Love the scratch! Really good beers and you can get food from surrounding restaurants delivered. Very laid back place. Love it!
Price per person
$40–60
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Landed from Perth friendly tested a couple of heavy brews settled on the Ballistic. Great service friendly barman Patrick. Recomend good selection of single malts. Great spot. Enjoy. Cheers Patrick

Nice casual atmosphere and venue for craft beer. Taps vary regularly. Not the place to visit if looking for a xxxx gold etc. Can get noisy and crowded on a Friday arvo. Friendly and helpful staff

Likely my favourite bar/pub in Brisbane. Staff are always helpful with beer recommendations and tastings. And who doesn't love shelled peanuts to snack on while drinking some very unique brews?

If you want a bar with genuine character go to the Scratch. All the staff are genuine beer geeks, and will help you choose the best beer for you. You get to sample everything before you buy.

Amazing beer, huge variety, passionate staff, tasty cheese, top quality board game selection. What more could you want? Free peanuts? Great cheese selection? BYO food? THEY HAVE THAT TOO!!

Almost always has a good range of beers on tap, many choices in the fridge too, very fair prices. Comfiest bar I've been to and there are often the loveliest dogs that will visit …

cool vibe and friendly staff who know their beers. staff are helpful and let you try before you buy. there are happy hour specials too. table seating inside and outside plus couches.

Some good craft beers on tap at reasonable prices. Enough variety for most people to find something they like. Pleasant atmosphere too. The cans and bottles are a bit pricey though.

One of the best beer bars in Brisbane. Awesome selection, rad staff, generally no idiots. Doesn't do cooked food but you can get the surrounding restaurants to deliver to the bar.

Cozy craft beer bar with an amazing selection of beers on tap and in bottles. Bring your own food is allowed so grab something nearby and enjoy. Free peanuts are a neat bonus!

Nice bar with a great atmosphere - awesome for beer lovers! Pet friendly and they allow food-byo. Music is not too loud which is a nice change. They also provide board-games.

Love this little bar! They have great events like Zwanze Day 2016 and stout tastings! Also Alphabet Cafe tends to make a lot of nice treats that sometimes even come here!

Try to get different flavours of beer that was so good testing. The best beers of Brisbane. That testing marks me feel so good. I’m will be back again with friends later

I don't think that the scratch will ever stop being on of my favourite places in Brisbane. Absolutely amazing staff, alongside the best craft beer selection in Brisbane.

Really awesome craft beer bar, with a dive appearance similar to dives in USA. Great prices and range of beers to try. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable on the beer.

Like Lebowski's rug this place ties the whole of Brisbane together. An ancient, golden resting place for good folk. Suitable for the day's amble or evening's preamble.

My favourite boutique beer bar. Friendly staff who emphasise customer service. A constantly changing range of great craft beers on tap. Complimentary peanuts and wifi.

I usually come for Weekend of Darkness, but came for first time without the event. It's good to know the scratch is awesome all year round. Good cocktails as well!

Scratch Bar is THE place you go for good craft beer, tasty food with a chilled atmosphere in Brisbane, period
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best bar on the East Coast of Aus. Good beer selection changing frequently. Staff know there beer. Can't recommend highly enough!! A must visit when in Brisbane.

Good beers on tap, with some real craft beer that's always worth a try. Staff are great and always helpful & friendly. Great place for a quiet drink after work.

Such a great atmosphere! I don't even like beer and I love going here, the ciders are always great too. It's a really interesting and fun place to chill out.

Have been there as part of the brewery tour and had the pink mist. Reminder me a little bit on the beer with grapefruit just in a slighter taste. Liked it

Fantastic bar for beer lovers. Great atmosphere. Bit more pricey but that's due to the beer thats served. They have Belgian beer which is always a winner

Love this little bar, great beers, music and just the general vibe.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Love this place. Great select of beers and ciders. Love that you can order from other restaurants and they'll bring it in to you. Great, friendly staff.

Cozy bar with a sexy dash of crazy. The bartender was kind enough to walk us through an taste of all the craft beers, an extremely epic beer adventure!

Cosy little inner suburban bar. Has some very intresting decor. Amazing selection of craft style beers in tap. Friendly staff with an alternative vibe.

Awesome selection of craft beers & the vegan cheese platter is insanely good! Very cosy vibe, so glad I visited & thanks for playing Power Trip for us!

Best craft beer Bar in Brisbane. Good range, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Chilled vibe, good cheese and boardgames...BYO food policy is a winner!

Fun, small and quirky with great staff who you can always ask questions. Amazing beer selection that is constantly changing. Very busy at times though

My fav bar in Brissy, new beers weekly and you can byo food. It's like getting drunk at your mates house only the drinks and service is much better.

Best bar in Brisbane for a beer. Tap rotates regularly and always has an interesting variety. Plus lots of cute dogs being brought down all the time

Food you have to order in, but you can eat there. The Chinese right next door is my favourite
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Small cosy bar. Not for those who like a modern setting. Staff were absolutely awesome and very accomodating. Dog friendly which was awesome …

Great craft brews and local vibes. Pets are also welcome
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We have been coming here for over 7 years and still love it. The beers are always different and good and the staff are legends! Love this place!

Best place for a quiet drink. Lovely staff, epic decor and great beers. They are very thoughtful and knowledgeable about vegan products too.

Great little bar with an excellent rotation of craft beers on tap. One of the very few Brisbane locations I have found that has a hand pump.

Nice place, sparkling water on tap was awesome. Great for a round or two after work.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Super chill with a great range of beer, boardgames and bevvies for non beer drinkers. Dogue Friend. Mostly open when you need them to be.

Just an awesome free place with a rotating variety of local beers, pickles, peanuts, and an awesome vibe. If you're near here, be here.

Great little craft beer place. Awesome selection to try, friendly and helpful staff. Free pinball. Cozy atmosphere. Will go back …

Super cute bar that feels like a cosey grandma's living room with a great beer range. Their fridge has so many out-there sours.

Cool vibe, good selection of beers, food from next door! Close to public transport too for a good session and safe trip home

Stayed in Milton for a week, hit this chilled out bar a few times for a quiet whisky and coke. Excellent spot. Cheers