Temple Brewing Company

The Verdict

When it comes to bars in East Brunswick, you’d be a fool to overlook Temple Brewing Company, one of Melbourne’s best breweries that’s also home to delicious kitchen, cracking events space and cosy beer garden.

Tucked behind Lygon Street’s main strip, on Weston Street, the hidden bar is about so much more than beer. With a menu that’s chockfull of hearty food that’s the ideal accompaniment to a freshly poured pint, it’s the sort of place that you’ll drop into for an hour to catch up with mates, end up tucking into some Sriracha-laced bao, and staying for the entire night. Which is exactly what you want from a local, right?

Temple Brewing Company has been producing some of the best brews in Melbourne for several years, concentrating on delicious, drinkable (perhaps a bit too drinkable…) beers that cater to both beer nerds and novices alike. The latest reworking of the drinks menu sees a host of Australian wines added to the list, including local favourites from Wine X Sam and Delinquente. The Brunswick bar’s menu isn’t to be sniffed at either. Instead of sitting down to the usual beige fried fare served at beer venues, Temple Brewing Company’s kitchen turns out some of the most drool-worthy dishes we’ve found on the northside. 

The reworked menu is all thanks to head chef Matija Stefancic, who’s culinary career includes directing the prestigious Park Hotel, in Werribee. At Temple, Matija has brought it back to rich, flavoursome basics—think juicy pork shoulder tacos, field mushroom sliders, and slow-cooked goat chilli served with Rye Hard IPA bread—with some regular favourites such as the Midnight Burger and sticky pork ribs mixed in for good measure.

Looking to try the stand-out dish? Our pick of the bunch has to be the Singapore chilli pork belly. Topped with Asian style slaw and served with a mantou steamed bun, this epic bowl has got the perfect combination of sweet sauce and spicy heat—proper soul food that’s best enjoyed surrounded by a group of mates with a local beer or vino.

Temple Brewing Company is also upping its game when it comes to private parties. The upstairs event space, complete with private bar, has had some tweaking (um, hello, new dream birthday/engagement/work party venue!), and lays on an excellent spread of food and drinks that will keep you and your crew going all night long, not a thirsty party-goer in sight. 

Stuck for a Thursday night catch-up spot, or looking for your new Sunday session local? Try this Brunswick bar and we can guarantee you’ll be moving in right around the corner in a jiffy.

> Book a table by calling 03 9380 8999, or order Temple Brewing Comapny beers online here

Image credit: Michelle Jarni for The Urban List