Otter’s Promise

The Verdict

High St Armadale does a few things well, including flat whites, wedding dresses and handbags that cost two weeks’ wages.

Craft beer? Not so much. That’s more of a Northside thing, isn’t it? Do you know, I heard that don’t even have Kathmandu jackets over there...

Well, where others saw a ritzy bridal strip, Dan Taranto saw potential. After a few years helping build 5 & Dime bagelry in the CBD (still one of our all-time favourite grab-and-go brekkies) he wanted to make a change, a crafty, yeasty, hoppy change. So he kept his eyes peeled for a new building southside, near home, and eventually 1219 High St came on the market.

Otter’s Promise started as a beer-based bottle-o, but they got their license in August 2017. Now they’re pouring draught beer from six rotating taps and have become a go-to or thirsty Armadale locals on a Friday night. Think about it—where else would you go ‘round here for experimental, independent beer?

You’ve got two options with this place. You can pick up a six-pack from the well-stocked fridges (over 400 beers and counting...), or you can park yourself up at the bar and ask Dan what’s good. There’s Kaiju, 3 Ravens and Bad Shepherd on tap at the mo’, plus a tight selection of local wines and spirits (good to see Starward and Four Pillars in there).

Otter’s Promise is classic brew bar chic. That means more exposed brick than your average warehouse, chunky recycled timber tables (polished to deflect the suds), natural light flooding in from the big front windows.

Food is almost hilarious blunt. The menu just reads: “Chips. Nuts. Jerky. Cheeseboard”. In that order. The cheeseboard was actually delicious, so full marks there, but Dan also lets punters order food from UberEATS or the nearby takeaways (if you want a burger, Boy & Co do some rippers).

At the end of the day, this is a beer lover's bar. If you want to know what’s hot in the world of craft, take a seat and buckle in. We promise you’ll love it. 

Image credit: Jenna Fahey-White