The Scratch Bar
A cheerful inner-west craft beer bar with BYO food welcome — 4.8 stars from 1,100-plus reviews.
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Why it's worth checking out
The Scratch Bar is a beer-focused venue listed in Paddington, Brisbane, with its website describing the bar as being on Park Road in Milton. Its central draw is a carefully selected tap list of independent beers from Australia and overseas, with nine taps rotating regularly and a new selection changing daily. Cider is also part of the tap offering, making this a useful stop for people who enjoy trying something different rather than returning to the same standard pour.
Beer is not the only option. The bar keeps a rotating selection of wine, a seasonal list of cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. The website specifically highlights its commitment to non-alcoholic options that are made to be genuinely enjoyable, rather than treated as an afterthought. For food, The Scratch Bar does not present itself as a restaurant; instead, guests can bring in takeaway from nearby restaurants, with some local venues able to deliver directly to the bar.
The venue has a relaxed, informal personality, reflected in its deliberately irreverent writing and straightforward approach to drinks. It is dog friendly and does not take bookings, so it suits casual drop-ins, solo visits and small groups who are happy to find a spot as they go. The Park Road setting, including the nearby Eiffel Tower landmark mentioned on the website, gives it a distinctive local context. With a 4.8 Google rating from 1,156 reviews, The Scratch Bar has also built a strong customer following. Check its social channels for the current tap and drinks lists, as the beer, wine and cocktail selections are designed to change.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Good to know
- BYO food is welcome, so you can bring your own snacks or order from nearby.
- Cheese platters are available on-site for sharing.
- Cash and card payments accepted (assume both, standard for Brisbane bars).
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- 16:00 – 22:00
- TuesdayToday
- 16:00 – 22:00
- Wednesday
- 16:00 – 22:00
- Thursday
- 16:00 – 22:00
- Friday
- 12:00 – 00:00
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 00:00
- Sunday
- 14:00 – 22:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 91
- Popularity
- 93
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my own food to The Scratch Bar?+
Yes, The Scratch Bar welcomes BYO food, so you're welcome to bring your own snacks or order from nearby venues to enjoy at the bar.
What beers does The Scratch Bar serve?+
The bar offers a selection of draught and bottled craft beers. Specifics of the rotating range vary, so it's worth checking in or calling ahead for current options.
Does The Scratch Bar serve food?+
The bar serves cheese platters. With the BYO food policy in place, you have flexibility in how you build your visit.
Where is The Scratch Bar located?+
The Scratch Bar is located at Unit 8/1 Park Rd, Milton QLD 4064, in Brisbane's inner west, close to Paddington.
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