Breweries aren’t bars, and they’re definitely not clubs. If you’ve never visited a particular brewery before, you might not know if they’ll have something you like. The drinks can be a little pricier, and let’s be honest — there’s always the fear of beer snobbery in the air.

But once you’re in, there’s nothing like it. Drinking a beer just steps from where it was brewed, chatting with the person who made it, and sipping something so fresh it only travelled two metres to reach your glass — it’s a pretty brilliant way to spend an afternoon.

To celebrate International IPA Day, we’re shining a light on some of our favourite Marrickville IPAs and offering a few friendly tips on how to make the most of your next craft brewery visit.

If you’ve spent time on this site before, you probably know: we love our local breweries. Marrickville has one of the best craft beer scenes in Australia — bursting with creativity, community spirit, and exceptional brews. We’re proud to live here.

Top IPAs in Marrickville

IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it’s a beer style known for its bold hop character, often bringing in notes of citrus, pine, resin, stone fruit, or tropical juice, depending on the hops used. The story goes that IPAs date back to the 1700s, when brewers added extra hops (a natural preservative) to pale ales being shipped from England to India.

Fast forward to today, and IPAs are one of the most popular — and varied — craft beer styles around. Some are bitter and clear (like West Coast IPAs), others are juicy and hazy (like New England IPAs), and a few lean into wild experiments involving fruit, lactose, or wild yeast.

Here are 5 of our favourite IPAs brewed in Marrickville for you to try:

7 tips for visiting your local brewery

Craft breweries are often small, independent operations, sometimes run by families, almost always powered by passion. Supporting them really does make a difference. Are you new to the brewery scene? Here are a few tips to get the most out of your day.

Yes, you can ask for a taste — just don’t go overboard.
Most breweries are happy to offer a sample or two if you’re unsure what to order. They want you to enjoy your beer — so please ask! Just make sure you’re buying something too — they’re not running a free tasting room.
No, they can’t drop everything to give you a brewery tour.
Brewery tours are awesome, but they take time — and staff. Most venues are happy to show you around if you’ve booked (and ideally paid for) the experience. If you want that behind-the-scenes look, plan ahead and support the business by paying for their time.
Yes, it’s okay to ask questions.
Brewery staff love talking beer! Let them know what you usually enjoy and they’ll happily recommend something from the tap list. You don’t need to know hop varieties to find something you’ll love — curiosity is always welcome.
Don’t show up with a group of 12 and expect instant seating.
We’ve seen it happen: a big group arrives unannounced on a Saturday afternoon and ends up disappointed. If you’re visiting a brewery with a large group, please book ahead — and if you reserve a table, don’t ghost. Breweries rely on every seat being filled, especially on busy weekends.
You don’t need to be a beer snob.
Everyone’s palate is different. If someone’s happily sipping a hazy pineapple milkshake IPA, that doesn’t make them wrong. Like Amy Poehler says: “Good for her, not for me.” Try what you like and move on from what you don’t — no judgment needed.
Don’t BYO food without checking first.
Most breweries operate on razor-thin margins, and outside food can cut into their bottom line. If there’s a food truck, kitchen, or snack menu — support it! (That said, a few snacks for your little one? Totally fine.)
Don’t disrespect the crew
This should go without saying, but here we are. We have have heard stories from brewery about guests who’ve harassed employees, made inappropriate comments, or arrived already drunk. Don’t be that person. Seriously.