The recipe for any great pub crawl relies on three key ingredients: base quantity, convenient vicinity and a smattering of diversity. A minimum of three watering holes, each within walking distance and each offering something a little bit different represents the ideal mix. Pub-crawlers, welcome to Oxford St, Bulimba.
Revel Brewing Co.
Arrive via bus, ferry or Uber (it's a pub crawl - leave the car at home) and settle into an opening session of freshly brewed, award-winning beer. The core range of standard pales and ales is well-supported by a range of rotating seasonal concoctions to stretch the taste buds. Sharing a wood-fired pizza as an accompanying entree is recommended. Save the main course for later and enjoy an understated ambience that encourages good conversation.
Oxford Tap House
Two crossed streets and minutes later, slide into a seat on the homely deck of the aesthetically pleasing Oxford Tap House. Rather than being a beer-producing brewery, this place is all about serving the best drops from a range of craft brewers. Many are local and it's a great place to explore a range of beer styles and some of Queensland's best offerings. It's not just beer here - the Tap House prides itself on its range of quality wines and cocktails too.
Oxford 152
The term 'local institution' sits right alongside 'LYBL' and 'IIWIS' in terms of overused cliches but it's hard to bypass the label for Oxford 152. If you've been to Oxford St before, you've probably been here. With luck, this visit finds a spare seat on the balcony overlooking the main drag - perfect for people-watching. Alternatively, take in live sport on the numerous screens, or throw away some cash in the obligatory (but soul-destroying) pokie room. This is the best of the three stops to enjoy a proper feed with a typical pub menu on offer. It's also the last to close and tends to go up a few gears as the night extends.
Alternatives & Onwards
If you're looking to extend this three-legger into something bigger, Bulimba Ferry Terminal delivers in spades. Teneriffe and Newstead are just across the river and offer a range of venues to take the crawl to the next level. Newstead Social and Green Beacon Brewing come highly recommended, as does the Mexican stylings of La Patrona.
