Dainton Taphouse Croydon — Restaurant in Melbourne

When we arrived, we waited next to the "wait to be seated sign" for a long time until we were attended to.

Once we were seated, we ordered from the table QR code. Food came out 20 to 30 minutes later but no cutlery. I asked about that, and they said they would get it. So we waited. After waiting long enough, I got up to look for cutlery. At the same time, someone came to bring out the cutlery. I told them that we hadn't received our drink orders yet. He advised that he'd check on it.

Halfway through our food, we still didn't have any drinks. A person at my table went to the bar to ask. They returned to say that one person was serving, and that they were serving customers as they walked in, as well as people seated at tables (who probably knew something we didn’t and were not using the table ordering process).

We finished our meals and we still hadn't received any drinks. It was a warm day, and we were seated outside, and we were thirsty. There were no inside tables available. When I noticed 3 young guys had arrived and received their drink orders straight away, I approached the bar. The drinks were on the side, awaiting collection from a staff member to bring to our table. After confirming that they were mine, I took them. If it took 30 minutes for the drinks to be poured, I wasn't waiting any longer for someone free to bring them to my table. I was extremely disappointed with everything. How do you prioritise your customer orders? People off the street receive drinks, yet customers dining have to wait more than 30 minutes. It makes no sense! Our order was easy and it could have preceded our meal. It is a brewery, yet you can't get a beer!

If that experience was not bad enough, the food was horrible. I had a Caesar salad and I paid extra for chicken, costing $27. Half the salad was made up of big chunky croutons. There was a bit of chicken, a tiny amount of egg and dressing that lacked the Caesar zing. It was a bad-tasting salad. I left half behind, which seemed to excite the swarms of wasps, enjoying their time on and around the tables.

The cheese pizza was horrible, and the kids' chicken nuggets were almost inedible. Even a child knows when something is bad as they didn't touch the burnt nuggets, so I paid $12 for a handful of fries.

I can understand that there are labour shortages everywhere, and people need to be patient. I really dislike it when I wait my turn, yet there is no system in place to make the process fair. I have no desire to return to this place, I'd rather go...

Dainton Taphouse is an absolute winner when it comes to laid-back vibes, top-tier beers, and food that hits the spot every single time. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a great spot to unwind with friends, this place delivers across the board.

The beer selection is nothing short of impressive — packed with variety, creativity, and bold flavours. Whether you like your brews hoppy, dark, fruity, or experimental, there’s something on tap to surprise and satisfy. The team clearly puts a lot of passion into the craft, and it shows in every pour.

The food here is just as praise-worthy. I’ve been a few times and it’s consistently delicious. The pork ribs are smoky, tender, and fall-off-the-bone good — sticky, rich, and deeply satisfying. The loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, indulgent, and perfect to share (or not!).

But the true star of my most recent visit? The peanut butter espresso martini. Absolutely divine. It’s creamy, smooth, with just the right punch of espresso and a nutty twist that takes it to the next level. I can safely say it’s my new favourite way to enjoy an espresso martini — it’s inventive, delicious, and dangerously moreish.

The venue has a great atmosphere too — relaxed, friendly, and perfect for both casual nights out and weekend sessions. Staff are always welcoming and helpful, which just adds to the experience.

This place nails the balance of fun, flavour, and friendliness. Can’t...

Honestly super disappointing on all fronts.

I came here maybe a month and a half ago and it was good. Service was nice and friendly, the BBQ menu was fun with a great selection. It’s what made me want to come back, recommend it and book again for father’s day.

What a massive disappointment. Not only has the menus completely changed with little to no notice but everything else has gone out the window with it apparently. Ordered a bunch of sides to share that were drip fed to us. The chips took 30 mins to come out, 5 mins later the pork (don’t order it), then the wings, again separately the croquettes and then again the popcorn chicken. We had every intention to order mains but after the wait decided to cut our losses and just leave.

On top of this we to ask for cutlery after the table was set with only 3 sets, had to ask for share plates which came out wet. I wish I could say it way busy and that was why it took some time and service was how it was, but it wasn’t.

Kitchen apparently closes at 7:30 and last drinks at 8:15.

Not sure what else to really say, it genuinely just felt like no one cared we were there.

Ps. Don’t leave your toilet plunger sitting on the ground by the entrance of the bathroom....