Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery — Restaurant in Melbourne

Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery is an unmissable gem on the Mornington Peninsula, where local flavor meets world-class craftsmanship. Nestled on Watt Road in Mornington, this venue has roots that trace back to the days when road builders stored tar barrels during the area's development, lending the establishment its unique name.

Matt Bebe, the visionary owner, has teamed up with the highly skilled Head Brewer, Andrew Gow ("AG"), to create an unparalleled experience for beer lovers and casual diners alike. Their collaboration has given birth to a range of award-winning craft beers, each with its own distinctive character. Whether you're a fan of the crisp and refreshing Watt Lager or prefer the bold and hoppy Burner IPA, there's something to satisfy every palate. Not to be overlooked, the Corner Pale offers a perfect balance of fruity hop aromas, while the Process Porter serves up rich notes of cocoa and espresso for those who enjoy a darker brew. The introduction of a whiskey and gin distillery further elevates Tar Barrel’s offerings, making it a true haven for crafted taste experiences.

Beyond the exceptional drinks, Tar Barrel is known for its famous wood-fired pizzas, which pair beautifully with the beers on tap. The Margherita is a classic, while the BBQ Meat Lovers pizza offers a hearty combination of meats that perfectly complements a cold brew. If you’re in the mood for something unique, the Prosciutto and Pear pizza provides a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors.

The ambiance at Tar Barrel is as inviting as its menu. The industrial-chic setting, complete with outdoor tables, sets the stage for a relaxing day or evening out. On weekends, the atmosphere is further enlivened by DJs and live music, making it a lively spot to unwind with friends.

The staff at Tar Barrel adds to the experience with their warm hospitality. Brittany, the talented bartender, ensures that every drink is crafted to perfection, and her friendly demeanor makes every visit special.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to the Mornington Peninsula, Tar Barrel Brewery & Distillery is a destination that promises great food, exceptional drinks, and an unforgettable atmosphere. With its commitment to the "Spirit of Local," this venue truly stands out as a cornerstone of the community. Don't miss the chance to explore their offerings, and be sure to say hello to Matt, AG, and Brittany when...

A very disappointing experience and rude staff.

The main purpose of our visit was to try the Mornington Brown off a hand-pull beer engine. I emailed the brewery a month ago and was told that the hand pull would be on this winter and to check the website to find out when. Last weekend the website stated the hand pull was back on so I arranged a trip down from Melbourne with friends for the following weekend.

Upon arriving at the brewery we were told to wait out in the cold as the premises was at capacity. As we had come all this way we waited for about 25 minutes before being let in. The brewery was hardly busy so I don't understand what their capacity was based on.

When I got to the bar I asked about the hand pull and the barman told me that it wasn't on. Disappointed, I asked when it will be on and was told it's on about once a month. I explained that the website said it was on and was told "ah yeah the website is never up to date". He went on to flippantly and smugly suggest that he could pour a pint and leave it under the bar for an hour to warm up. Rude - and he clearly doesn't understand beer!

Having made such plans to visit and built up my excitement for trying the hand pull, I was exceptionally disappointed to be treated with such disrespect. It was also particularly disappointing to be first told to check the website, and then told that the website is unreliable.

I'll stick to Stomping Ground and Mountain Goat breweries where they have a much nicer atmosphere and...

Awful customer service! Booked a table for 6pm with kids, arrived early and was told they’d made an error and could no longer accommodate me and yet the place was half empty! Attitude and delivery of the message was terrible!

UPDATE, I find it strange that you only took 2 hours to respond to a review but couldn't reply to an email re a booking (and thus business) in over double that time! We tried to call up during the afternoon to book but were directed to email you, which we duly did! Tried again to call and confirm an hour or so later and was again directed to email, there was no point in sending a 2nd email. Thus as there was no 'unable to assist/decline' in either an email or phone response/reply we made our way to you! I would have understood completely if you'd said you were fully booked or at capacity, but to turn up and then be turned away with kids left a very sour taste in the mouth. This was especially galling as there were tables free and we would have stayed for less than an hour anyway.

Sitting outside wasn't an option with kids and an elderly grandparent, the offer of a tour of the brewery was never made. But what grated the most was being told by my wife, kids and father that she (Bre) was basically ...