Bitter Phew — Restaurant in Sydney

A snazzy little beer bar...

Walk a bit too fast and you will miss it. The entrance is a bit strange, actually IMHO the entire set-up is a bit strange. The entrance to the venue is a narrow flight of stairs that leads you upstairs, so if you are coming from the street all you see are stairs! Other than signs pointing you in the right direction, there isn't a hint of where you are off too. If memory serves me correctly, there is a sheek bar or restaurant on the street level next to the stairs, don't confuse that venue with Bitter Phew.

The staff is friendly, well informed and attentive. There is a healthy selection of local beers on tap that rotate, just don't get carried away trying everything on the menu as it can get pricey...$$$. The menu itself is not fancy; old school hand written marker on a board, probably due to the rotating menu and to possibly to save costs, definitely no high tech billboard. Bitter Phew is not a big venue either, it's pretty cozy. On a hot summer day this place is an oven...don't say I didn't warn you!

Worth a visit if you are a craft brew...

Do you like beer? Do you only sort of enjoy beer? Well, you should still come and try out the dozen or so taps they have and maybe some bottled beers from the menu. If beer's not your thing then there is wine and other drinks available, however the focus remains firmly on the beer (there's usually a cider or two on tap as well). Beers are sourced locally and internationally and rotate regularly. I recommend heading out the back to the small rooftop courtyard where it's quieter but beware of smokers. I've never had a bad experience and I've been here multiple times - it's practically my local. I suggest a lazy afternoon here, trying out at least a few beers. Make sure to ask the bartender to taste or try the beer if you're unsure - they're always friendly and happy to help. There's cool art on the walls and if I remember correctly they have a relationship with a gallery somewhere. Currently it's photos from pre-industrial Japan. It does get crowded on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights but otherwise it's generally pretty quiet and laid-back. Highly...

Previously I have rated BP at 5 stars. I really liked the beers, chatty staff and music. I told many of my friends and colleagues how good the place was. HOWEVER, on my last 3 visits the place has played only boring boring boring repetitive Rap n Hiphop music at too loud a volume, completely destroying the atmosphere of the place. I put this down to the staff’s idea of what constitutes suitable “music” in a craft beer bar. The young lady behind the bar was more interested in surreptitiously texting on her phone than attempting any real interactions with the customers. Also, I don’t appreciate 4-5 cm head on my beer. I noticed that her beer pours were inconsistent for other customers as well. Final comment, too many “juicy” beers, and not enough other types on the taps. Very very disappointed. Not sure I will go back. Simon,...