Restaurant

Bitter Phew

1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Recommended by 22 people

Updated

Find Bitter Phew

1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Bitter Phew

Perched upstairs on Oxford Street, Bitter Phew trades rowdy pub clichés for low lighting, exposed timber, and twelve rotating craft taps. Beer purists treat this second-story room as an escape from the street-level rush. Forget rigid tasting paddles—bartenders pour samples straight from the taps before you commit, whether you're chasing rare sours or heavy barrel-aged stouts. Regulars skip standard bar food entirely, carrying neighbourhood burgers right up to the tables, then settling by the balcony windows for an unhurried Sunday arvo.

  • Curated 12-Tap Lineup: Constantly rotating taps range from crisp local sours to heavy imperial stouts, backed by rare international bottles.
  • Counter Tastes on Request: Bartenders offer counter sips on request to navigate the board before you order, skipping rigid paddles.
  • Neighbourhood Food Delivery: Bypass standard bar snacks by ordering burgers and takeaway straight to your table from neighbouring kitchens.
  • Upstairs Balcony Perch: An intimate first-floor escape from the street level, complete with comfortable seating and front-row parade views.

What's On at Bitter Phew

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Bitter Phew Is Darlinghurst's Premier Craft Haven

Escape the street-level rush for world-class craft beer, neighborhood takeout, and intimate vibes—book your table upstairs today.

  • Curated Global & Rotating Draft Lineup

    A draft board of twelve constantly cycling taps is paired with two dedicated fridges filled with rare domestic releases and international cellared brews.

    With 12 x rotating taps, and 2 x fridges of the best beers in Australia and the world, you're bound to find something to your taste.

    Vortex
  • Staff-Guided Free Pre-Pour Tastings

    Rather than locking patrons into rigid, paid tasting paddles, clued-up bartenders pour counter tastes so guests can confidently explore unfamiliar pours.

    they don't do beer paddles, but they let you taste beers.

    Max C
  • An Elevated Oxford Street Sanctuary

    Perched on the first floor above the lively street below, the venue offers an insulated, cozy drinking den with low-key lighting and welcoming hospitality.

    Tucked away upstairs from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street you can enjoy amazing craft beers that you won't find anywhere else in a comfortable relaxed setting

    David Rey
  • Unhurried Sunday Afternoon Chill

    Laid-back seating, curated tunes, and unpretentious service make the room an easy, unhurried afternoon hideaway in any season.

    The ultimate Sunday afternoon chill relaxing, easy, and exactly what I needed.

    JACK SOOO (Jack Soo)
  • Doorstep Delivery Straight to Your Table

    Guests skip standard pub fare and have full meals and takeout orders sent straight up to their table from neighboring eateries.

    I love that you can get food sent up from the food places below on Oxford Street.

    Ste Withington
  • Freedom to Pair Any Neighborhood Cuisine

    Patrons enjoy complete freedom to match world-class sour ales or imperial stouts with top-rated local takeout and burgers.

    It's a fantastic joint to hang out and order some burgers. You can order from places around the area, so you are spoiled for choice.

    R L (Eatinghero)

Other favorites

Curated spirits, classic mixed pours, and neighborhood dining privileges round out the upstairs taproom experience.

  • Negroni

    the negroni was spot on.

    Jules Rulesmore
  • Vodka and Lemonade

    it was the best vodka lemonade I’ve ever had and I know that sounds easy to do but this one hit different.

    Diggah Hall
  • Whisky Selection

    Surprisingly great selection of whisky too, if you want to treat yourself to a boiler maker.

    David Rey
  • Outside Food Delivery

    I love that you can get food sent up from the food places below on Oxford Street.

    Ste Withington

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring or order outside food?

Bitter Phew does not have an in-house kitchen, but they offer bar snacks and welcome outside food or deliveries from local spots along Oxford Street right to your table.

Can you try beers before ordering a full glass?

While beer tasting paddles are not offered, bartenders are happy to let you sample beers from the rotating taps before deciding on a pour.

Can you book a table in advance?

Yes, table reservations are accepted. Booking in advance is particularly helpful if you are planning to visit with a group.

Is there outdoor seating available?

Yes, in addition to indoor couches and bar seating, there is an outdoor terrace space upstairs.

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