Steamer Basin Brewery & Taproom

Bars key icon.
Bars key icon.

MondayClosed.

TuesdayClosed.

Wednesday2:00 – 8:00 pm.

Thursday2:00 – 8:00 pm.

Friday2:00 – 8:00 pm.

Saturday2:00 – 8:00 pm.

Sunday2:00 – 8:00 pm.

No Name Alley, Central Dunedin, Dunedin

027 922 7817

Steamer Basin is hidden, yes. Secret? No. The journey may begin to feel like a wild goose chase, but persevere and you’ll be rewarded with micro-brewing gold. 

Tucked away down No Name Alley, Steamer Basin is the neighbourhood taproom everyone wants in their proverbial backyard. Fortunately for Dunedinites, they have claiming rights to this hyper-local brewing company doing marvellous things. 

After honing their craft at the local farmers' market, Karen and Paul decided to take the almighty leap from tiny 50L brewing to fully fledged premises producing 600L batches. Inspired by taprooms seen on their travels through the west coast of the US, Steamer Basin is a helluva stylish space. Casement doors pour out into the lane with ample communal bench seating giving it a European city feel (helped by its heritage architecture). But best of all, there’s a sweep of delicious seasonal brews to try and pizza by the slice. Yes, it’s time to settle in.  

Steamer Basin aims to create beer that celebrates the region. As Paul puts it, “the beer economy is a virtuous circle” and so herein lies their philosophy; sourcing local ingredients. The malt comes from Canterbury, hops from Nelson and of course, the finest filtered Dunedin water is used. By supporting local producers, everyone wins. They’re playful too, experimenting with different flavours such as elderflower, which is found in abundance locally.  And if you want to take some beer home, you can – just bring your own rigger. 

It's fair to say that Steamer Basin is the best beer treasure hunt around.

Words by Kelly Tapper & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

No Name Alley, Central Dunedin, Dunedin

Nearby Places

Bay Rd Peanut Butter

Peanut butter being spread on to toast.
Place Dunedin
Goods key icon.

Peanut butter has been, and will continue to be, the unsung hero of breakfasts and lunches everywhere.

Taste Nature

Entrance to the building.
Place Dunedin
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Well known for its commitment to organic food and sustainable living, Taste Nature is considered “the” organic shop in Dunedin by locals.

Vull Design

Interior of shop with hanging lights.
Place Dunedin

Vull Design boasts a carefully and tastefully curated selection of design products for your home.

Mazagran Espresso Bar

Silver metal coffee roaster in Mazagran Espresso Bar,
Place Dunedin
Cafes key icon.

This hard-working little café is a hive of activity all day long and a great spot for grabbing a coffee-to-go before work.

Similar Places

Albar

Interior view of Albar, Dunedin.
Place Dunedin
Bars key icon.

A local favourite and the social hub of many.

Patti's & Cream

The Patti's food truck.
Place Dunedin Editor's Pick
Goods key icon.

You’ll find burgers and scoops on the menu here that will simply knock your socks off.

The Good Earth

Customers dining in at tables by the window.
Place Dunedin
Cafes key icon.

A popular haunt with university students, this café makes everything from scratch every day.

Jizo Japanese Restaurant

Sushi on plates.
Place Dunedin
Restaurants key icon.

The food covers all bases when it comes to Japanese cuisine at Jizo.