Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine

Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, known locally as RGBM, is a brewery and taproom at 81 Meadow Street in Tarrawanna, in the northern Illawarra foothills between Corrimal and Balgownie. Its own FAQ puts the dog policy plainly: kids and dogs are allowed, dogs must be well behaved and on a lead at all times, and no dogs are permitted in the Pool Room. Doors open midday Wednesday through Sunday.

The dog setup

This is a stated house rule rather than a reported practice, which makes the planning easy: bring a well behaved dog on a lead and you are welcome anywhere except the Pool Room, where the pool table lives. The outdoor area is the natural pick on a sunny afternoon, with enough space that dogs settle without weaving between tables. The taproom gets lively on weekends with live music on the calendar, so noise-tolerant dogs have the easier time of it.

The beer list covers the usual brewery range from pale ales to darker pours, with tasting paddles for anyone who wants the full sweep and growlers to take home. The kitchen leans Mexican, with gringas a house favourite alongside fish and chips, and the food has its own following independent of the beer. Expect an easygoing, industrial-shed atmosphere rather than pub carpet and pokies, and check the socials for session dates since the music calendar changes with the seasons.

Close by with the dogs

Tarrawanna keeps good company for a dog day out: Gringa is the suburb's other drawcard, so you can compare the Mexican menus across two visits. Our NSW dog friendly pubs guide and the Tarrawanna destination guide cover the wider Illawarra map for the rest of the weekend.