Best Pubs in Hobart for Good Food & Good Vibes

Tasmania's capital lays claim to a vast and vibrant pub scene. Nestled within this charming city, there are pubs aplenty offering a unique blend of history, hospitality, and hearty fare. From quaint, historic taverns that echo with tales of the past to contemporary gastropubs that showcase Tasmania's culinary prowess, Hobart's pub scene has something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a roaring fire to cosy up with a glass Tasmania's finest, or looking to sample the best brews from the many fantastic local producers, Hobart certainly knows how to bring this all together in a darn good pub. Here are some of the best.

Moonah Hotel & Cellars 

The Moonah Hotel & Cellars has made a much anticipated return to Hobart's dining and drinking scene - and it now features a public bar, dining room, beer garden and bottle shop. A properly good pub feed (hello, Wednesday night parmis), chill vibes and a seriously impressive drinks list await.

Friday nights are particularly fun here; where, from 4pm to 7pm you can take a seat at The Tasting Table. Free tastings of local and international drops are on offer, all provided under the guidance of one of the local producers themselves or by and experienced member of staff. 

99 Main Road, Moonah 

Overland Brewery & Distillery

Tucked away in North Hobart, Overland Brewery & Distillery is a hidden gem where craft beer meets whisky in the best possible way. Step into what is known as the Boilermaker Bar, which is a dog-friendly spot offering a lively taproom with Overland beers, whiskies, and more.

Grab a burger from the on-site food truck (the double cheeseburger is a must!) or try the BBQ pulled jackfruit for a plant-based twist. With a beer garden, cornhole, and Saturday-only soft pretzels, it’s the perfect place to eat, drink, and unwind. Plus, the whisky and beer flights make it a true North Hobart treasure!

284 Argyle Street, North Hobart 

The Telegraph Hotel

Located in the heart of Hobart, The Telegraph Hotel is your classic, no fuss pub. They've also recently renovated and added a rooftop, so you can enjoy post-work drinks or a weekend catch up with a view. If it's a bit too chilly to sit up on the roof, the interior is just as cute. Here, you'll find all the traditional pub fare your heart desires, but with a Tasmanian twist. Focusing on creating dishes using local Tasmanian produce, their menu includes oysters, bay mussels, Tassie salmon pizza, steak sandwiches and juicy burgers.

Sitchu Tip: Come on Sunday for a roast special, or make Mondays a moment with their all day steak special. Think 250g Cape Grim Porterhouse steak, cooked to your liking, with frites and choice of sauce - gravy, mushroom, pepper or garlic butter.

19 Morrison Street, Hobart

Crescent Hotel

An icon in the North Hobart district, the historic Crescent Hotel has triumphantly reopened its doors, offering a revitalised space with a stylish bar, private dining room, beer garden, and a sun-kissed roof terrace. Whether you're in the mood for classic pub fare or something a bit more adventurous, the Crescent’s menu delights with dishes like rolled porchetta with cider jus, braised lamb shoulder, or sumac-dusted squid. With hearty pub grub crafted from locally sourced ingredients, paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Crescent Hotel is the perfect spot to eat, drink, and be merry in Hobart.

100 Burnett Street, North Hobart 

The Winston

Another North Hobart gem, The Winston, masterfully blends American-style eats with a lively and inviting atmosphere. Renowned for its delicious tacos, hearty burgers, and an impressive selection of American and Australian brews, this pub ensures there's something for everyone—including a great range of vegan options. Whether you're dropping in for a casual drink or staying for a feast, The Winston promises a fun time, making it one of Hobart's most enjoyable spots to unwind. No regrets, just good times at this beloved local haunt.

381 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

Preachers 

Beer gardens, burgers and beers are done right at this charming neighbourhood joint just outside the city on the border of Battery Point. Preachers is relaxed and homely with a spacious string light-laden dog and kid-friendly beer garden accompanying the old style pub interiors – along with a converted old bus providing another interesting seating option. Food here is a variety of burgers loved by many, with vegan options too. Accompanied with some solid fried sides including tempura broccoli or wings baskets.  

5 Knopwood Street, Hobart 

Shipwrights Arms 

A true Hobart institution, Shipwrights Arms has been a beloved local haunt in Battery Point for an impressive 177 years. Recently refreshed with a stunning renovation, “Shippies” now boasts a variety of spaces — from a glass-walled pavilion to a cosy, wood-paneled haven complete with an open fire. There's also an intimate small bar and the iconic original bar, offering a taste of tradition. Known for its celebration of Tasmania’s finest seafood, the menu is as impressive as the local brews and wines flowing from the taps and fridges. The wine list, in particular, is top-notch!

29 Trumpeter Street, Battery Point 

Boodle Beasley

Boodle Beasley is a vibey pub in Hobart that has a unique list of Asian-inspired eats alongside pub classics. Plus, they have a great cocktail menu if you're not feeling like a pint or a wine. From spring rolls to bao buns and refreshing salads, these small plates are perfect to share with a date or group of friends on a catch up. If you're feeling something more hearty, make sure you order one of their juicy burgers - it's classic pub fare, after all.

315 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

In The Hanging Garden 

While not a classic pub per-se, In The Hanging Garden is the beer garden to end all beer gardens, with greenery abound and a great food offering to boot, so is well worthy of a spot on this list. Sprawling over almost an entire block in the centre of Hobart, while hidden away from street view, the precinct spans across several spaces and food and drink options. In the Cathedral, with some tacos and local beers, you can soak up some sunshine under a high glass roof and heated, while still maintaining a sense of outdoors. The venue frequently hosts live music and cultural events too – including evening vintage markets. 

112 Murray Street, Hobart 

New Sydney 

Quaint, cosy and unpretentious, the New Sydney Hotel greets you like a warm hug with its open log fire, timber and brick walls laden with quirky memorabilia, and not a TV or pokies in sight. The perfect spot in the CBD to sink into a comfortable chair with one of their 18 beers on tap, dozen wines by the glass or over 200 whiskies to choose from. As a pub in Hobart with Irish soul, the menu is a solid offering of classic Aussie and Irish pub grub, from lamb shanks to spice bags, burgers to hearty curries, with something to suit various dietaries. The live music on weekends rounds out the convivial experience.  

87 Bathurst Street, Hobart 

Hope + Anchor Hotel

Take a step back in time at Australia’s oldest pub, in a building that is steeped in history and nostalgia. While a pub that’s been open since 1807 might be inclined to rest its laurels on its title of ‘oldest pub’, the Hope & Anchor does no such thing – instead offering up a huge range of local and beyond beers and a mighty good classic pub food menu. Open fires, a pool table and a beer garden complete the historical fit-out, rounding off about all you could ask for from a classic pub.  

65 Macquarie Street, Hobart 

Looking for a few more spots to try for a bevvie after journeying around some of these fine Hobart pubs? Venture further afield to scope out the best wineries in Tasmania or why not head north to Launceston to check out its best restaurants.