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.

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 

This stalwart of Hobart has long been a safe port for locals, having operated for 177 years in Battery Point. Having undergone a beaut recent renovation, Shipwright Arms spans across a few spaces including a glass walled pavilion, a cosy wooden-clad haven with an open fire, an intimate small bar and the iconic original bar. When it comes to a feed, ‘Shippies’ does well in its celebration of the superb local seafood offerings, and backs it up with plenty of local tipples that grace the taps and fridges too. 

29 Trumpeter Street, Battery Point 

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. The menu is a solid offering of classic pub grub with something to suit various dietaries, and the live music on weekends rounds out the experience.  

87 Bathurst Street, Hobart 

Hope + Anchor 

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 

Tom McHugos  

On a corner just a block from the waterfront you’ll find this traditional gastropub, slinging good food and excellent cold beers. Tom McHugos is well known among farmers for its commitment to seasonality and buying local, and makes that commitment clear in its offerings. Head there in summer for peak vegetable goodness, or in winter for a more carnivorous slant – the menu is creative, ever-evolving and always comforting. 

87 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.