Where to drink in Hobart

Order a handcrafted ale at a small-batch brewery in Hobart or follow the footsteps of whalers and sailors with a pint at an historic pub.

Relax in a whisky lounge or watch the alchemy of cocktail mixing with distinctive Tasmanian ingredients.  

Tasmania produces some top drops, and here are some thirst-quenching spots to enjoy them. 

Cosy bars

Tucked away on cobbled lanes and hidden behind sandstone walls are intimate bars focused on fine local wines and spirits.

Sonny

Danceable tunes on vinyl, a mystery tour of natural wine and moreish bar snacks are hallmarks at this popular hole-in-the-wall bar.

Lucinda

It’ll take a while to choose from the impressive wine list at this stylish CBD bar. Maybe not so long to decide which seasonal bar snacks to accompany your glass. 

Mary Mary

Behind a “secret” entrance is a handsome velvet and leather-clad bar within the convict-hewn sandstone walls of an 1840s hospital. Expect imaginative cocktails showcasing local ingredients.

Gold Bar

Try the cocktail of the day made from local spirits at this friendly bar in an old flour mill on Hobart’s waterfront.

Society Salamanca

A ladder is needed to access a wall of spirits in this Salamanca bar, specialising in cocktails, gin and whisky.

The Den

On the popular Salamanca strip, expect delicately balanced cocktails in mood-lit sandstone surrounds.

Cellar and distillery doors

Head straight to the source for fine spirits and distinctive ales.

Lark Distillery

Try a tasting flight at the cellar door down by the Hobart waterfront or head to The Still, a new tasting room by day and whisky lounge by night.

Institut Polaire

Take a seat at the long marble bar and order a signature Sud Polaire Antarctic dry martini. This glamorous snowflake-white bar celebrates all things cold and frosty.

Gin(bar)

Choose your own botanicals in a gin-blending workshop over a cocktail or two, a unique Tasmanian experience based on the Forty Spotted Gin range.

Hobart Brewing Co

Grab a seat in the huge beer garden (by a firepit if it’s cold) and enjoy a distinctive Tasmanian ale from the taproom. There’s regular live music and food trucks, too.

T-Bone Brewing Co

Take your pick from at least a dozen handcrafted T-Bone brews on tap at this popular spot in North Hobart. Try a seasonal beer - they don’t hang around for long.

Shambles Brewery

Stop in for a refreshing Afternoon Delight of citrusy hops or try the Big Guy, a dark, bold, velvety brew. There’s a beer on tap to suit all tastes here.  

Old-world pubs

Time-travel with a pint or two in these historic pubs.

Hope & Anchor Tavern

This was the city’s first pub to turn on its taps, in 1807. Check out the antiques and memorabilia over a beer and a lamb roast.

The Shipwrights Arms

Step back in time on a stroll through Battery Point to Shippies, established in 1846 and popular with sailors, whalers and travellers of all sorts ever since.

The Whaler

This atmospheric pub in the heart of Salamanca has a great selection of Tasmanian craft beer, wine, gin and whisky.

The Tasmanian Inn

Established in 1851, this friendly pub has lashings of atmosphere, a pool table and a large selection of Tasmanian beer and wine.

Cascade Brewery

This impressive building in the foothills of South Hobart is the oldest operating brewery in Australia. Chill in the heritage beer garden or take a brewery tour. Oh, and drink beer, of course.