The 16 best bars in Hobart

Underground bar Society is located in buzzy Salamanca, and if you love cocktails, it’s a must-visit. Descend the steps into the bar and you’ll be greeted with a huge wall of spirits – the biggest range in Hobart, in fact – complete with a sliding, library-style ladder. The speakeasy is old-timey-ish with a gold, pressed metal sitch going on and a couple of Chesterfield couches scattered around the low-lit room. But Society Salamanca brings things up to speed with a humongous disco ball that overlooks the tomfoolery, as well as overhanging fairy lights that wholly illuminate the den. The seaside paintings are an odd but welcome sight too. As for the libations, the cocktail list is large and heavily features local gin and whisky, but the bartenders can whip up anything that takes your fancy. How about a Smoked Fig with Montelobos Mezcal, Montenegro amaro, lemon, orange bitters, and of course, fig jam. The jarred dried fruits that sit atop the bar are a testament to Society’s zest to serve you pretty mixtures, too.

Time Out tip: If you want to kick back and settle in, Society serves pizza until midnight, so there’s really no reason to leave.

Address: 22 Montpelier Retreat, Battery Point

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-1am

Manky Sally’s is located right on Salamanca Place and is the taphouse of popular local beer, Moo Brew (which is owned by David Walsh, the man behind MONA). It has everything you’d expect from a venue connected with MONA – it’s cool and a little bit subversive, calling itself a ‘luxury dive bar’. Dark but not dingy, the fit-out is one to admire, from the decor to the overall design. Marvel at the retro yellow-stained glass, over-the-top wall-to-wall vintage carpet (that’s also made useful via the means of bar mats), heaps of head-scratchy mirrors and polished timber, plus lots of plush textures too. It’s a lot to take in, but we like it, as do locals and tourists alike it seems. The on-site microbrewery right in the middle of the bar turns things up a notch too, churning out a rotation of unorthodox tap brews. Sometimes the taps are a little eccentric themselves, namely and more recently, a fluorescent sculpture of Jesus pouring Moo Brew’s Hefeweizen banana-y Bavarian. But a Spicy Yuzu Margarita is right next door on tap too, if you’re not feeling all that blessed in the moment. When it comes to nibbling, Manky Sally’s serves a combination of modern small plates along with elevated, Tassie-themed pub classics – think wallaby rump steak and a venison cheeseburger – curiouser and curiouser. 

Time Out tip: Before you leave Manky Sally’s, make sure to check out the back wall that features almost 3,000 illuminated Moo Brew bottles. Or simply book a tour of the place!

Address: 25 Salamanca Place, Battery Point

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-9.30pm.

It’s not a list of Hobart’s best bars without Sonny – this place has vibes almost as big as its wine list. Sonny is like heading to a friend’s house for dinner, albeit a mate with serious chops in the kitchen. There are just 20 seats for walk-ins along the centre table, with diners on one side and chatty staff pouring wine and handing out food from the other. The theme here is communal, from the layout of the venue to the plates of pasta you can share with your mates. Whet your appetite with fare that sounds a little like asparagus fusilli, prosciutto toast, and kingfish crudo. The rustic plates and simple, yet effective and are certifiably jam-packed with garden-fresh flavours. Following that, trust the process with a mystery wine chosen by Sonny’s clued-up bartenders – you’re in good hands here. With tunes spinning all evening on the record player, you might even feel the urge to share your dance moves, too.

Time Out tip: Sonny only accepts walk-ins, so we suggest getting there early, heck, even before the doors open if you’re feeling particularly peckish – it’s one of the best restaurants to do it.

Address: 120a Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Thurs-Mon 4pm-11:30pm

No, this Salamanca Place cocktail bar isn’t named after the ‘Shackles (Praise You)’ one-hit wonders of the early 2000s, but in fact, the old St Mary’s Hospital building that it’s housed in. Mary Mary transports drinkers to a bygone era with its leather detailing, marble table tops, gold leaf mirrors and its aged brass and timber touches – the hospital’s former coal chute is even on display out front. The exposed sandstone wall is a pleasant reminder, however, that you’re in the present-day historic harbour town. Mary Mary’s cocktail menu is also a cue with its Tasmanian-forward ingredients of local fruits and indigenous botanicals. Sip on thought-provoking numbers with the likes of the True Local, a combination of apple brandy, pommeau, Mary Mary vermouth and apple juice. Wine and brews aren’t off the cards either, with the menu enlisting Tasmanian beers and ciders only. The 8 per cent Pagan cherry cider is well worth a try, in our books. 

Time Out tip: If you’re looking for somewhere with the whole assemblage, fear not, you can order small plates from nearby Italian institution Peppina’s – it’s one of the best restaurants in Hobart, we’ll have you know.

Address: 2a Salamanca Place, Hobart

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 5pm-10:30pm; Thurs-Sat 4pm-12am

The best bars have two lives. Gold Bar is one such place. Hidden inside an old mill on Hobart's waterfront, this cosy speakeasy is a café by day and whisky bar by night. Known for its commitment to showcasing quality Aussie spirits, you can rest assured that any bev here is one well drunk. With glowing gold walls filled with award-winning spirits and an abundance of locally-made gins and whiskies (don't sleep on their smoky Tasmanian peated whisky), Gold Bar erupts into a prohibition-era-vibe drinking hole once the clock hits 4pm. Come during the day for excellent coffee, brekky and a rotating seasonal menu. 

Time Out tip: There's more seating outside for big groups, just make sure you dress up warm before you do it.

Address: 11 Morrison St, Suite 3, Ground Floor, Hobart (inside Gibson Mill Apartments)

Opening hours: Wed-Thur 4pm-11.30pm; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat 5pm-1.30am; Sun 5pm-11.30pm

Drinking whisky in a room full of dinosaur fossils might sound eerie, but that’s all part of the charm of Evolve Spirits Bar. This stylish and historic lounge, located in Hobart’s chic MACq 01 hotel (one of the most fab accommodations in town), snagged the top gong for Australia’s Hotel Bar of the Year and Tasmania’s Cocktail Bar of the Year in 2021 – and like a fine wine, it’s only improved with age. Light beams from Evolve’s golden bar shelf, which showcases more than 600 premium spirits – but that’s not even the main attraction. The bar doubles as a fascinating fossil museum, featuring an extraordinary collection of global artefacts, with some fossils dating back 550 million years to the Cambrian period. It’s a dinner and show – the show being the shakin’, pourin’ and stirrin’ going on behind the bar, with the endgame being a fine glass of Brand New Fruit with apricot brandy, Drambuie, lime, chilli and raspberry.

Time Out tip: Evolve’s solids menu is short but sweet in comparison to the tipple listing, with fare Bruny Island oysters and pasta alla vodka.

Address: 18 Hunter Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thurs 5:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 4:30pm-11:30pm, Sunday and Monday closed. 

Rude Boy’s thing is cocktails and fried chicken, and it does both spectacularly well. This fun and inclusive inner-city rum bar is kitsch and fabulous, with an extensive cocktail list, talented bartenders (who are far from rude) and drag bingo nights to boot. The vibes are cool with the bar’s name illuminated in neon green signage, a scattering of foliage and a disco ball that watches the bar’s shenanigans from above – there’s a bit of a Caribbean flair going on ‘ere. Award-winning and adventurous cocktails (with local produce in mind) are hot off the press at Rude Boy with libations including the Apple and Wattle Margarita, of Terewana tequila, apple, wattle and lime, along with the Coffee Swizzle of Maker's Mark, coconut, coffee, spices and macadamia. Along with the tipple, this place means business with its fried chicken (you can also order beef or vegan options, which we love to see too). Just choose between six different seasonings, eight different sauces and ten different sides and Bob’s ya uncle.

Time Out tip: Tell your gluten-intolerant friends about Rude Boy, the team are all over the sensitive topic.

Address: 130 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 4pm-12am

The legends behind Australia’s best craft beer have just opened their first Tassie brewery and taproom – and that calls for a cold one. Wife-and-husband duo Harriet and DJ McCready had one main aim when they first started brewing beer in the Blue Mountains back in 2019: to make really good beer. And mission accomplished. Mountain Culture Beer Co has won gold three times in a row at GABS Hottest 100 (basically the Olympics of craft beer) for their thirst-quenching Status Quo Pale Ale. At their fifth nationwide brewery, they’re pouring all the Mountain Culture favourites daily, plus two brand-new beers released every Thursday. Wash it all down with burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings – you know the drill.

Time Out tip: Furry friends are most welcome to join the party.

Address: 105 Murray St, Hobart 

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday, 12pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday, 12pm-10pm, Sunday, 11am-9pm.

Collins Street haunt, Lucinda Wine Bar, comes in hot and fiery as the sibling venue of beloved restaurant Dier Makr – one of the tip-top spots for Tasmanian fare in town. But despite its ‘wine bar’ status, it’s not just a pre-drinks locus for the neighbouring eating house. Lucinda’s ever-changing and incredible, made-to-be-shared bar menu makes it a must-visit Hobart venue in its own right. Treat your taste buds to a French-swaying spread of oyster mignonette, whipped anchovies and crudités, artful pies called pâté en croûte filled with pork, fig and black pudding, as well as market-fresh beef tartare alongside roasted pink eye spuds. And if that isn’t making you salivate already, let the knowledgeable staff pair you with the perfect drop for sensational mouthfuls each and every time. Hailing from around the world, the wine list is never on hand and kind of relies on the daily feeling – but you might come around bottles with the likes of grenache blanc and macabeau in sparkling form, or perhaps a delicate cocktail inclusive of amari and vermouth with a touch of lemon and simple sugar syrup, with an egg yolk for richness and texture, plus a touch of nutmeg for good measure.

Time Out tip: Venture to Lucinda Wine Bar if you like drinking and dining within heritage-lookin’ rooms complete with pressed ceilings, globe chandeliers and checkered tile floors.

Address: 123 Collins Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm

A fave with the Friday post-work drinks crowd, Rosie in My Midnight Dreams boasts some glorious views from its prime spot on the Brooke Street Pier. Despite its rather swish location, this lively spot is fun and casual, with a great Australian wine list and some of Hobart’s best margaritas. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and early-ish closing time, it’s the best spot to soak up the last of the arvo sun before you head off to dinner in the nearby CBD or Salamanca Place. And while Rosie is a café by day that serves up divine cakes and lattes that are complete with swan foam art, the sunny hotspot welcomes you at all hours for local wines by the glass. Delve into Tasmanian drops and those from distant places alike, leaning a little towards Italy and France. The cocktails are a no-brainer, which complement the rotating snacks etched onto the blackboard daily. Think either lighter things like three-cheese toasties and heavier things like gnocchi with oxtail.

Time Out tip: Those nearby dinner spots we mentioned include Aløft (perched right above Brooke Street Pier), Spanish-inspired Black Footed Pig, or perhaps Frank Restaurant, which hits on heaps of South American flavours. Take your pick.

Address: Brooke Street Pier, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon and Thurs 8am-4pm; Fri 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm

If you want to gawk at kunanyi / Mt Wellington without going full tourist, a trip to Cascade Brewery Bar is a must. The site of the oldest working brewery in Australia, this historic South Hobart venue offers an excellent vista of the brewery building and the mountain beyond. Explore the lush grounds and gardens before you nab an outdoor table to enjoy the view in all its glory while sampling a Cascade lager, bitter or draught. But if you’re not a beer drinker, you’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of local wines and spirits on the menu too, plus plenty of fun to be had when their now annual Harvest Festival comes around. You won’t be going hungry either at the brewery with a menu boasting pub classics with a Tassie twist – the stout-braised brisket and panfried ocean trout are highlights. And if you’re braving the Tassie winter, cosy up near the roaring fireplace for frostbite evasion.

Time Out tip: A brewery tour might just be up your alley – you’ll learn about Cascade’s history and how they go about their yeasty work, too.

Address: 140 Cascade Road, South Hobart

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm

Tucked in an unassuming, quiet side street in Battery Point is one of Hobart’s best bars and most beloved beer gardens. From the outside, you’d be mistaken that Preachers is just another cute, heritage-listed cottage still standing from days gone by, but what makes this place unique is the full-sized bus just casually hanging out in the large courtyard. Yep, you read that right: there’s a disused bus that you can sit inside (food and drinks are allowed), which is a real bonus for Hobart’s chilly months. Back inside, Preachers keeps it real with age-old wooden floorboards, Chesterfield couches, antiquated fireplaces and a rotating selection of paintings that show off local artists’ works. The low-key furnishings match the low-key menu too – craft beers and burgers – simply yet effective. An ever-changing tap inventory means brews from around the world, and more recently, Preachers got their grubby hands on five kegs from Brauerei Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world! 

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on Preachers’ Instagram tasty specials, like vego peking duck bánh mi, as well as pineapple fritters with a dash of paprika and lime.

Address: 5 Knopwood Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-12am

Lark Distillery’s sleek downtown tasting room turns into a bar by night. The renowned distillers created the space for both enthusiasts and casual drinkers to pop in and sample their wares, from award-winning whisky to the brand’s Forty Spotted gin varieties. But the bar isn’t biased and also stocks spirits from other local distilleries, including the largest collection of Tasmanian whiskies in the country, with more than 150 tipples available by the glass or bottle. So a visit to The Still means you can go on a truly well-rounded journey of what Tassie has to offer. The super contemporary fit-out is a standout in comparison to Hobart’s yesteryear haunts too, with plenty of overhead, soft neon lights and in-house copper distilling apparatus. In winter, it’s a treat to cosy up in the bar’s booths and enjoy a slow evening of cocktails and good company – heck, summer too, given the Apple Isle’s more than ample rainfall throughout the year. 

Time Out tip: The Still is a brilliant spot, whether you’re after a casual sip or a full-on guided session where you can create your own bottle of whisky.

Address: 30 Argyle Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 12pm-10pm; Thurs 12pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-11:30pm

Bar Wa Izakaya is the perfect taste of Tokyo in Tassie, with its buzzy atmosphere, incredible food and long list of Japanese beer, whisky and sake. You’ll want to share food at this North Hobart venue to maximise the amount of dishes you try, like Bar Wa’s signature oysters (available four ways), a big plate of okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), free-range karaage chicken (fried, without batter), pink eye potatoes and moreish pork gyoza. If ramen’s your thing, make a lunch booking as it’s only available between noon and 3pm, and you’ll be able to slurp bowls of noodles that are bathed in housemade stock that’s been on the boil for hours, for an ultimate ramen experience that Bar Wa claims you wouldn’t have come across since your last trip to Japan. No matter what time you go, cheers to your excellent meal with a whisky highball. Bar Wa Izakaya has them on tap, so you'd be impolite to say no.

Time Out tip: For groups of four or more, opt for the set menu to diversify your palette. Oh, and the menu changes daily, so it’s not posted online, but let your gluten-free buddy know that there's chicken ramen up for grabs and a vegan bowl to demolish no matter what.

Address: 216-218 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12am-2am

One of Hobart’s best bars and beer gardens is right on Macquarie Point in Hobart Brewing Co’s red shed. A place for froth lovers, the bar is stocked with beer, beer and more beer – and by that we mean 16 fresh brews on tap. After all, there’s a brewery on-site! Outside, you’ll find a large courtyard with food trucks and live music where you can expect to chow down burgs while listening to original tunes by local artists. Gathering around the wood firepits is a must during the frosty months, but wearing layers is definitely advised to make it a year-round kind of destination, family-inclusive too. After more than a decade in business, trust that your taste buds are in safe hands at Hobart Brewing Co.

Time Out tip: Keep an eye on Hobart Brewing Co’s website for upcoming gigs, comedy shows and events.

Address: 16 Evans Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 3pm-8pm; Fri 3pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-8pm

Delightfully grungy inner-city spot Grinners Dive Bar keeps it simple with its tagline: tacos and booze. The bar has Mexican street food down to a fine art, from ten types of tacos to quesadillas, burritos, loaded fries and jalapeno poppers. But it’s the house-pressed yellow corn tortillas that set these puppies apart from your local fast-food chain. Booze-wise, Grinners isn’t reinventing the wheel: whether you want wine, beer or a cocktail to accompany your spicy snacks, this place has you covered. But cocktail specials might sound a little like the Nooketini of vodka, Belgrove Coffee Liqueur, horchata liqueur, milo and cold brew coffee. Out the back, there’s another bar that brims with mezcal and tequila, ideal for those who like it punchy. The lively, chatty vibe is what makes Grinners a must-visit – you won’t want to leave. 

Time Out tip: No doubt Grinners Dive Bar plays host to Taco Tuesdays, where you can get your grubby little hands on the entire menu’s offerings for just $5.50 a pop. Margarita Mondays also go off with $12 gulps up for grabs.

Address: 132-134 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Opening hours: Mon 4pm-12am; Tues-Thurs 12pm-12am; Fri-Sat 12pm-4pm; Sun 3pm-12am